Articles in this section

Testing Generator Functionality after Commissioning

  • Updated

Use:

Validates proper generator behavior after the EI system has been fully commissioned.

Please contact our Customer Success team if you have any questions about this procedure:

Phone: +1 408 402-0802

  

This procedure tests the proper operation of the generator's auto-start, auto-stop, manual-start, and manual-stop settings.

If you are using a manual-start generator, you only need to perform steps 1 and 2.

 

Preliminary: 

EI App:

  • Open the Tigo EI App and tap the gear in the lower right corner.
  • Tap Generator Management > Generator Mode

Grid power:

Turn off the grid power to the Tigo ATS

  • The ATS will shift to backup mode.
  • The Tigo Inverter and Battery will also switch to backup mode.
  • The house will now be running on solar and battery power.

 

STEP 1  Test Generator Manual Start

  • Select Generator Mode ON
  • The generator will start after a short delay.

 

Attention!

If you manually stat the generator then you must manually stop it.

 

Although the generator will stop charging the batteries at 95%, the generator will continue to run until it is manually shut off.

 Generator operating mode select ON.png

 

 

STEP 2 Test Manual Stop

  • Allow the generator to run for at least 5 minutes from the previous step.
  • Select PAUSE to stop the generator.
  • The generator should stop within XXX seconds
  • Once the generator stops, continue to Step 3.
 Generator operating mode select PAUSE.png

 

STEP 3 Test Generator Auto Start

  • Verify the operating mode is set to AUTO.
  • Depending on the battery SOC during commissioning, it may be necessary to start large loads to discharge the battery faster than normal.
  • Verify the generator automatically starts at 20% SOC.
  • Leave the generator running and verify energy flow using the EI App.

Attention!

You must leave the generator running in ON mode until the battery reaches a 95% state of charge to test the auto stop feature. 

 

If you manually start the generator then you must manually stop it.

 Generator operating mode select AUTO.png

 

 

Verify Generator Energy Flow While Generator is Running

  • Return to the EI App main page
  • Verify that the generator power is going to the loads (arrows to house icon) and to the battery (arrows to battery icon).
  • The battery state of charge should increase over time.

Attention!

When the generator is running, it is the only source powering the loads. However, both the generator and the PV can charge the batteries at the same time.

Notice how the energy flow shows no flow from the Inverter to the Home. This is because the Generator powers the loads, and the rest of the generator power charges the battery. This is normal behavior.

 generator commission.gif

 

 

 

STEP 4 Test Generator Auto Stop

  • The generator should still be running from the previous step.
  • Allow the state of charge to increase to 95%.
  • The generator should automatically stop at this high SOC limit.
  • Set the mode to AUTO for normal operation.
 Generator operating mode select ON.png

 

 

 

If the system experiences abnormal behavior during these tests, manually stop the generator and perform necessary troubleshooting.

 

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
The generator will not auto start
  1. Verify the battery state of charge reached 20%
  2. Verify the generator has fuel
  3. Verify the generator starting battery is charged
  4. Verify the two-wire start wiring between the Tigo ATS and the generator starting circuit. Refer to the Tigo 200A ATS quick start guide for the wiring diagram.
  5. Consult the generator manufacturer’s manual if these previous steps do not work. It could be a mechanical issue.
The generator will not charge the batteries
  • Ensure the generator complies with the Tigo generator compatibility criteria.
    • 240V 60Hz output
    • Pure sine wave
    • Less than 5% total harmonic distortion
    • Two-wire start
  • Turn off the EI Inverter to only allow the generator to feed the loads
  • Turn off larger loads to allow more generator energy to charge the battery
  • Verify EI APP Generator Settings screen ‘Charge Battery From Generator’ is selected and the nameplate power value of the generator is set. See Figure 1.
  • Verify generator AC lines (L1, L2, N, EGC) are properly connected in the ATS

 

Figure 1

generator settings correct.png

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles