Varta pulse neo User manual

VARTA STORAGE GMBH
OPERATING MANUAL
VARTA pulse neo

Legal notice
Original Betriebsanleitung
VARTA pulse neo
VARTA Storage GmbH
Nürnberger Straße 65
86720 Nördlingen
Germany
www.varta-ag.com
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]
If you need help troubleshooting or installing your machine, we will be happy to assist you. To do so,
please contact your local technical support. You can find the contact details at www.varta-ag.com.
DE - Technical service:
[e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Document number: 727 606 - 08
As at: 07/2021
Note to the electrical specialist
This manual contains, in the first part, general information on the operation of the
VARTA pulse neo energy storage system. You will find further information in the
“Installation” and “Maintenance” sections.

3
Contents
Foreword........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
General ..............................................................................................................................................................................8
Information about this manual.................................................................................................................................8
Symbols ................................................................................................................................................................................8
Safety instructions.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Warning stages .................................................................................................................................................................8
Warning sign....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
For your safety .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Residual dangers ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Intended use..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Erroneous use.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Prohibited use.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Electrical specialist requirements........................................................................................................................ 11
General danger sources .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Danger due to electrical voltage............................................................................................................................ 11
Danger due to water..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Danger due to oxidising and corrosive substances ..................................................................................... 12
Danger due to heat........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Misconduct........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Safety equipment........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Function, scope of delivery and technical parameters ............................................................................. 14
Derating .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Scope of delivery............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Optional components .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Front view VARTA pulse neo .................................................................................................................................... 15
System overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
Identification.................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Type plate and ID label ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Cryptocode label ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
ID label of the battery module................................................................................................................................ 16
Unlock code label...........................................................................................................................................................17
Technical parameters ..................................................................................................................................................17
Battery modules............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Environmental rating ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Guarantee .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Guarantee registration................................................................................................................................................ 19
Operation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Switching on and off ....................................................................................................................................................20
Display of the LED ring ............................................................................................................................................... 21
Portal.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Maintenance and cleaning........................................................................................................................................22

4
Maintenance works.......................................................................................................................................................22
Cleaning..............................................................................................................................................................................22
Fault / case of damage.............................................................................................................................................. 23
Fault displays on the device ................................................................................................................................... 23
Behaviour in the event of damage ....................................................................................................................... 23
Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................24
Transport and storage ................................................................................................................................................ 24
Transport ........................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Transport regulations ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Transport control ...........................................................................................................................................................25
Storage ............................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Assembly and installation.........................................................................................................................................27
Test components ...........................................................................................................................................................27
Setup site requirements.............................................................................................................................................27
Suitable assembly sites ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Assembly sites ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
Dimensions and equipment..................................................................................................................................... 28
Environmental conditions ........................................................................................................................................ 29
Non-permitted locations and environmental conditions ........................................................................ 29
Preparation of the electrical connection......................................................................................................... 30
Connections at distribution...................................................................................................................................... 31
Preparation of AC connection house network ............................................................................................... 31
VARTA Split Core current sensor.......................................................................................................................... 32
PV current sensor (optional) ................................................................................................................................... 33
Remote switch-off (Country-specific)............................................................................................................... 33
Assembly preparation................................................................................................................................................. 34
Suspending and connecting the energy store............................................................................................... 34
Battery module assembly .........................................................................................................................................37
Check the battery module.........................................................................................................................................37
Behaviour in the event of damage ....................................................................................................................... 38
Fit and connect the battery module ................................................................................................................... 38
Fitting the battery module ....................................................................................................................................... 39
Connect the battery module ................................................................................................................................... 40
Closing the energy store............................................................................................................................................ 41
Check .................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
Initial start-up and initialisation ........................................................................................................................... 43
Switch-on conditions.................................................................................................................................................. 43
Initialisation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Error in the initialisation ........................................................................................................................................... 43
Initial start-up via the web interface.................................................................................................................. 44
General directions on using the web interface............................................................................................. 44
Error messages.............................................................................................................................................................. 44
Connection with the device..................................................................................................................................... 44

