Table of Contents Introduction ......................7 Audience ....................................7 Symbols Used ..................................7 General Safety ..................................7 Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies ......................... 8 Inverter Functions ................................8 Inverter Controls ................................... 9 MATE3 System Display and Controller ............................. 9 ...
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Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 Battery Indicator Values ..........................15 Table 2 Summary of Input Modes .......................... 25 Table 3 Charge Currents for FXR Models ......................33 Table 4 Offset Interaction with AC Source ......................42 Table 5 Aux Mode Functions ...........................
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Table of Contents List of Figures Figure 1 FXR Series Inverter/Charger with Turbo Fan ..................8 Figure 2 MATE3 and AXS Port ........................... 10 Figure 3 AC Terminals ..............................12 Figure 4 LED Indicators ..............................15 Figure 5 Inverter Status LED Indicators ........................16 Figure 6 ...
Introduction Audience This manual provides instructions for setup and operation of the product. It does not cover installation. The manual is intended to be used by anyone required to operate the FXR Series Inverter/Charger. Operators must be familiar with all the safety regulations pertaining to operating power equipment of this type as required by local code.
Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack FXR Series Inverter/Charger. It is designed to offer a complete power conversion system between batteries and AC power. As part of an OutBack Grid/Hybrid™ system, it can provide off-grid power, grid backup power, or grid-interactive service which sells excess renewable energy back to the utility.
Introduction Uses the MATE3™ System Display and Controller or the AXS Port™ SunSpec Modbus Interface (sold separately) for user interface as part of a Grid/Hybrid system MATE3 must have firmware revision 003.002.xxx or higher Supports the OPTICS RE™ online tool for a cloud-based remote monitoring and control application ...
Introduction to include a MATE3 as part of the system. This provides the means to monitor system performance and respond quickly should it be necessary to correct a fault or shutdown condition. The MATE3’s Configuration Wizard is capable of automatically configuring inverters to a series of preset values.
Commissioning Functional Test WARNING: Shock Hazard and Equipment Damage The inverter cover must be removed 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. It is highly recommended that all applicable steps be performed in the following order.
Commissioning Figure 3 AC Terminals 2. If a system display is present, perform all programming for all functions. These functions may include AC input modes, AC output voltage, input current limits, battery charging, generator starting, and others. AC input modes are described beginning on page 17 and are summarized on page 25. The inverter’s individual operations are described beginning on page 27.
Commissioning 3. Using the system display, temporarily bring each slave out of Silent mode by raising the Power Save Level of the master. (See page 46.) As each slave is activated, it will click and create an audible hum. ...
Commissioning Firmware Updates IMPORTANT: All inverters will shut down during firmware updates. If loads need to be run while updating the firmware, bypass the inverter with a maintenance bypass switch. Communication cables must remain connected and DC power must remain on. Interrupted communication will cause the update to fail and the inverter(s) may not work afterward.
Operation LED Indicators AUX Indicator (see page 49) Battery Status Indicators Indicators Figure 4 LED Indicators Battery Indicators The Battery LED indicators show the approximate battery state. (See IMPORTANT note below.) The Battery indicators and the Inverter Status indicators are independent. They may accompany each other depending on conditions.
Operation Status Indicators STATUS INVERTER (Green): Solid: The FXR inverter is on and providing power. If accompanied by a solid yellow AC IN indicator (2), the inverter is also connected to the utility grid with an AC input mode that uses both inverter power and grid power (Support, Grid Tied, or GridZero).
Operation Inverter Functionality The FXR inverter can be used for many applications. Some of the inverter’s operations occur automatically. Others are conditional or must be enabled manually before they will operate. Most of the inverter’s individual operations and functions can be programmed using the system display.
Operation When multiple inverters are stacked together in parallel, the master inverter’s input mode is imposed on all slaves. (See the stacking section on page 43.) The slave settings are not changed; they retain any mode that was previously programmed. However, the slave will ignore its programmed mode and use that of the master.
Operation NOTES : IMPORTANT: The inverter will draw energy from the batteries when the loads exceed the appropriate AC Limit. With sustained loads and no other DC source, the batteries may discharge to the Low Battery Cut-Out point. The inverter will shut down with a Low Battery error.
