SMA Sunny Central SC 100 Installation Manual

Sunny Central SC 100
Installation manual

Installation manual Version 3.0 SC-100-13:SE2407

IME-SCO

SMA Technologie AG

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Seite 1

Index

1 Notes on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.1 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.2 Target Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.3 Explanation of the Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1 Appropriate Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.3 About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.4 Checking and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.5 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.7 Special Hazards of Photovoltaic Systems . . . . . . . . . 7

3.8 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3.9 Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.10 Commissioning, Maintenance and Repair . . . . . . . . . 9

3.11 Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.12 Disconnect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.13 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.1 Overview of Weights and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.2 Transport Possibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5 Installation Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.1 Installation Site Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.1.1 Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

SMA Technologie AG

Seite 2 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

5.1.2 Minimum Workspace Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

5.1.3 Inverter Protection Rating / EMC / Sound Levels . . . . . . . . . . . .18

5.1.4 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

6 On-Site Inverter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

6.1 Mounting on the Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

7 Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

7.1 External Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

7.1.1 AC Grid Power Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

7.1.2 AC Control Voltage Connection (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

7.1.3 Handling the Connection Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

7.1.4 Sensors and Digital Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

7.1.5 Inverter Communication Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.1.6 Shield Contact Handling Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.1.7 Sunny String Monitor Communication Connection . . . . . . . . . . .31

7.1.8 Lightning and / or Overvoltage Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

7.1.9 PV Generator Power Connection (DC Connection) . . . . . . . . . .34

8 Commissioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

8.1 Prerequisites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

8.2 Cabling Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

8.3 Switch On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

9 Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

10 Appendix B Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

11 Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

12 Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

SMA Technologie AG Notes on this Manual

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 3

1 Notes on this Manual

1.1 Validity

This installation guide covers the correct installation and commissioning of type SC 100
indoor / outdoor SMA inverters.

1.2 Target Group

Only trained electricians approved by the responsible energy supply company may
install and commission the inverters. The instructions assume that you, the installer, are
familiar with electrical installations and know the corresponding rules and regulations.

1.3 Explanation of the Symbols Used

This symbol indicates a fact which, if ignored, could result in damage to
components or personal hazard. Please read these sections especially
carefully.

This symbol indicates a fact that is important for optimum operation of the product.
Read these sections carefully to ensure optimum operation of your product.

This symbol indicates an example.

Introduction SMA Technologie AG

Page 4 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

2 Introduction

Dear customer,
You have made a good choice in purchasing the Sunny Central solar inverter. To

guarantee correct connection and reliable operation of the device, please take note of
the safety and installation instructions in the following sections. The following extra
documents are also available in addition to the installation guide:

• Sunny Central user manual

• Sunny Central wiring diagrams

• Installation requirements (contains views of the inverter)

Figure 2.1: Sunny Central SC100 Indoor / Outdoor front view

SMA Technologie AG Safety Instructions

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 5

3 Safety Instructions

The Sunny Central SC100 is built using the latest technology, according to recognized
safety standards. Despite this, hazard to users, third parties or equipment can arise
during operation or when working on the device. These hazards can be reduced to a
minimum when the device is used appropriately as directed.

Faults that affect or limit the safety of the device must be immediately rectified.
Unauthorized modifications and the use of spare parts not recommended by SMA
Technologie AG may cause fire, material damage and electrical shock. Unauthorized
personnel must not have access to the equipment.

Warning signs must always be clearly readable and immediately replaced if damaged.

3.1 Appropriate Usage

Appropriate use of the Sunny Central means following all instructions in the installation
guide relating to transport, installation, electrical connection, and commissioning of the
equipment.

Any deviation from the installation guide instructions is regarded as inappropriate use
of the equipment. SMA Technologie AG accepts no responsibility or liability for any
and all damage resulting from inappropriate use of the equipment.

