OutBack Power Technologies GS8048 Operator's Manual
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OutBack Power Technologies GS8048 Operator's Manual

Radian series inverter/charger
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Radian Series Inverter/Charger
GS8048
Operator's Manual

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Summary of Contents for OutBack Power Technologies GS8048

  • Page 1 Radian Series Inverter/Charger GS8048 Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 2: Contact Information

    About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Outback products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, accessories, and assembled systems. Contact Information Telephone: +1.360.435.6030...

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important safety instructions for the Radian Series Inverter/Charger. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and on any accessories or additional equipment included in the installation. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in severe shock or possible electrocution.

  • Page 4: General Safety

    Important Safety Instructions Table 1 Term Definition Digital Voltmeter Electrical Testing Laboratories; short for the company ETL Semko; refers to a certification issued by ETL to OutBack products indicating that they meet certain UL standards Federal Communications Commission Ground; a permanent conductive connection to earth for safety reasons; also known as Chassis Ground, Protective Earth, PE, Grounding Electrode Conductor, and GEC Grid-interactive, Utility grid power is available for use and the inverter is a model capable of returning (selling)

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Important Safety Instructions ...1 Audience ...1 Symbols Used ...1 Definitions...1 General Safety ...2 Introduction...5 Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies...5 MATE3 System Display and Controller ...6 Commissioning ...7 Functional Test...7 Pre-startup Procedures ...7 Startup ...7 Powering Down...8 Adding New Devices...8 Firmware Updates ...8 Operation ...9 Input Modes ...9 Generator...9...
  • Page 6 Sell Status Messages ...43 Table 7 Electrical Specifications for Model GS8048...45 Table 8 Mechanical Specifications for Model GS8048 ...45 Table 9 Environmental Specifications for All Models...46 Table 10 Radian Series Interconnection Response Times to Abnormal Voltages or Frequencies (per leg)...46 Table 11 GS8048 Inverter Settings...47...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Generator ∼ Support ∼ Grid Tied ∼ ∼ Backup ∼ Mini Grid ∼ Figure IMPORTANT: Introduction GS8048 Inverter/Charger...

  • Page 8: Mate3 System Display And Controller

    Introduction MATE3 System Display and Controller MATE3 Owner’s Manual NOTE: IMPORTANT: Manual. Figure MATE3 System Display and Controller MATE3 Owner’s...

  • Page 9: Commissioning

    Functional Test WARNING: Shock Hazard and Equipment Damage It is necessary to remove the cover of the Radian inverter to perform these tests. The components are close together and carry hazardous voltages. Use appropriate care to avoid the risk of electric shock or equipment damage.

  • Page 10: Powering Down

    Commissioning After programming (if any) is completed, perform the following steps: 1. If other inverters are on the system, use a DVM to verify correct voltage from the L1 OUT terminal on one inverter to the next. When stacked in parallel, the wires from one inverter to the next should read 0 Vac (although individually they should still read 120 Vac with respect to neutral).

  • Page 11: Operation

    Input Modes The Radian inverter has two sets of input connections for multiple AC sources. (See the Radian Series Inverter/Charger Installation Manual for more information.) With the MATE3, each input can be programmed to a particular operating mode. Six modes are available, each with certain advantages which make it ideal for a particular application.

  • Page 12: Support

    Operation NOTES :  The Support, Offset, and grid-interactive functions of the Radian are unavailable in this mode.  Any AC fluctuations that are accepted by the inverter will be transferred to the output. The loads will be exposed to these fluctuations. It may not be advisable to install senstive loads under these conditions. ...

  • Page 13: Grid Tied

    Grid Tied IMPORTANT: Selling power to the utility company requires the authorization of the local electric jurisdiction. The method used by the local utility company to accommodate this will depend on their policies on this issue. Some may pay for power sold; others may issue credit. Some policies may prohibit the use of this mode altogether.

  • Page 14: Ups (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

    Operation  The grid-interactive function can only operate while the utility grid power is stable and within specific limits.  If the AC voltage or frequency vary outside these limits, the inverter will stop selling. If the inverter stops selling, the MATE3 will show the reason. Sell Status messages are listed on page 43. ...

