Extra inverter cooling

I appreciate that another user has already shown a way to get thermostatically-controlled fan cooling to keep temperatures down on the inverter heatsinks, but I thought it might also be worth describing how I have done it, as the way I went about it requires no breaking into power wires to insert thermo-switches.
I used a twin USB-powered aquarium cooling fan set, a simple 2A USB power supply that plugs into a 13A socket. and a thermostatic controller that does the same, has a remote probe and allows for adjustment of the temperatures that cut the fans in and out. Power draw is very low - 5W or so I believe.
None of it requires anything other than a 13A socket (which could be an extension lead if you don't have a socket near to the inverter), no drilling or cutting or modification in any way of the Givenergy unit (the fans simply sit on top and draw air up through the heatsinks, and the temperature probe is clamped to a heatsink fin with a small bulldog clip.)

I like this approach as it needs no wiring or soldering, and can be considered "automatic" as you can set the upper and lower temperatures

I will list the parts I used (all from Amazon), and I think simply viewing them will make the set-up easily understandble, but if anyone needs a picture I can do that later. You could probably reduce the costs if you sourced direct from China (I wanted UK sourced items on the "Prime" next day delivery schedule). Total cost around £37.

Fans: ELUTENG USB Fan 80mm 2 In 1 Computer Fan 5V 80 mm Fan 2700RPM 32CFM Dual USB PC Fans Cooling Radiator with Black Metal Grill Double Fans for Laptop / PS4 / TV Box/AV Cabint 8cm

Thermostatic controller: KETOTEK Digital Thermostat Plug Temperature Controller Socket Outlet 220V with Sensor Probe, LCD Temperature Control Switch Thermostatic Plug Heating Cooling for Greenhouse Fridge Reptile

USB PSU: Multibao USB Power Adapter, UK Mains Charger, 5V 2A USB Plug, 5V 2A UK 3 Pin USB Charger Wall Plug Power Adapter for Tablet PC Ebook Reader, USB Fan, Mirror Lights

Hope this helps. Running flat out yesterday (3Kw battery charge), the inverter temperature according to portal data was 43C, dropped below 25C within 10 minutes with the fans on. I appreciate that the ambient temp yesterday was not high, but even so, this could avoid power limiting due to temperature in the summer.

My attempt does not cut into or affect the inverter in any way. It hangs underneath from some copper wire hoocked over the top, bottom feed as blowing in air is more efficient than sucking out air when there is an opening on one side.

anabanet ditto. Put 3 small computer fans underneath that I happen to have lying around anyway - added in a temperature controller that allows upper and lower limit to be set. Taped the sensor probe to the heat sink fins of the inverter. Underneath is better I think as the air movement will tend to drag a great volume of air with it as it's already naturally rising.

I've set the upper limit to 50C - as I don't want it coming on all the time - just in summer when the garage tends to get very hot and therefore I suspect the inverter will too. Currently the inverter internal temp reaches about 45C during overnight continuous charging, with passive cooling only.

I fitted a 120mm USB cooling fan which runs all the time. I used to make lasers so know cooling before the load is applied will give better life of the product. it draws around 5-10w constantly which is nothing to the 40w the BMS drinks.

I noticed 10 degrees lower temperatures when charging and discharging.

Do you all have the wifi adapter for the inverter? I was looking at the spec sheet before ordering a fan and it looks like there is only 1 usb port on the inverter which is used by the wifi dongle. My setup is external so I have no other power sockets nearby but would like to add a fan. Just not sure the best way to do it.

Would the fan not be exposed to the elements in your situation? If so, maybe not a good idea?
But to answer your question - yes I have the wifi dongle installed, so could not use the inverter USB port for power.

I have found some outdoor use usb fans and the whole thing is under a cover so does not get directly hit by sunlight or rain etc.

THALL Could you have your supplier connect the EPS port to an external IP65 power socket to get you a remote supply?

Tim Not my original installer, but I know a guy who could sort that out for me. Might check with my new solar installer too and see how much he would want as they are already on site.

A thought. For those not using EPS, you could easily adapt a USB adaptor to fit inthe space where the eps connector is. Then you could have a USB source right on the inverter itself. I will try build one tomorrow as a look see....

