The SPT Operator Manual Smart Panel Technology
CONTENTS Information & Disclaimer ..............................................................................................................................................5 Read this First ............................................................................................................................................................6 FCC compliance..................................................................................................................................................
Quick Install Guide.......................................................................................................................................................30 SPT Installation ........................................................................................................................................................34 Mechanical mounting SPT to the PV module ......................................................................................................
What you see.......................................................................................................................................................38 How to interpret ..................................................................................................................................................38 How to modify .....................................................................................................................................................
INFORMATION & DISCLAIMER Copyright © 2009 Ampt LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, retransmitted, or copied in any form without the expressed and written permission of Ampt. Ampt makes no representations, expressed or implied, that with respect to this documentation or any of the equipment and/or software it may describe, including (with no limitation) any implied warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
READ THIS FIRST This operator manual contains all of the information needed to install, commission, and operate an Ampt SPT distributed power conversion device within a grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) installation. To help avoid problems during the system installation, familiarize yourself in advance, with the installation process by reading the entire Installation Guide before starting the installation. Be alert! There are extremely dangerous and lethal voltages present at various points in a PV system.
The box is two pieces and is not meant to be user serviced or opened in any way. *** IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS This manual contains important instructions for the Ampt SPT distributed power conversion device that shall be followed during installation and maintenance of the module and affiliated hardware and software.
Guide. Before connecting the SPT to the electrical utility grid, contact the local utility company. This connection must be made only by qualified personnel. PV arrays produce electrical energy when exposed to light and thus can create an electrical shock hazard. Wiring of the PV‐arrays should only be performed by qualified personnel.
MARKINGS SERVICING Warnings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. When the photovoltaic (PV) array is exposed to light, it produces a DC voltage, and the Ampt equipment is energized. Servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that specified in these Operating Instructions. The installation of Ampt equipment requires following the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70) wiring methods.
7. MESSAGE FROM AMPT The first products that Ampt is introducing are a result of looking at requirements to realize maximum energy at the lowest cost – from a system level perspective. This initial premise is that the maximum energy cannot be harvested fully without the right granularity. We believe that this requires power conversion to be done at the module level.
WHY SPT – WHY GET AMPT? What is maximum power? Is it defined by the energy output of the weakest module in a string, or the combined output of every single module on every string? Is it defined by analyzing energy harvest each day at one site, or every second on every panel at one million sites? Is it defined by the monitoring of information within an array, or the communication of knowledge that leads to improved performance within every module? By answering what no one else has even yet asked, Ampt is not
SMART PANEL TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW Ampt has developed Smart Panel TechnologyTM ‐ SPT ‐ as the optimal solution for energy harvesting from any PV system. The first implementation of Ampt SPT is in a standalone device that is placed in direct connection with the PV module to deliver MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) which is the harvested energy. Conventional PV systems have solar modules series connected, and are thereby limited by the weakest module in the string.
The Ampt SPT puts the MPPT logic where it belongs, on each solar module, and allows each module to produce its maximum power. Then each SPT device combines to provide the bulk inverter with its highest efficiency input power. The result: the highest energy from each module, operating with the highest efficiency of the bulk inverter.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Each solar module will have a dedicated Ampt SPT device connected to the module outputs. The Ampt SPT devices then are connected in series to each other and will make up a “string” of modules. Each string is then combined in parallel to connect with the bulk inverter (in today’s conventional array). When solar rays are absorbed by the PV module, energy is produced.
The GUI has a lot of data presented and will likely change for increased usability, but at present demonstrates the kind of interaction and reporting available. As you can see, each module (and corresponding SPT) is mapped out per their installed location. Note: each SPT is bar coded, and during the field commissioning process, a bar code scanner can be utilized to logically map out the organization of modules.
THEORY OF OPERATION The Ampt SPT is designed to mitigate irregularities between the modules in an array and the bulk inverter. Specifically, the SPT can fix its output to match the optimal inverter input voltage and broaden the performance range of conventional PV modules & inverter combinations. By providing localized DC‐DC conversion along with wireless communication, the SPT enables instantaneous control and feedback to the system and thereby maximizes energy harvesting.
INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC MATRIX (SUMMARY VERSION) Page 17 of 49
VALUE PROPOSITION LIST Temperature coefficient power losses ‐ Temperature Effect / Fill Factor Management Panel obstruction/ shading (leaf/snow/haze/bird gifts) ‐ Dynamic string adjustment to capitalize on unbalanced panel production Panel power variation (mismatch/aging/broken/defect) ‐ diverse utilization and imbalance correction Installed efficiency (placement/wiring/opens) ‐ More KWhr/KW production (12‐15% more harvesting) Bi‐polar balancing ‐ +/‐ operations for Advanced Energy Invert
SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES Currently, one problem facing installers and maintenance providers of PV Systems is safety. Since conventionally, all panels are connected in series and installation and maintenance work is done during periods of irradiance, the voltage across the panels might reach dangerous levels exposing field personnel to a real danger of electrocution. Ampt provides a “convenience” mode which supports an “on / off” mode of operation.
LCOE Page 20 of 49
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING Page 21 of 49
GUI – GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE & SOFTWARE USER MANUAL OVERVIEW The Ampt software is a web based management application for viewing the real‐time performance and management of your solar installation at the array, string, and module level. I NTRODUCTION : There are two views available for managing your Solar Array; summary and string view. The Summary view provides an overview of the state of the solar array.
FIGURE 1 S TRING V IEW Similar to the Summary view, the strings are organized around the physical and logical layout as closely as possible. In String view the status of the module is shown in detail. There’s a legend on the next page that covers the meaning of different background colors.
FIGURE 2 To the right of the string layout is Power output details for each string; Power, Voltage, Current, and Energy. There are multiple controls on the far right edge. Set Over V – Set Over Voltage limit for all the SPT Modules. ON – Turns the SPT Module on allowing current and voltage to pass through device. OFF ‐ Turns the SPT Module off blocking current and voltage output. WARNING *** Module is still producing voltage and looking for a pathway to ground.
0 to 39.9 W 40 to 79.9 80 to 119.9 W 120 To 159.9 W Over 160 W A reddish background means SPT is not talking to the gateway and field computer. Ie. No data is being captured for that module. Brown indicates that a module position is reserved GUI but no SPT installed.
COMPLETE SYSTEM LAYOUT AND WIRING DIAGRAM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM LAYOUT Page 26 of 49
DESIGNING YOUR SPT SYSTEM SOLUTION Page 27 of 49
ORDERING INFORMATION – SAMPLE SALES ORDER Page 28 of 49
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QUICK INSTALL GUIDE For those who already know the basics and just want to get going. I NSTALLATION S EQUENCE OF E VENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Unpacking and inspection Proper system grounding prior to installation Installation of the field computer a. Mounting b. AC Power c. Internet connection via Ethernet d. Connection to the Gateway e. Connection to a laptop SPT mounting and mechanical a. Mounting choices i. Plane of array ii. Perpendicular to plane of array iii. Other b.
PROPER SYSTEM GROUNDING INSTALLATION OF THE FIELD COMPUTER a. Mounting b. AC Power c. Internet connection via Ethernet d. Connection to the Gateway e. Connection to a laptop SPT MOUNTING AND MECHANICAL Mount and ground racking or support structure per NEC Article 690 and manufacturer’s instructions.
If mounting to a structure with rail slots, insert 3/8 or 1/4 inch hardware in the rail slot before modules or “L” feet or stanchions are secured. Each SPT requires two bolts, two nuts, two flat washers, and two lock washers. Whizz nuts are not recommended as the galvanized coating of the bracket may be compromised. Secure each bracket, making sure that each lock washer is fully compressed. Torque 3/8 inch fasteners to XXX inch‐pounds and 1/4 inch fasteners to YYY inch‐pounds.
Check module Voc for temperature and irradiance adjusted value from module nameplate reading. Place SPT in “Off” mode Repeat for next SPT’s in string Connect SPT‐SPT cable. Secure module and SPT‐SPT cables to support structure or module frame with UV rated wire ties and/or stainless steel clips or strain relief f. Mount each SPT as each module is installed. Modules performance may be tested with the SPT as each module is installed. g.
