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Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
8
DC-BUS System Configuration
Also known as a DC-Coupled configuration, the battery bank system uses Extra Low Voltage (ELV) DC (12V,
24V or 48V) as the primary input sharing connection for the solar array and energy inputs. The solar power
working at a higher voltage (up to 120 volts) is fed into a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge
controller (advanced regulator), which then by step down converter action directly charges the battery bank
at a lower voltage, advantageously as the voltage is stepped down the current is stepped up by a similar
ratio.
When 230V AC power is required, the Inverter/Charger draws power from the Battery bank (DC) and
inverts/converts the power into 230V AC for normal household use via the AC switchboard.
To cover times of poor solar input or increased demand, a generator set can be plugged into the system; this
then charges the battery bank via the Outback Inverter/Charger, while the generator set is supplying power
for battery charging the Inverter/Charger will automatically switch generator power directly to the house to
keep the house powered at this time.