RV OEMs will realize significant savings in the installation, acquisition and support costs of Xanbus-enabled products. Xantrex has designed a single form factor, common communications network and common accessory family for all power levels of the RS Inverter/Charger. This means today’s installation design will be usable on future design variations of a coach.

Xanbus allows a coach builder to develop custom systems for particular coaches and to configure all devices on the network in one operation. This will significantly reduce installation time, with similar benefits during upgrades and configuration changes. Increased reliability, clear and accurate information for the end user, and rapid diagnostics will help minimize future support costs.

The network allows more diagnostic information to be delivered in plain language to the user via the Xantrex System Control Panel. This reduces technical support calls and increases successful fault diagnosis over the phone. For the technician, more detailed information is available via the Xanbus Diagnostic Tool. The result will be less down time and a better support experience for the customer, and cost savings for the OEM.

RS Inverter/Chargers
The Xantrex RS Inverter/Charger is at the core of a Xanbus Enabled system. It delivers power to the rest of the system, automatically switching between external AC power and inverted battery power, depending on availability and demand. The RS can be configured to support typical battery types found on coaches.

A next generation inverter/charger, the RS incorporates many industry firsts and has unmatched capabilities. Its three stage charging system uses temperature sensing and equalization to ensure peak charging efficiency, while maximizing battery life. Power factor correction provides optimal charging; a similar charger without this correction would draw 30% more AC current. Onboard an RV, this translates to more AC power available for air conditioners, microwaves and other AC devices while charging.

System Control Panel
The Xantrex System Control Panel is the user’s window to their RV power management system. It clearly presents information about an RV’s power system on one easy to use control panel using rich text and graphics. It also provides capabilities that are not available in earlier generation inverter/chargers. It uses a 128 x 64 pixel graphical display to provide detailed system and component information. For easy navigation between screens, it has a simple menu system that is modelled after popular cell phone menu structures.

Software for the SCP and all system components is field upgradeable. This means the panel’s functionality can grow to accommodate future network expansion.

Automatic Generator Start
The Xantrex AGS is a key networked component for those who use their generators extensively. The AGS can be programmed to start and stop the generator under the following conditions:

• Low battery voltage and low state of charge – the AGS ensures that battery charge level is maintained by the generator

• Thermostat indicates temperature is higher or lower than the user has programmed – the AGS starts the generator to support operation of air conditioning or heating to maintain appropriate ambient temperature

• Fluctuating inverter load demand – the AGS will start and stop the generator to ensure the appropriate amount of power is available to meet overall power demands without user intervention.

• Time of Day – the AGS will automatically stop the generator during user-selectable quiet hours and restart in the morning.

Other network components coming soon include the DC Monitor and Remote Control Panel. The DC Monitor provides precise reporting of battery voltage, DC ripple, charge/discharge current and additional information such as DC current net of charger or inverter draw, state of charge and state of health. The Remote Control Panel is a simplified version of the System Control Panel designed for applications or areas where a graphic display and detailed functionality are not needed.

Other manufacturers’ devices, such as levellers and room extensions from HWH Corporation, will be monitored and operated over Xanbus from a common control panel. This reduces clutter and gives an OEM the opportunity to easily differentiate coaches and product lines.

With Xanbus, Xantrex can help boat and RV manufacturers create solutions and services that bring comfort and convenience to their customers. In the aftermarket, owners will appreciate the convenience and added reliability of Xanbus-enabled products. Contact your Xantrex representative <link to buy section, search tied to products that are Xanbus-enabled> to design a Xanbus system that meets your needs.

For more information on some of the concepts discussed on this page, check the following links:

Information about CANBus:

1. http://focus.ti.com/lit/an/sloa101/sloa101.pdf
2. http://www.kvaser.se/can/