FRO­NIUS Primo GEN24 3.0 Plus User manual

Fronius prints on elemental chlorine free paper (ECF) sourced from certified sustainable forests (FSC).
/ Perfect Charging / Perfect Welding / Solar Energy
Fronius Primo GEN24
3.0 Plus / 3.6 Plus / 4.0 Plus
4.6 Plus / 5.0 Plus / 6.0 Plus
EN
Operating instructions
Grid-connected inverter
42,0426,0302,EN 006-25032021

Contents
Safety rules 7
Explanation of safety notices 7
Safety 7
General 7
Environmental conditions 8
Qualified personnel 8
Noise emission values 8
EMC measures 8
Backup power 9
Data protection 9
Copyright 9
Protective earthing (PE) 10
General information 11
Fronius Primo GEN24 13
Device concept 13
Scope of supply 13
Intended use 14
Thermal concept 14
The various operating modes 16
Operating modes – Explanation of symbols 16
Operating mode – Inverter with battery 17
Operating mode – Inverter with battery and several Smart Meters 17
Operating mode - inverter with battery, AC-coupled to another inverter 18
Operating mode – Inverter with battery and backup power function 18
Operating mode – Inverter with battery, Ohmpilot and backup power function 18
Operating mode – Inverter with battery, further inverter and backup power function 19
Energy flow direction of the inverter 19
Operating states (only for systems with a battery) 20
Energy saving mode 21
General 21
Switch-off conditions 21
Switch-on conditions 21
Special case 21
Indication of energy saving mode 22
Suitable battery 23
BYD Battery-Box Premium 23
Protection of people and equipment 25
WSD (wired shutdown) 25
RCMU 25
Control elements and connections 26
Connection area 26
Connection area divider 27
Ground electrode terminal 27
DC disconnector 28
Data communication area 28
Internal schematic connection diagram of the IOs 29
Backup power variant - PV Point (OP) 31
General 33
PV Point (OP) 33
Explanation - PV Point (OP) 33
Backup power variant - Full Backup 35
General 37
Prerequisites for backup power mode 37
Transitioning from feeding energy into the grid to backup power mode 37
Transitioning from backup power mode to feeding energy into the grid 37
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Backup power and energy saving mode 37
Cabling variants including backup power circuits with 1-pin separation e.g. Austria or Australia 38
Functions 38
Transitioning from feeding energy into the grid to backup power mode 38
Transitioning from backup power mode to feeding energy into the grid 38
All-pin separation cabling variant, e.g. Germany, France, Spain, UK 39
Functions 39
Transitioning from feeding energy into the grid to backup power mode 39
Transitioning from backup power mode to feeding energy into the grid 40
All-pin split separation cabling variant (Italy) 41
Functions 41
Transitioning from feeding energy into the grid to backup power mode 41
Transitioning from backup power mode to feeding energy into the grid 42
Installation 43
General 45
Quick-lock system 45
Warning notices on the device 45
Installation location and position 47
Choosing the location of the inverter 47
Choosing the location of third-party batteries 48
Explanation of symbols for the installation position 49
Install the mounting bracket and hang up the inverter 51
Selecting the fixing material 51
Properties of the mounting bracket 51
Do not deform the mounting bracket 51
Fitting the mounting bracket to a wall 51
Installing the mounting bracket on a mast or beam 52
Attaching the mounting bracket to mounting rails 52
Attaching the inverter to the mounting bracket 53
Prerequisites for connecting the inverter 54
Permitted cables 54
Permitted cables for the data communication area 55
Cross section of the AC cable 55
Cross section of the DC cable 56
Maximum alternating current fuse protection 56
Connecting the inverter to the public grid (AC side) 58
Safety 58
Connecting the inverter to the public grid (AC side) 58
