APsystems ECU-C User manual

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Installation / User Manual
APsystems ECU-C Energy communication unit
with advanced functions
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http://q-r.to/1OrC
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ECU-C Installation/User Manual
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Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................. 2
1.Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................3
2.Interface Explanation .........................................................................................................................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 Reset................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.8 Antenna ........................................................................................................................................... 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 ................................................................................................ 12
3.7 Contactor connection ............................................................................................................... 13
4.Basic Operation ................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Restore the factory set operation .......................................................................................... 14
5.EMA Manager ..................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless ..............................................................15
5.2 Add UID ......................................................................................................................................... 16
5.3 Historical ID .................................................................................................................................. 16
5.4 Delete UID .................................................................................................................................... 17
5.5 Grid Profile ....................................................................................................................................17
5.6 Time management ..................................................................................................................... 18
5.7 Meter Settings ............................................................................................................................. 18
5.8 Modbus Settings .........................................................................................................................21
5.9 ECU Network Settings .............................................................................................................. 23
5.10 Checking the commissioning of the ECU-C ..................................................................... 25
5.11 Module ........................................................................................................................................... 26
5.12 Data ............................................................................................................................................... 27
5.13 Inverter Connection Progress ................................................................................................28
5.14 Automatic System Check ....................................................................................................... 28
5.15 ECU AP Settings ........................................................................................................................29
5.16 Do-It-Yourself(DIY) Registration .......................................................................................... 30
5.17 Settings .........................................................................................................................................31
6.Local Network Interface ..................................................................................................................32
6.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless ............................................................. 32
6.2 Home Screen ............................................................................................................................... 32
6.3 Real-time Data Screen .............................................................................................................. 34
6.4 Administration Screen .............................................................................................................. 34
6.5 Advanced Screen ....................................................................................................................... 37
7.Remote ECU-C Management (EMA) ............................................................................................ 39
7.1 ECU-C Configuration/ECU-C Status Page .......................................................................... 40
7.2 Setting the ECU-C Time Zone ................................................................................................ 41
7.3 Managing Inverter IDs and Updating the Inverter ID List ............................................. 41

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Important Safety Instructions
Symbols in lieu of words
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.
This equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are
likely to be present.

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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 Reset、Relay
Feedback Input、Relay Output、Grid CT、Production CT、AC Input.
(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
√
×
×
√
√
Split Phase
√
√
×
√
√
The AC input power should be assembled with disconnector(e.g. when
the current is bigger than 1A, the disconnector should be operated).
Make sure connect the live wire to L1 and connect the neutral wire to N,
otherwise the precision of CT will be affected.
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.

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2.Interface Explanation
Figure 5
2. Inte
rface Explanatio
2.5 AP
The AP button enables to turn on the ECU wifi hotspot. When setting up the
ECU, installer needs to first connect to the ECU hotspot via his smart phone
or tablet. Press the AP button for a few seconds: the ECU hotspot will be live
for one hour. If more time is needed to set-up the ECU, press the AP button
to reactivate the hotspot.
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 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.
2.8 Antenna
The antennas supplied with the ECU-C must be connected to the ECU-C.
One antenna is used for the communication between ECU-C and
microinverters (Zigbee signal), the other antenna is used for the Wi-Fi
connection between ECU-C and router.
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.
RJ45 Signal
Led
Power

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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.
Figure 10

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
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4G router is also supported. ECU can be connected to 4G router by wifi
or LAN.
3.Hardware Installation
Figure 11
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 12
LAN
4G SIM

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3.Hardware Installation
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.
Recommended communication distance:
ECU-C can communicate with the inverters up to 76 meters (250ft)
with direct sight.
ECU-C can utilize Wi-Fi (WLAN) up to 9 meters (30ft) with direct sight.

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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.
Notices of CT (Current Transformer) Installation
1. The position of the CTs: Clamp the CTs on production lines from PV
system and import/export lines from public grid.
2. The direction of CTs: The arrows on the CT should point from grid to PV
system and from grid to distribution box.
3. The wiring of the CTs: White wires connect to “+” Production CT ports on
ECU-C and black wires connect to “-” Grid CT ports on ECU-C.
4. CTs are as optional accessories provided, to ensure the CTs could match
APsystems ECU-C, please purchase CTs from APsystems or APsystems
distributors.
5. 80A and 200A CTs are available.
Figure 13

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3.Hardware Installation
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.
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 14
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 15
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.
5.
6.
RESET

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5.EMA Manager
Please scan QR code below to have access to our products and APP
catalogue, or click this link to download our APPs: http://q-r.to/1OrC.
EMA Manager APP: for installers
Professional installers: all features available
DIY (Do It Yourself) installers: only ECU_APP features available
EMA APP: for end-users only
5.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless
Open Wi-Fi setting in your smartphone, default no password.
Open theEMA Manager.
Click “ECU APP” to enter “Local Control”.

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5.EMA Manager
5.2 Add UID
Enter microinverters UID (serial numbers) into the ECU-C
Click “Workspace”, select “ID Management”, input the
microinverters UID (serial number: 12 digits starting with a 4, a 5, a 7
or a 8) manually or scan the UID with your smartphone or tablet
scanner. Once the microinverters UID have been entered, please
press “Sync”.
5.3 Historical ID
If the ECU accidentally emptied the
inverter list, you can use the same mobile
phone to quickly restore the inverter id
list.

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5.EMA Manager
5.4 Delete UID
In case of wrong entry or typo, select the microinverter UIDs, click
“Delete” then click “Sync”. The selected UID(s) will be removed
from the ECU-C.
Note: when deleting, please press also “Sync”. Otherwise the
microinverter will not be removed from the ECU-C.
Once the microinverters UID have been successfully entered into the
ECU-C, you need to select grid profile and define the adequate time
zone of your ECU.
5.5 Grid Profile
From the workspace, select “Grid profile”.
First select country and then the city.
If you select the wrong grid profile, the microinverters may not start
or may not produce as per optimal performance.

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5.EMA Manager
5.6 Time management
From the workspace, please select menu “ECU Date Settings”
manual set-up, click “Date”, “Time” and “Timezone” to modify.
Automated set-up: Click “Time quick setting”: the APP will
synchronise on the time and time zone as per smartphone or tablet
settings.
5.7 Meter Settings
After the metering functions activated and CTs (current
transformers) in place, the meter data will be displayed, and
different control functions can be selected.

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5.EMA Manager
5.7.1 Zero Export (available on single phase and three phase, not available
on residential split/2 phase applications)
Zero Export Function
Only works on ECU-C in Single-phase and Three-phase systems
Not compatible with split-phase (2 phases) systems as commonly
used in the Americas
Using the Zero Export function:
Select ‘Meter Settings’
Slide the ‘Meter Function’ to the ‘On’ position
Select ‘Zero Export’ in the slide menu at the bottom of the page and
select OK
After turning on the Zero Export Function, please set a Power Limit
in kW. The default value is 0.
The ECU-C measures the array production and site consumption and
will curtail power production to meet (or exceed if selected) the site
consumption. Example: if the Power Limit is set to 0 and the site is using
10kW and the array is producing 8kW the inverters will operate at 100%.
Conversely, if the Power Limit is set to 0 and the site is using 3kW and
the array can produce 8kW the inverters will curtail power production
to meet the demand. In addition, the ECU-C is designed to dynamically
adjust to the changing demand of the site automatically in real-time to
realize the full potential of the array.