Outback Power Systems GFX1448E manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    International Series GFX Inverter/Charger GFX1312E GFX1424E GFX1448E Operator’s Manual[...]

  • Page 2

    About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conv ersion technology. Our products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximu m power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems. Contact Informati[...]

  • Page 3

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 1 Important Safety Instructions READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important safety instructions for the International Series GFX inverters. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and on any acce ssories or additional equipment included in the installation. Failure to follow these inst[...]

  • Page 4

    Important Safety Instructions 2 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Definitions The following is a list of initia ls, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 1 Terms and Definitions Term Definition AC Alternating Current; ref ers to voltage produc ed by the inverter, util ity grid, or generator AGS Advanced Generator Start AUX Inverter[...]

  • Page 5

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 3 Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................ 1 Audience ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Symbols Used ..[...]

  • Page 6

    Table of Contents 4 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Specifications for Model GFX1312E .............................................................................................. ...............................43 Specifications for Model GFX1424E .............................................................................................. .................[...]

  • Page 7

    Table of Contents 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 5 List of Tables Table 1 Terms and Def initions ......................................................................................... ............................ 2 Table 2 Battery LED Values ............................................................................................................. .....[...]

  • Page 8

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  • Page 9

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 7 Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack International Se ries GFX Inverter/Charger. This product offers a complete power conversion system between batteries and AC power. It can provide backup power or complete off-grid service. ¾ Battery-to-AC inverting which delivers 230 Vac [...]

  • Page 10

    Introduction 8 900-0112-01-00 Rev B System Display and Controller The GFX inverters have no external controls. They can operate normally without an external control or interface. Basic modes and settings are pre-progr ammed at the factory. (See page 47 for default settings.) The MATE and MATE2 System Display and Controller (sold separ ately) are Ou[...]

  • Page 11

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 9 Commissioning Functional Test Pre-startup Procedures 1. Ensure all DC and AC overcurrent de vices are opened or turned off. 2. Double-check all wiring connections. 3. Inspect the work area to ensure tools or debris have not been left inside. 4. Verify battery voltage using a digital voltmeter (DVM). Confirm the voltage is cor[...]

  • Page 12

    Commissioning 10 900-0112-01-00 Rev B continued from previous page.... 5. If the INVERTER LED (green) is not illuminated, turn on the inverter using the system display or external switch. 6. Check the STATUS LEDs. Confirm that the INVERTER LED (green) is illuminated. 7. Using a DVM, verify 230 Vac be tween the AC HOT OUT and AC NEUTRAL OUT terminal[...]

  • Page 13

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 11 Operation LED Indicators Figure 4 LED Indicators BATTERY LEDS The battery LEDs show the approximate battery state. (See IMPORTANT note below.) The BATTERY LEDs are independent of STATUS LEDs. Any STATUS LED could accomp any any BATTERY LED ba sed on certain conditions. Commo n combinations are noted. ¾ A GREEN LED means the[...]

  • Page 14

    Operation 12 900-0112-01-00 Rev B STATUS LEDS GREEN ¾ Solid: The inverter is ON and providing power. If accompanied by solid ye llow LED, unit is selling power to the utility grid. (See page 24 for a description of the Sell function.) ¾ Flashing: The inverter has been tur ned ON but is idle. May be accompanied by the yellow LED. If not accompanie[...]

  • Page 15

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 13 Description of Functions All items identified as settable or adjustable have set points which can be accessed using the remote system display. (See the system display manual fo r instructions on loc ating these set points.) The default settings and ranges of adjustment are listed near the end of this book, beginnin[...]

  • Page 16

    Operation 14 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Search An automated search circuit is available to minimi ze the power draw when no loads are present. When enabled, the inverter does not always deliver full output. The output is reduced to brief pulses with a delay between them. These pulses are sent down the output lines to see if a resistance is present. In ef[...]

  • Page 17

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 15 AC Current Settings The AC current settings control the amount of curren t that the inverter draws from the source(s). The amount of current is controlled by the grid or ge nerator limit settings. These settings should be adjusted to match the size of the input circuit breaker or input conductor. In the system disp[...]

  • Page 18

    Operation 16 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Generators A generator should be sized to provide enough power for both loads and batt ery charging. ¾ The generator needs a single circuit w hich is sized to provide current to all inverters on a given phase or leg. ¾ It is usually recommended that the generator be sized at twice the wattage of the inverter syst[...]

