Instruction manual
SolarMax S series
Parameter conguration with MaxTalk 2 pro
2
Table of contents
1 Notes on this instruction manual 3
1.1 Target group 3
1.2 Scope 3
1.3 Safety instructions used 3
1.4 Writing styles used 3
2 Safety instructions 4
3 Requirements 4
4 Conguration 4
4.1 General 5
4.2 Grid monitoring 6
4.2.1 Anti-Islanding (Island Detection) 6
4.2.2 Voltage limits 6
4.2.3 OV Detection 7
4.2.4 Frequency limits 8
4.3 Current and output limits 8
4.4 Leakage current limits 9
4.5 Restart conditions 9
4.5.1 Mains check 9
4.6 Frequency-dependent power reduction - P(f) mode 9
4.7 Reactive power control 10
4.7.1 Q Mode 11
4.7.2 Q(Vac) Mode 12
4.7.3 cos(φ) mode 13
4.7.4 cos(φ)(Pac) mode 14
5 Functions 15
5.1 Update rmware 15
5.2 Synchronise conguration 16
5.3 Reset country conguration 16
3
1 Notes on this instruction manual
This instruction manual comprises instructions for the parameter conguration using MaxTalk2 Pro. Short
descriptions explain all adjustable functions and parameters. The admissible value range is specied for each
parameter. Important notes and conguration examples facilitate the proper parameter conguration.
You should dispose of basic knowledge regarding the operation of MaxTalk 2. Basic information regarding the
operation of MaxTalk 2 can be found in the software using the “Help” menu item.
1.1 Target group
This instruction manual is intended for authorised skilled personnel only.
1.2 Scope
All data in this instruction manual exclusively applies to the following SolarMax inverters:
n SolarMax 2000S
n SolarMax 3000S
n SolarMax 4200S
n SolarMax 6000S
1.3 Safety instructions used
The following levels of safety instructions can be found in this instruction manual:
ATTENTION
This symbol identies notes, the non-observance of which may result in damages
to the device or the PV system.
NOTE
This symbol identies notes that are of particular importance for operating the device.
1.4 Writing styles used
Menu commands and buttons are represented in italics, e.g. Exit File.
Windows and tabs are represented in quotation marks, e.g. “Plant overview”.
NOTE
If no specic inverter type is mentioned for the parameter values indicated, the values apply to all inverters
listed above.
4
2 Safety instructions
You are only authorised to congure the advanced functions of the SolarMax inverter if you adhere to the notes
listed in the following:
n The grid operator must have specied and/or approved all changes.
n All implemented settings must be documented in writing.
ATTENTION
Please note that unauthorised or incorrect conguration of the advanced settings may have serious
consequences such as:
n Changed performance of the protective devices of the SolarMax inverters and related hazard
for the user, third parties, or material assets.
n Adverse inuence on the operating and yield performance of the SolarMax inverters.
n Expiration of the operating license for the SolarMax inverters.
n Forfeiture of any claims under guarantee.
3 Requirements
Please ensure that the power supply using the DC supply lines is sufcient before using MaxTalk 2 Pro to imple-
ment settings on the inverter. If you change the parameters for reactive power control (see section 4.7), you must
disconnect the inverter from the mains. Otherwise, disconnection from the mains is not required.
ATTENTION
Ensure that the power supply to the inverter is not interrupted during conguration with MaxTalk 2 Pro. This
could result in loss of data.
4 Conguration
The “Conguration” tab of MaxTalk2 Pro comprises all adjustable operating parameters and the advanced func-
tions of the inverter. The tab is divided into the following areas:
n General (page 5)
n Grid monitoring (page 6)
n Restart conditions (page 9)
n Frequency-dependent power control (page 9)
n Reactive power control (page 10)
5
4.1 General
In the “General” area, the country settings selected during initial operation can be changed. This way, the inverter
can subsequently be set to the country it is installed in. An overview with the available country-specific settings can
be found in the inverter device documentation.
