Power Electronics Freesun String Supervisor SFS08 Parts list manual

String Supervisor
Getting Started Manual

String Supervisor
Getting Started Manual
Edition: March 2011
FSIM01CI Rev. C

FREESUN SERIES –String Supervisor
POWER ELECTRONICS
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SAFETY SYMBOLS
Always follow safety instructions to prevent accidents and potential hazards from occurring.
Edition of December 2010
This publication could present technical imprecision or misprints. The information here included will be
periodically modified and updated, and all those modifications will be incorporated in later editions.
To consult the most updated information of this product you might access through our website
www.power-electronics.com where the latest version of this manual can be downloaded.
WARNING
This symbol means improper operation may results in serious personal
injury or death.
CAUTION
Identifies shock hazards under certain conditions. Particular attention should
be given because dangerous voltage may be present. Maintenance
operation should be done by qualified personnel
Identifies potential hazards under certain conditions. Read the message and
follow the instructions carefully.
Identifies shock hazards under certain conditions. Particular attention should
be given because dangerous voltage may be present.

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FREESUN ACCESSORIES –String Supervisor
SAFETY SYMBOLS
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Revisions
Date Revision Description
04 / 08 / 2010 A First edition
09 / 12 / 2010 B Update
22 / 03 / 2011 C Updating Technical Characteristics
The equipment and technical documentation are periodically updated. Power Electronics reserves the right to modify all or part of the
contents of this manual without previous notice.

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INDEX
INDEX
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................................... 6
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 10
2. STRING SUPERVISOR DESCRIPTION .............................................................................. 11
3. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS...................................................................................... 12
4. DIMENSIONS....................................................................................................................... 13
5. INSTALATION AND CONNECTION.................................................................................... 14
5.1. String Supervisor Wiring –Freesun LVT Series......................................................... 14
5.2. String Supervisor Wiring –Freesun HE and HES Series........................................... 15
6. CONFIGURATION, SETTING AND COMMISSIONING....................................................... 17

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT!
Read this manual carefully to maximise the performance of this product and to ensure its safe
use.
Power Electronics accepts no responsibility or liability for any and all damage resulting from
inappropriate use of the equipment.
The information contained in the installation guide must be observed when installing the String
Supervisor
In this manual, safety messages are classified as follows:
WARNING
Do not remove the cover while the power is applied or the unit is in operation.
Otherwise electric shock could occur.
Do not run the device with the front cover removed.
Otherwise you may get an electric shock due to the high voltage terminals.
Do not remove the cover except for periodic inspections or wiring, even if the input power is not
applied. Otherwise you may access the charged circuits and get an electric shock.
Operate the switches with dry hands.
Otherwise you may get an electric shock.
Do not use cables with damaged insulation.
Otherwise you may get an electric shock.
Do not subject the cables to abrasions, excessive stress, heavy loads or pinching.
Otherwise, you may get an electric shock.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
Install the device on a non-flammable surface. Do not place flammable material nearby.
Otherwise fire could occur.
Disconnect the input power if the device gets damaged.
Otherwise it could result in a secondary accident or fire.
Do not apply power to a damaged device or to a device with parts missing even if the installation
is complete.
Otherwise you may get an electric shock.
Do not allow lint, paper, wood chips, dust, metallic chips or other foreign matter into the device.
Otherwise fire or accident could occur.
WARNINGS
RECEPTION
The STRING SUPERVISOR is carefully tested and perfectly packed before leaving the factory.
In the even of transport damage, please ensure that you notify the transport agency and POWER
ELECTRONICS: 902 40 20 70 (International [phone]) or your nearest agent, within
24hrs from receipt of the goods.
UNPACKING
Make sure model and serial number of the String Supervisor are the same on the box, delivery
note and unit.
RECYCLING
Packing of the equipments should be recycled. For this, it is necessary to separate different
materials included (plastic, paper, cardboard, wood, ...) and deposit them on proper banks.
Waste products of electric and electronic devices should be selectively collected for their correct
environmental management.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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CAUTION
SAFETY
Before operating the device, read this manual thoroughly to gain and understanding of the unit.
If any doubt exists then please contact POWER ELECTRONICS, (902 40 20 70 / [phone]
57) or your nearest agent.
Wear safety glasses when connecting the String Supervisor to the solar inverter and when
operating the inverter with power applied and the front cover opened.
Install the device according to the instructions within this manual.
Do not place heavy objects on the device.
Ensure that the mounting orientation is correct.
Do not drop the String Supervisor or subject it to impact.
The String Supervisor devices contain static sensitive printed circuits boards. Use static safety
procedures when handling these boards.
Avoid installing the device in conditions that differ from those described in the Technical
Characteristics section.
TRIAL RUN
Verify all parameters before operating the device.
Always apply voltage and current signals to each terminal that are within levels indicated within
this manual. Otherwise, damage to the device may result.
OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
Do not modify or alter anything within the device.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
SPECIAL HAZARDS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Photovoltaic systems have special characteristics that can represent special hazards:
An active power source is connected. This means that, regardless to the operating mode of the
inverter, there may be voltage present, either from the photovoltaic generator and/or the
FREESUN. This is especially important to consider when disconnecting particular parts of the
system (the String Supervisor must be connected to the DC input in the inverter).
Very high DC voltages are present (no zero-crossing) which, in case of a fault or inappropriate
use of fuses or plugs, may lead to arcing.
The short-circuit current of the photovoltaic generator is only slightly higher than the maximum
operating current and is also dependent on the level of a solar irradiation.
A highly branched generator array may be difficult to disconnect if a fault develops (e. g. short
circuit). We recommend the extra use of external DC circuit breakers for disconnecting the
inverter and/or the DC main cables / String supervisors (DC circuit breakers are built-in). One
circuit breaker should be allocated to each input, and these should be located near to de
FREESUN as described in the standard VDE0100 part 7-712 and the VDI 6012 regulations.
The inverter contains capacitors on the AC and DC sides. The discharge time of the capacitors is
longer than 10 minutes. For this reason, it is required to wait longer than this time before making
any operation or maintenance actions related to the connection between the String Supervisor
and the inverter.

