APsystems ECU-3 Manuale di istruzioni

Installation/User Manual

APsystems ECU-3

Energy Communication Unit (ECU)

Version 8.0 1/16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3

HARDWARE INSTALLATION 5

Preparation

Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU

Using Electrical Mounting Din Rail

Using Wall Mount 6

Cable Ports 7

Cable Connections

Internet Connection 8

Direct CAT5 Connection

Wireless Connection

Power Up ECU 9

ECU INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE 10

USING THE ECU MENU BUTTON 13

RESETTING THE ECU TO FACTORY DEFAULTS 15

TROUBLESHOOTING ECU OPERATION 16

LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACE 17

Connecting to the ECU via the LAN 18

Connecting Directly to the ECU

Using a Windows-based PC

Using an Apple Mac 19

Viewing the ECU’s Home Page 20

Managing Inverter UIDs 22

Initial Programming of the ECU with the Inverter UIDs

If Manually Entering the UIDs into the ECU 23

If Using a Scanning Gun to Enter the UIDs into the ECU

Adding Additional Inverter UIDs 25

Deleting an Existing Inverter UID

Changing the Date, Time Zone 25

Changing the ECU Language 27

Managing the Network Connection 28

Assigning a Static IP Address to the ECU

Managing The Wlan/Wiﬁ Connection 30

To Change the ECU to WLAN Mode

REMOTE ECU MANAGEMENT 34

ECU Conﬁguration 36

Setting the ECU Time Zone 37

Managing Inverter UIDs and Updating the Inverter UID List 38

TECHNICAL DATA 41

APsystems ECU-3 V7.0 Installation/User Manual

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 3 3

INTRODUCTION

The APsystems Communicator, our state-of-the-art Energy

Communication Unit (ECU), is the information gateway for our

microinverters. The unit collects module performance data from each

individual microinverter and transfers this information to an Internet

database in real time, requiring only a single data and power cable.

Through the APsystems Monitor software, the APsystems Communicator

gives you precise analysis of each microinverter and module in your

solar installation from any web-connected device. The APsystems

Communicator’s integrated http webserver offers the simplest and most

exible network integration of any data logger on the market. The user-

friendly browser-based interface lets you access your solar array in

seconds.

ECU functions as a gateway and monitors the microinverters that are

connected to the PV modules. Therefore, the communication between

inverters and ECU does not affect inverter performance, even if ECU fails

to communicate with the inverters. The ECU is NOT a revenue grade

metering device. Power production data collected by ECU is for reference

only, please check the power meter for the real power production of the

whole system.

Figure 1

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 4 4

Features

• Collects individual module and microinverter statistics

• Communicates in real time

• Requires no additional wiring

The APsystems Microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied appli-

cations, and is made up of three key elements:

• APsystems Microinverter

• APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU)

• APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) web-based moni-

toring and analysis system

Figure 2

Diagram of a typical residential system

INTRODUCTION

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 5 5

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

PREPARATION

Make sure you have the following things taken care of before attempting

to install the ECU:

• A dedicated standard AC electrical outlet (located as close

electrically to the array as is possible).

• A broadband Internet connection is available for your use.

• A broadband router with either a CAT5 Ethernet, or wireless

router is available for your use.

• A laptop with a web browser (to view the APsystems EMA online

monitoring application).

• An ECU.

SELECTING AN INSTALLATION LOCATION FOR THE ECU

• A location that is as close electrically to the array as is possible –

preferably a dedicated outlet installed directly to the solar system

sub-panel or combiner box.

• The ECU is NOT rated for outdoor use, so if installing outdoors

near a junction box or breaker panel, making sure that you enclose

it in an appropriate weather proof NEMA electrical box.

Using Electrical Mounting Din Rail

1. Loosen the two (2) M3 mounting screws on the back of the ECU

and rotate the two (2) rail holders so that the holders are above the

ECU.

2. Attach the ECU to the mounting rail with machine screws.

Figure 3

Figure 4

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 6 6

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Using Wall Mount

When mounting the ECU to a wall, make sure to select a cool, dry, indoor

location.

1. Depending on the wall surface you are mounting the ECU to, use

either two (2) #8 drywall screws or wall anchors, installed 130 mm

apart. The drywall screws and wall anchors are NOT included in

the ECU kit.

