SMA NR-STP-AST10-12 Operating and safety instructions

AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 | 119209-00.01 | Version 1.0
Spare-part set "Power assembly" for
SunnyTripower 8000TL / 10000TL /
12000TL / 15000TL / 17000TL
NR-STP-AST10-12 / NR3-STP-AST10-12 / NR-STPVIN-1012-
AST / NR3-STPVIN-1012AST / NR-STP-AST / NR3-STP-AST /
NR-STPVINCO-AST / NR3-STPVINCO-AST

AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-102
ENGLISH Replacement Manual................................................................3
DEUTSCH Austauschanleitung.................................................................27
ČEŠTINA Návod kvýměně ....................................................................51
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ Οδηγίες αντικατάστασης........................................................75
ESPAÑOL Instrucciones para la sustitución......................................... 100
FRANÇAIS Instructions de remplacement............................................. 125
ITALIANO Istruzioni per la sostituzione ............................................... 149
NEDERLANDS Vervangingshandleiding..................................................... 173
PORTUGUÊS Manual de substituição ....................................................... 197
ROMÂNĂ Instrucțiuni de schimb .......................................................... 221
TÜRKÇE Değiştirme kılavuzu ............................................................. 245
Contact...................................................................................269

Legal Provisions
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 3
Legal Provisions
The information contained in these documents is the property of SMA Solar Technology AG. No
part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or
by any means, be it electronic, mechanical, photographic, magnetic or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of SMA Solar Technology AG. Internal reproduction used solely for the purpose
of product evaluation or other proper use is allowed and does not require prior approval.
SMA Solar Technology AG makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, with
respect to this documentation or any of the equipment and/or software it may describe, including
(with no limitation) any implied warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for any particular
purpose. All such representations or warranties are expressly disclaimed. Neither SMA Solar
Technology AG nor its distributors or dealers shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, or
consequential damages under any circumstances.
The exclusion of implied warranties may not apply in all cases under some statutes, and thus the
above exclusion may not apply.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made to make this
document complete, accurate and up-to-date. Readers are cautioned, however, that product
improvements and field usage experience may cause SMA Solar Technology AG to make changes
to these specifications without advance notice, or per contract provisions in those cases where a
supply agreement requires advance notice. SMA Solar Technology AG shall not be responsible for
any damages, including indirect, incidental or consequential damages, caused by reliance on the
material presented, including, but not limited to, omissions, typographical errors, arithmetical errors
or listing errors in the content material.
Trademarks
All trademarks are recognized, even if not explicitly identified as such. Missing designations do not
mean that a product or brand is not a registered trademark.
SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.SMA.de
Email: [email protected]
Status: 1/16/2020
Copyright © 2020 SMA Solar Technology AG. All rights reserved.
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Table of Contents SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-104
Table of Contents
1 Information on this Document................................................. 5
1.1 Validity........................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Target Group.............................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Content and Structure of this Document ................................................................... 5
1.4 Symbols in the Document .......................................................................................... 6
1.5 Levels of Warning Messages.................................................................................... 6
1.6 Typographies in the Document.................................................................................. 6
1.7 Designation in the document..................................................................................... 7
2 Safety ........................................................................................ 7
2.1 Intended Use .............................................................................................................. 7
2.2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................... 8
3 Scope of Delivery..................................................................... 11
4 Overview of the Assembly...................................................... 12
5 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources................. 12
6 Removing the AST Assembly................................................... 17
7 Checking the Choke Contacts.................................................. 19
8 Installing the AST Assembly .................................................... 19
9 Recommissioning the Inverter................................................. 23
10 Performing the VAC Test.......................................................... 25
11 Returning and Disposing of the Defective Assembly ............ 26
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1 Information on this Document
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 5
1 Information on this Document
1.1 Validity
This document is valid for:
• NR-STP-AST10-12
• NR3-STP-AST10-12
• NR-STPVIN-1012-AST
• NR3-STPVIN-1012AST
• NR-STP-AST
• NR3-STP-AST
• NR-STPVINCO-AST
• NR3-STPVINCO-AST
1.2 Target Group
The tasks described in this document must only be performed by qualified persons. Qualified
persons must have the following skills:
• Within the SMA factory warranty, participation in an SMA training course is mandatory for
carrying out the activities described in this document. The type of training and the media used
may vary from country to country. The type and method of training can therefore vary from
country to country, but must have been completed before the service is provided.
