Involar eGate PIU4KA-230-UK Operation instructions

This manual is an integral part of the unit. Please read the instruction
manual carefully before installation, operation or maintenance. Keep this
instruction manual for future reference.
INVOLAR Corporation Ltd. Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] Web: www.involar.com
INVOLAR
eGate
INVOLAR Grid-Connected Photovoltaic
Power Interface
Model Number PIU4KA-230-UK
User Operating Manual
(Version_eGate(UK)G83_PIU4KA_1.5)
Micro-Inverters

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Contact Information
Involar Corporation Ltd
887 Zuchongzhi Road, #84-407, Shanghai, 201203, China
Tel：[phone]
Fax：[phone]
Web：www.involar.com
E-mail：[e-mail]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1READ THIS FIRST ................................................................................................................ 4
2SAFETY SYMBOLS ................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 SYMBOLS REPLACE WORDS ON THE EQUIPMENT,ON A DISPLAY OR IN MANUALS........................................6
2.2 TECHNICAL COMPETENCE ..............................................................................................................8
2.3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND EC DIRECTIVES .......................................................................................8
3FEATURES ............................................................................................................................ 10
3.1 STRUCTURE OF EGATE.................................................................................................................10
3.2 SAFETY POWER LIMITING FOLD-BACK TECHNOLOGY .........................................................................11
3.3 TECHNICAL PARAMETERS.............................................................................................................12
4INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................... 13
4.1 OPERATING CONDITION ..............................................................................................................13
4.2 SYSTEM DIAGRAM ......................................................................................................................14
4.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM......................................................................................................................15
4.4 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ..........................................................................................................16
5OPERATING STATUS ......................................................................................................... 19
5.1 WORKING MODE.......................................................................................................................19
5.2 GRID-CONNECTION ....................................................................................................................20
5.3 GRID DISCONNECT .....................................................................................................................20
5.4 INSTALLATION CHECKLIST .............................................................................................................20
5.5 START-UP–CHECKS ...................................................................................................................21
5.6 DISCONNECTING THE EGATE FROM THE SYSTEM ...............................................................................21
6MONITORING AND TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE............................. 22
6.1 SAFETY CHECKS..........................................................................................................................22
6.2 MAINTAIN PERIODICALLY .............................................................................................................22
6.3 EGATE STATUS LED INDICATIONS AND ERROR REPORTING.................................................................22
6.4 INTERNET WEB.........................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX .................................................................................................................................... 24
6.5 LIMITED WARRANTY...................................................................................................................24
6.6 EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY................................................................................................25

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1Read This First
Involar‟s new product “eGate” acts as the power interface (PI) to the utility grid. It is a separate device
installed at the coupling point to the utility grid to provide the safety functions such as over/under
voltage, over/under frequency, active anti-islanding as well as lightning protection. It uses line
impedance stabilizing network (LISN) and modular design capability. The data of real-time performance
information of energy harvest for all Involar micro-inverters is collected by the eGates built in Energy
Terminal Unit (ETU) and is transmitted to Involar Solar Energy Data Acquisition System (SEDAS) via the
internet for monitoring.
This user manual includes eGate overview, installation, operation instruction and technical parameters.
To assure safe correct installation and operation, please carefully read this user manual before
installation and pay attention to the safety symbols affixed on the product label.

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2Safety Symbols
Warnings and cautions indicate possible dangerous conditions that can occur if instructions are not
carefully read and followed.
Please read the following safety symbols and important safety instructions.
DANGER
The DANGER symbols in this manual and on the eGate
indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
The WARNING symbols in this manual and on the eGate
indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
The CAUTION symbols in this manual and on eGate
indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTE
The NOTE symbols in this manual indicate the important product
information.

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2.1 Symbols replace words on the equipment, on a display or in
manuals.
Trademark
No access for unauthorized personnel
Caution- risk of danger
Symbol for the marking of electrical and electronics
devices according to Directive 2002/96/EC. Indicates that
the device, accessories and the packaging must not be
disposed as unsorted municipal waste and must be
collected separately at the end of the usage Please follow
Local Ordinances or Regulations for disposal or contact
an authorized representative of the manufacturer for
information concerning the decommissioning of
equipment.
Direct current
Alternating current
Protective conductor
Earth (ground) TERMINAL
Protective Conductor Terminal
Fuse
Refer to the operating instructions
Caution- risk of electric shock
CE mark is attached to the solar eGate to verify that the
unit follows the provisions of the European Low Voltage
and EMC Directives
PV
Photovoltaic
+
DC terminal, indicating the polarity of the connections,
positive, all positive connections shall be made with Red
insulated wires

