Application Note on Modifying Disconnect Settings for Xantrex GT Series Single Phase Inverters and Conext TX Series Inverters

Transcription

1 Application Note on Modifying Disconnect Settings for Xantrex GT Series Single Phase Inverters and Conext TX Series Inverters Revision A DANGER RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, AND ARC FLASH This Application Note is in addition to, and incorporates by reference, the relevant product manuals for Xantrex GT Series single phase inverters and Conext TX Series inverters. Before reviewing this Application Note you must read the relevant product manuals. Unless specified, information on safety, specifications, installation, and operation is as shown in the primary documentation received with the product. Ensure you are familiar with that information before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury. Audience The information in this Application Note is intended for authorized dealers and installers, and for personnel from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Only qualified personnel are authorised to make changes to grid settings. Scope This Application Note can be used for changing the frequency disconnect setting of the following GT Series single phase inverters and Conext TX Series inverters in North America: Model Number Model Name GT 2.8 NA-240/208 UL GT 3.3N NA-240/208 UL GT4.0N NA-240/208 UL GT5.0 NA-240/208 UL GT3.8 NA-240/208 UL Conext TX 5000 NA Conext TX 3800 NA Conext TX 3300 NA Conext TX 2800 NA

2 Refer to the latest version of the following documents before using this Application Note: Conext Grid Tie Solar Inverter (Conext TX 2800 NA, Conext TX 3300 NA, Conext TX 3800 NA, Conext TX 5000 NA) Owner s Manual (document number ) Xantrex GT Series Single Phase Grid Tie Inverters (GT Series single phase NA) Owner s Manual (document number ) Introduction About Anti-Islanding The GT ConfigLite software is a tool for changing the factory settings on a GT Series single phase inverter or a TX Series inverter. This Application Note describes how to install the GT ConfigLite software and use it to change the voltage and frequency disconnect settings that are a vital part of an inverter s islanding protection. Since the inverter feeds power to the utility grid shared by other users, it is paramount that the inverter follows strict guidelines imposed by agencies and utility companies. When a fault occurs on the grid, the inverter must stop feeding power to the grid to ensure no person working on the grid is harmed by a distributed energy source. The process of preventing a device from feeding power to a disabled utility grid is called "anti-islanding". Default software settings are programmed into each inverter at the factory to ensure it does not "island" according to the relevant safety regulations (UL1741, IEEE 1547, and IEEE ). In some instances it may be desirable from both a utility and customer point of view to adjust these default settings. For example, the inverter may experience "nuisance trips" (putting the inverter in an offline state) if the grid is weak and the voltage or frequency falls outside the allowable range specified in the regulations. It may be difficult for a utility to upgrade the grid to eliminate this problem. With permission from the utility, you can change the factory settings to allow the inverter to operate over a wider grid voltage and/ or frequency range. The maximum and minimum limits of frequency and Voltage are specified in Figure 11 on page 8. Changes shall be made within this range Revision A

3 Installing GT ConfigLite RISK OF EQUIPMENT DAMAGE NOTICE Consult with the utility company and agree on acceptable settings before performing this procedure. Standards compliance is a key for deciding the limits of voltage and frequency variation. IEEE section (which is referenced in UL ) allows for adjustment of the under-frequency trip setting on systems under 30 kw with the permission of the Area EPS (also known as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)). Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to equipment. System Requirements Installing the Software The following items are required to operate GT ConfigLite: GT ConfigLite software A personal computer running Microsoft Windows (Windows XP is recommended). The PC should have a 9-pin RS-232 serial port (or a USB port with USB-to serial adapter). A short straight-through 9-pin serial cable to interface the computer to the Inverter. GT ConfigLite software has been fully tested on the Windows XP operating system and partially tested on the Windows Vista operating system. The procedure in this section describes how to install the GT ConfigLite software on your computer using the setup wizard. Note: The figures in this procedure are for illustration only. The content and color of the wizard screen may vary depending on the system and inverter model. To install GT ConfigLite: 1. Extract the contents of the GT ConfigLite WinZip file. 2. Double-click setup.exe and follow the instructions in the setup wizard. The wizard installs the program (GTConfigLite.exe) into the default folder shown in Figure Revision A 3

4 Figure 1 GT ConfigLite Setup Wizard (Destination Folder screen) The message in Figure 2 appears when the installation is complete. Figure 2 GT ConfigLite Setup Wizard (Finish screen) Connecting the Computer to the Inverter The procedure in this section describes how to connect your computer to the GT Series single phase inverter or TX Series inverter. To connect the computer to the inverter: 1. Disconnect the power from the inverter. DANGER HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, FIRE, OR ARC FLASH Before opening the inverter wiring/disconnect box, turn OFF the breaker switches connected to the inverter AC output, and turn the DC/AC disconnect switch to the OFF position. Wait at least five minutes for internal capacitors to discharge to safe voltages. Hazardous voltage will still be present on the DC input (PV) terminals located under the clear plastic insulation barrier. Do not remove the insulation barrier during this procedure. To reduce the risk of shock, cover the array with an opaque (dark) material. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury Revision A