  • Page 19

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 17 Input Support A system display is required to control this function. When this function is enabled, the inverter limits the current draw from an AC source, augmenting it with additional current from the batteries when necessary. This helps prevent overloading a small AC circuit or generator during short-term use. I[...]

  • Page 20

    Operation 18 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Battery Charging IMPORTANT: Battery charger settings need to be correct for a given battery type. Always follow battery manufacturer recommendations. Making incorrect settings, or leaving them at factory default settings, may cause the batteries to be un dercharged or overcharged. Figure 5 Charging Stages Over Time[...]

  • Page 21

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 19 The initial DC current is the maximum current the ch arger can deliver. It will begin at the charger’s specified maximum, but will gradually decrease as the voltage increases. This is a tradeoff in wattage and is normal for the charger. Absorption Stage This is the second stage of chargi ng. It is a constant-volt[...]

  • Page 22

    Operation 20 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Silent This is not a charging stage, but a quiescent period between stages. The inverter remains on the AC source, but the charger is inactive. It enters this condition upon completing the Absorption stage, or when there is not enough energy to sustain selling. The term “Silent” is also used in the context of s[...]

  • Page 23

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 21 Figure 6 Repeated Charging Cycles New Charging Cycle If the AC source is lost or disconnected, the unit wi ll return to inverting mode if enabled. The battery voltage will begin to decrease due to loads or na tural loss. When the AC source is restored, the inverter will return to the charging cycle. If the batterie[...]

  • Page 24

    Operation 22 900-0112-01-00 Rev B will always run for the full Absorption period if the batteries dropped below the appropriate voltage for that amount of time. If significant battery dr ain caused them to drop below the set points for doubling or quadrupling the rate, it may run for the full Absorption period even after a lesser amount of time. Th[...]

  • Page 25

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 23 The inverter, when equipped with the Remote Temper ature Sensor (RTS), will compensate for changes in temperature. The RTS is attached to a single battery near the center of the bank, to achieve a representative temperature. If installed in a multiple -inverter system, only a single RTS is necessary. It must plug i[...]

  • Page 26

    Operation 24 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Selling IMPORTANT: Selling power to the utility company re quires the authori zation of the local electric jurisdiction. How the local util ity company handles this will depend on their policies on this issue. Some may pay for power sold; others may issue credit. Some policies may prohibit the us e of this mode. Pl[...]

  • Page 27

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 25 Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) Multiple inverters in a single system can support larger loads than a single inverter can handle. Installing inverters in this configuration is called “stacking”. Stacking inverters does not refer to physically placing one on top of anoth er. It refers to how they are [...]

  • Page 28

    Operation 26 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Parallel Stacking (Dual-Stack and Larger) In parallel stacking, two or more inverters are stac ke d to create a single, common 230 Vac output. ¾ The master provides the pri mary output. The slaves ar e connected to the same output and assist the master. ¾ The slave inverters can be programmed to activate on deman[...]

  • Page 29

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 27 Power Save Levels Depending on the model, each inverter consumes approximately 20 watts of idle power while it remains on, even if it is not actively inverting or charging. The Power Save function allows the option to put some or all slave inverters into a quiescent state known as Silent mode. This mode minimizes t[...]

  • Page 30

    Operation 28 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Auxiliary Terminals The inverter’s AUX terminals provide a 12 Vdc output that can deliver up to 0.7 Adc to control external loads. The AUX LED (see page 11) illuminates when this output is present. Typical loads include signaling a generator to start, sending a fault alarm si gnal, or running a small fan to cool [...]

  • Page 31

    Operation 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 29 ¾ Fault activates the AUX output when the in verter shuts down due to an err or condition (see page 37). It can activate a light or alar m to show that the inverter has failed. With the appropriate devices, it could send an alarm signal through a radio, pa ger, or telephone dialer. ∼ This function does not have [...]

  • Page 32

    Operation 30 900-0112-01-00 Rev B System Display-Based Functions Advanced Generator Start (AGS) As noted under the Gen Alert feature (see page 28), th e system is capable of starting a generator. Gen Alert simply starts and stops the generator based on battery voltage. For more advan ced control, the inverter system can use the Advanced Gene rator [...]

