Xantrex PV-30208 User manual

OPERATION and MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
for
MODEL PV-30208
30 kW Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Inverter
Document #151315
Revision E November 17, 2003
IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS - THIS MANUALCONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
FORXANTREXTECHNOLOGYMODELPV-30208GRIDTIEDPHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTER
THAT SHALLBE FOLLOWED DURING INSTALLATIONAND MAINTENANCE OF THE PV-
30208. Xantrex Technology Inc.
161-G SOUTH VASCO ROAD
Livermore, CA 94551
[phone]
Copyright2003,XantrexTechnology Inc.

Product Description................................................ Section 1
Introduction .............................................................................1-1
MajorComponents .................................................................1-1
InterconnectionStandardsCompliance.....................................1-2
Specifications ..........................................................................1-3
EquipmentSymbol...................................................................1-3
Safety............................................................................. Section 2
SafetyFeatures........................................................................2-1
IsolationProcedure..................................................................2-2
Installation And Initial Turn-On ....................... Section 3
IsolationTransformerRequirements..........................................3-1
Torque andWireGauge Specifications .....................................3-1
InstallationInstructions .............................................................3-2
InterconnectionWiring .............................................................3-4
InitialTurnOnProcedure .........................................................3-7
Operation................................................................... Section 4
Descriptionof SystemOperation..............................................4-1
OperationFeatures ..................................................................4-2
OperatorInterfacePanel (LCD) ..............................................4-5
Exampleof NormalSystemOperation .....................................4-6
SystemOperating Parameters ..................................................4-7
Troubleshooting....................................................... Section 5
General ...................................................................................5-1
FaultConditions ......................................................................5-1
FaultDescriptionsandTroubleshooting ....................................5-2
Preventative Maintenance .................................. Section 6
PeriodicMaintenance ..............................................................6-1
IsolationProcedure..................................................................6-1
Turn-OnProcedure .................................................................6-2
Appendix...................................................................... Section 7
DrawingsList ..........................................................................7-1
WarrantyandCertifications ......................................................7-1
OptionalAccessories ...............................................................7-1
TableofContents

SECTION 1
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 1-1
INTRODUCTION
The Xantrex Technology Model PV-30208 is a 30 kW Grid Tied Photovoltaic Inverter. It utilizes
advanced power electronics to allow the interface of a photovoltaic array with an utility grid. The PV-
30208 is a highly integrated assembly, consisting of an inverter bridge and associated control electron-
ics. The PV-30208 control software provides for complete overall system control with the required
protective and safety features.
MAJOR COMPONENTS
The major components of the PV-30208 are identified in Drawing No. 151317.
Main Enclosure
The enclosure (shown in Figure 1-1) is NEMA-3R rated. The PV-30208 enclosure contains the solar
control bus board, output line filter (insuring that the PV-30208 line currents meet IEEE-519 harmonic
distortion requirements), control power transformers, and A/C contactor. The upper enclosure contains
the operator interface panel ( LCD and an on/off switch).
Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2