5 2. Remove the screws on the bottom side of the wiring box and lift off the wiring box cover, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 Removing the wiring box cover 3. Remove the screws that secure the front panel covering the LCD, and then lift off the front panel. 4. Connect a straight-through 9-pin RS-232 serial cable from the computer to the port on the inverter as shown in Figure 4. DANGER HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, FIRE, OR ARC FLASH Do not route the RS232 cable in the same conduit or panel as the AC and DC power cabling. The cable should run on top of the insulation barrier inside the wiring / disconnect box and out a side conduit hole, avoiding any contact with the AC and DC wiring. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury. Connection to inverter Connection to computer Figure 4 RS-232 serial cable connections Revision A 5

6 5. Press and release the white button beside the LCD. When released, the button should protrude further out than before. The button position is shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 Button on front panel white button 6. Replace all panels and covers that you removed earlier. 7. Reconnect AC or DC power to the inverter by turning ON the breaker switches connected to the inverter AC output, and then turning the DC/AC disconnect switch to the ON position. The LCD should flash alternately the messages Inverter Off-Line and External Shutdown. This indicates it is safe to continue. Starting GT ConfigLite The procedure in this section describes how to start GT ConfigLite and open the Parameters dialog box. To start GT ConfigLite: 1. On the computer, close all open programs. 2. From the Start menu, select All Programs > GT ConfigLite. 3. Click GT ConfigLite. The main screen appears, as shown in Figure Revision A

7 The model number and platform type may differ for different models. Figure 6 GT ConfigLite main screen If the error message shown in Figure 7 appears, the default COM port (COM1) is incorrect. Click OK and select the correct COM port on the GT ConfigLite main screen. Figure 7 Error message If using a USB to RS232 adapter, to find the virtual COM port that the adapter is operating on, open Windows Device Manager (Control Panel > System > Device Manager). Figure 8 COM port information in Device Manager 4. Click Parameters. The warning message shown in Figure 9 appears Revision A 7

8 Figure 9 Warning message 5. Enter the password supplied by Schneider Electric Customer Service. The password is case sensitive. 6. Click Agree. The Confirmation dialog box appears, showing the utility region for your inverter model. Figure 10 Utility region confirmation message 7. Click Yes if the region is correct. The GT Parameters dialog box appears. Figure 11 GT Parameters dialog box Revision A

9 Changing Parameters The procedures in this section describe how to use GT ConfigLite to change the voltage and frequency disconnect settings on a GT Series single phase inverter or a TX Series inverter. To change parameters: 1. In the GT Parameters dialog box (see Figure 11), double click the desired cell in the Write column. 2. Enter a new value. You can only enter values within the minimum and maximum range of the parameter. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to change other parameters as needed. 4. Click Program. 5. Verify that the new values appear in the Read column. 6. Click Exit to return to the main screen. To restore the default settings: 1. In the GT Parameters dialog box (see Figure 11), click Restore Defaults. An information message appears. Saving Parameters Figure 12 Information message 2. Click OK. 3. Click Program 4. Click Exit to return to the main screen. The procedure in this section describes how to save the calibration and disconnect parameters from a GT Series single phase inverter or TX Series inverter to a file before changing parameters or after changing parameters. To save parameters at any time: 1. On the main screen, click Save Settings. The Save As Calibration dialog box appears. Figure 13 Save As Calibration dialog box Revision A 9

10 Restoring Operation 2. Type a file name, and then click Save. By default, the saved settings file is given a.dap extension and stored in the install directory C:\Program Files\Xantrex\GT ConfigLite\. The procedure in this section describes how to restore inverter operation after the new settings have been entered and saved. To restore operation: 1. Disconnect power from the inverter. DANGER HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, FIRE, OR ARC FLASH Before opening the inverter wiring/disconnect box, turn OFF the breaker switches connected to the inverter AC output, and turn the DC/AC disconnect switch to the OFF position. Wait at least five minutes for internal capacitors to discharge to safe voltages. Hazardous voltage will still be present on the DC input (PV) terminals located under the clear plastic insulation barrier. Do not remove the insulation barrier during this procedure. To reduce the risk of shock, cover the array with an opaque (dark) material. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury. 2. Remove the screws on the bottom side of the wiring box and lift off the wiring box cover, as shown in Figure 3 on page Remove the screws that secure the front panel covering the LCD, and then lift off the front panel. 4. Press the white button beside the LCD in so that it stays in. 5. Remove the RS-232 cable from the inverter. 6. Replace all panels and covers that you removed earlier. 7. Turn ON the breaker switches connected to the inverter AC output. 8. Restart the inverter by turning the disconnect switch to the ON position for 10 seconds, turn the switch OFF, and then turn it ON again. 9. When the inverter restarts, verify the changed voltage or frequency parameters by looking at the startup screen Revision A

11 Copyright 2012 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. Microsoft, Windows, and Vista are owned by Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are owned by Schneider Electric Industries SAS or its affiliated companies. Exclusion for Documentation UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, SELLER (A) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION; (B) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES, WHETHER SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER S RISK; AND (C) REMINDS YOU THAT IF THIS DOCUMENTATION IS IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, ALTHOUGH STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE TRANSLATION, THE ACCURACY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. APPROVED CONTENT IS CONTAINED WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION WHICH IS POSTED AT Date: August 2012 Revision: Revision A Document Number: Contact Information North America re.techsupport@schneider-electric.com France +33 (0) fr-re-techsupport@fr.schneider-electric.com Deutschland +49 (0) (0) pv-service@de.schneider-electric.com España es-sat@es.schneider-electric.com Italia IT-pronto-contatto@it.schneider-electric.com For other country details please contact your local Schneider Electric Sales Representative or visit the Schneider Electric website at: Revision A 11