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Advanced Energy AE 3TL 600 Series Installation And Operation Manual

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Advanced Energy
AE 3TL Inverters
600 Series and 1000 Series Installation and Operation
User Manual
570-1003552-05A
April 2014 

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Summary of Contents for Advanced Energy AE 3TL 600 Series

  • Page 1 ® Advanced Energy AE 3TL Inverters 600 Series and 1000 Series Installation and Operation User Manual 570-1003552-05A April 2014 ...
  • Page 3   ® Advanced Energy AE 3TL Inverters 600 Series and 1000 Series Installation and Operation User Manual 570-1003552-05A April 2014 ...

  • Page 4: Disclaimer And Limitation Of Liability

    Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. shall not be liable in damages, of whatever kind, as a result of the reliance on or use of the information contained herein.
  • Page 5 Subject to patents listed at http://www.advanced-energy.com/en/Patents.html. CUSTOMER FEEDBACK Advanced Energy’s technical writing staff has carefully developed this manual using research-based document design principles. However, improvement is ongoing, and the writing staff welcomes and appreciates customer feedback. Please send any comments on the content, organization, or format of this user manual to: •...
  • Page 6 Advanced Energy To order a manual, please contact AE Solar Energy Technical Support: • invertersupport@aei.com 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table of Contents   Chapter 1. Safety and Product Compliance Guidelines   Important Safety Instructions ................ 1-1 Save These Instructions .................. 1-1 Danger, Warning, and Caution Boxes in the Manual .......... 1-1 Safety Guidelines .................... 1-2 Rules for Safe Installation and Operation ............ 1-2 Personal Safety ..................... 1-3...
  • Page 8 Advanced Energy Utility Connection Requirements .............. 3-3 Contacting Your Local Utility ................ 3-4 Voltage Output .................... 3-4 Connection Box Overview .................. 3-4   Chapter 4. Installing   Handling and Unpacking .................. 4-1 Unpacking the Unit .................. 4-1 Package Contents .................. 4-3 To Inspect the Inverter .................. 4-4 Installation Requirements .................. 4-4 Mounting the Unit .................... 4-6...
  • Page 9 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters To Change the Menu Language .............. 5-14 To Select the Communications Settings ............ 5-15 To Configure the Portal Settings .............. 5-15 Data Logger ...................... 5-16 To Configure the Data Logger Settings ............ 5-17   Chapter 6. Operating the Arc Fault Detection Unit  ...
  • Page 10 Advanced Energy Cooling Specifications .................. A-5 Environmental Specifications ................ A-5 Noise Emissions .................... A-5   Appendix B. System and Mechanical Diagrams   Mechanical Diagrams ................... B-1   Appendix C. Inverter Startup Checklist   Inverter Startup Checklist .................. C-1 Table of Contents 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 11: List Of Tables

    Table 9-1. Inverter faults .................. 9-6 Table 9-2. AE Solar Energy Technical Support 24 X 7 contact information .. 9-13 Table A-1. Physical specifications for AE 3TL 600 series and 1000 series .. A-1 Table A-2. AC Electrical specifications .............. A-2 Table A-3.
  • Page 12 Advanced Energy List of Tables 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 13: List Of Figures

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters List of Figures Figure 2-1. AE inverter installed in a utility grid PV system ........ 2-2 Figure 2-2. Main components of the AE 3TL inverter ........... 2-3 Figure 2-3. Inverter controls and display ............... 2-4 Figure 3-1. Required clearances ................ 3-2 Figure 3-2.
  • Page 14 Advanced Energy List of Figures 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1. Safety And Product Compliance Guidelines

    Guidelines IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS To ensure safe installation and operation of the Advanced Energy AE 3TL unit, read and understand this manual before attempting to install and operate this unit. At a minimum, read and follow the safety guidelines, instructions, and practices.

  • Page 16: Safety Guidelines

    Advanced Energy   WARNING: WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury, and/or property damage.     AVERTISSEMENT: AVERTISSEMENT indique une situation potentiellement dangereuse qui, si elle n’est pas évitée, pourrait provoquer la mort ou des blessures graves et/ ou des dommages matériels.

  • Page 17: Personal Safety

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters • Always be careful around this equipment. • Never remove the upper inverter lid. • Safe operation requires correct transport, storage, assembly, installation, and operation. PERSONAL SAFETY    Ensure that any personnel entering a safety zone within a four foot area around any operating inverter wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as mandated by national, state, and local authorities.