SECTION 1
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 1-2
Matrix Bus Board
The PV-30208 design makes use of a fully integrated matrix bus board as shown in Figure 1-2. The
bus board assembly is mounted to an aluminum extrusion heatsink, which is mounted between the
upper and lower enclosures. The power electronics is comprised of a three, dual pack IGBT devices,
mounted to the heatsink. The bus board is mounted on top of the IGBT dual pack devices, which is
supported through a series of standoffs attached to the heatsink.
CAUTION
The fuses within the PV-30208 are intended for protecting the PV-30208 control cir-
cuitry only. They are not intended to provide protection for the PV array or external
cabling.
SCU & DSP
Solar Control Unit (SCU)
The SCU consists of an integrated modulator
board and a DSP control board. The modulator
board contains isolated closed loop IGBT PWM
drive circuits, A/C and D/C high voltage mea-
surement circuits, A/C, D/C and ground current
regulation and measurement circuits, A/C
contactor controls, and binary I/O circuitry.
DSP
The DSP board interfaces to the modulator board
through a PC104 interface bus. The DSP board is
designed to the industry standard PC-104 speci-
fication, and is used to perform the majority of
the calculations needed to control the bus board.
The most significant tasks are: control of PV-
30208 electromechanical components and power
electronics converters, signal conditioning (digi-
tal filtering and transformations), and communi-
cation with the operator interface panel and sys-
tem sensors.
INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS COMPLIANCE
The PV-30208 has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories to be in compliance with
UL1741Static Inverters AndCharge Controllers ForUse In PhotovoltaicPower Systems, as well
as IEEE-929-2000 Recommended Practice For Utility Interface Of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems.
IEEE-929-2000 provides guidance regarding equipment and functions necessary to ensure compatible
operation of photovoltaic systems which are connected in parallel with the electric utility. UL1741 is
the test procedure performed by Underwriters Laboratory on the PV-30208 to verify it meets the rec-
ommendations of IEEE-929-2000. Refer to both documents for details of these recommendations and
test procedures.

SECTION 1
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 1-3
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EQUIPMENT SYMBOL
Chassis ground – Customer supplied system ground connection point. This symbol may be found near
a stud within the main enclosure. It is provided as a location to bond the electrical system equipment
ground.
*Dependent on actual AC line voltage. Refer to Section 4 for detail on the minimum power tracking
voltage.
**If ambient temperature is between -20 to 0° C, the unit must be powered up in standby for at least
one hour prior to going on-line.
SPECIFICATIONS
The PV-30208 has been designed for photovoltaic power systems, which operate within the following
specifications. Application of the PV-30208 in a manner inconsistent with these specifications may
cause damage to the PV-30208 and other system components, and is a violation of the terms of the
warranty.

DOCUMENT: 151315
SECTION 2
SAFETY
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
2-1
SAFETY FEATURES
On/Off Switch
The PV-30208 incorporates a maintained position on/off switch located on the upper enclosure. Under
normal conditions, the on/off switch in the on position. Turning the switch to the off position will
initiate a controlled shutdown of the PV-30208 and open the A/C contactor within the unit. The A/C
contactor cannot be closed unless the switch is in the on position. The PV-30208 is prevented from
being restarted until the on/off switch is turned back to the on position. Cycling the on/off switch will
reset the PV-30208 and attempt to clear any system fault.
Enclosure Front Access Panel
The front access panel of the PV-30208 upper enclosure is fastened with twelve M6 stainless steel hex
nuts. It is required that the PV-30208 enclosure front panel be securely fastened during normal opera-
tion.
Fault Reporting
Fault conditions are reported to the operator interface. The LCD will display a text description of the
fault. Refer to Section 5, Troubleshooting, for detailed descriptions of system fault conditions.
PV Ground Fault Detection
The PV-30208 is equipped with ground fault detection circuitry (see Section 3, Installation and Section
7, system schematic for further detail). Upon detection of 10 amps of ground fault current, the PV-
30208 executes an orderly shutdown, and annunciates a ground fault at the operator interface. The PV-
30208 will remain faulted until the ground fault is remedied and cleared at the operator interface (see
section 5, troubleshooting). To enable this feature for monopolar pv array configuration, a jumper is
installed between TBDC- and TB NEUT on the PV input terminal block. This must be the only point of
PV conductor ground. Monopolar pv array configuration is enabled by default (for a detailed descrip-
tion of bipolar and monopolar pv array configurations, see Section 4, Operation Features).
The PV-30208 enclosure contains exposed high voltage conductors. The upper
enclosure access panel should remain closed, except during maintenance or testing.
These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the
risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that specified in the
operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Do not remove the front
access panel if extreme moisture is present (rain or heavy dew).
WARNING
The PV-30208 does not incorporate a door interlock switch. Please make sure the
unit is powered down, and isolated from the utility grid and PV panels, prior to
opening the front access panel. Allow 5 minutes for any stored potentials to be
discharged prior to opening the unit. The front access panel of the PV-30208 upper
enclosure must be securely fastened during normal operation.
WARNING

