Varta element Series User manual

Subject to modification! Updated 10/2017 Version 09
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VARTA element
VARTA Storage GmbH

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Congratulations!
You have opted for an energy storage system from VARTA Storage
GmbH! We are pleased that in doing so, you chose a durable
system for which we considered quality paramount. Please read
through these instructions carefully. They describe how to operate
and use the battery.
Have fun storing power!
Guidance for the qualified electrician
The first part of this manual contains general
information on how to use the VARTA element
energy storage system.
Further information can be found in the
“Installation”, “Operation in the password-
protected area” and “Maintenance” sections.

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Legal notice
Original Instruction Manual VARTA Storage GmbH
VARTA Storage GmbH
Nürnberger Straße 65
86720 Nördlingen
Germany
www.varta-storage.de
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]
Technical service:
[e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Document number: OM_850_809
Updated 10/2017
Version 09

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Contents
General...........................................................................................12
1Information about this manual............................................12
1.1 Explanation of symbols ..............................................12
1.1.1 Safety instructions..............................................12
1.1.2 Warning levels....................................................13
1.1.3 General safety signs...........................................14
1.1.4 Warning signs.....................................................15
2Safety .................................................................................16
2.1 General information on safety....................................16
2.2 Intended use...............................................................18
2.3 Requirements regarding qualified electricians ...........19
2.4 General hazard sources.............................................20
2.4.1 Danger of electrical voltage................................20
2.4.2 Danger from water..............................................21
2.4.3 Danger from oxidising and corrosive
substances.........................................................21
2.4.4 Danger from heat ...............................................22
2.4.5 Danger from misbehaviour.................................23
2.5 Safety devices............................................................24
3Function, scope of delivery and technical parameters.......25
3.1 Function......................................................................25
3.2 Scope of delivery........................................................26
3.3 Front view VARTA element........................................28
3.4 System overview ........................................................29

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3.5 Rating plate................................................................ 30
3.6 Technical parameters................................................ 31
Operation....................................................................................... 34
4Switching on and off, web interface................................... 34
4.1 Switching on and off .................................................. 35
4.2 LED ring indications................................................... 36
4.3 Web interface............................................................. 37
4.3.1 Access to the web interface............................... 37
4.3.2 Information on the welcome page (Home) ........ 38
4.3.3 External relays (optional)................................... 39
4.4 Portal (optional) ......................................................... 40
5Maintenance and cleaning................................................. 41
5.1 Maintenance work...................................................... 41
5.2 Cleaning..................................................................... 42
6Malfunction/event of damage ............................................ 43
6.1 Malfunction indicators................................................ 44
6.1.1 Malfunction indicators of the LED ring............... 44
6.1.2 Malfunction indicators on the web interface ...... 44
6.2 Behaviour in the event of damage............................. 44
Installation...................................................................................... 46
7Transport and storage ....................................................... 46
7.1 Transport ................................................................... 46
7.2 Transportation regulations and safety instructions.... 47
7.3 Packaging/transport control....................................... 49
7.4 Storage...................................................................... 51

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8Assembly and installation...................................................52
8.1 Check the components...............................................52
8.2 Requirements for the installation location ..................53
8.3 Installation location.....................................................54
8.3.1 Dimensions and features....................................54
8.3.2 Environmental conditions...................................55
8.3.3 Non-permissible locations and environmental
conditions...........................................................56
8.4 Warranty.....................................................................56
8.5 Warranty registration..................................................59
8.5.1 Warranty registration by the installation
engineer.............................................................59
8.5.2 Warranty registration by the customer ...............64
8.6 Preparation of the electrical connection.....................68
8.6.1 Connections to the distributor box......................70
8.6.2 Preparation of the AC port for the building
grid .....................................................................71
8.6.3 Current sensor....................................................74
8.7 Preparation of assembly.............................................76
8.8 Installing and connecting the storage cabinet............77
8.9 Battery module assembly...........................................79
8.9.1 Opening the storage cabinet..............................80
8.9.2 Checking the battery modules............................81
8.9.3 Behaviour in the event of damage .....................82
8.9.4 Installing and connecting battery modules.........84
8.9.5 Closing the storage cabinet................................93