• Outside the SMA factory warranty, SMA Solar Technology AG recommends participation in
an SMA training course to perform the activities described in this document. This ensures the
quality requirements for proper replacement of assemblies. The type of training and the media
used may vary from country to country.
• Knowledge of how to safely disconnect SMA inverters
• Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated
• Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing, repairing and
using electrical devices and installations
• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and installations
• Knowledge of all applicable laws, standards and directives
• Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all safety information
1.3 Content and Structure of this Document
This document describes how to replace components.
Illustrations in this document are reduced to the essential information and may deviate from the real
product.
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1 Information on this Document SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-106
1.4 Symbols in the Document
Symbol Explanation
Information that is important for a specific topic or goal, but is not safety-rele-
vant
☐
Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific goal
☑
Desired result
✖
A problem that might occur
Example
1.5 Levels of Warning Messages
The following levels of warning messages may occur when handling the product.
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, can result in property damage.
1.6 Typographies in the Document
Typography Use Example
bold • Messages
• Terminals
• Elements on a user interface
• Elements to be selected
• Elements to be entered
• Connect the insulated
conductors to the terminals
X703:1 to X703:6.
• Enter 10 in the field
Minutes.
>• Connects several elements to be
selected
• Select Settings > Date.
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2 Safety
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 7
Typography Use Example
[Button]
[Key]
• Button or key to be selected or
pressed
• Select [Enter].
# • Placeholder for variable
components (e.g., parameter
names)
• Parameter WCtlHz.Hz#
1.7 Designation in the document
Complete designation Designation in this document
Power assembly (AST) AST assembly, AST, assembly
Operation control assembly (BFS) OCS assembly, OCS, assembly
2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
This spare-part set enables the replacement of power assemblies (AST) in SMA inverters.
The product must only be installed in the following SMA inverters:
Spare parts set Assembly to be replaced Inverter
NR-STP-AST10-12
NR3-STP-AST10-12
STP-AST-1012(-xx.xx) STP8000TL-10
STP10000TL-10
STP12000TL-10
NR-STPVIN-1012-AST
NR3-STPVIN-1012AST
STPVIN-1012-AST(-xx.xx) STP8000TL-10
STP10000TL-10
STP12000TL-10
NR-STP-AST
NR3-STP-AST
STP-AST(-xx.xx) STP15000TL-10
STP17000TL-10
NR-STPVINCO-AST
NR3-STPVINCO-AST
STPVINCO-AST(-xx.xx) STP15000TL-10
STP17000TL-10
Use SMA products only in accordance with the information provided in the enclosed
documentation and with the locally applicable laws, regulations, standards and directives. Any
other application may cause personal injury or property damage.
Alterations to the SMA products, e.g., changes or modifications, are only permitted with the express
written permission of SMA Solar Technology AG. Unauthorized alterations will void guarantee and
warranty claims and in most cases terminate the operating license. SMA Solar Technology AG
shall not be held liable for any damage caused by such changes.
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2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-108
Any use of the product other than that described in the Intended Use section does not qualify as the
intended use.
The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product. Keep the documentation in a
convenient, dry place for future reference and observe all instructions contained therein.
This document does not replace and is not intended to replace any local, state, provincial, federal
or national laws, regulations or codes applicable to the installation, electrical safety and use of the
product. SMA Solar Technology AG assumes no responsibility for the compliance or non-
compliance with such laws or codes in connection with the installation of the product.
