TRIPP LITE APSWX-Series Solar Sinewave Inverter Charger Owner’s Manual

TRIPP LITE APSWX-Series Solar Sinewave Inverter Charger

Overview

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your Tripp Lite APSWX-Series Solar Sinewave Inverter/Charger. The multi-function design keeps equipment running on AC mains power or alternative power sources in your application. The built-in AC/DC charger and MPPT charge controller hybrid-charging system can utilize AC power, solar power or a combination of both to ensure the battery system is charged and ready when you need it most. The front control panel with LCD provides real-time readout of all system functions as well as robust configuration options to meet the needs of various user applications. Advanced parallel functionality supports daisy chaining of up to nine units for increased capacity in single-phase or 3-phase power configurations.

Important Safety Instructions

• This section contains important safety and operating instructions. Read carefully and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance instructions before using this product.
• Caution: To reduce the risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead-acid type rechargeable batteries. Other battery types may burst, causing personal injury and damage.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not dissemble the unit while in operation. Only qualified personnel should service the unit. There are no user-replaceable parts inside.
• Warning: The unit(s) should be powered off and all wiring disconnected before servicing or maintenance is performed.
• The inverter is non-isolated and should only be used in PV modules that are single crystalline, poly-crystalline with A-rating or CIGS modules. To avoid malfunction, do not connect any PV modules that allow current leakage flow to the inverter. When using CIGS modules, make sure they are not grounded.
• Caution: When connecting to a solar energy source, it is recommended you use a PV junction box with surge protection. Otherwise, damage can occur to the inverter.

Device symbol identification

• CAUTION! High-temperature operation
• DANGER! Electric shock hazard
• WARNING! Allow at least 1 minute for stored energy to dissipate prior to maintenance
• CAUTION! 2 or more inverters sharing the same solar panel group pose an electric shock hazard

Package Contents

Inspect the packaging and unit for any damage prior to installation. Ensure the following are included with the Inverter/Charger:

• APSWX-Series Sinewave
• Solar Inverter/Charger (1)
• Strain Relief Bracket (1)
• Strain Relief Bracket Screws
• DB9-to-RJ45 cable (1)
• Parallel connection kit (1)
• Owner’s Manual (1)

Features

Features Overview

• Hybrid solar inverter (on/off-grid capable)
• Output power factor: PF = 1.0
• On-grid with energy storage
• AC/solar charge priority
• Intelligent battery charging for optimized battery performance
• AC mains or generator power compatibility
• Fault protection modes: overload, over-temperature, short circuit, battery low voltage
• External remote monitoring
• Parallel operation with up to 9 units

System Architecture

Feature Identification

1. AC Input
2. AC Output
3. RS-232 Port
4. USB Port
5. PV Input
6. Parallel Ports
7. DC Input
8. ON/OFF Switch
9. Generator Dry Contact
10. Current Sharing Ports
11. Circuit Breaker
12. Strain Relief Bracket (Not Shown)

LCD and Control Panel Overview

Green

| Solid On| AC output is by AC mains in Line mode
Flashing| AC output is powered by a battery| Output is powered by PV
| Green| Solid On| The battery is fully charged
Flashing| Battery is charging
| Red| Solid On| A fault condition has occurred
Flashing| A warning condition is present

Function Keys

LCD Information

Power Configuration Modes

Utility First
The utility will power the connected load and charge the battery system. If solar power is available, both AC + solar power will charge the battery system.

PV First
Solar energy powers the connected load through the inverter and charges the battery system. Utility power is in an on-demand state to take over if the solar energy can no longer power the connected load and charge the battery system.

Battery First
The battery system will supply power to the connected load as first priority. If the voltage gets too low and utility or generator power is present, utility power or generator power will take over and supply power to the connected loads and recharge the battery system. Once the battery system is recharged, the Inverter/Charger will switch back to the battery system to supply power to the connected load.

Hybrid Modes
Solar + Utility: Solar energy provides power to the connected loads as the first priority. If solar energy is not sufficient to power all loads, the utility will supply power to the connected loads at the same time while charging the battery.

• Solar First + Utility without Battery: Solar energy provides power to the connected loads as the first priority. If solar energy is not sufficient to power all loads, utility will supply power to connected loads at the same time.*

• Feed-In to Grid (Optional): In Utility First, PV First and Hybrid modes, the feed-to-grid option allows any unused excess solar energy for energy storage or loads to be sent back to the grid.

Installation

Site Preparation

1. The recommended mounting position is vertical wall mount.
2. Mount the Inverter/Charger on a solid vertical surface made of non-flammable construction materials.

