Getting Started 09/2011 SINVERT Answers for the environment.
Legal information 1 Introduction 2 SINVERT Installation and start up 3 Sample project 4 A Appendix Getting Started 09/2011 A5E02733928-04
Legal information Legal information Warning notice system This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are graded according to the degree of danger. DANGER indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken. WARNING indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken. CAUTION with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken. CAUTION without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken. NOTICE indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the relevant information is not taken into account. If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to property damage. Qualified Personnel The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by personnel qualified for the specific task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions. Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems. Proper use of Siemens products Note the following: WARNING Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended or approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and maintenance are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible ambient conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed. Trademarks All names identified by are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner. Disclaimer of Liability We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent editions. Siemens AG Industry Sector Postfach 48 48 90026 NÜRNBERG GERMANY A5E02733928-04 P 09/2011 Copyright Siemens AG 2009. Technical data subject to change
Table of contents 1 Legal information... 7 2 Introduction... 9 3 Installation and start up... 11 3.1 Hardware requirements...11 3.2 Software requirements...12 3.3 Software installation...13 3.4 Launch...14 3.5 Initialization and check...14 3.6 Exit...14 4 Sample project... 15 4.1 Project management...16 4.2 Dimensioning...18 4.2.1 Step 1: Determine the location...18 4.2.2 Step 2: Select photovoltaic modules...20 4.2.3 Step 3: Show solutions...22 4.2.4 Adding further solutions...25 4.3 Report...27 A Appendix... 29 A.1 Technical support...29 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 5
Table of contents 6 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Legal information 1 Disclaimer of liability Please note that this program is designed merely as a support tool and no liability can be accepted for the accuracy of the calculations presented in the "Result" phase. On the one hand, it is particularly important to note that the program is based on the applicable technical standards and prevailing conditions in Germany. We strongly recommend therefore that you submit the calculations produced by the program for expert analysis before applying the results obtained from the software. If you are planning a project outside Germany, it is important to take account of local conditions when analyzing the calculation results obtained from. On the other hand, the economic data comprises estimated values based on calculation models. Siemens does not accept liability for any deviations between the specified economic data and the actually achieved values. Deviations may be the result of various factors such as the actual weather situation, technical tolerances of the plant components or soiling of the modules. Conditions of use This software and the documentation are protected by copyright laws, by international copyright agreements and by other legislation and agreements on the subject of intellectual property. The user shall take account of these rights, and shall in particular not remove any alphanumeric identifiers, trademarks or copyright notices from the information, from the software or from the documentation, nor from any copies thereof. Siemens grants the user the non-exclusive and transferable right to use the software in object code and the documentation for the design of photovoltaic systems. The user shall not at any time market, rent out or in any other way provide the software or the documentation to any third party. Unless compulsory legal regulations allow anything to the contrary, the user shall not change, reverse-engineer or decompile the software or the documentation; nor shall the user remove any parts thereof. The user shall be entitled to make one backup copy of the software, provided that this copy is required for ensuring future utilization on the basis of these conditions of use. No further copying of the software shall be permitted. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 7
