SMA Sunny Data Control User Manual V.5.0
Solar data technology
SUNNY DATA CONTROL
Technical Description
SDC-TEN081450 | Version 5.0
EN
SMA Technologie AG Table of Contents
Table of Content
1 Notes on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. 1 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. 2 Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. 3 Symbols Used. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. 4 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.4. 1 Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2. 1 Appropriate Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3 Sunny Data Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. 1 What is new? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. 2 Software Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. 3 Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. 4 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Connecting the PC to an Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. 1 Connection via the USB service interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. 2 Communication via Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4. 3 Connection via RS485 and an interface converter. . . . . . . . . 16
5 Connecting the PC to a Communication Device. . . . . . . . 17
5. 1 Notes on the Use of Level Converters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5. 2 Sunny Boy Control / Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2. 1 Connection via RS232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2. 2 Connection via RS485 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.2. 3 Connection via the Analog Modem NET Piggy-Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.2. 4 Connection via the ISDN NET Piggy-Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5.2. 5 Connection via the GSM NET Piggy-Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.2. 6 Connection via the Ethernet NET Piggy-Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5. 3 Sunny Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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Table of Contents SMA Technologie AG
5.3. 1 Connection via USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6. 1 Installing Sunny Data Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7 Sunny Data Control User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7. 1 Menu Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
7. 2 Plant tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7. 3 Display Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8 Initial Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8. 1 Creating Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.1. 1 Changing Plant Names, Creating / Deleting Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8. 2 Loading a Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8. 3 Setting the Communication Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.3. 1 Bluetooth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.3. 2 COM1 – COM255. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
8.3. 3 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3. 4 Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.3. 5 Sunny Beam (USB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
8.3. 6 Setting the Transport Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
8. 4 Detecting Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
8.4. 1 Narrowing the Scope of Device Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
9 Setting Parameters (Installer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
10 Displaying Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
10. 1 Creating a Device Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
10.1. 1 Displaying or Concealing Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
10.1. 2 Arranging the Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
10.1. 3 Show or Hide the Grid Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
10.1. 4 Setting the Data Query Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
10.1. 5 Maximizing the Device Overview (Online Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
10. 2 Choose the channels for spot value readings.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
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10. 3 Setting the Performance Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
10. 4 Setting the Communication Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
10. 5 Changing the Color Behavior of the Device Fields . . . . . . . . . 62
10. 6 Accessing Individual Device Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
10. 7 Configuring the Total Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
10. 8 Managing the Device Overviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10.8. 1 Managing the Device Overviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
10. 9 Activating / Deactivating Spot Value Querying . . . . . . . . . . . 68
11 Managing Data and Saving Data Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
11. 1 Reading Out and Saving Data from Sunny Beam. . . . . . . . . . 69
11. 2 Saving Data in Excel Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
11. 3 Saving Data in CSV Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
11.3. 1 Creating a New CSV Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
11.3. 2 Structure of the Standard CSV Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
11. 4 Direct Data Acquisition from an Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
11.4. 1 Set data storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
11.4. 2 Saving and Viewing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
11.4. 3 Sending Data to Sunny Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
11. 5 Setting up Sunny Boy Control Channel Recording . . . . . . . . . 81
11. 6 Reading Out Data Saved on the Sunny Boy Control . . . . . . . 83
11.6. 1 Storage Time Refresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
11.6. 2 Setting Time Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
11.6. 3 Resetting Time Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
11.6. 4 Structure of the Excel Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
11. 7 Configuring the Automatic Readout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
11.7. 1 Starting a New Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
11.7. 2 Editing / Deleting a Task . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
11.7. 3 Deactivating the Automatic Readout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
11. 8 Creating a Chart in Excel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
11.8. 1 Automatic Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
