Power One AURORA PVI-10.0/12.5-OUT-xx Specification sheet

AURORA
Photovoltaic Inverters
INSTALLATION AND OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
Model number: PVI-10.0/12.5-OUT-xx PVI-3600-OUTD-IT Rev. 1.2
®

Operation and installation manual Page 2 of 82
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REVISION TABLE
Document
Revision
Author Date Change Description
1.0 Federico
Mastronardi
21/07/2008 First release
1.1 Federico
Mastronardi
06/08/2008 - Removed paragraphes on
display menù
-Updated text
-Updated paragraph 2.2
1.2 Federico
Mastronardi
01/09/2008 - Updated automatic cut-out size
(pag.26)
-Updated output values
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS !
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
POWER-ONE: Reproduction and disclosure, even partially, of the contents of this
manual are strictly forbidden without prior authorization of Power-
One.

Operation and installation manual Page 3 of 82
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety and operational instructions that must be
accurately understood and followed during the installation and maintenance of the
equipment.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock hazards, and to make sure the equipment is
safely installed and commissioned, special safety symbols are used in this manual to
highlight potential safety risks and important safety information. The symbols are:
WARNING: the paragraphs highlighted by this symbol contain processes
and instructions that must be absolutely understood and followed to avoid
potential danger to people.
NOTE: the paragraphs highlighted by this symbol contain processes and
instructions that must be rigorously understood and followed to avoid
potential damage to the equipment and negative results.
The equipment is provided with several labels, some of them with a yellow
background, which are related to safety issues.
Make sure to read the labels and fully understand them before installing the
equipment.
The symbols are:
Equipment grounding conductor (Main grounding protective earth,
PE)
Alternate Current (AC) value
Direct Current (DC) value
Phase
Grounding (Earth)

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND SAFETY STANDARD
FOREWORD
¾The installation of Aurora must be performed in full compliance with national and
local standards and regulations.
¾AURORA features no spare parts.
For any maintenance or repair please contact the nearest authorized repair center.
Please contact your reseller if you need to know the nearest authorized repair
center.
¾Read and understand all the instructions contained in this manual and become
familiar with the safety symbols in the relevant paragraphs before you install and
commission the equipment.
¾The connection to the distribution grid must be done only after receiving approval
from the distribution utility as required by national and state interconnection
regulations, and can be done only by qualified personnel.
¾Keep the whole surface of the photovoltaic panel covered with material opaque to
solar radiation before connecting panel to equipment; this will ensure that no
dangerous high voltage is present at AURORA connection cables.
GENERAL
During inverter operation, some parts could be live, some not properly insulated and,
in some cases, some parts can move or rotate, or some surfaces may be hot.
Unauthorized removal of the necessary protections, improper use, wrong installation
or wrong operation may lead to serious damage to people and objects.
Transport, handling, installation, start-up and maintenance must be performed by
qualified and trained personnel (all accident prevention rules in force in the user's
country must be observed! ! !).
According to these basic safety rules, qualified and trained people have skills for the
assembling, start-up and operation of the product, as well as the necessary
requirements and qualifications to perform such operations.

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ASSEMBLY
Devices shall be assembled and cooled according to the specifications mentioned in
the relevant literature.
In particular, during transport and handling, parts shall not be bent and/or the
insulation distances shall not be changed. Devices shall not get in contact with any
electronic components or connection terminals.
Electrical parts must not be mechanically damaged or broken (potential health risk).
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
When working with the inverter energized, comply with all prevailing national
regulations on accidents prevention.
Electrical connections shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable
regulations, such as conductor sections, fuses, PE connection.
OPERATION
Systems with inverters shall be provided with further control and protective devices in
compliance with the corresponding prevailing safety rules, such as those relating to the
compliance with technical equipment, accident-preventing regulations, etc. Any
calibration change shall be made using the operational software. After disconnecting
the inverter from distribution grid, wait for capacitors to discharge before
servicing/touching any live part and electric connection. Comply with all
corresponding marks and symbols present on each device. During operation, make
sure that all covers and doors are closed.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
Comply with manufacturer's instructions.
SAVE ALL DOCUMENTS IN A SAFE PLACE !

