Radian Series Inverter/Charger GS4048A GS8048A Operator’s Manual
About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. OutBack 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. Applicability These instructions apply to OutBack inverter/charger models GS4048A and GS8048A only. Contact Information Address: Corporate Headquarters 17825 – 59th Avenue N.
Table of Contents Introduction ......................................................................................... 7 Audience ................................................................................................................................... 7 Symbols Used ........................................................................................................................... 7 General Safety ............................................................................................
Table of Contents Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 45 Basic Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................ 45 Module Select ..................................................................................................................................... 50 Error Messages.............................................................................................
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 Summary of Input Modes ............................................................................ 19 Charge Currents for Radian Models ............................................................ 27 Offset Interaction with AC Source ............................................................... 36 AUX Mode Functions ...
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Introduction Audience This book provides instructions for the functional settings and operation of this product. These instructions are for use by qualified personnel who meet all local and governmental code requirements for licensing and training for the installation of electrical power systems with AC and DC voltage up to 600 volts. This product is only serviceable by qualified personnel. Do not use this product without reading the Radian Series Inverter/Charger Installation Manual.
Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack Radian Series Inverter/Charger. It is designed to offer a complete power conversion system between batteries and AC power. As part of an OutBack Grid/Hybrid™ system, it can provide off-grid power, grid backup power, or grid-interactive service which sells excess renewable energy back to the utility.
Introduction Inverter Functions Battery-to-AC inverting which delivers power to run backup loads and other functions Provides split-phase output Adjustable range of output voltage Settable nominal output frequency AC-to-battery charging (OutBack systems are battery-based) Accepts a wide variety of AC sources Requires split-phase input Uses battery energy stored from renewable resources Can utilize stored energy from many sources (PV arrays, wind turbines, etc.
Introduction GS8048A 8,000 watts (8 kW) continuous power at 48 Vdc 16.97 kVA peak surge capacity Modular internal design allows low idle consumption, high efficiency at both high and low power operation GS4048A 4,000 watts (4 kW) continuous power at 48 Vdc 8.48 kVA peak surge capacity Inverter Controls The Radian inverter has no external controls or display pre-installed. It can operate normally without an external control or interface.
Operation Inverter Functionality The Radian inverter can be used for many applications. Some of the inverter’s operations occur automatically. Others are conditional or must be enabled manually before they will operate. Most of the inverter’s individual operations and functions can be programmed using the system display. This allows customization or fine tuning of the inverter’s performance. The Radian inverter has two sets of input connections, which are labeled GRID and GEN.
Operation NOTE: The input terminals are labeled for grid and generator due to common conventions, not because of inverter requirements. Each input can accept any AC source as long as it meets the requirements of the Radian inverter and the selected input mode. If necessary, the GEN terminals can accept grid power. The opposite is also true. However, if using the Gen Alert or AGS functions, the generator must use the GEN terminals.
Operation Support The Support mode is intended for systems that use the utility grid or a generator. In some cases the amount of current available from the source is limited due to size, wiring, or other reasons. If large loads are required, the Radian inverter augments (supports) the AC source. The inverter uses battery power and additional sources to ensure that the loads receive the power they demand.
Operation Grid Tied IMPORTANT: Selling power to the utility company requires the authorization of the local electric jurisdiction. How the utility company accommodates this will depend on their policies on the issue. Some may pay for power sold; others may issue credit. Some policies may prohibit the use of this mode altogether. Please check with the utility company and obtain their permission before using this mode. The Grid Tied mode allows the Radian inverter to become grid-interactive.
Operation Grid Interface Protection Menu Grid-interactive requirements vary in different locations around the world. The grid-interactive settings are adjustable in the Grid Interface Protection and Grid Support menus. These menus are only available with installer-level access. These settings are generally controlled by the local authorities or interconnection agreement and should not be altered by the end user. The installer password must be changed from the default to access these settings.
