Alpha OutBack Power GS4048A, Operator'S Manual

Page: 19 / 72

Operation
900-0161-01-01 Rev B
19
Table 1 Summary of Input Modes
Mode Summary Benefits Cautions Intended Charger
Generator
Accepts power
from an
irregular or
low-quality
AC source x Can use AC that may be
unusable in other modes
x Can charge even with
poor generator or
low-quality AC source
x Will pass irregular or
low-quality power to the
output; could damage
sensitive loads
x Offset unavailable
Source:
Generator
Loads:
Non-
sensitive
devices
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
settings.
Support
Adds battery
power to
augment an
AC source that
has limited
output x Can use battery power
in conjunction with
AC source
x Offset operation sends
excess DC to loads
x Drains batteries during
support; intended for
intermittent use only
x May not function with
low-quality AC source
Source:
Grid or
Generator
Loads:
Can be
larger than
AC source
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Grid
Tied
Inverter sells
excess power
(renewable) to
utility x Bidirectional input
x Can reduce utility bills
and still provide backup
x
Offset
operation sends
excess DC to loads
x Any additional Offset
excess is sold to the grid
x Requires utility approval
x Other approvals may be
required depending on
electrical codes
x Has exact requirements
for accepting AC input
x Requires renewable
energy source
Source:
Grid
Loads:
Any type
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
UPS
In grid failure,
unit switches to
batteries with
fastest possible
response time Quick backup for
sensitive devices during
grid outage x Uses higher idle power
than other modes
x
Search
function
unavailable
x Offset unavailable
Source:
Grid
Loads:
PC, audio,
video, etc.
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Backup
In grid failure,
unit switches
batteries to
support loads x Simple use compared
to other modes; often
used with generators for
this reason
x Less idle power than UPS
x Does not drain battery as
in
Support
Has none of the special
functions described in
other modes Source:
Grid or
Generator
Loads:
Any type
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Mini Grid
Stays off grid
most of the
time; only uses
grid when
batteries low x Can minimize/eliminate
dependence on grid
x Offset operation sends
excess DC to loads (but
only when on grid)
x Will not work properly
unless renewable source
is above a certain size
x Conflicts with related
modes in system display
Source:
Grid
Loads:
Any type
Performs three-stage
charge on reconnect;
if charger is disabled,
inverter emulates
charge cycle from
external source and
reacts accordingly
Grid Zero
On-grid but
actual grid use
is “zeroed out”
with battery and
renewable
power; does not
sell or charge x Can minimize/eliminate
dependence on grid
x Offset operation sends
excess DC to loads at
adjustable rate
x Remains on-grid to avoid
transfer problems
x Discharges batteries
while remaining on grid
x Will not work properly
unless renewable source
is above a certain size
x Battery charger
inoperative
Source:
Grid
Loads:
Any type
Charger inoperative;
batteries must be
charged using an
external (renewable)
energy source