Detection Of Earth Fault; Lightning Protection; Connecting The Communication Cables - Studer VarioTrack VT-40 User Manual

Studer Innotec SA
VarioTrack
Do not connect the positive pole of the solar generator to the earth otherwise dangerous
voltages will surge between the battery poles and the earth.

4.6.1 Detection of earth fault

Choosing how to earth the DC circuit is an important factor for the user's safety. Once the choice is
made, the VarioTrack can check the continuity or, on the contrary, the failure of the earth
connection (in the case of an IT system).
In case of failure of the earth connection, the equipment turns off and the LED (3) lights up indicating
a fault. A permanent message (requiring validation) is displayed on the RCC if present.
The parameter {10060} establishes the type of earth fault check to be carried out.
The earth fault check can be set to one of the following three types of earthing schemes, or
deactivated:
Negative battery pole earthed: In the VarioTrack the negative poles of the PV modules as well as the
battery are connected. If this option is chosen, the VarioTrack constantly measures the voltage
between the earth and the negative poles. If the measured voltage is greater than approximately
3V, the VarioTrack registers an error.
Positive battery pole earthed: The VarioTrack constantly measures the voltage between the positive
pole of the battery and the earth. If this voltage is greater than approximately 3V, the VarioTrack
registers an error.
Floating battery: This option should be used when none of the poles is connected to the earth. In this
case, the VarioTrack measures the voltage between the battery positive pole and the earth and
voltage between the battery negative pole and the earth. If one of the voltages is less than 3V, the
VarioTrack registers an error.
4.7 L
IGHTNING PROTECTION
The VarioTrack has internal protections against lightning by means of surge protection devices. These
devices have an energy dissipation capacity limited to 3,5kA (8x20 µs) which guarantees a certain
protection level but are not a total protection against lightning. According to the installation site, it is
highly recommended to develop a protection strategy specific to your installation. The strategies
depend on various factors specific to each site; we recommend therefore a professional approach
to this issue.
Most of the time, damages due to lightning generate significant costs (replacement of all
the electronics) which are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
4.8 C
ONNECTING THE COMMUNICATION CABLES
The connection compartment of the VarioTrack must remain permanently closed while
operating. Before opening, check that all voltage sources (battery and PV) have been
disconnected or switched off and wait for 2 minutes before opening the equipment. It is
imperative to close the protection cover on the connection terminals after each servicing.
The VarioTrack is fitted with 2 connectors RJ45/8 (7) (see chap. 4.1 – p.10) that enable to transfer
information via a communication bus to other VarioTracks or to other equipment such as the RCC,
the BSP or the Xtender inverter/chargers having the proprietary protocol of Studer Innotec (see
chap.9). All the units in the network are connected in series (strings).
The termination switch of the communication bus "Com. Bus" (7) remains in position T
(terminated) except when both connectors are used. In this case and only in this case, the
switch must be placed in the O (open) position. If one of the two connectors is not used, the
termination switch (7) will be in position T.
The max accumulated length of the communication bus is 300m. Due to a line voltage drop, it is
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