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-
DC terminal, indicating the polarity of the connections,
negative, all negative connections with black insulated
wires
PCS
Power conversion equipment, refers to our DC/AC
inverter
Service Personnel
A person having appropriate technical training and
experience necessary to be aware of hazards to which
that person may be exposed in performing a task and of
measures to minimize the risks to that person or other
persons
Qualified personnel/
Competent person
Persons 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 eGate and endues system may only be
commissioned and operated by qualified personnel.
DVC
Decisive voltage class
Closed Electrical Operating Area
Room or location for electrical equipment to which access
is restricted to skilled or instructed persons by the
opening of a door or the removal of a barrier by the use
of a key or tool and which is clearly marked by
appropriate warning signs.

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2.2 Technical Competence
The procedures described in this manual should be
performed by a competent persons only.
Maintenance should only be undertaken by competent
individuals who have a general knowledge of and
experience with devices of this nature. No repairs
should ever be undertaken or attempted by anyone
not having such qualifications.
Compliance with safety regulations is imperative for installing and configuring the system safely and
correctly, including using the specified cables. Only competent assemblers who are familiar with
requirements for safety, Photovoltaic systems and EMC must install the system. The assembler is
responsible for ensuring that the end system complies with all the relevant regulations in the country
where it is to be used.
Involar require using only genuine replacement parts, manufactured or sold by Involar for all repairs or
replacements.
Read carefully through each step in every procedure before commencing installation; any exceptions
may result in a failure to properly and safely complete the installation.
Servicing of this product in accordance with this manual should never be undertaken in the absence of
proper tools, test equipment and the most recent revision to this manual, which is clearly and
thoroughly understood.
2.3 Safety Instructions and EC Directives
This chapter contains the safety instructions that you must follow when installing,
operating and servicing the unit. If ignored, physical injury or death may follow, or damage
may occur to the unit. Read the safety instructions before you commence work on the unit.
If you are unable to understand the Dangers, Warnings, Cautions or Instructions, contact
the manufacturer or an authorized service dealer before installing, operating and servicing
the unit.
To ensure your personal safety and the proper use of eGate, please carefully read this manual before
commencing installation. If the product is damaged when installation has not been carried out in
compliance with this manual, Involar do not accept any responsibility for any quality assurances and or
other risks which may occur.
For INVOLAR eGate Warranty Terms and Conditions, see the appendix of this manual.
CAUTION Be aware that only competent qualified personnel should install, maintain and/or
replace INVOLAR eGate.
WARNING The installation that connects the equipment to the Supply terminals shall
comply with the requirements of BS 7671.
WARNING Electrical installation of PV system shall comply with the requirements of BS
7671 and IEC 60364-7-712.
WARNING No protection settings can be altered.
WARNING User shall ensure that the equipment is so installed, designed and operated to
maintain at all times, compliance with the requirements of ESQCR 22(1)(a).

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CAUTION Compliance with the rules of correct use of tools and personal protective
equipment (PPE) for ensuring the eGate safe installation.
WARNING Connection of any photovoltaic system to the electrical utility grid should only
commence after receiving prior approval from the utility company.
CAUTION The eGate must be installed in an environment suitable for its IP rating.
WARNING This unit is provided with fixed trip limits and shall not be aggregated above
3.68kW on a single point of common connection.
CAUTION The device is intended for fixed installation. Located on a part that is not
removable without shutdown to the operation of the unit.
WARNING - Risk of electric shock- Do not open cover. No user serviceable parts inside.
Servicing limited to qualified service personnel.
WARNING - The output connection with AC grid shall be protected by a max. 16A circuit
breaker.
WARNING –This device is not provided with a GFDI device. This interface unit must be
used with an external GFDI device as required by article 690 of the National Electrical Code for
the Installation location.
WARNING - The printed circuit boards contain components sensitive to electrostatic
discharge. Wear a grounding wrist band when handling the boards. Do not touch the boards
unnecessarily.
WARNING - Do not operate any device which is damaged, lacking parts or dented. Failure
to observe this warning may result in an electric shock, injury, fire or accident.
WARNING - Before installing the unit make sure the local Distribution Network Operator is
completely informed about all the components, and system specification of the full system
being installed. The installation should only commence if there is a written permission to install
the designated components.
WARNING:
IMPORTANT: the input AC voltage of the INVOLAR eGate shall
not exceed the rated voltage; higher voltage may cause
permanent damage to the device. It contains no user
serviceable and INVOLAR-eGate Warranty parts.
CAUTION:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS–This manual contains important
instructions for eGate that shall be followed during installation
and maintenance.

