Meanwell ISI-501 Series User manual

ISI-501 Series
Off-Grid Solar Inverter
User Manual

Off-Grid Solar Inverter
User Manual
Table of Contents
1.Safety Guidelines ...................................................................................
............................................................................................
...........................................................................................
............................................................................
...............................................................................
......................................................................................
............................................................
.......................................................................................
..................................................
..........................................................................
.........................
...............................................................................................
..............................................................................................
......................................................................................
................................................................................
................................................................................................
1
1
2
2
2
4
6
7
10
7
10
3
2
3
4
4
2.Introduction
3.User Interface Panel
4.Output Voltage and Frequency Settings
5.Operating
6.Protection
8.Troubleshooting
7.Installation & Wiring
9.Warranty
2.1 Features
2.2 Main Specification
3.2 LED indicator on Front Panel
3.1 Front Panel
3.3 Rear Panel
4.1 Initial Factory State
4.2 Procedure to Change Output Voltage and Frequency
...............................................................................
.............................................................................
7
7
6.1 Input Protection
6.2 Output Protection
Mar. 2020 Version 3

1
1.Safety Guidelines (Please read through this manual before assembling the Inverter)
Risk of electrical shock and energy hazard. All failures should be examined by a
qualified technician. Please do not remove the case of the inverter by yourself!
Please do not install the inverter in places with high moisture or near water.
Please do not install the inverter in places with high ambient temperature, under
direct sunlight, or near fire source.
Please only connect batteries with the same brand and model number in one
battery bank. Using batteries from different manufacturers or different capacities
is strictly prohibited!
2.Introduction
ISI-501 is a true sine wave DC/AC off-grid inverter equipped with a solar charger
ISI-501 can provide 500W pure sine wave output continuously, 550W for 1 minute,
ISI-501 adopts a high frequency design which greatly reduces product weight and
ISI-501 has a built-in solar charger with the MPPT function which effectively utilizes
ISI-501 progresses the concept of a miniature independent power station. It is
(with Maximum Power Point Tracking, or MPPT) which is digitally controlled by an
and sustain a peak load of 1000W as long as 30 AC power cycles.
improves efficiency up to 88%.
energy from the PV module.
ideal for areas where the power mains is absent but PV modules are available.
advanced microprocessor and incorporates a high frequency design. This high
performance inverter can be paired with both battery and PV modules / panels.
back) of the inverter. (Please keep any objects clear from the fan at least 15cm)
the battery.
Never allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the batteries.
Make sure the airflow through the fan is not obstructed on both sides (front and
Please do not stack any objects on the inverter as it may impede heat dissipation.
Please turn off the inverter through the power ON/OFF switch, before removing
Inverter Inverter
Inverter
Inverter
Don't
disassemble
Keep away from
moisture
Keep away from
fire or high
temperature
Don't stack on
the inverter
Keep good
ventilation
WARNING:
It is suggested to execute regular battery maintenance
Batteries will have aging problems after years of operation.
(e.g. every year). Once aged, the batteries should be changed
by a professional technician, or the failed batteries may
cause fire or other hazards.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(a) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(b) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