Operation UPS Failure In UPS mode, the Radian’s parameters have been optimized to reduce the response time. If the utility grid becomes unstable or is interrupted, the Radian can transfer to inverting with the fastest possible response time. This allows the system to support sensitive AC loads without interruption. BENEFITS: Constant power is provided to the loads with virtually no drop in voltage or current.
Operation If the inverter is connected to the utility grid and the charger is turned off, another source such as renewable energy should be present to charge the batteries. The inverter will observe the batteries as if it was charging. When the batteries reach the required voltage and time to end the cycle, the inverter will disconnect from the grid. This means that the renewable source regulator settings must be the same as the inverter (or higher). Check both settings as needed.
Operation GridZero In GridZero mode, the Radian inverter remains grid-connected, but prioritizes the use of battery or renewable sources to run loads. It uses only renewable energy to recharge the batteries. The inverter tries to “zero” the grid use, drawing on AC power only when needed to supplement stored DC sources. Note that the inverter draws up to 1 Aac regardless of the DC sources. In a MATE3-class system display, the selectable options are DoD Volts and DoD Amps.
Operation Table 1 Mode Summary Accepts power from an irregular or Generator low-quality AC source Support Grid Tied UPS Backup Mini Grid Adds battery power to augment an AC source that has limited output Summary of Input Modes Benefits Cautions Can use AC that may be unusable in other modes Can charge even with poor generator or low-quality AC source Can use battery power in conjunction with AC source Offset operation sends excess DC to loads Inverter sells Bidirectiona
Operation NOTES: 20 900-0161-01-01 Rev B
Operation Description of Inverter Operations The items in this section are operations common to all Radian inverters. These are used in most or all of the input modes described in the preceding section. Some of the items in this section are functions which can be manually selected, enabled, or customized. Other items are general topics or applications for the inverter. These items may not have their own menus, but their activity can still be influenced or optimized by changing certain settings.
Operation The following items will affect the inverter’s operation. These are only used when the inverter is generating AC power on its own. Low Battery Cut-Out: This function prevents the inverter from draining the batteries completely. When the DC voltage drops below a specified level for 5 minutes, the inverter will stop functioning. The system display will give a Low Battery V error. This is one of the error messages on page 51. It appears as an event on a MATE3-class system display.
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. Basically, the pulses “search” for a load. If a load is detected on the output, the inverter’s output increases to full voltage so that it can power the load.
Operation Input When the Radian inverter input terminals are connected to a stable AC source, the inverter will synchronize itself with that source and use it as the primary source of AC power. Its transfer relay will engage, linking the AC source directly with the inverter’s output. It can also use the source to charge batteries. (See Battery Charging on page 26.) The loads powered by the inverter must not exceed the size of the inverter’s transfer relay.
Operation AC Source Acceptance The input source must meet the following specifications to be accepted. This is true in all modes except Grid Tied: Voltage (GRID input): 108 to 132 Vac (default for both L1 and L2) Voltage (GEN input): 108 to 140 Vac (default for both L1 and L2) Frequency (both inputs): If the output frequency is set to 60 Hz (default), the input acceptance range is 54 to 66 Hz. If output frequency is set to 50 Hz, the input range of acceptance is 45 to 55 Hz.
Operation Generator Input A generator should be sized to provide enough power for all inverters, both for loads and for battery charging. The generator’s voltage and frequency must match the Radian inverter’s acceptance settings. Some 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. The generator is required to have a stable output before its power is accepted by the inverter.
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. Charge Current Batteries or battery banks usually have a recommended limit on the maximum current used for charging. Often this is calculated as a percentage or fraction of the battery capacity, represented by “C”.
Operation Limiting Charge Current (Multiple Inverters) It is not advisable to set Charger AC Limit less than 12 Aac in a stacked system. The Power Save function requires the master inverter to activates the slave chargers in sequence only when the charge current exceeds 11 Aac. If the setting is less than 12, Power Save will not activate any other chargers. For more information on this function, see the Power Save section in the Installation Manual.