Appropriate use of the equipment also entails:

• Observation of the safety instructions listed here and in the following sections

• Observation of the instructions in the Sunny Central user manual

• Observation of additional documentation for variants and options, such as
grounded operation (GFDI) and the extended voltage range (EVR)

• Conformance to the device-dependent technical data

3.2 Personnel

Only qualified technical personnel may perform any and all work on the Sunny Central.
"Qualified" means that the personnel must possess training relevant to the activity
performed.

For commissioning and operation of the Sunny Central inverter, the personnel must be
familiar with the content of the Sunny Central documentation. In particular, the safety
instructions must be followed.

Safety Instructions SMA Technologie AG

Page 6 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

3.3 About this Manual

This manual was written with the greatest possible care. However, discrepancies cannot
be excluded. SMA Technologie AG accepts no responsibility or liability for injury to
persons, or material damage caused by mistakes in this manual.

3.4 Checking and Storage

Upon receipt of the equipment, check the packaging and the device for any possible
damage and compare the contents of the delivery with the delivery documentation. In
the case of damage to the device and/or unclear delivery contents, please contact
SMA Technologie AG immediately (contact address is in the appendix).

3.5 Transport

Only the transport methods described in the installation guide are permissible. Please
note the heavy weight of the equipment and the non-central center of gravity. The center
of gravity is marked on the packaging.

The equipment may only be stored when closed, thus ensuring its interior is
protected from dust and moisture.

During longer storage periods, the equipment must be kept in a dry place to
prevent moisture from entering the inverter.

Danger of tipping during transport.
Follow the "Sunny Central Transport Instructions" in Appendix A and pay
attention to the center of gravity markings on the packaging.

SMA Technologie AG Safety Instructions

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 7

3.6 Installation

The information contained in the installation guide must be observed when installing the
inverter. The SC 100 Indoor is designed for indoor installation, with a protection rating
of IP21. The SC 100 Outdoor is designed for outdoor installation, with a protection
rating of IP44/54. The device must be installed in a manner such that the proper
electrical connections, adequate ventilation, and adequate fire protection are possible.

The Sunny Central SC100 Outdoor product line has been type-tested and approved
for outdoor installation in accordance with the industry-standard EMC limits (EMC =
Electro Magnetic Compatibility).

3.7 Special Hazards of Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic systems have special characteristics representing special hazards:

• An active power source is connected. This means that, depending on the
operating mode, there may be voltage present, either from the photovoltaic
generator and/or the Sunny Central. This is especially important to note when
disconnecting particular parts of the system

• Very high DC voltages are present (no zero-crossing) which, in case of a fault or
inappropriate use of fuses or plugs, may lead to arcing.

• The short-circuit current of the photovoltaic generator is only slightly more than the
maximum operating current and is also dependent on the level of solar irradiation.
This means that, if a short circuit occurs in the system, the existing circuit breakers
are not guaranteed to switch off.

• A highly branched generator array may be difficult to disconnect if a fault
develops (e.g. short circuit). We recommend the extra use of external DC circuit
breakers for disconnecting the inverter and/or the DC main cables / Sunny String
monitors (DC circuit breakers optionally available). One circuit breaker should be
allocated to each input, and these should be located near to the Sunny Central,
as described in the standard VDE 0100 part 7-712 and the VDI 6012 regulations.

Please observe the additional information on installing the SC 100 Outdoor
located in Appendix C.

An active power source is connected!

Safety Instructions SMA Technologie AG

Page 8 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

3.8 Electrical Connection

The electrical connection must be performed according to the installation guide, the
device connection plan and the technical data of the device.

AC Grid Connection

The customer must determine the required grid connection type for the AC grid
connection (TN-C, TN-S, TT grid) and coordinate it with SMA.

Ensure the grid connection cable for grid feeding is fused at the nominal current
indicated on the name plate. If the specified nominal current differs from the nominal
current of the fuse plug, the fuse plug having the next highest nominal current may be
used. A power switch is used for the optional load-disconnecting switch.

