6. Normal operation
.35.
.34.
5. Commissioning
6.1 Start-up procedure
To start-up the inverter, it is mandatory that the steps below are followed in the exact order
outlined.
1). Ensure the commissioning checks in Section 5 have been performed.
2). Switch the AC switch ON.
3). Switch the DC switches ON one at a time. If the PV array (DC) voltage is higher
than the inverter start-up voltage, the inverter will turn on. The red DC POWER LED
and LCD will be continuously lit.
4). Canadian Solar inverters are powered from the DC side. When the inverter detects DC
power that is within start-up and operating ranges, the inverter will turn on. After turn-
on, the inverter will check internal parameters, sense and monitor AC voltage, hertz
rate and the stability of the supply grid. During this period, the green OPERATION LED
will flash and the LCD screen will show INITIALIZING. This tells the operator that the
inverter is preparing to generate AC power.
5). After the locally mandated delay (300 seconds for IEEE-1547 compliant inverters), the
inverter will start generating AC power. The green OPERATION LED will light
continuously and the LCD screen will show GENERATING.
CAUTION
The inverter's surface temperature can reach up to 75
℃
(167
⁰
F). To
avoid risk of burns, do not touch the surface when the inverter is in
the operational mode. Additionally, the inverter must be installed
out of the reach of children.
6.2 Shutdown procedure
To stop the inverter, it is mandatory that the steps below are followed in the exact order outlined.
1). Switch AC switch OFF.
2). Wait approximately 30 seconds (during this time, the AC side capacitors are dissipating
energy). If the inverter has DC voltage above the start-up threshold, the red POWER
LED will be lit. Switch the DC switches OFF.
3). Confirm all LED's switch OFF (~one (1) minute).
CAUTION
Although the inverter DC disconnect switches are in the OFF position and all
the LED's are OFF, operators must wait five (5) minutes after the DC power
source has been disconnected before opening the inverter cabinet. DC
side capacitors can take up to five (5) minutes to dissipate all stored energy.
5.4.1.2.1 Detection of leakage to ground
Canadian Solar inverters are transformer-less and do not have an array connection to ground.
Any measurement of a fixed voltage between ground and either the positive or negative string
wiring indicates a leakage (ground fault) to ground and must be corrected prior to energizing
the inverter or damage to the inverter may result.
To measure leakage to ground, perform the following steps:
1. Ensure that neither negative nor positive DC conductors are connected to the ground strip.
2. Measure each string positive connection to ground.
3. Measure each string negative connection to ground.
4. Verify the voltage is “floating”, not a consistent voltage to ground. Make sure you notice the
units of the measurement. mV is not the same as V.
Measure VAC and verify voltage is within local grid standards.
1). Measure each phase to ground (L-G).
5.4.2.1 Measure VAC and frequency
2). Measure phases to the other phases in pairs (L-L). PH A to PH B, PH B to PH C and
PH C to PH A.
3). If the meter is equipped, measure the frequency of each phase to ground.
4). Ensure each measurement is within local grid standards and the inverter specifications
as noted in Section 9 “Specifications”.
A phase rotation test is recommended to ensure the phases have been connected in the
appropriate order. Canadian Solar inverters do not require a
specific phase rotation connection.
However, the local utility may require a specific phase rotation or a record of the phase
configuration of the installation.
5.4.2.2 Phase rotation test
Verify AC configuration.
5.4.2 AC configuration
Verify DC connections.
Lightly tug on each DC cable to ensure it is properly connected to the inverter.
5.4.3 DC Connections
Verify AC connections.
1. Lightly tug on each AC cable to ensure it is fully captured in the terminal.
2. Visually check for any stray strands that may not be inserted in the terminal.
3. Check to ensure the terminal screws are the correct torque.
5.4.4 AC Connections
