Connection problem

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • pablospain
    Junior Member
    • Apr 2013
    • 5

    #1

    Connection problem

    Hi guy's
    has anyone idea's on solving this problem.
    My outback regulator is in constant sleeping mode, ie: not enough volts to "wake up"
    When i put the breaker on, and check the voltage at the in point on the breaker, it reads 100volts "great"
    However, when i turn the breaker off, which should start to feed in to the outback, the voltage immediatly drops to 5 or 6 volts at the same point.
    It's driving me mad, please help

    Cheers Pablo
  • inetdog
    Super Moderator
    • May 2012
    • 9909

    #2
    Originally posted by pablospain
    Hi guy's
    has anyone idea's on solving this problem.
    My outback regulator is in constant sleeping mode, ie: not enough volts to "wake up"
    When i put the breaker on, and check the voltage at the in point on the breaker, it reads 100volts "great"
    However, when i turn the breaker off, which should start to feed in to the outback, the voltage immediatly drops to 5 or 6 volts at the same point.
    It's driving me mad, please help

    Cheers Pablo
    Where is this breaker? If it is a DC breaker between the array and the Outback, then I think you have reversed your use of ON and OFF.
    In general if you read a high Voc on a string and read only a low voltage when a load is connected that is a sign that one or more of the panels in the string is damaged and cannot deliver its full rated current. If there are bad cells it would indicate that the bypass diodes for the affected panels are either missing or blown.

    Another possibility is a very high resistance joint in the wiring somewhere.
    If you can connect a voltmeter to a number of points around the string while it is shorted you will be able to see where the voltage drop is occurring.

    It is also possible, although far less likely, that there is a short circuit in the input stage of the Outback.
    Measuring the string current will tell you if that is the case.
    SunnyBoy 3000 US, 18 BP Solar 175B panels.

    Comment

    • pablospain
      Junior Member
      • Apr 2013
      • 5

      #3
      Thank You

      Originally posted by inetdog
      Where is this breaker? If it is a DC breaker between the array and the Outback, then I think you have reversed your use of ON and OFF.
      In general if you read a high Voc on a string and read only a low voltage when a load is connected that is a sign that one or more of the panels in the string is damaged and cannot deliver its full rated current. If there are bad cells it would indicate that the bypass diodes for the affected panels are either missing or blown.

      Another possibility is a very high resistance joint in the wiring somewhere.
      If you can connect a voltmeter to a number of points around the string while it is shorted you will be able to see where the voltage drop is occurring.

      It is also possible, although far less likely, that there is a short circuit in the input stage of the Outback.
      Measuring the string current will tell you if that is the case.
      Just to say thank you for your advice.
      Eventually found the problem to be a broken connecter, not sufficiently broken to stop a current reading when no load was on, but enough. It,s a good feeling once identified, and a better one when it only costs peanuts to repair.
      Thanks again Inetdog

      Comment

      Working...