Connecting solar module strings to the inverter 61
General comments regarding solar modules 61
Safety 61
PV generator - general information 62
Multiple MPP tracker configuration 3-6 kW 62
Connecting the solar module strings to the inverter 63
Connecting the battery to the inverter 66
Safety 66
Connecting the battery on the DC side 66
Connecting backup power - PV Point (OP) 70
Safety 70
Installation 70
Connecting backup power - Full Backup 75
Safety 75
Cabling variants including backup power circuits with 1-pin separation e.g. Austria or Australia 75
All-pin separation cabling variant e.g. Germany, France, Spain 76
All-pin separation cabling variant, e.g. UK 77
All-pin separation cabling variant, e.g. Italy 78
Testing backup power mode 79
Connecting the data communication cable 80
Modbus participants 80
Routing data communication cables 81
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Connecting the battery communication cables 83
Terminating resistors 83
Installing the WSD (wired shutdown) 85
Closing and commissioning the inverter 86
Closing the inverter's connection area/housing cover, and commissioning 86
Starting the inverter for the first time 86
Button functions and LED status indicator 87
Installation with the app 88
Installation using the web browser 89
Settings - website of the inverter 91
User settings 93
User login 93
Selecting the language 93
Device configuration 94
Components 94
Functions andI/Os 94
Demand Response Modes (DRM) 96
Energy management 97
Energy management 97
PV power reduction 97
Load management 97
System 99
General 99
Update 99
Setup wizard 99
Restoring the factory settings 99
Event Log 99
Information 99
Licence manager 100
Communication 102
Network 102
Modbus 103
Safety and grid requirements 105
Feed-in limitation 105
Dynamic power regulation with several inverters 106
I/O power management 108
Connection diagram - 4 relays 109
I/O power management settings - 4 relays 110
Connection diagram - 3 relays 111
I/O power management settings - 3 relays 112
Connection diagram - 2 relays 113
I/O power management settings - 2 relays 114
Connection diagram - 1 relay 115
I/O power management settings - 1 relay 116
Autotest(CEI 0-21) 116
Options 119
Surge protective device (SPD) 121
General 121
Scope of supply 121
De-energising the inverter 121
Installation 122
Commissioning the inverter 128
Appendix 129
Care and maintenance 131
General 131
Cleaning 131
Maintenance 131
Safety 131
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Operation in dusty environments 131
Guarantee provisions 133
Fronius manufacturer's warranty 133
Components for automatic Full Backup backup power changeover 134
Components for automatic Full Backup backup power changeover 134
Status codes and remedy 136
Status Codes 136
Technical data 137
Explanation of footnotes 142
Circuit diagrams 143
Circuit Diagram - PV Point (OP) 145
Circuit Diagram 145
Fronius Primo GEN24 and BYD Battery-Box Premium HV 146
Circuit Diagram 146
Automatic switch to backup power 1-pin double separation - e.g. Austria 147
Circuit Diagram 147
Automatic switch to backup power 1-pin single separation - e.g. Australia 148
Circuit Diagram 148
Automatic switch to backup power 2-pin double separation - e.g. Germany 149
Circuit Diagram 149
Automatic switch to backup power 2-pin single separation - e.g. France, Spain 150
Circuit Diagram 150
Automatic switch to backup power 2-pin double separation - e.g. UK 151
Circuit Diagram 151
Automatic switch to backup power 2-pin double separation with ext. grid and system protection - e.g.
Italy
152
Circuit Diagram 152
Fronius Primo GEN24 with Enwitec Box 153
Circuit Diagram 153
Wiring diagram - surge protective device SPD 154
Circuit Diagram 154
Dimensions of the inverter 155
Fronius Primo GEN24 3 - 6 kW 157
Fronius Primo GEN24 3 - 6 kW 157
6

