International Series GFX Inverter/Charger GFX1312E GFX1424E GFX1448E Operator’s Manual
About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems. Contact Information Telephone: Address: E-mail: Web Site: +1.360.435.6030 +1.360.618.4363 (Technical Support) +1.360.435.6019 (Fax) North America 5917 – 195th Street N.E.
Important Safety Instructions READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important safety instructions for the International Series GFX inverters. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and on any accessories or additional equipment included in the installation. Failure to follow these instructions could result in severe shock or possible electrocution. Use extreme caution at all times to prevent accidents.
Important Safety Instructions Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product.
Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................1 Audience .................................................................................................................................................................................1 Symbols Used ........................................................................................................................................................................1 Definitions........
Table of Contents Specifications for Model GFX1312E.............................................................................................................................43 Specifications for Model GFX1424E.............................................................................................................................44 Specifications for Model GFX1448E.............................................................................................................................
Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Table 12 Table 13 Table 14 Table 15 Table 16 Table 17 Table 18 Table 19 Table 20 Table 21 Table 22 Terms and Definitions..................................................................................................................... 2 Battery LED Values..........................................................................................................................
Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack International Series GFX Inverter/Charger. This product offers a complete power conversion system between batteries and AC power. It can provide backup power or complete off-grid service.
Introduction System Display and Controller The GFX inverters have no external controls. They can operate normally without an external control or interface. Basic modes and settings are pre-programmed at the factory. (See page 47 for default settings.) The MATE and MATE2 System Display and Controller (sold separately) are OutBack products designed to accommodate programming and monitoring of an OutBack power system.
Commissioning Functional Test Pre-startup Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4. Ensure all DC and AC overcurrent devices are opened or turned off. Double-check all wiring connections. Inspect the work area to ensure tools or debris have not been left inside. Verify battery voltage using a digital voltmeter (DVM). Confirm the voltage is correct for the inverter model. Confirm the polarity. 5. Connect the system display (if present). CAUTION: Equipment Damage Incorrect battery polarity will damage the inverter.
Commissioning continued from previous page.... 5. If the INVERTER LED (green) is not illuminated, turn on the inverter using the system display or external switch. 6. Check the STATUS LEDs. Confirm that the INVERTER LED (green) is illuminated. 7. Using a DVM, verify 230 Vac between the AC HOT OUT and AC NEUTRAL OUT terminals. Do not turn on any AC circuit breakers at this time. 8.
Operation LED Indicators AUX LED (see page 27) BATTERY LEDs STATUS LEDs Figure 4 LED Indicators BATTERY LEDS The battery LEDs show the approximate battery state. (See IMPORTANT note below.) The BATTERY LEDs are independent of STATUS LEDs. Any STATUS LED could accompany any BATTERY LED based on certain conditions. Common combinations are noted. ¾ A GREEN LED means the batteries have an adequate charge at that time. It does not always mean they are full.
Operation STATUS LEDS GREEN ¾ Solid: The inverter is ON and providing power. If accompanied by solid yellow LED, unit is selling power to the utility grid. (See page 24 for a description of the Sell function.) ¾ Flashing: The inverter has been turned ON but is idle. May be accompanied by the yellow LED. If not accompanied by the yellow LED, the unit is in inverting mode and is idle due to lack of demand. This can be because the unit is in Search mode. (See page 14 for a description of Search.
Operation Description of Functions All items identified as settable or adjustable have set points which can be accessed using the remote system display. (See the system display manual for instructions on locating these set points.) The default settings and ranges of adjustment are listed near the end of this book, beginning on page 47.
Operation Search An automated search circuit is available to minimize the power draw when no loads are present. When enabled, the inverter does not always deliver full output. The output is reduced to brief pulses with a delay between them. These pulses are sent down the output lines to see if a resistance is present. In effect, the pulses “search” for a load. If one is detected, the inverter’s output increases to full voltage so that it can power the load.
