How to Make Living Off The Grid Easy With PLC Automation

Рет қаралды 97,342

Күн бұрын

In this video, I show off the system that I designed, fabricated, installed and programmed for our off grid ranch. At the heart of the system is the Click PLC purchased from www.automationdirect.com.
The PLC has many different functions on the ranch. The primary function is to start and stop our generator. It can receive a signal from my Outback systems Mate 3 controller for auto generator start control, as well as use the interval timers that I installed in the control panel for manual start operation. In manual start mode you need to enter the time in hours to the display, then press the start button, and the system takes over...Running the accessory power, glow plugs, then finally cranking over the generator until it sees a 240v signal coming back into the control panel indicating the generator is running. Another thing that it does is allows the generator to run for a while before engaging a 60 amp contactor that applies the load to the generator.
Once the generator has ran for either auto start or for the programmed interval, it unloads the generator by releasing a 60 amp contactor, lets the generator run for 15-20 seconds, then shuts it down. This ensures that additional wear and tear is not caused to the generator by shutting down under load.
Other functions include managing the PWM signal from my second outback charge controller, which is set in diversion SSR mode. This means that once the batteries are full and solar power is still coming in from the solar panels (Excess power) it will start modulating the signal to allow power to go to our hot tub. We sucessfully kept the hot tub heated all winter long. When the generator is running the system switches the feed for the hot tub power over to the generator, which means we get plenty of energy to keep the spa hot.
The system will be changing in the future, I do plan to use these click PLCs to create a solar tracker for the panels that are on the roof of the shipping container.
I also need to add an AC input module so that I can better monitor the power output of the blue inverter (The blue inverter was sent to my from a company called FoxPower, they were originally going to send a 4000 watt unit for me to review on video...I asked them if they can just send me a 12,000 watt unit and have me pay the difference. They went for it and now I have two really nice inverters.) Back to the point - I want to monitor the power output of the blue inverter. It is critical, because if the power goes out, then I lose AC power that I use in order to close the 60 amp contactor that loads the generator. This means I can end up being stranded without being able to charge the batteries (It's practically a catch 22).
Either way, this was a long description, and I mainly wanted to get some info in for you guys to clarify some of your questions on.
Thanks for watching and I'll see you in the next video.

Пікірлер: 283

@pstoneking3418 5 жыл бұрын

What do you use to program your PC? Laptop or does the PC come with its own programmer?

@adisharr 5 жыл бұрын

It's programmed from a Laptop over either an RJ12 cable serially or over the built-in Ethernet port. The software is free on Automationdirect.com.

@DawidKellerman 5 жыл бұрын

Like adisharr said serial or Ethernet. the software is free to download and the manuals from the site are very good if you purchase from them you can get training included with the plc unit. I dont live in the US but woudl not bother with any of the alixpress and pirate software for the more commercial ones It does take a time investment in coding them so make it count when choosing a plc is my advice

@Lagggerengineering 5 жыл бұрын

Depending on what sort of PLC you have, it can be programmed through a serial port, USB port, ethernet or god forbid some proprietary port. Most older ones used Serial ports and unless you have a really old computer laying around, you'll have to get a USB to Seiral converter and not all of the cheap ones work. Worth a shot, but sometimes they refuse to work. If you have one of the modern ones, then USB. Easy. If you have some expensive ones, then probably Ethernet. This is the best way of connecting to a PLC, but its expensive and needs a bit of setup. It's not really that easy to program and set up, so if you aren't computer inclined, you may want to get someone else to do it, unless you want to learn it and have a lot of time available.

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

A laptop is the easiest way, and programming a PLC is easy for me, and I would have probably added an HMI. Depending on the size of the ladder logic you cam get software for free or pay for the software where the limit is it amount of memory in the PLC. I have programmed many different kinds of PLCs from many different manufactures.

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

@@Lagggerengineering My least favorite is Allen Bradly, as they refuse to talk to you unless you pay for a contract up front for every system that you work on. That is from my experience. It is not enough that you bought the modules and paid the thousands for the software.

@robertallen6086 5 жыл бұрын

Finally, a real genius who took the whole sea of off grid issues from everyone and built his own helm so he knows by a glance of his own panel what the whole home is doing

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Actually, this point everything isn't quite how I would like. I'll likely be adding much more to it.

@luizz1997 5 жыл бұрын

Its 3AM... i don't knot how i got here but... That's a really simple setup and looks pretty functional, congratulations

@Edgardocelectric007 5 жыл бұрын

Just ran across your video and as a 35 year + electrician I can tell you you explained everything in great detail your attention to safety and detail is very good, most off grid systems really is a mix bag of smaller systems that need to play well together, your PLC controller seems to do this and more great job

@wills2262 5 жыл бұрын

The progression from the first video showing this system to "now" is awesome!

@RANDALLOLOGY 5 жыл бұрын

You put a lot of thought in the whole system. Looks better than any commercial system I have seen. I like you plan for future expansion and changes. Got some big bucks invested in that. Great job.