11.8. 2 Manual Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
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12 Transferring Data to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
12. 1 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
12. 2 Reading Out the Complete Time Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
12. 3 Configuring Sunny Portal Mail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
12. 4 Sending Sunny Portal Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
12.4. 1 After Automatic Data Query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
12.4. 2 After Manual Data Query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
12. 5 Transferring the Device Overview to the Internet . . . . . . . . . 102
12.5. 1 Write Online Data File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
12.5. 2 Structure of the Online Data Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
12. 6 Internet Server (SDC Agent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
12.6. 1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
12.6. 2 Configuring and Activating the Internet Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
12. 7 SDC agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
12. 8 The Java Applet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
12.8. 1 General Applet Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
12.8. 2 Component-specific Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
12.8. 3 Chart Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
12.8. 4 Device Field Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
12.8. 5 Numerical Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
12.8. 6 Overview of Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
12.8. 7 Example of an HTML Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
13 Additional Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
13. 1 Replacing a Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
13.1. 1 Updating the Device Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
13. 2 Open device information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
13.2. 1 Setting the Device Name and Device ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
13.2. 2 Changing a Device's Network Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
13. 3 Removing Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
13. 4 Adding a Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
13. 5 Sorting Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 5
SMA Technologie AG
13. 6 Creating a Color Palette for Device Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
13. 7 Changing the Fonts of Device Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
13. 8 Background Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
13. 9 Packet Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
13. 10 Changing the Security Level (Installer Password).. . . . . . . . . 147
13. 11 Locking the Device Overview (Online Display). . . . . . . . . . .148
13. 12 Timeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
13.12. 1 Settings for the Sunny Central Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
14 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
14. 1 Errors in the Use of Sunny Data Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
14. 2 Java Applet Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
14. 3 Errors in the Bluetooth Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
14.3. 1 FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
14. 4 Setting the Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
15 Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
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Notes on this Manual SMA Technologie AG
1 Notes on this Manual
1. 1 Target Group
This documentation is intended for installers and users. Some of the activities described in this
document may only be performed by qualified electricians and are marked with a danger notice.
1. 2 Validity
This documentation for the Sunny Data Control is valid for firmware version 4.0, or later. How to
display the firmware version is described in chapter 3. 2 "Software Version" (Page 13).
1. 3 Symbols Used
The following types of safety warnings and general information are used in these instructions.
DANGER!
"DANGER" indicates a hazardous situation which, if ignored, will result in serious injury
or death!
NOTICE!
"NOTICE" indicates a situation which, if ignored, could result in damage to property.
Information
Information provides tips that are valuable for the optimal installation and operation of
your product.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 9
Notes on this Manual SMA Technologie AG
1. 4 Definitions
1.4. 1 Syntax
This user manual uses the terminology indicated in the following table.
Example of a typographic convention Description
Click on <Ok>. These symbols represent a button.
Choose "Options / Settings" Menu items are presented in quotation marks.
Multiple menu items are separated by a slash.
Sunny Boy Control/Sunny Boy Control Plus
In these instruction uses the term "Sunny Boy Control/Plus", and it refers to the Sunny Boy Control,
the Sunny Boy Control Plus, and the Sunny Central Control. The Sunny Central Control is a variant
of the Sunny Boy Control which is directly built into the Sunny Central. Throughout this manual, only
the Sunny Boy Control/Plus is mentioned. All sections which apply to the Sunny Boy Control/Plus
also apply to the Sunny Central Control.
10 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Safety SMA Technologie AG
2 Safety
Please follow all operating and safety instructions in this section. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in damage to the device and in personal hazard.
DANGER!
Risk of lethal electric shock!
High voltages are present in the inverter.
• Any work on the inverter must be carried out by a qualified personnel!
DANGER!
Death hazard due to changes in the inverter's internal safety
specifications.
Unauthorized changes to the SMA grid guard parameters cancel the operating permit.
• Changes to the SMA grid guard parameters are to be made only with the express
permission of the grid operator.
When using the Internet ensure security by means of a firewall.
When the PC and Sunny Data Control are connected to the Internet parameters could be
changed through unwanted access.
• Protect the PC on which Sunny Data Control is installed from unwanted access from
the Internet by means of hardware and software (firewall) placed upstream from it.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 11
Safety SMA Technologie AG
2. 1 Appropriate Usage
Sunny Data Control is a PC program which collects, stores and displays data from a PV plant.
Depending on the devices connected, communication is possible through RS232, RS485 and
Bluetooth.