  • Page 33

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 31 Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting This list is organized in order of commo n symptoms , with a series of possible causes. Each possib le cause also has inverter LEDs which may be unusua l for that mode of operation. (LEDs which are normal, and LEDs on the system display, are not sh own.) Each possible cause also sh ows p[...]

  • Page 34

    Troubleshooting 32 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy One or more inverters will not invert while others do (in multi-inverter system). Inverting LED not illuminated on questionable unit Unit is slave and is in Power Save mode. MATE system display only: Check Power Save level[...]

  • Page 35

    Troubleshooting 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 33 Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy None (AC IN LED is illuminated) Inverter priority MATE system display only: Check Stop Sell Reasons screen (STATUS/FX/SELL) . The inverter may be behaving correctly. MATE3 system display only: Check Sell Status screen with[...]

  • Page 36

    Troubleshooting 34 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy AC IN LED flashes HBX mode has disconnected from AC. MATE system display only: Check the AC IN hot key screen to see if HBX mode is in use. MATE3 system display only: Check the AC Input Mode setting with the AC INPUT hot k[...]

  • Page 37

    Troubleshooting 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 35 Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy None (Solid AC IN LED is replaced with solid Inverter LED) Erratic AC source voltage. Check AC voltage on the inverter’s input terminals. If not consistent, the problem is external. AC source voltage may have dipped or h[...]

  • Page 38

    Troubleshooting 36 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy Generator, external fan, etc. fails to start when triggered by AUX output. Amber AUX LED is on AUX output is not connected, or is not delivering 12-volt output. Test the generator or device to confirm functionality. Test t[...]

  • Page 39

    Troubleshooting 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 37 Error Messages An error message is caused by a critical fault. In most cases when this occurs, the unit will shut down and the inverter’s ERROR LED (see page 11) will i lluminate. See the system display manual for instructions on viewing errors. One or more messages will displ ay yes in the MATE system disp[...]

  • Page 40

    Troubleshooting 38 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Warning Messages A warning message is caused by a non-critical fault. When this occurs, the unit will not shut down, but the ERROR LED (see page 11) will flash. See the sy stem display manual for instructions on viewing warnings. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE system display; Y in the MATE3[...]

  • Page 41

    Troubleshooting 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 39 Disconnect Messages Disconnect screens explain the reason that the inverter rejected an AC source. The unit returns to inverting mode (if turned on). The ERROR LED (s ee page 11) will not illuminate for a disconnect message, although it may flash for a concurrent wa rning following the discon nect. (See previ[...]

  • Page 42

    Troubleshooting 40 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Selling or Charging Stopped This screen displays a code number that identifies the status of the inverter’s charging or selling functions. In the MATE, this screen is titled “Stop Se ll Reasons”, even though it also refers to charging. If the inverter has stopped selling or charging unex pectedly, this [...]

  • Page 43

    Troubleshooting 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 41 Table 8 Stop Sell (and Charge) Reasons 8 The inverter ha s been commanded to disconnect from the AC source by the user or by a programmed setting. It cannot charge or sell. 9 The inverter ha s detected an “island” condition. The AC source frequency is unstable. The inve rter cannot sell. 10 The invert er [...]

  • Page 44

    [...]

  • Page 45

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 43 Specifications Specifications for Model GFX1312E Table 9 Electrical Specifications (GFX1312E) Specification Value Nominal DC Input Voltage 12 Vdc Continuous Output Power at 25°C 1300 VA AC Output Voltage 230 Vac AC Output Frequency 50 Hz Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 5.65 Aac Waveform True Sinewave Efficiency (Typic[...]

  • Page 46

    Specifications 44 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Specifications for Model GFX1424E Table 11 Electrical Specifications (GFX1424E) Specification Value Nominal DC Input Voltage 24 Vdc Continuous Output Power at 25°C 1400 VA AC Output Voltage 230 Vac AC Output Frequency 50 Hz Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 6.09 Aac Waveform True Sinewave Efficiency (typi[...]

  • Page 47

    Specifications 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 45 Specifications for Model GFX1448E Table 13 Electrical Specifications (GFX1448E) Specification Value Nominal DC Input Voltage 48 Vdc Continuous Output Power at 25°C 1400 VA AC Output Voltage 230 Vac AC Output Frequency 50 Hz Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 6.09 Aac Waveform True Sinewave Efficiency (Typi[...]