@TRS-Tech 5 жыл бұрын

There are not enough thumbs to click.... Nicely done !!!! I like the way you have allowed for all contingencies to ensure that you keep the system safe and running. What a lovely job. I have seen plant systems costed at over £100K that have not been as well thought out as this. I love using the excess supply for the tub... that's excellent :-) Just a couple of things you have missed... No one can think of everything !!!!!!!! ;-) 1. You need to move that smoke detector in the second room out of the corner. Smoke alarms should never be on a side wall or corner as there is always a dead air space there until the room is well ablaze and its to late. You could argue the second room detection is more important as a fire would stop you getting to the power room. As for the power room smoke detector you need a "duct" smoke detector. The type you have relies on smoke hanging about or slowly drifting around to detect. With the fan opening present even if the fan is not running convection will move it past that smoke alarm to quickly. 2. You need to think about having a direct link to your pumps from the generator. If a power room fire is starts in one of the inverters as they present the most risc aside from a battery supply short circuit you wont have any water at all ! You could just have a cheap pull cord generator wired to a change-over contactor to the pumps external to the power house. That way even if the very worst happened you could still run your pumps. I would be happy to do a schematic if I haven't explained very well. As for your worry about power failure leaving the system unable to auto start the generator all you need to do is connect the 24v ac output for the plc via a bridge rectifier then across two small 12v sealed lead acid battery's, say 6AH each. That would give more than enough time to keep the PLC and all needed relays working. Or get hold of a 24v PSU that has battery backup For power failure detection I would add an analog voltage sensor AC/DC module onto the PLC plug bus. That way the PLC will know the battery voltage and the voltage out for both hot legs from both inverters. A six chanel module that can monitor AC and DC between 0 and 230v won't set you back that much. Add a simple INP (If not present) rule to start your generator loop in the code. I love the external warning for generator start. If you get a good loud one you could mimic the cabinet sounder to.. :-) Sorry for all the suggestions... LOL I think your a bit of a perfectionist like I am so you will understand.. EEEEExelent so far my friend. 50 Thumbs up. P.S. Did you find out if the resistors in those relays for the LED's were hot ?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

A lot to reply on... Yes the resistors in the relays do get rather warm. You made clear sense talking about the water pumps. I'll have to make a video on what the water pump room looks like next time I'm on the ranch (Probably 2 weeks or so). Mounted the smoke detector on the side wall because that was where I could toss on a box (pipe bender was at my house out of state) Don't want the generator start warning too loud because then the neighbors would go crazy when it gets ready to start at 3 a.m. AC input module for the plc is already figured out just need to click order. Has been sitting in my cart for weeks now. The power that I need is not 24/48 volt DC, I have a dc-to-dc converter straight off the batteries and it's low voltage cut out is like 18 volts. What I need is 24 volts ac for the contactor

@johnnyvestal1509 Жыл бұрын

I just built a click based water control system for my tiny house.. when I build my home I plan to add to it. Nice job.

@blankrl 5 жыл бұрын

Good reliable low tech panel design. Several commenters have suggested higher tech touch panel hmi. But for safety sake your approach is correct. High tech added later to your existing panel, say for remote control, would be an interesting upgrade. Nice job!

@kc8bdr 5 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed the hearing about the system but just had to comment about the beautiful view at the end.

@MrTurboturbine 5 жыл бұрын

Some analog panel meters would really complete this control panel

@infl 5 жыл бұрын

like those ammeters he showed in a different video... those would look sick on that panel

@infl 5 жыл бұрын

and if those buttons had incandescent lights

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Or maybe a touchscreen HMI panel with digital meters integrated.

@infl 5 жыл бұрын

i guess it wouldn’t be a high tech lab without that would it 🤔🤔🤔

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

Analog meters are nice, but digital are cheaper to install and easier to read. A Good Analog is over $100, but a $5 digital will give you better accuracy as an example.

@brothertyler 3 жыл бұрын

A real slick, serious setup you have there. The issue I find for this application, is I have to have flexibility and I have to deal with existing wiring. Great setup, well thought through, great job.

@skoto.power.systems 5 жыл бұрын

cool one there keep it up. Thank you for all the update.

@mrAudisubaru 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video love to see properly wired stuff.

@TheFarmacySeedsNetwork 5 жыл бұрын

Very cool setup! Well thought out!

@shnlj5910 5 жыл бұрын

Good work. Industrial Maintenance here, I appreciate a well put together panel.

@richardwilliamjohnson8566 5 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't have said it was particularly well put together? Functional maybe but very messy. Also overly complicated for what it's doing. Just my opinion, appreciate the effort and you sharing it!

@TheHoss4145 3 жыл бұрын

Neat setup! Love it!

@HighTechLab 3 жыл бұрын

We do too. Check out the newer videos where we went full on HMI for our control system, it's pretty sweet.

@jslugbug37 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful craftsmanship

@opera5714 5 жыл бұрын

Energy control is the future. It doesn't have to be expensive. A couple $3 NANO boards can do the same thing. I switch loads depending on priorities, be it battery, water heating, dishwasher or washing machine. Every little bit of energy is always going somewhere instead of being wasted.

@paulodpereira 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, you could use any microcontroller, But the advantage of a PLC is more robust IO, and it's LEGAL to use on your electrical instalation.

@LifeRunner4000 5 жыл бұрын

Except, everything we use is "wasteful" as such, because nothing is even close to 100% efficient

@mihumono 5 жыл бұрын

@@LifeRunner4000 You forgot about resistive load ;)

@climatechangepreppersfaceb2148 5 жыл бұрын

Build a 48v instant water heater

@tylerrobertstsr 5 жыл бұрын

Subbed. Thanks for what you do bud.

@Stevey_B 5 жыл бұрын

Outstanding !