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8.10 Initial commissioning ................................................. 94
8.10.1 Checking the activation of the battery modules. 94
8.10.2 Switching on ...................................................... 94
8.10.3 Password entry.................................................. 96
8.10.4 Entering serial numbers of the battery modules 97
8.10.5 Portal connection............................................... 99
8.10.6 Setting the grid parameters for GS protection. 100
8.10.7 Reboot ............................................................. 101
8.10.8 Checks on the welcome page ......................... 101
8.10.9 Checks on the "System" page......................... 103
8.10.10 Exiting the password-protected area........... 104
8.11 Quick Install............................................................. 105
Operation in the password-protected area.................................. 108
9The password-protected area.......................................... 108
9.1 Access to the web interface - password entry......... 108
9.2 System..................................................................... 109
9.3 Version..................................................................... 109
9.4 Settings.................................................................... 110
9.4.1 Basic settings................................................... 111
9.4.2 Network............................................................ 112
9.4.3 Service settings ............................................... 113
9.4.4Grid parameters for GS protection .................. 115
9.4.5 Reactive power compensation ........................ 117
9.5 Power limitation ....................................................... 124
9.6 Logging out.............................................................. 124

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Maintenance.................................................................................125
10 Maintenance basics......................................................125
10.1 Safety instructions....................................................125
10.2 Scope of maintenance work.....................................127
11 Service and repair work................................................128
11.1 Checking the storage cabinet from outside..............128
11.2 Checking the system parameters (Service) .............128
11.2.1 Checking the online status...............................129
11.2.2 Error lists ..........................................................129
11.2.3 Checking the software version.........................130
11.2.4 Software update ...............................................130
11.2.5 Air filter change: Resetting the time.................131
11.2.6 Checking the fan ..............................................131
11.3 Checking the system parameters.............................133
11.3.1 Checking the current sensor values.................133
11.3.2 Checking the battery charger...........................134
11.3.3 Checking the battery modules..........................135
11.4 Service and repairs: Cabinet interior........................136
11.4.1 Opening the cabinet .........................................137
11.4.2 Removing the battery inverter..........................138
11.4.3 Removing and installing the battery charger....138
11.4.4 Removing and installing battery modules ........142
11.4.5 Replacing/cleaning the air filter........................144
11.4.6 Disassembling the storage cabinet cover ........144
11.4.7 Cleaning/replacing the fan................................145

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11.5 Completion of service and repair work.................... 148
11.5.1 Checking the operating state........................... 149
11.6 Cleaning................................................................... 151
12 Malfunctions................................................................. 152
12.1 Malfunction indicators of the LED ring..................... 152
12.2 Malfunction indicators on the web interface ............ 152
13 Disassembly and disposal........................................... 153
13.1 Planning disassembly.............................................. 153
13.2 Disassembling ......................................................... 153
13.3 Disposal................................................................... 154
14 Relocation.................................................................... 155
14.1 Planning a relocation............................................... 155
14.2 Relocating................................................................ 156

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About this manual
Please read this instruction manual carefully before beginning any
kind of work. It contains important information, in order to ensure
trouble-free functioning of the VARTA element energy storage
system.
The manual is structured in a way, so all work must be carried out
by a qualified electrician certified by VARTA Storage GmbH.
Storage of the manual
The instruction manual should be kept in close proximity to the
VARTA element and must be permanently available to all
individuals involved in working on the energy storage system.
If the owner changes, the instruction manual has to be handed
over.
Target groups
This manual is intended for different target groups:
End customers
Qualified electricians who are responsible for installation,
commissioning and maintenance.
Scope
This manual is part of the system and corresponds to the state-of-
the-art at the time of publication. This applies to the product VARTA
element in the expansion stages element 3, element 6, element 9,
or element 12 from serial number 125 XXXXXX onwards (rating
plate).

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Please keep in mind that this instruction manual
also refers to optional components, which are not
included in the scope of delivery as standard.
These parts or components are designated
"optional" in this manual. Just skip these parts of
the manual if your energy storage is not equipped
with them.
Limitation of liability
VARTA Storage GmbH accepts no liability for personal injuries,
material damage, damages at the product, as well as consequential
damages arising from non-observance of this manual, improper
use of the product, during repairs, opening of the storage cabinet
and other activities carried out by unqualified electricians who were
not certified by VARTA Storage GmbH. This limitation of liability
also applies to the use of non-approved spare parts, as well as
non-observance of the stated maintenance intervals.
It is prohibited to carry out unauthorised modifications or technical
changes at the product.
© VARTA Storage GmbH 2017
Special attention required
ATTENTION
Energy storage system switched off!
Potential damage to the battery module due
to deep discharge!
The energy storage system may be
switched off temporarily only for
maintenance purposes.

