SMA CLUSTER CONTROLLER User manual

ClusterController-IA-en-10 | Version 1.0
EN
Device for Monitoring and Controlling SMA Inverters in
Decentralised Large-Scale PV Plants
SMA CLUSTER CONTROLLER
Installation Manual

SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 3
Table of Contents
1 Information on this Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Qualifications of Skilled Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 Scope of Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4 Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1 Cluster Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2 Type Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.3 LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.4 Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.5 Button Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.6 System Requirements of the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5 Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1 Selecting the Mounting Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2 Mounting the Cluster Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.1 Overview of the Connection Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2 Functions of the Terminals and Terminal Blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.3 Cable Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.4 Performing Pin Coding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6.5 Preparing Connection Cables for Connection to a Multipole Plug . . 30
6.6 Connecting the Cluster Controller to a Speedwire Network . . . . . . . 32
6.7 Connecting the Cluster Controller to a Local Area Network (LAN). . 34
6.8 Setting Up a Modbus Data Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6.9 Connecting USB Data Carriers to the Cluster Controller . . . . . . . . . . 35

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4 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
6.10 Connecting Sensors to the Cluster Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.10.1 Connecting the Irradiation Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.10.2 Connecting the Temperature Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.10.3 Connecting Additional Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.11 Connections for Grid Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.11.1 Options for Implementing the Network Operator Setpoints . . . . . . 45
6.11.2 Digital Signal Setpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.11.2.1 Connecting the Signal Source to the Digital Input
for the Active Power Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.11.2.2 Connecting the Signal Source to the Digital Input
for the Reactive Power Setpoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
6.11.3 Analogue Signal Setpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.11.3.1 Connecting the Signal Source to the Analogue Input
for the Active Power Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.11.3.2 Connecting the Signal Source to the Analogue Input
for the Reactive Power Setpoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
6.11.4 Setpoint via Modbus Client . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
6.11.5 Connecting the Remote Terminal for Feedback of
Network Operator Setpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
6.12 Using Fault Indication Relays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
6.13 Connecting the Cluster Controller to the Voltage Supply . . . . . . . . . 58
6.14 Checking the Connections via the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
6.15 Performing Configuration for a Static Local Network (LAN) . . . . . . . 64
7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
7.1 LED States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
7.1.1 Operation LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
7.1.2 LEDs of the Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
7.2 Faults in the Cluster Controller or the Connected Devices. . . . . . . . . 70
7.3 Resetting the Cluster Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
8 Decommissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
8.1 Disassembling the Cluster Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
8.2 Disposing of the Cluster Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

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Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 5
9 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
10 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
11 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

1 Information on this Document SMA Solar Technology AG
6 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
1 Information on this Document
Validity
This document is applicable for the device type "CLCON-10.GR1" from hardware version A1 and
from firmware version 1.0.
Target Group
This document is intended for skilled persons. Only qualified personnel are allowed to perform the
tasks described in this manual (see Section2.2 "Qualifications of Skilled Persons", page10).
Symbols
Typographies
Symbol Explanation
%"/(&3
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury
8"3/*/(
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury
$"65*0/
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury
/05*$&
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage
Information that is important for a specific topic or goal, but is not
safety-relevant
☐ Indicates an essential requirement for achieving a specific goal
☑ Desired result
✖ A problem that might occur
Typography Use Example
bold •Display messages
• Elements of a user interface
• Connections
•Elements to be selected
• Elements to be entered
• The value can be read
from the Energy field.
• Select Settings.
•Enter the value 10 in the
Minutes field.
>• Connects several element0s that
are to be selected
• Select Settings > Date.
[Button/Key] • Button or key to be selected or
pressed
• Select [Next].

SMA Solar Technology AG 1 Information on this Document
Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 7
Nomenclature
Abbreviations
Complete designation Designation in this document
Large-scale PV plant Plant
PV inverter Inverter
SMA Cluster Controller Cluster Controller
Abbreviation Designation Explanation
CO Change Over Relay change-over contact
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Protocol for the dynamic assignment of IP
configurations
FTP File Transfer Protocol Network protocol for data transmission
LED Light-Emitting Diode ‒
MSL Mean Sea Level ‒
NC Normally Closed Rest contact of the relay
NO Normally Open Operating contact of the relay
PV Photovoltaics ‒
TCP Transmission Control Protocol Transport protocol for packet-switching in
connection-oriented networks
USB Universal Serial Bus Serial bus system