SPT INSTALLATION MECHANICAL MOUNTING SPT TO THE PV MODULE R ACKING SYSTEMS M OUNTING DIRECTLY U SING FLAT OR L PLATE WIRING SPT TO THE PV MODULE COMPLETING THE STRING WIRING Page 34 of 49
HRD INSTALLATION MECHANICAL MOUNTING THE HRD WIRING THE HRD COMPLETING THE HOME RUN WIRING GATEWAY AND FIELD COMPUTER LOCATION DETERMINATION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AC POWER INTERNET ACCESS MECHANICAL MOUNTING ELECTRICAL WIRING Page 35 of 49
SPT SYSTEM COMMISSIONING MAPPING YOUR SYSTEM USING THE HAND HELD FC P OWER UP AND DOWN R EADING THE DISPLAY T URNING MODULES ON AND OFF R ECORDING SERIAL NUMBERS D OWNLOADING DATA POWER UP THE FC VERIFY GATEWAY OPERATION TESTING THE SIGNAL STRENGTH TO THE GATEWAY ACCESSING THE FC THROUGH THE INTERNET SETTING UP THE GUI DEFINING USERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS CHOOSING THE USER DEFINED PARAMETERS ALERT THRESHOLDS SCRIPT CHOICES I NSTALLATION MODE C OMMERCIAL OPERATION MODE R ESIDENTIAL OPERATION MODE U
SETTING UP THE DATA BASE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS READING THE GUI Page 37 of 49
CONTROL FEATURES NORMAL OPERATION WHAT YOU SEE HOW TO INTERPRET HOW TO MODIFY ACCESSING THE DATA BASE SORTING THE DATA DEFINING USER TEMPLATES INTERPRETING ALERT MESSAGES Page 38 of 49
TROUBLESHOOTING SPT OPERATIONAL ISSUES GUI OPERATIONAL ISSUES Page 39 of 49
TECHNICAL DATA SPT SPECIFICATIONS SHEET SPT PHOTO & MECHANICAL DRAWING Page 40 of 49
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HRD SPECIFICATIONS SHEET HRD ILLUSTRATION HRD MECHANICAL DRAWING Page 42 of 49
FC SPECIFICATIONS SHEET Manufactured by DMP Electronics Inc Model eBox‐3300 CPU MSTI PDX‐600 (1GHz) Memory Onboard 256MB DDR2 Graphics XGI Z9s with 32MB DDR2 External 15‐pin D‐type female VGA connector Ethernet Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN Built‐in PXE diskless boot function 2nd Ethernet chip Realtek RTL8100B 10/100 Base‐T Ethernet (optional) I/O 44pin IDE x 1 Micro SD x 1 CF Slot x 1 USB Port x 3 (2 in front) RJ‐45 x 1 PS/2 x 1 Keyboard/Mouse shared Mini PCI Socket
HAND HELD FC SPECIFICATIONS SHEET Manufactured by Motorola Physical Characteristics Dimensions: 6 in. L x 3.3 in. W x 1.7 in D (15.24 cm L x 8.4 cm W x 4.4 cm D) Weight (including Standard 1.5X battery: 14.9 oz./422 g) Display: Transflective color 640 x 480 3.5” full VGA with backlight Touch Panel: Glass analog resistive touch Backlight: LED backlight Main Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.
Electrical Safety: Certified to UL / cUL 60950‐1, IEC / EN60950‐1 FCC Class B EMI Certified Environmental: RoHS‐compliant GUI PARAMETERS AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Page 45 of 49
TECHNICAL SUPPORT By choosing an Ampt product, you have also chosen comprehensive technical support & service.
LIMITED WARRANTY The Ampt SPT is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 1 year from date of shipment, provided that the product remains unmodified and is operated under normal and proper conditions. The Ampt SPT 25 year operational warranty covers any repair or replacement part costs incurred during the agreed period, beginning on the device’s purchase date, subject to the conditions listed below.
1. Installer must contact the technical support team at Ampt to register the support issue and seek assistance. Ampt Technical support will provide troubleshooting assistance and is committed to resolving the claim in one of the following ways; a. Situation will be resolved to the installer’s satisfaction over the phone or via the Ampt wireless communication link to the SPT b.
APPENDIX: FAQ INSTALLATION MAPPING WIRING DIAGRAMS ORDERING SPARE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS RETURN PROCEDURES WHITE PAPERS 1.