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INTRODUCTION
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1.INTRODUCTION
The photovoltaic installations are formed by the series and parallel connection of solar panels. Through
series connection, strings of solar panels are formed. The total voltage of this string is the sum of each
individual voltage of each panel. Through the parallel connection, the total voltage of each string is added.
Figure 1.1: Panels connection diagram
In the end, all the strings meet in two unique points: the positive (+) and the negative (-) of the installation.
The main function of the string supervisor is the monitoring of the state of the strings, with the target of a
rapid detection in case of a poor performance. To achieve this, the current supplied by each of the strings
is measured by current “hall effect” transducers. With this measure, it is possible to analyze easily the yield
of each of the strings. If a string produces less energy than the others, we can detect it as a result of the
control from the string supervisor.
The string supervisor is a slave device of the solar inverter. Its function is to inform to the solar inverter. In
order to achieve this, our String Supervisor implements the CAN and RS485 communication ports that will
enable the user to choose between the communication bus CAN or Modbus RTU.
Figure 1.2: Internal view and components of the String Supervisor

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STRING SUPERVISOR DESCRIPTION
2. STRING SUPERVISOR DESCRIPTION
The DC current generated by the panels, is transformed into AC current and synchronized in voltage and
phase by the solar inverter, and injected into the electric distribution grid, getting by this economical profit
selling the energy to the Company.
Figure 2.1: Panel connection diagram
The state of the installation is crucial for its optimization. If a solar panel is damaged, dirty or disconnected,
it will affect to all the string (they are connected in series), significantly decreasing the energy generated.
Each String Supervisor has a protection that prevents the installation from overvoltages. The String
Supervisor detects the state of the overvoltage protection. Like this, if the protection becomes out of order
due to a limitation provoked by a very high overvoltage, it will inform the inverter of the situation so that
maintenance personnel can proceed to its replacement.
The String Supervisor has a fuse in each of the panel strings that disconnects the corresponding panel in
case of an overload. If the fuse melts down, it would be detected by the string supervisor, as the current of
the string would be zero.
The String Supervisor has an unload switch, that allows the total insulation of the positive and negative
string, in order to enable maintenance without stopping the energy production.
The following diagram shows the main components of the String Supervisor:
Figure 2.2: Component diagram of the String Supervisor