This would be of interest for me @anabanet. our inverters and batteries are all indoors and the inverter can get a little toasty when running at full tilt. Being able to set some fans up to just aid the cooling would be welcome. Apologies if you've got a thread or something somewhere I've missed.

Since my system is AC coupled, I found the AC inverter in the attic was also getting really hot when the panels were generating at full capacity, (it reported 60C). So I rigged up the same additional cooling system for that one too.
I figured it would end up derating once roofspace temperatures climbed. And anyway, I don't like electronics operating at high temperatures, it must reduce lifespan.

dbt85 I got two USB fans from Amazon for each inverter. I wired in a 40 degree thermocouple ( if doing it again I would use a 45 degree thermocouple ) Strapped the fans at teh base of the fins making sure the airflow was 'up'. then plugged into the usb adaptor.

Now, when the temperature gets to around 45 degrees in the inverter, the fans kick in, flowing air upwards over the fins. This definately cools the system around 10 degrees vs previous load. temperature.

anabanet While I would love to do this I have the wifi adapter in the usb port. My install is external so no power socket nearby to run anything from.

THALL What about something like this? https://www.amazon.co.uk/20000mAh-Protable-Waterproof-External-Flashlights-Yellow/dp/B09DPCQKRP

Go full on gaming PC - Watercool it & add some RGB lights!

chris_p The battery and inverter are on a north facing wall which only gets a tiny bit of sun first thing in the morning. But yeah, maybe.

THALL I am quite sure you could use the EPS port to drive a small usb adaptor plug. I am away at the moment, but I am sure there is space to put such a thing there. If you dont know how to build it I can make one for you.

THALL Already made one that fits into the space where the EPS screw terminals are. Adapted a plug-in USB charger and added a fuse. You simply wire it into the EPS and feed the USB cable into the free port space. If you like I can make another and send it to you.

anabanet I am not sure giv energy would be ok with this kind of attachment. But I am sorted out now, my friendly local sparky came and put an outside socket it. I am adding a smart plug and usb fans to run when the sun is out. Thank you for the offer though.

THALL No problem. I like tinkering.

wilfleek
I would like to thank you for taking the time to list the items.
I was working on this before I came across your post and to be honest I was over complicating the issue.
I have set up the fans and temp control and will now have something else to watch.

Billywizzer you are welcome.

wilfleek
Managed to reduce the top inverter temperature by 10 degrees.
Very pleased.

I've just added 2 x 120mm fans to my AC coupled. Yesterday at Max charge all day long, it peaked at 67C, despite being outside, and plenty of clearance around it. Running at 12A all day long (in the hottest part of the day) charging 15.6kwh, certainly was hard for the inverter.
Today will see how much of a reduction 10C seems to be the normal reduction others have seen

wilfleek thanks for taking the time to detail your solution. Just ordered all that kit

With 2 cheap 100mm fans. Quiet ines so not fast spinning. The peak was 52C.reduction of 15C.
Have just swapped them for a trio of variable speed ones. On their slowest speed give same air flow as the previous 2.
On fast, it's like a wind tunnel out the top of the inverter.

I'm the type of person who thinks too much is never enough.
I have 4 x 80mm fans
Plus
2 x 120mm fans all running from a thermocouple connection.
Working really well, all equipment in the loft and the temperature of the inverter hasn't gone over 45 degrees.

Fitted twin 120 fans to top of Hybrid inverter and the temperature controlled plug. Past week peak load temperature was 56/58DegC, last two days since fitting about 46/48DegC. So an 8 to 10 degC reduction.

I've just got the inverter and battery in my air conditioned workshop. 🤣

Amazing how easily you can go off someone, 🤣

Indeed

To be fair, when I built the workshop, I wanted it to be well insulated so that stuff didn't go rusty and it would be comfortable to work in (5" structural insulated panels for walls and roof, no windows). After some years I invested in a split unit aircon, which cools it in summer, heats it in winter and allows me to do high precision work that just couldn't be done in an uncontrolled environment.

Now it's got the solar panels on the roof, comfort is costing nothing!

I just wish the house were as well insulated.