Operation Advanced Battery Technologies Advanced battery technologies such as lithium-ion and sodium-sulfur may require very different settings from the inverter’s defaults or the three-stage cycle in general. The Charging Steps section describes the individual selections and behavior. All charger settings are adjustable for different priorities. For example, the Float voltage could be set higher than the Absorption voltage, or a step could be completely skipped.
Operation Time limit: Absorb Time setting. The charger does not necessarily run through its full duration if it retained time from a previous cycle. The timer counts down from the inception of Absorption stage until it reaches zero. The time remaining can be viewed in the system display. The Absorption timer does not reset to its maximum amount, or to zero, when AC power is disconnected or reconnected.
Operation Time limit: Float Time setting. The charger will go Silent once the timer has expired (if another stage is not still in progress.) The Float timer is reset to its maximum amount whenever the batteries decrease to the Re-Float Voltage setting. NOTE: The Float timer begins running any time the battery voltage exceeds the Float Voltage set point. This usually means that it begins running during the Bulk stage, once the battery voltage rises above that level.
Operation Voltage Cycle 1 Absorption Silent Refloat Cycle 2 Float AC Loss Refloat Silent Float Absorption Set Point Float Set Point Re-Float Set Point Time Absorption timer runs Float timer resets Float timer runs (part) Float timer runs Inverter now charging to a new set point Inverter completed charging; the previous set point is no longer in use Inverter has reached the charging set point Inverter waiting to charge when AC restored; the previous set point is still in use Figure 4 R
Operation Cycle 3 AC Loss Cycle 5 Cycle 4 AC Loss Bulk Abs.
Operation Equalization Equalization is a controlled overcharge that is part of regular battery maintenance. Equalization brings the batteries to a much higher voltage than usual and maintains this high voltage for a period of time. This has the result of removing inert lead sulfate compounds from the battery plates. It also reduces stratification by circulating the electrolyte. Equalization follows the same pattern as standard three-stage charging, as shown in the figures on page 28.
Operation If installed in a system networked with a HUB Communications Manager, only a single RTS is necessary. In most cases the RTS must be plugged into the master inverter. A system display must be present for the compensation values to be shared to all devices. NOTE: In the FLEXmax 100 or FLEXmax Extreme charge controller, the rate of compensation is adjustable. (See Slope below.
Operation Offset Offset is an automatic operation which occurs in certain conditions. It is not a programmable inverter function. This operation uses excess battery energy to power the loads when an AC source is present. The system can take advantage of renewable energy sources, “offsetting” dependence on the AC source. The battery voltage increases as a renewable energy source charges the batteries. When the battery voltage exceeds a designated reference voltage, the Radian inverter begins inverting.
Operation Grid Support The Radian meets the definition of a “Grid Support Utility-Interactive Inverter/Converter” as described by UL 1741 SA. Grid support functionality makes use of the inverter’s capabilities to prevent destabilization of the utility grid. Grid Support functionality is only available in the Grid Tied and GridZero input modes. When either mode is selected, the settings within the Grid Support menus are active.
Operation The settings for each item will vary depending on the standards being applied. Not all functions are enabled. When a particular standard is applied, the settings will be pre-loaded accordingly. The screen in Figure 6 shows which functions are enabled.
Operation Auxiliary Terminals The Radian inverter has two sets of terminals that respond to different criteria to control certain operations. The 12V AUX terminals provide a 12 Vdc output that can deliver up to 0.7 Adc to control external loads. The RELAY AUX terminals are “dry” relay contacts rated up to 10 amps (at 250 Vac or 30 Vdc). Each set of terminals has its own set of programmed criteria. Each has identical options available.