An external input control voltage (optional) must be fused with a circuit breaker
conforming to the specifications in Appendix B (SC100 Indoor / Outdoor technical
data).

Lightning / Overvoltage Protection

The device has internal overvoltage protection on the DC side and, depending on the
option chosen, also has lightning and/or overvoltage protection on the AC side. The
desired level of protection can only be achieved when the grid connection point has a
Lightning Protection Zones Concept in compliance with DIN VDE 0185-3 (DIN EN
62305 / VDE 085, part 305-3). In keeping with the Lightning Protection Zones
Concept, there are lightning conductors and combined overvoltage protectors which
are not included in the scope of delivery for the equipment and which must be installed
at the entrance (transfer point from lightning protection zone LPZ 0 to LPZ 1).

SMA must be informed of the required AC grid connection type!

We recommend using lightning protection for the PV generator.
A direct strike can irreparably damage the overvoltage protectors or other system

components and cause additional consequential damages.

We recommend expanding the lightning and overvoltage protection for external
input control voltage. Please see section 7.1.9 Lightning and Overvoltage
Protection.

SMA Technologie AG Safety Instructions

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 9

Emergency Shut-off

The inverter is not equipped with an external emergency shut-off switch.
An external emergency shut-off switch or the external emergency shut-off function for

more than one device can be ordered as an option (emergency shut-off circuit).

3.9 Operation

Apart from the Sunny Central Control, there are no control elements on the device. The
cabinet doors must only be opened for commissioning, maintenance and
troubleshooting, as well as for data query and parameter setting. Before opening, the
device must be switched off using the key switch. Please also note the following safety
instructions for working on the device.

3.10 Commissioning, Maintenance and Repair

All work on the Sunny Central may only be performed when the device is safely
disconnected from the PV voltage, the grid voltage, and the internal power supply,
when these power sources are secured against being switched on again, and when it
has been checked that the device is voltage-free. Only qualified technical personnel,
who are familiar with the operation of the system, may undertake any such work.

3.11 Power Supplies

Switching on of the external power supplies

• Grid voltage for the grid feed-in

• Grid voltage for control voltage (internal power supply). There is the option of
feeding it externally.

• DC voltage from the photovoltaic generator must occur in the sequence described
and may only be performed when the following conditions are satisfied:

• All connections have been made according to the installation guide and the wiring
diagram.

• The protective ground connection for grid feed-in and for internal power supply
has been made.

• The device is switched off. This means that the Start/Stop switch is in the “Stop”
position and the main switches are off.

The emergency shut-off circuit may only be supplied with power from a
single Sunny Central.

Before opening the door, the Sunny Central must be switched off using the
key switch!

The Sunny Central must not be operated with the door open!

Safety Instructions SMA Technologie AG

Page 10 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

• The Plexiglas covers are mounted, to ensure protection against accidental
touching.

• The nominal voltage, frequency and the right-hand rotary field are maintained (see
device technical data).

• The polarity of the DC voltage at the inputs/fuse inputs (device dependent) has
been checked.

• The photovoltaic generator has been checked with an insulation test to ensure that
there is no ground fault.

Figure 3.1: Sunny Central SC100 interior view

SMA Technologie AG Safety Instructions

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 11

3.12 Disconnect

External insulation of the device must always occur under load-free conditions. The
device must be switched off in order to do this. This means that the key switch must be
in the “Stop” position.

The following power supplies must be isolated:

• Grid voltage for the grid feed-in

• Grid voltage for internal power supply (optional)

• DC voltage from the photovoltaic generator

Simply switching off the main AC and DC switches is not sufficient to ensure proper
insulation of the device. The main switches only separate the power circuit from the grid
and the photovoltaic generator.

The protective ground connection must be made before the external
voltage is switched on!

The nominal voltage, frequency and right-hand rotary field are
maintained at the AC grid connection.

The cabinet must remain closed when connecting the supplies!

