Fronius Fronius CL USA Operating Instruction [EN]

/ Battery Charging Systems / Welding Technology / Solar Electronics

Fronius CL 36.0 / 48.0 / 60.0 WYE277

Fronius CL 33.3 / 44.4 / 55.5 DELTA

Operating Instructions

Inverter for grid-connected

EN-US

photovoltaic systems

42,0426,0083,EA 009-01042015

Dear Fronius Customer,

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Fronius - and congratulations on your new, high-quality, high­tech Fronius product. This introduction should provide you with general information
about the equipment. Please read it carefully to learn about the many great features of
your new Fronius product. This is the best way to get the most out of all the advantages
that it has to offer.

Please also note the safety information and the safety precautions for the product
installation location. Following all product instructions will ensure long-lasting quality and
reliability. And these are the essential ingredients for outstanding results.

EN-US

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IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

General This manual contains important instructions for the Fronius CL, that must be followed

during installation and maintenance of the inverter.

The Fronius CL is designed and tested according to international safety requirements, but
as with all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed
when installing and/or operating the Fronius CL.
To reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe installation and operation of
the Fronius CL, you must carefully read and follow all instructions and safety instructions
in these operating instructions.

Failure to follow these instructions and other relevant safety procedures may result in
voiding of the warranty and/or damage to the inverter or other property!

Safety Instruc­tions

Electrical instal­lations

The following section “Safety Instructions“ contains different Warnings. A Warning descri­bes a hazard to equipment or personnel. It calls attention to a procedure or practice,
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of
part or all of the Fronius inverter and/or other equipment connected to the Fronius inverter
or personal injury.

All electrical installations must be made in accordance with the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, and any other codes and regulations applicable to the installation site.

For installations in Canada the installations must be done in accordance with applicable
Canadian standards.

Safety Instructions

Explanation of
Safety Warnings!

General

„DANGER!“ Indicates an immediate danger. Death or serious injury may

result if appropriate precautions are not taken.

EN-US

„WARNING!“ indicates a potentially dangerous situation. Death or serious
injury may result if appropriate precautions are not taken.

„CAUTION!“ Indicates a situation where damage or injury could occur. Minor
injury or damage to property may result if appropriate precautions are not
taken.

NOTE! Indicates a situation which could adversely affect work results and may
cause damage to equipment.

„Important“ Highlights tips for correct operation and other particularly useful
information. It does not indicate a potentially damaging or dangerous situation.

If you see any of the symbols depicted in the „Safety Rules,“ special care is required.

This equipment has been manufactured using state-of-the-art technology
and in accordance with general safety regulations. However, incorrect
operation or misuse may endanger:

- the life and well-being of the operator or third parties

- the equipment and other property of the owner/operator

- the efficient operation of the equipment.

All persons involved with equipment startup, service and maintenance must:

- be suitably qualified

- be familiar with electrical installations

- have completely read and followed these operating instructions

The operating instructions must be available at the equipment location at all
times. In addition to the operating instructions, all applicable local rules and
regulations regarding accident prevention and environmental protection must
also be followed.

All safety instructions and warning signs on the equipment itself:

- must be maintained in legible condition

- must not be damaged

- must not be removed

- must not be covered or painted over

For information about where the safety instructions and warning signs are
located on the equipment, please refer to the “General“ section of your
equipment’s operating instructions.

Any equipment malfunctions which might impair safety must be remedied
immediately before the device is turned on.

Your safety is at stake.

I

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Intended Use

The equipment may only be operated in compliance with its intended use.

Any other purpose does not constitute intended use. The manufacturer is not
responsible for any damages resulting from unintended use.

Intended use also includes:

- reading and complying with all general information as well as safety
information and warnings from the operating instructions

- compliance with all inspection and maintenance requirements

- installation as per operating instructions

Where appropriate, the following guidelines should also be applied:

- Utility company regulations regarding grid feed-in

- Information from solar module manufacturer

Ambient Conditi­ons

Qualified Person­nel

Operation and/or storage of the device outside of the stipulated range does
not constitute intended use. The manufacturer is not responsible for any
damages resulting from unintended use.

Please refer to the technical data in your operating instructions for informati­on about permitted ambient conditions.

The servicing information contained in these operating instructions is intended
only for the use of qualified service engineers. An electric shock can be fatal.
Please do not perform any actions other than those described in the docu­mentation. This also applies to qualified personnel.

All cables and wires must be secured, undamaged, insulated and adequately
dimensioned. Loose connections, scorched, damaged or under-dimensioned
cables and wires must be repaired immediately by an authorized specialist.

Maintenance and repair may only be carried out by an authorized specialist.

The use of third-party parts does not guarantee that they were designed and
manufactured according to operational demands and safety requirements.
Use only original spare parts (also applies to standard parts).

Safety Precauti­ons at Equipment
Location

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Do not carry out any alterations, installations or modifications to the device
without first obtaining the manufacturer’s permission.