  • Page 15: Backup

    Backup This mode is intended for systems that have utility grid available as the primary AC source. This source will pass through the Radian inverter’s transfer circuit and will power the loads unless utility power is lost. If utility grid power is lost, then the Radian inverter will supply energy to the loads from the battery bank.
  • Page 16 Operation will then enter Silent (see page 22) and continue repeating this part of the charging cycle until it disconnects from the utility grid. If the reconnection was triggered by the Rebulk voltage setting, the inverter will require the charger to pass through the entire charge cycle, including the Absorb Voltage, Absorb Time, Float Voltage, and Float Time settings (as well as Offset).

  • Page 17: Functions

    39 of this manual. (If the voltage drops below this point, the inverter automatically recovers.) For the standard GS8048 inverter, the high battery cut-out voltage is 68 volts. It cannot be changed. This function is intended to protect the inverter’s output and loads. Continuing to invert on a high DC voltage may produce a distorted waveform.

  • Page 18: Search

    Operation Search An automated search circuit is available to minimize 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.
  • Page 19 AC Current Settings The AC current settings control the amount of current that the inverter draws from the source(s). The amount of current is controlled by the grid or generator limit settings. These settings should be adjusted to match the size of the input circuit breaker. In the MATE3 system display, if the Inverter Input Priority or AC Input and Current Limit menus are set to Grid, the inverter uses the grid settings.

  • Page 20: Generator

    Operation Generator A generator should be sized to provide enough power for all inverters, both for loads and for battery charging. It is usually recommended that the generator be sized at twice the wattage of the inverter system. Many generators may not be able to maintain AC voltage or frequency for long periods of time if they are loaded more than 80% of rated capacity.

  • Page 21: Offset

    Offset This function is designed to use excess battery energy to power the loads, even when an AC source is present. This allows the system to take advantage of renewable energy sources, in effect “offsetting” dependence on the AC source. When a renewable source of energy raises the batteries above a designated reference point (or “target”), the inverter exports power to the loads in order to bring the voltage back down or to prevent it from rising further.

  • Page 22: Battery Charging

    Operation 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 undercharged or overcharged. The inverter uses a “three-stage”...

  • Page 23: Figure 3 Charging Stages Over Time

    Voltage Absorption Set Point Absorption Float Set Point Sell Set Point Re-Float Set Point Bulk Charge Time Figure 3 Charging Stages Over Time Voltage Absorption Set Point Absorption Float Set Point Bulk Charge Time Figure 4 Charging Stages Over Time well, even if their timers have not expired.
  • Page 24 Operation This setting is typically lower than the Float voltage setting. Although the batteries are not discharged, they are maintained at a somewhat lower voltage so that the maximum amount of power can be exported. It is recommended that this item be set at the batteries’ natural rest voltage. In the Grid Tied input mode, excess power is sent first to any loads on the inverter’s output, using the Offset function (see page 19).

  • Page 25: Figure 5 Repeated Charging Cycles

    Operation The unit will continue cycling between Float and Silent for as long as the AC source is present. However, if excess DC power is available and the battery voltage rises above the Sell Voltage set point, the unit can resume Offset activity as described on page 21. The unit can only enter Offset when none of the timers are active.

  • Page 26: Equalization

    Operation The Absorption timer continues this behavior even if the charger is still on. For example, if the charger is in Float stage and there is a significant battery drain, the charger may not be able to maintain the batteries at the Float voltage. Once the batteries fall below the Rebulk point, the Absorption timer will begin accumulating time.
  • Page 27 Operation Conversely, when batteries are warmer than room temperature, the electrolyte reaction is somewhat hyper-reactive. It takes less energy than usual to charge them. Delivering the full (room-temperature) amount of energy would overcharge them and can be hard on them over time. The Radian inverter, when equipped with the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) will compensate for changes in temperature.

  • Page 28: Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking)

    Operation Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) Radian SeriesInverter/Charger Installation Manual HUB4 MATE3 Figure 6 OutBack HUB4 and MATE3 IMPORTANT:...

  • Page 29: Figure 7 Example Of Parallel Stacking Arrangement (Three Inverters)

    Operation In parallel stacking, two or more inverters are stacked to create a single, common 120/240 Vac bus.  The master provides the primary output. The slaves are connected to the same output and assist the master.  The slave inverters can be programmed to activate on demand, reducing idle-power consumption. They will remain off until the loads exceed a certain threshold.