@bigbigrichie 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome job

@-elektryx-5248 3 жыл бұрын

Very cool!

@Skyhawk1998 5 жыл бұрын

There are a lot of weatherproof alarm horns available, and they are plenty loud. It's usually listed on the nameplate if they are rated for outdoor use. There are also weatherproof electrical cabinets that would probably work well for what you need for that outdoor panel.

@alfonsogustavo91 5 жыл бұрын

Good video man!

@KageShi 5 жыл бұрын

SHTF Water pressure is important. Here is an idea. Install a modified pair of LP tanks. 300+ gallon modified into a water bladder and the second use for an air charge. Use a automatic compressor switch to ensure air tank stays charged. When a fire condition is triggered you can use an actuator to open a ball-valve between the tanks to pressurize the water. At that point use of thermally actuated valves and hoses ensures water goes to the region in need of it. As a side note can also copy an industrial fire suppression system like used in hotels where the thermal valves hold back only 20lbs of air, that is in turn holding a valve closed, when air is released the valve is forced open by main water pressure and the lines are flooded to the affected area.

@redsquirrelftw 5 жыл бұрын

Wow that's really cool. It's my dream to eventually buy property in an unorganized township and start building an off grid setup and would probably do lot of automation stuff too. Would start off as a summer camping area until it's at point where it's winterized to the point of being livable year round.

@jonkelley7490 5 жыл бұрын

Township, don't you mean a Parish?

@redsquirrelftw 5 жыл бұрын

No, unorganized township. They are typically small township/areas where you don't need permits or any of that BS, and the taxes are usually super low. I did brief research on just buying land anywhere, and in organized townships, even rural, you need permits and there's tons of red tape. It basically triples the cost of any project and the taxes are also super high, and go up each time you build something.

@darrenf7 5 жыл бұрын

some good thought went into this , weldone . i have a 10inch screen here il swap you for all them buttons

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

10 inch HMI screen?

@ChileExpatFamily 5 жыл бұрын

Man you have the most awesome set up for your solar and gen set. I wish I could have you come to visit me in Chile and set up something like this for me. Jim in Chile

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

I could setup something like that and more if I had someone paying for the materials. Design it just how you like it. However I would like to find a better place than here in Southern California. Some place that I can make home where I can feel safe, and my biggest fear might be wild animals, or the weather. Long as an elderly person like myself has a place for my books, tools, electronics and more... Along with access to needed medications that I need to keep breathing I'm good.

@ChileExpatFamily 5 жыл бұрын

@@Paul-gz5dp I have all that and more here in Chile. I have NO desire to return to the former USA. Jim

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

@@ChileExpatFamily I am looking to find an enjoyable place to live, as I can't really do that here in the USA. That is because there are too many people and laws in place to prevent a guy from getting ahead in this country. There is too much protectionism from the biggest players, and they d not want any new players to come in with new ideas and make a place for themselves here. This is why so many of us older white men have committed suicide here. I would prefer to leave before that is my best option.

@ChileExpatFamily 5 жыл бұрын

@@Paul-gz5dp FIRST: Suicide is never an option. NEVER! Second: No where is perfect! NOW......................... ONLY YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE! If you are not happy there move! There are NO excuses. Plain and simple. Do not wait. Do not ask for help. Do not worry about what people will say, just make happen what you need to do to make your life better. YOU and only You can help you. Others will help but you need to be first! If you are feeling stuck there then that is you allowing them control over YOU. Put on your shoes and go out the door, leave, and shake the dust from your feet. Get the hell out of there before you can not! Is Chile right for you? I do not know. Only you can answer that question, but you never know if you do not try to answer it for yourself. Do not tell me you do not have enough money. Pray hard. Save. Sacrifice. Work. Save some more and do it. If i did you can. Sorry for the tough love rant but you need it today! Go see my channel for how I did it! AND NEVER SAY SUICIDE AGAIN! that is the cowards way. (and yes i do know) God bless and keep you strong and give you the grace and strength to do what his will is for you and what is right for you all at the same time! Jim

@robtheknob7791 5 жыл бұрын

Man this is really something!

@robtheknob7791 5 жыл бұрын

Someday I'll probably need some controls like this for a gas turbine ev extender/battery charger on my box truck that I've turned into a tiny house. However, that is a long way off and many dollars to save before I can even start learning the basics of how these type of systems operate. But its very interesting to see your set-up and I look forward to future videos.

@jamest.5001 5 жыл бұрын

I'd build a small water tower! About 400-600 gal, high enough to get water to a potential fire areas atleast, my house burned a couple years ago. Just happened to be the coldest night of the year, before it got too far out of hand, I tried to get water to put it out, but I he water was frozen, I had not much more than a drip. It was about 5AM, dark, Smokey, only light was from the fire. I tried to get water in a bucket, but no good, I lost some pets, nearly everything I owned, if I had water, I could have saved it all! It was started by a new electric heater that had never been used before!!! You could use 55gal drums on a platform, 12'-20' high, maybe add a air tank, with 10-20 psi, ( I don't know what the drums can handle) but the air can help push the water out, along with gravity!! Also use a large diameter hose, with a decent nozzle, the large hose will help with pleasure and a little more capacity, but a battery powered pump would be best, but a hose on a reel, with a little air pressure, in a tank, so pressure isn't list when a small amount of water is used, maybe a old water heater ,converted to airtank, about 40 gal, at 20 psi, and 4-8 55 gal drums, 1/2" air plumbing, and 1" plus water, going to 3/4" or so water hose, maybe have two reels, it could be enough to save everything, fire moves fast, and could save lives, after the fire , first thing I got was a few fire extinguishers,and smoke & co2 detectors!! The dogs I lost ment alot to me, if i had 20 gal of water, I may still have them!!! And I had no insurance!! To beat all!! Great video! A bit more complex than I plan on for my off grid house to be!! Still awesome!!