Inverter Installation (Single and Parallel Modes)

1. See section 1.3 Package Contents to ensure all necessary parts are available for the Inverter/Charger installation and operation.
2. Mark the mounting location(s) where the Inverter/Charger will be installed.
3. Install the Inverter/Charger at a height that allows easy visibility of the LCD at all times.
4. For proper air circulation and heat dissipation, make sure there is a minimum of 20 cm distance on each side and 50 cm distance from the bottom of the unit (see Figure 3.2A).
5. In single-phase and 3-phase parallel modes, mount each inverter at least 20 cm apart (see Figure 3.2B).
6. The ambient temperature should be between 0°C and 50°C to ensure optimal operation.
7. Make sure to provide sufficient space as shown in Figure 3.2A and Figure 3.2B to guarantee sufficient heat dissipation and provide adequate space for proper clearance of wiring and communication connections.
8. Secure the Strain Relief bracket to the APS using two (2) included mounting screws below the AC Output wiring pass-through. After the AC wiring is installed, secure the wiring with the included zip ties.

Battery Sizing and Wiring Connections
Important: It is recommended you use “Deep Cycle” batteries to receive optimum performance from your Inverter/Charger. Do not use starting batteries or batteries rated in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). If the batteries you connect to the Inverter/Charger are not true Deep Cycle batteries, their operational lifetimes may be significantly shortened. If you are using the same battery bank to power the Inverter/Charger as well as DC loads, your battery bank will need to be appropriately sized (larger loads will require a battery bank with a larger amp-hour capacity). Otherwise, the operational lifetimes of the batteries may be significantly reduced.
Wet-Cell (vented) or Gel-Cell/Absorbed Glass Mat (sealed) batteries are preferred. 6-volt “golf cart”, Marine Deep-Cycle or 8D Deep-Cycle batteries in series-parallel connection are also acceptable. Auxiliary batteries must be identical to the vehicle batteries if they are connected to each other.
Batteries can produce extremely high currents. Review both the important safety instructions at the beginning of this manual and the battery supplier’s precautions before installing the inverter and batteries.

1. Select a 48V battery system that will provide your Inverter/Charger with proper DC voltage and amp-hour capacity to support your application. Even though Tripp Lite Inverter/Chargers are highly efficient at DC-to-AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by the total amp-hour capacity of connected batteries.

2. Determine the total wattage of your application. Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your Inverter/Charger. Wattage ratings are usually listed in equipment manuals or on nameplates. If your equipment is rated in amps, multiply that number times AC utility voltage to determine the estimated watts. (Example: a drill requires 2.8 amps. 2.8 amps × 230 volts = 640 watts.)

3. Determine the DC battery amps required. Divide the total wattage required (from step 2 above) by the nominal battery voltage to determine the DC amps required.

4. Estimate battery amp-hours required. Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2 above) by the number of hours you estimate you will operate equipment exclusively from battery power before recharging batteries with utility- or generator-supplied AC power. Compensate for inefficiency by multiplying this number by 1.2. This will provide a rough estimate of how many amp-hours of battery power (from one or several batteries) you should connect to your Inverter/Charger.
   Note: Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate. Actual amp-hour capacities are less when batteries are discharged at faster rates. For example, batteries discharged in 55 minutes provide only 50% of their listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries discharged in 9 minutes provide as little as 30% of their amp-hour ratings.

5. Estimate battery recharge rate required. You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the charge lost during inverter operation, or else you will eventually run down your batteries. To estimate the minimum amount of time needed to recharge the batteries in your application, divide the required battery amp-hours (from step 4 above) by the Inverter/Charger’s rated AC/DC Charger, Solar Charger or AC/DC + Solar charger combined.

6. Determine battery location. Batteries should be installed in an accessible location with good access to the battery caps and terminals. At least 2 ft. (60 cm) of overhead clearance is recommended. Batteries must be located as close as possible to the inverter. Do not install the inverter in the same compartment with non-sealed batteries (sealed batteries are acceptable). The gasses produced by non-sealed batteries during charging are highly corrosive and will shorten the life of the inverter.

7. Batteries should be installed in a locked enclosure or room. The enclosure should be well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen gasses that are released during the battery charging process. The enclosure should be made of acid-resistant material or coated with an acid-resistant finish to prevent corrosion from spilled electrolytes and released fumes. If the batteries are located outdoors, the enclosure should be rainproof and contain mesh screens to prevent insects and rodents from entering. Before installing the batteries in the enclosure, cover the bottom with a layer of baking soda to neutralize any acid spills.

