offgridtec IC-12 Inverter charger User Manual

offgridtec IC-12 Inverter charger

Important Safety Instructions

• Please reserve this manual for future review.
• Please reserve this manual for future review. This manual contains all instructions about the safety, installation, and operation of the inverter/charger.
• Read all the instructions and warnings carefully in the manual before installation.
• Non-safety voltage exists inside the inverter/charger; users must not dismantle it by themself, contact professional maintenance personnel of our company for maintenance.
• Keep the inverter/charger out of the reach of children.
• Do not place the inverter/charger in a damp, oily, inflammable, explosive, or severe environment with a large amount of dust accumulation.
• The utility input and AC output have high voltage; please don’t touch wire connections.
• Install the inverter/charger in well-ventilated places. Its shell may produce heat during operation.
• It is suggested to install appropriate external fuses/breakers.
• Make sure to switch off all connections with the PV array and the fuse/breakers close to the battery before inverter/charger installation and adjustment.
• Make sure all connections remain tight to avoid excessive heat from a loose connection.
• It’s an off-grid inverter/charger, not for an on-grid system.
• This inverter/charger can only be used singly. Parallel or series connections will damage the devices.

Explanation of symbols: To enable users to use the product efficiently and ensure personal and property safety, please read related literature accompanying the following symbols.
TIPs: Indicates any practical advice for reference.
IMPORTANT: Indicates a critical tip during the operation, if ignored, may cause the device to run in error.
CAUTION: Indicates potential hazards, if not avoided, may cause the device damaged.
WARNING: Indicates the danger of electric shock, if not avoided, would cause casualties.
WARNING HOT SURFACE: Indicates the risk of high temperature, if not avoided, would cause scalds.Read the user manual carefully before any operation

General Information

Overview Offgridtec
IC-Series is a new energy storage inverter/charger that integrates utility charging, solar charging, and AC output. The high-performance multi-core chip in the product with the advanced control algorithm brings intelligent management of the system. As reliable industrial standard equipment, IC has quick response speed and excellent high transfer efficiency. Intelligent adjustment of total charging current from both solar and utility, automatic adjustment is realized via different working modes selection, which ensures to provide power energy supply maximally. The PV charging module adopts the up- to-date optimized MPPT tracking technology; it can quickly track the PV array’s maximum power point in any environment. The MPPT tracking speed and energy transfer efficiency are quite high. The PV and AC charge current can be adjusted manually, which can meet the total charge current limit function. PV & utility charge current ratio distribution. Full electronic protection functions are available. With a fully digital double closed-loop control, the AC-DC charging unit has extremely high response speed and stability. A wide AC input voltage and charge current limitation can be set. This module has complete protection functions at input and output. The DC-AC inverter module is based on full digital and intelligent design. It adopts the advanced SPWM technology, outputs the pure sine wave, and converts 24/48VDC to 220/230VAC, suitable for AC loads of household appliances, electric tools, commercial units, electronic audio, and video devices, etc. With the Utility by-pass charging function, the utility module can provide a power supply to load directly and charge the battery simultaneously. Under utility charge status, the user can choose by-pass mode or inverter output mode. I-series provides multiple power supply modes, such as solar and utility, to maximize the use of green energy while ensuring electricity supply. The display module is key for communication. The 4.2-inch LCD presents system status and real-time data; the user can set work parameters easily with four buttons.

