DC to DC Converters Explained
Step Up-Step Down, Isolated & Non Isolated, what does it all mean? What is a step up DC to DC Converter? A step-up dc-dc converter is an electronic circuit that raises the DC voltage level from a lower value to a higher value. Assuming an ideal converter (100%...
Exceeding The Morningstar MPPT Controller Maximum Input Power Rating.
This tech tip relates to the impact that Morningstar's TrakStar™ MPPT Technology has on PV Module Sizing and Power Ratings. You can improve performance and reduce costs for systems that would otherwise suffer from reduced power input and inconsistent levels of...
Morningstar String Sizing Calculator
The Morningstar string sizing calculator is used to determine the number of PV modules you may use with any Morningstar controller while staying within the controller specs. Recently Morningstar has updated their string calculator interface. Some of the new features...
Appliance & Load Questions:
Appliance & load questions that are frequently asked at Enerdrive. Do I need a pure sine wave inverter to run a television? In short, No. By using a modified sine wave inverter you will find that lines will appear across the screen. The best method to run any...
Battery Systems
Good advise for battery systems. Do not discharge starting batteries below around 90% state of charge. Starting batteries are not designed to sustain DC loads for any length of time (Look how quickly car batteries go flat if a light is left on). Do not discharge deep...
Inverter Summary
Inverter Summary One thing that you will find in the market place are substantial price differences from one inverter to another, not only between Modified and Pure sine wave but also between different brands. Due to the market for such items becoming more...
Maximising Charge Sources
Maximising Your Charge Sources One of the most common comments we receive from users across the market is the statement "we run from a solar system", but do not elaborate any further on what makes up their total "System". Using the term "Solar System" is really a...
Economical System Sizing
Our recommendations when it comes to system sizing is this: Sit down and list everything that you would ever want to run from your power inverter. Once this is done, look for any appliance with a power rating above 2000watts and strike these off your list (or be sure...
Inverter Output Waveforms
Inverter Output Waveforms Pure Sine Wave and Modified Sine Wave. The differences between these types of inverter output waveforms are subtle, but significant in the way that they operate certain types of loads. Modified Sine wave Inverters These units are...
Realistic Inverter Loads Explained
What can I run from my Inverter ... Realistically. When using inverters many people have different conceptions of what are realistic inverter loads. Here is a general overview of What's Real & What's Dreaming. Basic household AC appliances such as Televisions,...
Voltage Problems? See Our Cable Size Chart.
In an independent power system, you generally would find an inverter and battery charger system working to the common goal of providing power. What ties each of these together are the battery cables to supply the power to run to or from the batteries and...
MPPT vs PWM Solar Controllers
MPPT vs PWM: Which one is the best solar controller for my system? We have compiled a small amount of information that will hopefully help you to understand better what the difference is, and what type you should opt for in the MPPT vs PWM debate when it comes to your...