8. Connecting DC batteries. Though your Inverter/Charger is a high-efficiency converter of electricity, its rated output capacity is limited by the length and gauge of the cabling running from the battery to the unit. Use the shortest length and largest diameter cabling to provide maximum performance (see table below). Shorter and heavier-gauge cabling reduces DC voltage drop and permits maximum transfer of current. Your Inverter/Charger is capable of delivering peak wattage at up to 200% of its rated continuous wattage output for brief periods of time. Heavier-gauge cabling should be used when continuously operating heavy-draw equipment under these conditions. Tighten your Inverter/Charger and battery terminals to approximately 3.5 Newton-meters of torque to establish an efficient connection and to prevent excessive heating at the connection. Insufficient tightening of the terminals could void your warranty.
   Maximum Recommended DC Cable Length

Model

| ****

Output Capacity (Watts)

| Recommended Wire Gauge| Terminal Torque Rating (N•m)
---|---|---|---
APSWX4KP48VMPPT| 3200| 12 AWG| 3.5
APSWX6KP48VMPPT| 5500| 10 AWG| 3.5
9. Connect the fuse. Tripp Lite recommends you connect the battery to your Inverter/Charger’s DC terminals with wiring that includes a fuse and fuse block or DC circuit breaker within 46 cm of the battery positive. The fuse’s rating must equal or exceed the minimum DC fuse rating shown on the Inverter/Charger’s nameplate. Refer to Figure 3.3A for proper fuse placement. The battery wire with the fuse should not be grounded.

AC Input/Output Connections

• CAUTION! Before connecting to an AC input power source, install a separate AC breaker between the inverter and the AC input power source. This will ensure the inverter can be securely disconnected during maintenance and fully protected from any AC input overcurrent. The recommended AC breaker is 32A for 3kVA and 50A for 5.5kVA. There are two terminal blocks marked “IN” and “OUT”. DO NOT connect input and output connectors incorrectly.
• CAUTION: AC leakage current detection: at the input and output of the inverter, the AC circuit should be able to withstand 50 Hz, 1500V AC, I<10mA.
• CAUTION: AC output configuration: Floating
• CAUTION: If you need to be connected to the grid, an isolation transformer must be installed at the input. 10kVA/10kW/220Vac/220VAC isolation transformer must meet the certification requirements of IEC-60364.

WARNING! All wiring must be performed by qualified personnel. It is critically important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cables for AC input connections. To reduce the risk of injury, please use the proper recommended cable size as shown in the table below.

PV Connections
Your Tripp Lite Inverter/Charger includes a built-in MPPT Solar Charge Controller. A set of PV Input connections attached to an array of PV modules for Off-Grid/Hybrid (AC + Solar) applications.
CAUTION! Before PV modules can be connected to the Inverter/Charger, it is highly recommended to install a separate DC disconnection switch between the inverter and the PV modules.
WARNING! It is very important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cables for PV module connections. To reduce the risk of injury, please use the proper cable size as shown in the table below.

WARNING! To avoid inverter malfunction, do not connect any PV modules with possible leakage current to the inverter (i.e. PV modules that are grounded).
It is recommended to use a PV junction box with surge protection to protect against lightning and voltage fluctuations.
Because the Inverter/Charger is non-isolated, only three types of PV modules should be used:

• Single-crystalline
• Poly-crystalline with class A-rating
• CIGS

When selecting a PV module, make sure the open circuit voltage of the PV modules does not exceed the maximum PV array open circuit voltage supported by the inverter.

Solar Array Application Examples

Solar Panel Spec: 250Wp Vmp: 30.1V DC

Imp: 8.3A

Voc: 37.7Vdc Isc: 8.4A

| Solar Input| Panel Qty.| Total Input Power
---|---|---|---
Min. in serial: 6 pcs. Max. in serial: 11 pcs.|  |
6 panels in series| 6 panels| 1500W
9 panels in a series| 9 panels| 2250W
10 panels in a series| 10 panels| 2500W
9 panels in series and 2 in parallel| 18 panels| 4500W
10 panels in series-parallel (2x) in parallel| 20 panels| 4500W

Wiring PV Modules to Inverter

1. Remove insulation about 0.4 in. (10 mm) for both positive and negative conductors.
2. The use of ferruled ends on the positive and negative ends with proper crimping tools is recommended.
3. Reattach the bottom cover to the inverter with supplied screws.

Communication Connections

1. The RS-232 (DB9) port supports wireless remote monitoring modules.

Operation

Power On/Off

• Once the unit is properly installed and connections are secure, move the On/Off switch to the ON position.
• ON (I): The APS will power ON and supply power to connected loads from Utility, PV or battery power. In Utility Mode or PV Mode, the APS will also charge the battery system.
• OFF (O): The APS AC output is OFF but will charge batteries if utility or PV input power is present. If Utility and/or PV is no longer present, the unit will shut down.