DOCUMENT: 151315
SECTION 2
SAFETY
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
2-2
The terminals of the PV input may be energized if the arrays are energized. In
addition, allow 5 minutes for all capacitors within the enclosure to discharge after
disconnecting the PV-30208 from AC and DC sources.
WARNING
ISOLATION PROCEDURE
Anti Island Protection
A digital phase-shift-loop (PSL) circuit is implemented in the DSP inverter controller to prevent
“Islanding” of the PV-30208.
The DSP continuously makes minor adjustments to the power factor phase angle above and below
unity. In the event of a utility outage, these adjustments destabilize the feedback between the inverter
and the remaining load, resulting in an over/under frequency or voltage condition. The PV-30208
then performs an orderly shutdown. The fault condition will remain until the utility voltage and
frequency have returned to normal for 5 minutes.
This method has been extensively tested and proven to exceed the requirements of UL1741.
1. Turn the on/off switch to the off position.
2. Open the PV array disconnect switch (if present).
3. Open the AC interface disconnect (if present).
4. Open the isolation transformer circuit breaker.
5. Install lockout devices on the isolation transformer circuit breaker and PV disconnect switch (if
present).
The following procedure should be followed to de-energize the PV-30208 for maintenance:

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-1
ISOLATION TRANSFORMER REQUIREMENTS
The PV-30208 UL1741 certification requires the use of a Xantrex Technology specified 30 kVAWYE/
WYE isolation transformer between the inverter AC output and the utility interconnection (see Appen-
dix in Section 7 for transformer dimensions and specifications). This custom 30 kVA isolation trans-
former is not part of the 30 kVAinverter, but can be ordered as a separate item. If maintaining the listing
to UL1741 is not a requirement for your application, contact Xantrex Technology for a fact sheet de-
scribing the installation options and precautions for installing this inverter in a photovoltaic system that
does not require UL1741 compliance.
Inverter Side Isolation Transformer Requirements
The inverter side of the isolation transformer is configured as a WYE, and is rated for 208 VAC. The
neutral connection on the inverter side must be left floating. If the neutral is tied to ground, the
inverter will be damaged internally at power-up.
Utility Side Isolation Transformer Requirements
The utility-side windings of the isolation transformer are configured WYE and must match the voltage
at the utility inter-tie. Verify that the transformer supplied matches the voltage requirement. Also, the
transformer is supplied with a neutral connection on the utility side. Connection of this utility-side
neutral does not affect the operation of the inverter. Check the local utility of jurisdiction for their
requirements regarding the connection of this neutral.
Contact your Xantrex Technology distributor if you have any questions regarding isolation transformer
requirements.
Xantrex Technology requires installing an isolation transformerbetween the PV-
30208 inverter and the point of utility interconnection. Failure to do so could
result in catastrophic damage to the PV-30208 as well as the utility distribution
system and will void the product warranty.
WARNING
TORQUE AND WIRE GAUGE SPECIFICATIONS
The following torque specifications are to be used on all electrical interfaces made during installation
of the PV-30208.
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slanimreTCDdnaCAmN1.13/sblni572
Torque Table