Immediately replace any components that are not in perfect condition.

When installing devices with air vents, make sure that cool air can flow freely through the
vents unobstructed. The device should only be operated in accordance with the protec­tion class listed on the rating plate.

II

Information on
Noise Emission
Values

The inverter generates a maximum sound power level of <80dB(A) (ref.
1pW) at full-load operation according to IEC 62109-1.

The cooling of the device takes place via an electronic temperature control
system at the lowest possible noise level and depends on the power used,
ambient temperature and the soiling level of the device, etc.

A workplace-related emissions value cannot be provided for this device
because the actual noise level that occurs depends strongly on the installati­on situation, the grid quality, the surrounding walls and the general properties
of the space.

EMC Device
Classifications

Devices in emission class A:

- Are only designed for use in industrial settings

- Can cause grid-bound and radiated interference in other areas

Devices in emission class B:

- Satisfy the emissions criteria for residential and industrial areas.
This is also true for residential areas in which the energy is
supplied from the public low-voltage grid.

EMC device classification as per the rating plate or technical data

EMC Precautions In special cases, there may still be interference for the specified application

area despite maintaining standardized emission limit values (e.g. when
sensitive equipment is located at the setup location or when the setup
location is near radio or television receivers).
In this case, the operator is obliged to take proper action to rectify the
situation.

EN-US

Grid connection

Devices with a high output (> 16 A) can influence the voltage quality of the
grid due to a high current input into the main supply.
This can affect several device types in the form of:

- Connection limitations

- Requirements regarding permitted mains impedance

- Requirements regarding minimum required short circuit power

*)

for each interface to the public grid

*)

*)

See technical data

In this case, the operator or the user of the device must make sure whether
or not the device may be connected, if necessary by contacting the power
supply company.

III

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Electrical Installa­tions

Electrical installations may only be carried out in accordance with relevant
national and local standards and regulations.

ESD Precautions

Safety Precauti­ons in Normal­Operation

Safety Markings

Danger of damage to electronic components due to electrostatic discharge.
Take appropriate ESD precautions when replacing and installing compon­ents.

The device should only be operated when all safety equipment is fully func­tional. If safety equipment is not fully functional, there is a danger to:

- the life and well-being of the operator or third parties

- the equipment and other property of the owner/operator

- the efficient operation of the equipment

Safety equipment that is not fully functional must be repaired by an authori­zed specialist before the device is turned on.

Never bypass or disable safety equipment.

Equipment with the CE marking fulfils the basic requirements of the Guideli­ne Governing Low-Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility. (For more
information, please see the attachment and/or the “Technical Data“ section in
your documentation).

Disposal

Data Security

Copyright

This device should not be disposed of in residential waste.
To comply with European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment and its implementation as national law, electrical
equipment that has reached the end of its life must be collected separately
and returned to an approved recycling facility. Any device that you no longer
require must be returned to your dealer or you must find an approved collec­tion and recycling facility in your area.
Ignoring this EU Directive may have adverse affects on the environment and
your health.

The user is responsible for backing up data relating to changes made to
factory settings. The manufacturer will not accept liability if personal settings
are deleted.

The manufacturer maintains the copyright to these operating instructions.

Text and illustrations are technically correct at the time of going to print. The
right to make modifications is reserved. The contents of the operating in­structions shall not provide the basis for any claims whatsoever on the part
of the purchaser. We would be grateful for any comments or suggestions
regarding improvements and/or error corrections for the operating instruc­tions.

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IV

Table of Contents

Protection of Persons and Equipment ............................................................................................................ 5

Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

Protection of Persons and Equipment ....................................................................................................... 5

Galvanic Isolation ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Monitoring the Grid .................................................................................................................................... 5

Information about Field Adjustable Trip Points .......................................................................................... 5

FCC Compliance ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Ground Fault Detector / Interrupter ........................................................................................................... 6

Standards and Regulations ....................................................................................................................... 6

Product Listings and Compliance .............................................................................................................. 6

Warning notices affixed to the device........................................................................................................ 7

Use in accordance with "intended purpose" ................................................................................................... 8

Use in accordance with "intended purpose" .............................................................................................. 8

Field of application .................................................................................................................................... 8

Photovoltaic system stipulations ............................................................................................................... 8

Operating Principle ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Fully Automatic Operational Management ................................................................................................ 9

The MIXTM Concept ................................................................................................................................ 9

Reliability ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Power Derating ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Forced Ventilation ................................................................................................................................... 10

The Fronius CL Unit in the PV System .......................................................................................................... 11

General .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Tasks ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

Converting DC into AC Current ................................................................................................................ 11

Display function and data communication ................................................................................................ 11

Data Communications Components............................................................................................................. 12

Data Communications Components........................................................................................................ 12

Fronius Com Card ................................................................................................................................... 12