5
Variant 1.............................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Variant 2............................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Login on the web interface.......................................................................................................................................45
Login as installer ...........................................................................................................................................................45
Login as end customer ...............................................................................................................................................45
Change password ..........................................................................................................................................................45
Reset password ..............................................................................................................................................................45
Performing the software configuration............................................................................................................ 46
Homepage of the installation assistant ........................................................................................................... 46
Basic settings ................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Register battery module ........................................................................................................................................... 46
Configuration of the network parameters....................................................................................................... 46
Function test................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Completing the configuration.................................................................................................................................47
Cascade mode.................................................................................................................................................................47
Connect PV converters via Sunspec................................................................................................................... 48
Electric car charger (wallbox)................................................................................................................................ 48
Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................ 49
Service and repair works ...........................................................................................................................................50
Proof of service works ................................................................................................................................................50
Checking the energy store........................................................................................................................................50
Checking the system parameters......................................................................................................................... 51
Air filter change: Reset time.................................................................................................................................... 51
Checking the current sensor values.................................................................................................................... 51
Check battery converter ............................................................................................................................................ 51
Check the battery module ........................................................................................................................................ 51
Service and repair: Housing interior..................................................................................................................... 51
Opening the energy store .......................................................................................................................................... 51
Converter AC side.......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Converter DC side..........................................................................................................................................................52
Network connector dismount .................................................................................................................................53
Dismounting the battery converter......................................................................................................................53
Installing the battery converter .............................................................................................................................53
Dismounting and installing the battery module............................................................................................54
Installing the battery module..................................................................................................................................55
Clean ventilator and air filter ..................................................................................................................................55
Completing service and repair works.................................................................................................................55
Check operating status ..............................................................................................................................................57
Cleaning..............................................................................................................................................................................57
Faults .................................................................................................................................................................................. 58
The section Instandhaltung is directed towards the electrical specialist......................................................... 58
Faults displays of the LED ring ............................................................................................................................. 58
Faults displays on the web interface................................................................................................................. 58

6
Communication faults................................................................................................................................................ 58
Dismount and disposal .............................................................................................................................................. 59
Planning dismount ....................................................................................................................................................... 59
Carry out dismount ...................................................................................................................................................... 59
Disposal ............................................................................................................................................................................. 59
Move..................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Planning a move............................................................................................................................................................ 60
Carrying out a move..................................................................................................................................................... 60
Reuse of the battery module ................................................................................................................................... 61
Commissioning after move ...................................................................................................................................... 61
Documentation. ..........................................................................................................................................................62
Customer data................................................................................................................................................................ 62
Proof of service works ............................................................................................................................................... 63
Proof of repairs and other works...........................................................................................................................70
Spare parts ........................................................................................................................................................................76
Appendix
a. Connection diagram TN-C network Page 77.
b. Connection diagram TT network Page 78.
c. Connection diagram TN-C network with data logger Page 79.
d. Connection diagram TT network with data logger Page 80.

7
Foreword
Congratulations!
You have opted for an energy storage system of VARTA Storage GmbH!
We are pleased that you have thus chosen a long-lasting system where we have placed great value
on quality. For the operation and handling of the store, please read this manual carefully.
Happy storing!
About this manual
Read this operating manual through before beginning any work. It contains important advice to en-
sure flawless functioning of the VARTA pulse neo energy storage system. The manual is structured in
such a way that all work can be performed by a qualified electrical specialist who is certified by
VARTA Storage GmbH.
Preserving the manual
The operating manual should be kept near the VARTA pulse neo and must always be accessible to all
persons involved in works on the energy storage system.
In the event of a change of operator, the operating manual is also to be handed over.
Target groups
This manual is directed at various target groups:
! End customers,
! Electrical specialist responsible for installation, commissioning and maintenance.
Scope of application
This manual is part of the system. It applies to the product VARTA pulse neo in the expansion stages:
! VARTA pulse neo 3,
! VARTA pulse neo 6.
Optional components
Please note that this operating manual also refers to optional components that are not
included as standard in the scope of delivery. These components and/or system parts are
marked in this manual as optional . Simply skip these parts of the manual if your energy
store is not equipped with them.
General equal treatment
VARTA Storage GmbH is conscious of the significance of language in relation to the equal treatment
of men and women. For ease of legibility, no gender-specific differentiation is deployed. In the inter-
ests of equal treatment, corresponding terms apply to both sexes.