Features

• Full intelligent digital energy storage equipment
• Adjustment function of Utility & Solar charging ratio to meet various applications
• Advanced MPPT tracking technology, Max. tracking efficiency 99.5 %, Max. conversion efficiency 98.5 %
• Advanced all-digital control AC-DC charging modules to realize wide voltage input, high efficiency, and high stability
• Advanced SPWM technology to ensure maximum efficiency up to 95 %, and full-load efficiency up to 93 %
• High output voltage stability: when full load working in the working voltage range of battery, output voltage
• 220V/230V±5%, frequency 50/60±0.1 Hz; voltage& frequency optional
• Advanced voltage, current, and power multi-loop control makes the DC-AC unit has good dynamic response capability, high resistance to surge power, and high operational reliability
• With the function of Utility & Solar charging ratio selection, and total charging current setting
• Four charging modes: Utility priority, Solar priority, Utility & Solar, and Solar only
• Two output modes: Battery and Utility
• Utility charging and inverter output can work at the same time, which avoids the impact of the unstable utility voltage on the load
• Rich set of options: charging current, battery type, battery voltage threshold, etc.
• AC output one-key control, which can switch Utility or inverter output on and off, keeping the output of mode can make it convenient while wiring and maintaining on electric distributions, reducing the standby loss
• Support cold start and soft start
• RS485 isolated communication interface with 5V 200mA output, it is easy to access communication devices such as WIFI module
• PC or mobile phone APP can be used for remote monitoring, management, and setting to meet various remote use of users
• Optional backlight and buzzer warning selection via PC software
• With PV reverse polarity, Charging power limit, short circuit, battery reverse polarity protection
• With Utility input/AC output over-voltage, battery low voltage, power limit, over-current, and short circuit protections
• With battery low/over voltage protection and temperature compensation etc.
• With internal over-temperature protection and intelligent start-stop function of the fan
• A variety of accessories can be selected according to the user’s requirements

1. in battery discharging mode Output tolerance is 220V -6%~+5% or 230V -10%~+5% with 12V battery input input

Characteristics

Temperature Sensor (Model:RT-MF58R47K3.81A)

Connect the temperature sensor, and the inverter/charger is compensated according to the ambient temperature.

RS485 Interface

RJ45 interface pin definition is shown below:

Schematic Diagram for Connections

1. Utility power supply and
2. The battery power supply can not be carried out simultaneously

Confirm the AC load power compatible with the power of the inverter/charger. AC load selected exceeding the maximum output power of the inverter/charger is prohibited.

Installation Instructions

General Installation Notes

• Please read the entire installation instructions to get familiar with the installation steps before installation.
• Be very careful when installing the batteries, especially flooded lead-acid Please wear eye protection and have fresh water available to wash and clean if any battery acid contact.
• Keep the battery away from any metal objects, which may cause a short circuit of the
• Explosive acid battery gases may come out from the battery during charging, so make sure ventilation condition is
• Ventilation is highly recommended if mounted in an enclosure. Never install the inverter/charger in a sealed enclosure with flooded batteries! Battery fumes from vented batteries will corrode and destroy the inverter/charger
• The lead-acid battery is only For other kinds, please refer to the battery manufacturer.
• Loose connections and corroded wires may result in high heat that can melt wire insulation, burn surrounding materials, or even cause a Ensure tight connections and use cable clamps to secure cables and prevent them from swaying in motion.
• Select the system cables according to 5A/mm2 or less current density following Article 690 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA
• For outdoor installation, keep out of the direct sunshine and rain
• High voltage still exists inside the inverter/charger after switching off the power switch. Do not turn on or touch the internal units and conduct the associated operation only after discharging the electric capacity.
• Do not place the inverter/charger in a damp, oily, inflammable, and explosive or severe environment with a large amount of dust
• Prohibit reverse connection at DC input end; otherwise, it may damage the equipment, or unpredictable danger will
• The utility input and AC output are of high voltage, do not touch the wire connection

NOTE: When the PV modules are connected in series, the PV array’s open- circuit voltage must not exceed the max. PV input voltage at 25℃ environment temperature.

Recommended wire of Utility

NOTE: The utility input has the circuit breaker already, and there is no need to add any more.
Recommended wire and circuit breaker of battery

NOTE: The type of circuit breaker is selected based on the inverter’s non-independent connection at the battery end where there is no anther inverter connected.

Recommended wire and circuit breaker for AC output

• The wire size is only for reference. Suppose a long-distance exists between the PV array and the inverter/charger or between the inverter/charger and the battery. In that case, larger wires shall be used to reduce the voltage drop and improve the system performance.
• The above wire and the circuit breaker size are recommended only; please choose the appropriate wire and circuit breaker according to the practical situation.

NOTE: The cable lugs refer to the cardboard in the package.

Mounting

Installation steps

• Step1: Determination of Installation Location and heat-dissipation Space
  When installing the inverter/charger, ensure enough air flowing through the heat sink. Please leave at least 150mm clearance away from the upper and lower edges. Please see Figure 2-1: Mounting.