2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
8 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
The Cluster Controller is a device for monitoring and controlling up to 75 SMA inverters in
decentralised large-scale PV plants. For this purpose, the Cluster Controller performs the following
essential tasks:
• Reading out, provision and administration of plant data
• Configuring device parameters
• Sending e-mail alerts in the event of critical plant statuses
• Implementation and feedback of network operator setpoints for active power limitation and
reactive power under grid management
• Sending the plant data to an FTP server and/or the Sunny Portal Internet portal
• Performing updates for the Cluster Controller and the inverters
The Cluster Controller is an ITE Class A device according to EN 55022 and is designed for industrial
use.
The Cluster Controller is suitable for indoor use only.
The Cluster Controller must only be used with supported devices.
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to modify the product or install components that are not explicitly
recommended or distributed by SMA Solar Technology AG for this product.
The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product:
• Read and observe the documentation.
• Keep the documentation in a convenient place for future reference.
Only use the Cluster Controller in accordance with the information provided in the enclosed
documentation. Any other use may result in personal injury or property damage.

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Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 9
Supported Products
SMA products
The Cluster Controller can establish a connection to and display data on the following SMA
products that are equipped with Speedwire communication:
Inverters:
• All inverters with integrated or retrofitted Speedwire/Webconnect interface
Information on whether an inverter has an integrated Speedwire/Webconnect interface or
can be retrofitted with a Speedwire/Webconnect interface can be found in the download
area of the respective inverter at www.SMA-Solar.com.
Additional products:
• Sunny Portal
Products from other manufacturers
Sensors:
• Irradiation sensors that can output a current signal in the range from 0 mA to 20 mA
• Temperature sensors with a PT100 measuring shunt or a PT1000 measuring shunt
• Additional sensors that can output a current signal in the range from 0 mA to 20 mA or a
voltage signal in the range from ‒10 V to +10 V
Digital and analogue signal sources:
• Signal sources with digital relay contacts
• Signal sources that provide digital output signals
• Signal sources that can output current signals in the range from 0 mA to 20 mA
• Signal sources that can process current signals in the range from 0 mA to 20 mA
• Signal sources that can output voltage signals in the range from ‒10 V to +10 V
Routers and network switches:
• Routers and network switches for fast Ethernet with a data transfer speed of at least
100 Mbit/s
Top-hat rail power supply units:
Along with the top-hat rail power supply units offered as an accessory (see Section 10), the
Cluster Controller supports top-hat rail power supply units with the following properties:
• Maximum output current including short circuit: 8 A
• Maximum apparent output power: 100 VA
• DC output voltage: 24 V
• Nominal current: minimum 1.8 A

2 Safety SMA Solar Technology AG
10 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
2.2 Qualifications of Skilled Persons
The work described in this document must only be performed by skilled persons. Skilled persons must
have the following qualifications:
• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices
• Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks involved in installing and operating electrical
devices and plants
• Vocational training in the installation and configuration of IT systems
• Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated
• Knowledge of all applicable standards and directives
• Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all the safety precautions
2.3 Safety Precautions
Electric Shock
If the enclosure of the Cluster Controller is not earthed, there is a danger of electric shock.
• Earth the enclosure of the Cluster Controller (for information on connecting the protective
conductor, see Section 6.13).
Damage to the Devices and Cables
Overvoltage (e.g. due to a flash of lightning) can cause damage to devices and cables.
• Ensure that the Cluster Controller is integrated in the existing overvoltage protection.
The Cluster Controller is not splashwater-protected (degree of protection: IP20). Consequently, it is
possible that moisture may penetrate the device.
• Only use the Cluster Controller in a dry, indoor environment.