Operation NOTES : The inverter has a delay before selling will begin. This function, the Re-Connect Delay Timer, has a default setting of one minute. During this time, the inverter will not connect to the utility grid. The timer is adjustable in the Grid Interface Protection menu (see below).
Operation The utility may simply name a standard to be followed. It may be necessary to look up the requirements for a local standard and program them accordingly. STAGE 1 Voltage (basic settings) Frequency Trip Over Voltage Clearance Time (seconds) Over Frequency Clearance Time (seconds) ...
Operation Failure Backup The Backup mode is intended for systems that have utility grid available as the primary AC source. This source will pass through the FXR inverter’s transfer circuit and will power the loads unless utility power is lost. If utility grid power is lost, then the inverter will supply energy to the loads from the battery bank.
Operation Mini Grid mode is also incompatible with the Grid Use Time and Load Grid Transfer functions of the MATE3 system display. These functions do not have similar priorities to Mini Grid or HBX, but they do control the inverter’s connection and disconnection with the grid.
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Operation NOTES IMPORTANT: Setting DoD Volts too low will severely discharge the batteries. The battery bank may not have sufficient reserve to provide backup in the event of a grid failure. To prevent the loss of power, load use and the DoD Volts setting should be planned accordingly. ...
Operation Table 2 Summary of Input Modes Mode Summary Benefits Cautions Intended Charger Generator Accepts power Can use AC that may be Will pass irregular or Performs three-stage Source: from an unusable in other modes low-quality power to charge and goes Generator irregular or...
Operation Description of Inverter Operations The items in this section are operations common to all FXR inverters. These are used in most or all of the input modes described in the preceding section. Some of the items in this section are functions which can be manually selected, enabled, or customized.
Operation Output Voltage: The AC output voltage can be adjusted. Along with small changes, this allows the inverter to be used for different nominal voltages such as 220 Vac and 240 Vac. IMPORTANT: The output voltage can adjusted to a different nominal value for a particular region. Making this change will not affect the default input voltage range accepted by the inverter from an AC source.
Operation NOTE: Increment sizes are difficult to define due to varying load characteristics. However, the default setting, 30 increments, is approximately sufficient to detect the load of one compact fluorescent light (CFL). A load which draws this amount or greater will “wake up” the inverter. ...
Operation allows certain models to sell power using the input connection. The Support mode can use battery power to assist a smaller AC source. When GridZero mode is selected, the battery charger cannot be used. See page 25 for descriptions of these and other input modes. AC Current Settings The AC current settings, Grid Input AC Limit and Gen Input AC Limit, control the amount of current that the inverter draws from the source.
Operation Gen AC Input Mode and Limits). The settings are titled Voltage Limit Lower and Upper. There can be side effects to changing the range of allowed voltages. Each of the AC input selections has a settable Connect Delay. This is intended as a warmup period which allows an input source to stabilize before connection.
Operation Generator Input A generator should be sized to provide enough power for all inverters, both for loads and for battery charging. The generator’s voltage and frequency must match the inverter’s acceptance settings. 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.
NOTE : This table does not match the calculations above due to other factors in charging. Table 3 Charge Currents for FXR Models Model Maximum DC Output (sent to battery) Maximum AC Input (used from source) FXR2012E 100 Adc 7 Aac VFXR2612E 120 Adc 9 Aac...
Operation Limiting Charge Current (Multiple Inverters) It is not advisable to set Charger AC Limit less than 6 Aac in a stacked system. The Power Save function requires the master to activates the slave chargers in sequence only when the charge current exceeds 5 Aac.
Operation Advanced Battery Charging (ABC) Advanced battery technologies such as lithium-ion and sodium-sulfur may require very different settings from the inverter’s defaults or the three-stage cycle in general. The Charging Steps section describes the individual selections and behavior. All charger settings are adjustable for different priorities. For example, the Float voltage could be set higher than the Absorption voltage, or a step could be completely skipped.
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Operation Time limit: Absorb Time setting. The charger does not necessarily run through its full duration if it retained time from a previous charge cycle. The timer counts down from the inception of the Absorption stage until it reaches zero. The time remaining can be viewed in the system display. The Absorption timer does not reset to its maximum amount, or to zero, when AC power is disconnected or reconnected.
Operation Time limit: Float Time setting. The charger will go Silent once the timer has expired (if another stage is not still in progress.) The Float timer is reset to its maximum amount whenever the batteries decrease to the Re-Float Voltage setting. NOTE : The Float timer begins running any time the battery voltage exceeds the Float Voltage set point.