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-2
noitanimreTGWAegnaReriW
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The following table shows acceptable wire gauges to be connected to the PV-30208 AC and DC
inputs.
Wire Gauge Table
Allwiringmethods shallbe inaccordancewith theNationalElectrical CodeANSI/
NFPA 70. All power conductors interfacing to the PV-30208 should be sized in
accordancewith theNational ElectricCodeANSI/NFPA70and localcodes. Large
gauge wire must have a minimum bend radius dependent upon the wire gauge
(refer to the National Electric Code, Article 373-6B). Take care to keep the wire
bundlesaway fromany sharpedges whichmay damagewireinsulation overtime.
Xantrex Technology recommends using No. 2 AWG, 105 degrees C, minimum,
copper wire for all connections with the PV-30208.
CAUTION
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Ventilation Considerations
Check with applicable installation standards for additional clearance requirements.
Installation
The PV-30208 is designed to be both floor mounted, or wall mounted. The following procedures de-
scribes mounting instructions for both mounting methods.
Floor Mounted
1. Move the PV-30208 into place. Lift the PV-30208 from beneath the lower enclosure with a forklift
as shown in Figure 3-2. (See following page.)
2. Anchor the lower enclosure feet to the floor with 1/2” anchor bolts.
Wall Mounted
1. Screw two 3/8” x 3-1/2” long lag bolts into existing studs in the wall (16-inch mounting center) at
lower mounting level on PV-30208. Lag bolts should be horizontally level with each other. Leave
a minimum of 1” of bolt protruding from the wall.
2. Place the PV-30208 bottom mounting ears, shown in Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 onto installed lag
bolts. (See following page.)
3. Hold the unit against the wall and install the upper lag bolts (3/8” x 3-1/2”). Tighten the bolts
firmly.
4. Tighten the lower lag bolts while the unit is held in place.
5. Two access panels on the lower enclosure are provided for cable entry, shown in Figure 3-3. (See
following page.)
6. Local building codes may require additional support/reinforcement when wall mounting the PV-
30208. Check with local authorities for further detail.

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-3
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3
Cable Entry
Access Panel
(Both Sides)
Lift Here

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-4
Array Grounding
NEC 690-41/42 requires the PV array to be earth grounded. The PV-30208 is shipped with a ground
bond for installation between the pv negative terminal block to the pv safety ground terminal block.
The PV-30208 chassis is also bonded to the PV safety ground terminal block. This ground bond is
clearly marked with a warning label which must be read before installation. For floating PV array
configurations, the factory installed PV negative ground bond must not be installed. Installation
of this ground bond will cause irreparable damage to the PV-30208. For bipolar PV array configura-
tions, the installer must move the ground bond between the PV array midpoint and the safety ground
terminal block. Refer to the system schematic in Section 7, Appendix for further wiring configura-
tion.
Ground Fault Detection
The PV-30208 is equipped with a ground fault detection
circuit and current transducer (CT1 in illustration). This
circuit is active when the PV array is grounded as de-
scribed in the previous section. In the event of a greater
than 10 amp ground fault, the PV-30208 will execute an
orderly shutdown and annunciates a ground fault at the
operator interface. The PV-30208 will remain faulted until
the ground fault is remedied and cleared at the operator
interface (see section 5, Troubleshooting).
CT1
CT1
The input and output circuits are isolated from the
enclosureand thesystemgrounding,if requiredbysec-
tions 690-41, 690-42 and 690-43 of the National Elec-
trical Code,ANSI/NFPA70, is the responsibility of the
installer.
CAUTION
Phase-Sequencing
The PV-30208 is equipped with an automatic sequence-phase-detection control algorithm. This
allows the utility interface conductors to be connected in any sequence convenient at the time of
installation. Upon system initialization at power-up, the PV-30208 determines the phase sequence of
the utility connection and configures the modulator drivers accordingly.
INTERCONNECTION WIRING
To reduce the risk of fire, connect only to a circuit provided with 125 amperes
@208VAC,or50 amperes@480VACmaximum branchcircuitovercurrent protec-
tioninaccordance withthe NationalElectricalCode,ANSI/NFPA70.
CAUTION

