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Rights Reserved. Trademarks TrueString, the TrueString logo, HiQ Solar, and the phrase “TrueString by HiQ Solar” are trademarks owned and used by HiQ Solar, Inc. These trademarks may be registered in the United States and other countries. Date and Revision...
Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ......................Symbols Used ..............................5 Product Labels ............................... 5 General Safety ............................... 5 Introduction ..............................Audience ................................. 7 Features ................................7 Components and Accessories ........................7 System Overview ............................8 Planning ................................Design Guidelines ............................9 DC Stacking Ratio .............................
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Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 System Ordering and Part Numbers ..................8 Table 2 Inverter Commands (Button) ....................11 Table 3 Inverter States (Button) ......................12 Table 4 Port Numbering Assignments ....................35 Table 5 Inverter States (Button) ......................
Important Safety Instructions READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important safety instructions for the TrueString inverter system. The inverter system is designed according to North America safety requirements and has software configuration and firmware adjusted to meet the Vietnamese Utility Grid requirements. As with any electrical equipment, certain precautions must be observed when installing this equipment.
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Under extreme conditions, the exterior of the enclosures can reach a temperature of 80°C. To reduce risk of burns, use caution when working with the inverter system. CAUTION: Equipment Damage ❖ Only use components or accessories recommended or sold by HiQ Solar or its authorized agents. ❖ Do not carry inverter by cables.
Introduction Thank you for purchasing a TrueString inverter system. The TSXL380-8k-VN is an easy-to-install, modular system which is optimized specifically for the Vietnam C&I and Utility Solar Market, for rooftop, ground mount and car port parking and shade structures. The TrueString inverter is sealed and waterproof and well suited to harsh environments including coastal, desert and high-altitude locations.
Introduction System Overview The TSXL380-8k-VN is an easy-to-install, modular system which is optimized specifically for commercial and industrial rooftop, ground mount and car part, parking and shade structures solar array applications. Unlike other string inverters, each string is individually monitored and managed by the inverter. A typical layout is shown in Figure 2.
Planning Design Guidelines DC Stacking Ratio The ratio of PV module STC power rating to inverter output power rating is often referred to as “Stacking Ratio.” Most PV installations are designed for a stacking ratio greater than 1, and less than 1.5. However, the only real limitations on stacking ratio for the TrueString inverter are the voltage and current limitations of the string inputs.
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Introduction Gateway Placement Internet access should be provided to enable firmware updates and customer support functions. CAUTION: Equipment Damage The Gateway is not rated for outdoor installation. The Gateway is rated for indoor installation only. Do not expose it to rain, extreme temperatures, or excessive dust.
Installation The TrueString TSXL380-8k-VN employs industry-standard connection methods. These include locking interconnects for PV module attachment and standard 5-lead, three-phase AC wiring compatibility. Make certain to follow all instructions carefully. Buttons and Indicators While most installations will use a Gateway to control and report, it is not mandatory.
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Installation Table 3 Inverter States (Button) Inverter Indicator State Button Indication Green solid Powered up Not generating No faults Green, left-right alternating flash Power-on self-test or Grid monitoring (will take <5 minute) Green, clockwise circular flash Powered up Generating No faults Red rapid flash Fault condition Examples:...
Installation Connection Outline CAUTION: Equipment Damage ❖ The system must be connected to 380V / 50Hz AC 3-phase wye 5-wire only. ❖ The inverter must be provided with an equipment ground according. Do not apply DC or AC voltage before properly grounding. All five circuits (L1, L2, L3, neutral, ground) must be connected and ❖...
Installation 380V AC Wye only — neutral, ground, and three phases TSXL380-8k-VN 380 Vac Equipment PV String 1 ground Inverter AC cable PV String 2 TSXL380-8k-VN Splice 380V AC Dedicated branch 3ph grid circuit Additional dedicated OCPD branch circuits Connector is a means of DC TSXL380-8k-VN disconnect...
Installation B. AC Wiring To connect the inverter to the utility grid: WARNING: Shock Hazard This product incorporates high voltages. CAUTION: Equipment Damage The neutral must be bonded to earth ground. Failure to do so can damage the unit and void the warranty.