SMA Solar Technology AG 3 Scope of Delivery
Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 11
3 Scope of Delivery
Check the scope of delivery for completeness and any externally visible damage. Contact your
specialist dealer if the delivery is incomplete or damaged.
Figure1: Components included in scope of delivery
Item Quantity Designation
A1Cluster Controller
B 1 Three-pole plug
C 1 Two-pole plug*
* Reserved for future applications. Keep the plug in a safe place.
D2Five-pole plug
E 8 Six-pole plug**
** Two of the eight plugs are reserved for future applications. Keep the two plugs in a safe place.
F 2 Eight-pole plug
G2 Coding element
H 20 Cable ties with caption field
I 8 Shield clamp with ring terminal lug
K 1 Ring terminal lug
L 1 Fastening screw
M2 Washer
N 1 Tooth lock washer
O1 Split lock washer
P 1 CD with installation manual and user manuals
Q 1 Quick reference guide for commissioning and supplementary sheet for
noting connected devices

4 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
12 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
4 Product Description
4.1 Cluster Controller
The Cluster Controller is a device for monitoring and controlling up to 75 SMA inverters in
decentralised large-scale PV plants. For this purpose, the Cluster Controller performs the following
essential tasks:
• Reading out, provision and administration of plant data
• Configuring device parameters
• Implementation and feedback of network operator setpoints for active power limitation and
reactive power operation under grid management
• Sending e-mail alerts in the event of critical plant statuses
• Sending the plant data to an FTP server and/or the Sunny Portal Internet portal
• Performing updates for the Cluster Controller and the inverters
Figure2: Design of the Cluster Controller
Item Designation
ALEDs
BConnection areas
C Button field
DDisplay

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Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 13
Reading out, Provision and Administration of Plant Data
The Cluster Controller is the central communication unit for the plant and continuously reads out the
data of the devices in the plant (e.g. inverters, sensors). The Cluster Controller then makes this plant
data available via the display, user interface and Modbus®* data interface. In addition, the plant
data can be displayed, evaluated and managed using Sunny Portal (see the Cluster Controller user
manual and the user manual of the Cluster Controller in Sunny Portal).
Configuring Device Parameters
You can configure specific parameters of individual devices or entire device classes via the user
interface of the Cluster Controller. For this purpose, you must be logged into the Installer user group
on the Cluster Controller. The device parameters that can be configured, if any, depend on the device
and the rights of the user group. You may only change grid-sensitive device parameters
(SMA Grid Guard parameters) with the approval of the network operator and using your personal
SMA Grid Guard code (see the Cluster Controller user manual).
Sending E-Mail Alerts in the Event of Critical Plant Statuses
You have the option of receiving prompt information on critical plant statuses via e-mail (see the
Cluster Controller user manual). The Cluster Controller automatically sends a notification if
alert-related events occur in the plant.
Implementation and Feedback of Network Operator Setpoints for Active Power
Limitation and Reactive Power Operation under Grid Management
With the Cluster Controller, you can implement different network operator setpoints for the active
power limitation and the reactive power operation of your plant under grid management. Your
network operator transmits the setpoints directly to the Cluster Controller, either in the form of digital
or analogue signals (e.g. to a ripple control receiver that is connected to the Cluster Controller) or via
the Modbus client. In agreement with your network operator, you can use the user interface of the
Cluster Controller to configure which setpoints of the Cluster Controller are to be transmitted to the
connected inverters depending on the respective signal. In addition, you have the option of using a
digital response contact or an analogue current output signal to inform the network operator of the
setpoints (if any) for the active power limitation and the reactive power operation that are currently
being transmitted to the plant.
Sending the Plant Data to an FTP Server and/or the Sunny Portal Internet Portal
The Cluster Controller can automatically send the plant data that has been read out to an arbitrary
FTP server and/or the Sunny Portal Internet portal via the Internet. The Cluster Controller establishes
the connection to the FTP server and/or the Sunny Portal e.g. via a router.
*Modbus
® is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric and is licensed through Modbus Organization, Inc.

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14 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
Performing Updates for the Cluster Controller and the Inverters
You have the option of performing updates for the Cluster Controller and the inverters in the plant (see
the Cluster Controller user manual). You can perform the updates automatically or manually. The
update source can be the SMA update portal or a USB data carrier with update files downloaded
from the Internet. Alternatively, you can also upload the update files directly from the computer via
the user interface of the Cluster Controller.

