Varta element 3 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VARTA element 3 / VARTA element 6
VARTA Storage GmbH

2 Subject to alteration! Updated 11/2015
Congratulations!
You have chosen a 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 3 / element 6 energy storage systems.
Further information can be found in the “Installation”, “Operation
in the password-protected area” and “Maintenance” sections.

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Legal notice
Translation of the original instruction manual VATRA element 3/6
VARTA Storage GmbH
Emil-Eigner-Str. 1
86720 Nördlingen
Germany
www.varta-storage.de
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]
Technical Service:
[e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Updated: 10/2015
Document number: OM_850_850_GB

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Contents
General ...................................................................................11
1Information about this manual.........................................11
1.1 Explanation of symbols...............................................11
1.2 Pictograms..................................................................12
2Safety..............................................................................13
2.1 General information on safety.....................................13
2.2 Proper use ..................................................................14
2.3 Requirements regarding qualified electricians............15
2.4 General hazards .........................................................15
2.5 Safety equipment........................................................17
3Function, scope of supply and technical parameters .....18
3.1 Function ......................................................................18
3.2 Scope of supply ..........................................................19
3.3 System overview.........................................................21
3.4 Type plates .................................................................22
3.5 Technical parameters ................................................. 23
3.6 Warranty .....................................................................24
4LED displays and control element ..................................25
4.1 Switching on and off ...................................................25
4.2 LED ring indicators......................................................26
4.3 Web interface..............................................................27
4.3.1 Access to the web interface ....................................27
4.3.2 Information on the welcome page (Home)..............28
4.3.3 Ext. relay (optional) .................................................29

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4.3.4 Portal (optional).......................................................29
5Instructions for maintenance and Cleaning....................31
5.1 Maintenance work .......................................................31
5.2 Cleaning ......................................................................32
5.3 Instructions for disassembly and disposal...................32
6Malfunction/Damage event.............................................33
6.1 Malfunction indicators..................................................33
6.1.1 Malfunction indicators of the LED ring....................33
6.1.2 Malfunction indicators on the web interface ...........33
6.2 What to do in case of damage.....................................34
Installation ...................................................................................35
7Transport and storage....................................................35
7.1 Transport.....................................................................35
7.2 Packing/transport check..............................................37
7.3 Storage........................................................................39
8Assembly and installation...............................................40
8.1 Requirements for the installation location ...................40
8.1.1 Installation location .................................................41
8.1.2 Installation location and the surrounding area........42
8.2 Warranty......................................................................43
8.3 Preparing the electrical connection.............................45
8.3.1 Connections at the distributor.................................46
8.3.2 Preparation of the AC port for the building grid ......47
8.3.3 Current sensor ........................................................49
8.4 Preparing for assembly ...............................................50
8.5 Installing and electrical connection of the cabinet.......51

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8.6 Assembling the battery modules.................................54
8.6.1 Opening the cabinet................................................55
8.6.2 Checking the battery modules.................................56
8.6.3 Removing and connecting battery modules............57
8.6.4 Closing storage cabinet...........................................64
8.7 Commissioning ...........................................................64
8.7.1 Switching on............................................................64
8.7.2 Password entry........................................................66
8.7.3 Enter device name and serial number of the battery
modules...................................................................67
8.7.4 Portal connection.....................................................70
8.7.5 Country code NA Protection....................................71
8.7.6 Checks on the welcome page of the web interface 72
8.7.7 Checking the connections.......................................73
8.7.8 Reboot.....................................................................74
8.7.9 Checks after the reboot...........................................74
8.7.10 Exiting the password-protected area.......................76
Operation (password-protected area)..........................................77
9The password-protected area.........................................77
9.1 Entering the Password................................................77
9.2 System........................................................................78
9.3 Version........................................................................79
9.4 Settings.......................................................................79
9.4.1 Basic settings ..........................................................80
9.4.2 Network ...................................................................81
9.4.3 Service settings.......................................................82

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9.4.4 Grid parameters NA protection...............................83
9.4.5 Logging out .............................................................85
Maintenance................................................................................86
10 Maintenance basics........................................................86
10.1 Safety instructions.......................................................86
10.2 Scope of maintenance.................................................87
11 Service and repair work..................................................88
11.1 Checking the storage cabinet from outside.................88
11.1.1 Checking the storage cabinet from outside ............88
11.2 Checking the system parameters................................89
11.2.1 Checking the online status (Service) ......................89
11.2.2 Error history (Service).............................................89
11.2.3 Checking the software version (Service) ................90
11.2.4 Software update (Service) ......................................91
11.2.5 Air filter change: Resetting the time (Service) ........91
11.2.6 Checking the fan (Service) .....................................92
11.2.7 Checking the current sensor values .......................93
11.2.8 Checking the battery chargers................................94
11.2.9 Checking the battery modules ................................94
11.2.10 Discharging the battery modules ............................95
11.3 Service and repair: cabinet interior..............................96
11.3.1 Opening the cabinet................................................97
11.3.2 Remove battery inverter..........................................97
11.3.3 Removing and installing the battery charger ..........98
11.3.4 Removing and installing battery modules.............100
11.3.5 Replacing/cleaning the air filter.............................102