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Installation Disconnecting the AC Plugs Figure 9 Disconnecting AC Plugs The AC connector can be unlocked by inserting the tool into the whip cable connector hole and rotating the collar. The TSXL380-8k-VN comes in a connector-less version for installation locations which have another form of AC disconnecting means or do not require it, per local electrical codes.
Installation PV Module Connection To connect the strings of PV modules: CAUTION: Equipment Damage Do not exceed 1000V on the DC inputs. This will cause irreparable damage to the TrueString inverter and is not covered by the warranty terms. Do not carry unit by the cables as it will damage it.
Installation D. AC Power-Up To power up the inverter: 1. Turn on the utility grid connection. This starts a 5-minute timer. While this timer runs, the inverter tests the grid power to ensure all requirements are met. When this timer expires, each inverter will perform a self-test and then begin generating.
Installation E. Gateway Connection To connect the Gateway: CAUTION: Equipment Damage The Gateway is rated for indoor installation only. NOTE: The Gateway should be located as near to the inverter(s) as possible for reliable communication. An electrical connection in the same subpanel as the inverter branch circuit breakers is recommended.
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Installation 3. Turn on AC power to the Gateway and wait for the screen to illuminate. 4. On the Gateway screen, select the Inverters tab A at the top of the screen if it is not already selected. (See Figure 16. Also, see pages 23 and 26 for Gateway navigation and inverter states.) To check inverter status, press the Setup button B.
Installation F. Unlocking and Locking Inverters On page 18, when AC power is applied, the inverter will begin a 5-minute timer to test the utility grid then start generating or the inverter may power up in the Locked Off state. If it powers up in the locked state, this prevents the system from generating power when not desired.
Gateway Gateway Operation The Gateway (sometimes referred to as the Communications Gateway) is a module used for interface and communication with TrueString inverters. The Gateway uses power line communication (PLC) to communicate with the TrueString. The user can check status and change settings on the Gateway using a touch screen. If Ethernet communication is enabled, the user can access these functions on a web page.
Gateway Menu Map I n v e r t e r s tab (see page 27) S e t u p Button (see page 27) U p d a t e Button (see page 28) S t r i n g s Button (see page 29) D e t a i l Button (see page 29)
Gateway A r r a y tab G a t e w a y (see page 30) (see page 26) N e t w o r k Button (see page 31) C l o c k Button (see page 30) S c r e e n Button (see page 30) D i a g Button...
Gateway Array Tab (Array Summary Screen) The Array tab opens the Array Summary screen, which features several TrueString status indications. Despite the name, most of these indicators do not show the status of the PV array. This screen also features four buttons. Power On : This button orders all inverters to begin generating (harvesting and selling PV power).
Gateway Inverters Tab The Inverters tab opens the Inverters screen, which shows the status of all TrueString inverters. Units are listed by serial number and display the present power generation and general status. This screen also features four buttons. Setup : This button leads to the Array Setup screen, allowing inverters to be added or deleted from the Gateway.
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Gateway Update The Update button opens the Firmware Update screen. System firmware is occasionally updated to add features and enhance performance. Updates may be performed through a network connection or using a memory card physically inserted into the Gateway. (See page 26.) Updates may be performed through the touch screen as shown in Figure 28.
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Gateway Strings The Strings button opens the Strings screen for a particular TrueString inverter (indicated by serial number under the I n v e r t e r s tab and selected on the touch screen). This screen displays the present status of both strings of PV modules on that inverter. It displays real- time voltage, current, and power.
Gateway Gateway Tab The G a t e w a y tab opens the Gateway screen, which provides settings and other critical networking information. This screen also features four buttons. Network : This button opens the Network Settings screen. See page 31. Clock : This button opens the Set Clock screen.
Gateway Accessing the Gateway Online Online access requires the Network Settings screen, which is accessed with the Gateway Network button. This screen contains items that can be edited with the touch pad if necessary. These items are also visible once the online interface is established, as shown in Figure 38. USE DHCP This is a box that can be selected or unselected.