If the replacement and all activities stated in this document are carried out by persons who are not
qualified within the meaning of this documentation, this will void the guarantee and warranty claims
and in most cases terminate the operating permit. SMA Solar Technology AG shall not be held
liable for any damage caused directly or indirectly due to such changes by unauthorized persons.
2.2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This section contains safety information that must be observed at all times when working.
The product has been designed and tested in accordance with international safety requirements. As
with all electrical or electronical devices, there are residual risks despite careful construction. To
prevent personal injury and property damage and to ensure long-term operation of the product,
read this section carefully and observe all safety information at all times.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when live components or cables of the
inverter are touched
High voltages are present in the conductive components or cables of the inverter. Touching live
parts and cables of the inverter results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Disconnect the inverter from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected
before working on the device.
• Wear suitable personal protective equipment for all work on the product.
• Do not touch non-insulated parts or cables.
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when live components or DC cables are
touched
When exposed to light, the PV modules generate high DC voltage which is present in the DC
cables. Touching live DC cables results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Do not touch non-insulated parts or cables.
• Disconnect the inverter from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected
before working on the device.
• Do not disconnect the DC connectors under load.
• Wear suitable personal protective equipment for all work on the product.
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2 Safety
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 9
DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when touching live system components in
case of a ground fault
If a ground fault occurs, parts of the system may still be live. Touching live parts and cables
results in death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Disconnect the inverter from voltage sources and make sure it cannot be reconnected
before working on the device.
• Touch the cables of the PV array on the insulation only.
• Do not touch any parts of the substructure or frame of the PV array.
• Do not connect PV strings with ground faults to the inverter.
• Once disconnected from voltage sources, wait five minutes before touching any parts of the
PV system or the inverter.
WARNING
Danger to life due to fire or explosion
In rare cases, an explosive gas mixture can be generated inside the inverter under fault
conditions. In this state, switching operations can cause a fire inside the inverter or explosion.
Death or lethal injuries due to hot or flying debris can result.
• Ensure that unauthorized persons have no access to the inverter.
• Do not remove the Electronic Solar Switch (ESS) from the inverter.
• Disconnect the PV array from the inverter via an external disconnection device. If there is no
disconnecting device present, wait until no more DC power is applied to the inverter.
• Disconnect the AC circuit breaker, or keep it disconnected in case it has already tripped,
and secure it against reconnection.
• Only perform work on the inverter (e.g., troubleshooting, repair work) when wearing
personal protective equipment for handling of hazardous substances (e.g., safety gloves,
eye and face protection, respiratory protection).
WARNING
Risk of injury due to toxic substances, gases and dusts.
In rare cases, damages to electronic components can result in the formation of toxic substances,
gases or dusts inside the inverter. Touching toxic substances and inhaling toxic gases and dusts
can cause skin irritation, burns or poisoning, trouble breathing and nausea.
• Only perform work on the inverter (e.g., troubleshooting, repair work) when wearing
personal protective equipment for handling of hazardous substances (e.g., safety gloves,
eye and face protection, respiratory protection).
• Ensure that unauthorized persons have no access to the inverter.
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2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-1010
WARNING
Danger to life due to electric shock from destruction of the measuring device
due to overvoltage
Overvoltage can damage a measuring device and result in voltage being present in the
enclosure of the measuring device. Touching the live enclosure of the measuring device results in
death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 1000V or higher.
CAUTION
Risk of burns due to hot enclosure parts
Some parts of the enclosure can get hot during operation.
• Do not touch any parts other than the lower enclosure lid of the inverter during operation.
NOTICE
Damage to the enclosure seal in subfreezing conditions
If you open the inverter when temperatures are below freezing, the enclosure seals can be
damaged. This can lead to moisture entering the inverter.
• Only open the inverter if the ambient temperature is not below -5°C.
• If a layer of ice has formed on the enclosure seal when temperatures are below freezing,
remove it prior to opening the inverter (e.g. by melting the ice with warm air).