Fronius Modbus Card.............................................................................................................................. 12

Fronius Datalogger .................................................................................................................................. 12

Fronius Sensor Card / Box ...................................................................................................................... 12

Fronius Interface Card and Fronius Interface Card easy ........................................................................ 12

Fronius String Control 250/25 ................................................................................................................. 12

Inverter Product Description ......................................................................................................................... 13

Inverter Product Description (doors closed) ............................................................................................ 13

Inverter Product Description (doors opened) .......................................................................................... 14

Connection Area Product Description .......................................................................................................... 15

Connection Area Product Description ..................................................................................................... 15

Terminals in the Area of the Isolated Relay Contact................................................................................ 16

Installation and Connection Accessories ................................................................................................. 16

Choosing the Location ................................................................................................................................. 17

Choosing the Location in General ........................................................................................................... 17

Criteria for Location Selection ................................................................................................................. 17

Unsuitable Locations ............................................................................................................................... 17

Transport ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

Transport ................................................................................................................................................. 18

Crane Transport Using Forks .................................................................................................................. 19

Transport Using a Forklift or Lift Truck .................................................................................................... 19

Manual Transport .................................................................................................................................... 19

Removing Power Stage Sets ........................................................................................................................ 20

Opening the Fronius CL .......................................................................................................................... 20

Removing Power Stage Sets ................................................................................................................... 20

1

Requirements for Installing the Fronius CL .................................................................................................. 21

Additional External AC and/or DC Disconnect ........................................................................................ 21

Using the Mounting Base ........................................................................................................................ 21

Use of aluminum wires ............................................................................................................................ 21

Inverter Cabling ....................................................................................................................................... 21

Side Cabling ............................................................................................................................................ 21

Bottom Cabling........................................................................................................................................ 22

Fronius CL Installation.................................................................................................................................. 23

Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 23

Preparing AC and DC Wires ................................................................................................................... 23

Positioning the Mounting Base ................................................................................................................ 24

Installation of several inverters ................................................................................................................ 24

Installing the Mounting Base ................................................................................................................... 25

Preparing the Fronius CL ........................................................................................................................ 26

Positioning the Fronius CL on the Mounting Base .................................................................................. 27

Positioning the Fronius CL on the Mounting Base Using a Crane .......................................................... 27

Positioning the Fronius CL on the Mounting Base Using a Crane and Forks, a Forklift or a Lift Truck ... 28

Manually Positioning the Fronius CL on the Mounting Base ................................................................... 28

Securing the Fronius CL to the Mounting Base ....................................................................................... 29

Cross Section of AC and DC Wires .............................................................................................................. 30

Maximum Wire Cross Section ................................................................................................................. 30

Minimum Cross Section of AC Wires ...................................................................................................... 30

Minimum Cross Section of DC Wires ...................................................................................................... 31

Cable Lugs for AC and DC Wires............................................................................................................ 31

Connecting the Fronius CL to the Public Grid (AC) ...................................................................................... 32

Overview of Available Power Grids ......................................................................................................... 32

Monitoring the Grid .................................................................................................................................. 33

AC Terminals ........................................................................................................................................... 33

Possible Connections to the Ground terminal ......................................................................................... 34

Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

Connecting the Fronius CL to the Public Grid (AC) ................................................................................. 35

Connecting aluminium wires ................................................................................................................... 35

AC Connection Examples ....................................................................................................................... 36

Recommendation for the AC-side Overcurrent Protection ...................................................................... 36

Connecting DC Wires to the Fronius CL ...................................................................................................... 37

General Information about Solar Modules .............................................................................................. 37

Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 37

DC Terminals ........................................................................................................................................... 38

Connecting aluminium wires ................................................................................................................... 38

Connecting DC Wires.............................................................................................................................. 39

DC Connection Examples ....................................................................................................................... 39

Fronius CL Solar Module Ground ................................................................................................................. 41

General ................................................................................................................................................... 41

Solar Module Ground via Fuse ............................................................................................................... 41

Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 42

Solar Module Ground at Negative Pole ................................................................................................... 42

Solar Module Ground at Positive Pole - Inserting Fuse .......................................................................... 42

Inserting Power Stage Sets .......................................................................................................................... 43

Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 43

General ................................................................................................................................................... 43

Slot Arrangement .................................................................................................................................... 44

Dip Switches for Identifying Power Stage Set Racks ..............................................................................44

Dip Switch Settings for Each Slot ............................................................................................................ 44

Inserting Power Stage Sets ..................................................................................................................... 45

Application Example ................................................................................................................................ 46

Closing the Fronius CL ................................................................................................................................. 47

Closing the Fronius CL ............................................................................................................................ 47

Start-up Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 48

Requirements for Start-up Operation ...................................................................................................... 48

Start-up Operation ................................................................................................................................... 48

Factory Pre-set Configuration ................................................................................................................. 48

