SMA MLX Series User manual

www.SMA.de
Solar Inverters
MLX Series
Installation Guide / Guía de instalacíon / Guide d’installation /
Installationsanleitung
SMA Solar Technology AG

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L00410644-01_2q / Rev. date: 2014-06-02 1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Safety Message Types
The following symbols are used in this document:
DANGER
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which could
result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
NOTICE
Indicates important information, including situations
which may result in damage to equipment or property.
General Safety
CAUTION
This manual contains important instructions that shall be
followed during installation and maintenance of the MLX
inverter.
NOTICE
BEFORE INSTALLATION
Check for damage to equipment and packaging. If in
doubt, contact the supplier before commencing instal-
lation.
WARNING
INSTALLATION
For optimum safety, follow the steps described in this
document. Keep in mind that the inverter has 2 voltage-
carrying sides; the PV input and the AC grid.
DANGER
DISCONNECTING THE INVERTER
Before starting work on the inverter, switch off AC at the
mains switch and PV using the PV load switch. Ensure
that the inverter cannot be unintentionally reconnected.
Use a voltage tester to ensure that the unit is discon-
nected and voltage free. The inverter can still be charged
with very high voltage at hazardous levels even when it
is disconnected from AC grid and solar modules. Wait at
least 5 minutes following disconnection from grid and
PV panels before proceeding.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIO...
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1 PV load switch (optional)
Illustration 1.1
NOTICE
The PV load switch can be secured in the ‘Off’ position
using a padlock.
CAUTION
DC voltages up to 1000 V are present in a PV system
even when the inverter is disconnected from the AC grid.
Faults or inappropriate use may lead to electric arcing.
CAUTION
MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION
Only authorised personnel are permitted to modify the
inverter. To ensure personal safety, use only original
spare parts available from the supplier. If non-original
spare parts are used, compliance with CE/UL guidelines
in respect of electrical safety, EMC, and machine safety is
not guaranteed.
WARNING
INSTALLER
Observe the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
Input and output circuits are isolated from the enclosure.
System grounding is the responsibility of the installer.
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
These servicing instructions are for use by qualified
personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do
not perform any servicing other than that specified in
the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do
so.
WARNING
The inverter is not equipped with an isolation
transformer and is intended to be installed according to
NFPA 70, 690.35 with an ungrounded (floating) PV array.
WARNING
Input and output circuits are isolated from the enclosure.
System grounding, when required by the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part I, is the responsibility of the
installer.
CAUTION
All persons installing and servicing inverters must be:
•
Trained and authorised in general safety rules
for work on electrical equipment.
•
Familiar with local requirements, rules, and
regulations for the installation.
CAUTION
The inverter does not provide overcurrent protection.
This must be provided by the installer. See Table 5.8.
CAUTION
The temperature of the cooling racks and components
inside the inverter can exceed 70 °C/158 °F. Observe the
danger of burn injury.
The inverter is to be installed so that it is not expected
to be contacted by persons.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of fire, connect only to a circuit
provided with 125 A maximum branch-circuit
overcurrent protection in accordance with the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
NOTICE
Use 75 °C or 90 °C wire, either AWG copper or AWG
aluminium. See 2.7 Cable Entry.
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NOTICE
The symbol for protective earth used in this manual is
identified in Illustration 2.18.
The on/off symbol is identified in 3.2.2 Turn PV Load
Switch On.
NOTICE
For information about ambient temperature rating, see
5.4 Installation Conditions.
NOTICE
This manual contains information about field wiring
connections and torque specifications. See 5.5 Torque
Specifications.
NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by 1 or
more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the distance between the equipment
and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Conformity
Go to the download area at www.sma.de for information.
See also 5 Technical Data.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIO...