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FREESUN ACCESSORIES –String Supervisor
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
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3.TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
INPUT
INPUT VOLTAGE
Permissible maximum DC voltage 1000V
MEASUREMENT CHANNELS
8
DC CURRENT INPUTS
16 inputs (2 inputs per measurement channel maximum)
MEASUREMENT RANGES PER CHANNEL
5 measurement ranges:
5A, 9A, 12A, 14A y 17A
CABLE CROSS SECTION
4mmP
2P–6mm² max.
OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
Yes
DISCONNECTOR SWITCH
It is available a load break disconnector switch for complete isolation
of (+) side and (-) side of the solar inverter panels.
OUTPUT
DC VOLTAGE
1000V
DC CURRENT
80A, 144A, 192A, 224A, 250A
CABLE CROSS SECTION
70mmP
2 P
DISCONNECTOR SWITCH
250A / 1000VDC
CABLE GLANDS
70mmP
2 P
CONTROL CIRCUIT
SUPPLY
24VDC (3 x 0.5mm² shielded)
STRING SUPERVISOR BOXES PER INVERTER
6 [1]
FUSE CONTROL
Yes
OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION STATUS
Yes
STRING CURRENT MEASUREMENT
Yes, every 2 strings in the (+) side
PROTECTIONS
FUSES
Possible range of fuses:
10A, 12A, 16A, 20A y 25A
1 Fuse per measurement channel in the (+) side, 1 Fuse per
measurement channel in the (-) side
DC OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTIONS
Overvoltage protection Type II
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION PORTS
CAN and RS485
BAUDRATE
20/50/10/250/500kbps, autoselectable
COMMUNICATIONS SIGNALS
CAN: (CANH, CANL, GND)
RS485: (RS485-A, RS485-B, GND)
WIRE TYPE
CAN: 2x2x0.75mmP
2P(Twisted pair, shielded)
RS485: 2x2x0.5mm² (Twisted pair, shielded)
LENGTH
CAN: Between 75m and 100m at 500Kbps
RS485: 1200m at 100Kbps
TERMINATION RESISTOR
Required, 120 on last device
STRING
SUPERVISOR
INDENTIFICATION
STRING SUPERVISOR INDENTIFICATION
By two rotary switches
ENCLOSURE
MATERIAL
Polycarbonate
ELECTRICAL INSULATION
Totally insulated
DIMENSIONS [WxHxD] (mm)
1050x420x230mm
WEIGHT (kg)
19.4 kg
ASSEMBLY
Outdoor, in the shade
FLAMMABILITY
Enclosure material self extinguishing , halogen free (UL94-5V)
PROTECTION DEGREE
IP65
ENVIRONMENT
TEMPERATURE RANGE
From -20ºC to +60ºC
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
From 15 to 95% (0..95% non-condensing)
ALTITUDE
1000m above sea level
POLLUTION DEGREE
Type II
REGULATIONS
CERTIFICATION CE
Yes
DIRECTIVES
2006/95/CE, 2004/108/CE
EMC
EN 61000-6-2
EN 61000-6-4
SAFETY
EN 62109-1
SPAIN
RD 1663
[1] For other configurations please consult with Power Electronics.

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DIMENSIONS
4. DIMENSIONS
The following table shows the weight and dimensions of the String Supervisor:
Reference
Description
Dimensions (mm)
Weight
(kg)
W
H
D
SFS08
String Supervisor IP65
1047.5
420
230
19.4
The attached figure shows in detail the dimensions of the String Supervisor from different perspectives:
Figure 4.1: Dimensions of the String Supervisor

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FREESUN ACCESSORIES –String Supervisor
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
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5. INSTALATION AND CONNECTION
5.1. Location of the Jumpers and Connectors of the String
Supervisor
The main connectors, jumpers and led indicators that are important for the user are described in the
next figures:
Figure 5.1: Positive Terminals
Figure 5.2: Negative Terminals

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INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
5.2. Wiring String Supervisor –Freesun
The connection between the Freesun and the String Supervisor can be done in two ways depending
on the series. The Freesun LVT Series will have a CAN interface and the Freesun HE and HES
series will be connected through RS485. The two types of connection are described below:
5.2.1. String Supervisor Wiring –Freesun LVT Series
Figure 5.3: Connection with String Supervisor for Freesun LVT Series.
CONSIDERATIONS
The cable for CAN connection between the solar inverter and the String Supervisor must meet the
following specifications to ensure proper operation:
oFamily: CAN-BUS 2x2x0.75mm² VIOLET
oSection: 0.75mm²
oColour code: DIN 47100
oExt. cover: PVC
oCharacteristic impedance: 120Ω
The recommended maximum cable length is between 75m and 100m for a data transmission speed of
500Kbps. For longer distances please contact Power Electronics.
Excessive bending of CAN cables can reduce their ability to meet the CAN specification. Standard „Thick‟
cables shall have a bending radius of greater than 75mm (3”). Standard „Thin‟ cables shall have a bending
radius of greater than 50mm (2”).
These generic cable types are available in a variety of different offerings such as FLEX, HAZ-DUTY,
CLASS I (600V), UV RESISTANT, etc.