• WARNING: Risk of explosion Never install the inverter/charger with flooded batteries in a sealed enclosure! Do not install the device in a confined area where battery gas can accumulate.

• Step 2: Take down the terminal protective cover

• Step 3: Wiring

Connect the system in order of battery following Figure 2-3: Wiring Diagram. Disconnect the system in reverse order.

• Danger, High-voltage! Utility input, AC output, and PV array will produce dangerous voltage. Ensure to disconnect the circuit breaker/ fuse before wiring.
• Do not turn on the circuit breaker/ fuse when wiring, and at the same time, ensure that the wiring of “+,” “-” are correctly connected.
• A circuit breaker must be installed at the battery end. For selection, refer to Section 2.3,
  “Wire and Circuit Breaker.”

If the inverter/charger is to be used in an area with frequent lightning strikes, installing an external surge arrester at the PV input is recommended.

Grounding

A grounding connection must be made when the utility is connected to the inverter/charger. The inverter/charger has a dedicated grounding terminal, as shown in Fig. 2-3, and the grounding must be reliable. The grounding wire has to stay consistent with Recommended wire for AC output. The grounding point shall be as close as possible to the inverter/charger; the grounding wire shall be as short as possible.

AC output, Ground, and PV wiring terminal use way:

1. When wiring, do not close the circuit breaker. It is necessary to use a slotted screwdriver to unscrew the screws for connecting their corresponding wires.
2. When removing the wirings, first the integrated machine must stop working. Then the screws shall be unscrewed by using a slotted screwdriver to dismantle their corresponding wires.

• Step 4: Install the terminal protective cover
• Step 5: Connect accessory

Connect the remote temperature sensor cable (model: RTS300R47K3.81A)Connect one end of the remote temperature sensor cable to the interface and place the other end close to the battery. Connect the temperature sensor, and the inverter/charger is compensated according to the ambient temperature.

• Connect the remote temperature sensor cable (model: RTS300R47K3.81A)
• Connect the accessories, monitor the system status, and set the parameters via PC software or APP software.

1. PC software www.offgridtec.com Inverter Monitor
2. Mobile APP software (Android)

Search for Offgridtec

• Step 6: Recheck if the wire connection is correct
• Step 7: Power on the inverter/charger
• When supplying power for different AC loads, it is recommended to turn on the load with a large impulse current. And then turn on the load with a smaller impulse current after the load output is stable.
• If the inverter/charger is not operating properly or the LCD or the indicator shows an abnormality, please refer to 5 “Troubleshooting” or contact our after-sales personnel

NOTE: The installation steps and accessory list also refer to the cardboard in the package.

Interface Instruction

Indicator

**Buttons

**

**Real-time interface

**

①

| ****

INPUT

| Solar priority Utility priority Utility & solar

Solar

②| OUTPUT| Battery

Utility

③

| ****

Load

| AC output voltage AC output current AC output power

AC output frequency

④

| ****

Battery

| Battery voltage

Max. charging current

(PV charging current+ Utility charging current) Battery temperature

Battery SOC

⑤

| ****

PV

| PV input voltage

PV charging current PV charging power

PV charge energy

| ****

Utility

| Utility input voltage Utility charging current Utility charging power

Utility charge energy

---|---|---

⑥

| ****

Battery Type

| AGM GEL FLD

USER

⑦

| ****

Battery charging stage

| Float Boost

Equalize (28th each month)

INPUT

Solar priority(Default)
The battery is charged in solar priority mode. When the battery voltage is lower than “Auxiliary Module ON Voltage(VAON),” the utility starts charging. When the battery voltage reaches “Auxiliary Module OFF Voltage(VAOF),” the utility stops charging. Utility priority
The battery is charged in utility priority mode. When the battery voltage is lower than the “Auxiliary Module ON Voltage (VAON),” the solar starts charging the battery. And when the battery voltage reaches the “Auxiliary Module OFF Voltage (VAOF),” the solar stops charging.

