Snuggy wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 8:17 am
So do all inverters have cooling fans anway?
What are peoples thoughts on Solis and Duracell?
The higher power Solis inverters have a fan, but it's internal and just circulates hot air around the casing.
I also added fans to provide active cooling over the heatsink.
10x 405W JA Solar panels (4.05kWp) @ 5 degrees
3x 405W Longi panels (1.22kWp) @ 90 degrees
16.5kWh DIY LifePo4 battery
Solis inverter/charger
0.6kW Ripple WT
64kWh Kia E-Niro
We have a Solaredge SE5000H running 5.12kW PV, never had a heating issue. If it has a fan it is silent.
We also have a Goodwe3600SBP Hybrid inverter and if it is running at full chat an internal fan kicks in. Again its not been a problem
Our Victron 150/60 Solar charge controller does heat up and I added a usb fan underneath for the hot days 3kW and above. It veey quickly takes the controller from very warm to touch to chilly.
Its now making me wonder why I don't have forced cooling on all 3 units. It will be minimal cost and extend the life of all the gear.
If i was doing it again these 6 years later i'd try for an all in one 5kW+ grid tied hybrid inverter of good quality and spend the money on that quality (plus a fan).
"Solar inverters are one-way devices that convert DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity for grid consumption or direct use. Hybrid solar inverters, on the other hand, are more advanced and versatile, allowing for bi-directional power flow and integrating battery storage capabilities."
19.2kW PV SE, VI, HM, EN & DW
Ripple 7kW WT & Gen to date 19MWh
42kWh LFPO4 storage
95kWh Heater storage
12kWh 210ltr HWT.
73kWh HI5
Deep insulation, air leak ct'd home
Zoned GCH & Hive 2
WBSx2
Low energy bulbs
Veg patches & fruit trees
Scroll down.....if you know how to post it a different way please do. I am not overly techie. Its an Ozzie site I think so only half prob available in the uk.
Thank you lads for the mental bump on the active cooling. Bought a 1:4.usb splitter and 4 of 50mm usb wired fans. A £20 cooling upgrade.
19.2kW PV SE, VI, HM, EN & DW
Ripple 7kW WT & Gen to date 19MWh
42kWh LFPO4 storage
95kWh Heater storage
12kWh 210ltr HWT.
73kWh HI5
Deep insulation, air leak ct'd home
Zoned GCH & Hive 2
WBSx2
Low energy bulbs
Veg patches & fruit trees
Gear arrived. The usb control unit spools the power up gently.
Then by the time it's running the fans full tilt it's doing well.
Better than Ripple for sure.
I wonder if there is a off the shelf solution with temperature probe to switch the usb power on and off? Would quite like to automate this cooling system without cutting into it so it remains multipurpose.
19.2kW PV SE, VI, HM, EN & DW
Ripple 7kW WT & Gen to date 19MWh
42kWh LFPO4 storage
95kWh Heater storage
12kWh 210ltr HWT.
73kWh HI5
Deep insulation, air leak ct'd home
Zoned GCH & Hive 2
WBSx2
Low energy bulbs
Veg patches & fruit trees
19.2kW PV SE, VI, HM, EN & DW
Ripple 7kW WT & Gen to date 19MWh
42kWh LFPO4 storage
95kWh Heater storage
12kWh 210ltr HWT.
73kWh HI5
Deep insulation, air leak ct'd home
Zoned GCH & Hive 2
WBSx2
Low energy bulbs
Veg patches & fruit trees
Joeboy wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2024 5:28 pm
I wonder if there is a off the shelf solution with temperature probe to switch the usb power on and off? Would quite like to automate this cooling system.
could this be a nice little project for an Arduino? (or similar)
my beginners kits came with temperature sensors and relays...
2.0 kW/4.62 MWhr pa in Ripples, 4.5 kWp W-facing pv, 9.5 kWhr batt
30 solar thermal tubes, 2MWhr pa in Stockport, plus Congleton and Kinlochbervie Hydros,
Most travel by bike, walking or bus/train. Veg, fruit - and Bees!