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Contents
1 Introduction
7
1.1 Purpose of the Manual 8
1.2 Unpacking 10
1.3 Identification of Inverter 10
1.4 Installation Sequence 10
1.5 Overview of Installation Area 11
2 Installation 12
2.1 Environment and Clearances 12
2.2 Mounting the Mounting Plate 13
2.3 Mounting the Inverter 14
2.4 Removing the Inverter 15
2.5 Access to the Installation Area 15
2.6 AC Grid Connection 16
2.7 Cable Entry 17
2.8 Ethernet Connections 17
2.9 PV Connection 18
2.9.1 External String Combiners 18
2.10 Closure 19
3 Initial Setup and Start 20
3.1 User Interface 20
3.1.1 Operation Modes 20
3.2 Display 20
3.2.1 Initial Setup via LCS Tool 21
3.2.2 Turn PV Load Switch On 21
3.2.3 Start-up 21
3.3 LCS Tool 22
3.3.1 Getting Started 22
4 Service 28
4.1 Troubleshooting 28
4.2 Maintenance 30
5 Technical Data 31
5.1 Specifications 31
5.2 Trip Settings 32
5.3 Conformity 33
5.4 Installation Conditions 34
5.5 Torque Specifications 34
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5.6 Mains Circuit Specifications 35
5.7 Auxiliary Interface Specifications 35
5.8 Ethernet Connections 36
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1Introduction
The MLX inverters are designed to act exclusively as grid-
tied inverters for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The inverter
converts DC voltage generated by a solar array into
electrical AC power. The unit must be tied to the utility
grid and a photovoltaic system in order to operate
properly. It is not suitable for any other applications (such
as a battery back-up or wind-powered systems).
The MLX system consists of 4 main components (see also
Illustration 1.1):
•
MLX inverter.
•
DC combiner.
The DC combiner makes it possible to combine
the needed number of PV strings for the MLX
inverter. A DC combiner is needed for each MLX
inverter.
•
MLX Inverter Manager.
The MLX Inverter Manager is required for
operating the MLX inverters. Each Inverter
Manager can handle up to 42 inverters. The
Inverter Manager handles all communication to
the inverters. It forms a single point of interface
for data accusation systems, upload to cloud
services and power-plant control.
•
LCS Tool.
The LCS Tool is required for commissioning and
servicing MLX inverters, via the Inverter Manager.
The LCS Tool acts as the primary user interface
for the MLX system.
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Illustration 1.1 System Overview
1PVarray
2DCcombiner
3MLXinverter
4MLXInverterManager
5LCSTool
6CLXportalorthirdparty
7 Utility control
8 SCADA system
9Transformer
Table 1.1 System Overview
1.1 Purpose of the Manual
The Installation Guide provides information required to
install and commission the MLX series inverter.
Additional resources available:
•
Inverter Manager Installation Poster, for
information required to commission the MLX
inverter as well as setup of inverter communi-
cation (EU).
•
Inverter Manager Assembly Installation Guide, for
information required to commission the MLX
inverter as well as setup of inverter communi-
cation (US).
•
Design Guide, for information required for detailed
inverter layout planning in a diversity of solar
energy applications.
•
Fan Installation Instruction, for information
required to replace a fan.
•
SPD Installation Instruction, for information
required to replace surge protection devices.
These documents are available from the download area at
www.sma.de, or from the supplier of the solar inverter.
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Illustration 1.2 MLX Inverter
Abbreviation Description
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AWG American Wire Gauge
cat5e Category 5 twisted pair cable (enhanced)
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DNO Distribution Network Operator
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
EMC (Directive) Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FRT Fault Ride Through
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
HDD Hard Disk Drive
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IT Isolated Terra
LCS Local Commissioning and Service
LED Light-Emitting Diode
LVD (Directive) Low Voltage Directive
MCB Miniature Circuit Breaker
MPP Maximum Power Point
MPPT Maximum Power Point Tracking
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
P P is the symbol for active power and is
measured in Watts (W).
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PCC Point of Common Coupling
The point on the public electricity network to
which other customers are, or could be,
connected.
PE Protective Earth
PELV Protected Extra-Low Voltage
PLA Power Level Adjustment
P
NOM
Power, Nominal conditions
POC Point of Connection
The point at which the PV system is connected
to the public electricity grid.