Operation AC Current Settings The AC current settings control the amount of current that the inverter draws from the source(s). The amount of current is controlled by the grid or generator limit settings. These settings should be adjusted to match the size of the input circuit breaker or input conductor. In the system display, if the source is set to grid, the inverter uses the grid settings. If the source is set to gen, the inverter uses the generator settings.
Operation Generators A generator should be sized to provide enough power for both loads and battery charging. ¾ The generator needs a single circuit which is sized to provide current to all inverters on a given phase or leg. ¾ It is usually recommended that the generator be sized at twice the wattage of the inverter system. Many generators may not be able to maintain AC voltage or frequency for long periods of time if they are loaded more than 80% of rated capacity.
Operation Input Support A system display is required to control this function. When this function is enabled, the inverter limits the current draw from an AC source, augmenting it with additional current from the batteries when necessary. This helps prevent overloading a small AC circuit or generator during short-term use. Initially the AC source current is used for both loads and battery charging. In the MATE system display, the ac1/grid limit or ac2/gen limit settings control the maximum AC draw.
Operation Battery Charging IMPORTANT: Battery charger settings need to be correct for a given battery type. Always follow battery manufacturer recommendations. Making incorrect settings, or leaving them at factory default settings, may cause the batteries to be undercharged or overcharged.
Operation The initial DC current is the maximum current the charger can deliver. It will begin at the charger’s specified maximum, but will gradually decrease as the voltage increases. This is a tradeoff in wattage and is normal for the charger. Absorption Stage This is the second stage of charging. It is a constant-voltage stage. Current varies as needed to maintain the voltage, but will typically decrease to a very low number over time.
Operation Silent This is not a charging stage, but a quiescent period between stages. The inverter remains on the AC source, but the charger is inactive. It enters this condition upon completing the Absorption stage, or when there is not enough energy to sustain selling. The term “Silent” is also used in the context of stacking inverters and Power Save levels. See page 27. In Silent, the batteries are not in significant use by the inverter, but they are also not being charged.
Operation Voltage Absorption Absorption Set Point Absorption Float Set Point Sell RE Set Point Sell RE Sell RE Refloat Set Point Rebulk Point AC Loss No Charge Silent Float Float Timer Bulk Bulk Time Figure 6 Repeated Charging Cycles New Charging Cycle If the AC source is lost or disconnected, the unit will return to inverting mode if enabled. The battery voltage will begin to decrease due to loads or natural loss.
Operation will always run for the full Absorption period if the batteries dropped below the appropriate voltage for that amount of time. If significant battery drain caused them to drop below the set points for doubling or quadrupling the rate, it may run for the full Absorption period even after a lesser amount of time. The rest of the charging stages will proceed as described on the previous few pages. Equalization Equalization is a controlled overcharge that is part of regular battery maintenance.
Operation The inverter, when equipped with the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS), will compensate for changes in temperature. The RTS is attached to a single battery near the center of the bank, to achieve a representative temperature. If installed in a multiple-inverter system, only a single RTS is necessary. It must plug into the master inverter and will control the charging of all slaves and all charge controllers. (See the International Series GFX Installation Manual to locate the RTS port.
Operation Selling IMPORTANT: Selling power to the utility company requires the authorization of the local electric jurisdiction. How the local utility company handles this will depend on their policies on this issue. Some may pay for power sold; others may issue credit. Some policies may prohibit the use of this mode. Please check with the utility company and obtain their permission before using this mode. The GFX inverters are grid-interactive.
Operation Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) Multiple inverters in a single system can support larger loads than a single inverter can handle. Installing inverters in this configuration is called “stacking”. Stacking inverters does not refer to physically placing one on top of another. It refers to how they are wired within the system and then programmed to coordinate activity. Stacking allows all units to work together as one system.
Operation Parallel Stacking (Dual-Stack and Larger) In parallel stacking, two or more inverters are stacked to create a single, common 230 Vac output. ¾ The master provides the primary output. The slaves are connected to the same output and assist the master. ¾ The slave inverters can be programmed to activate on demand, reducing idle-power consumption. They will remain off until the loads exceed a certain threshold. ¾ A two-inverter system can continuously power 2.6 to 2.