  • Page 18: Product Compliance

    Advanced Energy Protective Earth ground 1029 Hazardous voltage 1028 Hot surface 1309 Refer to manual for more information 1027 Heavy object—can cause muscle strain or back injury Electrocution hazard 3054 Hazardous voltage PRODUCT COMPLIANCE        The following sections include information about unit compliance and certification, including the conditions of use required to be in compliance with the standards and directives.

  • Page 19: Safety Directives And Standards

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters ☞  Important This equipment must be installed and used in accordance with the Conditions of Use described in this manual. If this equipment is expanded, modified, or installed into a larger system, the user is responsible to guarantee the compliance of the overall system.

  • Page 20: Electrical Safety

    Advanced Energy Electrical Safety        DANGER: Risk of electrical shock. High voltages are present in the inverter cabinet. The DC disconnect must be in the OFF position when working on the unit. Wait five minutes to discharge high voltage before opening the connection box of the inverter.

  • Page 21: Disconnect Switches

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters DISCONNECT SWITCHES The inverter is equipped with a disconnect for DC (power OFF) to stop power conversion within the inverter. Before accessing the interior of the cabinet, the disconnect must be in the OFF position.

  • Page 22: Wiring Connections

    Advanced Energy • AC overcurrent protection for the utility interconnect (grid-tied) must be provided by the installers as part of the inverter installation. • Use only conductors with an insulation rating of 90°C (194°F) minimum insulation rating. • This equipment is intended to be installed as part of a permanently grounded electrical system per the NEC or local standards.

  • Page 23: Grounding The Ac Circuit

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters UL1741. If a ground fault occurs, the inverter will disconnect and will not restart until the fault has been cleared. GROUNDING THE AC CIRCUIT A Protective Earth (PE) feedthrough terminal block is available in the AC connection area.

  • Page 24: Acronyms And Frequently Used Terms

    Advanced Energy   ACRONYMS AND FREQUENTLY USED TERMS       Table 1‑2. Acronyms and frequently used terms   Term Description Arc fault detection unit Analog to digital conversion AFCI Arc fault circuit interrupter Insulation fault ANSI American National Standards Institute...
  • Page 25 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 1‑2. Acronyms and frequently used terms (Continued)   Term Description National Electric Code NFPA National Fire Protection Association Network time protocol OEM mode Original equipment manufacturer mode Printed circuit board Phase lock loop Personal protective equipment...
  • Page 26 Advanced Energy 1‑12 Safety and Product Compliance Guidelines 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 27: Chapter 2. Product Overview

    OVERVIEW OF THE AE 3TL THREE-PHASE INVERTER        The Advanced Energy AE 3TL three-phase inverter converts direct current (DC) power generated by a PV panel into alternating current (AC) compatible with the local electrical distribution network (also called the public utility or the grid system).

  • Page 28: Identifying The Parts Of The Ae 3Tl Inverter

    Advanced Energy The AE inverter provides conventional RS-485 and Ethernet communication interfaces. The screen provides the feed-in power progression and other operating data. The control panel buttons facilitate ease of operation. Utility grid PV array Meter Inverter Figure 2‑1. AE inverter installed in a utility grid PV system...

  • Page 29: Overview Of The Inverter Controls And Display

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Heatsink Main inverter housing Display, LEDs, and control buttons Connection box DC disconnect Figure 2‑2. Main components of the AE 3TL inverter The name plate on the right side of the AE 3TL inverter can be used to identify a specific unit.

  • Page 30: Figure 2-3. Inverter Controls And Display

    Advanced Energy • Control buttons: Eight control keys allow you to navigate the menus and configure the inverter settings. • DC disconnect switch: The built-in disconnect switch allows you to disconnect DC input from the inverter. LED indicators Display Control buttons DC disconnect switch Figure 2‑3. Inverter controls and display...

  • Page 31: Chapter 3. Planning

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Planning MOVING AND STORING THE INVERTER          Store the inverter in a clean and dry room in the original packaging. Always transport the inverter in its original packaging. If the storage period exceeds two years, contact AE Solar Energy Technical Support prior to connecting the inverter.

  • Page 32: Spacing And Clearances

    Advanced Energy SPACING AND CLEARANCES     The inverter requires adequate space for proper cooling. When installed, the inverter must have the following clearances:   Table 3‑1. Mounting clearances   Location Minimum Clearance 51 cm (20″) Bottom 51 cm (20″) Side 15 cm (6″);...

