© 2012 Magnum Energy, Inc.
25
3.0 Setup
**IMPORTANT**
1. To use the AC In Control features (
AC In-Time
,
AC In-VDC
, and
AC In-
SOC
), the AC source must always be connected and available for use
at the inverter’s AC input—such as utility power. There is no bene
fi
t
from using the AC In feature if the AC source is from a generator,
because the generator power may not be available when the AC In
feature becomes activated.
2. When an AC In feature (
AC In–Time
,
AC In–VOC
,
AC In–SOC
) is
selected, that feature is active whether or not there is any AC power on
the inverter’s input. If no AC power is available, the inverter continues
in Inverter mode. However, if AC power becomes available on the
inverter’s input after the connect setting (
Time
,
VDC
, or
SOC
) has
been reached, the inverter continues to allow the incoming AC power
to be connected and used until the disconnect setting is reached.
3. When using a dual source inverter/charger such as the MSH4024RE,
the AC In features only work with the GRID IN (AC1) input.
•
02C AC In-Time
– This feature allows you to connect to the local power
utility at a predetermined time of day. When the current time falls within
the set times, the inverter/charger connects to the AC that is connected to
the AC input terminals. Once outside the set times, the inverter/charger
disconnects from the AC source.
Set Connect
– These settings determine what time each day the inverter/
charger allows the incoming AC to connect and transfer the loads from
the inverter’s battery power to the utility grid.
Default setting:
6:00A
Range:
12:00AM-11:59PM
Set Disconnect
– These settings determine what time each day the
inverter/charger disconnects any incoming AC that is connected, and
resumes powering the AC loads from the inverter’s battery power.
Default setting:
6:00P
Range:
12:00AM-11:59PM
What is the AC In-Time feature?
This feature allows the incoming AC
to connect to the inverter/charger and charge the batteries only during the
time of day as set in the
02C AC In-Time
menu item. Even if AC is present
on the AC input terminals of the inverter/charger, it can only connect during
those times previously set
. The most common use of
AC In-Time
is when
your local utility company offers peak rate savings (or “time of day billing”).
The utility company offers the peak rate savings with a lower rate per kWh
(kilo Watt hour)—usually available at night when there is less demand on
the local utility grid. The AC In-Time feature may save you money by only
connecting to the utility when rates are the least expensive.
Where should I set AC In-Time?
Check with your local utility company or
installer and see if they offer lower rates at particular times of the day. If a
lower rate is offered, try setting your connect/disconnect times to coincide
with the utility companies lower rates to save you money.
Example:
Your standard rate on your power bill is $.10 kWh. Your utility
company offers $.08 kWh between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Set your
connect
time to 12:00 AM and your disconnect time to 7:00 AM to coincide with the
utility company’s lower rates in order to save money when using utility power
to charge the batteries.