Operation Power Save Levels Depending on the model, each inverter consumes approximately 20 watts of idle power while it remains on, even if it is not actively inverting or charging. The Power Save function allows the option to put some or all slave inverters into a quiescent state known as Silent mode. This mode minimizes the inverter’s idle consumption. The inverters will come on again when the loads require power. (The term “Silent” is also used in the context of battery charging. See page 20.
Operation Auxiliary Terminals The inverter’s AUX terminals provide a 12 Vdc output that can deliver up to 0.7 Adc to control external loads. The AUX LED (see page 11) illuminates when this output is present. Typical loads include signaling a generator to start, sending a fault alarm signal, or running a small fan to cool the inverter. See the International Series GFX Installation Manual for more information on hooking up the AUX terminals.
Operation ¾ Fault activates the AUX output when the inverter shuts down due to an error condition (see page 37). It can activate a light or alarm to show that the inverter has failed. With the appropriate devices, it could send an alarm signal through a radio, pager, or telephone dialer. ∼ ∼ This function does not have settable parameters. This function is not triggered by Phase Loss Error, as Phase Loss Error does not shut down the inverter.
Operation System Display-Based Functions Advanced Generator Start (AGS) As noted under the Gen Alert feature (see page 28), the system is capable of starting a generator. Gen Alert simply starts and stops the generator based on battery voltage. For more advanced control, the inverter system can use the Advanced Generator Start (AGS) feature, which runs through the entire three-stage charging cycle. It can start according to battery voltage, inverter load, time of day, and other criteria.
Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting This list is organized in order of common symptoms, with a series of possible causes. Each possible cause also has inverter LEDs which may be unusual for that mode of operation. (LEDs which are normal, and LEDs on the system display, are not shown.) Each possible cause also shows possible troubleshooting remedies, including system display checks where appropriate. NOTE: The phrase “MATE system display only” also includes the MATE2 system display.
Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy One or more inverters will not invert while others do (in multi-inverter system). Inverting LED not illuminated on questionable unit Unit is slave and is in Power Save mode. MATE system display only: Check Power Save levels in the ADV/FX/STACK menu and test with loads. Determine if the inverter comes on at the appropriate levels.
Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy None (AC IN LED is illuminated) Inverter priority MATE system display only: Check Stop Sell Reasons screen (STATUS/FX/SELL). The inverter may be behaving correctly. MATE3 system display only: Check Sell Status screen with Grid Status soft key. The inverter may be behaving correctly. None (AC IN LED is illuminated) Will not sell power to the utility grid. AC source does not meet requirements.
Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy AC IN LED flashes HBX mode has disconnected from AC. MATE system display only: Check the AC IN hot key screen to see if HBX mode is in use. (Continued) MATE3 system display only: Check the AC Input Mode setting with the AC INPUT hot key. In either case, if activated prematurely, check the HBX settings. (If this setting was intentional, then no action is required.
Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause None (Solid AC IN LED is replaced with solid Inverter LED) Erratic AC source voltage. Possible Remedy Check AC voltage on the inverter’s input terminals. If not consistent, the problem is external. AC source voltage may have dipped or hovered at a low enough point to crash a sensitive load before the inverter could take over.
Troubleshooting Table 4 Basic Troubleshooting Steps Symptom Unusual LEDs Possible Cause Possible Remedy Generator, external fan, etc. fails to start when triggered by AUX output. Amber AUX LED is on AUX output is not connected, or is not delivering 12-volt output. Test the generator or device to confirm functionality. Test the AUX+ and AUX– terminals with a DC voltmeter. If voltage is present with the AUX LED on, then there is an external connection problem.
Troubleshooting Error Messages An error message is caused by a critical fault. In most cases when this occurs, the unit will shut down and the inverter’s ERROR LED (see page 11) will illuminate. See the system display manual for instructions on viewing errors. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE system display; Y in the MATE3. If a message says no (or N), it is not the cause of the error. Error screens can only display errors; they cannot clear them.
