APsystems ECU-R Micro Inverters and ECU Gateway User Manual

APsystems ECU-R Micro Inverters and ECU Gateway

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: APsystems Energy Communication Unit ECU-R
• Usage: Utility-interactive grid-tied applications
• Key Elements:
  • APsystems microinverter(s)
  • APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU-R)
  • EMA Manager APP
  • EMA APP
  • APsystems Energy Monitoring and Analysis (EMA)

Product Usage Instructions

Introduction
The APsystems ECU-R is designed to collect individual PV module and microinverter statistics, communicate in real-time, and require no additional wiring.

Interface Explanation

Interface Layout
The ECU-R interface includes a Reset button, Wifi antenna connector, power connection port, RJ45 Signal port, RJ45 ethernet network port, and Zigbee antenna connector.

Reset
To reset the ECU-R, press the Reset button for a minimum of three seconds to return it to default settings.

Power Connection Port
The power connection port is used to connect power through the power adapter.

RJ45 Ethernet Network Port
This port allows communication with the EMA server via an Ethernet cable.

RJ45 Signal/RJ45 to 485 Terminal Adapter

1. RJ45 Signal: Designed for DRM0, connect using the RJ45 connector provided in the package.
2. RJ45 to 485 Terminal Adapter: Connect the adapter to the electronic energy meter using cables as per instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the purpose of the EMA Manager APP?
  The EMA Manager APP is used by installers to set up the ECU-R.

• How can end-users access their system data using the EMA APP?
  End-users can access their system data and performance anytime, anywhere using the EMA APP.

Introduction

• The APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU-R) is the information gateway for our microinverters. The ECU-R collects module performance data from each individual microinverter and transfers the information to an Internet database in real time. Through the APsystems Energy Monitoring and Analysis (EMA) software, the ECU-R gives you precise analysis of each microinverter and PV module in your solar installation powered by APsystems. The user-friendly interface gives you access to your solar array performance in seconds from our web based portal or from our APP.
• Hereby, [ALTENERGY POWER SYSTEM INC.] declares that the radio equipment type [ECU-R] is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
• The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://emea.apsystems.com/resources/library/

Features

• Collects individual PV module and microinverter statistics
• Communicates in real time
• Requires no additional wiring

The APsystems ECU-R is used in utility-interactive grid-tied applications, typically consisting of five key elements:

• APsystems microinverter(s)
• APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU-R)
• EMA Manager APP: for installer to set-up the ECU-R
• EMA APP: to enable end-users to have access to the data and performance of their system anytime, anywhere
• APsystems Energy Monitoring and Analysis (EMA): web-based monitoring and analysis system, for both end-users and installers

Interface Explanation

Interface Layout

• The ECU-R interface includes, (figure 2) from left to right
  • Reset button
  • Wifi antenna connector (WLAN communication between ECU and router)
  • power connection port
  • RJ45 Signal port (for Australia only)/RJ45 to 485 terminal adapter（RS485 can be used to read the data of SunspecModbus or the third party meter）
  • RJ45 ethernet network port (LAN communication between ECU and router)
  • Zigbee antenna connector (communication between ECU and microinverters)

• On the side ECU: from top to bottom are:
  • USB port: for reserved.
  • AP button: in case there is need to activate the ECU-R hotspot (see later in the document)

Reset
Press the Reset button for a minimum of three seconds: the ECU-R will automatically return to the default settings.

Power Connection Port
The power connection port connects power through the power adapter.

RJ45 Ethernet Network Port
The ECU-R allows the user to communicate with the EMA server via Ethernet cable.

RJ45 Signal (Only for Australia)/RJ45 to 485 terminal adapter

RJ45 Signal (Only for Australia)
The RJ45 Signal is designed for DRM0, it should be connected by RJ45 connector in the package otherwise the inverter will not work.
Notice
Please do not plug out the RJ45.

