FRO­NIUS Symo GEN24 3.0 User manual

Fronius prints on elemental chlorine free paper (ECF) sourced from certified sustainable forests (FSC).
/ Perfect Charging / Perfect Welding / Solar Energy
Fronius Symo GEN24
3.0 / 3.0 Plus / 4.0 / 4.0 Plus
5.0 / 5.0 Plus
EN
Operating instructions
42,0426,0388,EN 011-10112021

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 10
Protective earthing (PE) 10
General information 11
Fronius Symo GEN24 13
Device concept 13
Function overview 13
Fronius UP 13
Scope of supply 14
Intended use 14
Thermal concept 15
Fronius Solar.web 15
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 17
Operating mode – Inverter with battery and Ohmpilot 18
Operating mode – Inverter with battery and additional inverter 18
Energy flow direction of the inverter 18
Operating states (only for systems with a battery) 19
Energy saving mode 20
General 20
Switch-off conditions 20
Switch-on conditions 20
Special case 20
Indication of energy saving mode 21
Suitable battery 22
BYD Battery-Box Premium 22
Manual system start 24
Requirements 24
Notification of system shutdown 24
Manual battery start after system shutdown 24
Starting backup power operation after a system shutdown 24
Protection of people and equipment 25
Central grid and system protection 25
WSD (wired shutdown) 25
RCMU 25
Surge protective device 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
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General 33
PV Point (OP) 33
Explanation - PV Point (OP) 33
Installation 35
General 37
Quick-lock system 37
Warning notices on the device 37
Installation location and position 39
Choosing the location of the inverter 39
Choosing the location of third-party batteries 40
Explanation of symbols for the installation position 40
Install the mounting bracket and hang up the inverter 42
Selecting the fixing material 42
Properties of the mounting bracket 42
Do not deform the mounting bracket 42
Fitting the mounting bracket to a wall 42
Installing the mounting bracket on a mast or beam 43
Attaching the mounting bracket to mounting rails 43
Attaching the inverter to the mounting bracket 44
Prerequisites for connecting the inverter 45
Permitted cables 45
Permitted cables for the data communication area 45
Cross section of the AC cable 46
Cross section of the DC cable 47
Maximum alternating current fuse protection 47
Connecting the inverter to the public grid (AC side) 48
Safety 48
Connecting the inverter to the public grid (AC side) 48
Connecting solar module strings to the inverter 51
General comments regarding solar modules 51
Safety 51
PV generator - general information 52
PV generator configuration3 ‑ 5 kW 52
Connecting the solar module strings to the inverter 53
Connecting the battery to the inverter 57
Safety 57
Connecting the battery on the DC side 57
Connecting backup power - PV Point (OP) 61
Safety 61
Installation 61
Connecting the data communication cable 66
Modbus participants 66
Routing data communication cables 67
Connecting the battery communication cables 69
Terminating resistors 69
Installing the WSD (wired shutdown) 71
Closing and commissioning the inverter 72
Closing the inverter's connection area/housing cover, and commissioning 72
Starting the inverter for the first time 72
Button functions and LED status indicator 73
Installation with the app 74
Installation using the web browser 75
Switch off power to the inverter 76
Switch off power to the inverter 76
Settings - website of the inverter 77
User settings 79
User login 79
Selecting the language 79
Device configuration 80
4

Components 80
Functions andI/Os 80
Demand Response Modes (DRM) 81
Energy management 82
Energy management 82
Load management 82
System 84
General 84
Update 84
Setup wizard 84
Restoring the factory settings 84
Event Log 84
Information 84
Licence manager 85
Support 85
Communication 87
Network 87
Modbus 88
Fronius Solar API 89
Safety and grid requirements 90
Country setup 90
Feed-in limitation 90
Dynamic power regulation with several inverters 91
I/O power management 94
Connection diagram - 4 relays 95
I/O power management settings - 4 relays 96
Connection diagram - 3 relays 97
I/O power management settings - 3 relays 98
Connection diagram - 2 relays 99
I/O power management settings - 2 relays 100
Connection diagram - 1 relay 101
I/O power management settings - 1 relay 102
Autotest(CEI 0-21) 102
Options 105
Surge protective device (SPD) 107
General 107
Scope of supply 107
De-energising the inverter 107
Installation 108
Commissioning the inverter 114
Appendix 117
Care, maintenance and disposal 119
General 119
Maintenance 119
Cleaning 119
Safety 119
Operation in dusty environments 119
Disposal 120
Guarantee provisions 121
Fronius manufacturer's warranty 121
Status codes and remedy 122
Status Codes 122
Technical data 123
Fronius Symo GEN24 3.0 / 3.0 Plus 123
Fronius Symo GEN24 4.0 / 4.0 Plus 125
Fronius Symo GEN24 5.0 / 5.0 Plus 128
Technical data of surge protective device DC SPD type 1+2 GEN24 130
Explanation of footnotes 131
Integrated DC disconnector 131
5
EN

Circuit diagrams 133
Circuit Diagram - PV Point (OP) 135
Circuit Diagram 135
Fronius Symo GEN24 and BYD Battery-Box Premium HV 136
Circuit Diagram 136
Wiring diagram - surge protective device SPD 137
Circuit Diagram 137
Dimensions of the inverter 139
Fronius Symo GEN24 3 - 5 kW 141
Fronius Symo GEN24 3-5 kW 141
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 re-
quired.
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 re-
cognised 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
7
EN