Troubleshooting Warning Messages A warning message is caused by a non-critical fault. When this occurs, the unit will not shut down, but the ERROR LED (see page 11) will flash. See the system display manual for instructions on viewing warnings. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE system display; Y in the MATE3. If a message says no (or N), it is not the cause of the inverter’s warning. Some warnings can become errors if left unattended.
Troubleshooting Disconnect Messages Disconnect screens explain the reason that the inverter rejected an AC source. The unit returns to inverting mode (if turned on). The ERROR LED (see page 11) will not illuminate for a disconnect message, although it may flash for a concurrent warning following the disconnect. (See previous section.) If the AC source is removed, the warning and the LED will be blank, but the cause of the last disconnect will remain.
Troubleshooting Selling or Charging Stopped This screen displays a code number that identifies the status of the inverter’s charging or selling functions. In the MATE, this screen is titled “Stop Sell Reasons”, even though it also refers to charging. If the inverter has stopped selling or charging unexpectedly, this screen may help identify the reason. The code numbers do not usually identify inverter failures.
Troubleshooting Table 8 Stop Sell (and Charge) Reasons 8 The inverter has been commanded to disconnect from the AC source by the user or by a programmed setting. It cannot charge or sell. 9 The inverter has detected an “island” condition. The AC source frequency is unstable. The inverter cannot sell. 10 The inverter has lost synchronization with the AC source. This is usually the result of a rapidlychanging frequency. The inverter cannot sell.
Specifications Specifications for Model GFX1312E Table 9 Electrical Specifications (GFX1312E) Specification Value Nominal DC Input Voltage Continuous Output Power at 25°C AC Output Voltage AC Output Frequency Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C Waveform Efficiency (Typical) Total Harmonic Distortion (Typical) Output Voltage Regulation Maximum Output Current (1 ms peak) Maximum Output Current (100 ms RMS) Overload Capability (100 ms surge) Overload Capability (5 second) Overload Capability (30 minute) I
Specifications Specifications for Model GFX1424E Table 11 Electrical Specifications (GFX1424E) Specification Value Nominal DC Input Voltage Continuous Output Power at 25°C AC Output Voltage AC Output Frequency Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C Waveform Efficiency (typical) Total Harmonic Distortion (typical) Output Voltage Regulation Maximum Output Current (1 ms peak) Maximum Output Current (100 ms RMS) Overload Capability (100 ms surge) Overload Capability (5 second) Overload Capability (30 minute) I
Specifications Specifications for Model GFX1448E Table 13 Electrical Specifications (GFX1448E) Specification Value Nominal DC Input Voltage Continuous Output Power at 25°C AC Output Voltage AC Output Frequency Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C Waveform Efficiency (Typical) Total Harmonic Distortion (Typical) Output Voltage Regulation Maximum Output Current (1 ms peak) Maximum Output Current (100 ms RMS) Overload Capability (100 ms surge) Overload Capability (5 second) Overload Capability (30 minute) I
Specifications Environmental Specifications Table 15 Environmental Specifications for All Models Specification Value Rated Temperature Range (meets all specifications) 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) –40°C to 60°C (–40°F to 140 °F ) –40°C to 60°C (–40°F to 140°F ) Operational Temperature Range (functions, but does not necessarily meet all specifications) Storage Temperature Range Regulatory Specifications The International Series GFX inverters are CE compliant for off-grid use.
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges (viewed in MATE) Table 17 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) search pulse length search pulse spacing ac transfer control ac1/grid limit ac2/gen limit low battery cut-out (LBCO) low battery cut-in (LBCI) adjust output voltage charger limit absorb voltage absorb time limit float voltage float time period refloat voltage equalization voltage equalization time period ac1/grid lower limit ac1/grid
Specifications Table 18 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 8 60 AC cycles 4 4 AC cycles 20 120 AC cycles Field Search search pulse length search pulse spacing ac transfer control Input Inverter Charger Grid Generator (Gen) Auxiliary (AUX) Stacking Power Save Grid Grid or Gen ac1/grid limit 25 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac ac2/gen limit 25 Aac 2.
