Fronius IG 300 User Manual

FRONIUS IG 300 / 400 / 500

GB

Operating instructions

Inverter for mains-connected
photovoltaic systems

42,0410,1288 012006

Dear Reader

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Fronius - and congratulations on your new, technically high­grade Fronius product! This instruction manual will help you get to know your new
machine. Read the manual carefully and you will soon be familiar with all the many
great features of your new Fronius product. This really is the best way to get the most
out of all the advantages that your machine has to offer.

Please also take special note of the safety rules - and observe them! In this way, you
will help to ensure more safety at your product location. And of course, if you treat your
product carefully, this definitely helps to prolong its enduring quality and reliability - things
which are both essential prerequisites for getting outstanding results.

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Safety rules

DANGER!

WARNING!

CAUTION!

“DANGER!” indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word must be
limited to the most extreme situations. This signal word is not used for
hazards relating to property damage unless there is also a risk of personal
injury appropriate to this level.

“WARNING!” indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury. This signal word is not used
for hazards relating to property damage unless there is also a risk of perso­nal injury appropriate to this level.

“CAUTION!” indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avo­ided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to draw
attention to unsafe practices that may cause damage to property.

NOTE!

Important!

General Remarks

“NOTE!” indicates a situation which implies a risk of impaired results and

damage to the equipment.

“Important!” indicates practical hints and other particularly useful informati­on. It is not a signal word for a harmful or dangerous situation.

Whenever you see any of the symbols shown above, pay close attention to
the contents of the manual!

This equipment has been manufactured in accordance with the state of the
art and general safety-engineering principles. Nevertheless, incorrect opera­tion or misuse may still endanger

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

- the equipment and other tangible assets belonging to the owner/operator,

- working efficiently with the equipment.

All persons involved in any way with starting up, servicing and maintaining
the equipment must

- be suitably qualified

- have good knowledge of dealing with electrical installations and

- read this instruction manual thoroughly and follow the instructions to the
letter.

The instruction manual must be kept at the machine location at all times. In
addition to the instruction manual, it is important to comply with both the
generally applicable and local accident prevention and environmental protec­tion regulations.

I

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General Remarks

(continued)

All the safety instructions and warning signs on the machine itself:

- must be kept in a legible condition

- must not be damaged

- must not be removed

- must not be covered, pasted or painted over

For information about where the safety instructions and warning signs are
located on the machine, please refer to the section of your machine’s in­struction manual headed “General Remarks”.

Any malfunctions which might impair machine safety must be remedied
immediately before the machine is switched on.

Your safety is at stake!

Utilisation for
Intended Purpose
Only

Ambient
Conditions

The machine may only be used for jobs as defined by the “intended purpo­se”.

Utilisation for any other purpose, or in any other manner, shall be deemed
"not in accordance with the intended purpose". The manufacturer shall not
be liable for any damage resulting from such improper use.

Utilisation in accordance with the “intended purpose” also comprises

- thorough reading of and compliance with all the instructions, safety
instructions and warnings given in this manual

- performing all stipulated inspection and servicing work

- installation in accordance with the instruction manual

Where appropriate, the following guidelines should also be applied:

- regulations of the power supply company for input to the grid

- information provided by the manufacturer of the solar modules

Operation or storage of the machine outside the stipulated range is deemed
“not in accordance with the intended use”. The manufacturer shall not be
liable for any damage resulting therefrom.

Please refer to the technical data in your instruction manual for accurate
information about the permissible ambient conditions.

Qualified Staff The servicing information provided in this instruction manual is only intended

for qualified staff. An electric shock can be fatal. Please do not carry out any
activities other than those referred to in the documentation. This also applies
even if you are suitably qualified.

All cables and other leads must be firmly attached, undamaged, properly
insulated and adequately dimensioned. Have loose connections, scorched,
damaged or under-dimensioned cables and wires repaired immediately by
an authorised specialist company.

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II

Qualified Staff

(continued)

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

There is no guarantee in the case of parts sourced from other suppliers that
these parts have been designed and manufactured to cope with the stresses
and safety requirements that will be placed on them. Use only original spare
parts (this also applies to standard parts).

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

Replace immediately any components that are not in perfect condition.