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PVI-10.0/12.5-OUTD-xx
This document applies to the above-mentioned inverters only.
Fig.1 - Product label
The product label on the inverter provides the following information:
1) Manufacturing Part Number
2) Model Number
3) Serial Number
4) Week/Year of Manufacture

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1FOREWORD ............................................................................ 10
1.1 PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY ............................................................... 10
2DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM ....................................... 11
2.1 KEY ELEMENTS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM:“STRINGS” AND
“ARRAYS” ......................................................................................................... 11
2.2 AVAILABLE VERSIONS............................................................................ 14
2.3 DATA TRANSMISSION AND CHECK......................................................... 16
2.4 AURORA TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION..................................................... 16
2.5 PROTECTIVE DEVICES............................................................................. 18
2.5.1 Anti-Islanding.................................................................................... 18
2.5.2 Ground fault of the photovoltaic panels ............................................ 18
2.5.3 Further Protective Devices................................................................ 18
3INSTALLATION...................................................................... 19
3.1 PACKAGE INSPECTION............................................................................ 19
3.2 INSPECTING PACKAGE CONTENTS........................................................... 20
3.3 SELECTING THE PLACE OF INSTALLATION .............................................. 21
3.4 WALL MOUNTING................................................................................... 22
3.5 BEFORE PERFORMING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS .......................... 25
3.6 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ................................................................... 28
3.7 PROCEDURE FOR GAINING ACCESS TO INTERNAL TERMINAL BOARDS
BY REMOVING THE FRONT PANEL ......................................................................... 33
3.8 CHANGING THE LITHIUM BATTERY OF THE TYPE CR2032...................... 34
3.9 CHANGING THE MEMORY ....................................................................... 34
3.10 CHANGING THE RS485 PIGGYBACK BOARD ........................................... 35
4START-UP ................................................................................ 36
5MONITORING AND DATA TRANSMISSION................... 37
5.1 USER INTERFACE MODE.......................................................................... 37
5.2 TYPES OF AVAILABLE DATA ................................................................... 39
5.2.1 Real-time operation data ................................................................... 39
5.2.2 Data stored inside the unit................................................................. 40
5.3 LED INDICATORS ................................................................................... 41
5.4 ERROR CODES AND MESSAGES ............................................................... 44

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5.5 LCD .......................................................................................................47
5.5.1 System connection to the grid.............................................................47
5.5.2 Error Messages ..................................................................................49
5.5.3 First stage, checking the various electrical parameters.....................49
5.5.4 Main menu..........................................................................................53
5.5.5 Statistics .............................................................................................53
5.5.5.1 Lifetime ...................................................................................54
5.5.5.2 Partial.......................................................................................54
5.5.5.3 Today.......................................................................................54
5.5.5.4 Last 7 days...............................................................................55
5.5.5.5 Last Month...............................................................................55
5.5.5.6 Last 30 days.............................................................................55
5.5.5.7 Last 365 days...........................................................................55
5.5.5.8 User period ..............................................................................56
5.5.6 Settings...............................................................................................57
5.5.6.1 Address ....................................................................................57
5.5.6.2 Display set ...............................................................................58
5.5.6.3 Service .....................................................................................59
5.5.6.4 New password .........................................................................59
5.5.6.5 Cash .........................................................................................59
5.5.6.6 Time.........................................................................................59
5.5.6.7 Language .................................................................................60
5.5.6.8 START voltage........................................................................60
5.5.6.9 Alarm.......................................................................................60
5.5.6.10 Remote control....................................................................61
5.5.6.11 UV Prot.time.......................................................................62
5.5.6.12 Alarm Message ...................................................................62
5.5.7 Info .....................................................................................................63
6DATA COMMUNICATION AND CHECK ......................... 64
6.1 CONNECTION THROUGH RS-485 SERIAL PORT OR WITH RJ12
CONNECTORS ........................................................................................................64
6.1.1 RS-485 Serial Port..............................................................................64
6.1.2 RJ12 Connectors ................................................................................65
6.1.3 Daisy chain.........................................................................................66
6.2 ACCURACY OF MEASURED VALUES.........................................................68
7TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................... 70