Legal information The user is aware that the software shall serve solely as a tool, and that no warranty can be given for the correctness of the content of the calculations in the result. Siemens points out to the user that the software is based on the technical standards applicable and circumstances prevalent in Germany, and that prior to use of the results of working with the software, the resultant calculations must be checked by an expert. Siemens further points out to the user that, if a project is planned outside Germany, the conditions applicable there must be taken into account in any assessment of the results of working with the software. The economic data of the results of the software are estimated figures, based on calculation models. Siemens shall not be responsible for and shall assume no liability for any discrepancies between the economic data stated and figures actually attained. The user is aware that such discrepancies can arise due to various factors, e.g. actual weather conditions, technical tolerances of the system components or contamination on the modules. The software and documentation shall be provided free of charge. No liability shall therefore be assumed for any defects in quality or title concerning the information, software or documentation, nor in particular for the correctness, completeness and/or usability thereof. Liability that the information, software or documentation is free of errors, industrial property rights or copyright shall likewise be excluded other than in cases of intent or fraudulent concealment. Any liability on the part of Siemens shall furthermore be excluded, other than in cases where liability is cogent, e.g. under the terms of product liability legislation, in the event of intent, gross negligence, personal injury, health hazard or the assuming of a quality guarantee, or due to fraudulent concealment of a defect or failure to comply with major contractual obligations. Claims for damages due to failure to comply with major contractual obligations shall however be limited to foreseeable damages typical for the contract concerned, other than in cases of intent or gross negligence. The aforementioned provisions shall not imply any change in the burden of proof to the detriment of the user. German law shall apply, to the exclusion of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods of April 11, 1980. 8 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Introduction 2 This documentation is a step-by-step guide to using the software. Description is a program designed to determine the ideal SINVERT inverters for your photovoltaic system. Only a few details, such as the location, type of photovoltaic module and the system size, are required for the dimensioning process. The following two methods for system dimensioning are available. A convenient automatic method or a manual method with which you can create the dimensioning with precisely specified inverters. Manual dimensioning is recommended for users who are already experienced in dimensioning PV systems. Target group This manual is aimed at users who are involved in the planning and design of photovoltaic installations. Scope of the manual This manual is valid for and describes the delivery state from Version 2.4. Further information For additional information about all aspects of our SINVERT products and systems, please visit our homepage at: http://www.siemens.com/sinvert. History Edition Internal document number Comment / change 11/2009 A5E02694763-01 First edition 02/2010 A5E02694763-02 Revision of chapter "Installation and start up"; Additions to chapter "Sample project / Dimensioning"; Translation into French, Spanish and Italian. 04/2011 A5E02694763-03 Expansion of the dimensioning by the displacement factor cos φ. 09/2011 A5E02694763-04 Version 2.4 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 9
Introduction 10 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Installation and start up 3 3.1 Hardware requirements In order to use, you will need a PC that meets the following minimum requirements with respect to processor capacity, RAM and graphics capability: Operating system Processor RAM Graphics MS Windows XP Professional 600 MHz 512 MB *) XGA 1024x768 16-bit depth of color MS Windows Vista Business 1 GHz 1 GB **) XGA 1024x768 16-bit depth of color MS Windows Vista Ultimate 1 GHz 1 GB **) XGA 1024x768 16-bit depth of color MS Windows 7 Ultimate 1 GHz 1 GB **) XGA 1024x768 16-bit depth of color *) a minimum memory expansion of 1 GB is recommended **) a minimum memory expansion of 2 GB is recommended Memory requirements of uses approximately 500 MB space on your hard disk depending on the scope of installation. The precise value depends on your operating system and on the file system used on your PC. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 11
Installation and start up 3.2 Software requirements 3.2 Software requirements The software requirements of are as follows: MS Windows XP Professional with SP2 or SP3 or MS Windows Vista 32 Bit Ultimate and Business with or without SP1 or MS Windows 7 32 Bit Ultimate or MS Windows 7 64 Bit Ultimate Adobe Reader V8.1.0 Microsoft.Net-Framework V3.5 SP1 MS Internet-Explorer 6.0 (or higher) User rights In order to install, you will need administrator rights on all operating systems. Microsoft.NET-Framework V3.5 SP1 For the installation and operation of, "Microsoft.NET-Framework V3.5 SP1" must be installed on all operating systems. The setup program of checks whether.net-framework V3.5 SP1 is installed. If it is not, the setup routine automatically attempts to install.net Framework. It can do this only if the PC is connected to the Internet during the installation process. If.NET-Framework V3.5 SP1 cannot be installed, the setup routine will be aborted. In this case, you must install.net-framework V3.5 SP1 before you run the setup again. You can