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 ob-
liged to take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
8

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 of 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.
Load unbalance
When dimensioning three-phase backup power networks, the total output power and the
power output per phase of the inverter must be taken into account.
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.
9
EN

Copyright Copyright of these operating instructions remains with the manufacturer.
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 48 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 re-
quirements specified by the respective national standards and guidelines must be ob-
served.
10

General information
11

12

Fronius Symo 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
a backup power function and switches to backup power mode if it has been wired ac-
cordingly*.
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 PV 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 PV modules is no longer sufficient, the power
from the battery is fed into the home. Depending on the setting, power may also be ob-
tained 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).
* Depending on the device variant, suitable battery, appropriate wiring, settings
and local standards and guidelines.
Function over-
view Function Symo GEN24 Symo GEN24 Plus
Backup power variant - PV Point (OP)
Battery connection* Available as an op-
tion**
Backup power variant - Full Backup
* For suitable batteries, see chapter Suitable battery.
** The functions are optionally available via Fronius UP (see chapter Fronius UP).
Fronius UP With Fronius UP*, the inverter can be expanded by the authorised specialist to include
optionally available functions (see chapter Function overview).
* The availability of Fronius UP varies from country to country. For more informa-
tion on Fronius UP and availability, see Installation guide: Fronius GEN24 &
GEN24 Plus.
13
EN

Scope of supply (1) Housing cover
(2) Inverter
(3) Mounting bracket (illustration)
(4) Quick Start guide
(5) 2x ferrite ring with holder
Intended use The inverter is designed to convert direct current from PV 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 no-
tices in the Operating Instructions
- Installation in accordance with chapter "Installation" from page 35
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 PV module manufacturer to permanently
maintain the PV 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.
* Depending on the device variant, suitable battery, appropriate wiring, settings
and local standards and guidelines.
14

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.
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.
Fronius Sol-
ar.web
With Fronius Solar.web or Fronius Solar.web Premium, the PV system can be easily
monitored and analysed by the system owner and installer. If configured accordingly, the
inverter transmits data such as power, yields, load, and energy balance to Fronius Sol-
ar.web. For more information see Solar.web - monitoring & analysis.
Configuration is carried out via the setup wizard, see chapter Installation with the app
on page 74 or Installation using the web browser on page 75.
Prerequisites for configuration:
- Internet connection (download: min. 512 kBit/s, upload: min. 256 kBit/s)*.
- User account on solarweb.com.
- Completed configuration via the setup wizard.
* The information given does not constitute an absolute guarantee of faultless
function. High error rates in the transmission, reception fluctuations or transmis-
sion drop-outs can have a negative effect on the data transfer. Fronius recom-
mends testing the Internet connection on site according to the minimum require-
ments.
15
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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
(charging the battery is dependent on the device variant, suitable batter-
ies, the requisite cabling and settings). 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 en-
ergy 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 generators 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.
Grid
supplies the loads in the system if insufficient power is being generated
by the PV modules or supplied by the battery.
16

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
Operating mode -
inverter with bat-
tery, AC-coupled
to another invert-
er
17
EN

Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery and Ohmpi-
lot
Operating mode –
Inverter with bat-
tery and addition-
al inverter
Energy flow dir-
ection of the in-
verter
In the case of hybrid inverters, there are four different energy flow directions:
18

(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.
19
EN

Energy saving mode
General Energy saving mode (standby mode) is used to reduce the self-consumption of the sys-
tem. Both the inverter and the battery automatically switch to energy saving mode under
certain conditions.
The inverter switches to energy saving mode if the battery is flat and no PV power is
available. Only the inverter's communication with the Fronius Smart Meter and Fronius
Solar.web is maintained.
Switch-off condi-
tions
If all the switch-off conditions are met, the battery switches into energy saving mode with-
in ten minutes. This time delay ensures that the inverter can at least be restarted.
The battery state of charge is less than or equal to the input minim-
um state of charge.
The current charging or discharging power of the battery is less
than 100 W.
Less than 50 W is available for charging the battery. The power of
feeding into the public grid is at least 50 W less than the power cur-
rently required in the home network.
The inverter automatically switches into energy saving mode, following the battery.
Switch-on condi-
tions
If one of the following conditions is met for at least 30 seconds, energy saving mode is
ended:
- Energy saving mode is no longer permissible owing to a changed setting on the user
interface of the inverter.
- If dynamic power reduction of 0 is set, or if the system is operating in backup power
mode, the power of feeding into the public grid is always less than the required
power in the home network.
There is a separate condition for this case (dynamic power reduction < 300 W or
active backup power mode): if the PV power is above a specified threshold, energy
saving mode is ended.
- Battery charging from the public grid is requested via the website.
- The battery is being recharged in order to restore the minimum state of charge or
perform calibration.
Special case If the inverter does not operate for 12 minutes (e.g. fault), or there is an interruption in
the electrical connection between the inverter and the battery and there is no backup
power mode, the battery switches to energy-saving mode in any case. This reduces self
discharge of the battery.
20