RJ45 to 485 terminal adapter
Connect the RJ45 to 485 terminal adapter and the electronic energy meter using cables, and then connect them to the ECU. Port A of the RJ45 to 485 terminal adapter should be connected to port 24 of the electronic energy meter, and port B of the RJ45 to 485 terminal adapter should be connected to port 25 of the electronic energy meter.

Antenna
The antennas supplied with the ECU-R must be connected to the ECU-R. One antenna is used for the communication between ECU-R and microinverters (Zigbee signal), the other antenna is used for the Wi-Fi connection between ECU-R and router.

AP

• The AP button enables to turn on the ECU wifi hotspot. When setting up the ECU, installer needs to first connect to the ECU hotspot via his smart phone or tablet.
• Press the AP button for a few seconds: the ECU hotspot will be live for one hour. If more time is needed to set-up the ECU, press the AP button to reactivate the hotspot.

LED1
LED1 will be ON (green light) when the ECU is powered ON.

LED2
LED2 will be ON (green light) when the ECU is exchanging data with the EMA server. When you haven’t entered microinverters UID into the ECU-R, or The ECU cannot connect to the EMA server, LED2 is OFF.

Hardware Installation

Preparation
Make sure you have the following components ready before beginning the installation of the ECU-R:

• A standard AC electrical outlet (located as close as possible of the PV array to ensure good communication between ECU and microinverters).
• A broadband Internet connection available for your use.
• A broadband router with either a CAT5 Ethernet, or a wireless router.
• A smartphone or tablet with EMA Manager APP ready to use (see page 11).

Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU-R

• Choose a location that is as close as possible of the PV array.
• The ECU-R is NOT rated for outdoor use. If installing outdoor, ensure that the ECU-R is put in a waterproof box, and that the antenna (wifi and Zigee) are placed outside of the box to ensure optimum communication. In case you need to use extension antennas to be closer to the PV array, please make sure the extension antennas are Wifi 2.4GHz with SMA connectors male/female. These extension antennas are not supplied by APsystems, but can be purchased at any electrical/PV shop.

Installation

1. Using a Wall Mount
   When mounting the ECU-R to a wall, make sure to select a cool, dry indoor location.

   • Depending on the wall surface you are mounting the ECU-R to, use either two drywall screws or wall anchors, installed 100 mm apart (The drywall screws and wall anchors are not included in the ECU-R kit).
   • Align and slide the ECU-R onto the mounting screws.

2. If the ECU-R is not mounted on a wall mount, you can put it anywhere on a flat surface or furniture, close to a power outlet.

Cable Connection

1. ECU-R outside of a cabinet (wall mounted or not)
   Connect the adapter to the power connection port at the back of the ECU-R.

Notice
The antennas used for ZigBee port and WI-FI port are exactly the same type and are interchangeable.

2. Installation inside a power cabinet
   • Install the socket on the guide rail (The socket is not be supplied by APsystems).
   • Connect the adapter to the power connection port at the back of the ECU-R.

Notice
ECU antennas must be left outside of the cabinet, even if the cabinet is made of plastic. Please make sure the extension antennas are Wifi 2.4GHz with SMA connectors male/female. These extension antennas are not supplied by APsystems, but can be purchased at any electrical/PV shop.

Internet Connection
There are two different approaches to connect the ECU-R to the Internet:

• Option 1: Direct LAN cable connection.

1. Make sure the LAN cable is connected to the network port on the back of the ECU-R.
2. Connect the LAN cable to a spare port on the broadband router.  

See more info later in the document.

• Option 2: Wireless Connection.
  Use ECU-R internal WLAN (see later in the document, page 15 ).
  

  • Notice
  • ECU-R can communicate with the microinverters up to 76 meters (250 ft) with direct sight.
  • ECU-R can utilize WiFi (WLAN) up to 9 meters (30 ft) with direct sight.
  • Notice
    4G router is also supported. ECU can be connected to 4G router by wifi or LAN.