2

Selecting the Public Grid ......................................................................................................................... 49

Startup Phase during Startup Operation .................................................................................................. 50

Setting inverter for solar module ground at the positive pole .................................................................. 52

Selecting the Interface Protocol and Setting the Inverter Baud Rate ........................................................... 54

General ................................................................................................................................................... 54

Entering the access code ........................................................................................................................ 54

Selecting the interface protocol for communication with other data communication components........... 55

Setting the inverter baud rate .................................................................................................................. 56

Setting the Relay Contact Functions ............................................................................................................ 58

General ................................................................................................................................................... 58

Possible Functions of Relay Contacts ..................................................................................................... 58

Entering the access code ........................................................................................................................ 59

Setting the relay contact functions .......................................................................................................... 60

Inserting Option Cards ................................................................................................................................. 61

Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 61

Opening the Fronius CL .......................................................................................................................... 61

Connecting Option Cards, Laying Data Communication Wires ............................................................... 62

Inserting Option Cards ............................................................................................................................ 62

Closing the Fronius CL ............................................................................................................................ 64

Solar Net and Data Communication ............................................................................................................. 65

Solar Net ................................................................................................................................................. 65

Data Communication ............................................................................................................................... 65

Application Example ................................................................................................................................ 66

Keys and Symbols ....................................................................................................................................... 67

Keys and Symbols .................................................................................................................................. 67

Display .................................................................................................................................................... 67

Operating Status LED ............................................................................................................................. 69

Startup Phase and Grid Feed-in Mode ......................................................................................................... 70

Startup Phase.......................................................................................................................................... 70

Test Procedure ........................................................................................................................................ 70

Operation of Feeding Energy into the Grid .............................................................................................. 71

Activating Display Backlight .................................................................................................................... 72

Automatic Deactivation of Display Illumination / Switching to the ‘Now’ Display Mode ........................... 72

Navigation in the Menu Level ....................................................................................................................... 72

Accessing Menu Levels .......................................................................................................................... 72

Selecting a Display Mode ........................................................................................................................ 73

Display Modes .............................................................................................................................................. 73

Display Modes ........................................................................................................................................ 73

Overview of Display Values ..................................................................................................................... 74

Display Values in the ‘Now’ Display Mode .................................................................................................... 75

Selecting the ‘Now’ Display Mode ........................................................................................................... 75

Display Values in the ‘Now’ Display Mode ............................................................................................... 75

Options .................................................................................................................................................... 77

Display Values in the ‘Day / Year / Total’ Display Modes .............................................................................. 78

General ................................................................................................................................................... 78

Selecting ‘Day / Year / Total’ Display Modes ........................................................................................... 78

Display Values in the ‘Day / Year / Total’ Display Modes ......................................................................... 79

Options .................................................................................................................................................... 80

The Setup Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 81

Default Settings ....................................................................................................................................... 81

Accessing the Setup Menu ..................................................................................................................... 81

Scrolling through Menu Items ................................................................................................................. 82

Menu Items in the Setup Menu ............................................................................................................... 82

Setting and Displaying Menu Items .............................................................................................................. 87

General Menu Item Settings ................................................................................................................... 87

Exiting a Menu Item ................................................................................................................................ 87

Setting Standby Mode - Manual Shutoff of Feeding Energy into the Grid ............................................... 87

Restoring the Grid Feed .......................................................................................................................... 88

Setting the Display Contrast .................................................................................................................... 88

Setting the Display Illumination ............................................................................................................... 89

Setting the Currency and Rate ................................................................................................................ 90

3

Setting the CO2 Reduction Factor .......................................................................................................... 91

Setting the Offset Value for Total Energy Display and Measurement Correction Value ........................... 92

Setting the Inverter Number .................................................................................................................... 94

Displaying and Setting Parameters in the ‘DATcom’ Menu Item .............................................................. 95

Setting the Time and Date....................................................................................................................... 96

Displaying the Status of the Fans............................................................................................................ 99

Displaying the Status of the Power Stage Sets ..................................................................................... 100

Displaying the Version........................................................................................................................... 101

Setup Lock function .................................................................................................................................... 104

General ................................................................................................................................................. 104

Activating/deactivating the "Setup Lock" function ................................................................................. 104

Status Diagnosis and Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 106

Displaying Status Codes ....................................................................................................................... 106

Normal Operation Status Codes ........................................................................................................... 106

Total Failure ........................................................................................................................................... 106

Power Stage Set Error Status Codes .................................................................................................... 107

Class 1 Status Codes ............................................................................................................................ 108

Class 2 Status Codes ............................................................................................................................ 109

Class 3 Status Codes ............................................................................................................................. 110

Class 4 Status Codes ............................................................................................................................. 112

Class 5 Status Codes ............................................................................................................................. 117

Customer Service.................................................................................................................................. 120

Maintenance............................................................................................................................................... 121

Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 121

General ................................................................................................................................................. 121

Opening the Fronius CL for Service/Maintenance ................................................................................ 121

Operation in Dusty Environments.......................................................................................................... 122

Replacing Solar Module Ground Fuses ..................................................................................................... 124

Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 124

Opening the Fronius CL ........................................................................................................................ 125

Replacing Solar Module Ground Fuses at the Positive Pole ................................................................. 126

Replacing Solar Module Ground Fuses at the Negative Pole ............................................................... 126

Closing the Fronius CL .......................................................................................................................... 127

Replacing Power Stage Sets...................................................................................................................... 128

Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 128

Opening the Fronius CL ........................................................................................................................ 128

Removing Defective Power Stage Sets ................................................................................................. 129

Sticker for Replacing Power Stage Sets ................................................................................................ 130

Inserting Replacement Power Stage Sets ............................................................................................. 131

Closing the Fronius CL .......................................................................................................................... 132

Technical Data ............................................................................................................................................ 133

Fronius CL 33.3 delta ............................................................................................................................ 133

Fronius CL 36.0 wye277 ....................................................................................................................... 135

Fronius CL 44.4 delta ............................................................................................................................ 137

Fronius CL 48.0 wye277 ....................................................................................................................... 139

Fronius CL 55.5 delta ............................................................................................................................ 141

Fronius CL 60.0 wye277 ....................................................................................................................... 143

Explanation of Footnotes ...................................................................................................................... 145

Field Adjustable Trip Points ................................................................................................................... 145

Relevant Standards and Directives ............................................................................................................ 146

Relevant Standards and Directives ....................................................................................................... 146

Grid Failure ........................................................................................................................................... 146

Warranty and Disposal ............................................................................................................................... 147

Fronius Manufacturer’s Warranty .......................................................................................................... 147

Disposal of Obsolete Equipment - Recycling ........................................................................................ 147

4

Protection of Persons and Equipment

Safety

Protection of
Persons and
Equipment

WARNING! An electric shock can be fatal. Danger from grid voltage and

DC voltage from solar modules.

- The connection area should only be opened by a licensed electrician.

- Never work with live wires! Prior to all connection work, make sure that
the AC and DC wires are not charged.

WARNING! If the equipment is used or tasks are carried out incorrectly,
serious injury or damage may result. Only qualified personnel are authori­zed to install your inverter and only within the scope of the respective
technical regulations. It is essential that you read the "Safety regulations"
chapter before commissioning the equipment or carrying out maintenance
work.

The design and function of the inverter provide a maximum level of safety during both
installation and operation.

The inverter provides operator and equipment protection through:
a) galvanic isolation
b) monitoring the grid

Galvanic Isolati­on

Monitoring the
Grid

Information
about Field
Adjustable Trip
Points

FCC Compliance This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

The inverter is equipped with a high-frequency transformer that ensures galvanic
isolation between the DC side and the grid, thus ensuring the highest possible safety.

Whenever conditions in the electric grid are inconsistent with standard conditions (e.g.,
grid switch-off, interruption), your inverter will immediately stop operating and interrupt
the supply of power into the grid.

Grid monitoring take place through:

- monitoring voltage

- monitoring frequency

- monitoring islanding conditions

The inverter is equipped with field adjustable trip points. For further information, please
contact Fronius technical support at: [e-mail].

the following conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interfe­rence that may cause undesired operation.

5

Ground Fault
Detector / Inter­rupter

The inverter is equipped with a ground fault detection and interruption (GFDI) circuit as
required by UL 1741 and the National Electrical Code.
Depending on the system configuration, either the positive or negative conductor of the
PV array is grounded in the inverter via a fuse. If a ground fault occurs in the DC wiring,
the inverter disconnects from the grid.

Standards and
Regulations

Product Listings
and Compliance

Your inverter complies with the requirements of the following standards „Inverters,
converters and controllers for use in independent power systems“:

- UL1741

- IEEE 1547

- IEEE 1547.1

- ANSI/IEEE C62.41

- C22.2 No. 107.1-01

- FCC Part 15 B

The ground-fault detection and interruption comply with the NEC 690 building code
requirements.

The respective conformity declarations can be found in the appendix to these operating
instructions.

6

Warning notices
affixed to the
device

The interior of the inverter contains warning notices and safety symbols. These warning
notices and safety symbols must NOT be removed, painted over or covered. The
notices and symbols warn against operating the equipment incorrectly, as this may
result in serious injury and damage.

7

Use in accordance with "intended purpose"

Use in accor­dance with
"intended purpo­se"

Field of applicati­on

Photovoltaic
system stipulati­ons

The Fronius CL solar inverter is designed exclusively to convert direct current from
solar modules into alternating current and feed this power into the public grid. The
following are deemed not in accordance with the intended purpose:

- Use for any other purpose, or in any other manner

- Alternations to the Fronius CL that are not expressly recommended by Fronius

- Installation of parts that are not expressly recommended or sold by Fronius

The manufacturer is not responsible for any damages resulting from unintended use. In
addition, no warranty claims will be entertained.