Safety rules
Explanation of
safety notices WARNING!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation.
▶If not avoided, death or serious injury may result.
CAUTION!
Indicates a situation where damage could occur.
▶If not avoided, minor injury and/or damage to property may result.
NOTE!
Indicates a risk of flawed results and possible damage to the equipment.
If you see any of the symbols depicted in the "Safety rules" chapter, special care is
required.
Safety CAUTION!
Danger from crushing due to the incorrect handling of attachments and connec-
tion parts.
Injuries to limbs may result.
▶When lifting up, putting down and attaching the inverter, use the integrated grips.
▶When fitting attachments, ensure that no limbs are located between the attachment
and the inverter.
▶Do not hold onto the individual poles on the terminals when locking and unlocking.
General The device has been manufactured in line with the state of the art and according to
recognised safety standards. In the event of incorrect operation or misuse, there is a risk
of
- Injury or death to the operator or a third party
- Damage to the device and other material assets belonging to the operating company
All personnel involved in commissioning, maintenance, and servicing of the device must:
- Be suitably qualified
- Have knowledge of and experience in dealing with electrical installations
- Have fully read and precisely followed these Operating Instructions
In addition to the Operating Instructions, all applicable local rules and regulations regard-
ing accident prevention and environmental protection must also be followed.
All safety and danger notices on the device:
- Must be kept in a legible state
- Must not be damaged
- Must not be removed
- Must not be covered, pasted, or painted over
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Only operate the device when all protection devices are fully functional. If the protection
devices are not fully functional, there is a danger of
- Injury or death to the operator or a third party
- Damage to the device and other material assets belonging to the operating company
Any safety devices that are not fully functional must be repaired by an authorized spe-
cialist before the device is switched on.
Never bypass or disable protection devices.
For the location of the safety and danger notices on the device, refer to the chapter
headed "Warning notices on the device" in the Operating Instructions for your device.
Faults that could compromise safety must be remedied before switching on the device.
Environmental
conditions
Operation or storage of the device outside the stipulated area will be deemed as not in
accordance with the intended purpose. The manufacturer accepts no liability for any
damage resulting from improper use.
Qualified person-
nel
The servicing information contained in these operating instructions is intended only for
the use of qualified service engineers. An electric shock can be fatal. Do not carry out
any actions other than those described in the documentation. This also applies to quali-
fied personnel.
All cables and leads must be secured, undamaged, insulated and adequately dimen-
sioned. Loose connections, scorched, damaged or inadequately dimensioned cables and
leads must be immediately repaired by authorised personnel.
Maintenance and repair work must only be carried out by an authorised specialist.
It is impossible to guarantee that bought-in parts are designed and manufactured to meet
the demands made on them, or that they satisfy safety requirements. Use only original
spare parts (also applies to standard parts).
Do not carry out any alterations, installations, or modifications to the device without first
obtaining the manufacturer's permission.
Components that are not in perfect condition must be changed immediately.
Noise emission
values
The sound power level of the inverter is specified in the Technical data.
The device is cooled as quietly as possible with the aid of an electronic temperature con-
trol system; this depends on the amount of converted power, the ambient temperature,
the level of soiling of the device, etc.
It is not possible to provide a workplace-related emission value for this device because
the actual sound pressure level is heavily influenced by the installation situation, the grid
quality, the surrounding walls and the properties of the room in general.
EMC measures In certain cases, even though a device complies with the standard limit values for emis-
sions, it may affect the application area for which it was designed (e.g. when there is
sensitive equipment at the same location, or if the site where the device is installed is
close to either radio or television receivers). If this is the case, then the operator is
obliged to take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
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Backup power This system has backup power functions. This enables a replacement power supply to
be established in the event of a failure in the public grid.
Where an automatic backup power supply is installed, a backup power warning notice
(https://www.fronius.com/en/search-page, item number: 42,0409,0275) must be fitted on
the electrical distributor.
Maintenance and installation work in the home network requires both disconnection on
the utility side and deactivation of the replacement power mode by opening the integ-
rated DC disconnector on the inverter.
Depending on the insolation conditions and the battery state of charge, the backup
power supply is automatically deactivated and activated. This can cause the backup
power supply to unexpectedly return from standby mode. Therefore, installation work can
only be performed on the home network when the backup power supply is deactivated.
Influencing factors on the total power in backup power mode:
Reactive power
Electrical loads with a power factor not equal to 1 also require reactive power in addition
to effective power. The reactive power also loads the inverter. Therefore, to correctly cal-
culate the actual total power, it is not the rated power of the load that is relevant, but the
current caused by effective and reactive power.
Devices with a high reactive power are mainly electric motors such as:
- Water pumps
- Circular saws
- Blowers and fans
High starting current
Electrical loads that need to accelerate a large mass usually require a high starting cur-
rent. This can be up to 10 times higher than the nominal current. The maximum current
of the inverter is available for the starting current. Loads with too high starting currents
therefore cannot be started/operated, even though the nominal power of the inverter sug-
gests that they can. When dimensioning the backup power circuit, the connected load
power and any starting current must also be taken into account.
Devices with high starting currents are, for example:
- Devices with electric motors (e.g. lifting platform, circular saws, planing bench)
- Devices with large transmission ratio and flywheel mass
- Devices with compressors (e.g. compressed air compressors, air conditioning sys-
tems)
IMPORTANT!
Very high starting currents can cause short-term distortion or a drop in output voltage.
The simultaneous operation of electronic devices in the same backup power supply sys-
tem should be avoided.
IMPORTANT!
The inverter may only be operated within the limits of its technical capabilities. Operation
outside of its technical capabilities can cause the inverter to shut down.
Data protection The user is responsible for the safekeeping of any changes made to the factory settings.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for any deleted personal settings.
Copyright Copyright of these operating instructions remains with the manufacturer.
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EN