Operation Gen Alert is used as a controller for an AC generator with a remote start feature, although it has limited functionality. (The generator recharges batteries using the inverter’s battery charger.) Either set of AUX terminals may be used to start the generator by closing the appropriate circuit. The specific choice of RELAY AUX or 12V AUX may depend on the generator’s starting circuitry. Different examples are illustrated in the Radian Series Inverter/Charger Installation Manual.
Operation allows current to flow from the batteries to a dedicated DC load. (This is illustrated in the Radian Series Inverter/Charger Installation Manual.) The resistor or load must be sized to dissipate all of the energy from the renewable source if necessary. Diversion will turn off following a delay when a low DC voltage setting is reached.
Operation Table 4 AUX Mode Functions Name Purpose Triggers Start Stop Load Shed Operates designated loads normally; turns off loads in severe conditions High Vdc Gen Alert Starts generator to charge batteries Low Vdc High Vdc Low & high Vdc On & Off delay Fault Signals that the Radian shut down due to error Error present Error cleared None Vent Fan Runs fan to vent batteries while charging High Vdc Below high Vdc High Vdc Off delay Cool Fan Runs fan to c
Metering MATE3-Class System Display Screens A MATE3-class system display can monitor the inverter and other networked devices. From the Home screen, the “soft” key accesses the inverter monitoring screens. Inverter Soft Key Figure 7 Home Screen Inverter Screens The Inverter soft key opens a series of screens showing the inverter operating mode, battery voltage, and status of several AC operations. The first screen displays AC information on the inverter’s L1 input and output.
Metering Charge displays the kilowatts and AC amperage consumed for the inverter to charge the battery bank. This line also shows the present charging stage. Load displays kilowatts and AC amperage consumed by devices on the inverter’s output. It can be the same as Invert. Buy displays the kilowatts and AC amperage brought into the inverter’s input for both charging and loads. This is usually a total of Charge and Load. Battery displays the uncompensated battery voltage.
Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting Table 5 is organized in order of common symptoms, with a series of possible causes. Each shows possible troubleshooting remedies, including system display checks where appropriate. Metal pads are located at these locations. In troubleshooting, AC voltages can be measured at this series of test points. Figure 10 AC Test Points WARNING: Shock Hazard During an error shutdown, the inverter’s output terminals are not live.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy One or more units have no output but others do (in multiinverter system). Unit is slave and is in Silent mode. System display only: Check Power Save Levels in the Inverter Stacking menu and test with loads. Determine if the inverter comes on at the appropriate levels. (If this setting was intentional, then no action is required.) No AC input. Check the AC voltage on the inverter’s input test points. (See page 45.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy Charge complete or nearly complete. Check the DC voltage and charging stage using the system display, if present. Confirm with DC voltmeter. System display DC meter reads significantly higher than actual battery voltage. Check the DC voltage on the inverter’s DC terminals. If different from the system display reading, the inverter could be damaged. Otherwise, check the DC voltage on batteries with a voltmeter.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause Possible Remedy Unusual voltage on hot or neutral output line. System neutral and ground may not be bonded. Test L1 OUT, L2 OUT, and N OUT test points with AC voltmeter. (See page 45.) These measurements should give full voltage. Test neutral and ground connections. This measurement should read zero volts. Any other result means neutral and ground are not bonded correctly.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Troubleshooting Symptom Unit reads AC input, even though no source is present. Inverter clicks repeatedly. AC output voltage rises or drops to unusual levels with every click. Inverter hums loudly. System display may show messages for high battery voltage, low battery voltage, or backfeed error. Generator, external fan, etc. fails to start when signal is provided by AUX output. 900-0161-01-01 Rev B Possible Cause Possible Remedy Internal transfer relay may be damaged.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Troubleshooting Symptom Advanced Generator Start (AGS) fails to activate when conditions are met (or starts when conditions are not met). AGS or Gen Alert functions start the generator, but the inverter does not accept the power and shuts off the generator again. Possible Cause Possible Remedy System display only: AGS function does not work if another valid input is present. Check both inputs for a second AC source (utility grid).