• Utility &solar
  Utility &solar charge the battery

• Solar
  Solar charge the battery

OUTPUT

Battery

Utility(Default) Setting interface

Common interface for common user
Operation:

• Step1: Press the  button and hold on 2s at the real-time interface to go to the common interface.
• Step2: Press the button and hold on 2s at the setting parameter interface and choose the parameters.
• Step3: Press the  button to set the parameter and press this button again for confirmation.
• Step4: Press the button to exit the setting interface.

Setting

The voltage parameter is at 25℃, in a 12V system, and twice in a 24V system, quadruple in a 48V system. When the output mode is battery priority, the battery voltage is lower than the low-voltage disconnect voltage (adjustable). The system switch to the utility power supply for the load.

Advanced interface for engineers
Operation:

• Step1: Press  the button and hold on 2s under the real-time interface.
• Step2: Press the button and hold on 2s under the setting parameter interface.
• Step3: Press the  button to enter the parameter.
• Step4: Press the button to exit the setting interface.

The voltage parameter is at 25℃, in 12V system, and twice in 24V system, quadruple in 48V system.
The following rules must be observed when modifying the parameter values in User for lead-acid battery.

• Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage > Charging Limit Voltage ≥ Equalize Charging Voltage ≥ Boost Charging Voltage ≥ Float Charging Voltage > Boost Reconnect Charging Voltage.
• Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage > Over Voltage Reconnect Voltage
• Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage > Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage.
• Under Voltage Warning Reconnect Voltage > Under Voltage Warning Voltage ≥ Discharging Limit Voltage.
• Boost Reconnect Charging voltage >Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage.
• For the inverter/charger of different power, the current setting range is not the same; see TechnicalParameters for details.

NOTE:
15/16：Stop/restore auxiliary module charging voltage
Only when the charging mode is Solar priority or Utility priority will the auxiliary module charging voltage be effective. 20：Power saving mode When the switch is on the “Saving” side, the inverter will enter into the Saving Mode. It will shut off the output if the load value is less the 70W. Then restart and detect the power of the load again after 10s. If the load is more than 70W, the inverter will turn on the output. Otherwise, it will shut off output. It cycles like this. So please don’t use the saving mode if the load is smaller than 70W.

Clear the faults In a short circuit or overload caused to AC output, the fault can be cleared out.

Other function

Output Voltage & frequency switch

• When Switch 1 is in “ON,” the output voltage is selected as 230VAC, and on the contrary as 220VAC;
• When Switch 2 is in “ON,” the output frequency is selected as 60Hz, and on the contrary, like 50Hz

If the output frequency or voltage of the inverter/charger is to be reset; it is required to turn off the inverter/charger and power on the unit after setting

Dry contact interface

Working principle: When the battery voltage reaches the dry contact ON voltage (DON), the dry contact is connected, for its coil is energized. The dry contact can drive resistive loads of no more than 125VAC /1A, 30VDC/1A

Remote interface

Remote interface input voltage (3.3~12V)

1. The input voltage Vi is within 2.5~ 10s, the AC output state is reversed (when the AC is formerly in the output state, now it is in the no-output state; when the AC is formerly in the no-output state, now it is in output state;)
2. The input voltage Vi is greater than 10s; the AC is in the output state all the time till the input voltage Vi disappears.

Protection

PV limit Current

| When the charging current of the PV array exceeds its rated current, it will be charged at the rated current.

NOTE: When the PV modules are in series, ensure that the PV array’s open- circuit voltage does not exceed the “maximum PV open-circuit voltage.” Otherwise, the IC-12 may be damaged.

PV short circuit| When PV is not charging and short circuit, the inverter/charger is not damaged.

PV Reverse Polarity

| Fully protect against PV reverse polarity, correct the wire connection to resume normal operation.

NOTE: The IC-12 will be damaged when the PV array straight polarity and the PV array’s actual operating power are 1.5 times greater than the rated charge power!

Night Reverse Charging| Prevent the battery from discharging through the PV module at night.
Utility input overvoltage| When the utility voltage exceeds 280V, it will stop utility charging/discharging.
Utility input under-voltage| When the utility voltage is less than 160V, it will stop utility charging/discharging.

Battery overvoltage

| When the battery voltage reaches the set point of Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage, the inverter/charger will stop charging the battery to protect the battery from being overcharged to break down.