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Operation Voltage Cycle 1 Cycle 2 AC Loss AC Loss Refloat Absorption Silent Refloat Float Float Silent Absorption Set Point Float Set Point Re-Float Set Point Absorption Float timer Float timer runs (part) Float timer runs timer runs resets Time Inverter now charging to a new set point Inverter completed charging;...
Operation Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 AC Loss AC Loss AC Loss Abs. Absorption Silent Bulk Absorption Silent Bulk Bulk Absorption Set Point Float Set Point Re-Bulk Set Point Absorption Absorption Absorption Absorption Absorption timer resets timer runs timer runs timer timer runs (part)
Operation Equalization Equalization is a controlled overcharge that is part of regular battery maintenance. Equalization brings the batteries to a much higher voltage than usual and maintains this high voltage for a period of time. This has the result of removing inert lead sulfate compounds from the battery plates. It also reduces stratification by circulating the electrolyte.
Operation Battery Temperature Compensation Battery performance will change when the temperature varies above or below room temperature (77°F or 25°C). Temperature compensation is a process that adjusts battery charging to correct for these changes. When a battery is cooler than room temperature, its internal resistance goes up and the voltage changes more quickly.
Operation Offset Offset is an automatic operation which occurs in certain conditions. It is not a programmable function. This operation uses excess battery energy to power the loads when an AC source is present. The system can take advantage of renewable energy sources, “offsetting” dependence on the AC source. The battery voltage increases as a renewable energy source charges the batteries.
Operation Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) Multiple inverters in a single system can support larger loads than a single inverter. Installing inverters in this configuration is called “stacking”. Stacking refers to how inverters are wired within the system and programmed to coordinate activity. Stacking allows inverters to work together as one system. Each inverter is programmed to power an individual phase of the system and to operate at certain times.
Operation Stacking Configurations Each inverter must be assigned a particular mode in the Stack Mode menu. In the figures for each configuration below, the mode names are shown next to each inverter. For example, Figure 11 shows Master for the first inverter in a parallel-stacked system. The remaining inverters are designated Slave.
Operation LOAD PANEL Master 2.0 kVA 230 Vac 2.0 kVA 230 Vac B Phase Master 2.0 kVA 6.0 kVA 2.0 kVA 230 Vac 230 Vac 400 Vac C Phase Master 2.0 kVA 2.0 kVA 230 Vac 230 Vac Figure 12 Example of Three-Phase Stacking Arrangement (Three Inverters) LOAD PANEL Slave...
Operation Power Save Each FXR inverter consumes 34 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 part of a parallel system into a quiescent state known as Silent mode.
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For more information on charging with stacked inverters, see page 33. If other adjustments are required to the maximum charge rate, see page 73. Figure 15 shows a system of four FXR2012E inverters (the master and three slaves). These inverters in a parallel system with a common load bus.
8 Aac are distributed among the remaining three inverters. If the loads decreased to 6 Aac, a second slave would go silent. Figure 16 shows a system of six FXR2012E inverters. In this example the inverters have been stacked in a three-phase system. The master inverter is on the Phase A output while subphase masters are on Phase B and Phase C.
Operation Auxiliary Terminals The FXR inverter has a 12V AUX output which can respond to different criteria and control many operations. These terminals provide a 12 Vdc output that can deliver up to 0.7 Adc. The AUX output has three states: continuous Off, continuous On, and Auto, which allows that output to be activated using the automatic auxiliary functions.
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Operation Settable Gen Alert parameters include: Low and high DC voltage On and off delay Gen Alert control logic is located in the inverter. It has the advantage of functioning when the system display is removed. However, it may not completely charge the batteries and does not have all the advantages of the Advanced Generator Start (AGS) function that is found in the system display.
Operation when energized. Diversion is usually used to regulate battery charging. The AC device is usually wired to the output or load panel and must be left on. It must be sized to dissipate all energy from the renewable source if necessary. Diversion will turn off following a delay when a low DC voltage setting is reached. ...
Operation System Display-Based Functions A system display such as the OutBack MATE3 can provide functions not available in the inverter. These functions are summarized here to provide a better idea of overall system capabilities. The system display must be present for these functions to operate. If a function is set up (or already in operation) but the system display is removed, the function will not operate.
