APsystems ECU-C Instruction Manual

Installation / User Manual
Rev 3.0
© All Rights Reserved
APsystems ECU-C Energy communication unit
with advanced functions

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
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Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions................................................................................... 2
1.Introduction............................................................................................................ 3
2.Interface Explanation............................................................................................. 4
Interface Layout............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 AC Input Port..............................................................................................................5
2.2 DC Input Port..............................................................................................................5
2.3 RJ45 Ethernet Network Port...................................................................................... 5
2.4 RJ45 Signal（Only for Australia）............................................................................. 5
2.5 AP............................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 Power......................................................................................................................... 6
2.7 USB Interface............................................................................................................. 6
2.8 Reset.......................................................................................................................... 6
2.9 LED............................................................................................................................. 6
3.Hardware Installation.............................................................................................7
3.1 Preparation................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU-C........................................................7
3.3 Cable Connections..................................................................................................... 9
3.4 RJ45 Signal connection.............................................................................................. 9
3.5 Internet Connection...................................................................................................9
3.6 Current transformer interface................................................................................. 11
3.7 Contactor connection.............................................................................................. 12
4.Basic Operation.................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Restore the factory set operation............................................................................13
5. ECUAPP................................................................................................................ 14
5.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless......................................................14
5.2 Add UID.................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Delete UID................................................................................................................15
5.4 Homepage................................................................................................................15
5.5 Data..........................................................................................................................16
5.6 Settings.....................................................................................................................18
5.7 EMA Registration function....................................................................................... 23
6.Local Network Interface....................................................................................... 25
6.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless......................................................25
6.2 Home Screen............................................................................................................25
6.3 Real-time Data Screen..............................................................................................27
6.4 Administration Screen..............................................................................................27
6.5 Advanced Screen......................................................................................................30
7.Remote ECU-C Management (EMA).................................................................... 32
7.1 ECU-C Configuration/ECU-C Status Page................................................................. 33
7.2 Setting the ECU-C Time Zone...................................................................................34
7.3 Managing Inverter IDs and Updating the Inverter ID List........................................34
8.Technical Data...................................................................................................... 36

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Important Safety Instructions
Symbols replace words on the equipment, on a display, or in
manuals
Trademark.
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Equipment protected throughout by double insulation or
reinforced insulation
CE mark is attached to the solar inverter to verify that the unit
follows the provisions of the European Low Voltage and EMC
Directives.
Qualified
personnel
Person adequately advised or supervised by an electrically
skilled person to enable him or her to perceive risks and to avoid
hazards which electricity can create. For the purpose of the
safety information of this manual, a "qualified person" is
someone who is familiar with requirements for safety,
refrigeration system and EMC and is authorized to energize,
ground, and tag equipment, systems, and circuits in accordance
with established safety procedures. The inverter and endues
system may only be commissioned and operated by qualified
personnel.

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1.Introduction
The APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU-C) is the information gateway
for our microinverters. The unit collects module performance data from each
individual microinverter and transfers this information to an Internet database in
real time. Through the APsystems Energy Monitoring and Analysis software, the
ECU-C gives you precise analysis of each microinverter and module in your solar
installation from any web-connected device. The ECU-C’s integrated http web
server offers the simplest and most flexible network integration of any data logger
on the market. The user-friendly browser-based interface lets you access your solar
array in seconds.
Features
Collects individual module and microinverter statistics
Remote communication
Requires no additional wiring
Applicable commercial system
The APsystems Microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied applications,
and is made up of three key elements:
APsystems Microinverter
APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU-C)
APsystems Energy Monitoring and Analysis (EMA) web-based
monitoring and analysis system
Figure 1

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2.Interface Explanation
Interface Layout
The ECU-C interface includes, (figure 2)from left to right, are AC Input、
Production CT、Grid CT、Relay Output、Relay Feedback Input、Reset.
(figure 3)from left to right, are Port、DC、RS232、RS485、USB1、USB2、RJ45、
Internet、RJ45 Signal、AP.
(figure 4)from left to right, are antenna(Zigbee)、antenna(Wifi).
Reset Relay Feedback Input Relay Output Grid CT Production CT AC Input
Figure 2
Port DC RS232 RS485 USB1 USB2 RJ45 Internet RJ45 Signal AP
Figure 3
Antenna(Zigbee) Antenna(Wifi)
Figure 4

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2.Interface Explanation
2.1 AC Input Port
The AC Input port connects power through the power line.If only single-phase
power is needed, the L1 must be connected.
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
Three Phase
√
√
√
√
√
Single Phase
√
×
×
√
√
The AC input power should be assembled with disconnector(e.g. when the
current is bigger than 1A, the disconnector should be operated).
2.2 DC Input Port
The DC Input port connects power through the 16V DC power line.
2.3 RJ45 Ethernet Network Port
The ECU-C allows the user to communicate with the EMA, or log in to the
ECU-C's local page in the absence of the wired LAN and WLAN, to set up the
system and view the system data via Ethernet network port.
Ethernet cable connection is recommended for stable communication.
2.4 RJ45 Signal（Only for Australia）
The RJ45 Signal is designed for DRM0/5/6/7/8, it should be connected by RJ45
connector in the package otherwise the inverters will not work.
Please do not plug out the RJ45.
Figure 5
RJ45 Signal
Led
Power

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2.Interface Explanation
2.5 AP
Press the AP button to turn on AP. Then the ECU can be scanned by phone. You
can press the button again to turn off AP. If you don't turn off AP, ECU will turn
off it automatically in one hour.
2.6 Power
Press the button, ECU will be powered on. Press the button again, the button
would bounce back and ECU will be powered off.
2.7 USB Interface
The USB interface is reserved.
2.8 Reset
Press the Reset button for three seconds or longer, and the ECU-C will
automatically return to the default settings.
The historical power generation won't be cleared.
2.9 LED
The OK light will blink when ECU-C starts up, and it will keep on after
registering.
The Comm light will be on when the ECU-C connects to EMA.
The Fault light will be on when the ECU-C breaks down.

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3.Hardware Installation
3.1 Preparation
Make sure you have the following components ready before beginning to install
the ECU-C:
A broadband Internet connection available for your use.
A broadband router with either a CAT5 Ethernet, or a wireless router .
A laptop with a web browser (to view the APsystems EMA online
monitoring application).
A pre-programmed ECU-C.
3.2 Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU-C
Choose a location that is electrically as close to the array as possible.
The ECU-C is NOT rated for outdoor use, so if installing outdoors near a
junction box or breaker panel, make sure you enclose it in an
appropriate weatherproof NEMA electrical box.
Avoid to install in the place children can not touch.
1) Power Distribution Cabinet Installation
If you use the energy communicator in power distribution cabinet:
Pull the four snap out with a screwdriver.
Figure 6

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3.Hardware Instrallation
Attach two buckles below in the edge of the guide, press two buckles
above, then embed to the edge of the guide.
Figure 7
Do not put the antennas inside a metal box, that will block the signal.
If the roof is metal, please use this long cable antenna, and place it outside
or on roof.
2) Using a Wall Mount
When mounting the ECU-C to a wall, make sure to select a cool, dry indoor
location.
According to the size of an icon, The energy communicator is fixed on the
wall with two Wall screws or wall anchors.
Four M4 screws + spacers are fixed to the wall, and the punch sizes are
as follows:
Figure 8
110mm(4.3' )'
129.4mm(5' )'

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3.Hardware Installation
3.3 Cable Connections
Power Connection Port
Network port RJ45 Signal
Figure 9
Connect the power cable to the power connection port on the top of the
ECU-C.(Can also be DC power supply).
Connect the supplied LAN cable to the network port on the bottom of the
ECU-C.
3.4 RJ45 Signal connection
Plug the RJ45 connector in the package to RJ45 Signal port.
3.5 Internet Connection
There are three different approaches to connecting the ECU-C to the Internet:
Option 1: Direct LAN cable connection.
1) Make sure the LAN cable is connected to the network port on the bottom
of the ECU-C.
2) Connect the LAN cable to a spare port on the broadband router.

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3.Hardware Installation
Figure 10
Option 2: Wireless Connection.
Use ECU-C internal WLAN (see Managing the WLAN Connection, pg. 23).
Option 3: Using a PLC bridge:
1) Make sure the LAN cable is connected to the network port on the bottom
of the ECU-C.
2) Connect the LAN cable to the “send” unit of the PLC bridge.
3) Connect a LAN cable from the “receive” unit of the PLC bridge to a spare
port on the broadband router (refer to the bridge users manual for
specific operating instructions).
Figure 11
The network cable in the package can be used to connect the ECU-C with
PC directly. One side is connected with the ECU-C and the other side is
connected with the PC. Then change the IP address and the network
mask to 192.168.131.1 and 255.255.255.0, respectively.
1. A PLC bridge uses the power line to communicate and requires both a
“send” and “receive” unit.
2. The quality and length of the LAN cable will affect the ECU-C
communication quality. You can use a Switch to enhance the
communication quality if necessary.

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3.Hardware Installation
3.6 Current transformer interface
By installing Current Transformer(CT), the integrated meter in ECU-C can
measure the production&consumption power and energy. Please refer to the
picture.
It is mandatory to install the current transformer on production and
consumption side to get the anti-backflow function.
Anti-backflow function manages inverters one by one: it turns on/off each
inverter through zigbee communication,in order to get production inferior or
equal to consumption.
Figure 12
Please ensure that the ECU-C is in a power off state when installing the
transformer.APsystems can provide the current transformers, please
contact us or our distributors.

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3.Hardware Installation
3.7 Contactor connection
ECU-C provides two contact driver signal interface, two-way contact signal
interface.
Interface
Interface description
R1L
The first road contactor drives the output L, and is
connected with the power supply interface L1.
R1N
The first road contactor drives the output N, and is
connected with the power supply interface N.
R2L
Second road contactor driver output L, with the
power supply interface L1.
R2N
Second road contactor driver output N, with the
power supply interface N.
A1 A2
First contact feedback signal input, non polarity.
A3 A4
Second way contactor feedback signal input, non
polarity.
Figure 13
ECU-C automatic detection and judgment of the current power grid environment,
through the drive signal interface to control the opening or closing of the
contactor. The feedback signal interface and NO of contactor are often connected
to inform the ECU that the contactor is effectively closed.

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4.Basic Operation
4.1 Restore the factory set operation
The following diagram shows the connetions on the bottom of APsystems the
ECU-C.
Figure 14
To restore the ECU-C’s factory settings, simply press the “Reset” button for three
seconds or longer. The unit will automatically return to its default settings.
RESET

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5. ECUAPP
Please use mobile browser to scan the QR codes to download ECUAPP :
（iOS） （Android）
5.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless
Open Wi-Fi setting in your smartphone, default no password.
Open the ECUAPP.
Check ECUAPP is connected to ECU-C in the Home page.

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5.ECUAPP
5.2 Add UID
Click "Settings", select "ID Management", input the UID manually or
scan the UID by camera. If there is no need to modify, then click "SYNC"
to update the UIDs onto ECU.
5.3 Delete UID
Select the UIDs, click "DELETE" then click "SYNC". The UIDs selected
are deleted on the ECU-C.
5.4 Homepage
Click "Home" at the bottom of the page.
The information about systems info of ECU-C,
ECU-C ID, version , total number of
inverters, the number of connected
inverters, intraday power output, historical
power output and current system power shall
be displayed.

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5.ECUAPP
Green light indicates the mobile phone is connected to the ECU-C.
Grey light indicates the mobile phone fails to connect to the ECU-C.
5.5 Data
5.5.1 Real Time Data
This page shall display the added inverter. According to different
models of inverter, each inverter would have the corresponding modules
displaying the real time power.
Click "Module", the detailed information of the inverter shall be
displayed, including inverter ID, PV module power, grid voltage,
frequency and temperature.
Green panel indicates the inverter is successfully connected.
Grey panel indicates the inverter is disconnected.

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5.ECUAPP
5.5.2 Power
To This page displays the daily system power
curve. Click "Power" at the real time data page
to view the historical system power curve.
5.5.3 Power generation statistics
Press “Energy” at the real-time data page to
view the system power generation of the solar
system.
The statistics of power generation shall be displayed.
The energy histogram of current week:

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5.ECUAPP
5.6 Settings
Click "Settings" and enter into the
"settings page".
5.6.1 Manage IDs
Please refer to 5.2 to add UID.
5.6.2 Grid Profile
User needs to select grid profile when
installing the system.
5.6.3 Inverter Signal Level
Show the direct communication quality
between each inverter and ECU.
If you select the wrong grid profile, the inverters will not work normally.

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5.ECUAPP
Enter the Detail page, you can view the inverters’parameters. Click
Read, ECU will get the parameters from inverters. You can swipe down
the ID list to view the result after about 5 minutes later.
5.6.4 Time management
Enter the page, the time of ECU-C shall be
displayed on the right side of the page.
Click "date" or "time" to modify.
Click "Sync time", APP will set the date and time
of the phone for ECU, user doesn't need to set
date and time manually.