The text and illustrations are all technically correct at the time of printing. We reserve the
right to make changes. The contents of the operating instructions shall not provide the
basis for any claims whatsoever on the part of the purchaser. If you have any sugges-
tions for improvement, or can point out any mistakes that you have found in the instruc-
tions, we will be most grateful for your comments.
Protective earth-
ing (PE)
Connection of a point in the device, system or installation to earth to protect against elec-
tric shock in the event of a fault. When installing a safety class 1 inverter (see Technical
data), the ground conductor connection is required.
When connecting the ground conductor, ensure that it is secured against accidental dis-
connection. All the points listed in the chapter Connecting the inverter to the public
grid (AC side) on page 58 must be observed. It must be ensured that when using the
strain relief devices, the ground conductor is the last to be disconnected in the event of a
possible failure. When connecting the ground conductor, the minimum cross-section
requirements specified by the respective national standards and guidelines must be
observed.
10

General information
11

12

Fronius Primo GEN24
Device concept The inverter transforms the direct current generated by the solar modules into alternating
current. This alternating current is fed into the public grid and synchronized with the grid
voltage in use. Moreover, the solar energy can also be stored in a connected battery for
later use.
The inverter is intended for use in grid-connected photovoltaic systems. The inverter has
backup power functions and switches to backup power mode if it has been wired accord-
ingly*.
The inverter automatically monitors the public grid. Whenever conditions in the electric
grid are inconsistent with standard conditions (for example, grid switch-off, interruption),
the inverter will immediately stop producing power and interrupt the supply of power into
the grid.
The grid is monitored by monitoring the voltage, frequency and islanding conditions.
After installation and commissioning, the inverter's operation is fully automatic;
the inverter draws the maximum possible power from the solar modules.
Depending on the operating point, this power is used in the home, stored in a battery** or
fed into the grid.
As soon as the energy provided by the solar modules is no longer sufficient, the power
from the battery is fed into your home. Depending on the setting, power may also be
obtained from the public grid in order to charge the battery***.
When its temperature gets too high, the inverter automatically reduces the output or
charging power, or switches off completely, in order to protect itself.
Reasons for the temperature being too high include a high ambient temperature or insuf-
ficient heat dissipation (for example, inadequate heat dissipation when installed in switch
cabinets).
* Only possible with Fronius GEN24 Plus inverters.
** With suitable battery and cabling.
*** Depending on the settings and local standards and regulations.
Scope of supply (1) Housing cover
(2) Inverter
(3) Mounting bracket (illustration)
(4) Quick Start guide
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Intended use The inverter is designed to convert direct current from solar modules into alternating cur-
rent and feed this power into the public grid. A backup power mode is possible provided
that appropriate cabling has been installed.
The following are considered improper use:
- Utilisation for any other purpose, or in any other manner
- Alterations to the inverter are not permitted unless expressly recommended by
Fronius
- Installation of components is not permitted unless expressly recommended or sold
by Fronius.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage resulting from improper use.
All warranty claims are considered void in such cases.
Intended use also means:
- Carefully reading and obeying all the instructions, as well as safety and danger
notices in the Operating Instructions
- Installation in accordance with chapter "Installation" from page 43.
When configuring the photovoltaic system, make sure that all components of the photo-
voltaic system are operating exclusively within their permissible operating range.
Observe all measures recommended by the solar module manufacturer to permanently
maintain the solar module properties.
Observe the grid operator's regulations for energy fed into the grid and connection meth-
ods.
The Fronius GEN24 inverter is a grid-connected inverter with a backup power function –
it is not a stand-alone inverter. The following restrictions must therefore be observed in
backup power mode:
- Backup power mode may be in operation for at least 2000 hours
- Backup power mode may be in operation for more than 2000 operating hours if 20%
of the duration of the inverter's grid power feed operation is not exceeded at the rel-
evant time.
* Only possible with Fronius GEN24 Plus inverters.
Thermal concept Ambient air is drawn in by the fan on the
front side and blown out at the device
sides. The even heat dissipation allows
several inverters to be installed next to
each other.
14