Parameter Description
Country Country settings selected for the initial commissioning
The menus “Plant type” and “Standard” are only activated if the country setting is “Germany”.
Parameter Setting Description
Plant type P < 3.68kVA This setting is required if the plant system rating is lower than
3.68kVA.
The internal NA protection of the inverter is activated.
P < 13.8kVA This setting is required if the plant system rating is lower than
13.8kVA.
The cos(φ) value in the cos(φ)(Pac) mode is limited to 0.95.
The internal NA protection of the inverter is activated.
13.8kVA
< P < 30kVA
This setting is required if the plant system rating is between 13.8kVA
and 30kVA.
The cos(φ) value in the cos(φ)(Pac) mode is limited to 0.90.
The internal NA protection of the inverter is activated.
P > 30kVA This setting is required if the plant system rating is higher than
30kVA.
The internal NA protection of the inverter is deactivated.
Parameter Setting Description
Standard VDE0126-1-1 This setting is required if an inverter of the SolarMax S series is se-
lected within an existing PV system commissioned before 1 January
2012.
This setting is inadmissible for PV systems commissioned
after 31 December 2011.
NOTE
If you change the country setting, the plant type, or the standard, all parameters will be reset to the factory
settings.
6
4.2 Grid monitoring
The inverter constantly monitors the voltage and frequency values of the mains. If the voltage and/or frequency
limits set are violated, the inverter will disconnect from the grid, upon expiration of the respective release time
at the latest.
4.2.1 Anti-Islanding (Island Detection)
With active “Anti-Islanding”, the inverter detects any existing island operation. When the inverter identies an
island situation, it disconnects from the mains immediately. This prevents the inverter from continuing to feed into
the grid when this is switched off.
4.2.2 Voltage limits
The inverter constantly monitors the mains voltage for unauthorised voltage values. Upper and lower limits can be
set for the mains voltage. The limits to be set for the voltage can be created in two stages.
Two-stage monitoring allows for the denition of different monitoring sensitivities:
n The violation of the rst limit is linked to a longer tripping time
(low sensitivity)
n The violation of the second limit is linked to a shorter tripping time
(higher sensitivity)
Parameter Description Range of
values
Unit
Vac min 1 Minimum admissible mains voltage (value 1) 100.0 … 230.0 V
t Vac min 1 Tripping time for minimum admissible mains voltage (value 1) 0 … 600’ 000 ms
Vac max 1 Maximum admissible mains voltage (value 1) 230.0 … 300.0 V
t Vac max 1 Tripping time for maximum admissible mains voltage (value 1) 0 … 600’ 000 ms
Vac min 2 Minimum admissible mains voltage (value 2) 100.0 … 230.0 V
t Vac min 2 Tripping time for minimum admissible mains voltage (value 2) 0 … 600’ 000 ms
Vac max 2 Maximum admissible mains voltage (value 2) 230.0 … 300.0 V
t Vac max 2 Tripping time for maximum admissible mains voltage (value 2) 0 … 600’ 000 ms
Vac 10 min max Maximum admissible average value of the mains voltage over
the last 10 minutes
243.0 … 264.0 V
7
Example
The mains voltage violates the Vac min 1 and Vac min 2 limits.
t [s]
t [s]
Vac [V]
Pac
e
a
b
d
f
1
2
g
c
Figure 2 Violation of voltage limits
a
Nominal mains voltage = 230V
b
Vac min 1 = 212V
c
t Vac min 1 = 2500ms
d
Vac min 2 = 196V
e
t Vac min 2 = 500ms
f
Mains operation
g
Mains disconnection
1
When a value of 212V is fallen below, the inverter will disconnect from the mains after 2500ms at the latest.
2
If, during tripping time of Vac min 1, the voltage even falls below 196V, the inverter will disconnect from the
mains within a period of 500ms already.
In order to use the two-stage monitoring in a reasonable manner, the tripping time of the limit that is closer to
the nominal value must be longer than the tripping time of the limit that is farther away from the nominal value.