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8SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................. 72
8.1 INPUT VALUES........................................................................................ 72
8.2 OUTPUT VALUES .................................................................................... 75
8.3 GRID PROTECTION FEATURES ................................................................. 76
8.4 GENERAL FEATURES .............................................................................. 76
8.5 POWER DERATING ................................................................................. 77
8.6 NOTE ABOUT THE DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION BUILT IN THE
POWER-ONE AURORA INVERTERS ........................................................................ 79

Operation and installation manual Page 10 of 82
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1FOREWORD
This document contains a technical description of AURORA photovoltaic inverter so
as to provide the installer and user all the necessary information about installation,
operation and use of AURORA.
1.1 PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY
Industrialized countries (greater energy consumers) have been experimenting energy-
saving methods and reduced pollutant levels for many years thanks to the energy-
conversion process. This may be possible through a shrewd and rational consumption
of well-known resources, and also by looking for new forms of clean and not
exhaustible energy.
Regenerating sources of energy are fundamental to solve this problem. Under these
circumstances, solar energy exploitation to generate electrical (photovoltaic) energy is
becoming more and more important world-wide.
Photovoltaic energy, in any case, is of great advantage to the environment because the
radiated energy we receive from the sun is transformed directly into electrical energy
without any combustion process and without producing any pollution.

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2DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM
The AURORA inverter is capable of feeding a power grid using the power generated
by photovoltaic panels.
Photovoltaic panels transform the sun-radiated energy into electrical energy in the
form of direct (DC) current (through a photovoltaic field, also known as PV
generator). In order to utilize this energy and feed it back to the distribution grid, this
energy shall be turned into alternating (AC) current. Aurora does this conversion, also
known as DC to AC inversion, in a very efficient way, without using rotating parts but
just static power electronic devices.
When used in parallel with the grid, the alternate current generated by the inverter is
directly fed to the household distribution circuit, which is in its turn also connected to
the public power distribution grid.
The solar energy system powers all connected electric items: lighting, household
appliances, etc.
When the photovoltaic system is not generating sufficient energy, the power required
to ensure proper operation of connected loads is taken from the public power grid.
While if the produced energy is too much, it is directly fed to the grid, thus becoming
available to other users.
According to national and local standards and regulations the produced energy can be
sold to the grid or credited to the user against future consumption, thus granting a great
saving of money.
2.1 Key elements of a photovoltaic system: “STRINGS” and “ARRAYS”
The so-called STRINGS technology has been developed in order to reduce the
installation costs of a photovoltaic system as much as possible. These costs are mainly
related to the wiring operations on inverter DC side and the consequent distribution on
the AC side.
A photovoltaic panel is composed of many photovoltaic cells assembled on the same
mount. A STRING is composed of a certain number of panels electrically connected in
series. An ARRAY is composed by one or more strings connected in parallel.
Larger photovoltaic systems may be implemented by using several arrays connected to
one or more AURORA inverters.
The greater the number of panels in each string, the lower the cost and the less
complex the wiring connections of the system.

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Fig.2 - Array Composition
WARNING: Aurora DC voltage input shall not exceed 850 Vdc or
damages to the equipment could result. Overvoltage up to 900 Vdc is
allowed for 2 hours per day. At any rate, exceeding 850 Vdc input causes an
alarm warning by AURORA.
NOTE: The minimum input voltage required to start up AURORA is 200
Vdc; a certain voltage is required to start the grid connection sequence (can
be set from 250 Vdc to 500Vdc) and default setting is 360 Vdc. Once
connected, Aurora will transfer power to the distribution grid for any input
DC voltage value, between 70% of set starting voltage and 850 Vdc.