  • Page 30: Power Save Levels

    Operation Power Save Levels Each inverter consumes approximately 30 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 the inverter’s idle consumption.

  • Page 31: Auxiliary Terminals

    Auxiliary Terminals The Radian inverter has two sets of terminals which can respond to different criteria and control many functions. The 12V AUX terminals provide a 12 Vdc output that can deliver up to 0.7 Adc to control external loads. The RELAY AUX terminals are “dry” relay contacts with no voltage. Each set of terminals has its own set of programmed criteria.
  • Page 32 Operation  Gen Alert is used as a controller for an AC generator with a remote start feature, although it has limited functionality. (The generator recharges batteries using the inverter’s battery charger.) When the battery voltage falls to a low set point for a settable delay, the AUX output is activated. The AUX output is used to energize a relay.
  • Page 33  Source Status enables the AUX output whenever the inverter accepts an AC source. It can activate a light or alarm to show that the utility grid is present or that a generator has started. Alternately, it could be used to show that the source has disconnected.

  • Page 34: System Display-Based Functions

    Operation System Display-Based Functions Advanced Generator Start (AGS) As noted under the Gen Alert feature (see page 31), the system is capable of starting a generator. Gen Alert simply starts and stops the generator based on battery voltage. For more advanced control, the inverter system can use the Advanced Generator Start (AGS) feature, which runs through the entire three-stage charging cycle.

  • Page 35: Troubleshooting

    Basic Troubleshooting Table 2 is organized in order of common symptoms, with a series of possible causes. Each possible cause also shows possible troubleshooting remedies, including system display checks where appropriate. Symptom Possible Cause No DC Voltage. Jumper J3 missing. No AC output (will not invert).
  • Page 36 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause No AC input. AC input not connected on both L1 and L2. AC source is not 120/240 Vac split-phase, or the AC source neutral is not connected to the inverter. Inverter’s L1 output has been connected to its L2 input, or the other way around.
  • Page 37 Symptom Possible Cause Charge complete or nearly complete. MATE3’s DC meter reads significantly higher than actual battery voltage. Low charge rate. High output loads. If total loads and charge exceed the AC input setting, charge rate decreases to give priority to the loads. Generator input mode in use.
  • Page 38 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Reduced power sold AC source voltage is driven high to the utility grid. when the inverter sells large amounts of power. Erratic AC source voltage. Inverter set to Search (Search mode). Loads drop out or crash during transfer.
  • Page 39 Symptom Possible Cause Inverter output is being fed Inverter hums with an external AC source that loudly. System is out of phase. display may show messages for high Inverter has been incorrectly battery voltage, stacked with another unit on low battery voltage, the same output.
  • Page 40 Troubleshooting NOTES: 900-0020-01-00 Rev A...

  • Page 41: Error Messages

    Error Messages An Error is caused by a critical fault. In most cases when this occurs, the unit will shut down. The MATE3 system display will show an Event and a specific Error message. This screen is viewed using the MATE3 Home screen’s soft keys.

  • Page 42: Warning Messages

    Troubleshooting Warning Messages A Warning message is caused by a non-critical fault. When this occurs, the unit will not shut down, but the MATE3 system display will show an Event and a specific Warning message. This screen is viewed using the MATE3 Home screen’s soft keys. (See the MATE3 manual for more instructions.) One or more messages will display Y (yes).
  • Page 43 Table 4 Warning Troubleshooting Message Definition The inverter’s internal cooling fan is not Fan Failure operating properly. Lack of cooling may result in derated inverter output wattage. Displays the ambient temperature around the Transformer (in Temps menu) inverter’s transformer. Output FETs Displays the temperature of the FETs (Field Effect Transistors) and heat sink.

  • Page 44: Disconnect Messages

    Troubleshooting Disconnect Messages Disconnect messages explain the reason that the inverter rejected an AC source. The unit returns to inverting mode if turned on. This screen is viewed using the AC INPUT hot key on the MATE3. (See the MATE3 manual for more instructions.) One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the disconnect.

