2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 In general
The basis of the Quattro is an extremely powerful sine inverter, battery charger and automatic switch in a compact casing.
The Quattro features the following additional, often unique characteristics:
Two AC inputs; integrated switch-over system between shore voltage and generating set
The Quattro features two AC inputs (AC-in-1 and AC-in-2) for connecting two independent voltage sources. For example, two
generator sets, or a mains supply and a generator set. The Quattro automatically selects the input where voltage is present.
If voltage is present on both inputs, the Quattro selects the AC-in-1 input, to which normally the generating set is connected.
Two AC outputs
Besides the usual uninterruptable output (AC-out-1), an auxiliary output (AC-out-2) is available that disconnects its load in the
event of battery operation. Example: an electric boiler that is allowed to operate only if the genset is running or shore power is
available.
Automatic and uninterruptible switching
In the event of a supply failure or when the genset is switched off, the Quattro will switch over to inverter operation and take
over the supply of the connected devices. This is done so quickly that operation of computers and other electronic devices is
not disturbed (Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS functionality). This makes the Quattro highly suitable as an emergency
power system in industrial and telecommunication applications. The maximum alternating current that can be switched is 30A.
Virtually unlimited power thanks to parallel operation
Up to 6 Quattros can operate in parallel. Six units 24/3000/70, for example, will provide 15kW / 18kVA output power and 420
Amps charging capacity.
Three phase capability
Three units can be configured for three-phase output. But that's not all: up to 6 sets of three units can be parallel connected to
provide 45kW / 54kVA inverter power and more than 1200A charging capacity.
PowerControl – maximum use of limited shore current
The Quattro can supply a huge charging current. This implies heavy loading of the shore connection or generating set. For both
AC inputs, therefore, a maximum current can be set. The Quattro then takes other power users into account, and only uses
'surplus' current for charging purposes.
- Input AC-in-1, to which usually a generating set is connected, can be set to a fixed maximum with DIP switches, with VE.Net
or with a PC, so that the generating set is never overloaded.
- Input AC-in-2 can also be set to a fixed maximum. In mobile applications (ships, vehicles), however, a variable setting by
means of a Multi Control Panel will usually be selected. In this way the maximum current can be adapted to the available shore
current in an extremely simple manner.
PowerAssist – Extended use of your generating set and shore current: the Quattro "co-supply" feature
The Quattro operates in parallel with the generating set or the shore connection. A current shortfall is automatically
compensated: the Quattro draws extra power from the battery and helps along. A current surplus is used to recharge the
battery.
This unique feature offers a definitive solution for the 'shore current problem': electric tools, dish washers, washing
machines, electric cooking etc. can all run on 16A shore current, or even less. In addition, a smaller generating set can
be installed.
Solar energy
The Quattro is extremely suitable for solar energy applications. It can be used for building autonomous systems as well as
mains-coupled systems.
Emergency power or autonomous operation on mains failure
Houses or buildings provided with solar panels or a combined micro-scale heating and power plant (a power-generating central
heating boiler) or other sustainable energy sources have a potential autonomous energy supply which can be used for
powering essential equipment (central heating pumps, refrigerators, deep freeze units, Internet connections, etc.) during a
power failure. A problem in this regard, however, is that mains-coupled solar panels and/or micro-scale heating and power
plants drop out as soon as the mains supply fails. With a Quattro and batteries, this problem can be solved in a simple manner:
the Quattro can replace the mains supply during a power failure. When the sustainable energy sources produce more
power than necessary, the Quattro will use the surplus to charge the batteries; in the event of a shortfall, the Quattro will supply
additional power from its battery energy resources.
Programmable relay
The Quattro is equipped with a programmable relay that by default is set as an alarm relay. The relay can be programmed for
all kinds of other applications however, for example as a starter relay for a generating set.
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