  • Page 33: Dimensions

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters DIMENSIONS     The following figure shows the unit dimensions. 27 cm (11”) 94 cm (37”) 53 cm (21.1”) Figure 3‑2. Inverter dimensions UTILITY GRID INTERCONNECTION          DANGER: Risk of electrical shock. Before connecting the inverter to the electrical utility grid, your utility company must grant approval.

  • Page 34: Utility Connection Requirements

    Advanced Energy   DANGER: Risque d’électrocution. L’autorisation officielle de votre compagnie locale d’électricité est requise avant de brancher l’onduleur sur le réseau public. Seul le personnel qualifié est autorisé à brancher le dispositif sur le réseau public d’électricité.   Utility Connection Requirements...

  • Page 35: Figure 3-3. Components Of The 600 Series Connection Box

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters ◦ Analog input for sensor connection • Optional ADU for AFCI detection Communication board DC disconnect RS-485 connection RJ-45 Ethernet connection Sensor connection (analog) AC input Grounding stud DC inputs Figure 3‑3. Components of the 600 series connection box...

  • Page 36: Figure 3-5. Optional Adu In The 1000 Series Connection Box

    Advanced Energy Communication board DC disconnect RS-485 connection RJ-45 Ethernet connection AC input Grounding stud DC inputs Figure 3‑5. Optional ADU in the 1000 series connection box 3‑6 Planning 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 37: Chapter 4. Installing

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Installing HANDLING AND UNPACKING      This section describes the required safe handling and unpacking procedures for the AE 3TL inverter. Always follow the recommendations in this section to prevent accidental damage or injury.
  • Page 38 Advanced Energy   WARNING: Do not attempt to lift the full weight of the unit from the left or right sides only. Attempting to lift from just the left or right sides only will result in an unstable and unsafe condition.

  • Page 39: Package Contents

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Upper handle Central handle Central handle Lower handle Figure 4‑1. Handle locations 2. Carefully open the box. 3. Use the central handles on each side of the inverter to lift the inverter from the box. The cardboard flap remains attached to the inverter housing and can be used to protect the unit when it is placed on the floor to prevent damage to the lid.

  • Page 40: To Inspect The Inverter

    2. Inspect the screen for any visible damage. If no damage is apparent, proceed with the inverter installation. If you do see signs of shipping damage, contact Advanced Energy and the carrier immediately. If you need to return the inverter, it must be shipped in the original shipping container.
  • Page 41 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters   WARNING: Maintenance personnel must receive proper training before installing, troubleshooting, or maintaining high-energy electrical equipment. Potentially lethal voltages could cause death, serious personal injury, or damage to the equipment. Ensure that all appropriate safety precautions are taken.

  • Page 42: Mounting The Unit

    Advanced Energy • The display should be located approximately 160 cm (63″) above the ground for ease of use and operation. An elevated mounting position is permitted if easy access to the display is provided. Viewing the display using a ladder, an aerial platform or the equivalent is acceptable.
  • Page 43 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Mounting Requirements When mounting the inverter, consider the following requirements:   WARNING: Before drilling holes to mount the inverter, verify that there are no electrical wires or plumbing in the area.     AVERTISSEMENT: Avant de percer des trous pour installer l’onduleur, vérifier qu’il n’y a aucun fil électrique ou plomberie dans le secteu.

  • Page 44: Figure 4-3. Wall Mounting And Bracket

    Advanced Energy • Phillips screws • Tool for installing anchor bolts if mounting on a wall To Mount the Inverter 1. Hold the wall mount bracket against the wall or framework where the inverter will be mounted. 2. Use a pencil to draw a level, horizontal line approximately 40 cm (16″) above the position intended for the display.

  • Page 45: Table 4-1. Construction Anchoring Chart

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters 8. Lift the inverter using the four side handles and hang it on the wall mount bracket hooks by aligning the mounting points on the rear of the heatsink. ☞  Important Due to the weight of the inverter, AE recommends using two people to lift the inverter and hang it on the wall mount bracket.

  • Page 46: Ac And Dc Wiring Feedthrough

    Advanced Energy Table 4‑1. Construction anchoring chart (Continued)   Wall Structure Fasteners Notes Concrete (minimum 10 cm 4 fasteners: 3/8" diameter Embed the four fasteners a (4") thick) expansion anchors minimum of 6 cm (2.5"). Follow the manufacturer instructions. All fasteners must be installed with fender washers.