download.net-framework V3.5 SP1 from the Internet at: Microsoft Download Center (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads) Adobe Reader In order to display and print out reports generated by, you will require Adobe Reader, version V8.1.0 or higher. Adobe Reader is not included with the software package, and must be installed separately. You can download the current version of Adobe Reader from the Internet, for example, at: Adobe Homepage (http://www.adobe.com) 12 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Installation and start up 3.3 Software installation 3.3 Software installation General information on installation You will need administrator rights in order to install the program. Note As a result of the installation, a SINVERT program group is created in the Windows Start menu under "Programs" with Windows XP, and under "All Programs" with Windows 7 and Vista. This contains a program shortcut for. How do I install from a CD/DVD, a USB stick or via a network? 1. Start the "setup.exe" file by double-clicking it. 2. The installation program starts and guides you through the rest of the installation. How do I install from the Internet? 1. Use your web browser to go to the Internet address for SINVERT downloads given in the Appendix (see chapter Technical support (Page 29)). 2. Click on the download link for. 3. Choose the relevant method of installation, i.e. whether you want to install the software immediately or later: If you want to install the program immediately, click on "Open" or "Run" and follow the instructions on the screen. If you want to install the software at a later time, click on "Save" and download the installation file onto your PC. When you are ready to install the program, double click on the file and follow the instructions on the screen. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 13
Installation and start up 3.4 Launch 3.4 Launch After you have installed, you can launch the program as described below: Windows XP: In the Windows Start menu, select "All Programs > SINVERT" and click on the program shortcut "". Windows 7 and Vista: In the Windows Start menu, select "All Programs > SINVERT" and click on the program shortcut "". Note Alternatively, you can launch the program via the shortcut to "" on the desktop. 3.5 Initialization and check Before you start working with for the first time, we recommend that you check whether the module and inverter database, the location data as well as the software version, are up to date. Update them if necessary. Use menu item "Settings > Update..." to check for updates and to download them if necessary (see Operating Manual, chapter "Operation - Settings - Update"). 3.6 Exit You can exit from as described below: 1. Click on the "X" symbol in the title bar, or press the key combination "Alt+F4". If you have made any changes to the current project, you will be prompted to save them before you exit the application. 2. Confirm with "Yes", "No" or "Cancel" as required. 14 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4 The sample project below will help familiarize you with the operation of. You will be guided step by step through the setting up of a project, you will enter all the details required to dimension a photovoltaic system, and you will receive a proposed solution. The menu navigation will help you to take the necessary steps one after the other. Complete configuration in just three steps Carrying out a project to dimension a plant configuration is simple and essentially consists of 3 steps as seen in the menu bar. During the course of the calculation, the following dialog boxes will prompt you to enter your data: Project management: You create a new project for the photovoltaic system you wish to calculate and enter general details (optional). Dimensioning: The actual system specification is created in this phase, which is broken down into three steps as seen in the menu bar: Step 1: Location: Here you determine the location of your photovoltaic system. Step 2: Photovoltaic modules: You select the photovoltaic modules to be used. Step 3: Show solutions: Based on the data entered, up to five technically feasible solutions with up to two types of inverter will now be calculated and displayed. If no feasible solution is created when calling up this view, a window appears with a selection of dimensioning methods as to how the program should dimension the inverters. Here you retain the default setting "Automatic selection" to obtain all configuration options. Manual dimensioning is recommended for users who are already experienced in dimensioning PV systems and who would like to use a specific type of inverter for their photovoltaic system. Ordering list and report: The calculated solutions indicated in the ordering list can be optimized and exported as a CSV file or in PDF format. Finally, you can create a report of the calculated and indicated solutions in PDF format. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 15