2
AC output voltage regulation : 3%±
High efficiency up to 88%
Built in MPPT solar charger, MPPT efficiency: 98%(Typ.)
Adjustable output voltage and frequency
LED indication for operation and battery capacity
Battery low alarm (with electrically isolated dry contact)
Remote ON/OFF function
Compliance to FCC / CE regulations
3 year warranty
2.2 Main Specification
A
3.Main Specification
3.1 Front Panel
AC Output Outlet: To satisfy global demands, there are many optional AC outlets
to choose from.
112 124 148 212 224 248
200 / 220 / 230 / 240VAC selectable by setting button S.W
50 0.1Hz 50/60Hz selectable by setting button S.W±
15A30A 30A50A 50A 15A
48V24V 24V12V 12V 48V
42 ~ 60VDC21 ~ 30VDC 21 ~ 30VDC10.5 ~ 15VDC 10.5 ~ 15VDC 42 ~ 60VDC
87%87%85% 88%88%86%
MODEL
MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER (Typ.)
WAVEFORM
OUTPUT
INVERTER
SECTION
FREQUENCY
AC REGULATION
FRONT PANEL INDICATOR
BAT. VOLTAGE
EFFICIENCY (Typ.)
OFF MODE CURRENT DRAW
NO LOAD CURRENT DRAW
DC CURRENT (Typ.)
VOLTAGE RANGE
INPUT
OUTPUT
OVER TEMPERATURE
OUTPUT SHORT
100 / 110 / 115 / 120VAC selectable by setting button S.W
550W for 60 sec. / surge power 1000W for 30 cycles (112, 212 models : 495W for 60 sec. / surge power 900W for 30 cycles)
True sine wave (THD<3%) at rated input voltage
60 0.1Hz 50/60Hz selectable by setting button S.W±
±3%
Inverter status, Charger status, Battery capacity
1.25A 0.63A 0.32A 1.25A 0.63A 0.32A
≦1mA
Shut down o/p voltage, re-power on to recover
Shut down o/p voltage, re-power on to recover
RATED POWER 450W 450W500W 500W
OVER LOAD (Typ.) 110% load for 60 sec.
Protection type : Shut down o/p voltage, re-power on to recover
AC VOLTAGE Factory setting set at 110VAC
Factory setting set at 110VAC
Factory setting set at 230VAC
Factory setting set at 230VAC
PROTECTION
FUSE
CHARGER CURRENT (Typ.)
BATTERY TYPE
BAT. LOW ALARM
BAT. LOW SHUTDOWN
REVERSE POLARITY
MPPT CHARGER EFFICIENCY (peak)
40A*2 40A*1 20A*1 40A*2 40A*1 20A*2
30A 17A 8.5A 30A 17A 8.5A
Open & sealed Lead Acid
11V 22V 44V 11V 22V 44V
10.5V 21V 42V 10.5V 21V 42V
By internal fuse open
MPPT RANGE
98%
MPPT / SOLAR
BATTERY SECTION
SECTION
35 ~ 50V
25 ~ 50V
45 ~ 90V
35 ~ 90V
90 ~ 160V
70 ~ 160V
35 ~ 50V
25 ~ 50V
45 ~ 90V
35 ~ 90V
90 ~ 160V
70 ~ 160V
11A
500W
7A 4.5A 11A 7A 4.5A
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE RANGE
SOLAR INPUT CURRENT (Typ.)
SOLAR INPUT POWER (Typ.)
2.1 Features
500W rated output
Surge power capability up to 1000W
True sine wave (THD<3%)
TYPE-A
Standard
Receptacle
type
Country
Certificate
TYPE-B
Standard
TYPE-C
Optional
TYPE-D
Optional
TYPE-F
Optional
USA EUROPE AUSTRALIA U.K GFCI
Optional
TYPE-U
UNIVERSAL
None

3
3.2 LED Indicator On Front Panel
Operation Status Indicator (Status LED) : Represents the current ISI-501 state.
*Note : When an error occurs, please refer to chapter 8 "Troubleshooting" of the
user manual.
Green
Green
Orange
Orange
Red
Red
Status
Battery Capacity
LED Display
LED Display
Normal Operation
>70%
Remote Off
40 ~ 70%
Error
<40%
Battery Capacity Indicator (Battery LED) Represents the remaining capacity：
of external batteries.
Figure 3.1 Front Panel(Type A)
D
E
F
C
B
Function Setting: Output voltage and frequency can be set through this button.
Power ON/OFF Switch: The inverter will turn OFF if the switch is in the OFF
position.
Ventilation Slits: The inverter requires good ventilation for proper operation
and for prolonging its lifetime.
LED Indicator (Battery): Displays remaining capacity of battery.
LED Indicator (Status): Displays the operation status of the ISI-501.
A
E
F
B
C
D
Status
Battery
Setting
ON
OFF
AC OUTPUT
3.3 Rear Panel
Battery Input(+),(-): Pay extra caution to battery polarity when wiring.
Fan Ventilation Opening: The inverter requires good ventilation for proper
operation and for prolonging its lifetime.
Remote ON/OFF Control: While set at ON, the ISI-501 can be powered ON/OFF
through remote control.
A
B
C
Open
Connector Status
Remote ON
Inverter Status
Short Remote OFF