P
STC
Power, Standard Test Conditions
PV Photovoltaic, photovoltaic cells
RCD Residual-Current Device
RCMU Residual Current Monitoring Unit
R
ISO
Insulation Resistance
ROCOF Rate Of Change Of Frequency
Q Q is the symbol for reactive power and is
measured in reactive volt-amperes (VAr).
S S is the symbol for apparent power and is
measured in volt-amperes (VA).
STC Standard Test Conditions
SW Software
THD Total Harmonic Distortion
TN-S Terra Neutral - Separate. AC Network
TN-C Terra Neutral - Combined. AC Network
TN-C-S Terra Neutral - Combined - Separate. AC
Network
TT Terra Terra. AC Network
Table 1.2 Abbreviations
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1.2 Unpacking
Contents:
•
Inverter
•
Mounting plate
•
Accessories bag, containing:
•
6 wall plugs 8 x 50 mm
•
6 mounting screws 6 x 60 mm
•
1 M25 cable gland with sealing
grummet for Ethernet cables
•
2 x conduit bracket (2 in)
•
1 equipment grounding bolt M6 x 12
mm
•
Installation guide, booklet format
•
Quick guide, poster format
1.3 Identification of Inverter
Illustration 1.3 Product Label, Example
The product label on the side of the inverter shows:
•
Inverter type.
•
Important specifications.
•
Serial number, located under the bar code, for
inverter identification.
1.4 Installation Sequence
1. Pay special attention to the important safety
instructions at the beginning of this manual.
2. Install the inverter according to 2.1 Environment
and Clearances, 2.2 Mounting the Mounting Plate,
and 2.3 Mounting the Inverter.
3. Open the inverter according to 2.5 Access to the
Installation Area.
4. Install AC according to 2.6 AC Grid Connection.
5. Install Ethernet according to 2.8.1 Ethernet
Connections.
6. Install PV according to 2.9 PV Connection.
7. Close the inverter according to 2.5 Access to the
Installation Area.
8. Turn on AC.
9. Finalise commissioning by using the Local
Commissioning and Service Tool (LCS Tool). The
tool is available from the download area at
www.sma.de. The hardware requirements for the
LCS Tool are:
•
PC running Windows
TM
7 and onwards
•
150 Mb HDD
•
2 Gb RAM
For setup via the LCS Tool, refer to 3.3 LCS Tool.
10. Turn on PV by turning on the PV load switch.
Refer to 2.9.2 Connection of PV.
11. Verify the installation by:
•
Inverter display: LED ‘On’ is solid green.
•
LCS Tool: In inverter view status is ‘On
grid’.
12. The inverter is now in operation.
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1.5 Overview of Installation Area
Illustration 1.4 Overview of Installation Area
PELV (Safe to touch)
2 Equipment grounding
7 Ethernet interface x 2
8 RS-485 interface (not in use)
Live Part
1 AC connection terminals
5 PV connection terminals
Other
3SurgeProtectionAC
4SurgeProtectionDC
6 PV load switch (optional)
Table 1.3 Overview of Installation Area
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2 Installation
2.1 Environment and Clearances
Illustration 2.1 Avoid Constant Stream of Water
Illustration 2.2 Avoid Direct Sunlight
Illustration 2.3 Ensure Adequate Air Flow
Illustration 2.4 Ensure Adequate Air Flow
Illustration 2.5 Mount on Non-flammable Surface
Illustration 2.6 Mount Upright on Vertical Surface. Backwards
tilt of up to 10 degrees is permitted
Illustration 2.7 Prevent Dust and Ammonia Gases
NOTICE
When planning the installation site, ensure that the
inverter product label and warning labels remain visible.
For details, refer to 5 Technical Data.
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2.2 Mounting the Mounting Plate
Illustration 2.8 Safe Clearances
NOTICE
Ensure 620 mm / 24 in base clearance for adequate
airflow.
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Illustration 2.9 Mounting Plate
NOTICE
Use of the mounting plate delivered with the inverter is
mandatory. If the inverter is mounted without the
mounting plate, the guarantee becomes void.
It is highly recommended to use all 6 mounting holes.
Mount the mounting plate:
•
Install in the defined environment.