Anyone happy to share photos of your setups with fans? My inverter has hit 60C over the resent v hot weather and I am interested to see how you have put this all together... I am trying to work out some mounting plates (Inverter is outside under a shelter) to hold the fans and then run the power from inside the house.

Find attached images for my installation.
The fan unit just rests on the top of the Hybrid inverter blowing vertically. The temperature probe is just bulldog clipped to one of the heat sink fins.
Probably not the most efficient way as would be better underneath blowing up, but am getting 8-10degC cooling effect and the fans on their rubber mounts are barely audible.
(https://postimg.cc/1f3FfG3y][/url]
(https://postimg.cc/LhTf9CRy][/url]

Mine is set up just like DIGs - works fine. The fans "suck" air upwards over the heatsinks.

DIG mucho gracias DIG!
Was thinking along similar lines. I do wonder if 2 at the top sucking and 2 at the bottom blowing would have any compound affect on the overall drop?
Now all I need to do is work out how to get the power through my wall !!

Mark_LaPensee Get the EPS circuit wired up and use that socket for the fans?

DIG , is that a Gen1 or Gen2 hybrid inverter?
And, has a mounting bracket been used which slightly spaces the inverter heatsink off the back wall?
Can anyone confirm if the heatsink has the same dimensions on both?

I am due to have a 5kW Gen2 hybrid inverter installed next month, and want to get prepared with extra cooling.

TX200 EPS circuit? Sorry new to this game 😉

Its a Gen 1 Hybrid 3.6 inverter.
The 120 dia fans just sit on the top pushed up against the wall backing board.

As the fans are slightly raised on their rubber feet, there is a small gap between the underside of the fans and the top of the inverter. I have added a cardboard "skirt" around the fans to form a duct to further seal this gap.
However, this made no significant improvement to cooling so it has been removed.

For extra info, still experimenting with temperature probe settings as probe temperature obviously doesn't relate accurately to internal inverter temperature.
temperature probe is set to activate fans at 34degC on and 30degC off.
In the recent heat wave, 28-30degC average locally, the inverter temperature never rose above 44degC when under full load. Previous data shows peaks of 57degC.

Mark_LaPensee emergency power supply. Something you can ask the engineer to wire up, from the inverter, either to a double socket or to something more complicated like a lighting circuit etc.

Search the community for eps - there’s a few posts about it and a document from giv energy on the options.

This is great. Thanks DIG and other who have done this.
I did this also although my two fans are on the underside blowing upward and I don't have the temperature probe/plug as the on/off. I do have the plug/temp probe ready to go but instead currently just have the fans connected to a smart plug which has a timer (Apple Home app) and so they switch on at 09:00 and turn off currently at 20:00. They run constantly between these times drawing next to nothing and yes, I also see about a 10 degC drop and topped out at 58 degC on the hottest of days, normally peaks at 48 degC on a 'normal' summers day. 5kw Hybrid inverter with 6.3kw on a south south west facing roof with a 5.2kwh battery (9.5kwh on order)
Cheers,
Jon.

very easy, I used
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WK16JSX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and 12V adapter a 2x PC fans ...

wilfleek sorry to drag up an old thread..can I ask what temp you set the plug to come on at and switch off that powers the fans?

I would say on at 50+ and off at 40 is fine

TheDragon (GivEnergy)

Thanks that's probably inverter internal temperature? How about ambient temp of the heat sink?

Mine is only switched on in the summer and it operates on the ambient temperature of the cupboard it is all stored in. From memory, it kicks in at about 30deg C 'ish

The cooler the electronics are, the longer they last.

michaelmcgoldrick There's another thread where I posted about the battery temperature reported by GivTCP. I had seen that when the battery is charging or discharging at maximum, the battery temperature reported in the portal (cell temperatures) rises three or four degrees above ambient but the BMS temperature rockets from ambient to almost 50°C. This has also been seen by another forum member whose battery is in his garage when the ambient temperature was about 10°C.

Our inverter cooling is controlled by a DIY ESP32 which has a number of relays and three thermocouples measuring the air: coming into our cupboard from under the floor; between the batteries and the inverters; and above the inverters. Until now, I had the passive fin fans switch on when the portal reported the inverter temperature rising above 40°C and switching off when falling below 39°C. Because we have two inverters in the old airing cupboard, I found that to keep the inverters cool when they were at 6kW power each (PV charging battery and EV on charge at the same time plus export), I had to exhaust air from above the inverters using a bathroom extract fan which cut in when either of the inverters temperature reached 45°C and off when both inverter temperatures fell below 40°C.

