Sofar DRM0 Reference manual

Australia, February 6th, 2023
Sofar Inverter DRM0 Commissioning Guideline for TMAC GSD
Introduction
What is the GSD?
From 6 February 2023, all new and some replacement inverter energy systems (like rooftop solar
PV) in Queensland, with an aggregated capacity of 10kVA and above, will require a generation
signalling device (GSD), to enable the inverter to receive a signal to switch off via DRM0. The
signal is sent to the GSD from Ergon Energy Network and Energex’s powerline signalling system,
known as Audio Frequency Load Control (AFLC). For larger sites with multiple inverters, including
embedded networks, installers have the option of using a GSD on each inverter or installing a
single GSD connected to a Demand Response Controller. Some exclusions apply to the
requirement to install a GSD – including inverter energy systems where the inverter is solely
supplied by a battery, and any inverter energy systems installed at a location that is not serviced by
the AFLC system.
GSD connections with Sofar Inverter
PV Inverters （Sofar 7-10.5KTLM G3; Sofar 3-12KTLX-G3）
GSD connected to Sofar systems via Com ports, NOT VIA AVAILABLE ETHERNET (LAN)
CONNECTION PORT.
The COM PORT location of the Sofar Inverter is shown in the figure below.

Connecting CONTROL CABLE of GSD to COM PORT
• The TMAC GSD “CONTROL CABLE” connects between the TMAC GSD and the Inverter’s
dedicated DRM connection terminals.
• Connect the RJ45 adapter to RED colored Sheath.
• Yellow cable lead is connected to GND (Terminal 7), and Grey cable lead is connected to
DRM 0 (Terminal 8)
If this cable requires extending it must be joined within the switchboard using a suitable Cat5e (or
better) extension cable. The method of extension must comply with the requirements of
AS/NZ4755.1 and RJ45 pin assignment in this standard must be maintained.

NOTE: THE DRM CONNECTION TERMINAL IS ALWAYS SEPARATE FROM THE AC POWER
CABLE CONNECTIONS
NOTE: NEVER CONNECT THE CONTROL CABLE TO THE AC POWERCABLE
CONNECTIONS.
Hybrid inverters （HYD 5-20K 3Ph）
GSD connected to HYD systems via DRMs ports, NOT VIA AVAILABLE ETHERNET (LAN)
CONNECTION PORT.
The DRMs PORT location of the Sofar Inverter is shown in the figure below.

Settings on Inverter
Please make sure Option “Logic Interface”is enabled.
“Logic Interface” option can be found in “Ent Settings” in Menu of Sofar 7-10.5KTLM-G3 & Sofar 3-
12KTLX-G3 and in “Advanced Settings”in Menu of HYD 5-20K 3Ph.
Connecting Power cable of GSD to Inverter Circuit breaker or independent Circuit breaker
GSD is powered by same circuit breaker where Inverter AC is connected. This acts as reference
and source for the triggering signal for DRMO.
The TMAC GSD POWER CABLE supplies mains power to the TMAC GSD. The POWER CABLE
is connected to the Main Switch Inverter Supply (MSIS) within the switchboard.
Please note, the wiring is done as per AS/NZS 3000:2018, and that GSD is fitted inside
MSB/Switchboard or Inside the SOFAR Sub boards.
Inspections by Energy Queensland
• Inspections will be carried out by Ergon / Energex field staff
• These will check for the presence, and correct installation of the GSD
• Non-compliance issues will be addressed directly with the premise occupant
• It is in all parties’ best interest to ensure correct installation to avoid having to return to site or
manage customer complaints.
Energy Q – Installation Requirements
The following requirements apply to a GSD for EG Systems that are to have an Emergency
Backstop Mechanism:
(a) The GSD shall be installed in compliance with AS/NZS 3000.
(b) A connection with an individual inverter that are required under a Standard to have a GSD
shall meet the requirements of the G01 wiring diagrams in Section below of this document.
(c) A connection with multiple inverters that are required under a Standard to have a GSD shall
meet the requirements of either G02 or G03 in Section below of this document
(d) The conductor connected between the protective device for inverter supply and the GSD shall
be:
i. of a length that does not exceed three meters.
ii. protected mechanically or otherwise protected so that the risk of short-circuit is reduced to a
minimum; and
iii. installed in such a manner to reduce to a minimum the risk of fire or other danger.

(e) The GSD shall be located in either:
i. the main switchboard; or
ii. the distribution board with the protective device for inverter supply.
(f) The GSD control cable may be extended as required.
(g) The GSD control cable shall connect:
i. directly to the inverter; or
ii. to the inverter via the external device used to provide demand response mode, where the
inverter does not have an integrated device; or
iii. where compliant with wiring diagram G03, to the inverter via a Demand Response Site
Controller
Generation signaling device (GSD)
Specifications
• Overall Dimension: 174 x 38 x 26mm
• Supply Voltage Range 216-264VAC 50Hz
• Power Consumption 0.2W Max
• DRM0, DRM6 available
• IP64 Enclosure (Suitable for mounting in areas exposed to weather)

• SAA Approvals Number – SAA172887
Approved supplier
TMAC - Thew & McCann Group. Check with your local distributor for availability (ECO Sakura
Energy)
Who needs to install GSD and from when?

The following table outlines which inverter connections are required to install a GSD when
the emergency backstop mechanism commences on 6 February 2023.
Connect
ion
category
Total
invert
er
capac
ity
Types of
inverter
connections
Required
to install
GSD
Exclusions
Requirement
for inverters
to be GSD
capable and
have GSD
installed
Low
voltage
Less than
10kVA
Initial
connection
No
N/A
N/A
Low
voltage
Less than
10kVA
Increase
inverter
capacity
No
N/A
N/A
Low
voltage
Less than
10kVA
Replace
inverter (no
increase of
supply) – not
a warranty
replacement
No
N/A
N/A
Low
voltage
10kVA
or
higher
Initial
connection
Yes
Including
hybrid
inverters
Not required
where inverter
solely supplied by
energy storage
system (AC
coupled
batteries)
All inverters
Not required in
non AFLC areas
Not required for
warranty ‘like for
like’ replacement
Low
voltage
10kVA
or
higher
Increase
inverter
capacity
Yes
Including
hybrid
inverters
Not required
where
inverter solely
supplied by
energy storage
system (AC
coupled
batteries)
All new inverters
only
Not required in
non AFLC areas
Not required for
warranty ‘like for
like’ replacement

Low
voltage
10kVA or
higher
Replace
inverter (no
increase of
supply) – not
a warranty
replacement
Yes
Including
hybrid
inverters
Not required
where inverter
solely supplied by
energy storage
system (AC
coupled
batteries)
All new inverters
only
Not required in
non AFLC areas
Not required for
warranty ‘like for
like’ replacement
Low
voltage
Any
Replace
inverter (no
No
N/A
N/A
increase of
supply) –
warranty
replacement
High
voltage
Any
Any
No
N/A
N/A