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General
1 Information about this manual
1.1 Explanation of symbols
This instruction manual uses the following types of safety
instructions and tips:
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Indicates tips for handling the device.
1.1.1 Safety instructions
In this manual, the safety instructions are structured as follows:
Signal word
Type and source of the hazard
Potential consequence(s) in case of non-
observance!
Measures and restraints for
avoiding the hazard.
Table 1: Safety instructions

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
1.1.2 Warning levels
Signal word and warning colour indicate the warning level and give
immediate information on type and severity of the consequences if
measures for avoiding the hazard are not taken.
Warning colour/signal
word
Consequences
warns of an immediately dangerous
situation, which might lead to death or
serious injuries and/or fire.
DANGER
warns of a potentially dangerous
situation, which might lead to death or
serious injuries and/or fire.
WARNING
warns of a potentially dangerous
situation, which might lead to minor
injuries and/or material damages.
CAUTION
warns of a potential situation, which might
lead to material and environmental
damages, and which might interrupt the
operating sequence.
ATTENTION
Table 2: Warning levels

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1.1.3 General safety signs
Symbol
Meaning
Prohibition symbols are circular, showing a
black pictogram on a white background
surrounded by a red edge with a crossbar.
Mandatory action symbols are circular,
showing a white symbol on a blue
background.
Warning signs are triangular, showing a black
symbol and edge on a yellow background.
Environmental regulations are information on
statutory requirements, which have to be
complied with, especially during disposal.
Table 3: Safety signs

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
1.1.4 Warning signs
General warning sign
Warning of electrical voltage
Warning of oxidising substances
Warning of hand injuries
Warning of cut injuries
Warning of hazards due to batteries
Warning of non-observance of the
discharge time:3 minutes!
Table 4: Warning signs

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2 Safety
2.1 General information on safety
Any person being in charge of carrying out work at the system must
have read and understood this manual, especially the Chapter
Safety.
WARNING
Non-observance of the safety instructions!
Improper use can lead to fatal injuries.
Prior to use, ensure that all protective
devices are functioning.
By observing the safety instructions and complying with the
instructed health and safety measures, the risk will be limited.
Read the instruction manual.
This manual cannot describe every conceivable situation, therefore
the currently applicable standards as well as the appropriate
regulations for industrial safety and health protection always have
priority.
Furthermore, the use of the energy storage system is associated
with residual risks under the following circumstances:
Installation and maintenance work is not performed
correctly.

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
Installation and maintenance work is performed by
personnel who have not been trained and not been
instructed.
The safety instructions provided in this manual are not
observed.
All safety instructions have to be strictly followed, the observance is
for your safety. The device must not be modified in any way.

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2.2 Intended use
VARTA element as well as the components thereof, is built to state-
of-the-art technology and to product-specific standards. This
product is designed for storing electricity from renewable energy
generating plants, such as photovoltaic systems or other energy
sources. Any other use must be agreed in consultation with the
manufacturer and the local energy supplier.
WARNING
Possible mortal danger due to wrong use!
Possible mortal danger
The device accommodates parts
carrying hazardous voltages. Contact
with these parts can be fatal.
Any usage beyond or other than the
intended use of the energy storage
system or individual parts of it might
lead to life threatening situations.
Do not use VARTA element:
for mobile use at land, water or air.
for use at medical devices.

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
2.3 Requirements regarding qualified electricians
WARNING
Insufficient qualification of the electrician!
Personal injuries and material damage!
Work at the VARTA element system
(e.g. installation and maintenance
work) may only be carried out by
qualified electricians who are certified
by VARTA Storage GmbH!
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The “Installation”, “Operation in the password-
protected area” and “Maintenance” sections
contain further information for qualified
electricians.

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2.4 General hazard sources
If the following instructions for handling the device are not
observed, this might lead to personal injury or material damage at
the device, for which VARTA Storage GmbH will accept no liability.
2.4.1 Danger of electrical voltage
DANGER
Contact with electrical voltage!
Risk of fatal injury from electric shock!
Keep the energy storage system
always closed.
Pay attention to damages of the
electrical equipment! Eliminate defects
immediately!
Only the electrician is allowed to open
the energy storage system when it is
switched off.
Respect the waiting times.