Sample project 4.1 Project management 4.1 Project management First, start a new project for the photovoltaic system you wish to calculate. 16 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4.1 Project management 1. Click on "New project". 2. Enter optional information about your project: Facility: Name of the plant Project number: Any designation you choose Customer Company Agent Notes Logo You may also skip these entries or enter them later if you wish. 3. "Proceed to dimensioning" takes you to the actual system specifications. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 17
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 4.2 Dimensioning The actual "dimensioning" of your photovoltaic system is divided into three steps. 4.2.1 Step 1: Determine the location The first step is to determine the location of your photovoltaic system. The program has opened the "Dimensioning" page at the dimensioning step "1. Location". 18 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 1. Select the location: Country: Select the country from the dropdown list. Location: Select the location from the dropdown list which is nearest to your actual location. The geographical data which has been stored for the location will be displayed, for example, longitude, latitude, height above sea level. Min. cell temperature: The normal temperatures for the location have been preset. We recommend that you do not change these settings. In the event of any deviations, fine tuning is possible via this input field, after the input has been activated with "Process data". To do so select a realistic value for the lowest cell temperature at the location. This figure has a direct bearing on the voltage levels of the photovoltaic modules. Max. cell temperature: The normal temperatures for the location have been preset. We recommend that you do not change these settings. In the event of any deviations, fine tuning is possible via this input field, after the input has been activated with "Process data". To do so, select a realistic value for the highest possible cell temperature at the location. This figure also has a bearing on the voltage levels of the photovoltaic modules. Dimensioning temperature (cells): The cell temperature is preset under STC. We recommend that you do not change these settings. In the event of any deviations, fine tuning is possible via this input field, after the input has been activated with "Process data". This value influences the calculation of the maximum DC output of the PV array. Insolation: The insolation is preset to 1040 W/m². We recommend that you do not change these settings. In the event of any deviations, fine tuning is possible via this input field, after the input has been activated with "Process data". This value influences the calculation of the maximum DC output of the PV array. 2. Select the orientation of the photovoltaic modules: Azimuth: Enter the deviation of your photovoltaic modules from orientation to the south. The default setting is 0 south; "+" means deviation in a westerly direction; "-" means deviation in an easterly direction. The figure in degrees which has been set is displayed on a compass. Inclination: Enter the angle of inclination of your photovoltaic modules; An angle of 30 has been preset; this is the ideal inclination in Germany. The inclination you have set is displayed in the graphic next to your entry. 3. "Next" takes you to the 2nd step, "Photovoltaic modules". Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 19
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 4.2.2 Step 2: Select photovoltaic modules In the second step you select the photovoltaic modules to be used. The program has confirmed your location entry with a green tick and is now at the dimensioning step "Photovoltaic modules". 20 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 1. Select the planned photovoltaic modules: Module list: Retain the default entry "Only current modules". The other possible settings are only for selecting your own modules, for which you must then enter the technical data yourself. Manufacturer: Select the module manufacturer from the dropdown list. The possible manufacturers are displayed. Module: Select the type of module from the dropdown list. The types stored for this specific manufacturer are displayed. After making the selection, the technical data of the suggested photovoltaic module is shown. 2. Enter the available area, the number of modules or the total rated power of the system. The other two values are calculated from the value entered and the data of the selected module type. Example: Area: You enter the area available for your modules. The Number of modules and the Total rated power are calculated on the basis of this figure and are displayed. 3. Enter the mains frequency and the displacement factor cos φ. Mains frequency: The mains frequency applicable for the selected location is preset. Check the preselected mains frequency and change it if necessary. You can choose from the following values: 50 Hz / 60 Hz / 60 Hz (UL) Displacement factor cos φ: If reactive power is to be made available to the inverter, the value for overexcited operation (+) or underexcited operation (-) can be set here. If no reactive power is to be made available, leave the default setting. 4. "Proceed" takes you to the 3rd step, "Show solutions". Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 21
