Table 1 Summary Of Input Modes - Alpha OutBack Power Radian Series Operator's Manual

Mode Summary
Accepts power
from an
irregular or
Generator
low-quality
AC source
Adds battery
power to
augment an
AC source that
Support
has limited
output
Inverter sells
excess power
(renewable) to
utility
Grid
Tied
In grid failure,
unit switches to
batteries with
UPS
fastest possible
response time
In grid failure,
unit switches
batteries to
support loads
Backup
Stays off grid
most of the
time; only uses
Mini Grid grid when
batteries low
On-grid but
actual grid use
is "zeroed out"
with battery and
Grid Zero
renewable
power; does not
sell or charge
900-0161-01-01 Rev B
Table 1 Summary of Input Modes
Benefits
Can use AC that may be
unusable in other modes
Can charge even with
poor generator or
low-quality AC source
Can use battery power
in conjunction with
AC source
Offset operation sends
excess DC to loads
Bidirectional input
Can reduce utility bills
and still provide backup
Offset
operation sends
excess DC to loads
Any additional Offset
excess is sold to the grid
Quick backup for
sensitive devices during
grid outage
Simple use compared
to other modes; often
used with generators for
this reason
Less idle power than UPS
Does not drain battery as
in Support
Can minimize/eliminate
dependence on grid
Offset operation sends
excess DC to loads (but
only when on grid)
Can minimize/eliminate
dependence on grid
Offset operation sends
excess DC to loads at
adjustable rate
Remains on-grid to avoid
transfer problems
Cautions Intended
Will pass irregular or Source:
low-quality power to the Generator
output; could damage
Loads:
sensitive loads
Non-
Offset unavailable
sensitive
devices
Drains batteries during Source:
support; intended for
Grid or
intermittent use only
Generator
May not function with
Loads:
low-quality AC source
Can be
larger than
AC source
Requires utility approval Source:
Other approvals may be Grid
required depending on
Loads:
electrical codes
Any type
Has exact requirements
for accepting AC input
Requires renewable
energy source
Uses higher idle power Source:
than other modes
Grid
Search function
Loads:
unavailable
PC, audio,
video, etc.
Offset unavailable
Has none of the special Source:
functions described in
Grid or
other modes
Generator
Loads:
Any type
Will not work properly Source:
unless renewable source
Grid
is above a certain size
Loads:
Conflicts with related
Any type
modes in system display
Discharges batteries Source:
while remaining on grid
Grid
Will not work properly
Loads:
unless renewable source
Any type
is above a certain size
Battery charger
inoperative
Operation
Charger
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
settings.
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Performs three-stage
charge and goes
silent as specified by
user settings.
Performs three-stage
charge on reconnect;
if charger is disabled,
inverter emulates
charge cycle from
external source and
reacts accordingly
Charger inoperative;
batteries must be
charged using an
external (renewable)
energy source
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