Use in accordance with the "intended purpose" also includes:

- following all the instructions in these operating instructions

- carrying out all the specified inspection and servicing work

The inverter has been designed exclusively for use in grid-connected photovoltaic
systems. It cannot generate electric power independently of the grid.

The inverter is designed exclusively to be connected and used with solar modules. Use
with other DC generators (e.g., wind generators) is not permitted.

When configuring the photovoltaic system, make sure that all photovoltaic system
components are operating completely within their permitted operating range.

All measures recommended by the solar module manufacturer for maintaining solar
module properties must be followed.

8

Operating Principle

Fully Automatic
Operational
Management

The MIX
cept

TM

Con-

The inverter is fully automatic. Starting at sunrise, as soon as the solar modules genera­te enough power, the automatic control unit starts monitoring grid voltage and frequen­cy. After five minutes, if there is a sufficient level of irradiance, your solar inverter starts
feeding energy to the grid.

The control system of the inverter ensures that the maximum possible power output is
drawn from the solar modules at all times.
This function is called MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking).

As dusk starts and there is no longer sufficient energy available to feed power into the
grid, the inverter shuts down the grid connection completely and stops operating. All
settings and data recorded are saved.

MIX = Master Inverter X-change

In the MIX concept, several smaller power stage sets operate instead of one large
power stage set:

- When irradiance is low, only 1 - 3 power stage sets turn on in the inverter.

- In this way, the power stage sets operate in a higher partial-load range than a large
power stage set.

- The energy can then be converted more efficiently, thus significantly increasing the
efficiency.

- The control software alternately assigns the “master power stage set” function to all
the power stage sets.

- When irradiance is high, the other power stage sets switch on in sets of 3.

- The “master power stage set” coordinates and controls the operation of the other
power stage sets.

- Operating hours per power stage set are decreased, and the service life of the
power stage sets is increased along with the yield for partial-load operation.

Reliability

Power Derating

The MIX concept ensures a high degree of reliability due to the number of independent
power stage sets:
if one power stage set fails, the remaining power stage sets take over for it. Thus
energy losses are limited and only occur when irradiance is high.

If there is insufficient heat dissipation despite the fan operating at maximum speed (for
example, inadequate heat transfer away from the heat sinks), the power will be derated
to protect the inverter.

Derating the power reduces the output of the inverter for a short period sufficient to
ensure that the temperature will not exceed the permitted limit.
Your inverter will remain ready for operation as long as possible without any interrupti­on.

9

Forced Ventilati-onThe inverter is cooled through forced

ventilation via 2 temperature-controlled
fans mounted in the doors. The air drawn
in at the front flows into a closed channel
through the individual racks containing the
power stage sets and then is discharged
out the top.
The closed air channel ensures that the
power stage sets do not come into contact
with the outside air. This ensures that the
power stage sets do not get dirty.
The fan speed and the temperature of the
supply air are monitored.

The power stage sets are hermetically
sealed and have their own fans for circu­lating the air in the power stage set racks.

The inverter’s speed-controlled fans with
ball bearing support ensure:

- optimal inverter cooling

- higher efficiency

- cooler components, thus improving
service life

- lowest possible energy consumption
and noise level

10

The Fronius CL Unit in the PV System

General

Tasks

The Fronius CL solar inverter is the highly complex link between the solar modules and
the public grid.

Inverter

PV Array

Main AC
Load Center

Energy
Meter

The main tasks of the inverter include:

- Converting DC into AC current

- Fully automatic operation management

- Display function and data communication

Converting DC
into AC Current

Display function
and data commu­nication

The inverter transforms the direct current generated by the solar modules into alterna­ting current. This alternating current is fed into your home system or into the public grid
and synchronized with the voltage that is used there.

Important The inverter has been designed exclusively for use in grid-connected photo­voltaic systems. It cannot generate electric power independently of the grid.

The display on the inverter is the interface between the inverter and the operator. The
display has a user-friendly design.

The inverter is equipped with a basic logging function to monitor minimum and maxi­mum data on a daily and a cumulative basis. These values are shown on the display.

A wide range of data communication products allows for many possibilities of recording
and viewing data.

11

Data Communications Components

Data Communi­cations Compon­ents

Fronius Com
Card

Fronius Modbus
Card

The inverter is designed for various data communications components, e.g.:

- Fronius Datalogger Card / Box

- Fronius Datalogger Web

- Fronius Sensor Card / Box

Data communications components are available as plug-in cards or versions with an
external housing. Depending on the version, the inverter can accommodate up to 2
option cards in addition to the standard Fronius Com Card.

The Fronius Com Card enables the inverter to communicate with other inverters or
external data communications components such as Datalogger, String Controls or third
party system monitoring devices.