  • Page 47: Connecting The Grounding Stud

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters TO INSTALL A FEEDTHROUGH 1. Insert the appropriately sized liquid-tight NEMA 3R conduit hub in the feedthrough opening. To assure NEMA 3R protection, use conduit hubs with a rubber seal. CONNECTING THE GROUNDING STUD       ...

  • Page 48: Electrical Connections

    Advanced Energy 2. Pull test the EGC to ensure it is securely connected to the grounding stud. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS          WARNING: Use suitable precautions; this area contains high voltages that could cause serious injury or death.     AVERTISSEMENT: Prendre les mesures de précaution adéquates;...

  • Page 49: Opening The Connection Box

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters   CAUTION: All electrical installations should be completed in accordance with national and local electrical codes. The inverter must be connected to a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices connected to the same circuit.

  • Page 50: 600 Series

    Advanced Energy   ATTENTION: Les circuits d’entrée et de sortie sont isolés de l’enceinte. La mise à la terre du système, lorsqu’elle est exigée par le code d’électricité national ou local, est la responsabilité de l’installateur.   DC conductors must be installed per NEC 690.35.

  • Page 51: 1000 Series

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters 1000 SERIES Module 1 Module n Figure 4‑7. 1000 series DC connection example DC Conductors        DANGER: Electrical connections must comply with national and local standards. Voltage drop and other considerations may dictate that larger wire sizes be used.

  • Page 52: Dc Connections

    Advanced Energy   AVERTISSEMENT: Prendre les mesures de précaution adéquates; cette partie contient de hautes tensions pouvant causer des blessures graves ou entraîner la mort.     WARNING: All electrical installations should be completed in accordance with national and local electrical codes. The inverter must be connected to a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices connected to the same circuit.
  • Page 53 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters   DANGER: Les connexions électriques doivent être conformes aux normes nationales et locales. Des chutes de tension et autres facteurs peuvent imposer l’usage de fils de plus gros calibre.     DANGER: Risk of electrical shock. When exposed to light, PV arrays create electrical energy that could cause a hazardous condition.

  • Page 54: 600 Series

    Advanced Energy   DANGER: Assurez-vous que la polarité et le voltage des câbles positifs et négatifs des piles PV sont corrects avant de brancher les câbles des piles PV aux bornes   The connection box provides overcurrent and overvoltage protection for the DC side of the inverter.

  • Page 55: Dc Fuses

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters DC inputs Figure 4‑9. 1000 series DC terminal block location DC FUSES    The inverter uses string fuses to protect the solar modules. A decisive factor for fuse protection of solar modules is the maximum short-circuit current of the respective solar module.
  • Page 56 Advanced Energy   DANGER: Risk of electrical shock. When exposed to light, PV arrays create electrical energy that could cause a hazardous condition.     DANGER: Risque d’électrocution. Lorsqu’elles sont exposées à la lumière, les piles photovoltaïques génèrent un courant électrique susceptible de causer des conditions dangereuses.

  • Page 57: Table 4-3. Dc Conductor Sizing

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters To Connect to the DC Input Terminals 1. Determine the appropriate size of the DC conductors using the following table. Terminals are rated for the maximum wire size listed in the following table. An electrician should determine the appropriate wire size for your installation.

  • Page 58: Ac Conductors

    Advanced Energy DC2- inputs DC2+ inputs DC1- inputs DC1+ inputs Figure 4‑10. 600 series DC input terminal blocks in the connection box DC- inputs DC+ inputs Figure 4‑11. 1000 series DC input terminal blocks in the connection box 8. For the 600 series, ensure that the same number of strings are installed in DC1 and DC2 inputs.
  • Page 59 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters   DANGER: Les connexions électriques doivent être conformes aux normes nationales et locales. Des chutes de tension et autres facteurs peuvent imposer l’usage de fils de plus gros calibre.     WARNING: Use suitable precautions; this area contains high voltages that could cause serious injury or death.

  • Page 60: Connecting To The Electrical Grid

    Advanced Energy CONNECTING TO THE ELECTRICAL GRID             DANGER: Risk of electrical shock. Before connecting the inverter to the electrical utility grid, your utility company must grant approval. Only qualified electricians should make the connection to the utility grid.
  • Page 61 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters   WARNING: Risk of electrical shock. To avoid injury or damage to the equipment, the ground conductor must be connected on the AC terminal block.     AVERTISSEMENT: Risque de choc électrique. Pour éviter des blessures ou des dommages à...