4
Step 1: The inverter should be turned off while resetting. The input batteries should
be connected and the loads should be removed.
on the power; the panel's orange LED should flash. After pressing for 5
please continue to step 5; if not, please continue adjusting according to
step 4 until it is.
seconds, the inverter will send out a "beep" sound. Users can release
the button and go on with the setting procedure.
Step 2: Use an insulated stick to press down on the setting button and then turn
Step 3: Check output voltage and frequency with table 4-1. If the output is desired,
4.2 Procedure to Change Output Voltage and Frequency
The user can adjust the output voltage and frequency through the function setting
button on the front panel. After changing the settings, the inverter will restart
and adopts the setup the user entered. Even if the battery is removed at a later
time, or if there is no source of power, the inverter will keep the most recent setup.
Figure 3.2 Rear Panel
Grounding Terminal(FG).
PV Input Terminal(+),(-): Pay extra caution to PV module polarity when wiring.
F
E
A
_
_
Reverse Polarity
Will Damage The Unit.
BATTERY INPUT
SOLAR INPUT
BatteryRemote
low alarmON/OFF
B
F
E
DC
Initially the ISI-501 is set to output 110Vac at 60Hz or 230Vac at 50Hz.
4.Output Voltage and Frequency Settings
4.1 Initial Factory State
Connector Open
Connector Status
"Beep" Sound
Alarm
Battery Low
Battery Status
Connector Short -----Battery Normal
Battery Low Alarm: This is an electrically isolated dry contact which can provide
the user with an external control signal. Users will be alarmed
of a low battery when the two pins are open and the ISI-501
makes a "beep" sound.
D

5
Figure 4.1 Adjusting output voltage and frequency
Use an insulated plastic
stick to press on the "Setting"
button
Step 4: Press the setting button for around 1 second before letting it go. The LED
Step 5: When the output is at user's desired value, press and hold the setting
button for 3~5 seconds until the inverter makes a "beep" sound. The output
setting is now complete; the inverter will now save the settings and restart.
indicators (Table 4-1) will change with status. Please adjust accordingly.
Table 4-1 Voltage & Frequency Chart
Red Red Red Red
Green Green Yellow Yellow
Green Green Yellow Yellow
Red Red Red Red
50Hz
60Hz
100Vac
O/P Voltage
Frequency
110Vac 115Vac 120Vac
(200Vac)
●●●●
●★●★
●★●★
Status
Status
●Light ★Flashing
Battery
Battery
★★★★
(220Vac) (230Vac) (240Vac)
Figure 4.2 Output voltage & frequency changing sequence
100Vac
(200Vac) 50Hz
110Vac
(220Vac) 50Hz
115Vac
(230Vac)50Hz
100Vac
(200Vac) 60Hz
120Vac
(240Vac) 50Hz
120Vac
(240Vac) 60Hz 110Vac (220Vac) 60Hz
115Vac
(230Vac)60Hz
Status
Battery
Setting
ON
OFF
AC OUTPUT

