Power One VSN-MGR-RES SERIES User manual

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AURORA LOGGER
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, MAX
INSTALLATION GUIDE
VSN-MGR-RES SERIES
VSN-MGR-CMML SERIES
VSN-MGR-MAX SERIES
BCM.00099.0AL REV B

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DISCLAIMER
The information, specifications, configurations and other technical information regarding the
products referenced herein are subject to change without notice. All the statements, technical
information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but
Power-One Corporation makes no representations or warranties with respect to accuracy or
completeness of the contents of this Manual. Users must take full responsibility for the application
of any products referenced herein. No license whether express, implied, arising by estoppel or
otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this User Guide.
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL POWER-ONE BE LIABLE TO
BUYER, OR TO ANY PARTY CLAIMING THROUGH OR UNDER BUYER, FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOSS
OF DATA, INCREASED MANUFACTURING COSTS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, OR FOR ANY INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, ARISING OUT OF
OR RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS USER GUIDE, OR THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE ANY
PRODUCT REFERENCED HEREIN, EVEN IF POWER-ONE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. POWER-ONE’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
AMOUNTS PAID BY BUYER TO POWER-ONE FOR THE PRODUCTS ORDERED PURSUANT TO THE
APPLICABLE PURCHASE ORDER. TO THE EXTENT SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO BUYER.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the
express written consent of Power-One Corporation.
Power-One, the Power-One logo, Aurora Logger and Aurora Vision are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Power-One Corporation. All other brand or product names may be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyright© 2011-2013 Power-One Corporation

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WARRANTY
Power-One Corporation (“Seller”) hereby warrants that the product for which this User Guide is
written (the “Equipment”) will comply in all material respects with Seller’s published specification
for a period of two (2) years from the date of shipment. For any material breach of the foregoing
warranty, Seller’s sole and exclusive obligation and buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy for breach of
the foregoing warranty shall be, at Seller’s option, to either repair, replace or issue credit for the
nonconforming product, provided proof of purchase and written notice of non-conformance are
received by Seller within the period noted above and Seller confirms the alleged non-conformity.
This warranty shall not apply to Equipment that Seller determines has been, by buyer or otherwise,
subject to unauthorized modification, improper installation, misuse, or use for any reason other
than electrical power monitoring of solar power equipment.
THIS WARRANTY EXTENDS TO BUYER ONLY AND NOT TO BUYER’S CUSTOMERS OR USERS OF
BUYER’S PRODUCTS OR SERVICES AND IS IN LIEU OF, AND SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS, ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND
NON-INFRINGEMENT. THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT BE ENLARGED BY, AND NO OBLIGATION OR
LIABILITY SHALL AIRISE OUT OF, SELLER’S RENDERING OF TECHNICAL ADVICE OR SERVICES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT. TO THE EXTENT SOME JURISDICTIONS DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, SOME OF THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS MAY
NOT APPLY TO BUYER.
For further details please go to Seller’s website at: www.power-one.com
FCC Compliance Statement
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
product generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio
communications. Operation of this product in a residential area may cause harmful interference, in
which case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.

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CONTENTS
1SYS TEM OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 AURORA LOGGER MODELS............................................................................................................................................ 6
2INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 PREPARATION................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 AURORA LOGGER INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 POWER ONE INVERTER ADDRESS CONFIGURATION............................................................................................ 11
3COMMISSIONING............................................................................................................................12
3.1 CONNECT TO THE INTERNET...................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 RUN THE SETUP TOOL................................................................................................................................................. 13
3.3 CONFIGURE FOR INVERTER DEVICES....................................................................................................................... 14
3.3.1 Set a Static I P Address ..............................................................................................................................................14
3.4 VERIFY INTERNET CONNECTIVITY ........................................................................................................................... 14
3.5 ASSET REGISTRATION ................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.6 END-TO-END DATA CHECK........................................................................................................................................ 15
3.7 AURORA EASY VIEW ACCESS FOR END USER ........................................................................................................ 15
4ADDING A WEATHER STATION ......................................................................................................18
4.1CONFIGURATION FOR A WEATHER STATION DEVICE ......................................................................................... 19
5INTERFACING AURORA LOGGER MAX WITH SCADA SYSTE MS ........................................................21
5.1 POWER-ONE SUNSPEC ADAPTER............................................................................................................................. 21
5.2 MODBUS TCPSERVER................................................................................................................................................. 21
5.3 DATA LOGGER CONFIGURATION FOR SCADA OR OTHER MONITORING SYSTEMS..................................... 21
5.3.1 Set a Static IP Address for the Aurora D ata Logger ..........................................................................................21
5.3.2 Configure the Serial Interfac es...............................................................................................................................22
5.3.4 Communication with Devices by SCADA or Monitoring System ...................................................................23
5.4 ADDING 3RD PARTY DEVICES..................................................................................................................................... 24
5.5 MODBUS TCPCLIENT.................................................................................................................................................. 25
6TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................................27
6.1 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE........................................................................................................................................ 27
6.1.1 Troublesho oting/Rese tti ng an A uro ra Lo gger ..................................................................................................28
6.2 HOW TO CONTACT POWER-ONE TECHNICAL SUPPORT .................................................................................... 29
7AURORALOGGER SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................30
7.1 DATA LOGGER /INTERNET GATEWAY SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................... 30