4.2.3 OV Detection
With active OV detection, the inverter checks the mains for unauthorised transients (voltage peaks). If the tran-
sients are too high, the inverter will disconnect from the mains immediately.
Voltage transients may occur if the mains impedance is increased abruptly (e.g. as a consequence of an island
situation) and the inverter feeds in increased current for a short period of time. The OV detection prevents that the
mains voltage reaches inadmissibly high values in such a case.
8
4.2.4 Frequency limits
The inverter permanently monitors the mains frequency for inadmissible frequency values. It is possible to specify
upper and lower limits for the mains frequency. The adjustable limits for the mains frequency can be created in
two stages.
The tripping behaviour in the event of violations of the limits regarding the mains frequency corresponds to the
tripping behaviour of voltage monitoring. See “Voltage limits”; page 6
Parameter Description Range of values Unit
f min 1 Minimum admissible mains frequency (rst limit) 45.00 … 50.00 Hz
t f min 1 Tripping time for minimum admissible mains frequency 0 … 600’000 ms
f max 1 Maximum admissible mains frequency (rst limit) 50.00 … 55.00 Hz
t f max 1 Tripping time for maximum admissible mains frequency 0 … 600’000 ms
f min 2 Minimum admissible mains frequency (second limit) 45.00 … 50.00 Hz
t f min 2 Tripping time for minimum admissible mains frequency 0 … 600’000 ms
f max 2 Maximum admissible mains frequency (second limit) 50.00 … 55.00 Hz
t f max 2 Tripping time for maximum admissible mains frequency 0 … 600’000 ms
df/dt max Maximum admissible change of the mains frequency per
second
0.1 … 1.0 Hz/s
4.3 Current and output limits
The following output variables of the inverter can be limited. If the set limit is exceeded, the inverter will discon-
nect from the mains.
Parameter Description Device Maximum
value
Unit
Iac max Maximum admissible mains current (per shift) SM2000S
SM3000S
SM4200S
SM6000S
12.0
12.0
22.0
22.0
A
Iac mean
max
Maximum admissible DC share of the fed-in mains
current
SM2000S
SM3000S
SM4200S
SM6000S
0.02 … 1.00 A
Pac max Maximum effective power to be fed SM2000S
SM3000S
SM4200S
SM6000S
1’980.0
2’750.0
4’180.0
5’060.0
W
S max Maximum apparent power to be fed.
The maximum admissible apparent power must be
at least as high as the maximum admissible effec-
tive power in each case.
SM2000S
SM3000S
SM4200S
SM6000S
1’980.0
2’750.0
4’180.0
5’060.0
VA
9
4.4 Leakage current limits
Parameter Description Device Unit
Ierr max Maximum admissible leakage current (effective value) on the DC
side.
If the leakage current exceeds the set limit, the inverter will discon-
nect from the mains and display the error message “Ierr too high”.
50.0 … 300.0 mA
4.5 Restart conditions
The restart conditions can be used to specify the behaviour of the inverter when mains power is applied. Mains
power is applied during restart in the morning or after mains disconnection as a consequence of the violation of
limits.
Parameter Description Range of
values
Unit
Restart delay Delay time before mains reconnection upon previous
failure-related mains disconnection.
The inverter will show the status message “Restart
delay” during this delay time.
0 … 600 s
Pac progression Maximum increase of the effective power during mains
reconnection upon previous failure-related mains
disconnection (in percent of the rated output power per
minute). The status message “Restart limitation” will be
displayed.
0 … 6’000 %/min
4.5.1 Mains check
If the mains check is activated, the inverter will check whether the mains voltage and/or the mains frequency are
within the following ranges before connecting to the mains:
n Mains voltage > 95% (referring to the nominal voltage)
n Mains frequency between 47.50Hz and 50.05Hz
The inverter will only connect to the mains if these conditions are complied with.