NOTE!
Risk due to insufficient cooling of the inverter.
This may result in a loss of power in the inverter.
▶Do not block the fan (for example, with objects that protrude through the touch
guard).
▶Do not cover the ventilation slots, even partially.
▶Make sure that the ambient air can always flow through the inverter's ventilation
slots unimpeded.
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The various operating modes
Operating modes
– Explanation of
symbols
PV module
generates direct current
Fronius GEN24 inverter
converts direct current into alternating current and charges the battery
(battery charging is only possible with Fronius GEN24 Plus inverters).
The integrated system monitoring enables the inverter to be integrated
into a network by means of WLAN.
Additional inverter in the system
converts the direct current into alternating current. However, it cannot
charge a battery, and is not available in backup power mode.
Battery
is coupled to the inverter on the direct current side, and stores electrical
energy.
Fronius Ohmpilot
for using excess energy to heat water.
Primary meter
Records the system's load curve and provides measurement data for
energy profiling in Fronius Solar.web. The primary meter also controls
the dynamic feed-in control.
Secondary meter
Records the load curve of individual loads (e.g. washing machine,
lamps, TV, heat pump, etc.) in the consumption branch and provides
measurement data for energy profiling in Fronius Solar.web.
Loads in the PV system
are the loads connected in the system.
Additional loads and producers in the system
are connected to the system by means of a Smart Meter.
PV Point
is a non-uninterruptible single-phase backup power circuit which sup-
plies electrical devices with up to 3 kW if sufficient power is available
from the PV modules or the battery.
Full Backup
the inverter is prepared for backup power mode. The backup power
mode must be implemented in the switch cabinet by the electrician per-
forming the installation. The PV system operates in a stand-alone man-
ner in backup power mode.
16

Grid
supplies the loads in the system if insufficient power is being generated
by the PV modules or supplied by the battery.
Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery
In order to be able to obtain the highest rate of self-consumption with your PV system, a
battery can be used to store excess energy. The battery is coupled to the inverter on the
direct current side. Multiple current conversion is therefore not required, and the effi-
ciency is increased.
Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery and several
Smart Meters
17
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Operating mode -
inverter with bat-
tery, AC-coupled
to another
inverter
Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery and backup
power function
IMPORTANT!
In backup power mode, an increased nominal frequency is used in order to prevent
undesired parallel operation with other power generators.
In the fully equipped hybrid PV system, the inverter can:
- Supply loads in the house
- Store excess energy in the battery and/or feed it into the grid
- Supply connected loads in the event of a power failure
Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery, Ohmpilot
and backup
power function
IMPORTANT!
In the fully equipped hybrid PV system with a Fronius Ohmpilot, the Ohmpilot cannot be
operated in the event of a power failure for regulatory reasons. It is therefore sensible to
install the Ohmpilot outside of the backup power branch.
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Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery, further
inverter and
backup power
function
Energy flow dir-
ection of the
inverter
In the case of hybrid inverters, there are four different energy flow directions:
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(1) Solar module – inverter – load/grid
(2) Solar module – inverter – battery*
(3) Battery – inverter – load/grid*
(4) Grid – inverter – battery*
* depending on the settings and local standards and regulations.
Operating states
(only for systems
with a battery)
Battery systems distinguish different operating states. In this case, the relevant current
operating state is displayed on the website of the inverter or in Solar.web.
Operating state Description
Normal operation Energy is stored or drawn, as required.
Min. state of charge (SOC)
achieved
Battery has reached the minimum SOC set or specified
by the manufacturer. The battery cannot be discharged
any further.
Energy saving mode
(standby)
The system has been put into energy saving mode.
Energy saving mode is automatically ended as soon as
sufficient excess energy is available again.
Start The storage system starts from energy saving mode
(standby).
Forced re-charging
The inverter re-charges the battery, in order to maintain
the set minimum SOC (state of charge) or the SOC
specified by the manufacturer (protection against deep
discharge).
Deactivated
The battery is not active. It has either been deactiv-
ated/switched off, or an error means that no commu-
nication with the battery is possible.
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