Gateway Gateway Access Inside a Local Network To access locally from a Windows device: 1. Select the Gateway tab. Use the Network button to open the Network Settings screen as shown in Figure 2. Open a web browser. Type the NET NAME into the address bar.
Gateway Webpage Menu Map The interface screen has three tabs: Array, Mini Inverters, and Gateway. Array (A) is similar to the Array Summary screen on page 26. (It shows the full system, not just the PV array.) This screen shows the same controls (B) as on page 26. NOTE: A smartphone can control this system when local network settings allow.
Gateway Gateway Access Outside a Local Network LAN-side Configuration DHCP has a lease time after which it requests renewal, causing problems if a different IP address is assigned. To keep the same IP address continuously, several methods may be used. Keep the Gateway in DHCP but force the router to allocate the same IP address each time.
Gateway WAN-side Configuration In the Cisco router used as an example here, the Applications and Gaming screen is used to open a port for outside communication. (See Figure 44.) The aim is for communication to pass through the router, although there will usually be some translation of port labels between what the Gateway expects and what is presented to the outside world on the WAN side of the router.
Gateway Utility Protective Functions (Webpage only) The TrueString inverter system is capable of operating beyond normal AC grid ranges when required to do so by the operating utility company. Changes in this area must only be carried out with the express written permission of the utility company.
Gateway Other Gateway Features The Gateway has several features that are not usually accessible after installation. These include a USB port and a button marked R ESET The R button performs a full system reboot, the same as if both AC and DC power had been removed. ESET The USB port is not functional at this time.
Gateway Accessing Historic Data Online Once the internet communication has been established with the gateway and the HiQ box on the Array screen is green the data is being uploaded to the HiQ monitoring server. To view the historic data, the site(s) must be registered on the monitoring server and an account must be registered to log in to the site(s).
Troubleshooting General Troubleshooting The primary way of troubleshooting a system is to investigate using the Gateway. The Gateway can be viewed on its touch screen interface, or by accessing it using a web browser. Assuming the issue is not with communications, browser access allows the use of a mobile device such as a phone while physically at the installation location.
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Troubleshooting Overview of Possible Issues Letters on the right (such as A) refer to issues and symptoms listed in the following sections. No Ethernet connection Ports not configured correctly to outside world Ethernet cable damaged or not connected Internet Memory Card Memory card missing Memory card not properly engaged in Gateway Router...
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Troubleshooting Symptoms and Causes Letters next to individual problems (such as D) correspond with general locations pointed out in the Overview on page 40. Table 6 Symptoms and Corresponding Issues Symptom Possible Causes Touch Screen Button (also web interface in most cases) AC breaker or fuse open (D) AC Output of inverter not connected (D) AC Section of display...
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Troubleshooting More details by topic This section provides more details on the lettered topics depicted on page 40. See page 26 for more information on the Array Summary screen shown here. A. Network Issues No Ethernet connection Bad or improperly wired Ethernet cable Router or switch port not enabled Any of the above issues can cause the Gateway’s NET indicator to turn red.
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Troubleshooting C. Gateway-to-Inverter Connectivity Issues The Gateway is wired into an unrelated AC circuit The Gateway is too far away from inverter(s) The Gateway is the wrong side of filtering on the AC circuit Filtering present on the utility grid interfering with communication The Gateway connects to local inverters using Power Line Communications (PLC).
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Troubleshooting E. Inverter Installation Issues Unterminated connectors allowed moisture to ingress AC or DC connector not fully engaged Temperature range exceeded (possibly from direct sun exposure, reduced spacing, or lack of airflow), causing output to be reduced due to high internal temperatures. This protective feature helps to extend the lifetime of the inverter.
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Specifications Table 9 Gateway Specifications Specification Value AC input voltage, min/nom/max 244/277/305V AC AC frequency, min/nom/max 59.3/60.0/60.5 Hz –20 to +50 °C Operating ambient temp range Power consumption 1.5 W typical (4 W max) Mounting, environmental rating Indoor - NEMA 1 Memory card SD compatible, 4-32GB tested, FAT32 formatted Communication with inverter...
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