NOTE
n The mains check is independent of the grid monitoring parameters.
n In the European integrated grid, the frequency often increases over 50.05Hz in the morning on the hour,
which delays the inverter connection to the mains by a few minutes.
4.6 Frequency-dependent power reduction - P(f) mode
The P(f) mode is only available if the country selected is “Germany”. The P(f) mode is intended for limiting the ef-
fective power in the event of too high a mains frequency on the mains connection point. If the P(f) mode is active,
the status message “Frequency limitation” will be displayed.
Activate the checkbox “P(f) mode”. Afterwards, you can change the following parameters:
10
Parameter Description Range of
values
Unit
P(f) reduction Reduction of the fed-in effective power (in % of the
effective power fed in when the P(f) mode was
started per Hertz).
1 … 100 %/Hz
f start Start frequency of the P(f) mode. The inverter will exit
the P(f) mode if the mains frequency adopts values
below f start again.
50.00 … 55.00 Hz
Re-increase Maximum increase to the maximum possible
effective power after the P(f) mode was exited.
1 … 6’000 %/min
Example (with SM6000S)
n Current effective power P
M1
= 5’060W
n f start = 50.20Hz
n P(f) reduction = 40 % / Hz
n Highest frequency value = 51.20Hz
The inverter will behave as follows: the mains frequency exceeds the limit f start of 50.20Hz, the inverter will
remember the current effective power P
M1
. The mains frequency continues to increase up to 51.20Hz, limiting the
effective power P
M2
to a value of
P
M2
= 5’060W - · = 3’036W
40%
Hz
W
5’060W
100%
Hz
W
If the mains frequency decreases, the inverter will increase the effective power using the gradient P(f) reduction.
If the mains frequency falls below f start, the inverter will increase the effective power to the maximum possible
value using the adjustable gradient Re-increase.
However, if the mains frequency continues to increase and violates a frequency limit, the inverter will disconnect
from the mains (see “Grid monitoring”; page 6).
4.7 Reactive power control
The inverters offer four different ways to feed-in and/or receive reactive power:
n Q mode
n Q(Vac) mode
n cos(φ) mode
n cos(φ)(Pac) mode
n Off
When selecting “Off”, the inverter will neither feed in nor receive reactive power (cos(φ) = 1).
The parameter values for reactive power and power factor are always specied within the generator metering
arrow system.
11
U
I
Q
-Q
III
III IV
P
P
Mains
Overexcited
Underexcited
Mains
Mains
Mains
Mains
Generator
unit
-Pac Pac
Image 4 Generator arrow system
The operating mode of the inverter must be specied for all specications regarding reactive power and power
factor. The inverter can behave as over-excited or under-excited generator unit.
n Operating mode “over-excited”: the inverter helps supporting the voltage at the mains connection point
(quadrant I in gure 4).
n Operating mode “under-excited”: the inverter helps limiting the voltage at the mains connection point
(quadrant IV in gure 4).
4.7.1 Q Mode
In the Q mode a x reactive power is specied which the inverter will maintain on a constant level notwithstanding
the effective power. Q values with positive sign (+) result in over-excited operation of the inverter and/or Q values
with negative sign (-) result in under-excited operation.
Parameter Description Range of values Unit
Q Fixed reactive power −60 … 0 … +60 (under-excited/over-excited) %
The range of values refers to the maximum apparent power S max of the inverter.
Example (with SM6000S)
n Maximum apparent power S max = 5’060VA
n Specication for Q = +60%
u Resulting reactive power Q = 5’060VA · 60% = 3’036VA
12
NOTE
The maximum apparent power S max of the inverter cannot be exceeded. Therefore, the effective power fed
in may be reduced depending on the desired amount of reactive power.
The maximum effective power Pac max of the SM6000S is reduced to 4’048W, because the following relation is
applicable:
S
2
= P
2
+ Q
2
; thos way
4.7.2 Q(Vac) Mode
In this mode, a Q(Vac) nominal line is dened. Afterwards, the inverter will feed in more or less reactive power
depending on the mains voltage Vac.
