Sunny Boy Series
Sunny Boy Series
Sunny Boy Series
SB_SMC_Schueco-BEN093730 | TBEN-ALL-K9A
SMA Solar Technology AG Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Notes on this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Area of Validity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Target Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Appropriate Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Identifying the product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 Operating Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.1 Activating the Display Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Initial Phase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.1 All LEDs are on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3.1 All LEDs are off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3.2 The green LED is continuously on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.3 The green LED is blinking slowly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.4 The green LED is blinking rapidly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.5 The green LED goes out briefly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4 Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.4.1 The red LED is continuously on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.4.2 The Red LED is blinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4.3 The yellow LED is continuously on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.4.4 The yellow LED blinks twice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.4.5 The yellow LED blinks 3 times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.4.6 The yellow LED blinks 4 times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.4.7 The yellow LED blinks 5 times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.4.8 The yellow LED blinks 6 times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING!
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION!
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE!
NOTICE indicates a situation that can result in property damage if not avoided.
Information
Information provides tips that are valuable for the optimum installation and operation of
your product.
2 Safety
2.1 Appropriate Usage
The Sunny Boy / Sunny Mini Central is a solar inverter which converts the DC current of the PV
generator to AC current and feed it into the public grid.
More precise information on this subject and on your device can be found in the installation guide.
The operational limits specified in the installation guide for the particular inverter must be observed.
All inverters may only be operated with PV generators (modules and cabling) of Protection Class II
rating. Do not connect any sources of energy other than PV modules to the inverter.
Do not use the inverter for purposes other than those described here. Alternative uses, modifications
to the inverter or the installation of components not expressly recommended or sold by the
manufacturer void the warranty claims and operating permission. If you have questions regarding the
proper usage of the inverters, please contact the SMA Solar Technology Serviceline.
Principle of the string inverter
The string inverter is used to connect a small number of series-connected solar modules (strings) to the
public supply grid. This way, even a large PV generator can be constructed from a large number of
individual strings, each having its own string inverter. The energy is then combined on the AC side.
Principle of a grid-connected PV system with a Sunny Boy
Sunny Boy
PV-Modules Distribution Public grid
The following work on the inverter must be carried out by a qualified personnel only.
• Electrical installation
• Repairs
• Modifications
Even when no external voltage is applied, high voltages can still be present in the device.
These high voltages can result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION!
Enclosure body can get hot during operation. Risk of burn injuries. Do not touch.
The temperature of some parts of the inverter enclosure – in particular the temperature of
the heatsinks – can reach over 60 °C in normal operation.
• Only touch lid and display during operation.
NOTICE!
Overvoltages in the inverter Destruction of the inverter and voiding of warranty
claims.
• Please contact your installer whenever the inverter reports an error.
V DC MPP 200-400 V
I DC max 20 A
V AC nom 230 V
f AC nom 50/60 Hz
I AC nom 16.5 A
cos j 1
xxx
Manufactured by
SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
outdoor 34266 Niestetal, Germany
*2000165882*
3 Operating Modes
The different operating modes are indicated by 3 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the inverter lid, and
also via the integrated display (see Section 4 "Information on the Display" (page 24)). To allow the
device to signal its operating mode via the 3 integrated LEDs, the inverter must be connected to the
DC side of the system. The level of solar irradiation must be high enough to supply the inverter with
sufficient DC voltage.
The following diagram shows the 3 LEDs, as exemplified by the Sunny Boy 3800.
• Temperature derating
The temperature monitoring of the inverter has reduced the output power to prevent the device
from overheating. The inverter switches to the "Temperature derating" mode. If the Sunny Boy /
Sunny Mini Central frequently switches to this mode, please check the heat dissipation (see
Section 5.1 "Checking Heat Dissipation" (page 27)). For all Sunny Mini Centrals, as well as
the Sunny Boy models SB 3300 / SB 3800, check whether the fans are soiled.
