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Summary of Contents for OutBack Power Technologies GFX1312E
- 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 conversion technology. Our products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems.
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Page 3: Important Safety Instructions
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 accessories or additional equipment included in the installation. Failure to follow these instructions could result in severe shock or possible electrocution. -
Page 4: Definitions
Important Safety Instructions Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 1 Terms and Definitions Term Definition Alternating Current; refers to voltage produced by the inverter, utility grid, or generator Advanced Generator Start Inverter’s 12-volt auxiliary output Conformité... -
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ................1 Audience ....................................1 Symbols Used ..................................1 Definitions....................................2 General Safety ..................................1 Introduction....................7 Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies.........................7 System Display and Controller ............................8 Commissioning ....................9 Functional Test..................................9 Pre-startup Procedures ..................................9 Startup .........................................9 Powering Down....................................10 Adding New Devices..................................10 Operation ....................11 LED Indicators.................................. - Page 6 Table of Contents Specifications for Model GFX1312E..........................43 Specifications for Model GFX1424E..........................44 Specifications for Model GFX1448E..........................45 Environmental Specifications ............................46 Regulatory Specifications..............................46 Grid-Interactive Use ..................................46 Default Settings and Ranges............................47 Product Registration................... 53 Warranty ....................55 How to Arrange for Warranty Service .........................56 Contacting OutBack..................................56 Troubleshooting ....................................56 Return Material Authorization (RMA) .............................56...
- Page 7 Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 Terms and Definitions........................2 Table 2 Battery LED Values..........................11 Table 3 Status LED Quick Reference ......................12 Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps ......................31 Table 5 Error Troubleshooting ........................37 Table 6 Warning Troubleshooting......................38 Table 7 Disconnect Troubleshooting ......................39 Table 8 Stop Sell (and Charge) Reasons ....................40...
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Page 9: Introduction
Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack International Series 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. Battery-to-AC inverting which delivers 230 Vac at 50 Hz AC-to-battery charging Rapid transfer between AC source and inverter output with minimal delay time Inverter load support for a small AC source... -
Page 10: System Display And Controller
Introduction 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-programmed at the factory. (See page 47 for default settings.) The MATE and MATE2 System Display and Controller (sold separately) are OutBack products designed to accommodate programming and monitoring of an OutBack power system. -
Page 11: Commissioning
Commissioning Functional Test Pre-startup Procedures 1. Ensure all DC and AC overcurrent devices 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 correct for the inverter model. -
Page 12: Powering Down
Commissioning 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 between the AC HOT OUT and AC NEUTRAL OUT terminals. Do not turn on any AC circuit breakers at this time. -
Page 13: Operation
Operation LED Indicators AUX LED (see page 27) BATTERY LEDs STATUS LEDs 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 accompany any BATTERY LED based on certain conditions. -
Page 14: Table 3 Status Led Quick Reference
Operation STATUS LEDS GREEN Solid: The inverter is ON and providing power. If accompanied by solid yellow LED, unit is selling power to the utility grid. (See page 24 for a description of the Sell function.) Flashing: The inverter has been turned ON but is idle. May be accompanied by the yellow LED. If not accompanied by the yellow LED, the unit is in inverting mode and is idle due to lack of demand. -
Page 15: Description Of Functions
Operation 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 for instructions on locating these set points.) The default settings and ranges of adjustment are listed near the end of this book, beginning on page 47. Each function is accompanied by a symbol representing the inverter and that function: These items represent the input from the AC source, the output to the AC loads, DC functions... -
Page 16: 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 17 Operation 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 or input conductor. In the system display, if the source is set to grid, the inverter uses the grid settings.
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Page 18: Generators
Operation Generators A generator should be sized to provide enough power for both loads and battery charging. The generator needs a single circuit which is sized to provide current to all inverters on a given phase or leg. 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 19: Input Support
Operation 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. Initially the AC source current is used for both loads and battery charging. -
Page 20: 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. Voltage Absorption Set Point Absorption... - Page 21 Operation The initial DC current is the maximum current the charger 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 charging.
- Page 22 Operation 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”...