•
Use screws and wall plugs that can safely carry
the weight of the inverter.
•
Ensure that the mounting plate is correctly
aligned.
•
Observe safe clearances when installing 1 or
more inverters, to ensure adequate airflow.
Clearances are specified in Illustration 2.8 and on
the mounting plate label.
•
Mounting multiple inverters in a single row is
recommended. Contact the supplier for
guidelines when mounting inverters in more than
1 row.
•
Ensure adequate clearance at the front, for safe
installation and service access to the inverter.
.
Illustration 2.10 Mounting the Mounting Plate
2.3 Mounting the Inverter
CAUTION
Refer to local health and safety regulations when
handling the inverter.
Procedure:
1. Lift the inverter. Locate the slots on the side of
the mounting plate. Use M12 or ½ in lifting bolts
and matching nuts (not part of delivery).
Illustration 2.11 Position the inverter
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Illustration 2.12 Lifting Bolts
2. On the inverter, position the side screws against
the mounting plate slots.
3. Push the inverter as shown so the side screws
slide into the 2 lower slots and the 2 upper slots.
See Illustration 2.13 and Illustration 2.14.
Illustration 2.13 Slide into Slots
Illustration 2.14 Detail of Sliding into Slot
4. Check that the 4 side screws sit securely in the
mounting plate slots.
5. Release the inverter.
2.4 Removing the Inverter
Procedure:
1. Perform removal in the reverse order of
mounting.
2. Lift the inverter.
3. Lift and slide the inverter out of the mounting
plate slots.
4. Lift the inverter free of the mounting plate.
2.5 Access to the Installation Area
DANGER
Before starting work on the inverter, switch off AC at the
mains switch and PV using the PV load switch. Ensure
that the inverter cannot be unintentionally reconnected.
Use a voltage tester to ensure that the unit is discon-
nected and voltage free. The inverter can still be charged
with very high voltage at hazardous levels even when it
is disconnected from AC grid and solar modules. Wait at
least 5 minutes following disconnection from grid and
PV panels before proceeding.
CAUTION
Observe ESD safety regulations. Discharge any electro-
static charge by touching the grounded enclosure,
before handling any electronic component.
Procedure:
1. To open the cover, loosen the 3 lower front
screws using a TX 30 screwdriver. The screws are
captive screws and cannot fall out.
2. Lift the cover 180°. A magnet holds the cover
open.
3. To close the cover, lower it into place and fasten
the 3 front screws.
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Illustration 2.15 Loosen Front Screws and Lift Cover
2.6 AC Grid Connection
DANGER
These instructions for AC grid connection are for
qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not perform any servicing other than that
specified in the operating instructions unless you are
qualified to do so.
CAUTION
For fuse and RCD information, refer to 5 Technical Data.
AC fuse rating must not exceed the ampacity of the
conductors used.
NOTICE
Wiring methods used shall be in accordance with the
National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, and the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part I.
Always observe local regulations.
All installers must observe the relevant wiring methods.
IMI Detection
The inverter has built-in IMI/RCMU (Insulation Monitoring
Interrupter / Residual Current Monitoring Unit). Certifi-
cation is according to the UL 1741 for Non-Isolated EPS
Interactive PV Inverters. The IMI/RCMU circuit is 100%
single fault immune. It acts on a continuous ground fault
current and a sudden change in the ground fault current.
This functionality is running during normal operation.
Insulation Resistance Detection
The inverter has a built-in Insulation Resistance Detection /
ISO circuit, which is certified according to the UL 1741 for
Non-Isolated EPS Interactive PV Inverters. The Insulation
Resistance Detector performs a measurement of the
connected PV system resistance to ground before the
inverter connects to the grid. If the resistance is below the
grid code set value, the inverter will wait and re-measure
the resistance after a short while. When the resistance is
above the grid code set value, the inverter performs a self-
test and connects to the grid.
Illustration 2.16 Installation Area
Illustration 2.17 AC Cable Wire Strip
The MLX inverter must only be connected to a 3-phase
grid.