  • Page 62: Figure 4-12. 600 Series Ac Terminal Block

    Advanced Energy AC terminal block Grounding stud Figure 4‑12. 600 series AC terminal block AC terminal block Grounding stud Figure 4‑13. 1000 series AC terminal block 3. Connect the AC EGC to one of the AC terminals marked GND. ☞  Important Use only one of the GND connections on the AC terminal block. The second GND must remain empty.
  • Page 63 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters 4. Connect the remaining grid-side conductors to the L1, L2, L3, and N locations on the AC terminal block 5. Tighten each AC input terminal and torque each terminal clockwise to a value between 1.2 Nm (10.6 lb-in) and 1.5 Nm (13.0 lb-in).
  • Page 64 Advanced Energy 4‑28 Installing 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 65: Chapter 5. Operating

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Operating FIRST TIME OPERATION       WARNING: Before turning on the inverter, ensure that the connection box cover is properly installed.     AVERTISSEMENT: Avant d’allumer l’onduleur, s’assurer que le couvercle de la boîte de jonction est bien installé.
  • Page 66 Advanced Energy   AVERTISSEMENT: Ne pas mettre l’appareil AE 3TL en marche s’il n’a pas été mis à la terre.   To Operate the AE 3TL Inverter for the First Time 1. Verify that the AC, DC, and ground connections are correctly and securely installed.

  • Page 67: Normal Start Up

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters ☞  Important The inverter automatically performs a self-test after completion of the initialization routine. The individual system components are checked and data is imported from the power control board (PCB). If there is a fault, the type of fault will indicate what corrective measures have to be taken.
  • Page 68 Advanced Energy   WARNING: Do not attempt to turn on power until the AE 3TL unit is grounded.     AVERTISSEMENT: Ne pas mettre l’appareil AE 3TL en marche s’il n’a pas été mis à la terre.   To Start Up the AE 3TL Inverter 1.

  • Page 69: Control Panel

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters ◦ Status LED Ready is continuously lit. ◦ Status LED ON flashes. ☞  Important When the solar array voltage is greater than 200 V, the startup procedure starts. 6. Verify the feed-in operation has started by checking the following: ◦...

  • Page 70: Led Indicators

    Advanced Energy LED Indicators     The AE 3TL inverter has four LED indicators that provide status information. All four LEDs light up for six seconds during the self test.   Table 5‑1. LED indicators   LED Indicator Color Description READY...

  • Page 71: First Level Display Screens

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 5‑2. Control panel buttons (Continued)   Screen Information Description This is the enter button. This button confirms the following: • Menu selection • Input value   • Allows navigation within the current menu ►Right arrow button level.

  • Page 72: Setting The Country Code

    Advanced Energy Table 5‑3. Inverter menus (Continued)   Menu Options Description The following parameters can be configured: Configuration • Languages • Communication: Ethernet, USB, RS485 • Date/time • Portal settings: Activation, Configuration data, Server IP, Server port, Portal text • Extended: Update, Clear data logger, Numerical list •...
  • Page 73 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters To Set the Country Code Immediately after the DC voltage is switched on for the first time, a window appears on the display requesting confirmation of the country code. You can select one of the listed countries.

  • Page 74: Normal Operation

    Advanced Energy Selecting and confirming the country code also sets the language for the display menus. The language setting may be modified without changing the country code. NORMAL OPERATION     Each time the unit powers on, the inverter runs a self-diagnostic procedure to ensure that it is performing correctly.

  • Page 75: Absolute Yield Data

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters ABSOLUTE YIELD DATA • Press the ► button once. The current yield data and the accumulated operating hours through the current day display. READY ALARM EARTH FLT Yield absolute Day: 36.2 kWh Month 864.2 kWh Year: 956.6 kWh...

  • Page 76: Normalization Input

    Advanced Energy NORMALIZATION INPUT To receive the normalized yield data, press the F2 button and enter the connected PV generator output at parameter P1155 as follows: 1. Select the position of the number you want to change by pressing the ◄ button to select a position left of the decimal point or by pressing the ►...

  • Page 77: Configuring The Inverter

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Figure 5‑7. Previous day's feed-in power 3. Press the ESC button to return to the basic operating screen. The inverter stores data which records measured values while the inverter is running. The default configuration includes 16 measurement channels.