Specifications Table 19 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum Maximum search sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) 6 0 50 8 60 AC cycles 4 4 AC cycles 20 120 AC cycles Field Search search pulse length search pulse spacing ac transfer control Input Inverter Charger Grid Generator (Gen) Auxiliary (AUX) Stacking Power Save Grid Grid or Gen ac1/grid limit 25 Aac 2.5 Aac 30 Aac ac2/gen limit 25 Aac 2.
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges (viewed in MATE3) Table 20 Field 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search Pulse Length Pulse Spacing Default Minimum Maximum 6 0 50 8 60 AC cycles 4 4 AC cycles 20 120 AC cycles Input Type Input Support Grid Input AC Limit Gen Input AC Limit Charger AC Limit Grid Y 25 Aac 25 Aac 5 Aac 2.5 Aac 2.
Specifications Table 21 Field 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search Pulse Length Pulse Spacing AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Default Minimum Maximum 6 0 50 8 60 AC cycles 4 4 AC cycles 20 120 AC cycles Input Type Input Support Grid Input AC Limit Gen Input AC Limit Charger AC Limit Grid Y 25 Aac 25 Aac 5.5 Aac Grid or Gen Y or N 2.5 Aac 2.
Specifications Table 22 Field 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Search Pulse Length Pulse Spacing AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Default Minimum Maximum 6 0 50 8 60 AC cycles 4 4 AC cycles 20 120 AC cycles Input Type Input Support Grid Input AC Limit Gen Input AC Limit Charger AC Limit Grid Y 25 Aac 25 Aac 5.5 Aac Grid or Gen Y or N 2.5 Aac 2.
Product Registration The purchase of an OutBack Power Technologies product is an important investment. Registering the products will help us maintain the standard of excellence expected in terms of performance, quality and reliability. Please take a moment to register and provide us with some important information. Registration can be done as follows: ¾ Go to the following website. 10Hhttp://www.outbackpower.
Product Registration INSTALLATION INFORMATION System Install/Commission Date System Array Size System Array Nominal Voltage Type of PV Modules System Battery Bank Size (Amp-Hours) Brand and Model of Batteries Does this system include an auxiliary AC generator? If yes, please specify brand and model of generator INSTALLER INFORMATION Contractor Number Installer Name Installer Address Installer City, State, Postal or Zip Code, Country Installer Telephone/E-mail Please check ALL factors affecting purchase d
Warranty 5-Year Limited Warranty for GFX Products OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. (“OutBack”) provides a five-year (5) limited warranty (“Warranty”) against defects in materials and workmanship for its GFX Series inverter products (“Product”) if installed in fixed location applications. The term of this Warranty begins on the Product(s) initial purchase date, or the date of receipt of the Product(s) by the end user, whichever is later.
Warranty How to Arrange for Warranty Service During the warranty period beginning on the invoice date, OutBack Power Technologies will repair or replace products covered under this limited warranty that are returned to OutBack Power Technologies’ facility or to an OutBack Power Technologies authorized repair facility, or that are repaired on site by an OutBack Power Technologies authorized repair person. IMPORTANT: For full Warranty description, see previous page.
Warranty Returning Product to OutBack After receiving the RMA number, the customer must pack the Product(s) authorized for return, along with a copy of the original purchase invoice and product registration, in the original Product shipping container(s) or packaging providing equivalent or reasonable protection. The RMA number must be written on the outside of the packaging where it is clearly visible. If Product is within the warranty period, OutBack will cover prepaid shipping with prior arrangement.
Warranty This page intentionally left blank.
Index A E Absorption Stage...............................................................19 AC Current Settings ..........................................................15 AC Input................................................................................14 AC Source Acceptance.....................................................15 Adding New Devices ........................................................10 AGS....................................................................................
Index L LBCO..................................................................................2, 13 LED Indicators .................................................... 2, 9, 10, 11 Battery LEDs ..................................................................11 Status LEDs ....................................................................12 Levels, Power Save............................................................27 LoadShed............................................................................
Index 900-0112-01-00 Rev B 61
North America: 5917 – 195th Street N.E., #7 Arlington, WA 98223 USA +1.360.435.