With Sunny Data Control, plant data can be saved in Excel and/or CSV formats. In addition, with
Sunny Data Control the data can be sent to Sunny Portal for their storage and display on the
Internet. Further information regarding Sunny Portal can be found at www.SunnyPortal.com.
Data collected by Sunny Data Control regarding the power generated by your solar power plant
can deviate from those of the electric meter. The data should not be used for billing purposes.
Supported communication devices
• Sunny Boy Control/Plus (starting with firmware version 2.0)
• Sunny Central Control (starting with firmware version 2.0)
•Sunny Beam
Supported inverters for direct connection to the PC
Sunny Data Control supports the direct connection of an inverter to the PC through the USB service
interface with Sunny Data Control software version 3.81, and later. This connection is meant for the
purpose of servicing only, and should not be used on a long-term basis.
• Sunny Boys (except SB400TL-20/5000TL-20), Sunny Mini Centrals, Windy Boy
- Through the USB-Service-Interface (SMA order number: USBPBS)
The SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20 does not support the USB-Service-Interface. A direct connection to
the PC can be achieved via Bluetooth, or optionally, via RS 485.
• SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20
- Via Bluetooth
The SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20 is equipped with Bluetooth as a standard.
The PC requires integrated Bluetooth or a Bluetooth stick and Sunny Data Control software
version 4.0, or later.
- Optional via RS485
The SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20 requires the 485I module
(SMA order number: DM-485CB-10).
The PC requires the I-7561 interface converter from RS485 to USB.
12 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Sunny Data Control SMA Technologie AG
3 Sunny Data Control
3. 1 What is new?
• New SDC user interface design.
• Bluetooth communication with SB4000TL-20/5000TL-20 is possible.
• New "Overview" page with the most important data of the plant or a chosen device.
3. 2 Software Version
You can display Sunny Data Control's software version via the menu "?/Info...". The following
information is displayed:
1.
• Software version and date.
• Current security level of the user, see section 13. 10 "Changing the Security Level (Installer
Password)." (Page 147).
3. 3 Functions
• Continuous system monitoring and acquisition of measurement data by means of access to
your Sunny Boy Control.
• Direct measurement data gathering from an inverter through its direct connection to the PC.
• Remote monitoring via modem
• Data export for the presentation of operating data on the Internet (e.g., via Sunny Portal).
• Graphic PC display of all measurement data and operating modes
• "Online display" with color-coded indication of the present output of each Sunny Boy in your
plant
• Configuration of Sunny Boys and adjustment of Sunny Boys' parameters
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 13
Sunny Data Control SMA Technologie AG
3. 4 System Requirements
• Operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista.
• Available hard disk space: At least 20 MB
• Bluetooth
- at the PC: Integrated Bluetooth or with a Bluetooth stick.
- Supported Bluetooth stacks: Microsoft, Toshiba, BlueSoleil, Broadcom
Other Bluetooth stacks can be used via a virtual COM port.
•RS232
- at the PC: COM1 to COM255
- at the Sunny Boy Control: RS232 Piggy-Back
- Data cable: up to 15 m
•RS485
- at the PC: Interface converter.
- at the Sunny Boy Control: RS485 Piggy-Back
- Data cable: Up to 1200 m
•Ethernet
- at the PC: Ethernet card
- at the Sunny Boy Control: NET socket, NET Piggy-Back
- Ethernet: Up to 100 m
•USB
- at the Sunny Beam: Up to 3 m
14 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to an Inverter SMA Technologie AG
4 Connecting the PC to an Inverter
Connection of an inverter to the PC is achieved via the USB service interface, via RS485 and an
interface converter, or via Bluetooth (SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20). The SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20
does not support the USB-Service-Interface.
The following chapters describe the respective connection types:
• Connection via the USB service interface
• Connection via Bluetooth
• Connection via RS485 and an interface converter
4. 1 Connection via the USB service interface
Requirements
Connection via the USB service interface (SMA order number: USBPBS) is only for the purpose of
servicing, and should not be used long term. The SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20 does not support the
USB-Service-Interface.