@DawidKellerman 5 жыл бұрын

Hi James I live in Windhoek Namibia so in some places extremely rural NO 911 or emergency service that will be there fast enough to do anything... I want to say that I am sorry about your dogs and property loss and it is a horrible thing to have gone thru that people think will not happen to them until it does. Where I live that much water will never freeze no matter the time of year... Have look at the these guys www.pyrogen.com there are similar other brands too I think its one of the better ways of fire proofing/fighting. Once stuff starts going you cant get close in any case, the smoke will get you.

@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi 5 жыл бұрын

Thats not a bad idea too, you could have two tanks, one up nice and high and one down low, put in some micro hydro setups and pump up of a day to the top tank (powered by solar panels and have it stored for when you need additional load of a night) Another thing you can do is to have a hydrogen generator running of a day to generate hydrogen gas again from daytime solar so you can either burn the hydrogen of a night as fuel in generators or use it in a fuel cell. Heating a spa with electricity seems like a total waste to be honest. Couldnt you just run a solar hot water system on the roof to heat the spa?

@jcnash02 5 жыл бұрын

JAMES! Since the 70's actually, if you had one 2.5 gallon water fire extinguisher, you could have saved it all. What he needs for this setup is a CO2 extinguisher.

@sergepicard1533 5 жыл бұрын

hi very good system and well think good job

@dem6033 5 жыл бұрын

nice video, thank you

@TehNuttyDeath 5 жыл бұрын

Australian made product called an SP pro (Selectronic) might be worth a look into. we install a few of them in off grid systems here in Aus. they have a massive iron core transformer in them that lets you pull crazy power out of them, provided your batteries can handle that. they also support both AC coupled and DC coupled solar, Generator auto start, generator fuel level warnings, storm button, and a host of other inputs/outputs spare/usable on the board for you to do with what you wish. we play with a lot of products like what you have created for your spa heating, CatchPower, OhmPilot, HEMS unit, all do the same thing, but designed with diverting excess solar power into your hot water service vs spa.

@jimhough6233 5 жыл бұрын

I can dig it!

@unicornblends5285 5 жыл бұрын

Its trunking by the way not guttering, ;) great vid, really informative

@MR-nl8xr 5 жыл бұрын

No, it's a gutter.

@chrisstorm7704 4 жыл бұрын

We always called it wire trough in the field

@mrgeraldbrent 5 жыл бұрын

For fire suppression in your electrical container, you might look into a fusible link system like they use for vent hoods. Outside of that, maybe a charged tank with compressed air, or a diesel pump to get water where you need it.

@Sparky4Life913 5 жыл бұрын

Looks good bro! Maybe a fire alarm horn/strobe on the outside?

@timderks5960 5 жыл бұрын

I initially thought that that was what he used the signal for, so yeah, I think that'd be a good idea.

@GilmerJohn 5 жыл бұрын

Like it or not, very few homeowners can properly "handle" such a system and many of those that could would quickly grown tired of it. This does open a business opportunity whereby a 3rd party would manage the system remotely. If the owner/resident cares, he can check the status on his cell but routine operations would be carefree. If it requires a technician to visit, some emails/voice message would be sent.

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

With a resistor divider you could monitor and control the battery voltage at the PLC. That is because most PLC's read 0 to 5 or 0 to 10v and many other things. Also they do sense temperature with TC input. Just depends on how complex you want to make it. I like control over things, but one better is make things so that they take care of things without me needing to tell it what to do and when. Such as if the generator door is open it will disable the auto-start and so forth. Just takes a single pair of wires to do that.

@GMComputers4u2 5 жыл бұрын

Very nice! Will or do you have a video about your PLC programming for this system? I'm just now starting to learn PLC. So any small information about how to program would be nice. Thank you!!

@chrisstorm7704 4 жыл бұрын

Really well done. I work in automation and have been thinking about setting up a PLC at home. While looking for videos to help with ideas, your video did not disappoint. This setup looks really well thought out. My only suggestion would be to invest in something like a Brady labeler. We use them religiously out in the field, and I'm looking back at some home projects that I've done it the past and really wished I had labeled each wire, Especially if you have to disconnect the generator or troubleshoot the system down the road

@HighTechLab 4 жыл бұрын

You're absolutely correct on the labeling. I just got my Brady labeler and labeled things like the relays and contractors, how do you label the wires though without having a bunch of flags sticking everywhere? Also what is the normal protocol for what to put on the labels? Did you see in my newer videos I installed a touch screen HMI?