  • Page 78: To Adjust The Date And Time

    Advanced Energy 4. Position the cursor over the first digit location for entering the five digit password. Use the ▲ or▼ buttons to scroll to the correct number. 5. Move the cursor one position to the right, the second position of the password.

  • Page 79: To Select The Communications Settings

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters To Select the Communications Settings      The communications method must be configured before the inverter is connected to a network. 1. Press the F1 button to display the main menu. 2. Press the ▼ button until Configuration is highlighted, and then press the enter button.

  • Page 80: Data Logger

    Advanced Energy 4. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the following: ◦ Activation: ▪ 0 = off ▪ 1 = on ◦ Send configuration: ▪ 0 = no configuration data in the queue ▪ 1 = configuration data being sent ◦...

  • Page 81: To Configure The Data Logger Settings

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 5‑6. Data logger parameters   Parameter Number Parameter Definition Description P450.00 Data logger on or off Switches the data logger on and off: • 0: Off • 1: On (data is recorded regularly) P451.00...
  • Page 82 Advanced Energy c. Press the enter button to confirm the setting. 6. Press ESC to return to the main menu. 5‑18 Operating 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 83: Chapter 6. Operating The Arc Fault Detection Unit

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Operating the Arc Fault Detection Unit GENERAL DESCRIPTION    The Arc Fault Detection Unit (ADU) is an arc fault detection device designed to detect series arcs in DC photovoltaic installations. The ADU monitors the current flow at the string level.

  • Page 84: Normal Operation Of The Arc Fault Detection Unit

    Advanced Energy NORMAL OPERATION OF THE ARC FAULT DETECTION UNIT      In normal operating circumstances, the arc fault detection unit monitors the current flow and analyzes the signal being measured to determine if there is an arc fault situation. The unit will do this continuously until an arc fault occurs or the DC power supply is removed.
  • Page 85 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters If the fault situation continues to occur, contact AE Solar Energy Technical Support for additional information. 570-1003552-05A Operating the Arc Fault Detection Unit 6‑3...
  • Page 86 Advanced Energy 6‑4 Operating the Arc Fault Detection Unit 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 87: Chapter 7. Data Monitoring And Controls

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Data Monitoring and Controls DATA COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW      The AE 3TL inverter is equipped with integrated data monitoring hardware for accessing inverter data. The KP board provides communication access to inverter performance data using the following methods: •...

  • Page 88: Ethernet Network Layout

    Advanced Energy All AE commercial inverters come standard with an Ethernet port that is intended to be connected to the Internet or to a local area network. Communication is one way – the inverter only communicates externally to the AE cloud hosted servers.

  • Page 89: Rs-485 Network Layout

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters RS-485 NETWORK LAYOUT    When multiple inverters or other Modbus slave devices are connected to a single Modbus master device, the multiple devices need to be connected in a daisy chain layout. ☞  Important When multiple devices are wired to the network, the network shield must be terminated to earth ground at one point on the network, typically at the beginning or the end.

  • Page 90: Figure 7-2. Communication Interface Rs-485, Analog (Sensor), Ethernet

    Advanced Energy Ethernet (RJ-45) Analog (sensor) B = IN A = OUT RS-485 IN/OUT Figure 7‑2. Communication interface RS-485, Analog (Sensor), Ethernet (RJ-45) Note that every bus user must have a unique address. 2. The bus termination on the last bus user (inverter "n") needs to be jumpered on terminal A (out) between pins 1 and 2 and pins 3 and 4.

  • Page 91: Figure 7-3. Rs-485 Connections

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Figure 7‑3. RS-485 connections ☞  Important Use an Ethernet cable of S/FTP design (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair). 570-1003552-05A Data Monitoring and Controls 7‑5...
  • Page 92 Advanced Energy 7‑6 Data Monitoring and Controls 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 93: Chapter 8. Maintenance

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Maintenance      WARNING: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that specified in the operating instructions.

  • Page 94: Visual Inspection

    Advanced Energy VISUAL INSPECTION       DANGER: Risk of electrical shock. High voltages are present in the inverter cabinet. Both AC and DC disconnects must be in the OFF position when working on the unit. Wait five minutes to discharge high voltage before opening the front panels of the inverter.

  • Page 95: To Clean The Display And Leds

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 8‑1. Maintenance checklist   Item # Check or Procedure Maintenance Cycle General inspection and cleaning Record general site conditions. Annually Record inverter performance data from inverter display. Annually Record environmental conditions. Annually Remove dirt and debris from underneath the inverter.
  • Page 96 Advanced Energy To Replace the Fuses 1. Observe proper LOTO procedures to isolate the unit electrically. 2. Open the connection box cover. 3. Flip the fuse holder switch to expose the fuse. 4. Remove the fuse from the fuse cover.

