[RE-wrenches] Fronius IG4000 problem

[boB Gudgel]

Mark Dickson wrote:
> Hi Bob, 
> From what I understand the "State 108" code means that the grid frequency is out of whack.
Frequency and voltage windows are both related to anti-islanding 
detection, so I don't doubt you would receive this message.
I would be surprised if the error was not a result of a high impedance 
(weak) grid at the inverter.  Lowering the voltage at
the inverter, like, tapping down a transformer if possible (industrial 
installation?) may be one answer.  I remember Daryl
Thayer had to do that on one of his grid tie (not AC coupled) installs 
to fix this sort of problem.
boB




>   It was explained to me by Fronius techs that: the IG sends out pulses that if the grid is in good shape it is absorbed into the grid.  If the frequency is off then it bounces back to the IG triggering the State 108.
> Your response does give me something to think about though. . . 
>
> Mark Dickson
> Oasis Montana Inc.
> 877-627-4778 toll-free
> 406-777-4321 (0830 fax)
> www.oasismontana.com
>  
> www.grid-tie.com
>  
> www.PVsolarpumps.com 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of boB Gudgel
> Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 11:42 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius IG4000 problem
>
> Mark Dickson wrote:
>
>  >> the array output climbs above 3000 or so watts, we continually get a 
> “State 108” code and shut down cycles each time a relay trips on a 
> diversion load...
>
> Sounds to me like your diversion load may be too small and/or the grid 
> is weak at the Fronius end. When the diversion loads suddenly go away due to
> their "relays tripping", the Fronius', having lots of power to sell, 
> raising the AC grid voltage right out of the UL1741 / IEEE Voltage 
> window limit (132V ?).
> It hen has to shut down and disconnect in order to stop the apparent 
> islanding condition. That's probably what state 108 is trying to tell you ?
>
> Looks like your Fronius inverter is most likely working just fine ?
> boB
>
>
>
>
>   
>> Larry,
>>
>> I am having a somewhat similar problem with a recently installed 
>> IG5100. I have it installed in conjunction with an Outback battery 
>> based system for AC coupling. We have it set up to divert its loads to 
>> an electric ice melter and then to a large electric heater as the 
>> battery voltages climb. A third relay cuts the array power between the 
>> Fronius and the AC panel if the battery voltage continues to climb to 
>> unsafe levels.
>>
>> When we have heavy sunshine and low house loads (second home) and the 
>> array output climbs above 3000 or so watts, we continually get a 
>> “State 108” code and shut down cycles each time a relay trips on a 
>> diversion load. I have worked with both Outback and Fronius (who have 
>> been great!) but at this point we are all baffled. I think my next 
>> step, especially after reading the above post is to replace the 
>> Fronius. Then as a last resort swap the IG5100 out to a couple of SMA 
>> 3000US’s (a 6000US does not configure well with the 28 evergreens).
>>
>> Any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated!
>>
>> Mark Dickson
>>
>> Oasis Montana Inc.
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> *From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org 
>> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of 
>> *William Miller
>> *Sent:* Sunday, April 19, 2009 7:59 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Fronius IG4000 problem
>>
>> Larry:
>>
>> We've installed about 20 IG/LV series inverters. Some failures 
>> required only replacement of GF cards, most required replacement 
>> inverters. We've had several DOA when new, one was replaced by Fronius 
>> with a rebuild even when we warned in writing that we would not accept 
>> a rebuild (it had multiple KOs pulled in the chassis -- just not 
>> acceptable). As of right now, we have 7 in non-operational status 
>> awaiting replacement. No kidding.
>>
>> There maybe be one or two that have not failed, but this is offset by 
>> those that have failed multiple times. The biggest failure rate is of 
>> the 6 LV4550s on an exterior north wall 2 blocks from the beach 
>> (http://millersolar.com/Portfolio/Commercial/Voler/voler.html). These 
>> have been replaced three or four times each and are coming out as soon 
>> as we finalize the paperwork, with 3 10K Plus series inverters going 
>> in. This will require extensive rework, but we are being paid for our 
>> time. The Fronius staff has been very nice, but pretty slow to respond.
>>
>> I hate to report bad reviews to this forum, but it is what it is.
>>
>> William Miller
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> At 02:51 PM 4/19/2009, you wrote:
>>
>> William,
>>
>> 100% of what quantity? Are there any special conditions that may have 
>> contributed? Were they minor problems?
>>
>> Larry
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
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