The desired nominal line results from the setting of up to 10 value pairs of Q and Vac.
Vac [V]Vac max
Vac min
Q [%]
(Vac X1, Q Y1)
(Vac X0 = Vac min, Q Y0)
(Vac X2, Q Y2)
(Vac X3, Q Y3)
(Vac X4, Q Y4)
(Vac X5, Q Y5)
(Vac X6, Q Y6)
(Vac X7, Q Y7)
(Vac X8, Q Y8)
(Vac X9 = Vac max, Q Y9)
(overexcited)
(underexcited)
+ 60
− 60
Image 5 Q(Vac) nominal line with 10 value pairs
NOTE
n In the table, you must dene at least the values for Q Y0 and Q Y9 in order to obtain a nominal line.
n Ensure that the values for Vac X0 to Vac X9 always increase.
Pac max = √(S
2
– Q
2
) = √(5’060VA)
2
– (3’036Var)
2
= 4’048W
13
Parameter Description Range of
values
Unit
t Q(Vac) The parameter t Q(Vac), can be used to set the delay time with
which the inverter is to react to changes in Vac.
10 … 60 s
X-axis:
Voltage Vac
Unit Range of values Y-axis
Reactive
power Q
Unit Range of values
Vac X0
V
Vac min Q Y0
%
−60 … 0 … +60
(under-excited/over-
excited)
Vac X1
100.0 … 300.0
Q Y1
Vac X2 Q Y2
Vac X3 Q Y3
Vac X4 Q Y4
Vac X5 Q Y5
Vac X6 Q Y6
Vac X7 Q Y7
Vac X8 Q Y8
Vac X9 Vac max Q Y9
4.7.3 cos(φ) mode
In the cos(φ) mode a x cos(φ) value is specied. The inverter will calculate the reactive power from the cos(φ)
value and the current effective power.
Parameter Description Range of values
cos(φ)
Power factor 0.800...1.000
(over-excited/under-excited
NOTE
The maximum apparent power S max of the inverter cannot be exceeded. Therefore, the effective power fed
in may be reduced depending on the desired cos(φ).
Example (with SM6000S)
With a cos(φ) of 0.8, the maximum feedable Pac max effective power of the SM6000S reduces from 5’060 W
to 4’048 W:
Pac max = cos(φ) · S max = 0.8 · 5’060 VA = 4’048 W.
14
4.7.4 cos(φ)(Pac) mode
A cos(φ) (Pac) nominal line is dened in this mode. The inverter then changes the cos(φ) value subject to the
mains voltage Vac.
The desired nominal line results from the specication of up to 10 pairs of values of cos(φ) and Pac.
Pac [W]100%
50%
cos(φ)
(Pac X1, cos(φ) Y1)
(Pac X0 = 0%, cos(φ) Y0)
(Pac X2, cos(φ) Y2)
(Pac X3, cos(φ) Y3)
(Pac X4, cos(φ) Y4)
(Pac X5, cos(φ) Y5)
(Pac X6, cos(φ) Y6)
(Pac X7, cos(φ) Y7)
(Pac X8, cos(φ) Y8)
(Pac X9 = 100%, cos(φ) Y9)
0.800 overexcited
0.800 underexcited
1.000
Figure 6 cos(φ)(Pac) nominal line with 10 value pairs
NOTE
n In the table, you must dene at least the values for cos(φ ) Y0 and cos(φ) Y9 in order to obtain a nominal
line.
n Ensure that the values for Pac X0 to Pac X9 always increase.
