APsystems ECU-C Instruction Manual

Installation / User Manual
Rev 1.3 rev 1
© All Rights Reserved
ECU-C Energy communication unit
with advanced functions

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
1
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions................................................................................... 2
1.Introduction............................................................................................................ 3
2.Interface Explanation............................................................................................. 4
2.1 Interface Layout......................................................................................................... 4
2.2 AC Input Port..............................................................................................................4
2.3 DC Input Port..............................................................................................................4
2.4 RJ45 Ethernet Network Port...................................................................................... 5
2.5 RJ45 Signal（Only for Australia）............................................................................. 5
2.6 USB Interface............................................................................................................. 5
2.7 Reset.......................................................................................................................... 5
3.Hardware Installation.............................................................................................6
3.1 Preparation................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU-C........................................................6
3.3 Cable Connections..................................................................................................... 8
3.4 RJ45 Signal connection.............................................................................................. 8
3.5 Internet Connection...................................................................................................8
3.6 Current transformer interface................................................................................. 10
3.7 Contactor connection.............................................................................................. 11
4.Basic Operation.................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Restore the factory set operation............................................................................12
5.Local Network Interface....................................................................................... 13
5.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless......................................................13
5.2 Home Screen............................................................................................................13
5.3 Real-time Data Screen..............................................................................................15
6.Remote ECU-C Management (EMA).................................................................... 25
6.1 ECU-C Configuration/ECU-C Status Page................................................................. 26
6.2 Setting the ECU-C Time Zone...................................................................................27
6.3 Managing Inverter IDs and Updating the Inverter ID List........................................27
7.Technical Data...................................................................................................... 29

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
2
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, and EMC
and is authorized to energize, ground, and tag equipment,
systems, and circuits in accordance with established safety
procedures. The inverter and system may only be commissioned
and operated by qualified personnel.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
3
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 (EMA)
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 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
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
A systems
Energy Communication Unit
(ECU-C)
P
……
……
PV
Module
A systems MicroinverterP
AC Box
LAN
Wi-Fi
GPRS
A systems MonitoringP
……
AC connection service
(EMA)
ZigBee
Server
Router Internet

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
4
2.Interface Explanation
2.1 Interface Layout
The ECU-C interface includes, (figure 2) from left to right, are AC Input、
Production CT、Consumption CT、Relay Output、RelayFeedback Input、Reset.
Additional ports (figure 3) from left to right,
arePort、DC、RS232、RS485、USB1、USB2、RJ45、 Internet、RJ45 Signal.
AC Input Production CT Consumption CT Relay Output RelayFeedback Input Reset
Figure 2
Port DC RS232 RS485 USB1 USB2 RJ45 Internet RJ45 Signal
Figure 3
2.2 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 a power cord or
disconnectable hard wired circuit (e.g. when the current is greater than
1A, the disconnector should be operated).
2.3 DC Input Port
The DC Input port connects power through the 16V DC power line.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
5
2.Interface Explanation
2.4 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.
2.5 RJ45 Signal（Only for Australia）
The RJ45 Signal is designed for DRM0, it should be connected by RJ45 connector
in the package otherwise the inverters will not work.
Figure 4
2.6 USB Interface
The USB interface is reserved.
2.7 Reset
Press the Reset button for three seconds or longer, and the ECU-C will
automatically return to the default settings.
After the return to "Default" the historical power generation won't be cleared.
RJ45 Signal

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
6
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 installation where children can reach.
1) Power Distribution Cabinet Installation
If you use the energy communicator in power distribution cabinet:
Pull the four snap out with a screwdriver.
Figure 5

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
7
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 6
Do not put the antennas inside a metal box, that will block the signal.
2) Using a Wall Mount
When mounting the ECU-C to a wall, make sure to select a cool, dry indoor
location.

The energy communicator is fixed on the wall with wall screws or anchors.
Four M4 screws + spacers are fixed to the wall, and the punch sizes are
as follows:
Figure 7
110mm(4.3' )'
129.4mm(5' )'

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
8
3.Hardware Installation
3.3 Cable Connections
Power Connection Port
Network port
Figure 8

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.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
9
3.Hardware Installation
Figure 9
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 10
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.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
10
3.Hardware Installation
3.6 Current transformer interface
This product supports 6 channel current mutual inductor, and each current
mutual inductor can be measured independently.
The output line of the same transformer is connected with the same set of ports,
such as 1A+, 1A-.
Figure 11
Please ensure that the ECU-C is in a power off state when installing the
transformer. APsystems can provide the current mutual inductors,
please contact APsystems or our distributors.
A B CN
A
Production Consumption
N
B
IA IB IC
IA IB IC IA IB ICC
IA IB IC
a
I
b
I
c
I