This is a graph of data for one inverter today showing the inverter and battery BMS temperatures, the ambient temperature above and below the inverter (ie between the battery and inverter) and showing when the passive fin fans cut in.

I am now changing the logic to look at the BMS temperature as well. The BMS can reach high temperatures because of the current passing through, so while the reported inverter temperatures may not be that high, the BMS can be. I'm not sure whether adding a "desk fan" to create some turbulence in the cupboard would be a better means of helping the batteries stay cool or just to cut in the extract fan at a lower temperature.

With regards to what ambient temperature to switch on a fan, I guess it depends on where the inverter is sited. If it's in a cool garage or outside on a shaded wall, then having a set point of maybe 20°C might be appropriate whereas if it's inside a property where temperatures are normally greater than 16°C, then a set point of 24°C might work. However using the ambient temperature (IMO) is a poor indicator of whether additional cooling would be of benefit.

michaelmcgoldrick I currently have the system set very conservatively - fans on at 35C, off at 30C (heatsink temperature). My view being that a couple of cheap fans are very expendable compared to the inverter electronics!

Even so, during high ambient (summer) periods, the fans "lose control" for some periods of maximum battery charge/discharge, but still keep the inverter temperature reported on the portal inverter page well down.

Just get a couple of cheap USB PC fans and sit them on top of the inverter. Let them run 24/7. They're cheap to replace when they eventually fail.
It's easy to overthink this stuff. Simple and cheap wins every time.
The principle of K.I.S.S. applies.

https://amzn.eu/d/fxJXLpD

With home assistant would it be possible to turn on a smart plug once invertor temp went above a certain threshold and off when it drops? I assume givtcp exposes inverter temp?

michaelmcgoldrick it is possible, givtcp does expose it, and I and many other do it that way. Mine comes on at 35c and off at 30c.

dbt85 cheers I set up the automation last night with a smart plug.. don't have a fan or socket near the inverter yet but wanted to test it.. ha reported the last triggered for on and off at the same time which is a bit confusing

Take a look at Shelly devices. They make a range of devices, some with remote temperature sensors that can switch up to 16A based on temperature, time of day, sunrise/sunset etc and also send alerts via email if certain trigger points are reached. I use one on my garage fridge to turn on a fan when radiator is hot, or tun on heater If temperature <11Deg (and also switch off fridge if temp remains <10deg.

My system uses the GiveEnergy AC control unit plus a separate GroWatt inverter for the panels. I wasn't too concerned about the AC unit as that only handles 3kW inversion for the batteries and doesn't get too hot. The GroWatt can handle 6kW from the arrays and was getting quite hot when handling peak.

I use a W1209 temperature control module to control a pair of PC fans mounted on a shelf below the inverter to blow air up through the fins. On temperature is set to 45C and off at 40C. The fans only come on when inverter is working fairly hard but are effective in ensuring temperature is maintained, Duty cycle is about 50% when at peak load.

Module is very cheap and easy to set up and use.

Nobody fitting a heat exchanger to hot water yet…pfff this forums gone down hill :-p

Actually, mine keeps my classic in the garage nice and warm. 😃

hoggy water cooled Inverter, hmmmmmm

TheDragon (GivEnergy) Nooooo risk of pump failure!

KISS - keep it simple stupid :-) (something my old college teacher always said)

THALL Used to love water cooling CPUs, till one day it split.

TheDragon (GivEnergy) I wonder how that happened. My now ancient 6700k has been under a block for years and its never dripped a drop!

TheDragon (GivEnergy) Same here. Entire pc build, gpo cpu ram even m2 ssd's lol. Now I just air cool. Less maintenance.

I'm almost there with some additional cooling. Fans arrived today from Amazon and I've set up automation with home assistant to turn on and off a givenergy smart plug based on the inverter temp which is provided by givetcp. All I need now is a socket where the inverter is located and I'll be good to go.. electrician wiring one in for me next Saturday

That's the automation kicking in.. hoping the fans help shorten the window.. have them coming on when temp goes above 35 and off when below 30..

michaelmcgoldrick I think 30-35 is a tad low. 40-50 be better, as summer comes along, your fans will be on 24/7 with a temp that low.