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3Features
3.1 Structure of eGate
Figure 3.1.1 Structure of eGate
○
1 Cover Fixing Screws
○
2 PV Power Plant Input Cable
○
3 Grid Output Cable
○
4 Ethernet Cable (Optional)
○
5 Can bus Cable (Optional)
○
6 Communication module (Optional)
○
7 LED
○
8 ETU module

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3.2 Safety Power Limiting Fold-back Technology
To provide a safe and flexible system design the eGate has an Intelligent „Fold-Back‟ Technology, which
when required will communicate with one or more of the inverters within a branch circuit to reduce its
power output. There are two areas where the technology is applied;
1. Fold-back at eGate level: the current shall NOT exceed 16A under whatever circumstances;
2. Fold-back at MG level: the MG‟s casing shall NOT exceed the maximum temperature it is
allowed;
Therefore, for eGate “the eGate shall regulate the total current flowing through it through PLC to the
micro inverters, so to limit that current to 16A”
For MG “the micro inverter shall lower its output power should the casing temperature exceed the
maximum allowed limit”.

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3.3 Technical Parameters
Model
PIU4KA-230-UK
Input Data (AC)
Rated input power
3.68KW
Rated input voltage
230V
Rated input current
16A
Rated input frequency
50Hz
Output Data (AC)
Rated output power
3.68KW
Rated output voltage
230V
Rated output current
16A
Output voltage range
207V～264V
Output frequency range
47Hz~50.5Hz
Total current harmonic distortion
<2%
Efficiency
99.6%
Electrical Portal
Grid and Array
Double Relay
Grid
Connect to Grid
Array
Connect to Array
Mechanical Data
Enclosure environmental rating
IP40
Operating temperature range
-20℃～+45℃
Dimensions (WxHxD) in mm
225.4x342.4x80mm
Weight
3.43kg
Features
Compliance
G83
Warranty
25 Years (UK ONLY)
Response time for active anti-islanding
2s
Night time Power consumption
3W
Over/ Under voltage protection
Yes
Over/ Under Frequency protection
Yes
Over current protection
Yes
Short circuit protection
Yes
Loss of mains protection
Yes
Lightning surge protection
Yes
DC Injection control
Yes
Leakage current control
Yes
Current Fold-Back Technology
Yes
High frequency line impedance stabilization
Network (LISN)
Yes

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4Installation
4.1 Operating Condition
Operating Temperature
Ambient temperature: -20℃～﹢45℃。
Operating Humidity
Air Relative Humidity <=90%
Rated Input
AC230V/50Hz

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4.2 System diagram
Figure 4.2.1 System diagram
(Optional)

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4.3 Circuit Diagram
Figure 4.3.1 Circuit diagram of micro inverter installation.

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4.4 Installation Procedure
Figure 4.4.1 Dimension of eGate
Warning
eGate MUST connect to earth effectively.
Please ensure proper use of tools and correct personal protective
equipment (PPE) are worn when carrying out installation.
Caution
Installation of power supply cable and CAN Bus/ Ethernet cables must be
separate from each other. Do not place these cables on the same
containment.
Optional Ports

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Installation Diagram
See below Figure 4.4.2.
Figure 4.4.2 Installation Diagram
1 Mounting brackets. (2 top & 2 bottom)
2 CAN Bus cable entry. (Optional)
3 Ethernet cable entry. (Optional)
4 AC cable to PV array.
5 AC cable to grid.
Table 4.4.3 AC Input Terminal
Green/Yellow - PE
Blue - N
Brown - L
Pin1-Green/Yellow
Pin2-Blue
Pin3-Brown

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Diagram 4.4.4 AC Connections
Step1: Mount eGate cabinet to the wall or a fixed structure.
Step 2: Connect the extension cable from the micro inverters to the input socket of the eGate
marked „PV ARRAY‟.
Step 3: Connect the extension cable with one bare end for grid point connection to the output
socket marked „GRID‟.
Step 4: (Optional) Connect eGate to the router via Ethernet port using cable provided.
Step5: (Optional) Connect the CAN bus terminal of eGate to other eGate units for data
transmission.
Line up the connectors correctly and push together.
To release use a terminal screwdriver to push and release clip then pull apart.

