Ampt String Optimizer V1500-30 Series Installation Manual 57070016-1 v20201023 (PRELIMINARY) hdpv.
Copyright 2020 Ampt, LLC. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2020 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, LLC. This document contains information needed to install and commission an Ampt optimizer (including Smart String Technology® optimizers, String Stretch® optimizers, Ampt Mode® optimizers, String View® optimizers, V-match® optimizers, and Direct-to-Battery® optimizers) within a photovoltaic (PV) installation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This manual contains important instructions for Ampt optimizers that shall be followed during installation and maintenance. The optimizer has been designed and tested according to international safety requirements, but requires certain precautions are observed when installing and/or operating the optimizer.
General Safety Installation and maintenance should be performed only by qualified persons. Installers and maintenance personnel assume the risk of all injury that might occur during installation or maintenance including, without limitation, the risk of electric shock. Follow your safety procedures and protocols.
Disclaimer of Liability 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. All such warranties are expressly disclaimed. Ampt shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages under any circumstances.
Table of Contents Read This First ......................................................................................................................... 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................4 Safety Message Types ...................................................................................................................................4 General Safety ............................................
Steps ........................................................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix........................................................................................................................ 27 Compliance ............................................................................................................................ 27 Model Numbering System ....................................................
Chapter 1: Product Overview Ampt String Optimizers are DC/DC converters with multiple features that lower the cost and improve the performance of new and existing PV systems. • Dual MPPT per optimizer - Ampt String Optimizers put maximum power point tracking on each of its two input strings of PV modules. This mitigates or eliminates mismatch losses to deliver more energy under changing environmental and system conditions over the lifetime of the power plant.
Dimensional Drawings 100 3.94” The dimensions for the String Optimizer shown below are in millimeters and inches. 220 8.66” 466 18.35” 420 16.54” 101.6 4” 101.6 4” 50.8 2” 108.4 4.27” 208 8.19” Figure 1: Dimensional drawings Copyright 2020 Ampt, LLC. All rights reserved.
Physical Overview Grounding stud (10-32) x 2 Mounting holes (6.5 mm) x 6 Input 2 connectors +- +- +- Input 1 connectors Output connectors Figure 2: Physical overview of the string optimizer Bar Code Label The image below shows the bar code label with model and serial numbers. Bar code label Figure 3: Bar code tag with the model and serial numbers Copyright 2020 Ampt, LLC. All rights reserved.
Specifications V1500-30 Series V1250-30 V1275-30 V1300-30 V1325-30 V1350-30 V1375-30 V1400-30 V1415-30 Electrical Input Maximum voltage per input ¹ V 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 Maximum current per input ² A 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 Maximum Isc per input ³ A 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 MPP tracking voltage range V 300-1200 300-1225 300-1250 300-1275 300-1300 300-1300 300-1300 300-1300 Startup voltage per input V 390 390 390 390 390 390 390 390
Chapter 2: Planning Installation Overview This chapter explains the installation requirements that ensure proper operation of the String Optimizer. NOTICE The inputs of the optimizer are not intended for connection to a battery or any other type of DC source except PV modules. PV System Configurations String Optimizers can be installed in ungrounded and resistively grounded PV systems. Notice that input configurations can vary. See Acceptable Input Configurations section for details.
Acceptable Input Configurations Each input of the optimizer can have multiple PV strings of the same length in parallel. Each PV string in parallel, on a given input, should have the same open-circuit voltage (Voc-cold). Same Voc-cold Same Voc-cold Figure 6: Example - Two strings in parallel on each input Figure 7: Example - Three strings in parallel on each input When the number of modules on each input is not the same, the input with the highest power should be connected to input 1.
Fuses CAUTION Over-current protection devices and conductors shall be sized in accordance with the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70); Canadian Electrical Code, Part I; or the applicable standards, codes, and regulations for your region. Understanding Maximum Output Current and Fuse Sizing The recommended PV system design ensures that the DC bus voltage, which is set by the inverter, is always greater than the optimizer input voltages.
Fuses required on parallel strings to protect PV modules Fuses may be required on single string inputs Figure 9: Single PV strings may, and parallel PV strings must, have input fuses to protect the PV modules. When input fuses are needed, use the appropriate calculations for your jurisdiction to size fuses to ensure that your module strings are protected according to the maximum series fuse rating on the datasheet for the PV modules.
Connector Polarity Always use the polarity markings on the faceplate instead of any polarity markings on the connectors. Optimizer Front View ! Use the polarity markings on the faceplate to avoid damaging the device. Optimizer Top View Output Mating Connectors Top View Figure 11: Output connector polarity Copyright 2020 Ampt, LLC. All rights reserved.
Chapter 3: Installing the Ampt String Optimizer Getting Started This chapter addresses the proper mounting and installation of the Ampt String Optimizer. Read the entire chapter before starting the procedures and then conduct each task in the order given.
