Sunways PT 30k User manual

User Manual
Sunways Solar Inverter
PT 30k
english EN

EN
Imprint
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© Copyright by:
Sunways AG
Photovoltaic Technology
Macairestraße 3 - 5
78467 Konstanz, Germany
This user manual may only be reprinted or copied in whole or in part with the express, written approval of
Sunways AG. Any type of reproduction, distribution or storage on data carriers in any form and of any kind
not authorised by Sunways AG represents a violation of the applicable copyright laws and will be prosecuted.
We reserve the right to make technical changes which serve to improve the device, or which increase the
safety standard – even without separate prior notice.
Publisher responsible for the content: Sunways AG
This user manual contains products and product names which are registered trademarks. The mention of
products and product names is used only for information purposes and does not represent product misuse.
The passage referring to these products in this user manual does not represent original documentation of the
respective product.

This user manual contains explanations on using the
Sunways Solar Inverter. You will learn to recognise
the many possibilities of the Solar Inverter. Informa-
tion is provided on safety, installation, commission-
ing, operation and system monitoring.
Please observe the safety precautions exactly to
ensure increased safety at the operating site of the
Solar Inverter.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PT Series Sunways Solar
Inverter, an innovative, high-quality product with
unique features and a consistently high efficiency.
This Solar Inverter is equipped with HERIC®topology
and innovative PT circuitry and enables operation on
a large number of silicon modules – as accustomed
from Sunways – without the use of a transformer.

1
Content
1 Product Description 4
1.1 Proper use 4
1.2 Function description 4
1.3 Integration in solar system 5
Solar generator configuration 5
Standard components of a solar system 6
1.4 Assembly description 7
1.5 Scope of delivery 7
2 Safety Precautions 8
2.1 General safety precautions 8
Warranty and liability 8
2.2 Explanation of symbols and warnings 9
Warnings and symbols used in this user
manual 9
Symbols used in this user manual 9
Warnings and symbols on device 9
2.3 Basic safety measures 10
2.4 Safety scheme 10
3 Installation 11
3.1 Mechanical installation 11
Requirements for installation location 11
Installation 12
3.2 Electrical installation 12
Cable installation 12
Solar generator connection 13
String box 15
Grid connection 16
3.3 Installing the communication system 18
Interface overview 18
Networking Solar Inverters via CAN bus 18
S0 interface 19
Temperature and irradiance sensor 19
Connecting the alarm relay 20

Content
2
4 Commissioning 21
4.1 Connecting and disconnecting the Solar
Inverter 21
Connecting 21
Switching off 21
4.2 Commissioning menu 22
Commissioning a single device 22
Commissioning several networked devices 23
5 Operation 26
5.1 Control elements 26
Operator panel 26
LCD display 26
Keyboard 26
Operating LED 26
Standard screen (single device) 27
Standard screen (system) 27
5.2 Access rights 28
Customer area 28
Installer area 28
5.3 Menu structure 29
5.4 Overview of screen displays 30
5.5 Fault displays 37
Solar generator fault 37
AC network fault 38
Inverter fault 40
Interface/communication fault 41
Service fault 44
6 System monitoring 45
6.1 General 45
6.2 Integrated data logger 45
6.3 Direct Ethernet connection 46
6.4 Network settings on Solar Inverter 47
6.5 Network settings on the PC 48
6.6 Connection via an existing Ethernet
network 50
6.7 Access via DSL router 51

Content
3
6.8 Connection via the Sunways Modem 51
6.9 Dial-up connection from a PC to the
Solar Inverter 52
6.10 Sunways Browser 55
General information 55
Access protection 55
Overview – Menu 56
Language selection 56
Setting the date/time 56
Software update 56
6.11 Internet dial-up via modem 57
Modem settings 57
E-Mail settings 58
6.12 Active alerting 59
General information 59
Alerting settings 59
6.13 Sunways Portal connection 60
General information 60
Setup 60
7 Maintenance 62
7.1 Servicing schedule 62
7.2 Servicing interval 62
7.3 Maintenance tasks 63
Wiring 63
Solar generator connection box 63
Inverter 63
8 Appendix 64
8.1 Technical data 64
8.2 Derating curves 66
8.3 Installation methods and cable cross-
sections 67
8.4 General liability disclaimer 69