Also if you've got a set of variable speed fans, the 120mm ones, 3 or 4 on VERY low speed are just as good as one or 2 at max chat.
When my 3 are on, you can hardly hear them, unless you get up close.

Mine are mounted under the inverter, blowing upwards, so assisting the natural flow of warm air

TheDragon (GivEnergy) thanks yeah im just testing the temps at the moment.. the highest im seeing is when the battery charging overnight - for now i was going to sit the fans on top of the invertor blowing upwards. They are variable speed fans but via a switch which is low/medium/high. im guessing pulling away hot air isnt as efficient as blowing up from the bottom of the invertor but its the easiest solution for now. Noise isnt a concern as its all tucked away in the 'old oil boiler room' which is its own little room built into the side of the house.. kinda under the stairs with an external door.. ive added vents to the external door and may add more to add additional airflow.

im wondering if an exhaust fan like this would be better than a cooling fan on the inverter?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extractor-Condensation-Cloakroom-Ventilator-Ventilation/dp/B084RP9SCJ/ref=d_pd_pb_int_sa_ss_sccl_4_1/262-0489287-7308942?pd_rd_w=m2q9m&content-id=amzn1.sym.c51400fd-c33d-4fdd-a332-685645b06765&pf_rd_p=c51400fd-c33d-4fdd-a332-685645b06765&pf_rd_r=PN6AZ7ZB8HB3TN5YQBMD&pd_rd_wg=Gdjs1&pd_rd_r=2b8835e5-a39d-4023-92f4-03a1303da8d7&pd_rd_i=B084RMCRRV&th=1

Here's pictures of where my invertor and battery packs are

i have two more of the same vents i could add to the door.. and fans to sit on top of the inverter once i have a socket wired up in there..

Got my socket fitted and fans mounted above the inverter today

michaelmcgoldrick , not sure the fans will be very effective mounted there. The warm air will probably recirculate round from the ceiling and back to the fan intakes. Closer to the top of the inverter would probably be better.

It appears your installer did not follow the GE guidance from the online training course with regards to the required free space around the inverter. Obviously limited by your available space.

Simon_C yeah I'll see how I go. Space limited for sure but was only neat space we had. I keep a close eye on it with temp sensors

First night with the fans. My battery was fairly full so didn't need a huge change. During charging the fans kicked in and seemed to keep the inverter temp around 32 degrees compared to temps of 40 the other nights

Will keep an eye on it but last two nights whole charging batteries temp didn't go above 33 degrees.. other nights would hit 40.. so the fans must be doing something

Plot from last night.. inverter temp hits 35 at peak fans kick in and then pretty quickly drops down about ten degrees.. fans definitely having an impact. Fan stays on for about an hour and then once the temp drops below 30 stop.. happy out with the result. Will see how the summer goes - might end up adjusting on/off temps a bit

michaelmcgoldrick In your install location, against the recommended will certainly benefit from fans.

A summer in there would not be a plesent place to be if you were an inverter

I have fans on both my Ge battery inverter in the garage and the solar panel inverter in the loft. The latter was getting very toasty during hihg ambient periods last summer.

How much would it gave cost GE to include a couple of fans controlled by the internal temperature sensor? Not a lot. Probably <<£10 for this they could have happily charged >>£50 I'm sure.
For my sins, I'm using a Shelly+ controller with accessory add on and 3 temperature sensors mounted inside a 50mm MK switch patress and two 120mm main fans below the inverter, cost to me _£30. I can monitor remotely and change the settings on my `phone.. its currently holding the exhaust temperature at 35deg, 10 above ambient while the inverter reports 45deg.

mwilliams2 to be fair I've friends with other makes of inverters and they seem to run way hotter than the givenergy models

TheDragon (GivEnergy)

Water cooling everything is part of my day job and even immersion cooling.

Would be interesting to take a battery BMS and pop a better heat sink on it wither thermal paste. It might actually help it balance cells more quickly as the power it bleeds off goes at least partly to heat.