PVI 3000/4000/5000/5300
Installation and Operation Manual
6
Data acquisition, display and communication
The integrated data acquisition, display and communication capability of the PVI 3000 - PVI 5300 allows comprehensive
tracking of data for understanding of system performance. All error messages and operating conditions of the PVI 3000 - PVI
5300 as well as the PV system can be shown on the display. Downloading data from the PVI 3000 - PVI 5300 for analysis on
a PC is also possible over the data interfaces (RS232 or 485). Download “Free windows-based RS232 PV monitor” from
Downloads tab in Solrenview website.
http://www.solrenview.com/downloads.html
.
These functions allow complete and continuous monitoring of the photovoltaic system. Read-out of data over the integrated
interface and its display is only possible when the solar system is in operation.
An optional full-featured, “inverter-direct” data acquisition and logging gateway and web-based service is available from both
Solectria Renewables (Solrenview) and Fat Spaniel. You have the option to purchase these services. The gateway plugs into
the inverter and to the facility’s internet service.
Technical structure of the PVI 3000, PVI 4000, PVI 5000 and PVI 5300
A high frequency switching bridge circuit operating in connection with a high frequency transformer provides galvanic
isolation of the photovoltaic system from the building’s AC power (and electrical utility grid). The PV voltage and current are
optimized in such a way that fluctuations which are caused by differing sunlight strengths and PV module temperatures can
still end up producing the maximum possible power.
Internal regulation of the PVI 3000 - PVI 5300 is achieved using microcontrollers, which control the function of MPP
(Maximum Power Point) tracking.
The input PV voltage window is designed to cover a range of 200 to 550 VDC from the PV array (600VDC maximum open
circuit voltage). This means that many combinations of modules and strings from different manufacturers can be used.
The inverter has nearly no standby power consumption and night–time losses (0.2 W). Even when running, the control circuit
power use of the inverter is reduced to a minimum, which helps give the inverter high operational efficiency.
The housing and heat sink for the PVI 3000 - PVI 5300 is manufactured using a heavy aluminium extrusion with an anti-corrosion
finish. The housing is designed to NEMA3 to be resistant to rain and snowfall. The heat sink and fan are designed in such a way
that operation of the inverter is possible at ambient temperatures of -13° F (–25° C) to +131° F (+55° C) at full rated power (at
240VAC or 208VAC – note AC power output is slightly less at 208VAC than 240VAC).
The heat sink serves to conduct away heat generated from energy losses in the power electronics. Internal temperature regulation
provides protection against excessively high temperatures inside the PVI 3000 - PVI 5300. The maximum power processed from
the PV array is automatically reduced to limit excessive inverter temperature.
The PVI 3000 - PVI 5300 will only operate in parallel with the utility grid. AC grid monitoring is done by microcontrollers
configured to meet the requirements of UL1741/IEEE1547. This includes grid voltage or frequency fluctuations outside of the
required limits, anti-islanding and other limitations and requirements, which ensure that the inverter shuts down immediately if the
grid goes down, or if the grid gives surges, sags, changes frequency or otherwise shows signs of instability. If this happens, the
inverter will check the grid and reconnect to the grid 5 minutes after the grid is back to normal. (The display then shows:
“Monitoring”.) Disconnecting from the grid is important to protect the electrical and utility line workers who may be working to
restore the grid as well as electricians working at a site with PV systems.
Power grid faults that will cause the PVI 3000 - PVI 5300 to isolate itself from the power grid:
AC grid voltage
The grid voltage must not go outside the range of +10/-12% of the nominal 240 or 208V AC grid voltage (as per IEEE Std
1547, § 4.2.3). The inverter will isolate itself from the power grid if these limits are exceeded either way. The PVI 3000 - PVI
5300 is factory set to 208 or 240VAC. The inverter will automatically detect and sync to 240 or 208VAC when connected to
the neutral. If it is desired to connect to 208 or 240VAC without a neutral connection, then the inverter must be set at the
factory of adjusted by a qualified installer. A qualified installer can reconfigure the grid voltage setting in the field using
jumper adjustments inside the inverter.
AC grid frequency
The power grid frequency can be within a range of +0.5Hz, -0.7Hz of the nominal 60Hz grid frequency (as per IEEE Std 1547,
§ 4.2.4). The inverter will isolate itself from the power grid if these permitted limits are exceeded either way.