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INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
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5.2.2. String Supervisor Wiring –Freesun HE and HES Series
Figure 5.4: Connection with String Supervisor for Freesun HE and HES Series
CONSIDERATIONS
The cable for RS485 connection between the solar inverter and the String Supervisor must meet the
following specifications to ensure proper operation:
oFamily: 2x2x0.5mm²
oSection: 0.5mm²
oColour code: DIN 47100
oExt. cover: PVC
oCharacteristic impedance: 120Ω
The recommended maximum cable length is 1200m for a data transmission speed of 100Kbps. For longer
distances please contact Power Electronics.
Excessive bending of RS485 cables can reduce their ability to meet the RS485 specification. Standard
„Thick‟ cables shall have a bending radius of greater than 75mm (3”). Standard „Thin‟ cables shall have a
bending radius of greater than 50mm (2”).
These generic cable types are available in a variety of different offerings such as FLEX, HAZ-DUTY,
CLASS I (600V), UV RESISTANT, etc.

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CONFIGURATION, SETTING AND COMMISIONING
6. CONFIGURATION, SETTING AND
COMISIONING
The slave number of the String can be identified as ID SS: “X” where “X” is the slave number configured in
the rotary switches located in the String Supervisor boards.
Each String Supervisor has an ID, so in an installation with several, in order to recognise each of them by
the inverter, they will have to be set differently.
Therefore, before energizing the String Supervisor, the two rotary switches inside the device must be
configured. In order to do so, open the front cover and handle these selectors.
The left wheel sets the lower value; the right wheel sets the higher value. As said before, each String
Supervisor must be identified differently in sequence modifying the position of the switches. The
codification is hexadecimal.
Figure 6.1: Detail of the rotary switches in the board-.
A detailed list of all the necessary parameters for the configuration of the system is available in the
Software and Programming Manual of the solar inverter.
The following gives an overview of the steps required for this configuration. If required by the user,
additional information for some steps is available in Software and Programming Manual of the solar
inverter.
Power Electronics recommends prior reading and complete understanding of the Software and
Programming Manual of the solar inverter for the proper adjustment of parameters of both the inverter and
the String Supervisor.

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FREESUN ACCESSORIES –String Supervisor
CONFIGURATION SETTING AND COMMISSIONING
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When installing the String Supervisor, it is necessary to make some adjustments on the main screen in
order to display data on the screen. The following adjustments will be made:
Change parameter [G1.12 String Connected] to YES.
In the [G10.3.1 Bus Select] parameter, select CAN if working with Freesun LVT, or RS485 if
working with Freesun HE or HES. The appropriate choice of the selection involves the wiring
installation as described in this manual (either CAN or RS485 communication).
Once the changes in the settings are done, it is necessary to disconnect the auxiliary supply from
the control board and reconnect it in order for the changes to take effect.
The following step is to detect the String Supervisor devices:
In the subgroup G10.1, click on [Scan the Bus] and wait 30 seconds. If everything is configured
correctly, the number of String Supervisors connected to the inverter will appear. Click on [Save
the new Configuration].
After this, in the String Supervisor Visualization group and in the G10.2 subgroup, after saving the
settings in G10.1 two IDs of the String Supervisor (SS ID) will appear. These IDs can be seen
clicking on [Prev SS] or [Next SS].

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CONFIGURATION, SETTING AND COMMISIONING
Once inside group G10.2:
A maximum of 16 strings can be controlled by one String Supervisor. As the String Supervisor
only has 8 channels, de values of [Num Str] can be 0, 1 or 2. This is why the user has to select in
each channel the total number of series in the string.
In this screen other parameters will be selected as: the time range in which the current
measurement will work, the factor starting time, poling time and Warning Delay. All this
information can be found in detail in the Software and Programming manual of the solar inverter.
At this point (making sure the inverter is OFF) the current transformers of the String Supervisors
must be calibrated: in the Visualization group of the String Supervisor, the [Ch No] will be seen
from 1 to 8 with currents [Value] different to zero.
These are default values that have to be set to 0. The circuit is opened and the current s on the
strings is zero. Press “Calibrate String Now” to calibrate the strings. Like this, the Amperes of
[Value] will be zero and the channels will be properly calibrated.
Now the String Supervisors are well configured and the inverter can be switched on. However,
the user is encouraged to consult directly the visualization groups of the String Supervisor to
verify a proper adjustment.