  • Page 45: Sell Status

    Sell Status Sell Status messages describe conditions relating to the inverter’s grid-interactive mode. This screen is viewed using the MATE3 Home screen’s soft keys. (See the MATE3 manual for more instructions.) One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the disconnect. If the inverter has stopped selling or charging unexpectedly, this screen may identify the reason.
  • Page 46 Troubleshooting NOTES: 900-0020-01-00 Rev A...

  • Page 47: Specifications

    Specifications for Model GS8048 Table 7 Electrical Specifications for Model GS8048 Specification Nominal DC Input Voltage Continuous Output Power at 25°C AC Output Voltage AC Output Frequency Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C Waveform CEC Weighted Efficiency Total Harmonic Distortion (maximum)

  • Page 48: Environmental Specifications

    Specifications Environmental Specifications Table 9 Environmental Specifications for All Models Specification Rated Temperature Range (meets all specifications) Operational Temperature Range (functions, but does not necessarily meet all specifications) Storage Temperature Range Regulatory Specifications  Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01 (R2006) ...

  • Page 49: Firmware Revision

    (Absorb) Time Battery Charger Float Voltage (Float) Time Re-Float Voltage Equalize Voltage Battery Equalize (Equalize) Time 900-0020-01-00 Rev A GS8048 Inverter Settings Default Minimum 8 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles Grid 50 Aac 5 Aac...
  • Page 50 Grid-Tie Sell Sell Voltage Grid-Tie Window Input Voltage Calibrate Output Voltage Battery Voltage GS8048 Inverter Settings Default Minimum Load Shed, Gen Alert, Fault, Vent Fan, Cool Fan, Vent Fan DC Divert, IEEE, Source Status, AC Divert 56 Vdc 40 Vdc...

  • Page 51: Product Registration

    The purchase of an OutBack Power Technologies product is an important investment. Registering the products will help us maintain the standard of excellence you expect from us in terms of performance, quality and reliability. Please take a moment to register and provide us with some important information. Registration can be done as follows: ...

  • Page 52: Extended Warranty

    Product Registration INSTALLATION INFORMATION System Install/Commission Date 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 brand and model of generator INSTALLER INFORMATION Contractor Number Installer City, State, Postal or Zip Code, Country...

  • Page 53: Warranty

    Warranty 5-Year Limited Warranty for Radian Products OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. (“OutBack”) provides a five-year (5) limited warranty (“Warranty”) against defects in materials and workmanship for its Radian Series products (“Product”) if installed in fixed location applications. The term of this Warranty begins on the Product(s) initial purchase date, or the date of receipt of the Product(s) by the end user, whichever is later.

  • Page 54: How To Arrange For Warranty Service

    Warranty How to Arrange for Warranty Service During the warranty period beginning on the invoice 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 Technologies authorized repair facility, or that are repaired on site by an OutBack Power Technologies authorized repair person.

  • Page 55: Returning Product To Outback

    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 warranty certificate, in the original Product shipping container(s) or packaging providing equivalent or reasonable protection. The RMA number must be written on the outside of the packaging where it is clearly visible.
  • Page 56 Warranty THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. 900-0020-01-00 Rev A...

  • Page 57: Index

    10-year Warranty ...50 12V AUX...30 Absorption Stage...21 AC Drop ...31 AC Input,...17 AC Source Acceptance...18, 47 AC Test Points...33 Adding New Devices ...10 AGS...32 Audience ...1 AUX...2 AUX ...30 AUX Functions AC Drop...31 Cool Fan ...30 Diversion...30 Fault...31 GenAlert...31, 32 LoadShed...31 Remote ...31 Vent Fan...31...
  • Page 58 Index IEEE ... 2, 46 Input Modes ...7, 11, 17, 20, 22, 23 Input Priorities ...17 Inverting ...16 LBCO (Low Battery Cut-Out) ...16 Levels, Power Save ...29 LoadShed ...31 MATE or MATE2...7 MATE3 ...8 Minigrid...15, 32 Modes...7 Backup...14 Generator ...11 Grid Tied...12 Minigrid...15, 32 Support ...12...
  • Page 59 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. 900-0020-01-00 Rev A...
  • Page 60 North America: 5917 – 195 St NE, #7 Arlington, WA 98223 USA +1.360.435.6030 900-0020-01-00 Rev A...

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