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-5
The following wires for connecting the PV-30208 to external devices are not provided by Xantrex
Technology: (See wiring diagram on page 3-6.)
•3-Phase 208 VAC inverter output to terminals of the 208 VAC primary side of isolation trans-
former. The neutral must be left floating. Ground loops will exist when the inverter starts
switching, which will cause the inverter to shut down due to phase over-currents and will
result in damage to the PV-30208. Also, insure that this neutral is not bonded to the isola-
tion transformer frame.
•System electrical ground to the isolation transformer chassis ground.
•Isolation transformer grid side terminals to line circuit breaker (or the AC disconnect switch if
present).
•PV frame ground to PV-30208 enclosure chassis ground stud.
•PV-30208 enclosure chassis ground stud to the electrical distribution system ground.
•PV+ to the inverter enclosure terminal block TBDC+.
•PV- to the inverter enclosure terminal block TBDC-.
•PV neutral if connecting a bipolar PV array.
Install all wires listed above. Refer to the following wiring diagram and the system schematics in
Section 7 for more detailed terminal locations.

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-6
Wiring Diagram
Frame
Ground
Line Circuit
Breaker
PV-30208
Inverter
To Single Point Electrical Distribution System Ground
PV Array
Xantrex Combiner
Box
(Optional)
Isolation Transformer
AB
X1 H1 X2 H2 X0
PV+
PV-
X3
+
-
GND
GND
Optional PV Conductor Ground Jumper
H0 H3
C
NC
(Optional)

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-7
driver board. All wire harnesses should be snap-locked into
their respective PCB headers.
Visual Inspection, PVArray Wiring
•Verify the PV+, PV-, PV neutral (if array is bipolar), and PV
safety ground are isolated from each other. Refer to system
schematic in Section 7.
• Verify PV array is properly grounded. Refer to previous sec-
tion on PV array grounding.
•Verify all PV fuses are installed (if present).
•Verify PV string diodes are wired properly (if present).
•Verify proper PV voltage polarity at the PV string discon-
nect/combiner boxes.
Initial Power
• Close the isolation transformer circuit breaker.
•Verify 208 VAC voltage across the AC disconnect.
•Close the AC disconnect (if present).
•With the DC disconnect switch open (if present), close one
of the PV array string disconnect devices.
INITIAL TURN ON PROCEDURE
The following must be performed by an approved Technician:
The following procedures are intended to verify correct installation and proper operation of the PV-
30208. These steps are to be followed sequentially. Do not continue if any of the steps or results are
unclear. Refer to Section 4 for a detailed description of system operation. Refer to Section 5 for fault
condition descriptions and troubleshooting. Refer to Section 7 for detailed system schematics.
Visual Inspection, Isolation Transformer WYE/WYE
•Verify the isolation transformer circuit breaker is open.
•Remove the isolation transformer access panel.
•Insure the neutral on the inverter side of the isolation transformer is left floating. The transformer
neutral must not be connected to the utility side neutral, the transformer chassis, or ground. If the
inverter side neutral is tied to ground, the inverter will not function properly. Also, insure
that the neutral is not bonded to the isolation transformer frame.
•Verify the inverter 208 VAC conductors are connected to the isolation transformer.
•Verify the utility conductors are properly connected to the isolation transformer.
Visual Inspection, PV-30208
•Insure AC and DC disconnect switches are opened (if present).
•Insure PV array string disconnect switches are opened (if present).
•Open the upper and lower enclosure access panels.
•Verify all wire connections are tight.
•Inspect the cables between the lower enclosure terminal blocks and the upper enclosure matrix and
DC TERMINAL