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Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 15
Figure3: Decentralised large-scale PV plant with Cluster Controller (example)
Item Designation
APV modules
B Module temperature sensor
CInverters
D Outside temperature sensor
E Irradiation sensor
F Cluster Controller
G Sunny Portal
HRouter
I Ripple control receiver or remote terminal unit
KGrid station
L Control room
M Grid control room
N Electricity grid

4 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
16 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
4.2 Type Label
The type label provides unique identification of the Cluster Controller. The type label can be found on
the back of the enclosure.
Figure4: Layout of the type label
You require the information on the type label to use the Cluster Controller safely and for customer
support from the SMA Service Line. The type label must be permanently attached to the Cluster
Controller.
Item Explanation
A Device type
B Serial number
C Device-specific characteristics

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Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 17
Symbols on the Type Label
4.3 LEDs
Operation LEDs
Symbol Designation Explanation
C-Tick The product complies with the requirements
of the applicable Australian EMC standards.
Indoor The device is only suitable for indoor
mounting.
FCC marking The product complies with the requirements
of the applicable FCC standards.
CE marking The product complies with the requirements
of the applicable EC directives.
WEEE designation Do not dispose of the product together with
the household waste but only in accordance
with the locally applicable regulations for
disposal of electronic waste.
Data matrix code 2D code for device-specific characteristics
LED Designation Explanation
Power LED Displays whether the Cluster Controller is starting
or is in operation (for a description of the LED
statuses, see Section 7.1.1)
Status LED Displays the status of the Cluster Controller and
the connected devices as well as the
communication status of the plant and the status
of the grid management (for a description of the
LED statuses, see Section 7.1.1)
Data carrier status LED Displays the status of the connected USB data
carrier (for a description of the LED statuses, see
Section 7.1.1)

4 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
18 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
LEDs of the Network Connections
Figure5: LEDs of the network connections
4.4 Display
The display shows information on the Cluster Controller and the connected devices as well as the
plant status and the plant configuration. The display contrast can be configured (see the
Cluster Controller user manual). The display languages are German and English. The display
language is changed via the user interface of the Cluster Controller (see the Cluster Controller user
manual).
Figure6: Display of the Cluster Controller (example)
Item Designation Colour Explanation
A Link/activity LED Green Displays the status and the activity of the network
connection (for a description of the LED statuses, see
Section 7.1.2)
B Speed LED Yellow Displays the speed of the network connection (for a
description of the LED statuses, see Section 7.1.2)
Item Designation Explanation
A Title line Displays the title of the display view
The display time is always displayed.
B Data lines Displays text and numeric values
The numeric values for measurement or yield data are displayed
with units.

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Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-10 19
Overview of the Display Views
Display view Explanation
Start view Displays when the Cluster Controller starts up and includes the
current firmware version of the Cluster Controller
Plant overview Displays the plant status, the current daily yield, the plant power
and the current setpoints for active power and reactive power
If no button on the button field is pressed within five minutes, the
Cluster Controller switches to the Plant overview display view.
Yield data Displays the yield data of the plant
Plant status Displays the current plant status
The number of inverters detected by the Cluster Controller and the
status of the inverters is displayed here
Cluster Controller Displays the status and device information of the
Cluster Controller
When a USB data carrier is inserted into USB terminal 1,
information on the current memory usage of the USB data carrier
will be displayed.
Sunny Portal settings Displays the configured upload frequency and the date of the last
successful data upload to Sunny Portal
Analogue inputs Displays the analogue inputs with the current level value and unit
Digital inputs Displays the digital inputs in binary form
The digital inputs are summarised in two groups here.
Meteorology Displays the measured values of the connected irradiation sensor
and the connected temperature sensors
Active power limitation Displays the current setpoint for active power limitation with the
data of the last change to the configuration
Reactive power setpoint Displays the current reactive power setpoint and the date of the
last change to the configuration
Grid management Displays the selected setpoint type and the signal sources for the
grid management via the user interface of the Cluster Controller
External communication Displays the settings for the local area network (LAN)
Speedwire Displays the settings in the Speedwire network
Modbus settings Displays the Modbus settings with the activated network protocols
and the corresponding network ports
Settings Enables the display contrast to be changed and the Cluster
Controller to be partially or fully reset (see Section 7.3)

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20 ClusterController-IA-en-10 Installation Manual
4.5 Button Field
4.6 System Requirements of the Computer
Supported Internet browsers:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer from version 8
• Mozilla Firefox from version 3.6
Recommended screen resolution:
• Minimum 1,024 pixels x 768 pixels
Designation Explanation
Any button Activates the display illumination
Arrow buttons (◂, ▸, ▴, ▾) Change the display views and select specific display lines
[OK] Confirms the selected action
[ESC] Cancels the selected action
ⓘOpens the Plant status display view