Safety Precauti­ons at the Machi­ne Location

EMC Precautions

Electrical Installa­tions

ESD Protective
Measures

Ensure when installing machines with cooling-air vents that the cooling air can flow freely
through the air vents without obstruction. Only operate the machine with the degree of
protection specified on the rating plate.

Care must be taken during installation to ensure that there is no occurrence
of electromagnetic interference with electrical and electronic equipment.

Electrical installations may only be executed in accordance with the relevant
national and regional standards and specifications.

Danger of damage to electronic components due to electrostatic discharge.
Take appropriate protective measures when replacing and installing the
components.

Safety Precau­tions in Normal
Operation

Only operate the machine if all its protective features are fully functional. If
any of the protective features are not fully functional, there is a danger to:

- the life and well-being of the operator or other persons

- the equipment and other tangible assets belonging to the owner/operator

- working efficiently with the equipment.

Have any safety features that are not fully functional repaired by an autho­rised specialist company before switching the machine on again.

Never bypass or disable safety features.

III

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Safety markings

Equipment with the CE mark fulfils the basic requirements of the Guideline
Governing Low-Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility. (More detailed
information about this may be found in the Annex or in the section of your
documentation headed “Technical Data”.)

Disposal

Data security

Copyright

Do not dispose of this device with normal domestic waste!
To comply with the 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 our agent, or find out about the approved collec­tion and recycling facilities in your area.
Ignoring this European Directive may have potentially 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.

Copyright to this instruction manual remains the property of the
manufacturer.

The text and illustrations are all technically correct at the time of going to
print. The right to make modifications is reserved. The contents of the
instruction manual shall not provide the basis for any claims whatever on the
part of the purchaser. We should be most grateful for your comments if you
have any suggestions for improvement, or can point out to us any mistakes
which you may have found in the manual.

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IV

Contents

Protection of personnel ................................................................................................................................. 3

Safety ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Housing unit ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Galvanic (electrical) isolation ................................................................................................................... 3

Monitoring the mains network .................................................................................................................. 3

Mains connection ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Photovoltaic generator ............................................................................................................................. 4

Safety strategy .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Standards and regulations ....................................................................................................................... 5

Declaration of conformity ......................................................................................................................... 5

How a photovoltaic system works ................................................................................................................. 6

General .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Current is generated on the roof .............................................................................................................. 6

Current is converted underneath the roof ................................................................................................ 7

The FRONIUS IG in the photovoltaic system ................................................................................................ 8

General .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Converting DC to AC current.................................................................................................................... 8

Fully automatic operational management ................................................................................................ 8

Voltage transformation and galvanic isolation .......................................................................................... 8

Monitoring the mains network .................................................................................................................. 9

Display function and data communication ................................................................................................ 9

Plus points:............................................................................................................................................. 10

The FRONIUS IG ......................................................................................................................................... 11

Mode of operation ................................................................................................................................... 11

MIX system ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Startup phase ......................................................................................................................................... 12

FRONIUS IG 500 overview .................................................................................................................... 13

LED for operating status ........................................................................................................................ 14

Status LEDs on the power modules ....................................................................................................... 14

The display .................................................................................................................................................. 15

General .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Description of the keys ........................................................................................................................... 15

Symbols ................................................................................................................................................. 15

Navigating around the display ..................................................................................................................... 17

Display illumination ................................................................................................................................ 17

Menu level .............................................................................................................................................. 17

Choosing a display mode ....................................................................................................................... 17

The display modes ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Scrolling between display functions ....................................................................................................... 18

Overview of display modes .................................................................................................................... 18

Overview of display values ..................................................................................................................... 18

„Day“ / „Year“ / „Total“ display mode....................................................................................................... 24

The Setup Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 27

Overview of the menu items................................................................................................................... 27

„Setup“ display mode ............................................................................................................................. 27

Open the setup menu............................................................................................................................. 28

Move up and down the menu items ....................................................................................................... 28

Setting the menu items .......................................................................................................................... 29

Supplementary information ......................................................................................................................... 39

Add-on system components ................................................................................................................... 39

String control system.............................................................................................................................. 39

1

Installation instructions ................................................................................................................................ 41

Opening the housing ................................................................................................................................... 42

FRONIUS IG .......................................................................................................................................... 42

