SMA Sunny Data Control User Manual V.5.0

4.5 (2)

Solar data technology

SUNNY DATA CONTROL

Technical Description

SDC-TEN081450 | Version 5.0

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

Technical Description

SDC-TEN081450

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

SDC-TEN081450

Technical Description

SMA Technologie AG

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

SDC-TEN081450

Technical Description

SMA Technologie AG

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

			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

SDC-TEN081450

Technical Description

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

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.

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

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.

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:

•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

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

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

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.

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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 single type of connection to the communication device, as well as between the inverters.

RS232 is a 1:1 connection with which only one inverter can be connected to only one communication device.

Technical Description

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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	analog modem
	with an analog modem
	with an analog modem	ISDN Modem
		(with a CAPI driver)

		GSM Modem

	NET Piggy-Back	ISDN Modem
	with an ISDN modem

	NET Piggy-Back	analog modem
	with a GSM modem
	with a GSM modem	ISDN Modem
		(with a CAPI driver)

		GSM Modem

	NET Piggy-Back	Ethernet network card
	with Ethernet


Sunny Beam	USB	USB connection

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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	analog modem
	with an analog modem
	with an 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

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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

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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

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Connecting the PC to a Communication Device

SMA Technologie AG

Wiring Diagram

1.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

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.

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.

A B

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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 mm2, and at least 2 x 2 x AWG 24

-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 mm2

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

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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 mm2

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.

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Technical Description

Connecting the PC to a Communication Device

SMA Technologie AG

Wiring Diagram

1.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

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 ____________________

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.

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Connecting the PC to a Communication Device

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.

SMA Technologie AG

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Technical Description

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