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1SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Aurora Logger is a lightweight solution for remote data acquisition, which enables PV system
owners to benefit from advanced energy reports. The Aurora Logger collects and analyzes energy
generation data from all connected Power-One inverters and optional weather station for
commercial loggers. System performance and energy information are logged into a database on
the Information Server, where it can be retrieved and used for analysis via any standard web-
browser.
The Installer logs on to the website to register the Aurora Logger and ensures that the logger is
correctly passing information to the servers. The Installer provides a URL to the end user for access
to Aurora Easy View.
Aurora Logger in conjunction with the Aurora Vision solution brings the following benefits:
•Safeguard Your Investment and Maximize Your Return
•Improved Solar Energy System Efficiency
•Lower Life Cycle Costs
•Real-time and Historic Data Presented Using Web-based Devices
•Alarm Functions and Device Communication Failure
•Remote Access to all Data Using Internet Technology
Aurora
Logger
data
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The information in this document applies to all Aurora Logger Models. This guide provides
instructions for installing the Aurora Logger hardware to work directly with a Power-One inverter(s)
and for setting up Aurora Vision Management system for remote data access.
The Aurora Logger consists of a Data Logger/Gateway and AC Power Supply adaptor. The data
logger connects to the Local Area Network (LAN) with an Ethernet RJ45 connection. Typically it
connects to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or Cable router/gateway to get access to the Internet. In
summary, any kind of Internet Protocol (IP) connection will work.
1.1 AURORA LOGGER MODELS
Aurora Loggers come in three models. The feature differences are provided in the table below.
Model
Supported Devices and Features
Residential
Monitorup to 5 Power-One single-phase string inverters.
Commercial
Monitorup to 10 Power-One string inverters and one weatherstation. Inverters can
be single-phase or three-phase.
Max
Monitorany Power-One device, including inverters, meters, combiners, and weather
stations. Includes a Modbus TCP server and converts inverter
data-maps into Sunspec-compliantmaps for SCADA system interface, data collection,
and inverter command execution. Supports some 3rd party devices.

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2INSTALLATION
Qualified personnel with appropriate training and experience must perform Aurora Logger
installation. Follow standard safety precautions during all procedures. Appropriate personal
protection equipment (PPE), such as safety gloves and safety glasses is recommended.
WARNING!
During normal operation of the Aurora Logger, dangerous voltages flow through many parts of
the system, including: terminals, all I/O Modules (Inputs and Outputs) and their circuits. All
Primary and Secondary circuits can, at times, produce lethal voltages and currents. Avoid contact
with any current-carrying surfaces.
2.1 PREPARATION
Make sure you have the following tools and materials prior to starting installation.
Tools
•Standard Electrician’s Toolkit
•Personal Protective Equipment (Gloves, Goggles, Clothing)
Materials and Test Equipment
•Twisted-Pair RS-485 Wire (Belden#3106A or eq.).
DO NOT USE CAT5/6 CABLE FOR THE RS-485 DATA WIRE.
•Ethernet Cable to make Network Connection
•Laptop Computer with Internet Browser
•Second Ethernet Cable for Logger configuration
•Mounting Screws and/or Brackets
It is also useful to know if you need to perform Asset Registration or final End-to-End Data Checks
after physical installation is complete. If so, you will need a User ID/password to log in to Aurora
Vision, and additionally you will need Administrator privileges to access the Aurora ADMIN tool.
See the Commissioning section for details.
2.2 AURORA LOGGER INSTALLATION
1. Check packaging for all components:

