OK4-100 AC inverter for PV-modules User's Manual

Safety and EMC information

The equipment described in this manual has been designed and tested according to the IEC 950 (EN 60950) safety requirements. It is an IEC safety class 2 product. Before installation, check local requirements on connecting PV installations to the mains as well as those on household electrical installations and, read the instructions described in this manual. The equipment has been designed and tested to meet the EG-regulations relating EMC. The equipment uses radio frequency energy, improper use may cause interference to other equipment or a decrease of performance due to interference radiated by other equipment. The equipment described in this manual is designed for use by properly trained personnel. This means that adjustment, maintenance and repair of the equipment should only be carried out by qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved. For correct and safe use of the equipment and in order to keep the equipment in a safe condition, it is essential that both operating and servicing personnel follow standard safety procedures in addition to the safety precautions and warnings specified in this manual. If there is any doubt regarding the safety of the equipment do not put it into operation. This might be the case when the equipment shows physical damage or is stressed beyond its tolerable limits (e.g. during storage and transportation). Before installation or maintenance, disconnect the equipment from the mains by means of an obligatory mains-switch between the mains and the equipment. When removing the mains connection under life condition, life terminals may be exposed. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. Proper precautions should be taken against ESD when handling the equipment. The equipment should be used solely as per its purpose. The manufacturer does not accept liability for any damage due to misuse or incorrect installation.

Mains Switch

AC-cable

Brown Blue Violet Orange A To OK485 B Interface

AC-cable
Mains Vac

ACACinverter inverter

DC-cable

Yellow Clamp & Tie Wrap

DC-cable

Junction box
OK4-100 OK4-100 AC inverter AC inverter

+Vdc -Vdc

Red wire Black wire

Rearview PV-module

OK4-100
1. Description
The OK4-100 AC inverter is a small-sized, high performance DC to AC inverter for connection of PV modules (solar panels) to the mains. The inverter introduces a new look on PV system design, which has a number of advantages compared with the traditional PV systems, using a central inverter. The unit is designed for use in combination with a PV module consisting of 72 solar cells in series and with a peak output power of 80 to 120 W. The AC-inverter optimises power transfer from the PV module to the mains by means of a Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm (MPPT). It also monitors the mains voltage, phase and frequency in order to transfer the PV energy into the mains without introducing distortion. The OK4-100 AC module is not designed to be used as a stand-alone unit (island operation). Interruption or severe disturbances of the mains will force the AC inverter to disconnect itself (standby mode).

2. Connections
The location and the function of the connections with the OK4-100 are given in figure 1 and table 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. DC-cable AC-output Clamp AC-cable Fixed cable to connect the PV module . Output connector for AC-cable. Strain relief for AC-output connector. Outdoor cable for connecting the inverter to the mains and the OK485.

Table 1. OK4-100 connections.

The DC-cable is fixed to the AC inverter. The function of the wires are given in table 2. wire: red black Function: +Vdc (Positive pole of PV-module) -Vdc (Negative pole of PV-module)

Table 2. Wire assignment DC cable

The AC-cable is fitted with a special connector to the AC inverter. Connection with the inverter is regarded as permanent; the connector should be secured with the attached yellow clamp and a tie wrap. The function of the wires are given in table 3. wire: brown blue violet orange Function: Vac, life. Vac, neutral. RS485 serial data, line A RS485 serial data, line B

Table 3. Wire assignment AC-cable

3. Operation and control

3.1. Operation The AC inverter operates by connecting it to the PV-module. A DC voltage of 24 V or more is sufficient to bring the unit in standby mode. In standby mode the AC-output is shut off. During the start up sequence the OK4-100 AC inverter measures the mains voltage and frequency. When they are within the normal limits the inverter starts to transfer the PV-modules power to the mains. The mains is monitored continuously; disconnecting the mains or hick-ups in voltage or frequency forces the AC inverter into standby mode. The latter prevents stand-alone operation of the inverter, also known as islanding.

3.2. Monitoring The OK4-100 AC inverter features a RS 485 serial data interface, which allows for monitoring operating parameters, such as: Total amount of delivered energy to the mains (in kWh); Actual Internal temperature of the AC inverter; RMS value of the current into the mains; Measured mains voltage and frequency; DC voltage from the PV-module. The data is obtained by a OK485 interface module. The software can be downloaded from Internet (www.nkf.nl/ok4). To connect the interface refer to the installation procedures described below.

4. Installation and maintenance

4.1. Accessories Available installation accessories : AC-cables in 2, 5, 10 and 20 meter AC-stringcable Mounting bracket for frameless modules Mounting bracket for framed modules

4.2. Mechanical installation Secure the inverter with a mounting bracket tightly to the back of the PV-module. Maintain enough space between the inverter and the backside of the PV-module, see figure 2. Refer to the instructions given with the PV-module for mounting instruction of the module and additional instructions for mounting the inverter to the PV-module.

4.3. Electrical installation Before installation, check local requirements for connecting photo-voltaic installations to the mains as well as requirements on electrical installations in general. 1. Connect inverter to the PV-module with the DC-cable. (red to the plus, +V, and black to the return, -V. See figure 3.) 2. Make sure that the mains is switched off. 3. Connect the AC-cable to the mains. (Brown and blue wire of the AC-cable, figure 1).
It is recommended or even required to fit the mains connection with an additional, dedicated mains switch.

5. Terminate the violet and orange wire of the AC-cable with a connector strip for remote control (OK485). See figure 1.
Please note that the data wires are considered dangerous and should be regarded as mains connected. Therefor, the type of wires and installation should meet the requirements for mains connected electrical installations.

6. Connect the AC-cable to the inverter and secure the connection with the yellow clamp and tighten it with a tie-wrap. 7. Switch on the mains

4.4. Maintenance The OK4-100 inverter is maintenance free. In order to maintain a reliable operation of the PV installation, please observe the following points. Prevent dust and debris from collecting on the inverter and PV-module; Maintain sufficient free space around the inverter for cooling. Inspect the mechanical installation and the condition of the wiring on a regular base.

5. Technical specifications
Table 4 gives the technical specifications of the OK4-100. AC data Output voltage, frequency: OK4E OK4J OK4U Efficiency (max.) Power factor Total harmonic distortion Power consumption stand-by DC data PV-module type Rated power Starting power Input voltage range Environmental data Temperature range Rel. humidity (no condensation) Water resistance Electrical safety EMC MTBF Expected lifetime Mechanical data Type of housing height x width x depth weight (approx.)
Table 4. Specifications OK4-100

190...270 Vac, 49.051.0 Hz 190...270 Vac, 59.061.0 Hz 95...125 Vac, 59.061.0 Hz 94 % > 0.99 <3% 3 mW

72 cells in series 100 W DC 0.15 W at 24 Vdc 2450 Vdc

-40 ... 85 C 99 % IP 67 KEMA approved CE compliant > 50 years > 20 years

Aluminium cassette 92.5 x 120 x 30 mm 625 g