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5Operating Status
INVOLAR‟s new product “eGate” acts as the power interface (PI) to the utility grid. It is a separate
device installed at the coupling point to the utility grid to provide the safety functions such as
over/under voltage, over/under frequency, and especially active anti-islanding protection as well as
lightning protection and line impedance stabilizing network (LISN), modular design. The data of real-
time performance information of energy harvest for all INVOLAR micro-inverter systems can be
collected by eGate, and be transmitted to INVOLAR Solar Energy Data Acquisition System to achieve a
global data monitoring for PV power plant. It realizes the connection between solar power plant and
internet. As an intelligent communication gateway, eGate uses INVOLAR‟s Power Line Communication
(PLC) technology to continuously monitor the data of energy harvest of solar power plant such as power,
voltage, current and frequency, it can also transmit the real-time data of energy harvest to INVOLAR‟s
Solar Energy Data Acquisition System (SEDAS) to realize the monitoring around the world.
5.1 Working Mode
The working modes of an INVOLAR Micro-Inverter are:
Start up
Active
Fault
Standby
The detailed working mode descriptions are as below:
Start up
Start up mode is for a newly installed eGate. This start up mode is based on the correct AC connection,
micro-inverter, Ethernet and or Can bus cables connecting.
Active
When the eGate is in normal operation process, this insures that the power available from micro-
inverter array is exported to the utility grid. The LED inside of eGate will flash in green.
Fault
If the system does not operate correctly, INVOLAR eGate will stop automatically and enter into
Disable mode. The INVOLAR eGate system keeps detecting the fault information, it shall remain in
disable mode until the fault has cleared. Once the fault has been repaired the eGate shall start up and
match to the electrical utility grid, the whole system would enter operation mode after 20 seconds to
5 minutes. Be aware that only qualified personnel should maintain the INVOLAR Micro-Inverter system.
The LED will flash in yellow (communication fault) or red.
Standby
When the eGate is in operation process but keeps with low voltage and current in micro-inverter side
for a certain time. The eGate manages transition from “Active” to “Standby”. In “standby” mode,
eGate keeps detecting the energy output of each micro-inverter. When the output energy reaches the
power generation conditions, the inverter would enter into “Active” from the “Standby” state.
The equipment maintenance must only be carried by competent persons.
Maintenance personnel should be familiar with all the warnings in this manual
and the proposed steps
Must be sure to disconnect the input and output power before removal of
equipment for maintenance.

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5.2 Grid-Connection
The eGate system establishes grid characteristics automatically. It detects and monitors the
performance of each PV module through each micro-inverter. When the output energy reaches the
power generation conditions, the eGate system begin connect grid and generate electricity.
5.3 Grid Disconnect
If the state grid cannot match the following situations (table 5.1.1) the INVOLAR Micro-Inter will enter
disabled mode.
Type
Rated
Variation Range
Voltage
230V
207V - 264V
Frequency
50Hz
47Hz –50.5Hz
Table 5.1.1 Parameter of European state power grid
Follow the installation checklist before energizing the system:
WARNING
Connect the eGate to the electrical utility grid only after receiving prior approval
from the utility company.
WARNING
Only competent qualified personnel to connect INVOLAR eGate to the electrical
utility grid.
5.4 Installation checklist
To ensure the safe operation of the devices, installation and commissioning shall only be carried out by
qualified personnel in full compliance with the warnings referred to in this manual.
Checklist
Check the mechanical and electrical installation of the unit before start up. Go through the checklist
below together with another person. Read the Safety instructions and EC directives on the previous
pages of this manual before you work on the unit.
Mechanical Installation
Check screw connections on the eGate for tightness.
The ambient operating conditions are allowed. (See Technical parameter);
The unit is fixed properly on a non-flammable wall. (See Mechanical installation.)
The cooling air will flow freely. The unit is fixed tightly and support is adequate. (See Mechanical
installation.)
Electrical Installation
Check all screws of the connection terminals in the installation system before and after the inverter for
tightness.
The AC output voltage matches the unit nominal voltage. Make sure that the total micro-inverter array
current cannot exceed the permissible input current rating of the device.
The micro-inverter output cable and eGate input cable‟s connections and their tightening torques are OK.