Maintenance and Cleaning of the Fans
The fan cleaning procedure is described in the respective installation guide.
• Current derating
Due to the type of module or the output and wiring of the generator, the PV-side input current
exceeds the maximum possible input current. The inverter switches to the "Current derating"
mode in order to protect itself against overload.
• Output derating
This operating mode only occurs in systems which are operated using the Sunny Mini Central
with integrated SMA Power Balancer set to "PowerGuard".
• Frequency-dependent output derating P(f)
This operating mode occurs when the function which limits active power, P, is activated as a
function of grid frequency fAC.
You will find more detailed information on this function in the installation guide for Sunny Mini
Central 9000TL / 10000TL / 11000TL with Reactive Power Control.
3.4 Failures
A distinction is made between critical and non-critical failure messages.
Thanks to a comprehensive safety concept the number of critical conditions that can occur has been
reduced to one single situation:
PV generator voltage is too high.
This is indicated by the following blink code on the yellow LED:
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code: 3 seconds off and then 4 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession. If this fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
NOTICE!
DC input voltage too high. Destruction of the inverter.
• Contact your installer, who will immediately disconnect the PV generator from the
inverter and check the DC voltage, as described in the inverter's installation guide.
Generator Failure
The same blink code is generated when a generator failure occurs. This falls into the
category of a non-critical failure which is dealt with in more detail in Section 3.4.6 "The
yellow LED blinks 4 times" (page 20).
This blink code can only occur in the following device types:
• SMC 9000TL-10 / 10000TL-10 / 11000TL-10
• SMC 9000TLRP-10 / 10000TLRP-10 / 11000TLRP-10
Possible causes:
– At least one of the varistors is defective. Display message <Check Varistor>
– At least one of the string fuses is defective. Display message: <DC fuse>
In both cases the inverter continues feeding into the grid.
Correction of error by installer
Contact your installer to have the error corrected. Instructions on correction errors
can be found in the inverter installation guide.
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code. 3 seconds off and then 2 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession. If this fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
With this fault signal the inverter indicates a grid fault which can have the following causes:
• Grid undervoltage (voltage drop protection)
• Grid overvoltage (voltage rise protection)
• Grid underfrequency (frequency decrease protection)
• Grid overfrequency (frequency increase protection)
• Grid frequency change ("dFac")
• Voltage increase protection activated
• Faulty grid connections, e.g. N and L swapped or PE not connected
(SMC 9000TL(RP) / 10000TL(RP) / 11000TL(RP): Display message <Check L-N-PE>)
• In systems which consist of 3 or more Sunny Mini Centrals, the Power Balancer has detected a
fault.
Correction of error by installer
Contact your installer to have the following points checked:
• Check whether there is a general power failure (check function of other energy
consumers).
• Check the fuse of the inverter power supply.
• Check whether the circuit breaker is switched on.
• Check the inverter's grid connection.
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code. 3 seconds off and then 3 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession. If this fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
The inverter has detected a failure relating to unacceptable grid impedance values. If the inverter
frequently displays this fault and switches off during grid monitoring, the cause may be that grid
impedance is too high.
Your installer should be able to correct this problem by increasing the cross-section of the power line.
In some cases, tightening the terminal clamps on the connection cable can also help. Other measures
can also be taken to correct this fault, but they require the explicit agreement and cooperation of the
utility operator.
Correction of error by installer
Contact your installer, who will open the inverter, as described in the inverter installation
guide, and check the AC connection.
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code. 3 seconds off and then 4 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession. If this fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
This code can be caused by either of the following:
• Input voltage has exceeded the maximal permissible limit.
or
• Error in the generator (only applies to SMC 9000TL(RP)-10, 10000TL(RP)-10, 11000TL(RP)-10).
Input voltage has exceeded the maximal permissible limit.
The voltage of the PV generator has exceeded the inverter's permissible input voltage.
NOTICE!
DC input voltage too high. Destruction of the inverter.