SECTION 3
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL TURN-ON
PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology Inc.
DOCUMENT: 151315 3-8
•Carefully measure VDC at the PV disconnect switch. The value should be the same as at the PV
array string disconnect device. It should also be positive.
•Close the PV disconnect switch (if present).
•Carefully measure VDC across TBDC+ and TBDC- (PV +/-) terminal block. The value should be
the same as at the PV array string disconnect device. It should also be positive.
•Open the PV disconnect switch. The matrix capacitor bank voltage should slowly degrade to near
zero over a 5-minute period.
•Open all PV string disconnect switches.
System Verification
•Ensure the on/off switch is disabled.
•Upon applying 208 VAC power to the PV-30208, observe the LCD display on the upper enclosure.
The LCD should display ‘init-FCU Version’, followed by the model number and software revision
before briefly going blank. The LCD may be difficult to see depending on external light conditions.
After approximately 15 seconds the panel should finish initialization. Upon completion, line 1
(system status) of the LCD should read ‘Shutdown’.
•Remedy any faults reported. If the fault indicator does not change, the fault condition is still present
(see Section 5). Cycling the on/off switch will reset the PV-30208 and attempt to clear any system
faults. Once all faults are cleared, line 1 of the LCD will read ‘Shutdown’ indicating the PV-30208
is idle.
•Close all PV array string disconnect switches (if present).
•Close the main PV disconnect switch (if present).
•Turn the on/off switch to the on position.
•If the PV voltage is above the PVStart Voltage setpoint, and the PV Start Time is exceeded, the PV-
30208 should transition to “Power Tracking” (see Section 4, Operation).
•Depending upon solar conditions, the PV-30208 may not operate at full power. If the PV array is
not experiencing full sun, the PV maximum power tracker will regulate the PV voltage to maintain
maximum PV power output. (See section 4 for further description of the peak power tracker).
•The PV-30208 is now fully operational.
Fine Tuning
•All PV-30208 operating parameters have been set at the factory, based upon prior experience with
various PV arrays. Contact your Xantrex Technology distributor for further information.
•It is recommended that the PV-30208 be watched during Wake-Up and Sleep Test. If the PV-30208
cycles between operating and sleeping at either of these times, the operating setpoints may not be
set properly. (Refer to Section 4 for a detailed description of PV-30208 operating states). The PV-
30208 should not cycle if the setpoints are set properly.
Somefieldadjustableparametersarepasswordprotectedand mayonly bechanged
by trained service technicians. In particular are parameters relating to utility
protection setpoints.These have been set in the factory to the limits mandated by
UL1741.Any changes to these setpoints should be agreed upon by the local utility
and the equipment owner.
NOTE

PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology
DOCUMENT: 151315 4-1
SECTION 4
OPERATION
DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM OPERATION
Overview
The PV-30208 is a fully automated grid-tied photovoltaic inverter. Manual interaction or control of the
inverter is necessary only in the event of a system fault. The following conditions govern PV-30208
operation:
•Stable utility voltage and frequency must be present for all states of operation.
•Fault states are automatic from any state of operation. A fault will cause the PV-30208 to immedi-
ately stop processing all power. The fault condition will be reported to the operator interface.
•The on/off switch, located on the upper enclosure of the PV-30208, must be switched to the on
position for all operating states.
•Cycling the on/off switch attempts to clear any system faults and return the PV-30208 to normal
operation.
Operating States
Control software governs the operation of the PV-30208. There are six main operating states. The
following descriptions depict the LCD interface. Line 1 (system status) of the LCD will indicate oper-
ating states on the display.
•Initializing: The LCD displays ‘Initializing’. The PCU monitors the status of the PV array and
utility grid, waiting until the PV array voltage is sufficient to export power to the utility.
•Wake-Up: The LCD displays ‘Wake Up Test’. Once the PV voltage is sufficient to export power
to the utility grid, the PV-30208 will wait 5 minutes before starting. This insures the PV voltage is
not transient in nature and keeps the system from cycling during unstable irradiance conditions.
•Power Tracking: The LCD displays ‘Power Tracking’ while the PV-30208 delivers power to the
utility. This is the standard operating state of the PV-30208. The PV-30208 maximum power tracker
will optimize power output from the PV array. If available PV power is above the maximum power
rating of the PV-30208, the inverter will current limit, which will cause the PV voltage to rise
above the array peak power voltage. The minimum operating voltage of the PV-30208 is typically
around 300 VDC. The power tracker will not track voltage below this point, regardless of the actual
peak power voltage of the PV array.
•Sleep Test: The LCD displays ‘Sleep Test’ while the control system begins a 5 minute sleep test.
This normally indicates the PV irradiance is declining as the sun sets. If the output power remains
below 200 watts during the 5 minute sleep test, the system will transition to standby. The time
delay allows the inverter to ride through any temporary irradiance reductions.
• Fault: The PV-30208 has encountered a fault condition. When this happens, regardless of the PV-
30208 state-of-operation, the PV-30208 will stop processing all power and execute an orderly sys-
tem shutdown. Line 2 will display the fault description with the fault code displaying on line 3.
• Shutdown: The LCD displays ‘Shutdown’. The PV array does not have enough power capacity to
maintain the inverter operating losses or the line contactor is open and the devices are not switch-
ing.