6
ON ON
OFF
Battery Low Shutdown
Protection Auto Recovery
14.4/28.8/57.6V
t
t
t
13/26/52V
10.5/21/42V
OFF
Figure 5.1 Operation Sequence
Charger
Status
t1: When user turns on the ISI-501, battery voltage will be sensed. If battery
t2: While the ISI-501 operates, battery voltage will slowly drop; when battery
t3: If the power provided by the PV module is greater than the load consumption,
t4: When battery voltage drops to 13/26/52V again the charger will automatically，
t5: If the power provided by the PV module is less than load consumption, even
t6: If the charger continuously charges the battery, the battery voltage will slowly
t7: Same action as t3.
voltage is greater than 13/26/52V, it means the battery is adequately charged
and the charger circuit will remain de-activated to prevent overcharging.
voltage is lower than 13/26/52V, battery low signal will be detected and the
charger will automatically activate and charge accordingly.
the battery voltage will increase. When this battery voltage reaches 14.4/28.8/
57.6V, the charger circuit will stop charging the battery modules to prevent the
batteries from overcharging.
restart the charging action.
if the charger is operating, the battery voltage will still drop. When battery
increase. When battery voltage reaches 13/26/52V, the system will re-power
The status of the inverter changes depending on the power provided by the
PV module and its load consumption.
on after three minutes and start providing AC voltage output.
voltage is below 10.5/21/42V, the ISI-501 will shut down to prevent the battery
from over discharging thereby increasing its lifetime.
OFF
t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7
Battery
Voltage
5.Operation
System On
(SW-ON)
AC Output

7
6.2 Output Protection
If the ISI-501 detects any of the following errors while operating, the status red
LED indicator will remain until the error is removed.
(A)Over Temperature Protection(OTP) : When the internal temperature of the
(B) AC Output Short Circuit Protection: When the AC output of the ISI-501 is short
(C) Over Load Protection: When the load is in the over load range of 500~550W
ISI-501 reaches a threshold, over temperature protection will activate, causing
circuited, it will go into protection mode. Restart to recover normal operation.
(450~495W for 112/212 models), the inverter can continue supplying power
for a short duration of 1 minute. If the load is not removed, the sensing circuit
will activate causing shut down.
shutdown of the inverter. Wait at least 30 minutes before restarting to recover
normal operation.
(C)Battery Low Shutdown Protection: When the battery voltage is lower than
(D)Battery Overvoltage Protection: When the battery voltage is too high, the
10.5/21/42V, the ISI-501 will shut down to guarantee the lifetime of the battery.
inverter will shut down and the built-in alarm will sound. Please resolve the
error and restart the inverter to return to normal operation.
Under normal working conditions, please choose suitable batteries that
are within the input DC voltage range of the inverter (refer to spec).
If the input DC voltage is too low (e.g. using 12Vdc battery bank for 24Vdc
models), the inverter cannot startup properly.
If the input DC voltage is too high (e.g. using 48Vdc battery bank for 24Vdc
models), the inverter will be damaged.
WARNING:
7. Installation & Wiring
(A)Wiring for batteries: Wire connection should be made as short as possible, 1.5m
or less is strongly recommended. Also make sure suitable wires are chosen based
on safety requirement and current rating. Cross sections that are too small will
result in lower efficiency, less output power, and the wires may also become
(B)Battery Reverse Polarity Protection: In the case where the user accidently
reverses the polarity of the battery connection, the ISI-501 internal fuse will
blow to protect other circuitry. Please contact your nearest distributer or send
the inverter back to Mean Well for repair.
Before installation or after use, make sure the power ON/OFF switch on
the front panel is in the OFF position to safely wire or remove batteries.
6.Protection
6.1 Input Protection
(A)PV Module Reverse Polarity Protection: In the case where the user accidently
reverses the polarity of the PV module, the ISI-501 internal fuse will blow to
protect other circuitry. Please contact your nearest distributer or send the
inverter back to Mean Well for repair.