1 Product Description
1.1 Proper use
The Sunways Solar Inverter PT is the link between
your solar generator and the public power grid.
The energy from the connected solar generator is
converted to grid-compliant AC current and fed into
the grid. Solar modules which require fixed earthing
of the positive or negative terminal cannot be oper-
ated with the PT Solar Inverter. If in doubt, always
ask your module manufacturer whether the modules
can be used without earth reference.
1.2 Function description
Conversion from direct into alternating current
The PT Solar Inverter converts the direct current
produced by the solar generator into alternating
current. The alternating current is then fed into the
public power grid as a three-phase current.
Operating and display elements
· Various interfaces are available for system con-
figuration and monitoring:
· Operator panel (LCD display and keyboard) for
displaying operating and status values or for
inputting system parameters
· Operating LED
· Integrated web server for display and configura-
tion via a web browser
Interfaces
· Bus interface for connecting a Sunways Modem,
analog modem, ISDN modem or GSM/GPRS
modem
· Ethernet interface for connecting a PC or for
integration in existing networks
· CAN bus interface for interconnecting several
Solar Inverters
· S0 pulse output for controlling large displays
· Alarm relay for realising simple monitoring
locally
· Interface for connecting a irradiation and tem-
perature sensor
Data logging
The PT Solar Inverter is equipped with internal data
logging for recording and saving system data:
· 5-minute mean values of voltages, currents,
output, temperature and irradiance (if sensor is
installed)
· 5-minute, daily, monthly and annual energy yield
values
· Memory for malfunction messages
Grid monitoring
The PT Solar Inverter assumes the task of grid
monitoring for the protection of the device and
persons. In case of abnormal grid conditions, feed-
ing is immediately interrupted and the Solar Inverter
disconnects from the grid.
Solar Inverter configuration
The basic configuration of the PT Solar Inverter is
shown in the block diagram. The solar generator
voltage connected to the inverter input is initially
adapted by the DC actuator and then converted
to alternating current by the high-efficiency
HERIC®inverter. The AC connection is made with
5 wires due to the 3-phase feed and passive grid
monitoring.
4

1 Product Description
5
Block diagram
=
=
=
~
L1
L2
L3
PE
N
L1 L2 L3 PE N
–
+DC+
DC–
Control and monitoring
DC actuator HERIC® inverter
Solar generator
Grid
1.3 Integration in solar system
Solar generator configuration
The technical data of the selected solar generator
must be within the Solar Inverter‘s specifications
(see Technical Data). Incorrect dimensioning can
lead to reductions in the yield and to destruction of
the device.
The Sundim design program from Sunways can be
used for this purpose. Sunways Sundim can be
found on the enclosed CD-ROM or on our website
at www.sunways.de.
Be sure to take the following points into account
before planning your system:
· Watch the celestial alignment of the modules. In
Central Europe a maximum yield is achieved with
a module tilt of 30° to the horizontal and direct
south orientation of the solar generator field.
· The output of the cells decreases as the module
temperature increases. Install your solar genera-
tor with sufficient ventilation from behind.
· Check your solar generator approx. every three
years for soiling. This occurs especially on the
lower edge of the modules and forms a veil
that cannot be washed off even by heavy rain.
Reduced yield can be prevented by cleaning with
a wet cloth or a brush.
· Avoid shading of individual modules or solar cells
in your system. This can lead to major reductions
in yield.

1 Product Description
6
Standard components of a solar system
Depending on the recommendations of your PV
planning expert, your PV system consists of the fol-
lowing components:
15
6
4
7
DC
AC
2
3
1 Solar generator
2 Generator connection box (string box)
3 Solar Inverter with integrated DC load break
switch
4 Mains fuse and energy meter
Options
5 Irradiance sensor with integrated temperature
sensor
6 PC for system monitoring
7 Large display

1 Product Description
7
1.4 Assembly description
L3 L2 L1 N PE
1
600
478
2
2
900100
3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Operator panel with LCD display, operating LED
and keyboard
2 Filter
3 Communication interfaces
4 AC connection
5 AC overvoltage protection Cat. II
6 DC overvoltage protection Cat. II (optional)
7 DC load break switch
8 DC connection
1.5 Scope of delivery
The delivery consists of:
· Sunways Solar Inverter of the PT series
· CAN terminating resistor connector (connected)
· Ethernet cable, 3 m (CAT 5e, 1:1)
· Control cabinet key
· Manual
· Service-folder
· CD-ROM, including: Sunways Sundim design pro-
gram, product and service information
Checking delivery
Before shipment our products are checked for
proper condition. Despite careful, recyclable pack-
ing, transport damage may occur, for which the
transport company is generally responsible.
Please check the delivered Solar Inverter thoroughly.
Should you discover damage to the packing or the
Solar Inverter, please inform the transport company
immediately. Your specialist dealer will be happy to
provide assistance if required. A possible damage
report must always be received by the transport
company in writing at the latest seven days after
receipt of the goods.