8
General
Information about this manual
Symbols
The following types of safety directions and tips are used in this operating manual:
Indicates tips regarding use of the device.
Safety instructions
In this manual, the safety directions are structured as follows:
Signal word
Type and source of danger!
Possible consequence(s) in the event of non-compliance.
Measure and prohibitions to avoid the danger.
Warning stages
Signal word and warning colour identify the warning stage and provide an immediate indication of
the type and severity of consequences if the measures to avoid the danger are not followed.
Signal word
Meaning
Symbol -DANGER- red
warns of an immediately dangerous situation that can lead to
death or to serious injuries and/or fire.
Danger
Symbol -WARNING-
warns of a possibly dangerous situation that can lead to death or
to serious injuries and/or fire.
Warning
Symbol -CAUTION- yellow
warns of a possibly dangerous situation that can lead to light
injuries and/or material damage.
Caution
ATTENTION-yellow
warns of a possible situation that can lead to material and envi-
ronmental damage and disrupt operations.
Attention
Prohibition sign
Warning sign
Round, black pictogram, on white
background, red border and
crossbar
Triangular,
black symbol and border, on yel-
low background.
Prohibition sign
Environmental regulations
Round, white symbol, on blue
background.
Indications of state regulations to
be complied with, particularly in
relation to disposal.

9
Warning sign
The following warning signs are used in the operating manual and on the device.
General warning sign
Warning of hand injuries
Warning of electric shock
Warning of cut injuries
Warning of oxidising substances
Warning of dangers due to
batteries
warning of non-compliance with the discharge time.
Comply with the waiting time of at least 3 minutes.
For your safety
Each person mandated with works on the system must have read and understood this manual and
especially the Safety chapter.
WARNING
Non-compliance with the safety instructions!
Improper use can lead to fatal injuries.
Before use, ensure that all the protective equipment works.
Compliance with the safety directions and the
occupational safety measures in which training is provided limits the risk.
Read the operating manual.
This manual cannot describe every conceivable situation; therefore, the applicable standards as well
as the corresponding regulations for occupational health and safety always have priority.

10
Residual dangers
Additionally, use of the energy storage system is associated with residual dangers under the follow-
ing circumstances:
! The installation and maintenance works are not carried out properly.
! The installation and maintenance works are carried out by untrained and non-instructed
personnel.
! The safety directions provided in this manual are not followed.
All safety directions must be followed without fail; compliance with them is for your safety. No modi-
fications may be made to the device.
Intended use
VARTA pulse neo with its components is built according to the state of the art and the product-
specific standards and is to be used for the storage of electricity from photovoltaic systems. Other
uses must be coordinated with the manufacturer and the local energy supplier. The energy storage
system may be operated only while suspended on the wall.
Erroneous use
WARNING
Possible danger to life due to erroneous use!
Possible danger to life.
In the interior of the device there are parts with dangerous voltages. Con-
tact with these can lead to death.
Any use that goes beyond the intended use or other use of the energy
storage system or individual parts can lead to life-threatening situations.
Prohibited use
Do not use VARTA pulse neo:
! for mobile use on land, water, or in the air.
! for use on medical equipment.
! e.g. on the floor or table, lying or standing.

11
Electrical specialist requirements
Activities on the VARTA pulse neo system (e.g. installation and maintenance work) may be
performed by qualified electrical specialists certified by VARTA Storage only!
Here, specialists refers to persons who, among other things, possess the knowledge of relevant
terms and skills. Are able to evaluate the following works and recognise possible dangers due to
their technical training, knowledge and experience as well as knowledge of the relevant provisions:
! Assembly of electrical equipment.
! Assembly and connection of data lines.
! Assembly and connection of power supply lines.
General danger sources
If the following directions on handling the device are not complied with, this can lead to personal
damage and material damage to the device for which VARTA Storage GmbH assumes no liability.
Danger due to electrical voltage
DANGER
Contact with electrical voltage.
Danger to life due to electric shock.
Always keep the energy store closed.
Look out for damage to the electrical equipment.
Have defects eliminated immediately.
Only the electrical specialist is allowed to open the energy store.
The energy store may be opened only while switched off.
Comply with a waiting time of at least 3 minutes.

