<html><body><span style="font-family:Verdana; color:#000000; font-size:10pt;"><div>The Inverters do not know what the wattage will be until they attempt to connect(go into GRID Monitoring routine) and then evaluate the conditions.</div><div>If the PV voltage is over the Start voltage they will act on this.</div><div>If by just entering the GRID-Monitoring the PV voltage collapses(not enough minimum power) the Inverter will typically fall out of GRID-Monitoring and repeat the process etc.</div><div><br></div><div>The Inverter however does not just stay in waiting, it typically cycles through GRID-Monitoring, Waiting...</div><div><br></div><div>This is where the PV Start voltage can come into play and the installer can increase this start voltage to minimize the amount of time the Inverter spends cycling through GRID-Monitoring/Waiting.</div><div>When the Inverter spends allot of time doing this(Morning & Night) it needlessly causes the GRID Relays to be worked.</div><div><br></div><div>Keep the VMPP high and this reduces the chances of this activity.</div><div><br></div><div>Louis Segarra</div>
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-------- Original Message --------<br>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Micro-grid<br>
From: Solar <<a href="mailto:dahlsolar@gmail.com">dahlsolar@gmail.com</a>><br>
Date: Wed, April 24, 2019 4:03 pm<br>
To: RE-wrenches <<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br>
<br>
I have three SB 700 for my solar class. When we get the \u201cwaiting\u201d on our LCD we are always well above the required VOC. A call to SMA years ago lead me to finding that there is a \u201cwattage In\u201drating I need to meet to get the inverters to grid tie. I never saw this in the manual. These inverters have a narrow V and I window so finding modules for the lab was tricky. I had used 75V/1.4A modules for the stings to meet the 115-150Vdc range and a 2A max input rating. Connecting two of these in series never would take the inverter out of \u201cwaiting\u201d mode unless it was blue bird skies and we tilted to array right at the sun. I finally put three or four in series on a (500w/m squared) cloudy day and the inverter immediately tied to the grid. Going back to 2 in series left it in waiting. That\u2019s when I called and asked about a min current input rating and was told about the not listed wattage (I was told power) In rating. <div><br></div><div>Not sure if this applies to you but it was a great lesson for the students. <br><br><div id="AppleMailSignature" dir="ltr"><div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jesse Dahl</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NABCEP PV Installation Professional</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">IBEW Local 292 - Electrician </span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Electrical/Solar PV Instructor - HCC</span></div></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br>On Apr 23, 2019, at 2:21 PM, Harry Mahon <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:Michael.Mahon@sma-america.com">Michael.Mahon@sma-america.com</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite" style="border-left: blue 2px solid; margin-left: 8px; padding-left: 8px;"><div dir="ltr"> <style>
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</style> <div class="WordSection1"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">William - yes, waiting is usually waiting for grid to come back within spec or for DC voltage to get to start. 260 should be plenty. 208V with neutral should be fine without adjusting the jumpers. Have you measured the AC voltage at the inverter terminals?<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">May want to contact service for this one. 1-877-697-6283.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Best regards \u2013<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Mike<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> <div> <div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><b>From:</b> William Miller <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:william@millersolar.com">william@millersolar.com</a>> <br> <b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, April 23, 2019 12:40 PM<br> <b>To:</b> Harry Mahon <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:Michael.Mahon@sma-america.com">Michael.Mahon@sma-america.com</a>><br> <b>Cc:</b> RE-wrenches <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br> <b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Micro-grid<o:p></o:p></div> </div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Mike:<o:p></o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Thanks for the reply. Good information. <o:p></o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">The AC system is 208. The data sheet indicates that for 208 the PV startup is 220. Today we have 260 VDC. That should be enough!?<o:p></o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">I checked EMT he AC frequency in case it was on shift mode. It is right at 60.00. <o:p></o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Still in waiting mode. I had always thought \u201cwaiting\u201d was for grid reconnect timeout...<o:p></o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">William<o:p></o:p></div> </div> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;margin-bottom:12.0pt"><br> On Apr 23, 2019, at 8:47 AM, Harry Mahon <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:Michael.Mahon@sma-america.com">Michael.Mahon@sma-america.com</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></div> </div> <blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt"> <div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">William \u2013 <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Waiting mode means the DC voltage is below the inverter start. For SB 4000-12, that would be 285 VDC (and will work to 250VDC once that is hit).<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">If you knock on the inverter lid, the display will cycle and you will see the DC voltage displayed.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">If the yellow LED is not on, this should not be an AC side issue.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">I do not think the \u201cBackup Mode\u201d parameter would be the cause, but if the voltage check shows well above PVstart, it would be worth a call to service. If the inverter was left in on grid mode, then it will work when the SI is creating a micro-grid with frequency within UL1741 limits. If the system is off-grid, I would think the SB would have been set to off-grid mode rather than enabling Backup Mode to \u201con all\u201d that allows switching from on-grid to off-grid parameter sets by RS485 command.<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Best-<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;">Mike<o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div> <div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><b>From:</b> RE-wrenches <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>William Miller<br> <b>Sent:</b> Monday, April 22, 2019 6:54 PM<br> <b>To:</b> RE-wrenches <<a target="_blank" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br> <b>Subject:</b> [RE-wrenches] SMA Micro-grid<o:p></o:p></div> </div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Friends:</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">I am working on an AC coupled SMA system in an off-grid setting. We have an SB4000-12 that was disconnected for a number of years and we reconnected it. The inverter is stuck in the waiting mode and will not generate power. The Sunny Islands and Sunny Boys are connected via an RS485 communication system. </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">I suspect there is a programming step I have not yet accomplished. I recall some years ago I programmed the other Sunny Boys for off-grid operation. I can\u2019t find anything in any of the manuals about how to check the programming. I also suspect SAM tech support talked me through this and the information may not be published.</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Does this ring a bell with any of you? Any advice? </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">Thanks in advance.</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif">William Miller</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Miller Solar</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">805-438-5600</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a target="_blank" href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millersolar.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7CMichael.Mahon%40sma-america.com%7C814937113e444889a87208d6c81b26b0%7Ca059b96c28294d1188374cc1ff84735d%7C0%7C0%7C636916416278614333&sdata=ccnu0LEvaiSaHYhls5v3ClRB4xQMDA8jpy5RIevjkcs%3D&reserved=0">www.millersolar.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">CA Lic. 773985</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Quote of the day: \u201cIf there is a job you hate, get really, </span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">really good at it. Maybe you will hate it less.\u201c W. Miller</span><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></div> </div> </blockquote> </div> </div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite" style="border-left: blue 2px solid; margin-left: 8px; padding-left: 8px;"><div dir="ltr"><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>List sponsored by Redwood Alliance</span><br><span></span><br><span>List Address: <a target="_blank" href="mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a></span><br><span></span><br><span>Change listserver email address & settings:</span><br><span><a target="_blank" href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a></span><br><span></span><br><span>List-Archive: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html">http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html</a></span><br><span></span><br><span>List rules & etiquette:</span><br><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm">www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm</a></span><br><span></span><br><span>Check out or update participant bios:</span><br><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.members.re-wrenches.org">www.members.re-wrenches.org</a></span><br><span></span><br></div></blockquote></div><hr>_______________________________________________<br>
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