Connection
For further information regarding this connection, please refer to the USB service interface's user
manual.
Data Gathering
Chapter 11. 4 "Direct Data Acquisition from an Inverter" (Page 77) describes how to acquire and
save data from an inverter connected directly to the PC, and how to send these to Sunny Portal.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 15
Connecting the PC to an Inverter SMA Technologie AG
4. 2 Communication via Bluetooth
Requirements
Bluetooth is integrated as standard in SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20. The PC or laptop must be
equipped with Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is fitted, the range is usually of up to only 10 m. If a Bluetooth
stick is retrofitted, however, this range is greater; in the case of Bluetooth Class 1 it is up to 100 m.
Data cannot be sent to Sunny Portal.
If the data from SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20 is queried via Bluetooth, it cannot be sent to
Sunny Portal.
• In order to be able to send the data from SB 4000TL-20/5000TL-20 to Sunny
Portal, it must be queried via RS485 communication.
Grid guard parameters in SB4000TL-20/5000TL-20 via Bluetooth.
If the SB4000TL-20/5000TL-20 is connected with Sunny Data Control via Bluetooth, the
SMA grid guard parameter can be set using the padlock icon at the top right on the
"Parameters" page.
Commissioning
The commissioning of Bluetooth communication is described in chapter 8.3. 1 "Bluetooth" (Page 39).
Data Gathering
Chapter 11. 4 "Direct Data Acquisition from an Inverter" (Page 77) describes how to acquire and
save data from an inverter connected directly to the PC, and how to send these to Sunny Portal.
4. 3 Connection via RS485 and an interface converter
Requirements
The inverter must be equipped with a RS485 Piggy-Back. The I-7561 interface converter from
RS485 to USB is needed for connection to the PC via RS485 (SMA order number: I-7561), see also
chapter 5. 1 "Notes on the Use of Level Converters" (Page 20).
Connection
Information on this connection is provided in the I-7561 installation guide.
Data Gathering
Chapter 11. 4 "Direct Data Acquisition from an Inverter" (Page 77) describes how to acquire and
save data from an inverter connected directly to the PC, and how to send these to Sunny Portal.
16 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5 Connecting the PC to a Communication Device
In order to connect several inverters to the PC there are various communication devices at your
disposal. It is only ever possible to have one
as well as between the inverters.
single type of connection to the communication device,
RS232 is a 1:1 connection with which only one inverter can be connected to only one
communication device.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 17
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
The following table shows the communication devices and the possible connection types.
Communication device Interface of
PC's interface
the communication device
Sunny Boy Control / Plus RS232 Piggy-Back RS232 connection
Interface converter
RS232 to USB
RS485 Piggy-Back RS485 connection
Interface converter
RS485 to USB
Interface converter
RS485 to RS232
NET Piggy-Back
with an analog modem
analog modem
ISDN Modem
(with a CAPI driver)
GSM Modem
NET Piggy-Back
ISDN Modem
with an ISDN modem
NET Piggy-Back
with a GSM modem
analog modem
ISDN Modem
(with a CAPI driver)
GSM Modem
NET Piggy-Back
Ethernet network card
with Ethernet
Sunny Beam USB USB connection
18 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
Communication device Interface of
PC's interface
the communication device
Sunny Central Control RS232 Piggy-Back RS232 connection
Interface converter
RS232 to USB
RS485 Piggy-Back RS485 connection
Interface converter
RS485 to USB
Interface converter
RS485 to RS232
NET Piggy-Back
with an analog modem
analog modem
ISDN Modem
(with a CAPI driver)
GSM Modem
NET Piggy-Back
ISDN Modem
with an ISDN modem
NET Piggy-Back
Ethernet network card
with Ethernet
The following sections describe the various options for connection of the communication devices,
provide recommendations for cabling, and include wiring diagrams.
Information on the Sunny Central Control
Timeout settings for the Sunny Central Control.
For a Sunny Central Control, certain timeout settings have to be configured in the Sunny
Data Control software versions 3.5, or later.
• Configure these settings as described in chapter 13.12. 1 "Settings for the Sunny
Central Control" (Page 149).