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11.3.6 Disassembling the storage cabinet cover .............103
11.3.7 Replacing/cleaning the fan....................................104
11.4 Completion of service and repair work .....................106
11.4.1 Checking operating state ......................................106
11.5 Cleaning....................................................................107
12 Malfunctions..................................................................108
12.1 Malfunction displays of the LED ring ........................108
12.2 Malfunction indicators on the web interface .............108
13 Disassembly and disposal ............................................109
13.1 Disassembly..............................................................109
13.2 Disposal ....................................................................110
Figures ..................................................................................111
Tables ..................................................................................112
Attachment.............................................................................112

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
About this manual
Read this manual carefully to ensure the VARTA element 3 and
VARTA element 6 energy storage systems (VATRA element 3/6)
operate correctly. Installation and maintenance activities must be
performed by a qualified electrician certified by VARTA Storage
GmbH. The instruction manual should be kept in close proximity
to the VATRA element 3/6 and must be permanently available to
all individuals involved in working on the storage battery.
Scope
This instruction manual applies for VATRA element 3/6 products
from VARTA Storage GmbH.

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Disclaimer
VARTA Storage GmbH accepts no liability whatsoever for
personal injury, property damage, damage sustained by the
product, or consequential damage that occurs or has occurred on
the product due to failure to comply with these instructions,
improper use of the product, or by repairs, opening of the storage
cabinet and any other actions carried out by unqualified
electricians not certified by VARTA Storage GmbH. This
disclaimer also applies for the use of non-approved spare parts
and failure to comply with the specified maintenance intervals.
The product must not be rebuilt or technically modified without
authorisation.
© VARTA Storage GmbH 2015
Special attention required
NOTICE!
Property damage from deep discharge of the
battery modules!
The energy storage system may be switched
off only for maintenance purposes.

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
General
1 Information about this manual
1.1 Explanation of symbols
This instruction manual uses the following types of safety
instructions and tips:
DANGER!
Indicates an instruction which, if not followed,
will immediately lead to death or serious
injuries.
WARNING!
Indicates an instruction which, if not followed,
can lead to death or serious injuries.
CAUTION!
Indicates an instruction which, if not followed,
can lead to minor or slight injuries.
NOTICE!
Indicates an instruction which, if not followed,
can lead to property damage.
Indicates useful hints for handling VATRA
element 3/6.
Table 1: Explanation of symbols

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1.2 Pictograms
Warning about general hazards!
Warning about electrical voltage!
Warning about electric shock!
Warning about flammable substances!
Warning about battery hazard!
Warning about failure to observe discharge
time: 3 min!
Table 2: Pictograms

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
2 Safety
2.1 General information on safety
WARNING!
Potential mortal danger through failure to
observe the safety instructions!
Improper use can cause fatal injury.
Therefore: Make sure that all safety devices are
in working order before use!
The information contained in this manual is to be observed by all
individuals during operation, installation and maintenance. These
instructions are unable to describe every conceivable situation.
Therefore, the applicable standards and the relevant regulations
for occupational health and safety shall govern.
Moreover, installation and maintenance work involves residual
risks under the following circumstances:
Installation and maintenance work is not performed
correctly.
Installation and maintenance work is performed by
personnel who have not been trained and not been
instructed.
The safety instructions given in these instructions are not
observed.
All persons assigned to work on the system must have read and
understood these instructions, in particular the chapter on Safety.
All safety instructions must be strictly obeyed, compliance
therewith ensures your safety. The device must not be modified.