Replacing the cylinder lock .................................................................................................................... 42

Installation ................................................................................................................................................... 42

Transporting by crane ............................................................................................................................ 42

Selecting a location ................................................................................................................................ 42

Fitting the base ....................................................................................................................................... 43

IP 20 version: Fitting the exhaust pipe ................................................................................................... 44

IP 43 version: Fitting the hood and exhaust pipe ................................................................................... 44

Forced-air ventilation .............................................................................................................................. 45

Cleaning the air filter ................................................................................................................................... 46

General information ............................................................................................................................... 46

Cleaning the air filter .............................................................................................................................. 46

Connecting the solar modules and the mains ............................................................................................. 47

Solar modules ........................................................................................................................................ 47

Monitoring the mains network ................................................................................................................ 47

Installations with several inverters.......................................................................................................... 47

Strain relief ............................................................................................................................................. 48

AC leads and a pair of DC leads ............................................................................................................ 48

AC leads and a two pairs of DC leads.................................................................................................... 48

External power supply to rack ................................................................................................................ 49

Fasten strain-relief device ...................................................................................................................... 49

External contactor control (if required by your power supply company) ................................................. 49

Configuring the inverter ............................................................................................................................... 50

Factory configuration .............................................................................................................................. 50

Custom configuration ............................................................................................................................. 50

LocalNet ...................................................................................................................................................... 51

Add-on system components/plug-in card system .................................................................................. 51

Datalogger.............................................................................................................................................. 51

COM card ............................................................................................................................................... 51

Installing plug-in cards ........................................................................................................................... 51

Configuration .......................................................................................................................................... 52

Example ................................................................................................................................................. 53

Replacing fuses........................................................................................................................................... 54

Replacing fuses ..................................................................................................................................... 54

Service codes displayed .............................................................................................................................. 55

Service display ....................................................................................................................................... 55

General service codes ........................................................................................................................... 55

Total failure ............................................................................................................................................. 55

Status diagnosis for power modules ...................................................................................................... 56

Class 1 ................................................................................................................................................... 57

Class 2 ................................................................................................................................................... 58

Class 3 ................................................................................................................................................... 59

Class 4 ................................................................................................................................................... 60

Class 5 ................................................................................................................................................... 62

Customer service ................................................................................................................................... 64

Technical data ............................................................................................................................................. 65

FRONIUS IG 300 / 400 / 500 ................................................................................................................. 65

Standards and directives with which the equipment complies ............................................................... 66

Warranty and liability ................................................................................................................................... 67

Warranty requirements and liability ........................................................................................................ 67

Scope of warranty .................................................................................................................................. 67

Warranty period...................................................................................................................................... 68

Proof for warranty purposes ................................................................................................................... 68

Disposal ...................................................................................................................................................... 68

Recycling ................................................................................................................................................ 68

2

Protection of personnel

Safety

Housing unit

Galvanic (electri­cal) isolation

WARNING! If the equipment is used or tasks are carried out incorrectly,

serious injury or damage may result. The tasks required to commission and
maintain your FRONIUS IG system must only be carried out by a trained
engineer, and in accordance with the technical regulations. It is essential that
you read the „Safety Regulations“ chapter before commissioning the equip­ment or carrying out maintenance work.

The connection area must be opened only by an authorised installation engineer.

Never open the connection area when the power is connected.

The power supply unit’s enclosure must only be opened by a trained FRONIUS service
technician, and only when the power is disconnected.

The FRONIUS IG is constructed and operated in the safest possible way, both in terms
of installation and operation. The DC and AC sides are completely galvanically (electri­cally) isolated from one another to ensure optimum levels of safety.

The FRONIUS IG is used for galvanic isolation and for monitoring the mains network.
These functions include the passive and active measures for protecting both people and
equipment.

Monitoring the
mains network

In the event of abnormal conditions in the mains network (e.g. mains disconnection or
interruption), the FRONIUS IG will immediately stop working and will cease feeding
current into the mains network.

This is a safe way of preventing dangerous voltages from developing on the AC leads
and is an important contribution to minimising dangers for maintenance engineers.