This manual is also valid for the Sunny Central Control.
The Sunny Central Control is a variant of the Sunny Boy Control which is built directly into
the Sunny Central. Throughout this manual, only the Sunny Boy Control is mentioned. All
sections which apply to the Sunny Boy Control also apply to the Sunny Central Control.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 19
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5. 1 Notes on the Use of Level Converters
Interface converters are devices which convert data from one signal type to another, for instance,
from RS485 to USB. With the aid of these interface converters, a Sunny Boy Control/Plus can be
connected to a PC which does not have the appropriate interface.
Compatibility with interface converters
Compatibility with all level converters available on the market cannot be guaranteed.
SMA offers the following interface converters. These interface converters have been
tested and work with the Sunny Boy Control/Plus.
• RS232/RS485 to USB
- SMA order number: I-7561
• RS485 to RS232
- SMA order number: I-7520
20 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5. 2 Sunny Boy Control / Plus
5.2. 1 Connection via RS232
RS232
RS232 communication characteristics:
• A maximum of one Sunny Boy Control / Plus can be connected to a PC.
• The PC must be equipped with an RS232 port. If it is not, please read section 5. 1 "Notes on
the Use of Level Converters" (Page 20).
• The Sunny Boy Control / Plus requires an RS232 Piggy-Back at the PC (COM 2) port.
Alternatively, at the Sunny Boy Control Plus, the AUX (COM 3) port can be used, if this is
equipped with an RS232 Piggy-Back.
• The maximum total cable length is 12 m.
Cabling Recommendations
The connection between the Sunny Boy Control and the PC occurs by means of a commercially
available null modem cable. Use the null modem cable provided.
If the length proves insufficient, use a commercially available null modem cable of the required
length.
Jumper Functions at the Sunny Boy Control / Plus
With RS232 communication, no jumper must be mounted on the Sunny Boy Control / Plus at the PC
(COM 2) port, or on the Sunny Boy Control Plus at the AUX (COM 3) port.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 21
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
Wiring Diagram
PC
1.
2. Use the null modem cable provided, or a commercially
available null modem cable of the required length.
3. Plug the 9-pin D-Sub female connector into a free COM
port on your PC.
4. Lay the cable properly so that there is no risk of persons
tripping over it.
NOTICE!
Possible damage to the COM interfaces of the Sunny Boy Control / Plus and
the PC.
The COM interfaces of both devices could be damaged if the PC is turned on and
then the devices are connected to one another.
• Switch off PC
Sunny Boy Control / Plus
5. Plug the 9-pin D-Sub female connector into the port on
the Sunny Boy Control which is equipped with the
RS232 interface.
(A) Sunny Boy Control: PC (COM 2)
(B) Sunny Boy Control Plus: PC (COM 2) or AUX
(COM 3)
Jumper
6. Remove any jumpers A, B or C which may be plugged,
from the interfaces used.
AB
22 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5.2. 2 Connection via RS485
RS485
RS485 communication characteristics:
• Up to 50 Sunny Boy Control / Plus devices can be connected to a PC.
• The PC must be equipped with an RS485 port. If it is not, please read section 5. 1 "Notes on
the Use of Level Converters" (Page 20).
• Each Sunny Boy Control requires an RS485 Piggy-Back at the PC (COM 2) port.
Alternatively, at the Sunny Boy Control Plus, the AUX (COM 3) port can be used, if this is
equipped with an RS485 Piggy-Back.
• The maximum total cable length is 1200 m.
Cabling Recommendations
The cable length and quality affect the signal quality. Observe the following indications in order to
achieve good signal quality.
• Use metallic D-Sub female connectors. Female connectors made of plastic, or metallized
plastic, can cause faulty data transfer.
• For the outdoors, use a communications cable with the following important properties.
- Cross-section: At least 2 x 2 x 0,22 mm
-shielded
- Twisted pair cables
-UV resistant
We recommend the following cable types for the outdoors.