Work on the Sunny Central may be performed only after switching off the power
to the unit. The VDE regulations must be followed.

•Disconnect

• Protect against reenergizing

• Test each unit to ensure that all voltages have been removed

• Ground and short the unit if necessary (not on the DC side)

• If necessary, cover or protect against accidental contact with any voltage
carrying components

Dangerous accidental-contact voltages can be present in the device even
when the main AC and DC switches are switched off!

Safety Instructions SMA Technologie AG

Page 12 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

The device contains capacitors on the AC and DC sides that must discharge once the
device has been switched off. After switching off, there are dangerous accidental­contact voltages present within the device for several minutes. If there is a fault in the
device, these voltages may also remain present for a longer period of time. For these
reasons, wait a minimum of 5 minutes after switching off before opening the device.

3.13 General Information

Working on the Fans

The device is equipped with several fans for cooling. Work on the fans may only be
performed after all insulation measures have been taken, in exactly the same manner
as prescribed for commissioning, maintenance and repair work.

Hearing Protection

The device fans and the power unit create significant levels of operating noise. In
addition to this, a fault in the device can lead to very high sound levels. For these
reasons we recommend the use of hearing protection in its vicinity.

In case of a failure, the DC contactor(s) may carry a life-threatening DC
voltage!

We recommend the extra use of external DC circuit breakers (optionally
available) for disconnecting the Sunny Centrals and/or one or more DC main
cables / Sunny String monitors. Even in the case of faults or fire, this allows system
components to be safely isolated.

The discharge time of the capacitors is longer than 5 minutes.

Warning: rotating fans in the inverter!

We recommend the use of ear protection when in the vicinity of the device for
extended periods.

SMA Technologie AG Safety Instructions

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 13

Burns

Immediately after isolating the device, depending on the operating conditions, certain
components can be very hot (e.g. fuses, transformer core, sine wave filter, heatsinks
etc.).

Safety gloves should always be worn when working near components that can be
expected to be very hot.

We recommend that safety gloves be worn during all work on the device.

Transport SMA Technologie AG

Page 14 SC-100-13:SE2407 Installation manual

4 Transport

Only the transport methods described in the installation guide are permissible, please
follow the transport requirements in Appendix A.

When delivered, the inverter stands on a pallet. Under standard delivery conditions, a
forklift must be available. When unloading, the heavy-load markings must be observed,
without exception.

4.1 Overview of Weights and Dimensions

Please note the heavy weight of the inverter. To assist with transporting, the data sheet
on the dimensions and weight is contained in Appendix B.

The center of gravity of the cabinet unit is marked on the outside of the packaging.

4.2 Transport Possibilities

Transporting Using a Pallet Truck / Crane

The plinth panels must be unscrewed to transport the cabinet without a palette. This
allows the fork of a pallet truck / forklift or crane to be inserted under the cabinet.

Heavy weight of the cabinet unit! Danger of tipping during transport!

The cabinet must always be transported upright.

Be sure to follow the “Instructions for Transporting Sunny Central Inverters” in
Appendix A!

Please note the Sunny Central transport requirements in Appendix A.

SMA Technologie AG Installation Requirements

Installation manual SC-100-13:SE2407 Page 15

5 Installation Requirements

For safe operation of the inverter, the installation site must satisfy the following
conditions:

• Foundation (load carrying capacity)

• Inverter protection rating / EMC / sound levels

• Minimum workspace requirements (escape routes)

• Ventilation / permissible ambient temperature / air quality / humidity

5.1 Installation Site Requirements

5.1.1 Foundation

The foundation must guarantee solid and safe positioning of the inverter. It must provide
the load-carrying capacity necessary to cope with the weight of the inverter. A
foundation slab is required for ground-mounted installations. Pouring and dimensioning
the foundation slab must be performed by the customer, see Appendix D.

Figure 5.1: Installation of the SC100 Indoor in a building

ventilation system (option customer)

Cable section (option customer)

Cable section (option customer)