TCM, I'm wondering how you could pull them into research on your grid tie inverter
I'm thinking that would raise some low cost power input into you idea and spawn someone of the NET to join us here as well.
Sure! In many ways that would be an interesting and not overly complicated concept being all of the critical points on a GTI setup can be easily converted into and read as basic 0 -10 volt or 0 - 5 volt analog inputs. I mostly use the 0 -10 volt myself since my Teco industrial PLR units are set up to work with that input level but for the uC guys 0 - 5 volt input is fine too.
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Required Inputs.
DC side voltage; 0 - 10 volt by resistor divider networks.
DC side current; 0 - 10 volts by Hall effect transducer device.
AC side voltage; 0 - 10 volts via diodes and resistor divider network or similar concept.
AC side current; 0 - 10 volts via current transformer or Hall effect device.
AC side frequency; 0 - 10 volts by F/V converter IC or direct read.
Optional but still useful inputs.
Switching device temperature.
Power transformer temperature.
Emergency load dump system monitoring.
Generator speed.
The basic outputs needed to control the power side can be done as simple high low logic outputs to switch relays or other power handling components on and off.
DC source connection.
Emergency load dump bypass.
AC line connection.
Optional cooling fan.
Audible alarm.
digital or analog readout displays.
And of course any number of LED's that represent any function or action being monitored can be added as well.
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For me this is what I would consider to be more than adequate as a control system and challenge for any person of moderate electronics skills to design and build.
Being everything is reduced down to simple 0 -10 volt or 0 - 5 volt inputs and simple on/off outputs, other than the optional display system, it can be simulated and tested at normal electronics level voltages and power levels.
Being I already have the high power handling systems that deal with the higher voltage and currents pretty well worked out and proved to be quite durable and reliable I think that opening up the logic control end to anyone who is interested is a great idea being there is nearly an unlimited number of ways the power systems can be monitored and controlled.
Thats my thoughts on that idea for now.