Battery Over Discharge

| When the battery voltage reaches the Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage set point, the inverter/charger will stop discharging the battery to protect the battery from being over-discharged to break down.

Load output Short Circuit

| It will immediately close the output in the occurrence of a short-circuit. Hereafter the output is automatically recovered in time

delay (the first time delay for 5s, the second time delay for 10s, the third time delay for 15s).

Load output Overload

| Overload| 1.2| 1.5| 1.8| 2.0
Continuance| 15min.| 30S| 10S| 5S
Recover 3 times| The first time delay for 5s, the second time delay for 10s, the third time delay for 15s

Device overheating

| The inverter/charger will stop charging/discharging when the internal temperature is too high and will restore charging/discharging when the temperature is recovered to normal.

Troubleshooting

modules.
Battery over-discharge| When the battery voltage resume to or above LVR point (low voltage reconnect voltage), or change the battery by other ways

Battery overheating

| The inverter/charger will automatically turn the system off. But while the battery temperature declines to be below overheating recovery

temperature value, the inverter/charger will work normally.

Device overheating

| The inverter/charger will automatically turn the system off. But while the device temperature declines to be below overheating recovery

temperature value, the inverter/charger will work normally.

Output overload| ①Please reduce the number of AC loads.

②Restart the device or CFA of setting interface change to ON.

Output short circuit| ①Check carefully loads connection, clear the fault.

②Restart the device CFA of setting interface change to ON.

Maintenance

• The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least two times per year for best performance.
• Make sure the inverter/charger is firmly installed in a clean and dry
• Make sure no block on airflow around the inverter/charger. Clear up any dirt and fragments on the radiator.
• Check all the naked wires to make sure insulation is not damaged for serious Frictional wear, dryness, insects or rats, etc. Repair or replace some wires if necessary.
• Tighten all the terminals. Inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire
• Check and confirm that LED is consistent with Pay attention to any troubleshooting or error indication. Take corrective action if necessary.
• Confirm that all the system components are ground connected tightly and
• Confirm that all the terminals have no corrosion, insulation damage, high temperature, or burnt/discolored sign, tighten terminal screws to the suggested
• Check for dirt, nesting insects, and corrosion. If so, clear up in

Check and confirm that the lightning arrester is in good condition. Replace a new one in time to avoid damaging the inverter/charger and even other equipment

WARNING: Risk of electric shock
Ensure that all the power is turned off before the above operations, and then follow the corresponding inspections and operations.

This warranty does not apply under the following conditions:

• Damage from improper use or use in an unsuitable
• PV or load current, voltage, or power exceeds the rated value of the inverter/charger.
• The inverter/charger’s working temperature exceeds the limited working environment
• User disassembly or attempted to repair the inverter/charger without
• The inverter/charger is damaged due to natural elements such as
• The inverter/charger is damaged during transportation and
• In addition, the warranty does not apply to consequential damages

Technical Specifications

Utility charging
Utility input voltage range| 160VAC～280VAC (Working voltage range)

170VAC～270VAC (Utility starting voltage range)

Max. utility charge current| 20A
Solar charging
Max. PV open circuit voltage| 60V★

46V◆

Max. PV input power| 390W
Max. PV charging current| 30A
Equalization voltage| 14.6V
Boost voltage| 14.4V
Float voltage| 13.8V
Tracking efficiency| ≤99.5%
---|---
Charging conversion efficiency| ≤98%
Temperature compensate coefficient| -3mV/℃/2V (Default)
Others
No load consumption| ≤1.2A
Enclosure| IP30
Relative humidity| < 95% (N.C.)
Working environment temperature| -20℃～50℃（full input and output with no derating）
Altitude| ＜5000m (Derating to operate according to IEC62040 at a height exceeding 1000m)
Mechanical Parameters
Dimension (H x W x L)| 386×300×126mm
Mounting dimension| 230mm
Mounting hole size| Φ8mm
Weight| 7.3kg

• At minimum operating environment temperature
• At 25℃ environment temperature

References

• Solaranlage: Photovoltaik kaufen, Solar Panel von OFFGRIDTEC

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