2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 In general
The basis of the ECOmulti is an extremely powerful sine inverter, battery charger and automatic switch in a compact casing.
The ECOmulti features the following additional, often unique characteristics:
Automatic and uninterruptible switching
In the event of a supply failure or when the generating set is switched off, the ECOmulti 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 ECOmulti highly suitable as an emergency power system
in industrial and telecommunication applications. The maximum alternating current that can be switched is 32A or 50A, depending on
model.
Auxiliary AC output
Besides the usual uninterruptable output, an auxiliary output 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.
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 1000A charging capacity.
PowerControl – maximum use of limited shore current
The ECOmulti can supply a huge charging current. This implies heavy loading of the shore connection or generator set. Therefore a
maximum current can be set. The ECOmulti then takes other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus' current for charging
purposes.
PowerAssist – Extended use of your generator and shore current: the ECOmulti 'co-supply' feature
This feature takes the principle of PowerControl to a further dimension allowing the ECOmulti to supplement the capacity of the
alternative source. Where peak power is so often required only for a limited period, the ECOmulti will make sure that insufficient shore
or generator power is immediately compensated for by power from the battery. When the load reduces, the spare power is used to
recharge the battery.
This unique feature offers a definitive solution for the 'shore current problem': high power electric tools, dish washers,
washing machines, electric cooking etc. can all run on 16A shore current, or even less. In addition, a smaller generator can be
installed.
Programmable relays
The MultiGid is equipped with three programmable relays. The relays can be programmed for all kinds of other applications, for example
as a starter relay for a generator.
Programmable analog/digital input/output ports
The MultiGid is equipped with 2 analog/digital input/output ports.
These ports can be used for several purposes. One application is communication with the BMS of a lithium-ion battery.
Frequency shift
When solar inverters are connected to the output of a ECOmulti, the excess solar energy is used to recharge the batteries. Once the
absorption voltage is reached, the ECOmulti will shut down the solar inverter by shifting the output frequency 1 Hz (from 50 Hz to 51 Hz
for example). Once battery voltage has dropped slightly, the frequency returns to normal and the solar inverters will restart.
Built-in Battery Monitor (optional)
The ideal solution when the ECOmulti is part of a hybrid system (diesel generator, inverter/chargers, storage battery, and alternative
energy). The built-in battery monitor can be set to start and stop the generator:
- Start at a preset % discharge level, and/or
- start (with a preset delay) at a preset battery voltage, and/or
- start (with a preset delay) at a preset load level.
- Stop at a preset battery voltage, or
- stop (with a preset delay) after the bulk charge phase has been completed, and/or
- stop (with a preset delay) at a preset load level.
Solar energy
The ECOmulti is extremely suitable for solar energy applications. It can be used in autonomous systems as well as grid connected
systems.
Autonomous operation when the grid fails
Houses or buildings with solar panels or a combined micro-scale heating and power plant 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 is however that grid connected sustainable energy sources
drop out as soon as the grid fails. With a ECOmulti and batteries, this problem can be solved in a simple manner: the ECOmulti can
replace the grid during a power failure. When the sustainable energy sources produce more power than needed, the ECOmulti will
use the surplus to charge the batteries; in the event of a shortfall, the ECOmulti will supply additional power from the battery.
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