Operation Grid Use Time The inverter system is capable of connecting to, or disconnecting from, the utility grid based on time of day. It can also be programmed to connect at different times on weekdays and on weekends. Load Grid Transfer The inverter system is capable of connecting to, or disconnecting from, the utility grid based on load size.
Metering MATE3 Screens The MATE3 system display can monitor the FXR inverter and other networked OutBack devices. From the Home screen, the <Inverter> “soft” key accesses the screens for monitoring the inverter. Inverter Soft Key Figure 17 Home Screen Inverter Screen The Inverter soft key opens a screen showing the inverter operating mode, battery voltage, and status of several AC operations.
Metering Load displays kilowatts and AC amperage consumed by devices on the inverter’s output. It can be the same Invert displays the kilowatts and AC amperage brought into the inverter’s input for both charging and loads. This is usually a total of Charge Load ...
Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting Table 7 is organized in order of common symptoms, with a series of possible causes. Each cause also shows possible troubleshooting remedies, including system display checks where appropriate. In troubleshooting, AC voltages can be measured at the attachment screw for each AC conductor.
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Troubleshooting Table 7 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy Unit is slave and is in Silent One or more units MATE3 system display only: Check Power Save levels in the mode. Inverter Stacking menu and test with loads. Determine if the have no output but others do (in multi- inverter comes on at the appropriate levels.
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Troubleshooting Table 7 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy Charge complete or nearly Check the DC voltage and charging stage using the MATE3, if complete. present. Confirm with DC voltmeter. MATE3’s DC meter reads Check the DC voltage on the inverter’s DC terminals. If different significantly higher than actual from the MATE3 reading, the inverter could be damaged.
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Troubleshooting Table 7 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy Incorrect input mode. Offset does not function in Generator, UPS, and Backup modes. Inverter does not Specific mode only offsets perform the Offset Support mode will perform the Support function based on load. under particular conditions.
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Troubleshooting Table 7 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy Inverter’s output has been Disconnect the wires from the inverter’s AC input or AC output connected to its input. Voltage terminals, or both. If the problem immediately disappears, it is an shifts are the result of trying to external wiring issue.
Troubleshooting Error Messages An error is caused by a critical fault. In most cases when this occurs, the ERROR indicator will illuminate and the inverter will shut down. (See page 15 for the FXR inverter’s LED indicators.) The MATE3 system display will show an event and a specific error message. The Inverter Errors screen is viewed using the MATE3 Home screen’s soft keys.
Troubleshooting Warning Messages A warning message is caused by a non-critical fault. When this occurs, the ERROR indicator will flash, although the inverter will not shut down. (See page 15 for the FXR inverter’s LED indicators.) The MATE3 system display will show an event and a specific warning message. The Inverter Warnings screen is viewed using the MATE3 Home screen’s soft keys.
Troubleshooting Table 9 Warning Troubleshooting Message Definition Possible Remedy Fan Failure The inverter’s internal cooling fan is not Turn the battery disconnect off, and then on, to operating properly. Lack of cooling may determine if the fan self-tests. After this test, result in derated inverter output wattage.
Troubleshooting Disconnect Messages Disconnect messages explain why the inverter has disconnected from an AC source after previously being connected. The unit returns to inverting mode if turned on. The Last AC Disconnect screen is viewed using the AC INPUT hot key on the MATE3. One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the disconnection.
Troubleshooting 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 disconnection. If the inverter has stopped selling or charging unexpectedly, this screen may identify the reason.
Specifications Electrical Specifications NOTE: Items qualified with “default” can be manually changed using the system display. Table 14 Electrical Specifications for 12-Volt FXR Models Specification FXR2012E VFXR2612E Continuous Output Power at 25°C 2000 VA 2800 VA Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 8.7 Aac...
Specifications Table 15 Electrical Specifications for 24-Volt FXR Models Specification FXR2024E VFXR3024E Continuous Output Power at 25°C 2000 VA 3000 VA Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 8.7 Aac 13 Aac AC Output Voltage (default) 230 Vac 230 Vac AC Output Frequency (default) 50 Hz 50 Hz AC Output Type...
Specifications Table 16 Electrical Specifications for 48-Volt FXR Models Specification FXR2348E VFXR3048E Continuous Output Power at 25°C 2300 VA 3600 VA Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 10 Aac 13 Aac AC Output Voltage (default) 230 Vac 230 Vac AC Output Frequency (default) 50 Hz 50 Hz AC Output Type...