PV-30208 Photovoltaic Inverter
Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology
DOCUMENT: 151315 4-2
SECTION 4
OPERATION
OPERATION FEATURES
Automatic Phase Sequence Detection
During system power-up, the PV-30208 detects the phase rotation of the three-phase utility voltage as
seen at the inverter output terminals. The control software then determines the proper switching se-
quence for the output power stage. It is not necessary to maintain a particular phase sequence conven-
tion between the inverter and the utility point of interconnection.
Fixed Unity Power Factor Operation
The Xantrex PV series grid tied PV inverters maintain unity power factor during operation. The control
software constantly senses utility voltage, and constructs the output current waveform to match the
utility voltage. The PV line of inverters are not capable of operation without the presence of normal
utility voltage, nor are they capable of varying the output power factor off unity.
Variable Minimum DC Input Voltage Level
The minimum DC input voltage limit for the PV-30208 is a function of the utility AC line voltage. The
PV-30208 control software periodically changes the minimum allowable DC input voltage based upon
the actual line voltage during operation.
For monopolar PV array configurations: Minimum DC voltage will vary between 282 and 320Vdc for
line voltage fluctuations between factory set minimum and maximum line voltage limits. For example:
At the factory set high line voltage limit of 220.5, the minimum required DC input voltage is approxi-
mately 320Vdc. At the factory set low line voltage limit of 196Vac, the minimum required DC input
voltage is approximately 282Vdc. At nominal 208Vac, the minimum DC input voltage is 300Vdc.
For bipolar array configurations: Minimum DC voltage will vary between approximately 340 and
380Vdc.
UtilityVoltage/FrequencyFaultAutomaticReset
In the event of a utility voltage or frequency excursion outside of preset limits, the PV-30208 will stop
operation and annunciate a fault at the operator interface. Once the utility voltage has stabilized within
acceptable limits for a period of at least five minutes, the PV-30208 will automatically clear the fault
and resume normal operation. Voltage and frequency fault setpoints are detailed later in this section.
Active Island Detection
Much concern has been given to the possibility of an inverter causing a ‘utility island’ condition during
a utility power outage. An island condition is defined as grid tied inverter maintaining operation and
supporting a load that has been isolated from the utility power source. This requires the load to be
closely balanced to the output power of the inverter as well having a resonant frequency close to 60Hz.
Needless to say, this is a extremely remote possibility. To insure this condition does not occur, the PV-
30208 control software contains an active phase-shift-loop algorithm, which destabilizes a balanced
load, which may otherwise be capable of maintaining inverter operation in the absence of utility volt-
age. This feature has been extensively tested and proven to exceed the safety requirements of UL-1741
and IEEE-929-2000.