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Page 23: Figure 6 Repeated Charging Cycles
Operation Voltage Absorption Absorption Set Point Absorption Float Set Point Float Sell RE Set Point Silent Timer Float Sell RE Sell RE Refloat Set Point Rebulk Point AC Loss Bulk Bulk Charge Time Figure 6 Repeated Charging Cycles New Charging Cycle If the AC source is lost or disconnected, the unit will return to inverting mode if enabled. -
Page 24: Equalization
Operation will always run for the full Absorption period if the batteries dropped below the appropriate voltage for that amount of time. If significant battery drain 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. - Page 25 Operation The inverter, when equipped with the Remote Temperature 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 into the master inverter and will control the charging of all slaves and all charge controllers.
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Page 26: Selling
Operation Selling IMPORTANT: Selling power to the utility company requires the authorization of the local electric jurisdiction. How the local utility company handles this will depend on their policies on this issue. Some may pay for power sold; others may issue credit. -
Page 27: Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking)
Operation 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 another. It refers to how they are wired within the system and then programmed to coordinate activity. -
Page 28: Figure 8 Example Of Parallel Stacking Arrangement (Three Inverters)
Operation Parallel Stacking (Dual-Stack and Larger) In parallel stacking, two or more inverters are stacked to create a single, common 230 Vac output. 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. -
Page 29: Power Save Levels
Operation 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 the inverter’s idle consumption. -
Page 30: Auxiliary Terminals
Operation 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 signal, or running a small fan to cool the inverter. See the International Series GFX Installation Manual for more information on hooking up the AUX terminals. - Page 31 Operation Fault activates the AUX output when the inverter shuts down due to an error condition (see page 37). It can activate a light or alarm to show that the inverter has failed. With the appropriate devices, it could send an alarm signal through a radio, pager, or telephone dialer.
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Page 32: System Display-Based Functions
Operation System Display-Based Functions Advanced Generator Start (AGS) As noted under the Gen Alert feature (see page 28), 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 33: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting This list is organized in order of common symptoms, with a series of possible causes. Each possible cause also has inverter LEDs which may be unusual for that mode of operation. (LEDs which are normal, and LEDs on the system display, are not shown.) Each possible cause also shows possible troubleshooting remedies, including system display checks where appropriate. - Page 34 Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy One or more Inverting LED not Unit is slave and is in Power Save MATE system display only: Check Power Save inverters will illuminated on mode. levels in the ADV/FX/STACK menu and test not invert while questionable unit with loads.
- Page 35 Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy None (AC IN LED is Inverter priority MATE system display only: Check Stop Sell illuminated) Reasons screen (STATUS/FX/SELL). The inverter may be behaving correctly. MATE3 system display only: Check Sell Status screen with Grid Status soft key.
- Page 36 Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy AC IN LED flashes HBX mode has disconnected MATE system display only: Check the AC IN from AC. hot key screen to see if HBX mode is in use. (Continued) MATE3 system display only: Check the AC AC INPUT...
- Page 37 Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy None (Solid AC IN LED Erratic AC source voltage. Check AC voltage on the inverter’s input is replaced with solid terminals. If not consistent, the problem is Inverter LED) external.
- Page 38 Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy Generator, Amber AUX LED is on AUX output is not connected, or Test the generator or device to confirm external fan, is not delivering 12-volt output. functionality. Test the AUX+ and AUX– etc.
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Page 39: Error Messages
Troubleshooting 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 illuminate. See the system display manual for instructions on viewing errors. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE system display; Y in the MATE3. -
Page 40: 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 ERROR LED (see page 11) will flash. See the system display manual for instructions on viewing warnings. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE system display; Y in the MATE3. If a message says no (or N), it is not the cause of the inverter’s warning. -
Page 41: Disconnect Messages
Troubleshooting 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 (see page 11) will not illuminate for a disconnect message, although it may flash for a concurrent warning following the disconnect. (See previous section.) If the AC source is removed, the warning and the LED will be blank, but the cause of the last disconnect will remain. -
Page 42: Selling Or Charging Stopped
Troubleshooting 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 Sell Reasons”, even though it also refers to charging. If the inverter has stopped selling or charging unexpectedly, this screen may help identify the reason. The code numbers do not usually identify inverter failures. - Page 43 Troubleshooting Table 8 Stop Sell (and Charge) Reasons The inverter has been commanded to disconnect from the AC source by the user or by a programmed setting. It cannot charge or sell. The inverter has detected an “island” condition. The AC source frequency is unstable. The inverter cannot sell.