The FRONIUS IG offers a number of facilities for monitoring the mains:

- Voltage monitoring

- Frequency monitoring

- Over/undervoltage relay (optional)

3

Photovoltaic
generator

Before you connect up the solar panels you should check that the voltage specified by
the manufacturer corresponds to the actual measured voltage.

When you measure the voltage, you should bear in mind that when the temperature is
low and the insolation is constant, the open-circuit voltage generated will be higher.

If the outside temperature is -10°C, the open-circuit voltage for the solar panels should
never rise above 530 V. The relevant temperature coefficients for calculating the theore­tical open-circuit voltage at -10°C can be found in the data sheet for the solar panels.

If the open-circuit voltage for the solar panels rises above 530 V, this will result in com­plete destruction of the FRONIUS IG and all warranty rights shall be declared null and
void.

Mains connection

Only an authorised electrical engineer is permitted to connect this equipment to the
public mains network.

4

Safety strategy

Standards and
regulations

„WARNING! Risk of fatal injury from electrical voltage from the solar modu-

les. In Italy, due to the country-specific ENEL DK5940 Directive in force, the
following inverter in the FRONIUS IG 400 and IG 500 series must be con­nected to the public grid using the operator’s own isolating transformer. The
transformer is supplied with a user manual (operating instructions), which
must be consulted when installing the device.“

Your FRONIUS IG meets all the relevant standards and regulations.

The most important of these are:

- Directive 89/336/EEC on Electromagnetic Compatibility

- Directive 93/68/EEC on CE marking

- General EMC standards
EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-4

- General safety standard
EN 50178

- Overvoltage protection standard
EN 61000-4-5

- Standard for flicker measurements
EN 61000-3-11, EN 61000-3-12

- “Guidelines for the parallel operation of in-plant photovoltaic generation systems
with the low voltage grid of the electricity supply companies” published by the
German Electricity Industry Association (VDEW)

- “Technical directives for the parallel operation of in-plant photovoltaic generation
systems with the low voltage grid of the electricity supply utilities” published by the
Austrian Electricity Plants Association

Declaration of
conformity

Relevant declarations of conformity can be found in the appendix to these operating
instructions.

5

How a photovoltaic system works

General

Current is gene­rated on the roof

The amount of solar energy radiated worldwide amounts to approx.
1,540,000,000,000,000,000 kWh per year (1,540 peta kWh / year). This is 15,000 times
more than the total electricity consumed. We would like to congratulate you on your
decision to make active use of the world’s largest energy pool. Incidentally, the photovol­taic effect was originally discovered in 1839 by the French physicist Alexandre-Edmond
Bequerel. The term ‘photovoltaic’ comes from the driving force behind this technology,
the light beam. The light beam consists of unimaginably small particles called photons.

For simplicity, our starting point will be an explanation of a pure silicon solar cell. If we
think back to our physics lessons at school we might recall that in its outer electron
sheath, silicon has four electrons around its atomic nucleus. These four electrons are
known as the ‘valency electrons’. The photons, i.e. the sunlight, penetrate the solar cells
and strengthen the valency electrons by adding energy. The electron finally detaches
itself from the silicon atom, leaving behind a positively-charged atom.

To ensure that the detached electrons all flow in the same direction to form a current, the
front and rear sides of the cell must have opposite polarities.

The silicon atoms on the front side are displaced by a small number of phosphorus
atoms with their extra valency electron. On the rear side of the cell, on the other hand, in
addition to the silicon atoms, boron atoms (which have only three valency electrons) are
also built up.

The resulting imbalance between the positive and negative poles causes the electrons to
flow, thus producing an electrical current.

When a number of these solar cells are packed together behind a pane of glass, they
form one of your solar modules.

6

Current is gene­rated on the roof

(continued)

+

The efficiency and the voltage are increa­sed by connecting solar modules together.
If solar modules are connected in series to

Mod.1

String

Mod.2

Voltage

module 1

Voltage

module 2

form a string, both the potential power and
the voltage are increased.

Current is con­verted underne­ath the roof

Mod.n

Voltage

module 3

Total string voltage

-

Fig. 1 Solar modules connected in series

+

String 1

Mod.1 Mod.2 Mod.n

String 2

-

Fig. 2 Solar modules connected in parallel

The DC current generated in the solar modules cannot be fed into the public mains
network or used within the household unless it has first been converted in the inverter.
This is the primary function of the FRONIUS IG.

