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The Powerwall 2 Backup Gateway has a simple 200A disconnect switch. When the Gateway computer detects that the grid parameters are out of the acceptable range, it isolates the backed up side of the switch from the grid by opening the contacts. It is that simple. At that point, the Powerwall(s) become the micro-grid master and they do what they can to keep the power stable without the grid.The Gateway uses mechanical relays to switch between the various sources and loads, right?
Thanks very much for any information on the method, contact types, ratings, etc.
So the PW switching is not fast enough to prevent home electronics from seeing the drop?We just lost power, only the TiVo saw it and re-booted. PWs on but no solar.
So the PW switching is not fast enough to prevent home electronics from seeing the drop?
There are a couple factors:
Until the gateway opens the circuit, your house and the grid are at the same level. If there is a sudden drop, that will impact devices (or if they are more sensitive to low voltages than the PW trip point).
The Powerwalls have a delay when switching modes from charging to discharging. So if they were charging when the grid dropped out, that would increase the time to start supplying power.
If there are super critical loads, then a small UPS will keep them happy during the switchover.
I have most of my computer equipment on UPSs and they switch very quickly. We have frequent power "blips" where the lights flash and the UPSs will briefly trigger. The problem has been with audio equipment where the power supplies in some expensive equipment have been damaged. I have PWs being installed this month and was hoping they would smooth things out, but it sounds like that is only the case if the load is low and the PWs are charging from the solar. So it looks like I'll still need small UPSs on the sensitive equipment.
I have most of my computer equipment on UPSs and they switch very quickly. We have frequent power "blips" where the lights flash and the UPSs will briefly trigger. The problem has been with audio equipment where the power supplies in some expensive equipment have been damaged. I have PWs being installed this month and was hoping they would smooth things out, but it sounds like that is only the case if the load is low and the PWs are charging from the solar. So it looks like I'll still need small UPSs on the sensitive equipment.
Our solar/PowerWall installation should be completed today, waiting for PTO from the utility company to turn everything on.
I've already notified our installers I want to run some acceptance tests to verify the system will be able to operate at a full load (everything in our house running) when we switch from grid to PowerWall and PowerWall to grid, and that all of the UPS systems operate through those transitions keeping our computers/TiVo/cable modem/cable DVR/routers running without having to reboot.
I'm not expecting any problems - but want to validate this all works before giving them their final payment...