Alpha DCX3000 Operator's Manual

DCX3000 Portable Generator

Operation Manual

3.0kW, 36/48V, DC Portable Generator

Effective: September 2006

Alpha Technologies

Alpha Technologies

Power

®

AlphaGen DCX3000

3.0kW, 36/48V DC Portable Generator
Operation Manual

041-028-B0-003, Rev. C

Effective Date: September 2006

Copyright© 2006

Alpha Technologies, Inc.

member of The Group

NOTE:

Photographs contained in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. These photographs may not match
your installation.

NOTE:

Operator is cautioned to review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If
there are questions regarding the safe operation of this powering system, please contact Alpha Technologies
or your nearest Alpha representative.

NOTE:

Alpha shall not be held liable for any damage or injury involving its enclosures, power supplies, generators,
batteries, or other hardware if used or operated in any manner or subject to any condition not consistent with
its intended purpose, or is installed or operated in an unapproved manner, or improperly maintained.

TM

Contacting Alpha Technologies: www.alpha.com

or

For general product information and customer service (7 AM to 5 PM, Pacifi c Time), call

1-800-863-3930

For complete technical support, call

1-800-863-3364

7 AM to 5 PM, Pacifi c Time or 24/7 emergency support

3

Table of Contents

Safety Notes ..........................................................................................................................6

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................8

2.0 Specifi cations.............................................................................................................. 9

3.0 Battery Cable Connections .......................................................................................10

3.1 Enclosures with Generator Access Door ....................................................... 10

3.2 Enclosures without Generator Access Door ...................................................11

3.3 Grounding ...................................................................................................... 16

4.0 Starting the Engine ................................................................................................... 18

5.0 Engine Shut-Down and Cable Removal ................................................................... 20

5.1 Long-term Storage ......................................................................................... 20

5.2 Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................................ 20

5.3 Transporting the Generator ............................................................................ 20

5.4 Fuse Replacement .........................................................................................21

6.0 Maintenance Record................................................................................................. 22

4

041-028-B0-003, Rev. C

List of Figures

Fig. 1-1, DCX3000 Overview ................................................................................................. 8

Fig. 1-2, Basic Block Diagram ............................................................................................... 8

Fig. 3-1, Generator Access Door and Battery Pack Adapter Cable ..................................... 10

Fig. 3-2, Enclosure without Generator Access Door.............................................................11

Fig. 3-3, Alligator Clamp-style Connection .......................................................................... 12

Fig. 3-4, Ring Lug-style Connection .................................................................................... 13

Fig. 3-5, Novus-style Connection ........................................................................................ 14

Fig. 3-6, Y-style Connection................................................................................................15

Fig. 3-7, Generator Grounding ............................................................................................ 16

Fig. 3-8, Overview of PWE Installation ................................................................................ 17

Fig. 4-1, Starting the Engine ................................................................................................18

Table 4-1, Battery Voltage and Output Indications .............................................................. 19

041-028-B0-003, Rev. C 5

Safety Notes

Review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If there are any questions
regarding the safe installation or operation of this product, contact Alpha Technologies or the nearest Alpha
representative. Save this document for future reference.

To reduce the risk of injury or death, and to ensure the continued safe operation of this product, the following
symbols have been placed throughout this manual. Where these symbols appear, use extra care and
attention.

ATTENTION:

The use of ATTENTION indicates specifi c regulatory/code requirements that may affect the placement of
equipment and /or installation procedures.

NOTE:

A NOTE provide additional information to help complete a specifi c task or procedure.

CAUTION!

The use of CAUTION indicates safety information intended to PREVENT DAMAGE to material or
equipment.

WARNING!

WARNING presents safety information to PREVENT INJURY OR DEATH to the technician
or user.

6

041-028-B0-003, Rev. C

General Safety Information

• The manufacturer cannot anticipate every circumstance that may involve a hazard, therefore, these
warnings are not all inclusive.

• Do not use the generator or any of its parts as a step.

• Generator must be properly grounded.

• Do not place or operate the generator in standing water, or expose to a forced spray of water.

• Do not make or break any connections while generator is running.

• Fuel spillage cleanup is the responsibility of the operator and should comply with local codes and
regulations.

• Do not refuel the generator while engine is running. Allow generator to cool before refueling.

• For fi re safety, the generator must be properly connected, maintained, and in compliance with applicable
codes and regulations.

• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly in closed or poorly ventilated areas.

• Prior to each use, inspect the generator for leaks and damage. Immediately repair or replace any
damaged parts.

• Never operate the generator near combustible materials.

• Ensure cables do not cross hot surfaces or sharp edges. Inspect cables before and after each use.

• Drain oil and empty the fuel tank before transporting. Fuel can leak from the fi ller cap if the generator is
tilted.

• Never refuel the generator in the vicinity of open fl ames of heat sources. Do not smoke near the
generator.

• The generator should be operated on level ground. If necessary, it may be operated on a grade <15°.

• Use only vendor-authorized repair parts.

• Do not operate generator unattended.

ATTENTION:

• Alpha Technologies’ products are subject to change through continual improvement processes. Therefore,
specifi cations and design layouts may vary slightly from descriptions included in this manual. Updates to
the manual are issued when changes affect form, fi t or function.

• This product is manufactured to conform to the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Part 15,
Class A regulations. It is intended to be used for commercial, industrial or business environments.

• This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

041-028-B0-003, Rev. C 7

1.0 Introduction

The Alphagen DCX3000 portable DC generator supplies DC power to a power node battery bus
during AC line interruptions. Upon loss of commercial AC power, the existing battery strings supply
the power supply inverters. After some interval of battery discharge, the operator deploys the portable
generator at the site to supply power to the DC bus. The generator delivers continuous, high-quality
power throughout the commercial AC interruption period. After restoration of commercial AC power,
the operator disconnects and removes the generator.

Status LEDs

1

Engine Switch

2

Choke

3

Fuel Valve

4

Voltmeter

5

Output Off Button

6

9

1

2

3

5

8

7

4

6

DC Out

7

Pull-start

8
9

Fuel Tank

Fig. 1-1, DCX3000 Overview

Engine Alternator Rectifier

Controller

DC Sense Feedback

Load

(batteries)

Fig. 1-2, Basic Block Diagram

8

041-028-B0-003, Rev. C