15
X-axis:
Effective power
Pac
Unit Range of values Y-axis
Power factor
cos(φ)
Unit Range of values
Pac X0
%
0
cos(φ) Y0
-
0.800...1.000
(over-excited/
under-excited
Pac X1
0 … 100
cos(φ) Y1
Pac X2
cos(φ) Y2
Pac X3
cos(φ) Y3
Pac X4
cos(φ) Y4
Pac X5
cos(φ) Y5
Pac X6
cos(φ) Y6
Pac X7
cos(φ) Y7
Pac X8
cos(φ) Y8
Pac X9 100
cos(φ) Y9
5 Functions
5.1 Update rmware
Request the “Registration rmware update” form with the SolarMax service centre. Return the completed reg-
istration form to us. Afterwards, we will provide you with the rmware update via email. The contact details can
be found overleaf.
NOTE
n Duration of the rmware update: several minutes.
n Sputnik Engineering AG shall not assume any liability for data lost during rmware update or for device
damages on the basis of an improperly implemented rmware update.
Requirements
n An Ethernet or RS485 connection between MaxTalk and the inverter is established.
n Sufcient solar irradiation during the rmware update.
n The rmware update must not be interrupted, i.e.
– no interruption of the power supply to the computer or inverter
– the computer or the inverter must not be switched off
– the computer must not switch to sleep mode
– do not start any other programmes on the computer, etc.
Procedure
1. Highlight the desired device in the plant tree.
2. In the Devices menu, click the Update rmware command (or right-click the desired device to open the
context menu). The “Update Firmware” window will be displayed.
3. Click the
button. The “Open” dialogue will be displayed.
4. Specify the directory and highlight the rmware update (*.max le). Click Open.
16
5. In order to start the update, click Update.
The graphical display of the inverter will display the status message “Firmware update”. The status LED will
ash red.
6. Wait for the update to end. If the update was successful, the “update successful” message will be
displayed.
7. Click OK.
The inverter will restart. The graphical display of the inverter will show the event messages “Start” and
“Restart”. The status LED will ash green.
8. Check the rmware version in the “Information” tab (or in the “Information” display on the graphical display
of the inverter).
9. Afterwards, check whether
– the inverter starts the operating status “Mains operation”,
– the status LED ashes green.
5.2 Synchronise conguration
You can transfer the conguration of an inverter, i.e. the settings in the “Conguration” tab, to other inverters.
Requirements
n The inverters (reference device and target devices) must be connected and available within the same
MaxComm network.
n The status LED is illuminated green (the inverters are in mains operation).
Procedure
1. Connect MaxTalk to an inverter within the MaxComm network.
2. In the Function menu, click Synchronise conguration. The eponymous dialogue will be displayed.
3. In the “Reference device” list, select the inverter the conguration of which is to be transferred to other
inverters. MaxTalk will automatically list the compatible inverters.
4. Hold pressed the CTRL button and highlight the desired devices in the “Compatible devices” eld.
5. In order to start the synchronisation process, click Start.
Afterwards, a list containing the synchronised devices will be displayed. This list will also contain the
devices that could not be synchronised.
6. Check the conguration of the individual devices.
5.3 Reset country conguration
With the help of this function the factory settings of the inverter can be restored. The country conguration is
reset and all parameter changes will be deleted. Afterwards, the inverter is no longer available to MaxTalk and
within the MaxComm network.
In order to re-commission the inverter, the commissioning procedure must be implemented on the graphical
display of the inverter (see Device documentation).
Procedure
1. Highlight the desired device in the plant tree.
2. In the Devices menu, click the Reset country conguration command (or right-click the desired device to
open the context menu).
3. Click OK in order to conrm the warning.
The inverter is reset. The “Initial Setup” menu will be displayed on the graphical display of the inverter.
2012/01 en
SolarMax service centre
Germany +49 180 276 5 276
Schweiz / Svizzera / Suisse +41 32 346 56 06
France +33 4 72 79 17 97
Italia +39 0362 312 279
España +34 902 160 626
Benelux +32 2 535 77 32
Česká Republika
+420 222 191 456
United Kingdom +44 208 973 2556
中国
+86 21 6182 6799
Other countries +41 32 346 56 06
Fax +41 32 346 56 26
Email hotline@solarmax.com
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SolarMax 2000s User manual
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