The Fronius Modbus Card is a system upgrade used to retrieve data from an inverter
via the Modbus protocol.
The Modbus protocol is a master/slave architecture-based communication protocol. The
Fronius Modbus Card communicates with the Modbus Master using register addresses.
The Fronius Modbus Card comes standard with the inverter.

Detailed information about the Fronius Modbus Card according to the enclosed "Fronius
Modbus Card" operating instructions.

- Fronius Interface Card / Box

- Fronius String Control 250/25

Fronius Datalog­ger

Fronius Sensor
Card / Box

Fronius Interface
Card and Fronius
Interface Card
easy

Control 250/25

The Fronius Datalogger is used to record and manage data from a photovoltaic system
using a PC.

The Fronius Sensor Card / Box is used to integrate various sensors into Solar Net (e.g.,
for temperature, irradiance).

The Fronius Interface Card and the Fronius Interface Card easy are RS 232 interfaces
for transmitting various kinds of system data in an open protocol format.

The Fronius String Control 250/25 is used to combine and monitor solar module strings.Fronius String

12

Inverter Product Description

Inverter Product
Description
(doors closed)

(1)

(3)(2)

(1)(4)

(13)

(12)

(11)

(10)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

Item Description

(1) Ring bolt for transporting by crane (4 x)

(2) Door latch top left

(3) Door latch top right (can be locked)

(4) Exhaust air hood

(5) DC main switch, can be locked when turned off

Important! The doors cannot be opened when the DC main switch is turned
on.

(6) Control units (display, keys, Operating Status LED)

(7) Fan cover right

(8) Door latch bottom right (can be locked)

(9) Mounting base with removable side parts

Height 5.91 in. (150 mm)

(10) Fork pockets for forklift

(11) Door latch bottom left

13

Closed Inverter
Product Descrip­tion

(continued)

Inverter Product
Description
(doors opened)

Item Description

(12) Fan cover left

(13) AC main switch, can be locked when turned off

Important! The doors cannot be opened when the AC main switch is turned
on.

(5)

(6)

Item Description

(1) Door catch right

(2) Cover right

(3) Cover left

(4) Door catch left

(5) Cover top

(6) Power stage set racks

(max. 15)

14

(2)

(3)(4)

(1)

- The connection area for AC and DC is
located under the left cover.

- The connection area for data commu­nication and other options is located
under the right cover.

Connection Area Product Description

Connection Area
Product Descrip­tion

DC-

DC+

L3

L1

N

L2

Grounding

terminal

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

Item Description

(1) Base cover

(2) DC+ terminal

(3) DC- terminal

(4) AC terminal - phase conductor L1

(5) AC terminal - phase conductor L2

(6) AC terminal - phase conductor L3

(7) AC terminal - neutral conductor N

(8) Ground terminal (e.g., for grid grounding, grounding electrode,

(equipment grounding, etc.)

(9) Fuse holder for grounding solar modules either at the positive or at

the negative pole

(10) 2 isolated relay contacts, e.g., for connecting and controlling

external ventilation:

- with terminals

- with a strain-relief device

(11) Option area

- with standard Fronius Modbus Card for data communication via
Modbus RTU Protocol

- with a strain-relief device

Fronius CL - WYE277:

- with 2 free slots for option cards

Fronius CL - DELTA

- with 1 free slot for an option card

- with standard NL-MON plug-in card

(12) Holder for an option box (e.g., Fronius Datalogger Box)

15

Terminals in the
Area of the
Isolated Relay
Contact

extern

L N

AC COM

S2 EXT NO SC2 NC NC SC1 NO

(1)

(2)

(4) (5) (6)

(3)

Item Description

(1) NO = normally open contact for relay contact 2

(2) SC2 = relay contact 2

(3) NC = break contact for relay contact 2

(4) NC = break contact for relay contact 1

(5) SC1 = relay contact 1

(6) NO = normally open contact for relay contact 1

NO = normaly open NC = normaly closed SC = switch contact

Installation and
Connection
Accessories

Cable cross-section: AWG 16 - AWG 6
Terminal tightening torque: 0.86 - 1.11 ft. lb.
Max. current per relay output: AC max. 277 V / 10 A, DC max. 24 V / 10 A

For assigning various functions to the relay contacts see chapter ‘Installation and
Startup’, section ‘Setting Relais Contact Functions’.

The inverter comes with several installation and connection accessories in a plastic bag
fixed near the bottom to the left inverter side wall.

- 5 x metric screw M5 x 10 mm (3/8 in.)

- 5 x metric screw M5 x 16 mm (1/16 in.)

- 20 x metric hexagon nut M10, wrench size 17 mm (7/64 in.)

- 20 x two-part securing washer NL 10, outside diameter 16.6 mm
(3/32 in.), pairwise pre-assembled

- 6 x metric hexagon nut M12, wrench size 19 mm (3/16 in.)

