Alencon SPOT: Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance Manual
36 |
P a g e
9 Turning ON and OFF the SPOT
The SPOT is a highly autonomous device and should not require manual intervention to operate
after commissioning in most applications. Basic ON/OFF can be controlled using just the input
power disconnects.
In some cases, such as for maintenance or troubleshooting, the SPOT needs to be turned off and
isolated from input and output. Use the full procedures below for safely turning ON and OFF the
SPOT.
9.1 Steps to turn ON the SPOT:
Input and output disconnect switches should be in the OPEN position at the beginning of this
process.
In most SPOT applications, the output bus (load) will start at a low voltage, such as inverters
that are off. If the bus is at a voltage <300V, follow the instructions below in 9.1.1.
In cases where the output bus is already at high voltage, such as batteries, a
different set of steps should be taken to avoid inrush currents, when turning the
SPOT ON. If the bus is already at a voltage >300V, follow the instructions in 9.1.2.
9.1.1 Turning ON the SPOT – Low Voltage Bus (<300V)
1.
CLOSE any output disconnects and/or turn ON the combiner box.
2.
CLOSE the input disconnects and allow power to the SPOT.
3.
If a controller is being used, a
System Reset
command may be needed to begin the
startup process on the SPOT (see section 10.1.2), otherwise move to step 4.
4.
After at least 5 minutes, measure the input and output currents using a DC clamp to verify
SPOT is converting power.
5.
If using the PODD or another controller, telemetry can be monitored for the expected
values of a SPOT operating properly.
9.1.2 Turning ON the SPOT – High Voltage Bus (>300V)
1.
CLOSE the input disconnects and allow power to the SPOT
2.
If a controller is being used, a
System Reset
command may be needed to begin the
startup process on the SPOT (see section 10.1.2), otherwise move to step 4.
3.
SPOT will charge its own output to high voltage, to be within 300V of the bus voltage.
Use the controller or a multimeter to verify the SPOT output has stabilized at a high
voltage charge.
4.
CLOSE any output disconnects and/or turn ON the combiner box.
5.
After at least 5 minutes, measure the input and output currents using a DC clamp to verify
SPOT is converting power.
6.
If using the PODD or another controller, telemetry can be monitored for the expected
values of a SPOT operating properly.