@chrisstorm7704 4 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab I took a bunch of pictures to help explain, but now I'm realizing that you cant really attach pictures to a video comment. The labeler we most commonly use in the field is a bmp21. You can change the type to wiremarker. Which turns the writing sideways. You can then select the wire size. It then prints the wire name over and over again on the label, so if you can only see one side of the wire, you can still read the label. If you selected a larger wire size, it will print the numbering more times to make a larger/longer strip. This method eliminates any tags hanging off the wire. As per wire number, there are a couple conventions depending on application. For power distribution we have a wire number the corresponds to the drawings for the project. So if the wire starts on line 0500 of the drawing the wire would be 050011. If you find that wire in the field, you can go to page 05, line 00, wire 11 in the drawing to see where it goes. For I/O, we use the PLC IO. so a wire that is labeled I:01/05 would be PLC card (01), (I)nput (05). If my explanations don't make sense, maybe we can PM and I could attach the images to an email or something. If I was to do a home project, I would probably use the I/O labeling convention mentioned above, but for power I would most likely go with some other convention. I'll be checking out the HMI vid.

@Berkeloid0 5 жыл бұрын

Is there a way to silence the alarm without resetting the PLC? Just thinking that if there is a persistent problem (e.g. dust in the smoke alarm making it trigger continuously) the alarm will keep sounding even after a system reset, so it could get pretty noisy while you troubleshoot the problem. Very nice design though, I am planning something along similar lines so it's great to have a finished system to look over and thanks for going into so much detail.

@jimhough6233 5 жыл бұрын

Cooling medium and heat exchanger to heat spa.

@jcclaus2479 5 жыл бұрын

It would be less expensive to but all of your controls in a touch screen HMI and would not cost to add any control later. It would also give you alarms if something didn't work the way it was designed to. You would not need the pilot lights or timers all could be in the HMI. You can buy and program them for as little as $400.00 . Considerably less than the timers, pilot lights and switches you currently have.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

That's actually a very good point. See the thing was it all used to be a relay logic panel without a PLC... Saw the price on HMI and knew I already had a ton of holes in the panel, so never thought about the savings.

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

besides, it is more space efficient to use the slim relays about 1/4" wide than the full size ice cubes shown there. Also many relays are intermittent contact, meaning the coil gets hot. Also Solid state relays are better for heating something using PDI software on a heating element than really anything else. As they can switch many times a second. No contacts to wear out, but they do dissipate heat.

@satibel 5 жыл бұрын

I'd use a din enclosure with a 5V power supply, an orange pi zero, and an arduino mega with a shield with a bunch of uln 2003 and wire that to a din mounted relay board and the buttons. total would run about 60-70 bucks.

@wreckless_-jl6uu 5 жыл бұрын

*Damn, this guy knows what the hell hes talking about!*

@pstoneking3418 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! It looks like you have a fortune wrapped up in all this. Hopefully you've drawn out a schematic and pictures of relays with relay relationships to your system.

@greghollett6863 5 жыл бұрын

Hey ! Just thinking of a way for you to keep cooling upon emergency shut down, what about if you used a rundown tank that sat on top of your room to provide enough cooling water to cool your equipment after the pump shut down, the head of water would be enough pressure to cool it for a certain amount of time depending on size of vessel

@adnan_oday 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I need helping for plc vigor model has errors in auto mode , It does the work manualy but doesnot run auto

@punker4Real 5 жыл бұрын

11:42 you should also install a carbon monoxide detector since you have a gas water heater there

@recklessroges 5 жыл бұрын

You seem to have learnt a lot about solar. Do you have a cost breakdown detailing how to build this from scratch? Also, how you would splice in diverse energy sources? (micro-hydro and wind.)

@100pyatt 5 жыл бұрын

Requirement: Button Panel Operator Certification 🙈👍

@phredkost 5 жыл бұрын

That's great if you are a techno-geek with unlimited cash. I have an 8500 w propane generator connected to my power feed via a triple pole double throw switch. Flip the switch and push the start button and I'm good to go. I'll keep the grid as long as it is cost effective.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

And you should! Unfortunately for me, grid power was never a cost effective option. Between a $70,000 upfront cost plus monthly bill... California having all the recent wildfires, the utilites are starting to shut off power to reduce danger, and energy rates are through the roof!

@phredkost 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab Thank you for your reply. I admire your skills.

@Kirbythediver 5 жыл бұрын

am so jelly, thanks for sharing

@davidseeman1772 5 жыл бұрын

Would appreciate seeing the wiring control for the inverters (cat 5 wire). Looking to manage one of the Sigineer units with some automation and interested in what capabilities you found. Thanks for the great videos!

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

There is a good chance I'll tie in the blue inverter to PLC next weekend. I'll make a video covering that. If not next weekend then the following one

@GoingOffGrid101 5 жыл бұрын

sweet system! you have almost as many little wires I do :D How are you liking those 12k inverters? any issues? Great video thanks.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

They are great, only complaint on the black one is that the LCD glitches out and goes blank, and they both have poor power factor when drawing off the generator to charge the batteries.

@GoingOffGrid101 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab thanks!

@charlessebo9990 5 жыл бұрын

How do you keep the animals from chewing on your outside wires??

@uniteddrones7626 2 жыл бұрын

Where do you go to start learning plc 😬 I’ve been doing a lot of relay controlling relay crap I wanna find a good start place for plc.

@marshallscholz8629 5 жыл бұрын

Why not take the ac power to close the generator contactor from the generator itself? Since it will be on and producing voltage. Then you won't have an issue with power. Also, what does the plc get power from? Will it die if ac dies? Nice clean setup though.

