Fully automatic portable/whole house generator
Just got the install finished for the in-laws. I set the delay times while I was programming the controller in my garage,, but after having it all put together, I feel like I need to extend some of the delay times.. would like to get some feedback from you guys. It took me months to get the controller programmed to make it work, but if I do another, it would only take about 5 minutes. Lol. It started off as a science experiment, and my OCD wouldn’t let me stop till I made it work.
This controller is basically dozens of delay relays and “IFTTT” settings
When it senses the loss of volts from the grid, it starts a timer (the timer restarts every time the grid power flickers on/off), i think i have it set at 15 seconds after the last grid voltage was detected, it starts the generator- it sends 12v to the NG valve to open it up and then a ground signal to the starter switch on the generator. I have it set at 6 seconds crank time followed by 6 seconds break between cranking. I have it set to try up 8 starts before it times out and won’t try again, unless you reset the controller.
Once the controller detects volts, or hz, or engine speed of at least 1800 rpm from the generator, it will end the starter cranking. I have it set to run about 20 seconds (to warm up) and then the controller sends 12v+ to the Generac ATS to the “194 +12v”, and “23 transfer” goes to ground, and that activates the solenoid that transfers from grid power to generator power.
Once the controller senses the return of at least 220v for at least 20 seconds, it starts the shutdown sequence- first activating the ATS solenoid to transfer power back from the grid, and then cuts off the n/g valve, and generator goes back to auto-standby mode
Here are some pics of what I have going on: