APsystems ECU-3 User manual

Installation / User Manual
Rev 1.1
© All Rights Reserved
APsystems ECU-3 (V4)
Energy Communication Unit(ECU)

APsystems ECU-3 V4 Installation/User Manual
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Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................... 2
Interface Explanation.................................................................................................3
Interface Position............................................................................................................. 3
Power Connection Port.................................................................................................... 3
RS232 Serial Port..............................................................................................................3
Network Port....................................................................................................................4
USB Interface................................................................................................................... 4
Reset................................................................................................................................ 4
Hardware Installation................................................................................................ 5
Preparation...................................................................................................................... 5
Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU.................................................................5
Cable Connections........................................................................................................... 7
Internet Connection.........................................................................................................7
Power Up ECU.................................................................................................................. 9
ECU Initialization Sequence.......................................................................................9
Step 1: Power on ECU.................................................................................................... 10
Step 2: ECU time zone setting........................................................................................12
Step 3: EMA Monitoring................................................................................................ 12
Basic Operation........................................................................................................13
Menu Structure..............................................................................................................13
Restore the factory set operation.................................................................................. 14
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................. 15
Local Network Interface.......................................................................................... 16
Connecting to the ECU via the LAN................................................................................16
Connecting directly to the ECU via wired lan................................................................ 16
Connecting to the ECU via the Wi-Fi hotspot................................................................ 18
Home Screen..................................................................................................................19
Real-time Data Screen....................................................................................................20
Administration Screen....................................................................................................22
Remote ECU Management (EMA)........................................................................... 30
ECU Configuration/ECU Status Page..............................................................................31
Setting the ECU Time Zone............................................................................................ 32
Managing Inverter IDs and Updating the Inverter ID List..............................................32
Technical Data.......................................................................................................... 34

APsystems ECU-3 V4 Installation/User Manual
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Introduction
The APsystems Communicator, our state-of-the-art Energy
Communication Unit (ECU), 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, requiring only a single data
and power cable. Through the APsystems Monitor software, the
APsystems Communicator gives you precise analysis of each
microinverter and module in your solar installation from any
web-connected device. The APsystems Communicator’s integrated
http webserver 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
Communicates in real time
Requires no additional wiring
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)
APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA)
web-based monitoring and analysis system
Figure 1

APsystems ECU-3 V4 Installation/User Manual
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Interface Explanation
Interface Position
All of the ECU interface as below, from left to right, are power
connection port, serial port, network port, USB interface and reset.
Power Connection Port RS232 Serial port Network port USB interface Reset
Figure 2
Power Connection Port
Power connection port connects power through the power line.
Figure 3
RS232 Serial Port
You can connect GPRS module to RS232 serial port, select GPRS
module to connect to the network on “Network Connectivity” page,
and communicate with the EMA, to check the system data.
Figure 4

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Interface Explanation
Network Port
RJ45 Ethernet network port: ECU allows user to communicate
with EMA, or log in ECU's local page in the case of the absence
of the wired LAN and WLAN, set up the system and view the
system data via Ethernet network port.
USB Interface
USB interface is reserved.
Reset
Press the “Reset” button for three seconds or longer, ECU will
automatically return to the default settings.
NOTE: The historical power generation won't be cleared.

APsystems ECU-3 V4 Installation/User Manual
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Hardware Installation
Preparation
Make sure you have the following things taken care of before
attempting to install the ECU:
A dedicated standard AC electrical outlet (located
electrically as close to the array as is possible).
A broadband Internet connection is available for your
use.
A broadband router with either a CAT5 Ethernet, or
wireless router is available for your use.
A laptop with a web browser (to view the APsystems
EMA online monitoring application).
A pre-programmed ECU.
Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU
A location that is electrically as close to the array as
is possible-preferably a dedicated outlet installed
directly to the solar system sub-panel.
The ECU is NOT rated for outdoor use, so if installing
outdoors near a junction box or breaker panel, making
sure that you enclose it in an appropriate weather proof
NEMA electrical box.
1) Using Electrical Mounting Din Rail
Loosen the two (2) M3 mounting screws on the back of
the ECU and rotate the two (2) rail holders so that the
holders are above the ECU.
Figure 5
113mm
M3 Screw
Holder
42mm
182mm

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Hardware Instrallation
Attach the ECU to the mounting rail with machine screws.
Figure 6
2) Using Wall Mount
When mounting the ECU to a wall, make sure to select a
cool, dry, indoor location.
Depending on the wall surface you are mounting the
ECU to, use either two (2) #8 drywall screws or wall
anchors, installed 130 mm apart. The drywall screws
and wall anchors are NOT included in the ECU kit.
Align and slide the ECU onto the mounting screws.
Figure 7
Best Practice: Install and connect the ECU to the Internet
(see below instructions) while the rest of the array is being
installed. Doing so allows the ECU to automatically update
its internal software while the rest of the physical installation
is underway. The ECU will then communicate with the inverters
when the installation is complete and the array is energized.
80mm
138mm
130mm

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Hardware Installation
Cable Connections
Power Connection Port Network port
Figure 8
Connect the supplied power cable to the power
connection port on the bottom of the ECU.
Connect the supplied LAN cable to the network
port on the bottom of the ECU.
Internet Connection
There are three different approaches to connecting the ECU
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.
2) Connect the LAN cable into a spare port on the
broadband router.
Figure 9
Option 2: Wireless Connection.
Use ECU internal WLAN (see Managing the WLAN
connection pg. 25).

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

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Hardware Installation
Power Up ECU
Make sure the power cable is correctly connected to the
power connection port on the bottom of the ECU.
Plug the power cable into a dedicated standard AC
electrical outlet.
WARNING: Make sure to use a dedicated outlet for the
ECU. Do NOT plug any other devices into the same outlet
as the ECU.
Figure 11
WARNING: Do NOT plug the ECU into a power strip,
surge protector, or uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
The surge suppression and/or filtering on these sorts
of devices will substantially diminish PLC performance.
ECU power cord