Operation and Display Panel
The LCD operation panel (Figure 4.2A) is located on the front of the inverter. LED indicators are also present for quick indication of power state, charging and fault conditions.

LCD Configuration Mode
Once the unit is powered on, press and hold the Enter button for 3 seconds. The unit will enter Configuration mode.

Parallel Operation
The APSWX4KP48VMPPT and APSWX6KP48VMPPT support up to nine parallel Inverter/Chargers in a single-phase or 3-phase configuration.

Single-Phase Parallel Configuration

1. The Inverter/Charger should never share the same solar panel group that is connected to other sources.

2. Connect the parallel communication cables first for line and power.

3. Set the parameters for each Inverter/Charger separately.
   Warning! When working in parallel modes, the settings must be the same on every Inverter/Charger.

4. Once the parameters are set, turn each inverter ON.
   Warning! Each group of PV modules can only be used by one inverter. Otherwise, it may damage the other inverters.

Three inverters in parallel

Phase Parallel Configuration
CAUTION: The Inverter/Charger should not share the same solar panel group with other solar-sourced equipment.

1. Connect the parallel communication line and power cable.
   Warning! All inverters must share the same battery pack when paralleling.

2. Set the parameters of each inverter independently (working mode, single-phase parallel function, parallel ID address, 3-phase parallel function and set A/B/C phase sequence).
   Warning! When working in parallel, the working mode of each inverter must be the same working mode. The ID address of each inverter cannot be repeated.

3. After setting the parameters, first turn on the A-phase inverter, then turn on each inverter in sequence (A,B,C…).
   Warning! Do not connect the current sharing cable between the inverters that are on different phase, as it may damage the inverters.

Power Connection

Two inverters in each phase

Fault Code Reference

Warning Indicators

Troubleshooting

be

active then turn off.

|

Battery voltage is too low.

| Recharge battery for 24 hours. If problem persists, replace battery.

No response after power on.

|

No indication.

|

Battery voltage too low. Internal fuse tripped.

| Separately recharge battery for 24 hours. If condition persists, contact customer support.

Utility power exists, but unit stays in battery mode.

| Input voltage is displayed as “0” on the LCD and green LED is flashing.|

Input protection tripped.

| Check if AC breaker is turned on and AC wiring is connected.

AC/LED is flashing.

|

Insufficient AC voltage.

| Ensure the proper gauge of wiring is used. If generator is being used, make sure

it is operating properly and at the correct input

voltage. Check to make sure configuration is correct in the system.

When the unit is turned on, internal relay is switched on and off repeatedly.|

LCD and LEDs flashing.

|

Battery is disconnected.

| Check to make sure battery wires are properly connected.

Audible alarm beeps continuously and the red LED is on.

| Warning code 06.| Fan fault.| Replace the fan.

Warning code 05.

| Internal temperature of inverter component is over 85°C.| Check to make sure the area around the equipment is well-ventilated.

Warning code 07.

|

The battery voltage is too high or over-charged.

| Check to make sure battery specifications and quantities meet requirements. Contact customer support.

Fault code 10.

|

Parallel fault.

| Check all parallel connections between inverters.

Fault code 06.

|

Output short circuit.

| Check to make sure all wiring is secure at output. If condition persist, remove abnormal load.
Fault code 05.| Overload.| Reduce the connected load.
Problem| Display and Alarms| Possible Cause| Resolution
---|---|---|---

Audible alarm beeps continuously and the red LED is on.

|

Warning code 22.

| If PV input voltage is higher

than the specification,

the output power will be derated. When this happens and the connected load is higher than derated output power, the unit will go into overload state.

|

Reduce the number of PV modules in series or the connected load.

Fault code 02/03.

|

Output abnormal.

| Reduce the connected load. If the condition persists, contact customer support.
Fault code 01/04/06.| Internal components failed.| Contact customer support.

Fault code 23.

|

Overcurrent or surge.

| Remove faulty load and check PV input connection at the inverter and PV modules to make sure they are secured properly.
Fault code 01.| Bus voltage is too high.| Restart the unit if these errors occur. If they persist after restart, contact customer support.
Fault code 09.| Bus voltage is too low.
Fault code 02/03.| Output voltage is unbalanced.

Fault code 11.

| Internal temperature of inverter is over 85°C.| Check the area around the Inverter/Charger to ensure it is well ventilated.