NOTICE
Damage to the inverter due to sand, dust and moisture
Sand, dust and moisture penetration can damage the inverter, thus impairing its functionality.
• Only open the inverter if the humidity is within the thresholds and the environment is free of
sand and dust.
• Do not open the inverter during a dust storm or precipitation.
• Close the inverter in case of interruption of work or after finishing work.
NOTICE
Damage to the inverter due to electrostatic discharge
Touching electronic components can cause damage to or destroy the inverter through
electrostatic discharge.
• Ground yourself before touching any component.
Grounding conductor test prior to recommissioning
Prior to recommissioning SMA inverters after the installation of SMA components or power
assemblies which cannot be replaced intuitively, ensure that the grounding conductor in the
inverter is correctly connected. The function of the grounding conductor must be ensured and
all locally applicable laws, standards and directives must be observed.
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3 Scope of Delivery
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 11
Observe superordinate standards
The repair work on devices and the consideration and application of other standards which
correspond to a superordinate standard is the responsibility of the qualified person performing
the work. Unauthorized alterations will void guarantee and warranty claims and in most cases
terminate the operating license. SMA Solar Technology AG shall not be held liable for any
damage caused by such changes.
3 Scope of Delivery
Check the scope of delivery for completeness and any externally visible damage. Contact the
Service if the delivery is incomplete or damaged.
Quantity Designation
1 Power assembly (AST)
2 Printed circuit board mounting clip (diameter:
11mm)
27 Pan head screw M4x15
1 Replacement Manual
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4 Overview of the Assembly SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-1012
4 Overview of the Assembly
B
A
C
Figure 1 : Position in the inverter
Position Designation
A Power assembly (AST)
B Operation control assembly (BFS)
C Communication assembly
5 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources
Prior to performing any work on the inverter, always disconnect it from all voltage sources as
described in this section. Always adhere to the prescribed sequence.
WARNING
Danger to life due to electric shock from destruction of the measuring device
due to overvoltage
Overvoltage can damage a measuring device and result in voltage being present in the
enclosure of the measuring device. Touching the live enclosure of the measuring device results in
death or lethal injuries due to electric shock.
• Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 1000V or higher.
Procedure:
1. Disconnect the circuit breaker from all three line conductors and secure against reconnection.
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5 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 13
2. If an additional DC load-break switch is available, switch off the DC load-break switch and
secure against re-connection.
3. If the multifunction relay is used, switch off any supply voltage to the load.
4. DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock and electric arc when disconnecting
the ESS in the event of an error
If an acoustic signal sounds, the inverter is in error mode. In this case, the removal of the
ESS results in death or serious injury due to electric shock and electric arc.
• Test whether there is an acoustic signal.
• If an acoustic signals sounds and the display shows an error message that prohibits
removing the ESS, wait until dark. The ESS can only be removed once it is dark.
• If no acoustic signal sounds and the display does not show an error message, remove
the ESS.
5. Wait until the LEDs and the display have gone out.
6. Release all six screws of the lower enclosure lid
using an Allen key (AF3).
7. Flip the lower enclosure lid up and remove it.
8. CAUTION
Risk of burns when touching the DC protective cover
The DC protective cover can get hot during operation.
• Do not touch the DC protective cover.
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5 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-1014
9. Use an appropriate measuring device to ensure that
no voltage is present at the AC terminal block
between L1 and N, L2 and N, and L3 and N.
Insert the test probe into each round opening of the
terminal.
10. Use an appropriate measuring device to ensure that no voltage is present at the AC terminal
block between L1 and PE, L2 and PE, and L3 and PE. Insert the test probe into each round
opening of the terminal.
11. If you are using the multifunction relay, ensure that no voltage is present between any of the
terminals on the multifunction relay and PE on the AC terminal block.
12. Use a current clamp to ensure that no current is present in the DC cables.
13. Note the position of the DC connector in order to be able to connect it again later in the same
position.