Troubleshooting Error Messages An error is caused by a critical fault. In most cases when this occurs, the unit will shut down. A MATE3-class system display will show an event and a specific error message. This screen is viewed using the Home screen’s soft keys. (See the system display literature for more instructions.) One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the error. NOTE: The Radian has no external indicators.
Troubleshooting Warning Messages A warning message is caused by a non-critical fault. When this occurs, the unit will not shut down, but a MATE3-class system display will show an event and a specific warning message. This screen is viewed using the Home screen’s soft keys. (See the system display literature for more instructions.) One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the warning. NOTE: The Radian series has no external indicators.
Troubleshooting Table 7 Warning Troubleshooting Message Definition Possible Remedy Fan Failure The inverter’s internal cooling fan is not operating properly. Lack of cooling may result in derated inverter output wattage. Turn the battery disconnect off, and then on, to determine if the fan self-tests. If it does not, the unit may be damaged and requires repair. NOTE: The system can continue to operate if the inverter can be run at reasonable levels. External cooling may also be applied.
Troubleshooting Disconnect Messages Disconnect messages explain why the inverter has disconnected from an AC source after previously being connected. The unit returns to inverting mode if turned on. The Last AC Disconnect screen is viewed using the AC INPUT hot key on a MATE3-class system display. One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the disconnection. The system display may generate a concurrent event and warning message following the disconnection.
Troubleshooting Sell Status Sell Status messages describe conditions relating to the inverter’s grid-interactive mode. This screen is viewed using the Home screen’s soft keys on a MATE3-class system display. (See the system display literature for more instructions.) One or more messages will display Y (yes). If a message says N (no), it is not the cause of the disconnection. If the inverter has stopped selling or charging unexpectedly, this screen may identify the reason.
Troubleshooting NOTES: 56 900-0161-01-01 Rev B
Specifications Electrical Specifications NOTE: Items qualified with “default” can be manually changed using the system display. Table 12 Electrical Specifications for Radian Models Specification GS8048A GS4048A Continuous Output Power at 25°C 8000 VA 4000 VA Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C 33.3 Aac 16.
Specifications Table 12 Electrical Specifications for Radian Models Specification GS8048A GS4048A DC Maximum Input Voltage 68 Vdc 68 Vdc DC Input Power (continuous) 9.5 kVA 4.8 kVA DC Input Max. Current (continuous full power) 200 Adc 100 Adc DC Input Maximum Current (surge) 424.2 Adc 212.1 Adc DC Input Maximum Current (short-circuit) 8975 Adc 4488 Adc Battery Charger Maximum AC Input 30 Aac at 240 Vac 15 Aac at 240 Vac Battery Charger Maximum DC Output 115 Adc 57.
Specifications Environmental Specifications Table 14 Environmental Specifications for Radian Models Specification Value Rated Temperature Range (meets component specifications; however, please note that the inverter output wattage is derated above 25°C) –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C) Operational Temperature Range (functions, but not rated for operation; does not necessarily meet all component specifications) –40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C) Storage Temperature Range –40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C) IP
Specifications Regulatory Specifications Listings This product carries a listing report by ETL. It is listed to the following standards: UL 1741 — Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources (2nd Edition, 1/28/2010 with supplement SA) CSA C22.2 — General Use Power Supplies, No. 107.
Specifications Limiting Charge Current (Multiple Inverters) It is not advisable to set Charger AC Limit less than 12 Aac in a stacked system. The Power Save function requires the master to activates the slave chargers in sequence only when the charge current exceeds 11 Aac. If the setting is less than 12, Power Save will not activate any other chargers. For more information on this function, see the Power Save section of the Radian Series Inverter/Charger Installation Manual.