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2.2 Proper use
WARNING!
Potential mortal danger through improper
use!
The device accommodates parts carrying
hazardous voltages. Contact with these parts
can be fatal.
Using the energy storage system or the
individual components thereof for any use other
than that intended can lead to life-threatening
situations.
VATRA element 3/6 and its components are built using state-of-
the-art technology and to product-specific standards and is to be
used for storing electricity from generation plants of renewable
energy, such as photovoltaic systems or other energy sources
such as CHP. Alternative uses must be agreed in consultation
with the manufacturer and the local energy supplier.
Essentially, VATRA element 3/6 must not be used:
for mobile use on land, water or in the air
for using medical equipment

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
2.3 Requirements regarding qualified electricians
WARNING!
Potential mortal danger if the electrician
lacks the proper training!
Make sure that all activities on the VATRA
element 3/6 system (e.g. installation, service
and maintenance work) are carried out by
qualified electricians certified by VARTA Storage
GmbH!
The “Installation”, “Operation in the password-protected area” and
“Maintenance” sections contain further information for qualified
electricians.
2.4 General hazards
NOTICE!
Property damage due to incorrect handling!
Failure to obey the following instructions on
handling the device can cause damage to the
device for which VARTA Storage GmbH accepts
no liability.

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Do not place any objects on or in front of the cabinet!
Avoid direct heat impact from other devices!
Avoid air humidity of over 80 %!
Do not store corrosive substances at the installation
location!
In order to protect the cells from deep discharge, the
device must be switched off only for maintenance and
service purposes!
Never clean the device wet or using chemical agents!
Use only accessories and spare parts recommended by
the manufacturer!
Bear in mind that work on electrical systems and
operating equipment must be carried out by qualified
electricians certified by VARTA Storage GmbH in
compliance with the electrical regulations.
Work on electrical systems and operating equipment
must be carried out in the de-energised state!
Watch out for damage to electrical equipment! Rectify
defects without delay!
Always keep the cabinet locked! Access by authorised
personnel only!
Respect the waiting times!

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Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
2.5 Safety equipment
WARNING!
Faulty safety equipment can cause
accidents!
The safety equipment must not be damaged,
modified, removed or shut down.
On completion of installation and
commissioning, the safety devices must be
tested by qualified electricians certified by
VARTA Storage GmbH to confirm faultless
function.
The VATRA element 3/6 system features multiple safety devices,
including a NA-protected activation point in accordance with VDE-
AR-N 4105, closed electrical operating area, over temperature
cut-out and a door contact switch. This switches off the system if
an attempt is made to open the storage cabinet before it has been
de-energised.
We also recommend installing a smoke detector in the VATRA
element 3/6 system installation room.

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3 Function, scope of supply and technical
parameters
3.1 Function
The VARTA element 3 / element 6 system is a battery storage
system for operation in a 3-phase building grid, which offers the
option of connecting a separate grid-connected photovoltaic
system. This must be a generating unit which supplies to surplus
rather than to full feed. There is also provision for storing
renewable energy, for example from small wind turbines or other
CHP system energy sources.
The VATRA element 3/6 system increases the rate of own
consumption and the economy of the photovoltaic system. Any
power produced by the photovoltaic system that is not required
for immediate use can be buffered in the energy storage system.
The storage system feeds the power back to the building system
as soon as consumption once again exceeds the amount of
power generated by the photovoltaic system.
The VATRA element 3/6 system is connected to the building
system as an alternating, 3-phase current, and operates
independently of the photovoltaic system. A current sensor
controls the charge and discharge processes of the energy
storage system. This current sensor is mounted in the fuse box
immediately behind the consumption/feed meter and measures all
incoming and outgoing currents.
If this current sensor measures outgoing currents when the
energy storage system has free charge capacity, the system will
be charged. During this process, the battery inverter located in
the VARTA element 3 / element 6 system converts the alternating
current into direct current, and charges the battery modules. Once
the maximum charge capacity is reached or when the solar-

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General
Operation
Installation
Operation (Service)
Maintenance
generated current exceeds the maximum charge current, the
surplus solar current is fed into the public grid.
If the photovoltaic system is unable to cover the power
requirement inside the building, the current sensor measures the
incoming currents. The energy storage system then discharges
capacity into the building system in order to minimize external
power consumption and the associated costs.
Before the VARTA element 3 / element 6 energy storage systems
is installed, it is necessary to clarify with the energy supplier
whether or not the system has to be registered.
3.2 Scope of supply
The VATRA element 3/6 system includes:
Storage cabinet with integrated energy and battery
management
Battery module(s)
Battery inverter
Battery charger with 3 x communication cable, 1 x power
cable (only VARTA element 3), 2 x power cable (only
VARTA element 6)
Extra items: 50 A power sensor with sensor board and
sensor cable, 1 x AC connector, 8 x mounting screws for
battery modules, 1 x terminal resistor
Instruction manual
Customer folder (with accompanying letter, return
envelope, commissioning report, service booklet,

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warranty records, Online Portal Agreement, Technical
Online Service Agreement)
Figure 1: VATRA element 3/6