OPERATION
Copyright Trace Engineering Company, Inc.
5916 - 195th Street N.E.
Arlington, WA 98223
Telephone: 360/435-8826
Fax: 360/435-2229
www.traceengineering.com
PS Series Inverter/Charger
Part No. 3597
Rev. D: November 23, 1999
Page
73
GEN RELAY MODULE
The GEN RELAY MODULE connects directly to the PS Series Inverter/Charger to allow starting of many
types of generators. It provides two relays labeled RY7 and RY8 used to control the generator and two
LED indicators to provide status whether the relays have been energized. The COM (common) terminals
of the relays are separated and both the N.O. (normally open) and N.C. (normally closed) contacts of the
relays are provided.
The relay labeled RY7 is used to provide either a STOP signal or a RUN signal. It can also be used to provide
a GLOW signal on diesel generators with glowplugs. The relay labeled RY8 is used to provide a crank signal
for the starter of the generator engine. It is not used on two-wire type (auto cranking) generators.
WARNING: All circuits connecting the auto generator control system MUST be protected with
fuses rated at 5 amps or less. The warranty does not cover damage to these relays. All wiring
connected to the generator should be fused if any voltage is present at the point of connection. If in doubt,
add a fuse. These relays are not intended to directly control the starter motor or operate the ignition
system - rather they can be used to send a signal or operate the coil of another higher amperage device
which does the actual switching of the power. Fuses should be located as close as possible to the point of
connection to the larger conductors that are providing power from the battery. Include a fuse even if the
circuit is providing only a “dry contact” or “ground” connection - it will prevent damage if the connection is
miswired or if the cable connecting the inverter to the generator is damaged. It is much easier to change a
fuse than the entire inverter! For location on where to connect the GEN RELAY MODULE, see page 13.
It is much easier to make the connections to the generator if a remote control terminal or connector is
available on the generator. This sometimes requires that the generator optional remote control be
purchased. This also allows examination of how the generator remote control works - which is what the
inverter’s generator start system in the inverter must duplicate. Connection of the GEN RELAY MODULE
to the generator remote control also eliminates any modification that may violate the generator’s warranty.
You should also add a switch to allow disabling of the automatic generator start system at the generator
to allow local control of the generator, preventing starting while servicing, etc. Many generators include
this switch with the optional remote control.
GENERATOR STARTING SCENARIOS
The generator can be set to start based on the four following scenarios:
MANUALLY
(1) Manual Start – The generator can be manually started by selecting ON from SET GENERATOR
directory under the GENERATOR MODE menu. In manual mode, the generator MUST be
manually switched OFF by selecting OFF from the SET GENERATOR menu item.
AUTOMATICALLY
(2) AC Current: The generator starts whenever the current travelling through the inverter to the AC
loads remains above the LOAD START AMPS AC setting for the selected LOAD START
DELAY MIN period. The current can be monitored by the LOAD AMPS AC menu item under the
METERS menu. The generator will start, unless the timer is in the “quiet time” period, at which
time it will only start if the READ LBCO 30 SEC START VDC setting is reached. Whenever the
generator starts automatically, based on load amps, it will shut off once the load current drops
below the LOAD START AMPS value for the selected LOAD STOP DELAY MIN period.
(3) Battery Voltage: The generator starts whenever the battery voltage reaches one of the four
adjustable low battery voltage levels for the selected delay periods (24 hours, 2 hours, 15
minutes, or 30 seconds). The low battery voltage levels are set under the GEN AUTO START
SETUP. Actual battery voltage can be monitored from the BATTERY ACTUAL VOLTS DC menu
item under the METERS menu. The generator will start, unless the timer is in the “quiet time”
period, at which time it will only start if the SET LOW BATTERY CUTOUT VDC or READ LBCO
30 SEC START VDC setting is reached. Whenever the generator starts automatically, based on
low battery voltage it will shut off once the BULK and ABSORPTION stages of the battery
charging have completed, thus fully recharging the batteries.
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