• Please contact your installer, who will immediately disconnect the PV generator from
the inverter and check the DC voltage, as described in the inverter installation guide.
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code. 3 seconds off and then 5 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession. If after this the fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
For all transformerless devices this blink code can occur in combination with the display warning
<Disturbance Earthfault> (with the exception of SMC 9000TL(RP)-10, 10000TL(RP)-10,
11000TL(RP)-10, for which the warning is <Disturbance Earthfault-Sense>) and is caused by a fault
in the insulation monitoring system.
Correction of error by installer
If the device failure has a severe negative impact on normal operation, you must contact
your installer, who will check the inverter and the entire plant installation. It is essential to
ensure that devices without transformers (with "TL" in the device name) are correctly
grounded!
Discharge current
The fault "Discharge current too high" can only occur in transformerless inverters.
Transformerless inverters can be identified by their device designation. The "TL" in the name
stands for transformerless, e.g. Sunny Mini Central SMC 6000TL.
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code. 3 seconds off and then 6 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession. If this fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
The discharge current from the inverter and the PV generator is too high. The Sunny Boy / Sunny Mini
Central interrupts grid feeding immediately after exceeding a threshold value and switches back onto
the grid automatically after testing. If necessary, testing will be repeated several times.
Discharge current is dependent on the capacity of the PV generator relative to ground and also
depends on the type of modules and manner of installation as well as the weather conditions.
Therefore, it is quite normal for this value to vary over time.
However, if the inverter frequently displays this fault, please notify the installer who installed your PV
system and clarify the reasons for the high level of discharge current.
This fault message can also be triggered by a PE connection which is not connected to the inverter.
Correction of error by installer
Please contact your installer to deal with the fault or get in touch with the SMA Solar
Technology Serviceline.
Differential current
The fault "Drastic change in differential current" can only occur in transformerless inverters.
Transformerless inverters can be identified by their device designation. The "TL" in the name
stands for transformerless, e.g. Sunny Mini Central SMC 6000TL.
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds when the fault occurs, and then starts emitting the
following blink code. 3 seconds off and then 7 brief consecutive blinks. This code is emitted 3 times
in succession.
If this fault is still present, the fault signal starts over again.
The Sunny Boy / Sunny Mini Central has detected a drastic change in differential current and
immediately stopped feeding into the grid. The integrated all-pole-sensitive residual current monitoring
unit monitors the differential current relative to ground from the inverter supply connection right
through to the PV generator. This additional personal protection system reacts to a drastic change in
differential current of IDN > 30 mA and disconnects the Sunny Boy / Sunny Mini Central from the grid
within 0.2 seconds.
Display Messages
Detailed explanations of the individual error and fault messages can be found in Section
6 "Measurement Channels and Messages" (page 28).
A description and explanation of the operating parameters can be found in the Technical
Information "Operating parameters Sunny Boy / Sunny Mini Central“ in the download
area at www.SMA.de/en.
• Please contact your installer, who will immediately disconnect the PV generator from
the inverter and check the DC voltage, as described in the inverter installation guide.
Measuring Description
channel
Vpv PV input voltage
Vpv-Setpoint PV target voltage
Zac Grid impedance
7 Glossary
AC
Abbreviation for "Alternating Current"
DC
Abbreviation for "Direct Current"
Derating
A controlled reduction in performance, usually dependent on component temperatures. Compared
with the (also common) practice of completely shutting down the device, derating has a less drastic
effect on the external grid.
Grid-connected system
PV system which is connected to the power supply grid of an external energy supplier.
Grid impedance
The grid impedance is a characteristic grid specification, which is determined both by the grid
infrastructure, and by the number of power suppliers and power consumers. If supply to the grid
section drops due to a grid shutdown on the part of the adjacent energy suppliers (medium-voltage
transformers), the grid impedance changes abruptly. In order to detect this occurrence, and to prevent
the formation of an unwanted stand-alone grid, SMA Grid Guard monitors the grid impedance and
disconnects the inverter from the grid in the event of a sudden impedance variation.