Fault code 12.

|

The battery voltage is too high.

| Check the battery specifications and quantity to ensure they meet the needs of the application.
Battery is overcharged.| Contact customer support.

Fault code 13/14/15.

|

Phase loss.

| Check whether 3-phase power is connected. Check the Inverter/Charger to see if it turns on in 3-phase parallel.

Fault code 16.

| AC output voltage and frequency settings are different.| Check to see the output voltage and frequency of each Inverter/Charger are set the same.

Fault code 17.

|

AC input voltage and frequency detected are different.

| Check to see the input voltage and frequency of all Inverter/Chargers are configured the same for correct operation.
Problem| Display and Alarms| Possible Cause| Resolution
---|---|---|---

Audible alarm beeps continuously and the red LED is on.

|

Fault code 18.

|

Power feedback protection.

| Restart the Inverter/Charger. Check if L/N cables are not connected in reverse on all Inverter/Chargers.

Notes:

•   For single-phase parallel configurations, make sure the sharing cables are connected on all inverters.

•   For 3-phase system configurations, make sure the sharing cables are connected on the Inverter/ Chargers in the same phase and disconnected in the Inverter/Chargers on different phases.

Audible alarm beeps continuously and the red LED is on.

|

Fault code 19.

|

Firmware version inconsistent.

| Update firmware of all Inverter/Chargers connected in the application. If the problem persists, contact customer support.

Service

Your Tripp Lite product is covered by the warranty described in this manual. A variety of Extended Warranty and On-Site Service Programs are also available from Tripp Lite. For more information on service, visit tripplite.com/support. Before returning your product for service, follow these steps:

1. Review the installation and operation procedures in this manual to insure that the service problem does not originate from a misreading of the instructions.
2. If the problem continues, do not contact or return the product to the dealer. Instead, visit tripplite.com/support.
3. If the problem requires service, visit tripplite.com/support and click the Product Returns link. From here you can request a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number, which is required for service. This simple on-line form will ask for your unit’s model and serial numbers, along with other general purchaser information. The RMA number, along with shipping instructions will be emailed to you. Any damages (direct, indirect, special or consequential) to the product incurred during shipment to Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center are not covered under warranty. Products shipped to Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite service center must have transportation charges prepaid. Mark the RMA number on the outside of the package. If the product is within its warranty period, enclose a copy of your sales receipt. Return the product for service using an insured carrier to the address given to you when you request the RMA.

Maintenance

• Your Inverter/Charger requires no maintenance and contains no user-serviceable or replaceable parts, but should be kept dry at all times. Periodically check, clean and tighten all cable connections as necessary, both at the unit and at the battery.

Specifications

Warranty and Regulatory Compliance

2-Year Limited Warranty

• TRIPP LITE warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of initial purchase.
• TRIPP LITE’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at its sole option) any such defective products. To obtain service under this warranty, you must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from TRIPP LITE or an authorized TRIPP LITE service center. Products must be returned to TRIPP LITE or an authorized TRIPP LITE service center with transportation charges prepaid and must be accompanied by a brief description of the problem encountered and proof of date and place of purchase. This warranty does not apply to equipment, which has been damaged by accident, negligence or misapplication or has been altered or modified in any way.
• EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, TRIPP LITE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
• Some states do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.
• EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL TRIPP LITE BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, EVEN IF
• ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Specifically, TRIPP LITE is not liable for any costs, such as lost profits or revenue, loss of equipment, loss of use of equipment, loss of software, loss of data, costs of substitutes, claims by third parties, or otherwise.

WEEE Compliance Information for Tripp Lite Customers and Recyclers (European Union)

• Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and implementing regulations, when customers buy new electrical and electronic equipment from Tripp Lite they are entitled to:
• Send old equipment for recycling on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis (this varies depending on the country)
• Send the new equipment back for recycling when this ultimately becomes waste

Regulatory Compliance Identification Numbers
For the purpose of regulatory compliance certifications and identification, your Tripp Lite product has been assigned a unique series number. The series number can be found on the product nameplate label, along with all required approval markings and information. When requesting compliance information for this product, always refer to the series number. The series number should not be confused with the marketing name or model number of the product.
Use of this equipment in life support applications where failure of this equipment can reasonably be expected to cause the failure of the life support equipment or to significantly affect its safety or effectiveness is not recommended.
Tripp Lite has a policy of continuous improvement. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Photos and illustrations may differ slightly from actual products.

• 1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA • tripplite.com/support.
• Copyright © 2023 Tripp Lite. All rights reserved.

References

• Eaton - Power and Connectivity Solutions
• Help Center | Eaton

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