2 Safety Precautions
2.1 General safety precautions
Follow the instructions in the operating manual.
Safe handling and trouble-free operation of the PT
Solar Inverter requires knowledge of the basic safety
precautions.
This user manual contains the key information on
operating the system safely.
Each person concerned with the installation, com-
missioning, maintenance and operation of the Solar
Inverter must have read and understood the entire
user manual, and in particular the chapter entitled
Safety Precautions.
In addition, the rules and regulations for accident
prevention applicable for the operating site/plant
must be observed.
Dangers when handling the PT Solar Inverter
The Solar Inverter has been built in accordance with
the latest rules of technology and the recognized
safety rules and may only be used
· for its intended use
· and in a safe state.
Improper use may lead to dangers to the life and
limb of the user or others, or can adversely affect
the system or other property.
In case of malfunctions which can impair safety, the
system must be shut down immediately and secured
against being switched on again. The malfunction
must then be eliminated immediately.
Warranty and liability
The Sunways AG „General Terms and Conditions of
Sale and Delivery« always apply. Warranty and liabil-
ity claims for personal injury or damage to property
are excluded, if they were caused by one or more of
the following:
· Improper use of the Solar Inverter
· Improper installation, commissioning, operation
and maintenance
· Operation of the Solar Inverter with defective
and/or non-operational safety and protective
equipment.
· Failure to observe the information in the user
manual regarding installation, commissioning,
operation and maintenance
· Unauthorised constructional modifications
· Insufficient monitoring of wearing parts
· Improperly conducted repairs
· Emergencies caused by external influence or
force majeure.
8

2 Safety Precautions
9
2.2 Explanation of symbols and warnings
To help you quickly understand this manual and
safely use the Solar Inverter, the following warnings
and symbols are used.
Warnings and symbols used in this user manual
DANGER
Dieses Symbol weist auf eine unmittelbar drohende
Gefahr hin, die – wenn die Sicherheitsbestimmungen
nicht befolgt werden – Tod, Körperverletzung oder
schwere Sachschäden zur Folge haben wird.
Extreme danger from electric shock!
This symbol indicates an immediate danger from
electric shock which will result in death, injury or
serious damage if the applicable safety regulations
are not followed..
CAUTION
This symbol indicates an immediate danger which
can result in damage if the applicable safety regula-
tions are not followed.
Symbols used in this user manual
Information
This symbol indicates important information which
contributes to a better understanding of the Solar
Inverter.
Warnings and symbols on device
The following warnings on the housing of the Solar
Inverter point out dangers. Always observe the
warnings exactly.
This symbol indicates that the user manual must be
read and understood before putting the device into
operation..
IMPORTANT
Hot surface. The housing can heat up during
operation.
The device must be disconnected from the mains
supply and from the PV generator before opening
the housing. The device still carries life-threatening
voltage for approx. five minutes internally and at
the connection terminals of the PV generator fol-
lowing disconnection from the PV generator. The
energy storage capacitors are not completely dis-
charged until after this time. You must wait at least
five minutes after disconnecting the device from
the mains supply and from the PV generator before
opening the device.
Warning!
High leakage current,
earth connection essential before
connecting supply.
WARNING!
High leakage currents. Be sure to make an earth-
ing connection before connecting the power supply
circuit (AC system).

2 Safety Precautions
10
2.3 Basic safety measures
Electrical work on the Solar Inverter must be con-
ducted by a qualified electrician while observing the
VDE regulations, national and other regulations.
The Solar Inverter may only be opened by persons
authorised by Sunways AG to do so.
When circuit breakers are tripped, the fault cause
must be determined and eliminated before return-
ing the device to operation.
Check electrical equipment regularly.
Retighten loose connections.
Replace damaged lines/cables immediately.
2.4 Safety scheme
The following parameters are monitored and
displayed continuously and simultaneously by the
inverter controller:
· DC overvoltage
· Overvoltage L1, L2, L3 > 10%
· Overvoltage L1, L2, L3 > 15%
· Undervoltage L1, L2, L3
· Stand-alone operation
· Overfrequency L1, L2, L3
· Underfrequency L1, L2, L3
· Surge error (brief overvoltage L1, L2, L3)
· DC share in AC current L1, L2, L3
· AFI residual current jump > 30 mA
· AFI residual current > 300 mA
· Overtemperature of heat sink, interior, chokes
When a malfunction occurs, feeding is immediately
interrupted and the Solar Inverter disconnects from
the grid by triggering the mains contactor.
The potential-free alarm relay is switched (except
for grid undervoltage L1).
In addition, the following protective equipment
in accordance with overvoltage category II and III
is provided on the grid and on the solar generator
side:
· Grid-side varistors
These protect the power semiconductors in case
of high-energy, short-term voltage peaks in the
grid and dissipate the energy in the choke in case
of a grid disconnection.
· Overvoltage protection on the generator side
Optional protection (Class II) against atmospheric
overvoltages (e.g. caused by remote strikes dur-
ing thunderstorms.