12
Danger due to water
WARNING
Entry of water into electrical installations.
Possible danger to life and material damage.
Do not use water to clean the energy store.
Do not deposit containers with liquids (such as drinks cups) on electri-
cal installations.
The relative humidity in the room must not exceed 80%.
Danger due to oxidising and corrosive substances
WARNING
Storage and use of oxidising and/or corrosive substances.
Increases the fire risk and the risk of electric shocks.
Store the above-named substances only in the places intended for
them.
Do not clean the system with acid-, lye- or solvent-containing means.
Danger due to heat
ATTENTION
Insufficient ventilation of the system
Overheating of the system possible.
Keep vents clear.
Ensure sufficient ventilation.
ATTENTION
Heat entry due to direct solar radiation or devices that emit heat
Overheating of and damage to the system possible.
Protect system from direct solar radiation.
Do not use a fan heater or a similar device near the system.

13
Misconduct
ATTENTION
Energy store switched off
Possible damage to the batter module due to deep discharge.
The energy storage system may be switched off only temporarily for
maintenance purposes.
ATTENTION
Objects on the system
Risk of injury due to falling objects and the system can be damaged.
Do not deposit objects on the energy store.
ATTENTION
Access blocked
System cannot be switched off in the event of damage.
Access to the energy store must be ensured at all times.
Safety equipment
WARNING
Defective safety equipment
Possible danger to life.
Safety equipment must not be damaged, modified, removed or decom-
missioned.
The flawless functioning of the safety equipment must be checked fol-
lowing the end of the installation and commissioning by qualified elec-
trical specialists certified by VARTA Storage.
The VARTA pulse neo energy storage system has several pieces of safety equipment. These include
grid and system protection e.g. according to VDE-AR-N 4105, closed electrical operating area, over-
temperature switch-off and a mechanical switch-off mechanism. The latter switches the device off
when an attempt is made to open the housing without previously disconnecting the energy store
from the mains.
A smoke detector must be installed in the setup room of the VARTA pulse neo.

14
Function, scope of delivery and technical parameters
The energy storage system VARTA pulse neo is intended for operation on the 230 V house network
and offers the option of connecting a separate grid-connected photovoltaic system. The latter must
be a generation system that feeds in not at full infeed, but after excess.
The energy storage system serves to increase the percentage of self-consumption and the economic
efficiency of a photovoltaic system. If the photovoltaic system produces more electricity than is im-
mediately consumed, it can be stored intermediately in the energy storage system. The electricity is
fed into the house network again from the store as soon as the consumption is bigger again than the
electricity quantity generated by the photovoltaic system. The energy storage system is integrated
into the house network on the alternating current side and works independently of the photovoltaic
system. A current sensor controls the charging and discharging processes of the energy storage sys-
tem. It is mounted in the fuse box directly after the consumption/feed-in meter and measures all
incoming and outgoing currents.
If the current sensor measures outgoing currents while there is available free charging capacity of
the energy storage system, the latter is charged. In the process, the batter converter in the energy
storage system converts the alternating current into direct current and charges the battery module.
If the maximum charging capacity is reached or if the solar-produced electricity exceeds the maxi-
mum charging current, the excess solar power is fed into the public network. If the photovoltaic sys-
tem cannot cover the current electricity requirements in the house, the current sensor measures
incoming currents. Thereupon, the energy storage system issues power into the house network in
order to minimise the external volume of purchased electricity and the associated costs.
Note: Before installation of the VARTA energy storage system, it must be clarified with the respective
energy supplier/electricity grid operator whether it is necessary to register the system.
Derating
Derating means a temporary curtailment of the maximum performance of the battery converter in
order to prevent components from being heated excessively. VARTA energy storage systems are de-
signed in such a way that when the operating and environmental conditions are complied with the
permitted operating temperature is not exceeded and a derating is not necessary. To avoid a temper-
ature derating of the energy store, you should ensure that the energy store can issue the heat to the
ambient air.
Frequent temperature-induced derating can have the following causes:
! The system cannot issue enough heat to the ambient air because the air filter is soiled or the
ventilator has failed.
! The installation site of the energy store does not offer the requisite climatic conditions.
! Atypical operation that deviates heavily from the photovoltaic cycle.