String 3

Total string voltage = voltage

module 1, 2, ... n

When a number of these strings are
connected in parallel, both the potential
power and the module current are increa­sed while the voltage remains the same.
All the solar modules that are connected in
parallel and in series are described collec­tively as a ‘solar generator’.

7

The FRONIUS IG in the photovoltaic system

General

Converting DC to
AC current

Fully automatic
operational
management

Your FRONIUS IG is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic inverter. It acts as a highly sophisti­cated link between the solar modules and the public mains network.

As such, it is responsible for a number of important functions.

The FRONIUS IG converts the direct current (DC) generated by the solar modules into
alternating current (AC). This alternating current is fed synchronously into the mains
supply in your in-house network and the public mains network. The FRONIUS IG has
been developed specifically for use in photovoltaic systems that are linked to the mains.
Power cannot be generated independently from the public mains network.

The FRONIUS IG operates fully automatically. As soon after sunrise as the solar modu­les are producing sufficient power, the control module starts monitoring the mains
voltage and frequency. When insolation has reached a sufficient level your photovoltaic
inverter will start to feed current. Depending on the model, just a few watts of solar
energy can be sufficient for this purpose!

The FRONIUS IG consistently works in a way that ensures the maximum power possible
is obtained from the solar modules.

Voltage transfor­mation and
galvanic isolation

This function is known as MPPT (maximum power point tracking), and is implemented
with maximum precision. As soon after dusk as the power available has fallen below the
level at which current can be fed into the mains, the FRONIUS IG disconnects itself
completely from the mains and stops running. Needless to say, it retains all its settings
and stored data.

The FRONIUS IG is designed for use with solar modules with a wide range of voltage
input. This enables the widest possible variety of types of solar module to be used.
However, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the stated values for maximum
DC voltage (the total voltage of the solar cells connected) are never exceeded.

The FRONIUS IG is constructed and operated in the safest possible way, in terms of
assembly and installation as well as operation.

8

Voltage transfor­mation and
galvanic isolation

(continued)

The FRONIUS IG is equipped with an HF transformer (HF = high-frequency) which
ensures that the DC side is galvanically isolated from the mains network. Furthermore,
the HF design enables the transformer to be significantly smaller, which means space ­and more importantly weight - requirements are considerably reduced. Despite the fact
that FRONIUS IG implements complete galvanic isolation, its innovatively designed
circuitry enables it to achieve a high degree of efficiency.

Monitoring the
mains network

Display function
and data commu­nication

The FRONIUS IG is responsible for monitoring the mains. This responsibility includes
implementing measures to protect operators and equipment alike in the event of a mains
failure.

The FRONIUS IG is programmed to stop working immediately and to cease feeding
current into the mains network in the event of abnormal conditions in the mains network
(e.g. mains disconnection or interruption).

The FRONIUS IG has a number of different ways of detecting a mains disconnection:

- Voltage monitoring

- Frequency monitoring

- Over/under-voltage relay (optional)

In this context it is important to note that the specific monitoring procedures applicable in
the country concerned are implemented by the FRONIUS IG itself, and do not involve
any additional electronic measuring equipment. This significantly reduces the time
required for installation and the associated costs.

The complexity of the technology in this new generation of photovoltaic inverters means
that a good deal of thought needs to go into the design of the display, which is, in effect,
the user interface. The display design is uncompromisingly oriented towards simple
operation and to making the system data available at all times.

The FRONIUS IG already has a basic function for logging minimum and maximum
values on a daily and total basis; this is done directly at the display. The display also
provides the option of displaying the following weather data:

- 2 different temperature values (e.g. temperature at the solar modules, outside
temperature in the shade)

- Insolation

In addition to the functions implemented in the FRONIUS IG, the wide range of data
communication elements enables a multitude of different data logging and display
options. The add-on system components required for this purpose are easy to install
(see operating instructions for FRONIUS IG DatCom). When add-on system compon­ents such as DatCom components are installed, functions such as remote system
monitoring via a modem, sending an SMS message to a mobile in the event of a mal­function, data display and comparison on a PC all become possible.