3 Installation
3.1 Mechanical installation
Requirements for installation location
DANGER
· The Solar Inverter may not be installed in rooms
subject to explosion hazards.
· The Solar Inverter may not be exposed to caustic
gases.
· No combustible materials may be stored within 3
metres of the Solar Inverter.
Mechanical load-bearing capacity
· Note during installation that the Solar Inverter
weighs 155 kg. The installation surface must be
firm and able to carry this weight in the long
term.
Thermal interaction
· The installation surface must consist of flame-
retardant material (not suitable: surface of wood
or plastic; suitable: e.g. concrete), as the frame
of the Solar Inverter can heat up to a maximum
of 85°C
· A minimum distance of 1m to other devices,
cabinets, ceilings, cable ducts, etc. must be main-
tained to the sides of the housing. A minimum
distance of 0.5 must be maintained between the
rear panel of the Solar Inverter and the wall (see
Fig.).
· The Solar Inverter must be installed upright to
enable adequate free convection.
· Solar Inverters may not be stacked in order to
prevent excessive warming.
· If several PT Solar Inverters are operated in an
enclosed space, adequate fresh air supply must
be ensured. Larger systems should be configured
in collaboration with Sunways at the design
stage.
· The ambient temperature must be within the
range -25 to +40 °C. At ambient temperatures
above 40 °C the inverter automatically reduces
its output.
· The Solar Inverter should not be exposed to
direct sunlight to protect it from unnecessary
external warming.
Protection against moisture and foreign bodies
· The PT Solar Inverter is supplied with IP 42
protection rating for indoor installation. The
optional protection type IP 54 allows installa-
tion indoors and in roof-covered areas outdoors,
however the Solar Inverter may not be directly
exposed to rain.
50 cm
50 cm
100 cm
100 cm
Wall (rear)
Ceiling
Wall (side)
Adjacent
device
11

3 Installation
12
Installation
Proceed as follows to install the Solar Inverter:
1. The Solar Inverter is attached to the pallet with
retaining claws. Remove the retaining claws.
2. Use a trolley for transporting the device to the
installation site.
3. Use the retaining claws to secure the Solar
Inverter on the installation surface.
3.2 Electrical installation
Cable installation
Extreme danger from electric shock!
· Touching live parts can result in death.
· All electrical work must be carried out by a quali-
fied electrician while observing the VDE regula-
tions, national and other regulations.
2 3 3 41
Sectional diagram.
1 Bars with foam rubber
2 Strain relief device
3 Cable brackets
4 Cable
Proceed as follows to install the cables:
1. Release the bolts on the bars and push them
apart.

3 Installation
13
2. Route the cable at the rear of the Solar Inverter
via the cable brackets.
3. Introduce the cable in the opening between the
two bars.
4. Open the strain relief device and guide the cable
through it.
5. Install the cable (see Solar generator connection
and Grid connection sections).
6. Pull back the cable slightly and attach it with the
strain relief device.
7. Push the bars back together and secure them
with the bolts.
Solar generator connection
Extreme danger from electric shock!
· Touching live parts can result in death.
· All electrical work must be carried out by a quali-
fied electrician while observing the VDE regula-
tions, national and other regulations.
· Execute the direct current wiring in accordance
with the system dimensioning of your planning
expert.
· Prepare all solar generator cables before con-
necting the solar generator to the Solar Inverter.
· Check each solar generator string for proper
operation with an open-circuit voltage and
short-circuit current measurement.
· Check the rating plate on the Solar Inverter to
ensure that it is approved for the maximum solar
generator voltage.
· The positive and negative lines must be kept
electrically separate from the earth potential.
· Touchable, live parts of the solar generator (e.g.
metal frame, carrying structure, etc.) should be
earthed (connection with PE.)
· Check the solar generator for freedom from
short-circuits to earth.
· Before connecting the solar generator to the
Solar Inverter, the integrated DC load break
switch must be opened (position 0).
· After the PV solar generator is connected to
the Solar Inverter and the DC load break switch
is switched on, the direct generator voltage is
present internally.
· Always separate the solar generator side first by
opening the DC load break switch and then the
grid connection by switching off the correspond-
ing mains fuse.