SMA communications cable: COMCAB-OUTxxx*
*Available in the following lengths: xxx = 100 m/200 m/500 m and 1000
Lappkabel cables: UNITRONIC Li2YCYv 2 x 2 x 0.22 mm
2
, and at least 2 x 2 x AWG 24
2
You can use an indoor cable for the outdoors as well, provided you protect it from UV
radiation with the proper cable duct.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 23
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
• We recommend the following cable types for indoors.
SMA communications cable: COMCAB-INxxx*
*Available in the following lengths: xxx = 100 m/200 m/500 m and 1000
Lappkabel cables: UNITRONIC Li2YCY (TP) 2 x 2 x 0.22 mm
2
Helukabel cables: PAAR-TRONIC-Li-2YCY 2 x 2 x 0,22 mm2
Pin Assignment of the Connection Cable
Sunny Boy Control PC
Signal Pin Pin Signal
Data + 3 Data +
Data - 8 Data -
GND 5 GND
Jumper functions
Termination
To increase the signal quality of the RS485 data bus, it must be terminated at both ends. Each
termination is made with a 120 W resistor between the two data lines. Terminate the last Sunny
Boy Control / Plus by means of a jumper. The position of the jumper is described in the user manual
of the Sunny Boy Control / Plus.
Signal biasing
To increase the signal quality of the RS485 data bus, a maximum of one bias can be connected in
the data bus. We recommend connecting the bias at the PC.
24 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
Wiring Diagram
PC
1.
2. Plug the 9-pin D-Sub female connector into a
free COM port on your PC.
For the pin assignment of the RS485 connection,
please refer to the PC's documentation, or the
plug-in card's documentation.
Data+ and Data– leads must be a twisted pair.
3. Shorten the wire of the fourth, unused conductor,
so that short circuits cannot arise.
4. Note down the wire color:
Data + ____________________
Data - ____________________
GND ____________________
NOTICE!
Possible damage to the COM interfaces of the Sunny Boy Control/Plus and
the PC.
The COM interfaces of both devices could be damaged if the PC is turned on and
then the devices are connected to one another.
• Switch off PC
Termination
5. Only if the PC is at one end of the 485 data bus:
Terminate the end of the cable as described in
the instructions for the PC or the plug-in card.
Signal biasing
6. Configure the RS485 data bus' bias as
described in the PC's documentation, or the
plug-in card's documentation.
7. Lay the cable properly so that there is no risk of
persons tripping over it.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 25
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
Sunny Boy Control / Plus
8. Plug the 9-pin D-Sub female connector into the
port on the Sunny Boy Control which is
equipped with the RS485 interface.
(A) Sunny Boy Control: PC (COM 2)
(B) Sunny Boy Control Plus: PC (COM 2) or
AUX (COM 3)
9. Connect the PC's Data+ with the Data+ of the
Sunny Boy Control / Plus, and so on. The 3
connections should be made directly.
Use listed cable colors.
Termination
10. On the last Sunny Boy Control / Plus in the 485
data bus, Jumper A should be plugged into the
interface being used.
11. Jumper A must not be plugged into the used
interface on any of the other
Sunny Boy Control / Plus devices.
12. Remove any jumpers A, B or C which may be
plugged, from the interfaces used.
AB
AB
26 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5.2. 3 Connection via the Analog Modem NET Piggy-Back
Analog Modem Communication Characteristics
• As the connection to the Sunny Boy Control / Plus is established via the telephone network, it
is only ever possible to connect one Sunny Boy Control / Plus with the PC.
• The PC must be equipped with a modem (analog, ISDN with CAPI driver or GSM).
• The Sunny Boy Control / Plus requires an "analog modem" version of the NET Piggy-Back.
Compatibility with all PC modems available on the market cannot be
guaranteed.
Connection
1. Connect the PC to the telephone network, as described in the modem instructions.
2. Connect the Sunny Boy Control / Plus to the telephone network, as described in the
instructions for the Net Piggy-Back.
3. Use the software provided with the PC operating system to establish the connection between
the two devices.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 27
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5.2. 4 Connection via the ISDN NET Piggy-Back
ISDN Modem Communication Characteristics
• As the connection to the Sunny Boy Control / Plus is established via the telephone network, it
is only ever possible to connect one Sunny Boy Control / Plus with the PC.