- 6 x two-part securing washer NL 12, outside diameter 19.5 mm
(13/64 in.), pairwise pre-assembled

- 2 x copper ring, diameter 13 and 25 x 9.7 mm (33/64 and 63/64 x 3/8 in.)

- 8 x copper spacer

- 2 x fuse KLKD 30

- 1 x fuse KLKD 3

- 1 x lead through DG 36

16

Choosing the Location

Choosing the
Location in
General

Criteria for
Location Selec­tion

NOTE In order to protect the display, the inverter should not be exposed to

direct sunlight. Ideally, the inverter should be set up in a protected location,
e.g., near the solar modules or under a roof overhang.

The inverter is designed for installation both indoors and outdoors.

NEMA 3R protection means that the inverter is not susceptible to water spray from any
direction. However, Fronius recommends that the inverter not be exposed to direct
moisture or to a direct water jet (e.g., from sprinklers).

Only set up on a firm, flat, level and fireproof surface

Max. ambient temperatures: -13 °F / 122 °F (-25 °C / +50 °C)

Height above sea level: up to 6562 ft. (2000 m)

Keep a min. side distance of 8.5 in. (216 mm) between each inverter or anything to the
right or left of the inverters such as walls or DC and AC disconnects.

When installing more than one inverter, keep a distance of 1 in. (25.4 mm) between
each inverter.

The distance between the upper edge of the inverter and the ceiling must be at least 8
in. (200 mm).

Unsuitable
Locations

The air flow direction within the inverter is from front to top (cold air intake front, hot air
exit top).

When installing the inverter in a closed space, it is necessary to ensure that the hot air
that develops will be discharged by forced ventilation.

Do not install the inverter:

- in areas with large amounts of dust

- in areas with a large amount of conducting dust particles (e.g., iron filings)

- in areas with corrosive gases, acids or salts

- in areas where there is an increased risk of accidents caused by farm animals
(horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, etc.)

- in stables or adjoining areas

- in storage areas for hay, straw, chaff, animal feed, fertilizers, etc.

- in storage or processing areas for fruit, vegetables or winegrowing products

- in areas used in the preparation of grain, green fodder or animal feeds

- in greenhouses

17

Transport

Transport Any transportation equipment used to transport the inverter must be designed to ac-

commodate the weight of the inverter:

Fronius CL 33.3 DELTA / 36.0 WYE277 .................................................. 661.00 lbs. (300 kg)

Fronius CL 44.4 DELTA / 48.0 WYE277 .................................................. 721.00 lbs. (327 kg)

Fronius CL 55.5 DELTA / 60.0 WYE277 .................................................. 783.00 lbs. (353 kg)

The inverter can be transported as follows:

- using a crane at the ring bolts

- using a crane and forks

- using a forklift or lift truck

- manually

Crane Transport
Using the Ring
Bolts

WARNING! Falling devices can be deadly. When transporting the inverter

by crane

- Use all 4 ring bolts when transporting by crane

- Select a length for the sling gear (chains, rope, straps, etc.) so that the
angle between the sling gear and the horizontal is at least 60°.

min 60°

18

Crane Transport
Using Forks

WARNING! Falling devices can be deadly. When transporting the inverter

by crane using forks

- The forks must have a clearance height of at least 6 ft. 3 in. (approx.
1,900 mm)

- Insert the forks only into the fork pockets

- The forks should always be inserted completely into the fork pockets

- Secure the inverter so that it cannot slide off of the forks

min. 6 ft. 3 in.

(min. 1,900 mm)

Transport Using
a Forklift or Lift
Truck

WARNING! Falling or toppling devices can be deadly.

- Insert the forks of the forklift or lift truck only into the fork pockets

- The forks should always be inserted completely into the fork pockets

- Secure the inverter so that it cannot slide off of the forks

- Do not turn, brake, or accelerate in a sudden, jerking manner

Manual Transport The inverter can also be transported manually if a crane, forklift or lift truck cannot be

used.

NOTE At least 4 adults are required to manually transport the inverter.
Fronius recommends that you remove the power stage sets from the inverter
to reduce its weight for manual transport.

19

Removing Power Stage Sets

1

Opening the
Fronius CL

Removing Power
Stage Sets

2

1

2

1

1

3

4

WARNING! An electrical shock can be fatal. Danger from grid voltage and
DC voltage from solar modules.
Do not remove power stage sets under load. Before removing power stage
sets, make sure that the AC and DC main switches are turned off in the
device interior.

WARNING! An electrical shock can be fatal. Danger from residual voltage
from capacitors.
You must wait until the capacitors have discharged. Discharge takes 5
minutes.

1

2

3

3

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

- Unscrew the screws at the 4 rails
(4 x 5 screws)

- Remove the 4 rails

- Remove the power stage sets

20