Inverter
A device for converting the direct current (DC) from the PV generator into alternating current (AC),
which is used by most normal household devices, and especially for feeding energy into an existing
supply grid.
Maximum Power Point "MPP"
The operating point (current / voltage) of the PV generator at which the highest possible performance
under the prevailing conditions is achieved. The actual MPP changes constantly, depending on the
level of solar irradiation, cell temperature, etc.
MPP tracker
A device that adjusts the voltage and current of a PV generator so that it operates at its
"Maximum Power Point".
PV
Abbreviation for "photovoltaic" describing the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.
PV generator
Technical device for the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. This normally refers to all
installed and electrically connected solar modules in a PV system.
PV module
A collection of solar cells in an enclosure that protects the sensitive cells from mechanical stress and
allows easy installation.
Reactive Power Control
Inverters with Reactive Power Control are inverters capable of utilizing reactive power. By setting a
default value for the displacement factor (cos ϕ) they can feed reactive power to the grid.
SMA Grid Guard
The SMA Grid Guard concept monitors, for instance, the voltage and frequency of the connected AC
grid according to predefined parameters. This serves to prevent the formation of a stand-alone grid
in the event of grid disconnection.
SMA Power Balancer
The SMA Power Balancer is a serial feature of the Sunny Mini Central. The SMA Power Balancer
prevents the formation of an unbalanced load during three-phase grid feeding. To this effect, a group
made up of 3 Sunny Mini Centrals are each connected via a control line to a 3-phase feeding unit.
Solar cell
An electronic component which generates electrical energy when irradiated with sunlight. Since the
voltage produced by a single solar cell is very small (approx. 0.5 V), several solar cells are combined
to form a solar module.
Solar energy
"Sun energy", i.e. energy from sunlight (solar irradiation).
Solar generator
See PV generator
Solar module
See PV module.
Solar power plant
Describes the totality of components required for the exploitation and utilization of solar energy. In
grid-connected systems this includes not only the PV generator, but also the inverter, e.g. Sunny Boy
or Sunny Mini Central.
String
Describes a group of series-connected solar modules.
String fuse
String fuses serve to protect the modules against reverse current.
String inverter
In string technology, the PV generator is subdivided into individual module surfaces, or "strings", each
of which has an assigned string inverter. This technology reduces system costs while at the same time
making installation a lot simpler and increasing the energy yield and system availability.
Unbalanced load
The difference between the power fed into the grid at the individual phase conductors. In Germany,
it is not permitted to exceed a nominal output of 4.6 kVA (plus 10 % overload, i.e. 5 kVA in total).
Varistor
In the Sunny Boy and Sunny Mini Central, varistors protect the electronics from atmospherically
coupled energy peaks, such as those that can occur in the conductor loop of the PV generator in the
event of nearby lightning strikes. They limit overvoltage by discharging the coupled current to earth.
During operation, varistors are subject to a certain degree of ageing. Varistors which have been in
service for a long time or have already had to discharge overvoltages, are subject to a decrease in
internal resistance and heat up significantly. Thermally monitored varistors recognize this increased
temperature and automatically disconnect from the power circuit. If the protective function of the
varistor is no longer given, the inverter triggers a fault message.
8 Contact
If you have technical problems concerning our products, please contact our Serviceline. We require
the following information in order to provide you with the necessary assistance:
• Inverter type
• Communication method
• Type and number of modules connected
• Serial number of inverter
• Blink code or message displayed by the inverter
Serviceline
Inverters: +49 561 9522 1499
Communication: +49 561 9522 2499
Fax: +49 561 9522 4699
E-mail: Serviceline@SMA.de
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SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Tel. +49 561 9522-0
Fax +49 561 9522-100
www.SMA.de
E-Mail: info@SMA.de
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