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The total current of an array must also be within the capability limits of the inverter.
For AURORA, the maximum current from any input can never exceed 18 Adc.
AURORA PVI-10.0/12.5-OUTD-xx models can serve two separate arrays.
If the photovoltaic system exceeds the capacity of a single inverter, it is possible to
add more AURORA inverters to the system and connect every one of them to a
suitable section of the photovoltaic field on Dc side, as well as to distribution grid on
Ac side.
Each Aurora inverter will work independent of the others and will output to the grid
the maximum power available from its own section of the photovoltaic panels.
There are several factors and considerations to be taken into account when designing a
photovoltaic system, such as the type of panels, available room, location, long-term
target output, etc. The system configurator available on Power-One's web site at
www.power-one.com may help in sizing a photovoltaic system.
Fig.3 - Simplified diagram of a photovoltaic system
AC disconnect
DC disconnect

Operation and installation manual Page 14 of 82
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2.2 Available versions
PVI-10.0/12.5-OUTD
PVI-10.0/12.5-OUTD-FS
Models ending by FS-IT are supplied with built-in DC switch
1000V, 25A and protection fuses as shown in Fig.3B.
Fig.3A - Inverter function chart with no built-in DC switch.

Operation and installation manual Page 15 of 82
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Fig.3B - Inverter function chart with built-in DC switch and fuses.
DC/AC
Inverter
≈
A
C
Output
+ PV In
p
ut 1
- PV In
p
ut 1
+ PV In
p
ut 2
- PV In
p
ut 2
DC
Switch
PVI-10.0-OUTD-FS / PVI-12.5-OUTD-FS
- PV In
p
ut
- PV In
p
ut
- PV In
p
ut
+ PV In
p
ut
+ PV In
p
ut
+ PV In
p
ut
- PV In
p
ut
- PV In
p
ut
- PV In
p
ut
+ PV In
p
ut
+ PV In
p
ut
+ PV In
p
ut
MPPT 1
MPPT 2
10A - 900V
N
U
V
W

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2.3 Data Transmission and Check
When more than one inverter is used, remote monitoring can be implemented through
a sophisticated communication system based on an RS-485 serial interface. An
optional Aurora Easy-Control system is also available for remote monitoring via the
Internet, analog modem or GSM digital modem.
2.4 AURORA Technical Description
Figure 4 shows a block diagram of AURORA. The main blocks are Dc-Dc input
converters (also called “boosters”) and the output inverter. Both DC-DC converters
and output inverter operate at a high switching frequency to enable a compact design
and relatively low weight.
This version of AURORA does not include a transformer, i.e. with no galvanic
insulation between input and output. Without the transformer, conversion system
efficiency is further enhanced. Moreover AURORA is equipped with protections to
guarantee safe operation and compliance with safety standards, even without the
transformer, as described in the paragraph about protections.
Fig.4 - Block diagram of AURORA

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The block diagram shows model AURORA PVI-10.0/12.5-OUTD-xx with its two
input Dc-Dc converters and each converter is dedicated to a separate array with
independent Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control. This means that the
two arrays can be installed in different positions and orientations. Each array is
controlled by an MPPT control circuit. In the wind version, the two converters are
connected in parallel to rectifier output.
Thanks to its high efficiency and generously sized heat sink, the AURORA inverter
provides maximum power operation in a broad range of ambient temperatures.
The inverter is controlled by two independent DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) and
one central microprocessor.
Connection to the distribution grid is then monitored by two independent computers,
complying with the electrical standards both concerning system power supply and
safety.
AURORA operating system communicates with the relevant components to analyse
data.
This process ensures optimal performance levels of the whole units, as well as a high
efficiency under all insolation and load conditions, always in full compliance with the
applicable directives, standards and regulations.

