Airstream Touring Coach Interstate 19 2023 Energy Management System (EMS) User Manual
Energy Management System (EMS)
The Energy Management System is located in the rear roof locker above the TV. A complete, detailed EMS manual is included with your owner’s packet.
The ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM controls 120-volt operated circuits to help keep the total 120-volt current draw to less than 30 amps. When operating on generator power the 120-volt draw will be less than 20 amps. These circuits may be any type load, but are typically heavier loads, those whose use can be “postponed” until a time when current is available for their use.
Circuit Protection
Circuit protection for ALL 120 VAC loads are standard residential resettable circuit breakers install in the Power Center (120 VAC section). Airstream has pre-installed the correct breakers per RVIA (NEC) listing requirements for the touring coach. The MAIN breaker for the touring coach is 30 amp and feeds the branch-breakers in the breaker box. Shutting off the MAIN breaker will remove power to all branch loads, except for receptacles on the Inverter circuit when the inverter mode is “ENABLED”. The Inverter/converter contains a resettable 20 amp input breaker and a 15 amp output breaker. The remaining power center branch-breakers feed individual loads and are defined by the label affixed next to the breakers. The source for 120 VAC power to the power center can come from either the shoreline plug when connected to a campsite or the touring coach’s generator, when running. If plugged into shoreline power, and the generator is started, the power feed to the power center will be coming from the generator.
The main and general load branch-breakers are operated similar to a light switch with up as “ON” and down as “OFF”. If an overload condition or a short occurs the switch will snap to the “OFF” position.
The load for this breaker will now be “OFF”. Before resetting the breaker be aware of any device that may have been plugged in or turned “ON” which may have caused the breaker to overload. Unplug or turn “OFF” the possibly faulty device before resetting the breaker. To reset the breaker, you will need external AC power going to the breaker box (shoreline or generator), then firmly push the breaker switch to the “OFF” position then back to the “ON” position. If the breaker snaps back to the “OFF” position while resetting, a fault condition still exists and should be serviced by a qualified Service Technician. If the breaker stays “ON” but snaps back to “OFF” after plugging in or turning ON the possibly faulty device a fault condition may exist in that device and should be serviced by a qualified Technician.
The power center Ground Fault Interrupt Circuit (GFCI) breaker is a special breaker that will provide additional safety to the occupants of the touring coach on the following receptacles; external, galley, lavatory, and entertainment. In addition to short circuit and overload protection the GFCI will shut off the breaker if any current feeding out of the breaker does not return to it. As in the case of a person contacting the electrical energized part of the GFCI circuit and an electrically conductive object not associated with the circuit. Refer to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and GFCI Breaker Test in this section for more information.
Operation
In operation, when 120 VAC and 12 VDC are initially applied, the system will energize the relays at one second intervals, closing the normally open contacts on each of the relays while monitoring the total current. If the total should exceed the service limit, the system will turn off the last load that was turned on. As it does this, it calculates the amount of current that was removed, which is the value for that load. This value is placed in memory. The system has “learned” the amount of current that particular appliance draws. This feature compensates for the difference in current draw over a range of line voltage and ambient temperature, by relearning the load each time it is turned off. The system now waits until the total current is lower than the service limit, by the amount in memory, before it will turn that load back on. This ensures that there is sufficient current to operate the load.
Display Panel
The display panel requires little user interaction and is provided to help the user understand power management. The display monitors the total AC current of the touring coach and prevents circuit breaker tripping by momentarily shedding loads. As additional appliances are turned on the system will begin to shed loads. As appliances are turned off, and a minimum of two minutes has expired, the system will automatically restore power to each of the shed loads.
Service
The “Select” button allows the service type to be set to either 15, 20, or 30 amps to match the incoming service. When power is first applied, the system will be in the 30 amp mode and the screen will display “Service 30A”. Momentarily pressing the “SELECT” button will switch the system to the 20 amp mode. Momentarily pressing the button again will switch the system to the 15 amp mode. Press the “SELECT” button to switch to either 15 or 20-amp service if it is necessary to use an adaptor or you know the shoreline power is 15 or 20 amps, The screen will display either “Service 15A” or “Service 20A”.
The generator supplies 20 amp service and is set to switch the system automatically to the 20 amp mode whenever the generator is the power source. The screen will display “Generator 20A” when the generator is supplying power.
Status
The roof A/C and microwave are set at the factory to be the controlled circuits and are shed in this order.
This means if a power-hungry appliance is plugged into an outlet and the system begins to use more than 30-amps it will begin to shed loads and will shut off the A/C.
Generator
The onboard generator makes your RV house’s electrical system fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120 volts when there is no shore power available. To use the generator you simply start it. All switching is done automatically. The generator can be started from any of the Multiplex panels. It is easier on your generator and appliances if you’ll allow the generator to reach its normal operating speed (about a minute) prior to applying heavy current loads.
Do not operate the generator in an enclosed building or in a partly enclosed area such as a garage. Nor should the generator be operated while sleeping. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual and the generator manufacturer’s manual.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Airstream Touring Coach Interstate 19 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.airstream.com/owners/manuals/