15
Scope of delivery
The VARTA energy storage system includes:
1 x battery module,
1 x battery converter,
1 x support plate,
1 x hood,
1 x pre-assembled cable set,
1 x operating manual.
Accessories kit
1 x current sensor (50 A),
20 m sensor cable RJ12,
1 x AC connector,
4 x fastening screws for the
battery module,
3 x fastening screws for the hood.
Optional components
In some countries, the following, additional hardware is required to implement the binary contact for
remote switch-off:
! USB retrofit set
You will find more information on the order in chapter 19 and on installation in chapter 11.
Front view VARTA pulse neo
1
Type plate
2
On/off button
3
Position of the screws

16
System overview
Identification
Type plate and ID label
Cryptocode label
ID label of the battery module

17
Unlock code label
Technical parameters
VARTA pulse neo expansion stage
3
6
Nominal capacity
3.3 kWh
6.5 kWh
AC charging power
1.8 kW
2.5 kW
AC discharging power
1.6 kW
2.3 kW
Batter converter layout
without isolating transformer
Dimensions in mm (W x H x D)
600 x 690 x 190
Weight (incl. battery module)
45 kg
65 kg
Setup site
within the house
Grid connection
240 V AC, 50 Hz
Inrush current
< max. operating current
Highest starting fault current
max. 11 A for 100 μs
Own consumption optimisation
Automatically regulated
Performance recording
3-phase, by means of current sensor
System transport
horizontal on a pallet
Packaging in mm
730 x 355 x 820 (W x H x D)
Safeguard grid-side
16 A (B-character)

18
Battery modules
VKB number
56461704099
56462704099
Electrochemistry cell
Li-ions
Nominal module capacity
3.3 kWh
6.5 kWh
Discharge depth
90%
90%
Useful module capacity
3.0 kWh
5.9 kWh
Connection
contact-safe
Cell monitoring
integrated
Dimensions in mm (W x H x D)
445 x 110 x 339
445 x 110 x 587
Weight
25 kg
45 kg
Packaging in mm (W x H x D)
800 x 460 x 600
Environmental rating
Environmental category
Air-conditioned* in inner rooms**
Classification of the wet rooms
No wet rooms allowed
Soiling grade
2
Ingress protection
IP 33
Ambient temperature
+5 °C to +30 °C
Relative humidity
< 80%
Max. altitude
2,000 m above sea level
Overvoltage category
III
Protection class
1
Noise emission typical/max.
44 dBA / 52 dBA
* See chapter 11.4.2 “Environmental conditions”, page 29.
** The energy storage system is fully enclosed by a building and/or housing. Thus
the energy storage system is protected from sun, dust, fungi and other external in-
fluences. Additionally, the building and/or housing is air-conditioned with regard to
temperature, humidity and air filtering.

19
Guarantee
For the guarantee to become effective, the following data must be held by VARTA Storage:
! Serial number (SN number) of the VARTA system,
! Serial number of the battery module,
! Name and email address of the end customer.
These data are stored by the installer in the installer portal of VARTA Storage.
Carry out the guarantee registration of the energy store within four weeks following the
installation of the energy store.
The battery module must be registered 20 weeks after delivery at the latest.
Guarantee registration
The online-based guarantee registration consists of two parts:
Part 1: Registration of the energy store by the installer including commissioning certificate.
! Launch the page:
https://b2b.varta-storage.com/nc/b2b.html
! Enter all the necessary data.
Notes: The system ’s ID label (type plate) is mounted in the storage cabinet. The ID label of the bat-
tery module is included in the packaging.
The unlock code label is mounted in the storage cabinet on the inside of the hood (see chapter 5.6:
“Identification”).
! This label is intended for the customer’s personal documents.
Part 2: End customer
You can carry out the guarantee registration once the installer has registered the energy store.
! Please call up the following site in the browser: https://varta-portal.energy
! Register in the portal by clicking on Register and providing the necessary information.
! Provide an individual password.
! Please log in to the portal with your access data and follow the directions and steps there.

20
Operation
Switching on and off
DANGER
Contact with electrical voltage
Danger to life due to electric shock.
Always keep the energy store closed.
Look out for damage to the electrical equipment.
Have defects eliminated immediately.
Only the electrical specialist is allowed to open the energy store.
The energy store may be opened only while switched off.
Comply with a waiting time of at least 3 minutes.
ATTENTION
Energy store switched off
Possible damage to the batter module due to deep discharge.
The energy storage system may be switched off only temporarily for
maintenance purposes.
The on/off button on the front of the housing is actuated by the certified installer at
initial start-up and in the event of service works. In the event of damage (see chap-
ter 9.2), the system can be shut down using the on/off button.