14. DANGER
Danger to life due to electric shock when touching exposed DC
conductors or DC plug contacts if the DC connectors are damaged or
loose
The DC connectors can break or become damaged, become free of the DC cables, or no
longer be connected correctly if the DC connectors are released and disconnected
incorrectly. This can result in the DC conductors or DC plug contacts being exposed.
Touching live DC conductors or DC plug connectors will result in death or serious injury due
to electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves and use insulated tools when working on the DC connectors.
• Ensure that the DC connectors are in perfect condition and that none of the DC
conductors or DC plug contacts are exposed.
• Carefully release and remove the DC connectors as described in the following.
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5 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 15
15. Release and remove the DC connectors. To do so,
insert a flat-blade screwdriver or an angled
screwdriver (blade width: 3.5mm) into one of the
side slots and pull the DC connectors out. When
doing so, do not lever the DC connectors out, but
insert the tool into one of the side slots only to
release the locking mechanism, and do not pull on
the cable.
1
2
16. Ensure that no voltage is present at the DC inputs of the inverter.
17. Disconnect the communication assembly from the
inverter. To do so, release and remove the ribbon
cable from the communication assembly.
18. DANGER
Danger to life due to high voltages in the inverter
The capacitors in the inverter take 20minutes to discharge.
• Wait 20minutes before opening the upper enclosure lid.
• Unscrew all screws of the upper enclosure lid (AF4) and remove the upper enclosure
lid.
19. Discharge the DC link in the following order. For this purpose use, for example, a 2-pole
voltage detector that does not have its own voltage source.
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5 Disconnecting the Inverter from Voltage Sources SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-1016
• Contact point DC+ and contact point DC‒
• Contact point DC+ and contact point PE
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6 Removing the AST Assembly
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 17
• Contact point DC‒ and contact point grounding conductor
20. NOTICE
Damage to the inverter due to electrostatic discharge
Touching electronic components can cause damage to or destroy the inverter through
electrostatic discharge.
• Ground yourself before touching any component.
6 Removing the AST Assembly
1. Disconnect the inverter from all voltage sources (see Section5, page12).
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6 Removing the AST Assembly SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-1018
2. Removing the BFS Assembly Unlock the fixing
domes of the BFS assembly and carefully pull the
BFS assembly forwards from the fixing domes.
3. Remove all connections on the AC power controller
assembly.
4. Remove all the connecting screws of the AST assembly (TX20).
5. Remove the AC power controller assembly by pulling it towards you.
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7 Checking the Choke Contacts
SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement Manual AST-STPTL10-RM-xx-10 19
7 Checking the Choke Contacts
• Check wether all choke domes are in their original
position by pulling the domes out slightly.
8 Installing the AST Assembly
There are assemblies on this assembly with a safety extra-low voltage circuit (SELV circuit). To
ensure the safety of the circuits, an optical inspection must be carried out before installation.
A
A
A
Figure 2 : Position of the SELV circuits
Position Designation
A SELV circuit
Procedure:
1. Check the SELV circuits for visible dirt before mounting the assembly. If dust or other deposits
cover the assembly, do not use it and contact the Service.
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8 Installing the AST Assembly SMA Solar Technology AG
Replacement ManualAST-STPTL10-RM-xx-1020
2. Insert the new spacer supplied in the enclosure.
3. Clean the supporting surfaces in the enclosure. To
do so, use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
4. Insert suitable taps or similar tools as a mounting
aids into the attachment holes of the enclosure.
5. Carefully remove the AST assembly upwards out of the packaging. When doing so, ensure
that the thermally conductive plastic is not damaged or contaminated.
6. On the rear side of the AC power controller
assembly, check the pattern of thermally conductive
plastic for damages and impurities.
7. If the pattern of thermally conductive plastic on the rear side of the AC power controller
assembly shows evidence of damage, the AC power controller assembly must be replaced. If
small impurities are present, these can be carefully removed using a pointed tool.
8. Lead the AST assembly over the mounting aids and insert into the inverter enclosure.
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