Alpha Group OutBack Power FLEXmax Extreme Series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 64 / 84

Troubleshooting
62
900-0150-01-00 Rev A
Table 7 Troubleshooting
Symptom Remedy
Unit in equalization cycle
but not achieving
expected results

Check equalization settings using the system display. (See pages 38 and 72). The
default settings are not sufficient for many batteries and may need to be adjusted.

The cycle will begin when the Equalization Voltage set point has been reached. A
small array or cloudy weather will delay the equalization cycle. Running too many
battery loads will also delay the
cycle.

Check the PV array temperature. At high temperatures, the maximum power point
voltage may be near or lower than the battery voltage. This can delay the
cycle.
Battery Calibration setting
does not respond The system display will not report this setting if remote battery sensing is connected. To
test this function, temporarily disconnect remote battery sensing. (See page 18.)
Unit not operating; unit
had worked normally
before; no Fault LED
indicator (see page 23);
MATE3 displays
Silent
This behavior is normal in cases of low light; unit may be in “Sleep”, “Snooze”, or “Wakeup”
modes. Confirm external conditions and behavior using Table 4 on page 28.
Unit not operating; unit
had worked normally
before; normal light
conditions; no Fault LED
indicator (see page 23);
MATE3 displays
Silent

“High V
oc
“ fault. Check PV array voltage. If it is greater than 145 Vdc, the open-circuit
voltage (V
oc
) is too high for the controller to safely operate. The MATE3 VOC Too High
error will indicate Y . (See page 32.)
This should only occur with systems using 72 Vdc nominal PV arrays in very cold
temperatures (below -15°C or 5°F). The FLEXmax Extreme will automatically restart
operation once the V
oc
falls to a safe level (145 Vdc or lower).
CAUTION: Hazard to Equipment
Voltages in excess of 150 Vdc are likely to damage the FLEXmax Extreme.
The PV array should be designed to avoid ever reaching these voltages.

“High temperature” fault. Check controller temperature (see page 32). The FLEXmax
Extreme will stop functioning at an
Enclosure reading of 78°C and an Output FETs
reading of 130°C. The MATE3 Over Temperature error will indicate Y . (See page 32.)

“Battery too hot” fault. Check battery temperature (see MATE3 manual). If the RTS
reads in excess of of 50°C, it indicates a battery too hot to safely operate.
Unit not operating;
Fault LED indicator
illuminated (see page 23);
MATE3 displays
Silent

Fault Input Active error. An open circuit was detected on the External Fault terminals.
(See page 18.) If the OutBack GFDI was installed, this could indicate a ground fault
condition. The MATE3
Fault Input Active error will indicate Y. (See page 32.)
To restart the FLEXmax Extreme, remove all power from the controller and then
reconnect the batteries.
If this error occurred upon initial power-up, the External Fault terminals may be
wired incorrectly. (See page 19.) These terminals must have either a jumper or a
ground-fault device installed.

“Overcurrent” fault. This occurs if more than 6 amps flow from the battery to the
FLEXmax Extreme, or if more than 100 amps flow from the controller to the battery.
An overcurrent fault will show
Y in the Fault Input Active error (see above) even
though it is a different problem (see page 32.)
To restart the FLEXmax Extreme, remove all power from the controller and then
reconnect the batteries.
Fan runs continuously;
charging is not
temperature
compensated
Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) damaged. The MATE3 Shorted RTS item will indicate Y .
(See page 32.) To test, remove or replace the RTS.