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Page 45: Specifications
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... -
Page 46: Specifications For Model Gfx1424E
Specifications 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... -
Page 47: Specifications For Model Gfx1448E
Specifications 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... -
Page 48: Environmental Specifications
Specifications Environmental Specifications Table 15 Environmental Specifications for All Models Specification Value Rated Temperature Range (meets all specifications) 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) Operational Temperature Range (functions, but does not necessarily meet all specifications) –40°C to 60°C (–40°F to 140 °F ) Storage Temperature Range –40°C to 60°C (–40°F to 140°F ) -
Page 49: Default Settings And Ranges
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges (viewed in MATE) Table 17 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search search pulse length 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles search pulse spacing ac transfer control Grid Grid or Gen... -
Page 50: Table 18 24-Volt Inverter Settings (Mate)
Specifications Table 18 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search search pulse length search pulse spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles ac transfer control Grid Grid or Gen Input ac1/grid limit 25 Aac... -
Page 51: Table 19 48-Volt Inverter Settings (Mate)
Specifications Table 19 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search search pulse length search pulse spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles ac transfer control Grid Grid or Gen Input ac1/grid limit 25 Aac... -
Page 52: Table 20 12-Volt Inverter Settings (Mate3)
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges (viewed in MATE3) Table 20 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search Pulse Length 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles Pulse Spacing Input Type Grid Grid or Gen Input Support... -
Page 53: Table 21 24-Volt Inverter Settings (Mate3)
Specifications Table 21 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search Pulse Length Pulse Spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles Input Type Grid Grid or Gen Input Support Y or N AC Input and Grid Input AC Limit... -
Page 54: Table 22 48-Volt Inverter Settings (Mate3)
Specifications Table 22 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search Pulse Length Pulse Spacing 60 AC cycles 4 AC cycles 120 AC cycles Input Type Grid Grid or Gen Input Support Y or N AC Input and Grid Input AC Limit... -
Page 55: Product Registration
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 expected 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: Go to the following website. - Page 56 Product Registration 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 brand and model of generator INSTALLER INFORMATION Contractor Number Installer Name...
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Page 57: Warranty
Warranty 5-Year Limited Warranty for GFX Products OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. (“OutBack”) provides a five-year (5) limited warranty (“Warranty”) against defects in materials and workmanship for its GFX Series inverter 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 58: 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 59: Returning Product To Outback
Warranty 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 reasonable protection. The RMA number must be written on the outside of the packaging where it is clearly visible. - Page 60 Warranty This page intentionally left blank. 900-0112-01-00 Rev B...
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Page 61: Index
Index Absorption Stage...............19 Equalization.................22 AC Current Settings ............15 AC Input................14 AC Source Acceptance.............15 Adding New Devices ............10 Factory Default Settings...........47, 50 AGS..................2, 30 Features ..................7 Audience ................1 Float Stage ................20 Automatic Generator Start..........30 Functional Test..............9 AUX Control.................28 Functions AUX Functions AC Input Limit ...............14 Cool Fan ................28 AC Transfer..............16... - Page 62 Index Stacking................25 Parallel................26 Three-Phase..............26 LBCO..................2, 13 Status LEDs...............9, 10, 12 LED Indicators ............ 2, 9, 10, 11 Support, Input..............17 Battery LEDs ..............11 Symbols Used............... 1 Status LEDs ..............12 System Display..2, 8, 25, 27, 30, 31, 37, 38, 39, 40 Levels, Power Save............27 System Display Functions LoadShed................29 AGS...................30...
- Page 63 Index 900-0112-01-00 Rev B...
- Page 64 North America: 5917 – 195 Street N.E., #7 Arlington, WA 98223 USA +1.360.435.6030 900-0112-01-00 Rev B...