@jimhough6233 5 жыл бұрын

Coming from an automation background the system is awesome! Have you considered LiPoFe battery instead of Pbacid?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, probably will have some within the next month

@flashpointrecycling 5 жыл бұрын

I am so sorry! I can see now that I did read it wrong. I imposed a single one letter word in between "Make"and ¨living¨. So it was ¨Make living¨ and NOT ¨Make a Living¨. I am so stupid. You did a great job building and describing your system.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

It's alright, we are humans and make mistakes, I'm not even mad in the slightest. Thank you for watching and stopping the channel!

@drubradley8821 5 жыл бұрын

You have both of the coils in parallel, how do you isolate them from one another, maybe just a simple diode... so they don't go nuts into either lock up more of vibratory mode??? Nice looking system, very clean and roomy.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

What do you mean? What is the time stamp of the video you are looking at

@drubradley8821 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab at 6:40 to 6:50.... Also, do you have the PLC, to switch back to the S.S.R. before you open the mechanical relay contacts?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

It's easier to make a video to better explain this, stay tuned

@slide-incamp-in 5 жыл бұрын

Wow I stumbled across your channel a couple days ago and have now been obsessed, I really did like the first automated relay based system it seemed extremely robust it'll be interesting to see how the PLC holds up, even being an industrial product I could see it being a little less tolerant of voltage, frequency, and wave form. You might try to put in an outdoor "emergency button" that could disconnect the batteries, shutdown the inverters, and disconnect the generator from the panel inside, then have it start/switch the generator onto a separate "emergency" circuit that would connect it directly to your water pumps and maybe some outdoor lighting, because for some reason everything goes wrong in the dark, that way it would be almost fool proof if you were not the one there during an emergency. Btw have you done any more work on the solar tracker that looked like a very interesting project?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

absolutely true on the first-half in regards to emergency and disconnect, just something that you'll have to see come in time. as far as the solar tracker it was a combination of time money and good weather. Now that summer is coming you should expect to see something on it because it will make a massive increase in power to keep those air conditioners cranked up.

@adisharr 5 жыл бұрын

PLC's - even the low cost ones are extremely robust. I have over 40 Click PLC's in the field on various machines and have never had a failure.

@slide-incamp-in 5 жыл бұрын

@@adisharr that's good the hear! I think the plc would be much more straight forward to install and implement, seems like it would simplify wiring.

@andrewevanoff1192 5 жыл бұрын

This was probably your first project with a PLC control panel. Looks like a simple panel but I wanted to point several things that I noticed. No wires were labeled inside the panel. This is a major no-no! All wires must be labeled just above the terminals. I assume you have an electrical diagram too, right? Wire numbers should also match to what's on the diagram. The panel is simple enough to troubleshoot but having wires labeled will make it easier and quicker. Also, sticky button labels are ok for a temporary project but try to use engraved nameplates. Try to use wireways inside the PLC panel. This makes the panel look more organised. Make sure to properly fuse everything according to the electrical codes. I prefer to use fuses instead of automatic breakers because of the new code requirements for arc flash safety and fault currents. It was hard to see in the video but make sure to use main power fuses on both 120 VAC and 24VDC sides and then add branch fuses to all the devices and a dedicated fuse for each PLC output card. I would personally skip using the lights and buttons and install an inexpensive touch-screen interface panel. For example, AutomationDirect dot com sells excellent inexpensive touch screen panels. They are very easy to program. These days you can buy such a panel for less than what you pay for ll the buttons and switches. You won't need external timers either. Just program them into the PLC. An interface panel also allows better system status utility and a decent graphical interface. You can also program a set of automatic alarms that will make troubleshooting a LOT easier. Alarms will require some additional PLC programming but it's always worth it. Hope this helps some. I've done PLC controls for over 20 years and just wanted to help you a bit.

@____________________________.x 5 жыл бұрын

Andrew Evanoff - Agreed, a bit of time spent researching how panels are wired in industry would have produced a much better system. I quite like the panel lights, but not laid out in rows like that as none of it is intuitive. Some kind of SCADA screen would be perfect. The ferrules were great to see, but maybe not the soldered crimps. It is better than 95% of the stuff on KZfaq, so kudos to him

@AvroVulcanXH607 5 жыл бұрын

Any particular reason you didn't use some kind of plug/socket with the generator connections? Just curious

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

I was looking for one but couldn't find one with enough connections, nema 3r rated and not $1000

@AvroVulcanXH607 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab Ok, fair enough 😀 I've seen broadcast /entertainment connectors with many pins but as you say it wouldn't be a worth it

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

If it were in the $100 total price range, it would be worth it for sake of preventing user error. Open to suggestions.

@kioshiootori9657 5 жыл бұрын

Take a look at 10-inch C-more Micro Panels for interior or exterior monitoring/control

@trannycreature8796 5 жыл бұрын

Wow that is amazing Id love to have something like that tho I feel its a little over my head :/

@michaelmooney3369 5 жыл бұрын

incredible wiring.

@Dragonmastur24 5 жыл бұрын

@hightechlab What type of water pump(s) do you have? If they are universal electric motors, they could be ran off of the batteries directly (dc). Thoughts? :)

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

They are brushless ac induction motors.

@Dragonmastur24 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab makes sense, more reliable! I just found you channel so I don't know much about your setup; how many pumps do you have and would it be possible to change one of them to a universal motor? I'm only trying to think of the utmost reliable and fail-safest method. Also does your plc cabinet have backup power? (I assume its a 24V or 48V controller) Should be very easy to make a custom instant battery fail-over... or buy one.. I'm cheap, what can I say!