2. Align and slide the ECU onto the mounting screws.

Best Practice: Install and connect the ECU to the Internet (see below

instructions) while the rest of the array is being installed. Doing so allows

the ECU to automatically update its internal software while the rest of the

physical installation is underway. The ECU will then communicate with

the inverters when the installation is complete and the array is energized.

Figure 5

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 7 7

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Cable Ports

Power Connection Port:

The power connection port is used to both supply the ECU with power, and

communicate with the inverters using the Power Line Communications

(PLC) protocol.

RS232 Serial Port:

The RS232 serial port can be used to connect the ECU to the Internet

using General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS is a cell technology

that is not available in all areas. Check with your cell phone service

provider for details regarding availability and service pricing.

Network Port (RJ45):

The network port (RJ45) is used to connect the ECU to your local network

via a CAT5 cable. This port can be used to connect directly to the network

router, or through a wi extender or PLC bridge.

USB Port:

The USB port can be used as a power source (5VDC) for a wi bridge if

necessary. It is NOT a two-way communication port, and is therefore

incompatible with external wi devices such as wi dongles or thumb

drives.

Figure 6

Power Connection Port Network Port

Network Port (RJ45)

RS232 Serial Port

CABLE CONNECTIONS

1. Connect the supplied power cable to the power connection port on

the bottom of the ECU.

NOTE: As noted in the previous section, the ECU communicates with the

inverters using the Power Line Communications (PLC) protocol through

the power connection port.



APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 8 8

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

2. Connect the supplied CAT5 cable to the network port (RJ45) on the

bottom of the ECU.

INTERNET CONNECTION

There are two different approaches to connecting the ECU to the Internet:

• Direct CAT5 network connection to a broadband router.

• Wireless connection to a wireless broadband router.

NOTE: The ECU is NOT a wireless device and requires a wi extender or

bridge to make the connection to a wireless router.

NOTE: Make sure the ECU is connected to a router device – NOT a

modem or network switching device.

Direct CAT5 Connection

1. Make sure the CAT5 cable is connected to the network port on the

bottom of the ECU.

2. Connect the CAT5 cable into a spare port on the broadband router.

Wireless Connection

Using a wi extender:

1. Make sure the CAT5 cable is connected to the network port on the

bottom of the ECU.

2. Connect the CAT5 cable into the wi extender.

3. Join the wi extender to the site’s LAN.

Figure 7



APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 9 9

HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Using a PLC bridge:

NOTE: A PLC bridge uses the power line to communicate and requires

both a “send” and “receive” unit.

1. Make sure the CAT5 cable is connected to the network port on the

bottom of the ECU.

2. Connect the CAT5 cable into the “send” unit of the PLC bridge.

3. Connect a CAT5 cable from the “receive” unit of the PLC bridge

into a spare port on the broadband router (refer to bridge users

manual for specic operating instructions).

POWER UP ECU

1. Make sure the power cable is correctly connected to the power

connection port on the bottom of the ECU.

2. Plug the power cable into a dedicated standard AC electrical outlet.

WARNING: Make sure to use a dedicated outlet for the ECU. Do NOT

plug any other devices into the same outlet as the ECU.

WARNING: Do NOT plug the ECU into a power strip, surge protector,

or uninterruptable power supply (UPS). The surge suppression and/

or ltering on these sorts of devices will substantially diminish PLC

performance.

Figure 8



Figure 9



APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 10 10

ECU INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE

Once power is supplied to the ECU it automatically steps through a series

of initialization screens on its LED display.

ECU INITIALIZATION

1. Loading the software rmware.

2. Searching for the inverters.

A word about network communication protocols. The ECU needs to have

access to the router via an IP address. The ECU will only search for and

obtain a DHCP IP address during its powering up sequence.

For example, the LED screen on the front of the ECU displays an

IP address such as “192.168.2.101” if the connection to the router is

successful (the IP address will vary based on router supplier, so check

with the user manual for specics). If, however, the LED displays

“60.190.131.228”, the ECU-router connection has not been successful, in

which case you’ll need to check all of the cabling connections and reboot

the ECU by removing the power cable for a few seconds and reconnecting.

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

LED Display

Firmware Version

Router IP Address

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