9

Plus points:

The more functions (described above) the inverter handles, the more simple and effi­cient the installation will be since there will be no need for extra peripherals. Because of
our experience and thanks to the state-of-the-art technology we have built in, the FRO­NIUS IG can manage all these tasks simultaneously.

The FRONIUS IG also meets a large number of the criteria for the protection of people,
other domestic equipment as well as itself.

These criteria include:

- Monitoring the mains network

- The quality of the current fed into the mains

- Sensitivity to interference (e.g. from mobile phones)

The relevant certificates can be found in the appendix.

10

The FRONIUS IG

Mode of operati­on

MIX system

The FRONIUS IG is designed for fully automatic operation. Basically, no manual operati­on is needed in order to feed power into the mains.

The FRONIUS IG starts automatically as soon after sunrise as the solar modules are
delivering sufficient power. From this time onwards, system data will be displayed on the
FRONIUS IG graphic display.

Whilst the FRONIUS IG is running it keeps the voltage of the solar modules constantly
within the range for obtaining maximum power.

- The optimum voltage for the operational status of the solar modules at any given
time is known as the MPP voltage (MPP = maximum power point).

- Sticking strictly to the MPP voltage at all times ensures that the solar modules
always operate as efficiently as possible (MPP tracking).

As soon after dusk as the power available to feed into the mains falls below a sufficient
level, FRONIUS IG disconnects completely from the mains.

- FRONIUS IG does not take any power out of the public mains network overnight.

- Stored data and settings are retained.

- The system can also be switched off manually.

The MIX concept ensures that the power modules are comprehensively managed.
Instead of one large power module, there are several small power modules to convert
the current. When the insolation level is low, not all the power modules in the inverter will
be switched on. As a result, the power modules operate in a higher partial-load range
than would be the case with a single large power module. This enables the energy to be
converted much more efficiently. The other power modules switch on only as the output
increases.

The name „Master Inverter X-Change (MIX)“ more or less explains how the device
works: One power module (the master) is responsible for coordination, and controls the
deployment of the other power modules. The control software assigns the master role to
the different power modules in turn. This work-sharing method reduces the number of
operating hours for individual power modules and improves results in partial-load situati­ons.

Another advantage of the MIX system is that it is relatively failsafe. If one power module
fails, the others simply take on the work it was doing. This means that power losses will
only occur when the insolation level is high, and even then they will be limited.

In summary, the MIX system offers the following benefits:

- Optimum efficiency by switching off unnecessary power modules

- Power modules are used equally thanks to the intelligent management system

- The system is failsafe as it consists of a large number of independent power modu­les

11

Startup phase

Once the FRONIUS IG has been switched on automatically it carries out a self-test
routine. After this, the public mains network is tested.

This test can take from just a few seconds up to several minutes depending on national
regulations. During start-up the LED will appear yellow.

(1) Segment test

- All the display elements will be illuminated for approximately one second

(2) TEST

- Self-test of the FRONIUS IG’s main components

- The FRONIUS IG takes just a few seconds to run through a virtual checklist

- The display will show “TEST” as well as the component currently being tested

(e.g. “LED”)

(3) Synchronisation with the mains

- The display shows „WAITPS“: FRONIUS IG waits for all the power modules on

the mains to be ready. This procedure is dependent on the DC voltage.

- Next, the display will show „SYNCAC“

(4) Startup test

- Before the FRONIUS IG feeds power into the mains network for the first time,

the mains conditions are tested thoroughly in accordance with the relevant
national regulations.

- “STARTUP” will appear on the display

The startup test can take anything from just a few seconds up to several minutes depen­ding on national regulations. Progress is indicated by a vertical bar which reduces in
size from top to bottom.

Two of the previously flashing dividing marks disappear for every 10% of the total durati­on of the startup test that has been completed.

12

Startup phase

(continued)

(5) Feeding power into the mains

- Once the tests have been completed the FRONIUS IG starts feeding power into

the mains

- The LED is illuminated green and the FRONIUS IG is in operation

(6) Checking the roof fans

When power is starting to be fed into the mains, the fan controller is checked. This
involves the roof fans running for approx. 20 seconds.