ECU-R User Interface

Please scan QR code below to have access to our products and APP catalogue.

• EMA Manager APP: for installers
  • Professional installers: all features available
  • DIY (Do It Yourself) installers: only ECU_APP features available
• EMA APP: for end-users only

Commissioning the ECU-R

• Make sure you have downloaded the EMA Manager APP on your smartphone or tablet.
• Make sure the ECU-R hotspot is activated (if not, press the AP button for a few second).
• Open Settings > Wi-Fi in your smartphone or tablet.
• Select ECU-R hotspot: name is ECU_R_216xxxx (mimicking ECU-R serial number).
• Connect your smartphone or tablet to the ECU-R hotspot. Default password is “88888888” (8 times 8).
• Once the connection is established with the ECU-R hotspot, open the EMA Manager APP.
• Select “ECU APP” to enter into the commissioning tool (you can access to ECU APP without any login or password).

Enter microinverters UID (serial numbers) into the ECU-R

• Click “Workspace”, select “ID Management”, input the microinverters UID (serial number: 12 digits starting with a 4, a 5, a 7 or a 8) manually or scan the UID with your smartphone or tablet scanner.
• Once the microinverters UID have been entered, please press “Sync”.
  Notice
  Please do not enter the ECU UID into the ID management menu (serial number of 12 digits starting with 216-).

Historical ID
If the ECU accidentally emptied the inverter list, you can use the same mobile phone to quickly restore the inverter ID list.

Delete UID

• In case of wrong entry or typo, select the microinverter UIDs, click “Delete” then click “Sync”. The selected UID(s) will be removed from the ECU-R.
• Note: when deleting, please press also “Sync”. Otherwise the microinverter will not be removed from the ECU-R.
  Once the microinverters UID have been successfully entered into the ECU-R, you need to select grid profile and define the adequate time zone of your ECU.

Grid Profile

• From the work space, select “Grid profile”.
• First select country and then the city.

Notice
If you select the wrong grid profile, the microinverters may not start or may not produce as per optimal performance.

Time management

• From the workspace, please select menu “ECU Date Settings” manual set-up, click “Date”, “Time” and “Timezone” to modify.
• Automated set-up: Click “Time quick setting”: the APP will synchronise on the time and time zone as per smartphone or tablet settings.

Meter Settings

• By installing third-party meter,ECU-R can measure the production consumption power and energy.

• Click Meter Settings in the Workspace, and configure the meter information before using the meter function.

• Select the grid sampling meter or PV sampling meter, configure its type, current transformer ratio, and modbus address.Finally, click Save to finish configuration.

• After configuring the meter, the meter function can be used, and different control functions can be selected.
• Export Limitation Function
• Using the Export Limitation function:
  • Select ‘Meter Settings’
  • Slide the ‘Meter Function’ to the ‘On’ position
  • Select ‘Export Limitation’ in the slide menu at the bottom of the page and select OK
  • After turning on the Export Limitation Function, please set a Power Limit in kW. The default value is 0.
• The ECU-R measures the array production and site consumption and will curtail power production to meet (or exceed if selected) the site consumption. Example: if the Power Limit is set to 0 and the site is using 10kW and the array is producing 8kW the inverters will operate at 100%. Conversely, if the Power Limit is set to 0 and the site is using 3kW and the array can produce 8kW the inverters will curtail power production to meet the demand. In addition, the ECU-R is designed to dynamically adjust to the changing demand of the site automatically in real-time to realize the full potential of the array.

Notice
Only the type of 1.5(6)of CHINT meter need to set the current transformer ratio,the secondary current must be less than 5A.The other type of CHINT meter should not set the current transformer ratio.
Notice
For more details about the using of CHINT meter, please refer to the white paper of “Export Power Control Solution” in document library.

Modbus Settings
Notice
As shown in Figure 11 below, RS485 interface is on the bottom of the ECU. It can be connected by Serial line.