  • Page 97: Chapter 9. Troubleshooting And Solar Energy Technical Support

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Chapter   Troubleshooting and Solar Energy Technical Support Before calling AE Solar Energy Technical Support, perform recommended checks and troubleshooting procedures. If you are still unable to resolve the issue and resume normal operation after following these checks and procedures, contact AE Solar Energy Technical Support.

  • Page 98: Reverse Current

    Advanced Energy The inverter provides four LEDs and a display that are the primary indicators of the system status. When the FAULT LED is on: 1. Record the message on the display. 2. Turn the DC disconnect switch to the OFF position.

  • Page 99: Troubleshooting Failures And Faults

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters TROUBLESHOOTING FAILURES AND FAULTS            WARNING: Maintenance personnel must receive proper training before installing, troubleshooting, or maintaining high-energy electrical equipment. Potentially lethal voltages could cause death, serious personal injury, or damage to the equipment. Ensure that all appropriate safety precautions are taken.

  • Page 100: Clearing A Fault

    Advanced Energy • Message is written to the failure memory 1. Press the F1 button to display the main menu. 2. Select the Failure Memory menu item. 3. Use the ◄ and ► buttons to scroll between the data and the error number.

  • Page 101: Overvoltage Fault

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Overvoltage Fault      600 SERIES The inverter has two DC inputs, DC1 and DC2, each of which is limited to 500 V. A relay (combiner) inside the inverter connects the two arrays, in series, upon activation.

  • Page 102: Table 9-1. Inverter Faults

    Advanced Energy Table 9‑1. Inverter faults   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description ACTIVATION LT Timeout. Intermediate circuit   1. Acknowledge the is precharging. fault by pressing the ACTIVATION LT 1 Failure of a power branch in ESC button and de- the boost converter.
  • Page 103 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 9‑1. Inverter faults (Continued)   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description CONTROLLER VOLTAGE 3 Asymmetry in intermediate Wait until the controller circuit low. has restabilized. CONTROLLER VOLTAGE 4 Asymmetry in intermediate Wait until the controller circuit high.
  • Page 104 Advanced Energy Table 9‑1. Inverter faults (Continued)   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description DEVICE FAULT LT Overload shutdown in power Acknowledge the fault by section. pressing the ESC button and de-energizeing the inverter. ETHERNET CONNECTION 1 Ethernet connection setup Check the Ethernet unsuccessful.
  • Page 105 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 9‑1. Inverter faults (Continued)   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description   GRID FREQUENCY LT Detection of a utility main 1. Inverter will frequency fault (ENS, power automatically restart section). This fault indication when utility voltage...
  • Page 106 Advanced Energy Table 9‑1. Inverter faults (Continued)   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description   GRID UNDERVOLT EXT Detection of utility main 1. Inverter will CONDUCTOR undervoltage on the external automatically restart conductor (ENS, control when utility voltage section). This fault indication...
  • Page 107 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Table 9‑1. Inverter faults (Continued)   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description OVERTEMPERATURE 6 Temperature in inverter too Allow the inverter to cool high. This fault is possibly down. caused by one or more of the following: •...
  • Page 108 Advanced Energy Table 9‑1. Inverter faults (Continued)   Display Screen Text Operation Condition Description VOLTAGE OFFSET LT Offset adjustment of the Acknowledge the fault by power section was outside the pressing the ESC button limits. and de-energizeing the inverter. 9‑12 Troubleshooting and Solar Energy Technical Support...

  • Page 109: Ae Solar Energy Technical Support

    Support to request an RMA and obtain the correct shipping address. If you would prefer to contact a local or regional sales or service office, visit the Advanced Energy web site for current contact information: • http://www.advanced-energy.com 570-1003552-05A Troubleshooting and Solar Energy Technical Support...
  • Page 110 Advanced Energy 9‑14 Troubleshooting and Solar Energy Technical Support 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 111: Appendix A. Specifications

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Appendix   Specifications PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS       Table 10‑1. Physical specifications for AE 3TL 600 series and 1000 series   Description Specification General Physical Specifications Enclosure rating NEMA 4 Connection box: NEMA 3R Construction Transformerless design, integrated DC disconnect Size 535 mm x 895 mm x 280 mm (21″...