FRONIUS IG 500
overview

(5)

(2)

(4)

WARNING! Risk of fatal injury from electrical voltage from the solar modules.
Before removing power modules or their covers:

- Disconnect FRONIUS IG on both the AC and DC side

- Wait 10 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge

- For safety reasons, make sure that the lowermost power module is
inserted correctly in the FRONIUS IG.

(1) Connection area

(2) Power modules

(3) Status LEDs on the power modules

(4) Optional modules, including fan

(3)

controller and display with LED for
operating status

(5) Module containing four roof fans

(6) Display with key unit

(6)

(2)

(1)

(3)

13

LED for opera­ting status

The LED will change colour depending on the operating status

(1) LED steady green:

- Comes on after the FRONIUS IG’s automatic start-up phase and stays on as long
as power is being fed into the mains

- The photovoltaic system is working correctly

(2) LED flashing green:

- The photovoltaic system is working correctly

- A message also appears on the display

NOTE! A message will appear if, for instance, there is an insulation fault even if
it does not have any adverse effect on the FRONIUS IG’s operation. However,
our advice is that, for safety reasons, the insulation fault is rectified as soon as
possible.

A status message is displayed. If a message such as “502”! is displayed (see chapter
entitled “Status diagnosis and repair”), the status concerned should be rectified and the
“Enter” key then pressed in confirmation.

(3) LED steady orange:

- The FRONIUS IG will enter its automatic startup phase as soon after sunrise as the
photovoltaic modules are delivering sufficient power

Status LEDs on
the power modu­les

(4) LED flashing orange:

- A warning appears on the display

- Or the FRONIUS IG has been switched to standby mode in the setup menu = power
feed-in is switched off manually

- Power feed-in is resumed automatically after the next sunrise

- When the orange LED is flashing, power feed-in can be started manually at any time
(see chapter entitled “The Setup Menu”)

(5) LED steady red:

- General status: The relevant service code is shown on the display

A list of service codes, corresponding status messages, and causes and remedies for
particular statuses can be found in the chapter entitled “Status diagnosis and repair” in
the installation and service instructions.

(6) LED remains dark:

- No connection to solar modules

- No output from module due to absence of daylight

(1) LED flashing green:

- The power module is in the startup phase

(2) LED steady green:

- The power module is in feed-in mode

(3) LED remains dark:

- No slave is required due to the low level of insolation

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The display

General

Description of
the keys

The FRONIUS IG is pre-configured and ready to use. There is no need to make any
initial settings before using it to feed power into the mains, which is a fully-automated
process.

The display unit’s power is supplied by the solar modules, which means that the display
unit can be used in the daytime.

Important! The FRONIUS IG’s display is not a calibrated measuring instrument. A slight
inaccuracy of a few percent is intrinsic to the system. A calibrated meter will be needed
to make calculations for the power supply company.

Key (A) and (B)

- For scrolling

Key (C):

- For switching to the menu level
(“Menu”) or exiting the setup menu
(“Esc”)

“Enter” key (D):

- For confirming a choice

(C) (D)(B)(A)

Symbols

(2)

(5)

(1) (3)

(1) Symbols for keys (A) to (D)

(2) Symbols for display modes „Now“ to „Setup“

(3) Range for display value ... for displaying the value

(4) Range for display unit ... for displaying the associated unit

(5) Segment column ... always shows the amount of power being fed into the mains in

real time - irrespective of the display mode selected. Displayed as a percentage of
the maximum power that your photovoltaic inverter is capable of feeding in.

(12)

(11)

(10)

(9)

(7)

(8)

(6)

(4)

15

Symbols

(continued)

(6) ... appears when values are displayed which are directly associated with the public

mains network

(7) ... appears when values are displayed which are directly associated with the solar

module

(8) ... appears when values are displayed which are directly associated with the FRO-

NIUS IG

(9) ... appears when values are displayed which are associated with environmental

conditions such as insolation and temperature (optional)

(10) ... appears when values are displayed which have been transmitted by the (optio-

nal) consumption sensor

(11) Max ... The value shown represents the maximum period of time in question (de-

pending on which display mode is selected).

(12) Min ... The value shown represents the minimum period of time in question (depen-

ding on which display mode is selected).

Important! The minimum and maximum values displayed do not represent the absolute
extreme values because data is only recorded at 2-second intervals.

16