  • Page 48

    Specifications 46 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Environmental Specifications Table 15 Environmental Specifications for All Models Specification Value Rated Tempe rature Range (mee ts all specifi cations) 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) Operational Temperature Range ( functions, but does not necessarily m eet all specifications) –40°C to 60°C (–40°F t[...]

  • Page 49

    Specifications 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 47 Default Settings and Ranges (viewed in MATE) Table 17 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Field Item D efault Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 search pulse length 8 4 20 Search search pulse spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles ac transfer control Grid Grid or Gen ac[...]

  • Page 50

    Specifications 48 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Table 18 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Field Item D efault Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 search pulse length 8 4 20 Search search pulse spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles ac transfer control Grid Grid or Gen ac1/grid limit 25 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac Input ac2/[...]

  • Page 51

    Specifications 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 49 Table 19 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Field Item D efault Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 search pulse length 8 4 20 Search search pulse spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles ac transfer control Grid Grid or Gen ac1/grid limit 25 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac Input ac2/[...]

  • Page 52

    Specifications 50 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Default Settings and Rang es (viewed in MATE3) Table 20 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 Pulse Length 8 4 20 Search Pulse Spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles Input Type Grid Grid or Gen Input Support Y Y or N Grid In[...]

  • Page 53

    Specifications 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 51 Table 21 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 Pulse Length 8 4 20 Search Pulse Spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles Input Type Grid Grid or Gen Input Support Y Y or N Grid Input A C Limit 25 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac Gen Input A[...]

  • Page 54

    Specifications 52 900-0112-01-00 Rev B Table 22 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 Pulse Length 8 4 20 Search Pulse Spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles Input Type Grid Grid or Gen Input Support Y Y or N Grid Input A C Limit 25 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac Gen Input A[...]

  • Page 55

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 53 Product Registration The purchase of an OutBack Power Technologies prod uct is an important investment. Registering the products will help us maintain the standard of ex cellence expected in term s of performance, quality and reliability. Please take a moment to register and provid e us with some important information. Regis[...]

  • Page 56

    Product Registration 54 900-0112-01-00 Rev B INSTALLATION INFORMATION System Install/Commission Date System Array Size System Array Nominal Voltage Type of PV Modules System Battery Bank Size (Amp-Hours) Brand and Model of Batteries Does this system include an auxiliary AC generator? If yes, please specify bran d and model of generator INSTALLER IN[...]

  • Page 57

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 55 Warranty 5-Year Limited Warranty for GFX Products OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. (“OutBack”) provid es a five-year (5) limited warranty (“Warranty”) against defects in materials and workmanship for it s GFX Series inverter products (“Product ”) if installed in fixed location applications. The term of this Warra[...]

  • Page 58

    Warranty 56 900-0112-01-00 Rev B How to Arrange for Warranty Service During the warranty period beginning on the invoic e date, OutBack Power Technologies will repair or replace products covered under this limited warranty that are returned to OutBack Power Technologies’ facility or to an OutBack Power Tec hnologies authorized repair facility, or[...]

  • Page 59

    Warranty 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 57 Returning Product to OutBack After receiving the RMA number, the customer must pack the Product(s) authorized for return, along with a copy of the original purchase invoice and product registration, in the original Product shipping container(s) or packaging providing equivalent or rea sonable protection . The RMA nu[...]

  • Page 60

    Warranty 58 900-0112-01-00 Rev B This page intentionally left blank.[...]

  • Page 61

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B 59 Index A Absorption Stag e...............................................................19 AC Current Setting s ..........................................................15 AC In put ................................................................................14 AC Source Ac ceptance.......................................[...]

  • Page 62

    Index 60 900-0112-01-00 Rev B L LBCO ..................................................................................2, 13 LED Indicato rs .................................................... 2, 9, 10, 11 Battery LEDs .................................................................. 11 Status LEDs ................................................[...]

  • Page 63

    Index 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 61[...]

  • Page 64

    900-0112-01-00 Rev B North America: 5917 – 195 th Street N.E., #7 Arlington, WA 98223 USA +1.360.435 .6030[...]