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 4.2.3 Step 3: Show solutions Based on the data entered, up to five technically feasible solutions with up to two types of inverter will now be calculated and displayed. The program has confirmed your module input with a green tick and it is now available under the "Show solutions" menu item. 22 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning The following solutions are proposed for your specifications. You will receive a proposed solution for a "string inverter" and/or one for a "central inverter". In each case, the following details are specified for the proposed solution: Economic data of the system when using the recommended inverter Photovoltaic generator: the actual system parameters which can be achieved with the proposed system. Number and type of the recommended inverter Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 23
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning Further technical data can be displayed by opening the display dialog with "+". In the drop-down dialog, you can also make adjustments which differ from the proposed solution. However, this option is only relevant to experts. We recommend that you retain the default setting. PV array 1: If you change the way the inverter is connected, you can see the direct impact on the system. Ambient conditions: for subsequent fine tuning of temperature values Cable losses: for adapting the anticipated cable losses due to long connection distances to the inverter (DC) and to the feed-in point (AC). Additional solutions can be created with "Add solution...". "Proceed to ordering list and report" takes you to the next dialog box. 24 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 4.2.4 Adding further solutions Using the "Add solution..." button, you can add further solutions. In the "Select dimensioning method" dialog, you can determine whether an "Automatic selection" or "Manual selection" should be performed. Manual dimensioning is envisaged for users who are already experienced in dimensioning PV systems. The program opens the dimensioning method options in a separate window. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 25
Sample project 4.2 Dimensioning 1. Select the method to be used for dimensioning Automatic selection: Retain the default setting to receive all configuration possibilities. Modules per string: Use the default setting "Any" or select the appropriate number from the dropdown list, for example if a certain module frame width has been specified. The default setting "do not exceed specified values, with regard to number of modules" should be retained. "Manual selection" is envisaged for users who are already experienced in dimensioning PV systems. 2. The solution is added with "OK". 26 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Sample project 4.3 Report 4.3 Report In this view you can select/deselect inverter options and change their quantities. This function is only available, however, for inverters which support these additional options. Additional products from Siemens AG can also be added to any order. The program is under the "Ordering list and Report" menu item. Figure 4-1 Ordering list The two buttons can be used to export an ordering list as a CSV file or in PDF format. Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 27
Sample project 4.3 Report Finally, you can generate a report of the solutions which have been calculated and displayed. 1. Select the information to be contained in the report. There are various options. The report will contain only the information you have selected. 2. After pressing "Create report...", a PDF will be generated that can be saved via the subsequently displayed file dialog box. 3. The PDF can now be displayed with Adobe Reader and printed if required. 28 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Appendix A A.1 Technical support Technical support for SINVERT products Information material und downloads for SINVERT products: SINVERT infocenter (http://www.siemens.com/sinvert-infocenter) Here you can find, for example: Catalogs Brochures Documentation on SINVERT products: SINVERT support (http://www.siemens.com/sinvert-support) Here you can find, for example: Manuals and operating instructions The latest product information, FAQs, downloads, tips and tricks Characteristics and certificates Contacts for SINVERT are available at: SINVERT partners (http://www.siemens.com/sinvert-partner) Technical assistance for SINVERT products For all technical queries, please contact: Phone: +49 (911) 895-5900 Monday to Friday, 8 am 5 pm CET Fax: +49 (911) 895-5907 E-mail: Technical assistance (mailto:technical-assistance@siemens.com) Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04 29
Appendix A.1 Technical support 30 Getting Started, 09/2011, A5E02733928-04
Service & Support Download catalogs and information material: www.siemens.com/sinvert/infomaterial Newsletter - always up to date: www.siemens.com/sinvert/newsletter E-Business in the Industry Mall: www.siemens.comindustrymall Online-Support: www.siemens.com/sinvert/support Contact for all technical information: Technical Assistance Tel.: +49 (911) 895-5900 E-Mail: technical-assistance@siemens.com www.siemens.com/sinvert/technical-assistance Siemens AG Industry Sector Postfach 23 55 90713 FÜRTH GERMANY Subject to change without prior notice Order No.: A5E02733928-04 Siemens AG 2009 www.siemens.de/industry