Aurora Logger

Power Supply Adapter

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2. Determine the indoor location of the Aurora Logger. For reliable operation, it is required
that the data logger be located within 100m (330 ft.) of an Ethernet connection and
within 1200m (4000 ft.) of the inverter(s).
3. Mount the Aurora Logger. The Aurora Logger comes with flanges with pre-drilled holes
for easy mounting. All Aurora Logger versions require a weather protected site. The
included power supply requires an ambient temperature between 0oC and 40oC but the
logger can operate between -40oC and 85oC.
4. Connect shielded twisted-pair wire to the RS-485 terminals on the inverter(s).If there are
multiple Power-One inverters, wire the inverters in a daisy chain configuration. Use a RS-
485 data wire with one twisted pair, one ground conductor, and a shield with drain wire
(Belden#3106A or equivalent).
DO NOT USE CAT5/6 CABLE FOR THE RS-485 DATA WIRE.
5. Connect other end of shielded twisted-pair wire to Secondary RS-485 terminals on the
Aurora Logger. Use the table below and the figure on page 10 to make the proper
connections.
RS-485 Connection
Aurora Logger RS-485
Screw Terminal
Connector
Example Aurora Inverter
RS-485 Pin Label
RS-485 Negative (-)
1
-TR (Port 5)
RS-485 Positive (+)
2
+TR (Port 4)
RS-485 Negative (-)
3
-----
RS-485 Positive (+)
4
----
Ground
5
RTN (Port 3)
VDC Power Only
6
----
6. Connect shielded twisted-pair wire to the RS-485 terminals on the
weather/environmental station. Use a RS-485 data wire with one twisted pair, one
ground conductor, and a shield with drain wire (Belden#3106A or equivalent).
DO NOT USE CAT5/6 CABLE FOR THE RS-485 DATA WIRE.
Eth0 -- For Internet Connection
RS-485
Screw Terminal
Eth1 -- For Device Configuration

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7. Connect other end of shielded twisted-pair wire to the Primary RS-485 terminals on the
Aurora Logger. Use the table below and the figure on the next page to make the proper
connections. See Section 4 for more information on wiring the optional weather station
to the Aurora Logger.
RS-485 Screw Terminal
8. For systems with multiple Power-One inverters, the RS-485 network must be terminated
at the final inverter by a switch near the RS-485 terminal block. The farthest inverter in
the daisy chain must be terminated by setting the inverter termination switch to ON. For
all other inverters in the daisy chain, turn OFF the termination switch. Below are pictures
of RS-485 terminals in various Power-One inverters, as well as locations of the
termination switch.1If you need more information, consult your inverter’s manual for
locating the RS485 terminals and the termination resistor switch.
1In some environments you may experience poor RS-485 signal strength due to noise. If signal strength is a problem,
double-check that the last inverter in the chain is terminated and other inverters are not terminated. If problems
persist,itmay prove helpful to attach a 120 Ohm 0.5 Watt resistor across screwterminals 1 and 2 on the Aurora
Logger.
PVI-xxxx Indoor Series
PVI-x.x Outdoor Series
PVI-x.x Outdoor
Series (U.S.)
Termination Switch
+12VDC Power, Terminal 6
Ground, Terminal 5

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9. The Power Adapter comes packaged with your Aurora Logger with the DC output wires
pre-stripped and tinned for connecting to the Screw Terminal of the Aurora Logger.
Attach the conductor with white label, which is a positive +12 VDC cable, to Port 6 of the
Aurora Logger Screw Terminal. Attach the other solid black ground conductor to Port 5 of
the Aurora Logger Screw Terminal. See the figure below.
10. Connect the supplied power cord to the Aurora Logger and a standard power outlet. The
power supply is a universal power supply so it can be used worldwide and will come with
a plug adapter that is specific for your region.
11. Check the Aurora Logger power. There is a pair of light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the side
of the logger, opposite the RS-485/DC power terminal block. The LEDs flash red during
system boot and then one turns solid green when power is supplied and the system is
ready.
To Network via
Switch or Router
Screw Terminal Block
on Aurora Logger
Example
Inverter
Terminal Block
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
GND
100-240VAC/12VDC
Converter/Adapter
Aurora Logger
Ground
+12VDC Power
Use Twisted Pair Wire
Adapter
+12VDC Power
Ground