8
(C)Installation Requirements:
The ISI-501 unit should be mounted on a flat surface or holding rack with suitable
overheated and cause danger. Please refer to table 7.1 or consult with our
distributors or us if you have any questions.
strength. In order to ensure the lifespan of the unit, please refrain the unit from
operating in dusty or moist environments. This is a power unit with a built-in DC
fan. Please make sure the ventilation openings are not blocked ; please do not
drive the inverter continuously under heavy load in high ambient environment
because it may prevent the inverter from functioning properly and the inverter's
lifespan may be affected. It is highly recommended that there should be no
objects impeding airflow within 15cm of the ventilation openings.
(B)Suggested Battery Type and Capacity
Note : If the desired battery type is not Lead-Acid based, please contact the battery
manufacturer for an advised value.
Cross section of wire lead(mm )
2
1.5
2.5
4
6
AWG
14
12
10
8
Suggested Model
48V battery models
24V battery models
12V battery models
PV module input wire
Table 7-1 Suggestion for wire selection
Battery Type
Battery Capacity
Lead-acid
12V / 120Ah ~ 24V / 60Ah ~ 48V / 30Ah ~
12V / 400Ah 24V / 200Ah 48V / 100Ah
12V models 24V models 48V models
Figure 7.1: Example of Installation
>15cm
Inverter Air
>15cm
Air

9
(D)Suggested Mounting
The four holes on the sides of the case allow the users to mount and fix the ISI-501
on a flat surface. (It is highly recommended the ISI-501 is placed horizontally. Also,
please pay attention to the ventilation.)
(E)Example of System Setup
Solar panel
AC Load
ISI-501
Inverter
Leads should be as short as possible
AC O/P
DC I/P
-
-
+
+
Solar
I/P FG
+
-
Battery
Leads should be less than 1.5m
Greater
than
15cm
Greater
than
15cm
Based on the actual length of wiring, choose
suitable cross-section of the leads
Wall or system FG
Figure 7.3 Input Derating Curve
Battery Input Voltage (V)
11.5VD C
23VDC
46VDC
15VDC
30VDC
60VDC
(F)Derating
LOAD (%)
LOAD (%)
Ambient Temperature ( ) Ta℃
20
40
60
80
100
Figure 7.2 Output Derating Curve
10.5VDC
21VDC
42VDC
20
40
60
80
100
50
-20 100 2030405060
(HORIZONTAL)

10
The ISI-501 is a complex product which should be serviced by professional technicians.
Improper usage or modification may damage the unit or result in shock hazards. If you
Three years of warranty is provided under normal operating conditions. Please
do not change components or modify the unit by yourself or attempt to repair
the unit by yourself because Mean Well reserves the right to void the warranty.
are not able to clear the failure condition according to the following instructions, please
contact us or your closest distributor for repair service.
Make sure the output is not overloaded
or short circuited
Reconfirm battery specification and
enlarge the battery capacity as suggested
Recommended Solutions
Check the DC input source (PV/ battery)
to make sure the voltage is within the
specified range
Make sure the ventilation is not
blocked and the ambient temperature
is not too high. Please derate the load
or lower the ambient temperature
Make sure the output load does not
exceed the rated value or the peak
startup current is not too high, typically
found in inductive or capacitive loads
8. Troubleshooting
9. Warranty
(G) Notes on Output Loads:
ISI-501 Series can power most equipments requiring an AC source of 500W
continuously for a long time, but for certain type of load, this inverter may
not work properly.
(1)Since inductive loads or motor based equipments need a large start up
(2)When the loads are capacitive or rectified equipment (such as switching
current (6~10 times of its rated current), please make sure this startup current
is less than the maximum current capability of the ISI-501.
power supply), it is suggested to operate the equipment at no load or light
load during power ON. Increase the load slowly only after the ISI-501 is
powered up normally and steadily to ensure proper operation.
Discharging
Period too short
Short circuit protection
Battery aged or broken Replace the batteries
Battery
Battery capacity is
too small
Failure Statue Possible Reasons
Abnormal input
Over temperature
protection
Overload protection
No AC Output
Voltage