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SECTION 4
OPERATION
Ground Fault Detection
The PV-30208 is capable of detecting PV array ground fault current. To enable this feature, a wire must
be installed between ground and the desired ground reference point on the PV array. For bipolar PV
array configurations, the ground wire must be connected between the PV array neutral point and TB-
NEUT terminal block. For grounded monopolar PV array configurations, the ground wire must be
connected between TBDC- and TB NEUT terminal blocks (see the following diagram for clarification
and the system schematic in Section 7). A jumper wire is included separately with the PV-30208. This
feature is enabled for grounded monopolar pv array configuration at the time of shipment. For bipolar
pv array configuration, the jumper wire must be removed between TBDC- and TB NEUT.
PV-30208 DCInput
TerminalBlock
Diagram Of Bipolar Ground Fault Detection Configuration
To upper
enclosure
Inverter
Chassis
PV-30208 DC
InputTerminal
Block
To upper
enclosure
Jumper Wire
For PV Ground
Fault Detection
Diagram Of Monopolar Configuration
Inverter
Chassis

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Operation and Maintenance Manual
Copyright 2003, Xantrex Technology
DOCUMENT: 151315 4-4
SECTION 4
OPERATION
Current Imbalance Detection
In the event of phase-to-phase current imbalance of greater than 20% between phases, the inverter will
execute an orderly shutdown, and annunciate a fault at the operator interface. See Section 5, Trouble-
shooting, for further information on this fault condition.
DC Overvoltage Detection
In the event of DC voltage greater than 600Vdc, the PV-30208 will execute an orderly shutdown and
annunciate a fault to the operator interface. If DC voltage remains greater than 600Vdc, the PV-30208
may be irreparably damaged. See Section 5, Troubleshooting for further information on this fault con-
dition.
Peak Power Tracking
The PV-30208 control software employs an active PV peak power tracker, designed to maintain maxi-
mum power output from the PV array at all times of operation. The peak power voltage point varies
primarily depending upon the temperature of the PV cells. The PV-30208 constantly seeks the opti-
mum voltage and current operating points of the PV array to maintain maximum PV power output.
Automatic Wake Up PV Voltage Optimization
Every day the PV-30208 wakes up and starts producing power, the control software determines if it is
necessary to make adjustments to the start voltage setpoint. If the PV-30208 wakes up and determines
that there is insufficient PV array power to support inverter operation, the start voltage setpoint is
shifted slightly higher. This assumes that once the voltage on the array has risen, there will be greater
PV power as the PV array is exposed to higher irradiance. Conversely, if the PV-30208 wakes up and
determines that there is more power than is necessary to support inverter operation, the PV start voltage
setpoint is lowered. The PV start voltage setpoint will usually be optimized over the period of one
week. This value may be manually adjusted via the graphical user interface program to expedite the
optimization process. There is also a user settable timer that determines the time required for the PV
start voltage to exceed the start voltage setpoint. This timer may also be manually adjusted via the
graphical user interface to help compensate for poorly placed PV arrays. The default wake-up time
delay is factory set at five minutes.
Automatic Sleep Test
Toward the end of every solar day, the PV-30208 automatically determines when to stop producing
power dependent upon the output power of the inverter. As the net output power of the PV-30208 nears
zero, a timer is started to allow the inverter to ride through any brief irradiance reductions. The default
sleep time delay is factory set at five minutes.

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DOCUMENT: 151315 4-5
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OPERATION
OPERATOR INTERFACE
The PV-30208 is equipped with an Liquid Crystal Display. The display consists of 4 text lines contain-
ing the following information:
•Line 1: System Status - The current operating state of the inverter.
•Line 2: DC Current or Fault Descriptions - This line reports the DC current (amps). If the PV-
30208 is faulted, this line will report a description of the fault condition.
•Line 3: Bus Voltage or Fault Code - This line reports the Bus Voltage, in volts. If the PV-30208
is faulted, this line will report a code for the fault condition.
•Line 4: Inverter Output Power or Countdown Timer - During normal operation, this line will
report the inverter real time output power. During initialization or start-up, this line displays the
countdown timer.
The on/off switch is used to enable or disable system operation. The on/off switch is also used to reset
the inverter and clear any system faults.
The following is a typical display of the LCD during the six main operating states and an on/off switch.
Initializing System Wake Up Test
System Starting Power Tracking