Double Pole AC panel with meters and RCBO for shore power + inverter applications.
When an inverter is employed to provide AC power when away from a shore power connection, and for vessels that have basic AC power requirements, the ACPA02 panel provides a very cost effective solution that meets Australian standards. The panel is available in four configurations:
- Horizontal format with analogue meters (Volts & Amps) and two RCBO safety switches
- Horizontal format with digital multimeter (Volts, Amps, Watts & Frequency) and two RCBO safety switches
- Vertical format with analogue meters (Volts & Amps) and two RCBO safety switches
- Vertical format with digital multimeter (Volts, Amps, Watts & Frequency) and two RCBO safety switches
The panel is the core element of a complete AC power distribution system using both shore power and an inverter/charger (or seperate inverter and battery charger). When away from the dock, an inverter can provide AC power to onboard appliances. Either an inverter/charger or inverter can be used as long as it has a transfer function that can switch to inverter mode if mains power is not present.
The shore power inlet has an idicator to warn if a reverse polarity condition exists. The AC panel provisions electrical metering and an RCBO's for connection to AC loads via power outlets. All AC power outlets must employ double pole switching.
An earth plate is required as an electrode to connect the vessel earth to the surrounding sea water. However an issue with the earth plate is that it presents a problem associated with electrolysis that might allow stray DC currents to flow between ajacent vessels that can cause corroision of underwater gear. Either an isolation transformer or galvanic isolator is used to block stray DC current - the latter being the least expensive. An isolation transformer is recommended for aluminium hull vessels.
Two current transformers are provided on the panel for measuring current flow. A switch selects the display of AC amps from either the shore power source or inverter/charger output. One RCBO supplies power to circuits that are powered only from shore power and the other sources power to circuits reserved for just shore power or inverter operation. For example, a hot water system or battery charger should only be powered from the shore power source. The seperation is required in the case of heavy consuming devices - for example a hot water system that can not practically use battery power for heating hot water.
The meter switch can also inhibit the operation of the inverter (if the function is availbable) when in shore power metering mode. This will ensure that the batteries are not depleted if the shore power source is accidentally broken.
When away from the dock, a small generator could be plugged into the shore power facilty. The panel (and system) is rated for a nominal 230 volt operation at maximum current of 16 amps.