  • Page 112: Electrical Specifications

    Advanced Energy   ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS       Table 10‑2. AC Electrical specifications   Description Specifications for 600 Series Specifications for 1000 Series Continuous AC power AE 3TL-12kW: 12 kW AE 3TL-16kW: 16 kW AE 3TL-20kW: 20 kW AE 3TL-23kW: 23.2 kW...
  • Page 113 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Power factor Factory setting > 0.99 Field adjustable range ±0.8   Table 10‑3. DC Electrical specifications   Description Specifications for 600 Series Specifications for 1000 Series Maximum number of input strings Maximum operating AE 3TL-12kW: 2 x 27.5 A AE 3TL-12kW: 27.5 A...

  • Page 114: Utility Interconnect Specifications

    Advanced Energy   Utility Interconnect Specifications       Table 10‑4. Utility interconnect voltage and frequency trip limits and times   Voltage and Frequency Trip Limits and Times The default trip limits and times meet UL1741 anti-islanding requirements. Voltage trip limit field adjustment range as a percentage of nominal: 88% to 110%.

  • Page 115: Cooling Specifications

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters   COOLING SPECIFICATIONS        Table 10‑5. Cooling specifications   Description Specification for 600 Series Specification for 1000 Series Cooling method Natural convection ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS       Table 10‑6. Environmental specifications   Equipment Model Temperature...
  • Page 116 Advanced Energy A‑6 Specifications 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 117: Appendix B. System And Mechanical Diagrams

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Appendix   System and Mechanical Diagrams MECHANICAL DIAGRAMS      Figure 11‑1. AE 3TL mechanical diagram 570-1003552-05A System and Mechanical Diagrams B‑1...
  • Page 118 Advanced Energy Figure 11‑2. AE 3TL mechanical diagram B‑2 System and Mechanical Diagrams 570-1003552-05A...
  • Page 119 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Figure 11‑3. AE 3TL mechanical diagram 570-1003552-05A System and Mechanical Diagrams B‑3...
  • Page 120 Advanced Energy B‑4 System and Mechanical Diagrams 570-1003552-05A...

  • Page 121: Appendix C. Inverter Startup Checklist

    Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Appendix   Inverter Startup Checklist INVERTER STARTUP CHECKLIST       WARNING: Maintenance personnel must receive proper training before installing, troubleshooting, or maintaining high-energy electrical equipment. Potentially lethal voltages could cause death, serious personal injury, or damage to the equipment.
  • Page 122 Advanced Energy Task Yes No The PV array Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) must be connected to the GND stud bolt available in the inverter connection box. The neutral conductor on the AC side of the system must be connected and solidly grounded to the X0 terminal of the service transformer.
  • Page 123 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters Index   communications connections 7‑1 components 3‑4 AC terminal block 4‑24 DC connections 4‑15 acronyms 1‑10 DC fuse holders 4‑13 ADU 6‑1 opening 4‑13 resolve arc fault 6‑2 connections AFCI, description 6‑1 DC 4‑16 alert boxes in user manual 1‑1 DC input terminals 4‑19...
  • Page 124 Advanced Energy drawings, unit dimensional 3‑3 installation conduit entry locations 4‑24 location requirements 3‑1 mounting 4‑6 opening a feedthrough 4‑10 connection 4‑11 requirements 4‑4 electrical specifications A‑2, A‑4 spacing requirements 3‑2 electromagnetic compatibility unpacking 4‑1 directives and standards 1‑4 wiring feedthrough 4‑10 environmental specifications A‑5...
  • Page 125 Advanced Energy® AE 3TL Inverters overview 8‑1 mechanical safety diagrams B‑1 directives and standards 1‑4 menu electrical 1‑6 data logger 5‑17 equipment requirements 1‑3 language 5‑14, 5‑15 first aid 1‑3 monitoring guidelines 1‑2 service for inverter 7‑1, 7‑2 heat hazard 1‑9 moving unit lockout and tagout 1‑9...
  • Page 126 Advanced Energy icons and symbols used 1‑3 lockout and tagout requirements 1‑9 voltage unpacking 4‑1 output 3‑3 unit drawings 3‑3 unit, description 2‑1 unpacking 4‑1 warning in user manual 1‑1 of inverter 4‑1 wiring user manual requirements 1‑7 alert boxes in 1‑1 sizing 1‑7...

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Ae 3tl 1000 series

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