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On the AC cable, strip insulation on all 4 wires. The
protective earth wire (PE) must be longer than the mains
wires. See Illustration 2.17.
1. Verify that the inverter rating matches the grid.
2. Ensure that main circuit breaker is released, and
take precautions to prevent connection.
3. Open the front cover.
4. Insert the cable through the AC gland to the
terminal blocks.
5. Connect the 3 mains wires (L1, L2, L3) and the PE
wire to the terminal block with the respective
markings. The PE wire is marked with the symbol
shown in Illustration 2.18.
6. Optional: Make an extra PE connection at the
secondary PE earthing points using the external
equipment grounding bolt delivered with the
inverter. See Illustration 5.2.
7. All wires must be properly fastened with the
correct torque. See 5.5 Torque Specifications.
Illustration 2.18 Protective Earth Symbol
2.7 Cable Entry
Options for cable entry
•
Cable glands (premounted), or
•
2-inch conduit adapters (supplied in accessories
bag)
If changing to the 2-inch conduit adapters, ensure to
tighten the screws in the order shown in Illustration 2.19
and Illustration 2.20. First tighten all screws with 0.75 Nm
(6.5 in-lbf) and then 1.5 Nm (13 in-lbf).
Illustration 2.19 AC Mounting Bracket
Illustration 2.20 DC Mounting Bracket
Terminal Range
1)
Max. conductor temperature rating Conductor material Cable jacket diameter with supplied cable gland
AC 16-95 mm
2
6-4/0 AWG
90 ºC Al/Cu 37-44 mm
PV 16-95 mm
2
6-4/0 AWG
90 ºC Al/Cu 14-21 mm
Table 2.1 Acceptable Conductor Sizes
1)
Always observe current capacity of cables used.
2.8 Ethernet Connections
Before connecting Ethernet cables, refer to the
requirements in 5.8 Ethernet Connections.
Procedure:
1. Do not remove the RJ-45 connector on the
Ethernet cable.
2. Run the cables through the base of the inverter
via cable glands. See Illustration 2.21.
3. Cut slice in rubber grummet. Place the grummet
in the gland to ensure proper seal.
4. Plug into the Ethernet connector.
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5. Fasten cables with cable ties to ensure a durable
connection over time. See Illustration 2.22.
Illustration 2.21 Run Cables Through Cable Glands
Illustration 2.22 Fasten with Cable Ties
2.9 PV Connection
2.9.1 External String Combiners
PV strings must be connected to the DC input via an
external string combiner. The purpose of the string
combiner is to combine the PV strings from the PV array
and secure the individual strings against overcurrent.
NOTICE
It is essential that all PV strings connected to the DC
combiner are even in number and type of modules and
tilt and orientation.
NOTICE
Observe correct fuse rating. Consult module manufac-
turers' manuals for information on correct string fuse
rating.
Use a suitable voltmeter that can measure up to 1000 V
DC. Verify the polarity and maximum voltage of the PV
arrays by measuring the PV open-circuit voltage. The
inverter is protected against reversed polarity and will not
generate power until the polarity is correct.
The combined output from the DC combiner must be
connected to the DC input of the MLX inverter.
CAUTION
PV array is floating, with both the (+) and (-) conductors
connected to the inverters' PV inputs. Neither conductor
is to be connected to earth.
A DC load switch on either the DC combiner or inverter
(optional) for safe disconnect of DC power to inverter is
required.
CAUTION
Do NOT connect PV to earth!
Illustration 2.23 Do Not Connect PV to Earth
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Illustration 2.24 DC Connection Area
1. On the inverter or string combiner turn the PV
load switch into off position.
2. Connect the PV cables from the external string
combiner to the inverter. Ensure correct polarity,
see Illustration 2.25.
3. All wires must be properly fastened with the
correct torque. See 5.5 Torque Specifications.
Illustration 2.25 Connect to PV Input
Illustration 2.26 DC Label
2.10 Closure
1. Close the cover of the inverter installation area.
Fasten the 3 front screws. See 5.5 Torque Specifi-
cations.
2. Turn on AC power.
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