3 Installation
14
Overview
The solar generator can be directly connected to the
Solar Inverter with a string. Use the DC terminals
accessible from inside for the connection.
· The solar generator strings must be identically
dimensioned and comply with the specifications
of the Solar Inverter.
· No external DC load break switch is required. A
DC load break switch as required in accordance
with DIN VDE 0100-712 is integrated in the Solar
Inverter.
2
–
+
L3 L2 L1 N PE
1
1 DC load break switch
2 Solar generator connection
Installation
Extreme danger from electric shock!
· Touching live parts can result in death.
· All electrical work must be carried out by a quali-
fied electrician while observing the VDE regula-
tions, national and other regulations.
· Ensure that the cables are installed securely
· Any kind of soiling (dust, moisture, etc.) has a
negative effect on the terminals with regard to
function over the intended period of use.
· We recommend DC connection cables with cross
sections between 16 mm² and 35 mm².
· The cables must be double-insulated and UV-
resistant («Radox» cables from Huber & Suhner,
for example, are suitable).
The following sequence must be observed during
assembly:
1. Strip the voltage-free line and the cable ends.
15/20
with end splice 15 mm
without end splice 20 mm
2. Apply a screwdriver at a slant (A) at the locking
apply and push it in until it is vertical (B) and
locks into place (C).
B
A
C

3 Installation
15
CAUTION
Please avoid squeezing the cable insulation or the
end splice. Improper connection may damage the
equipment!
3. Introduce the stripped cable into the cable clamp
and push the screwdriver forward into the origi-
nal position.
String box
The string box enables connection of up to 8 or 12
solar generator strings to DC bus line that can be
connected directly to the Solar Inverter.
The string box has protection rating IP65 and can
therefore be installed near the solar generator. The
string box can be equipped with fuses or dummy
sleeves.
–
+
–
+
12345678 12345678
–
+
+–
String box options
The Sunways string box is available with the follow-
ing options:
· for up to 8 or up to 12 PV strings
· with/without DC overvoltage protection
· with/without DC load break switch
· fuses for different currents
· Dummy sleeves
Further information can be found in the Solar
Inverter Accessories section at www.sunways.de.

3 Installation
16
Grid connection
Extreme danger from electric shock!
· Touching live parts can result in death.
· All electrical work must be carried out by a quali-
fied electrician while observing the VDE regula-
tions, national and other regulations.
· Note the AC terminal assignment. An incor-
rect assignment can result in the device being
destroyed.
· No consumers may be connected to the supply
line from the Solar Inverter to the mains fuse.
· Always separate the solar generator side first by
opening the DC load break switch and then the
grid connection by switching off the correspond-
ing mains fuse.
If the voltage on the AC connection exceeds the per-
missible value due to a long line length or an insuf-
ficient cable cross-section, the Solar Inverter will be
disconnected from the grid. In power grids with a
low output and a high solar generator output, this
can lead to individual Solar Inverters being switched
off and then on again several times.
Overview
The grid connection of the Solar Inverter is made via
5 wires (L1, L2, L3, N, PE) and an AC terminal strip on
the underside of the device. Feeding is always three-
phase via the AC terminal.
1
1
L3 L2 L1 N PE
2
AC connection
2 DC load break switch
A suitable circuit breaker is recommended as a line
protection element in the grid feed direction:
· PT 30k: 3 x 63 A with slow-blow characteristic C
(for terminal cross-sections >= 16 mm²)
A three-pin circuit breaker or individual fuses can be
used. Suitable fuse protection must be provided to
match the installation method. Further details can
be found in the Appendix.
PE N L3 L2 L1
1
4
3
2
INVERTER
Mains fuse
· A three-phase meter must be used
· Some grid operators require the use of a reverse-
current-capable meter.

3 Installation
17
Installation
Extreme danger from electric shock!
· Touching live parts can result in death.
· All electrical work must be carried out by a quali-
fied electrician while observing the VDE regula-
tions, national and other regulations.
· Note the AC terminal assignment. An incor-
rect assignment can result in the device being
destroyed.
· Ensure that the cables are installed securely.
· Any kind of soiling (dust, moisture, etc.) has a
negative effect on the terminals with regard to
function over the intended period of use.
· We recommend AC connection cables with the
following cross sections.
16 mm² solid copper cable
16 mm² flexible copper/non-metallic
sheathed cable
The following sequence must be observed during
assembly:
1. Strip the voltage-free line and the cable ends.
15
with end splice 15 mm
without end splice 20 mm
2. Introduce a screwdriver vertically into the locking
device.
CAUTION
Please avoid squeezing the cable insulation or the
end splice. Improper connection may damage the
equipment!
3. Introduce the stripped cable into the cable clamp
and pull the screwdriver out again.