@tdgreenbay 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting... looking to automate a generator room myself

@LiLBitsDK 5 жыл бұрын

Very impressive but it looks overly complicated, way more expensive and way larger than I would want personally, I go off grid to cut back on all that, and for self reliability on power, but I bet that generator alone costs more than the whole system I am planning :D

@picklerix6162 5 жыл бұрын

Do the wife and kids know how that panel works?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

In my case I'm the kid that built it for my parents, and yes they do know how to operate it

@jayzo 5 жыл бұрын

I'd suggest finding some kind of connector and plug set to connect and disconnect the generator should you need to move it, as it'll save you having to unscrew that box, the gland and all the cables inside (what if you lose a screw).

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

If you can locate one I would do it in an instant. The SOOW cord is #12, 10 strands, .875" Outside diameter. And the connector needs to be NEMA 3R (Outdoor, OK with rain) or greater rating. They make them for the film industry but lack the waterproofing criteria.

@haywoodjablome440 5 жыл бұрын

Hmmn. Easy. Yeah. Nice wiring.

@punker4Real 5 жыл бұрын

Crazy russion 12:26 NO covers or protection JUST great to have live bare connections

@Casal70 5 жыл бұрын

Looks like DC, safe to touch. Don't remember but even 110V DC is alright. But, cover for accidental short circuit by tools I may agree on.

@punker4Real 5 жыл бұрын

Casal70 only needs 1 cover typically on the positive side that is....

@uniteddrones7626 4 жыл бұрын

Can you add a weather device on the roof that measures wind speed and will automatically put the panels horizontal via connected plc

@HighTechLab 4 жыл бұрын

I was about to add this feature but then ended up going and taking down all the trackers and going with just ground Mount solar

@ig_foobar 5 жыл бұрын

You need a Mr. Fusion

@silverfoenix 5 жыл бұрын

Where we're going, we don't need roads!

@Mike-nt7cd 5 жыл бұрын

Are you going to make a different mode to charge battery off of solar on day?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Whenever there is solar power available it goes into the batteries. I'm not sure I'm understanding what you are saying

@ChrisChromeYT 5 жыл бұрын

Make a tutorial on how to hook up the smoke detectors, most wired interconnected ones do the same thing

@nopegaming2117 5 жыл бұрын

Great profile picture

@Brood_Master 5 жыл бұрын

A little bit of panduit in that PLC cabinet would make it look spactacular... (-;

@aloda23 5 жыл бұрын

why you dont use the exhaust heat for the spa??

@Paul-gz5dp 5 жыл бұрын

That would require a heat exchanger.

@leozendo3500 5 жыл бұрын

So what are all these for? Remote control a generator? Post Apocolypse shed?

@sebastianjust7901 5 жыл бұрын

Where do I get this cool LED indicators? And what is the proper name for them?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Pilot light. I got them from eBay but recommend looking at automationdirect.com, the eBay ones aren't very quality feeling

@gantmj 5 жыл бұрын

Previous relay logic setup: :-) PLC setup: :-( Forgive me for being old school. I'm still jealous of your system, wish I had the same.

@dlhvac1 5 жыл бұрын

I’d rather use Tridium or easy io much more configurable plus it has pids for dehumidification and humidity control with hvac it also does card access and alarms with cameras and facial recognition all web based which means you can control it with iPhone or android and in case of fire you call call fire dept unlock electronic lock on door when you see them arrive. It will communicate modbus tcp to my midnite charge controllers and the modbus capable inverter. I keep asking them to do Bacnet on their devices so the can be used in commercial building for their solar but the manufacturers say getting Bacnet certified is too much their loss where modbus isn’t an option for generators and all solar controllers. If you want for the generator I have easyio 30P controller that talks modbus TCP

@frankz1125 5 жыл бұрын

How much power does all of that consume? Is it worth it for a solar system or is it best to just pay attention to your batteries?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Still out ahead. I knew those batteries wouldn't last super long but they didn't last much at all. Currently exploring options of lithium and forklift batteries

@frankz1125 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab talk to devildestiny555 on youtube . He has alot of lithium.

@anisaampatuan 5 жыл бұрын

You are on the Petroleum grid. Try a Leonardo E-Cat SK 20 kilowatt thermal generator with a turbine generator.

@rickdees251 5 жыл бұрын

You might want to clean the interior, left side of that cabinet with the generator controls with a rag and some 409.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

That is actually soot. I have used some pretty aggressive cleaners and that stuff is stuck on good

@danielmaldonado-ancorezpro1985 5 жыл бұрын

Man wow like your PLC system, but I think a little expensive for a Spa.

@wik667 5 жыл бұрын

Aren't those relais at the top dangerous with the contacts exposed like that?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

They are in an enclosed cabinet with a ton of other exposed terminals.... In a room that is locked to keep unauthorized persons out

@Nicoleise 5 жыл бұрын

For this day in age, I would really suggest using something like an embedded controller rather than a PLC. A PLC is great for operations that are very timing sensitive (milliseconds), but they are not very connectable. Instead, something like a JACE or even if you're a bit more tinkering-inclined a Raspberry Pi controlling relays and sensors and running a UI like HomeAutomation, would both allow you to access a webUI that works on phones and tablets too, so that you don't have to go to your utility room to start your spa, and so that you can conviniently change settings like the run time of the generator as well. A PLC is a great tool for isolated automation, but for integrating with other control systems, and for convinience in operation, I would look to alternatives like the ones mentioned above. :)

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Pi isn't UL listed and would not pass an inspection. It also lacks sufficient IO and operates at non-standard control voltages.