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
11
3.Hardware Installation
3.7 Contactor connection
ECU-C provides two contact driver signal interface, two-way contact signal
interface.
Interface
R1L
R1N
R2L
R2N
Interface description
The first road contactor drives the output L, and is
connected with the power supply interface L1.
The first road contactor drives the output N, and is
connected with the power supply interface N.
Second road contactor driver output L, with the
power supply interface L2.
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 12
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.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
12
4.Basic Operation
4.1 Restore the factory set operation
The following diagram shows the connetions on the back of APsystems the
ECU-C.
Figure 13
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

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
13
5.Local Network Interface
5.1 Connecting to the ECU-C via the Local Wireless
1. Turn on the Wi-Fi function on PC or phone.
2. Scan the ECU ’s SSID which named “ECU-WIFI_XXXX” (the “xxxx”
refers to the last 4 numbers of the ECU-C ID), connect to the ECU-C’s
SSID. The first connection has no password.
3. Using a standard web browser on your computer, Enter the ECU ’s IP
172.30.1.1 into browser.
The ECU-C’s “splash” screen is displayed.
Figure 14
5.2 Home Screen
Select “Home” at the top of the page.
The Home Page is displayed.
Figure 15

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
14
5.Local Network Interface
ECU-C ID:
Lifetime Generation:
Last System Power:
Generation of
Current Day:
Last connection to
Website:
This is a unique number that identifies this specific
ECU-C.
Amount of power this system has generated during its
lifetime, since the ECU-C was installed and registered.
Amount of power the system was generating during its
last polling cycle.
Amount of power that has been generated during the
most current day.
Number of Inverters:
Last Number of
Inverters Online:
Current Software
Version:
Current Timezone:
ECU-C Eth0 Mac
Address
ECU-C Wlan0 Mac
Address
Inverter Comm.
Signal Level
The last time the ECU-C communicated with the
central APsystems EMA database.
Number of inverters that have programmed into the
ECU-C.
Number of inverters that are communicating with
the ECU-C.
Current version of the firmware.Time zone that has
been programmed into the ECU-C.
Address of ECU-C’s LAN.
Address of the ECU-C’s internal WLAN.
The communication strength between inverters and
ECU-C. The range is 1-5, the higher the better.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
15
5.Local Network Interface
5.3 Real-time Data Screen
a) Real Time Data
To view the real-time system operation data statistics for your solar array, click
“Real Time Data” from the ECU-C home screen to navigate to the real-time data
screen.
The Real Time Data screen is displayed.
Figure 16
b) Trend of system power
To view the system power of any period, click "Power" at the real-time data page.
The Trend of system power screen is displayed.
Figure 17
c) Power generation statistics
Press “Energy” at the real-time data page to view the system power generation of
your solar array.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
16
5.Local Network Interface
The Power generation statistics screen is displayed.
Performance data for the Current Week:
Figure 18
Performance data for the current month.
Figure 19

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
17
5.Local Network Interface
Performance data for the Current Year.
Figure 20
5.4 Administration Screen
a) Managing Inverter IDs
The inverter IDs must be programmed into the ECU-C for the ECU-C to
recognize the inverters. The ECU-C will NOT auto-sense the inverters.
Initial Programming of the ECU-C with the Inverter IDs.
The “Enter Inverter ID” window field will be blank if you have not yet
entered any of the inverter IDs.
1) Select “Administration” at the top of the page.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
18
5.Local Network Interface
The ID Management page is displayed.
Figure 21
If you manually input the inverter IDs -
1) Enter each 12-digit inverter ID.
2) Once all the ID have been entered, press “Update”. “ID updated
successfully!” will displayed after a few seconds.
If using the Scanning device to input the inverter IDs -
1) Copy the scanned IDs into the ID Management box
2) Press “Update”. The message “ID updated successfully !” will be displayed
after few seconds.
Adding Additional Inverter IDs
If the number of inverter ID displayed on the page is less than the actual number
of inverters installed:
1) Select “Administration” at the top of the page.
The ID Management page with the existing inverter IDs is displayed.

ECU-C Installation/User Manual
19
5.Local Network Interface
Figure 22
2) Scroll down to the end of the existing list.
3) Enter the new ID.
4) Press “Update”. The “ID updated successfully!” message will be
displayed after few seconds.
Deleting an Existing Inverter ID
If the number of inverter IDs displayed on the page is more than the actual
number of inverters installed:
1) Select “Administration” at the top of the page.
The ID Management page with the existing inverter IDs is displayed.
Figure 23
Figure 24