Mounting and Grounding the String Optimizer WARNING Read the warning statements below: Installation and maintenance should be performed only by qualified persons. Installers and maintenance personnel assume the risk of all injury that might occur during installation or maintenance including, without limitation, the risk of electric shock. Follow your safety procedures and protocols.
Making Electrical Connections WARNING Read the warning statements below: Installation and maintenance should be performed only by qualified persons. Installers and maintenance personnel assume the risk of all injury that might occur during installation or maintenance including, without limitation, the risk of electric shock. Follow your safety procedures and protocols. Do not make or break connections under load.
Failure to follow the prescribed connection and disconnection order can result in damage to the device. Follow these instructions to avoid damaging the device. Follow polarity markings on the optimizer faceplate. Do not cross-wire inputs or output. Use only MC4-Evo 2 mating connectors or connectors manufactured by Stäubli that are recognized as being part of the MC connector family with the appropriate rating.
5. Follow your safety procedures and protocols and use an appropriately rated multimeter to measure the voltage and verify the polarity for the string(s) of modules being connected to Input 1. Figure 13: Check the polarity and gender for PV string 6. Connect the set of PV strings for Input 1 to the INPUT 1 connectors of the String Optimizer. Ensure that the locking mechanisms on the connectors are fully engaged. Figure 14: Connecting Input 1 7.
8. Connect the set of PV strings for Input 2 to the INPUT 2 connectors of the String Optimizer. Ensure that the locking mechanisms on the connectors are fully engaged. Figure 15: Connecting Input 2 9. Follow your safety procedures and protocols to measure the output voltage of the String Optimizer. It should be equal to the maximum value of the Output Voltage Range on the product label (+/- 1.5%). If it is not, contact Ampt.
Connecting the Output 1. Read the warning, caution, and notice statements starting on page 20. 2. Make sure you have completed all the steps in the Connecting the Inputs section starting on page 21. 3. Follow your safety procedures and protocols to ensure the output cables are appropriately terminated and not under load. 4. Connect the output cables to the OUTPUT connectors of the String Optimizer. ! Use the polarity markings on the optimizer faceplate to avoid damaging the unit.
Uninstalling an Optimizer WARNING Read the warning statements below: Installation and maintenance should be performed only by qualified persons. Installers and maintenance personnel assume the risk of all injury that might occur during installation or maintenance including, without limitation, the risk of electric shock. Follow your safety procedures and protocols. Do not perform any servicing other than that specified in these instructions. Do not make or break connections under load.
3. Follow your safety procedures and protocols to verify that there is zero current flowing through the optimizer circuit by using a current clamp to test each wire connected to Input 1, Input 2, and the output. a. If current is detected on any of these cables, wait for zero irradiance and verify that there is zero current flowing through the optimizer circuit. 4. If no current is detected, then use the MC4-Evo 2 unlocking tool to disconnect connectors in the following order: a. Output b. Input 2 c.
Appendix Compliance *** The box is not meant to be user serviced or opened in any way. *** Model Numbering System The model numbers for Ampt String Optimizers are in the following format: • • • • • 315700xx-xxxx (30A models, ranging from 400 – 1500V) 315700xx-xxxx (24A models, ranging from 400 – 1500V) 315700xx-xxxx (20A models, ranging from 400 – 1500V) 315700xx-xxxx (16A models, ranging from 400 – 1500V) 315700xx-xxxx (12A models, ranging from 400 – 1500V) …where xxxx equals voltage of the unit (e.g.
Markings 30 A Models Ampt model number Maximum voltage per input (Vdc) Operating voltage range per input (Vdc) Maximum current per input (Imp@STC) (Adc) Max PV short-circuit current per input (Adc) Output voltage range (Vdc) Maximum output current (Adc) Maximum continuous output power (kWdc) Ambient temperature operating range Enclosure type 24 A Models [table here] 20 A Models [table here] 16 A Models [table here] 12 A Models [table here] Copyright 2020 Ampt, LLC. All rights reserved.
FCC Compliance This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. IMPORTANT! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Ampt LLC could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Avis IC Cet appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC. Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) Ce dispositif ne peut causer des interférences nuisibles, et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence reçue, y compris les interférences qui peuvent provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable. IMPORTANT! Les changements ou modifications non expressément approuvés par Ampt LLC pourraient annuler l'autorité de l'utilisateur à utiliser l'équipement.
Reference: Electrical Connection Order After the installer has read the manual, this page can be used as a reference on the job site to ensure the electrical connection order and to avoid damage to the device. These instructions are for reference only and do not replace the installation manual. See the manual for complete instructions and safety messages. Input 1 WARNING Read the warning statements below: Installation and maintenance should be performed only by qualified persons.
Mechanical Installation Best Practices • • • • • • • • • • Store optimizers in a sheltered location that is protected from weather exposure. Optimizers damaged by water due to improper storage are not covered under warranty. Ground according to local codes using the grounding stud or a listed bonding washer. Ensure that optimizers are oriented with connectors facing down unless otherwise specified by Ampt. Keep optimizer in a covered location and free from pooling water.
Copyright 2020 Ampt, LLC. All rights reserved.