Specifications To calculate the chargers and settings: Table 15 Chargers On and Current Settings 1. Look up the values for A, B, and C. A = the battery bank’s maximum charge current (in Adc) from the battery manufacturer. Max GS4048A GS8048A Charge Aac On Set Aac On Set Adc B = the maximum DC output of the appropriate inverter model. This is taken from Table 16. C = the maximum AC input of the appropriate inverter model. This is taken from Table 16. 2.
Specifications Firmware Revision This manual applies to inverter models GS8048A and GS4048A with Revision 001.006.063 or higher. Updates to the Radian’s firmware are periodically available. These can be downloaded from the OutBack website www.outbackpower.com. The MATE3s system display must be used when upgrading the inverter to firmware revision 001.006.063 or higher.
Specifications Table 17 Field Radian Menu Items Item Default Input Mode Voltage Limit 5 Gen AC Input Mode and Limits If Mini Grid mode is selected: AC Output Output Voltage Low Battery Cut-Out Voltage Cut-In Voltage Battery Equalize Lower Upper Connect to Grid (Connect) Delay DoD Volts GS8048A DoD Amps GS4048A 100 Vac 130 Vac 36.0 Vdc 40.0 Vdc 48.0 Vdc 56.0 Vdc 57.6 Vdc 44.0 Vdc 64.0 Vdc 1.0 hours 0.0 hours 24.0 hours 64.0 Vdc Float Voltage 54.4 Vdc 44.0 Vdc (Float) Time 1.
Specifications Table 17 Field Radian Menu Items Item Default 44.0 Vdc 0.5 minutes 56.0 Vdc 0.5 minutes 56.0 Vdc 0.5 minutes 56.0 Vdc 0.5 minutes 44.0 Vdc 0.5 minutes 56.0 Vdc 0.5 minutes 44.0 Vdc 0.
Specifications Table 17 Field Radian Menu Items Item Default OF2 OF1 Low/High Frequency Ride-Through UF1 UF2 Mode X Ramping Frequency Watt Grid Support (continued) 0.12 seconds 1000 seconds 60.5 Hz 60.1 Hz 66 Hz Mode X 300 seconds 4 seconds 1000 seconds 59.3 Hz 50.0 Hz 59.9 Hz Mode X Gradient Re-Start Volt Volt/VAr Reconnect Parameters Cont. Cont., Mand., Perm., Mom., Cease Trip 300 seconds 4 seconds 1000 seconds Freq. 59.3 Hz 50.0 Hz 59.
Specifications NOTES: 900-0161-01-01 Rev B 67
Specifications Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 18 Terms and Definitions Term Definition 12V AUX Auxiliary connection that supplies 12 Vdc to control external devices. AIC Ampere Interrupting Capacity; the rated current a circuit breaker can interrupt without damage AGS Advanced Generator Start Communications manager Multi-port device such as the OutBack HUB10.
Index 1 12V AUX........................................................... 39 A Absorption Stage .............................................. 29 AC Input .......................................................9, 24 AC Source Acceptance .................................... 25 AC Test Points ................................................. 45 Advanced Generator Start (AGS) ..............40, 50 Audience ............................................................ 7 AUX .....................................
Index G GenAlert ........................................................... 40 Generator Acceptance ............................................12, 25 Sizing ........................................................... 26 Starting.............................................40, 49, 50 Generator Mode ............................................... 12 GIP File ......................................................15, 37 Grid Acceptance ...............................................
Index T U Temperature ...............................................53, 59 Temperature Compensation ............................ 34 Terms and Definitions ...................................... 68 Test Points ....................................................... 45 Timers Absorption .................................................... 29 Equalize ....................................................... 34 Float ............................................................. 31 Transfer Relay .............
Masters of the Off-Grid.™ First Choice for the New Grid. Corporate Headquarters 17825 – 59th Avenue N.E. Suite B Arlington, WA 98223 USA +1.360.435.6030 900-0161-01-01 Rev B European Office Hansastrasse 8 D-91126 Schwabach, Germany +49.9122.79889.