@Nicoleise 5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab - Yeah, I would personally use a JACE or similar embedded controller to avoid most of those issues. You can also get PLCs with webUIs, but usually they are really limited in features and compability, because the same PLC companies has somewhere in their range a HMI solution they refuse to kill off. The I/Os of a Pi can be expanded upon, same as your PLC though - professional PLCs typically have no I/Os themselves and rely on expansion modules, anyways. You're also allowed to build these in a distributed architecture. The non-standard control voltages is a valid point, but is easily solved with the right relays and sensors, which on the flip-side is typically much cheaper than traditional industrial or building sensors. I am not experienced with UL, but would imagine it works similar to EN (European Norms/Standards). These are worded specifically to never impede progress, and thus never require something like a positive list of components. Are you saying that it's not allowed to use a Pi in any electrical construction, or just that it's not allowed to e.g. put it inside that cabinet? Traditional rule sets are being challenged these days with the new ways things are being interconnected, and it would be interesting to know if such a rule paradox really exists? :)

@zrobotics 5 жыл бұрын

Just a warning about those Outback charge controllers- they are actually a somewhat shoddy product. My father originally purchased one in 2009, along with a xantrex inverter, panasonic panels, & rolls-surette batteries. 2 years ago, the Outback charger failed to properly return to a normal charge algorithm after an equalization cycle. Since up to this point everything had been running fine automatically, my dad didn't notice that the batteries were undergoing equalization charge for 4 weeks. This occurred during the height of summer, so there was rarely need to monitor the state of charge in the system, so this was not noticed until the next time he performed battery maintenance (watering & equalization). Needless to say, this damaged the bank, requiring early replacement of the batteries. After replacing the Outback charger, I disassembled the Outback unit and was very disappointed with the shoddy assembly. First, the electrolytic capacitors were not a high quality name-brand, but generic. Additionally, none of the heavy through-hole components had not had any silastic applied, so the entire weight was supported by the leads. Additionally, the buttons had become unreliable, which was explained by the exceptionally thin gold-plate applied to the PCB which had eroded away, I suspect that even HASL would have lasted longer. Finally, even though the unit doesn't operate at high voltages, for a high-current device I was very disappointed with the barely-adequate trace-widths & separation. In short, just because it is made in the US doesn't mean that it is a quality product, and I would encourage anyone to reconsider their use of Outback products.

@chriszachem2012 5 жыл бұрын

Do you have a wiring diagram. I am currently in college learning ladder diagrams and PLCs

@DawidKellerman 5 жыл бұрын

@ HighTechLab If you would be so kind to share the ladder code ! I am also still learning

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

I will be going over it in a video coming next week.

@crazystuffproduction 5 жыл бұрын

you should have a test button to test all lamps and sound from the alarm.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Good idea. I could just make it a button combination with the buttons already installed.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

Actually making it part of the system reset would probably work

@punker4Real 5 жыл бұрын

I have a 60KW generator can I power a small neighborhood with it? it's 3 phase 330 volt 180amps

@Berkeloid0 5 жыл бұрын

Well many houses in the western world are around the 24 kW mark, so a 60 kW generator would run two of those at full power. Most houses don't use anywhere near that, so with the 15 kW units in this video as an example, that would be four houses. A 60 kW generator might be enough to run a small street, but nowhere near enough for a neighbourhood. You'd need a pretty hefty transformer though because 330 V 3-phase is only 190 V phase-to-neutral, so you'd have to either step that up to 240 V, or drop it down to 120 V. A 60 kW transformer isn't cheap though, and finding one with the correct ratio to handle this somewhat unusual voltage might be difficult.

@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi 5 жыл бұрын

24KW??? Jesus what do you yanks run? 20amp vibrating beds???? seriously I live in a hot country and i cannot manage anywhere near that much....

@beingsneaky 5 жыл бұрын

yeah that lookss RREEEAAAALLLYYY easy..

@Berkeloid0 5 жыл бұрын

The video is about making living easy once you have the set up, it doesn't say it is easy to get it up and running...

@jfalbo 5 жыл бұрын

How much $ you have into this? ROI? Thanks

5 жыл бұрын

Wouldn't it be a bit neater and panel-space saving if the buttons would have the indicating light in them? Even dual or triple color with a LED?

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, but I did not have access to those kind of buttons when I built this unit. Most likely I will switch over to HMI in the future.

5 жыл бұрын

@@HighTechLab I worked for many years in the gaming/slots industries and there were these plastic or metal+plastic buttons with a replaceable microswitch and a bulb holder for slots keyboard. There is a huge variety of models nowadays and they are cheap and meant for really heavy bashing. With this kind of light usage they will last for ever and you can choose your brand of microswitches for ultimate reliance.

@march11stoneytony 9 ай бұрын

Ive worked at factories with less robust control systems.

@brianborell4469 5 жыл бұрын

Why the external manual timers? Click PLC's have plenty of timers built in.

@HighTechLab 5 жыл бұрын

If you check out some of my newer videos you'll see I changed out to a HMI Panel and am using internal timers. At this point it was existing and easy to convert over.