• The PC must be equipped with an ISDN modem.
• The Sunny Boy Control / Plus requires an "ISDN" version of the NET Piggy-Back.
Compatibility with all PC modems available on the market cannot be
guaranteed.
Connection
1. Connect the PC to the telephone network, as described in the modem instructions.
2. Connect the Sunny Boy Control / Plus to the telephone network, as described in the
instructions for the Net Piggy-Back.
3. Use the software provided with the PC operating system to establish the connection between
the two devices.
28 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5.2. 5 Connection via the GSM NET Piggy-Back
GSM Modem Communication Characteristics
• As the connection to the Sunny Boy Control / Plus is established via the telephone network, it
is only ever possible to connect one Sunny Boy Control / Plus with the PC.
• The PC must be equipped with a modem (analog, ISDN with CAPI driver or GSM).
• The Sunny Boy Control / Plus requires a "GSM" version of the NET Piggy-Back.
Compatibility with all PC modems available on the market cannot be
guaranteed.
Connection
1. Connect the PC to the telephone network, as described in the modem instructions.
2. Connect the Sunny Boy Control / Plus to the telephone network, as described in the
instructions for the Net Piggy-Back.
3. Use the software provided with the PC operating system to establish the connection between
the two devices.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 29
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5.2. 6 Connection via the Ethernet NET Piggy-Back
Router or hub
Ethernet Network Communication Characteristics
• Any number of Sunny Boy Control / Plus devices can be connected to a PC via the Ethernet
network. The only limitation is the capability of the PC, whereby the main memory is the limiting
factor.
• A Sunny Boy Control / Plus can be connected directly to a PC.
• The PC must be equipped with an Ethernet network card.
• Each Sunny Boy Control / Plus requires an "Ethernet" version of the NET Piggy-Back.
Cabling Recommendations
The cable length and quality can adversely affect the signal quality. To achieve good results,
observe the following instructions.
• For the connection to a hub or router, you require a patch cable.
For the direct connection to a PC, you require a crossover cable.
• Use high quality cable, at least category 5 (SFTP Cat 5) or higher shielded twisted pair cable.
• The maximum permitted cable length for Ethernet cable is 100 m.
Connection to an Ethernet Network
1. Connect the PC to the network as described in the Ethernet network card's user manual.
2. Connect the Sunny Boy Control / Plus to the telephone network, as described in the
instructions for the Net Piggy-Back.
Direct Connection to a Single PC
1. Plug one end of the crossover cable into the PC's Ethernet network card.
2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet network cable into the NET socket of the
Sunny Boy Control / Plus.
3. Lay the cable properly so that there is no risk of persons tripping over it.
30 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
Connecting the PC to a Communication Device SMA Technologie AG
5. 3 Sunny Beam
5.3. 1 Connection via USB
USB
USB Communication Characteristics
• A maximum of one Sunny Beam can be connected to a PC.
• The PC must be equipped with a USB port.
• The maximum total cable length is 3 m.
Connection
1. Connect the Sunny Beam to the PC as described in the Sunny Beam manual.
Technical Description SDC-TEN081450 31
Installation SMA Technologie AG
6 Installation
You can download Sunny Data Control from the download area at www.SMA.de or you can order
it as a CD.
6. 1 Installing Sunny Data Control
1. Switch on your PC and wait until the
operating system has booted up
completely.
2. Close any Windows programs which
may be open.
3. Start the Sunny Data Control
installation program. The Sunny Data
Control installation window opens
(see figure to the right).
4. Follow the installation program's
instructions.
SDC agent
You need the SDC Agent only if you also
intend to use Sunny Data Control for the
online presentation of your PV plant.
You do not need the SDC Agent for Sunny
Portal.
5. Place a check mark next to "SDC
Agent" in order to install it as well.
6. Once the installation is finished, you
can launch Sunny Data Control.
32 SDC-TEN081450 Technical Description
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