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2.5 Protective devices
2.5.1 Anti-Islanding
When the local power distribution grid fails due to a fault or when the equipment is
shut down for maintenance operations, Aurora shall be physically disconnected under
safety conditions, so as to protect the people working on the grid, in full compliance
with the applicable prevailing national standards and regulations. To avoid any
possible islanding operation, Aurora is provided with an automatic disconnection
protective system called “Anti-Islanding”.
The AURORA PVI-10.0/12.5-OUTD-xx model is equipped with a state-of-the-art
anti-islanding protection system certified to the following standards and regulations:
¾CEI 11-20 and ENEL DK-5940 Regulation (in Italy)
2.5.2 Ground fault of the photovoltaic panels
This version of AURORA shall be used with panels connected in a “floating” way, i.e.
with positive and negative terminal not connected to the ground. A top-notch ground
fault protection circuit constantly monitors the ground connection and turns off
AURORA when a ground fault is detected, indicating ground fault condition through a
red LED on the front panel. AURORA inverter is equipped with a terminal for system
ground lead; please refer to section 3.6 (step 3) for further details.
NOTE: For more details of AURORA shutdown or possible causes of
malfunction, please refer to sections 5.3 and 5.4
2.5.3 Further Protective Devices
Aurora is equipped with additional protections to guarantee safe operation under any
circumstances. The protections include:
¾constant monitoring of grid voltage to ensure that voltage and frequency remain
within the specified operational limits (in accordance with DK5940);
¾inner temperature control to automatically limit the power any time this is
necessary to avoid unit overheating (heatsink temperature ≤70°C [158°F]).
Many control devices are fitted to AURORA making its structure redundant, but
at the same time ensuring a perfect and fully safe operation.

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3INSTALLATION
WARNING: The electrical installation of AURORA must be performed in
compliance with applicable local and national standards and laws.
WARNING: The connection of AURORA to the electrical distribution grid
must be performed only after receiving authorization from the utility that
operates the grid.
3.1 Package Inspection
NOTE: The distributor delivered your AURORA to the carrier safely
packaged and in perfect condition. Upon acceptance of the package, the
carrier assumes responsibility for its safe delivery. In spite of careful
handling, transport damage to package or its content is always a possibility.
The customer is encouraged to perform the following checks:
¾Inspect the shipping box for apparent damage, such as holes, cracking or any sign
of possible damage to its contents.
¾Describe any damage or shortage on the receiving documents and have the
carrier sign his/her full name.
¾Open the shipping box and inspect the contents for internal damage. While
unpacking, be careful not to discard any equipment, parts or manuals. If any
damage is detected, call the delivering carrier to determine the appropriate action.
Save all shipping material for the event the carrier sends an inspector to verify
damage!
¾If the inspection reveals damage to the inverter call your local supplier or the
authorized distributor. They will determine if the equipment should be returned
for repair. They will also provide instructions on how to get the equipment
repaired;
¾It is the customer's responsibility to file a claim with the carrier. Failure to file a
claim with the carrier may void all warranty service rights for any damage;
¾Carefully store away AURORA original packaging since it shall be used in case
it is necessary to ship it for repair.

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3.2 Inspecting package contents
Description Quantity (No.)
AURORA inverter 1
Bag containing:
5 screws 6.3x70, 5 blocks SX10, 5 washers M6, 1 fairlead
M20, 1 fairlead M40, 2 cables AWG12 for jumpers, 1 seal
type 36A3M20, 1 cylinder TGM58, 1 wrench Torx20, 1 nut
1143M40N, 6 Male MULTICONTAC counterparts, 6 Female
MULTICONTAC counterparts.
6 Multicontact positive caps and 6 Multicontact negative
caps, already assembled to the inverter
1
One copy of this manual 1
One certificate of warranty 1
CD-ROM with communication software 1