Specifications Mechanical Specifications Table 17 Mechanical Specifications for FXR Models FXR2012E, FXR2024E, and VFXR2612E, VFXR3024E, and Specification FXR2348E VFXR3048E 13 x 8.25 x 16.25" 12 x 8.25 x 16.25" Inverter Dimensions (H x W x D) (33 x 21 x 41 cm)
77°F 86°F 104°F 122°F VFXR2612E VFXR3024E and VFXR3048E FXR2348E FXR2024E and FXR2012E Figure 21 Temperature Derating Regulatory Specifications Certifications This product has been certified by ETL to meet the following standards: IEC 62109-1:2010 — Safety of Power Converters for use in Photovoltaic Systems (2010) ...
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Specifications These inverter/charger models have grid-interactive functions. All models are tested to comply with certain limits for acceptable output voltage ranges, acceptable output frequency, total harmonic distortion (THD) and anti-islanding performance when the inverter exports power to a utility source. The OutBack inverter/charger models listed in this document are validated through compliance testing.
Specifications Summary of Operating Limits Severe conditions cause the inverter to limit its output or shut down for protection. The most common conditions are high voltage, low voltage, and temperature. The limits for these conditions are summarized in Table 19. See pages 62 and 64 for more information on these conditions and the warning or error messages which accompany them.
In a stacked system (using the HUB communications manager), chargers on higher-numbered HUB ports should be turned off first. Slave chargers should be turned off before turning off any subphase masters. (See page 43 for information on stacking.) Table 20 Chargers On and Current Settings FXR2012E VFXR2612E FXR2024E VFXR3024E FXR2348E...
76 to locate this command in the menu structure.) Table 21 Charge Currents for Calculations Model Maximum DC Output (sent to battery) Maximum AC Input (used from source) FXR2012E 100 Adc 7 Aac VFXR2612E 120 Adc...
30 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac AC Input and Gen Input AC Limit 30 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac Current Limit FXR2012E 6 Aac 0 Aac 7 Aac Charger AC Limit VFXR2612E 8 Aac 0 Aac 9 Aac Input Mode...
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Specifications Table 22 FXR Settings for 12-Volt Models Field Item Default Minimum Maximum 14.6 Vdc 11.0 Vdc 17.0 Vdc Equalize Voltage Battery Equalize (Equalize) Time 1.0 hours 0.0 hours 24.0 hours Aux Control Auto Off, Auto or On Load Shed, Gen Alert, Fault, Vent Fan, Cool Fan, Aux Mode Vent Fan DC Divert, GT Limits, Source Status, AC Divert...
Specifications Table 23 FXR Settings for 24-Volt Models Field Item Default Minimum Maximum INVERTER Hot Key Inverter Mode On, Off, or Search CHARGER Hot Key Charger Control On or Off AC Input Hot Key AC Input Mode Drop or Use Sensitivity (see page 28 for increments) Search Pulse Length...
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Specifications Table 23 FXR Settings for 24-Volt Models Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Aux Control Auto Off, Auto or On Load Shed, Gen Alert, Fault, Vent Fan, Cool Fan, Aux Mode Vent Fan DC Divert, GT Limits, Source Status, AC Divert (Load Shed) ON: Batt >...
Specifications Table 24 FXR Settings for 48-Volt Models Field Item Default Minimum Maximum INVERTER Hot Key Inverter Mode On, Off, or Search CHARGER Hot Key Charger Control On or Off AC Input Hot Key AC Input Mode Drop or Use Sensitivity (see page 28 for increments) Search Pulse Length...
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Specifications Table 24 FXR Settings for 48-Volt Models Field Item Default Minimum Maximum Aux Control Auto Off, Auto or On Load Shed, Gen Alert, Fault, Vent Fan, Cool Fan, Aux Mode Vent Fan DC Divert, GT Limits, Source Status, AC Divert (Load Shed) ON: Batt >...
Specifications Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 25 Terms and Definitions Term Definition 12V AUX Auxiliary connection that supplies 12 Vdc to control external devices Alternating Current; refers to voltage produced by the inverter, utility grid, or generator Advanced Generator Start Canadian Standards Association;...
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