Please refer to the documenthttps://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ehwkfdyfhcwsqthh0lrbj/SunSpec- Modbus.pdf?rlkey=af5vvksab86zxlrlm8vpr6gqu&dl=1

• Click Modbus Settings in the Workspace, switch on the SunSpec Modbus function. Select the baud rate and configure Inverters’ address in the address text box. Finally, click Save to finish configuration.
• The host’s RS485 port must be configured to the same baud rate, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, none parity bit.

ECU Network Settings

WLAN

• From the Workspace menu, select “ECU Network settings”.
• Swipe down the screen, the available SSIDs will be displayed .
• Select the network of your choice and enter its password.
• When connecting to the local Wifi, the smartphone or tablet may lose its connection to the ECU hotspot and connect to other wifi network or 4G.
• If more operations are needed to finish-up the ECU commissioning, please make sure to reconnect your smartphone or tablet to the ECU hotspot (may have to press the AP button to re-activate the hotspot).

• When your smartphone or tablet is connected to the ECU hotspot again, you can open the ECU APP home page and check the internet connection status.
• The bullet shall be green if the internet connection to the router has been successfully established.

LAN

• Make sure the LAN cable is connected to the network port on the back of the ECU-R.
• Connect the LAN cable to a spare port on the broadband router.
• ECU’s wired network setting has 2 options:
• automatically obtain an IP address: the router will give an IP address to the ECU-R automatically (preferred method) .
• use a fixed IP address. In that case, you need to enter enter IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server.

• Once the LAN connection has been established, you can check the internet connection on the home page of the ECU APP:
• The first bullet (with ECU UID) is green when the smartphone/tablet is properly connected to the ECU hotspot.
• The bullet shall be green if the internet connection to the router has been successfully established.

Checking the commissioning of the ECU-R

• Once the ECU-R has been commissioned, installer can check status on the home page of the ECU APP:
• Several infos are displayed
  • Systems info (ECU UID, serial number)
  • number of microinverters communicating with the ECU / total number of microinverters entered in the ECU (using the ID Management menu).

• The traffic light shows connectivity status between the ECU and the local internet:
  • The ECU is connected to the local internet.
  • The ECU is not connected to the internet.
• Other info visible from the home page: Power output of the day
  • Total power output since installation
  • CO₂Reduction since installation.

Module

• This page displays the microinverters entered in the ECU (via the Menu ID Management) and properly registered by the ECU.
  • A dual microinverter will be shown by default with 2 PV modules, while a quad microinverters will be shown by default with 4 PV modules.
  • if some DC channels are not connected on purpose, the ECU_APP will nonetheless continue to display the maximum number of panels which can be connected to a given microinverter.
• Removing un-used channel needs to be done from the EMA installer account when creating end-user account.
• On the module page, installer can visualize the performance of microinverters registered into the ECU.
• Click “Panel”: the detailed information of the microinverter is displayed, including inverter UID, PV module DC power, grid voltage, frequency and temperature.

Data
In this Menu, you can view the detailed data at system level:

• Per day
• Per month

Inverter Connection Progress

• This menu shows the connection progress and communication quality between microinverter and ECU, 100% means the connection is over.

• The microinverters with “OK” are properly connected to the ECU.

Automatic System Check

• Once the ECU has been commissioned, the menu “Automatic System Check” can help you to check proper communication and production of each microinveter.
• This menu also gives some basic troubleshooting tips.

ECU AP Settings

• This menu can be used if you would like to change the default password of the ECU-R hotspot.
• Please connect to the ECU hostpot first, open the menu “ECU APP settings” and change the password at your convenience.
• If doing a reset of the ECU, password will be reinitialized as 88888888.

Do-It-Yourself(DIY) Registration

• This menu is only for DIY installers: it will allow DIY installer to create their EMA account by themselves. They can later on access to their account via the EMA APP.
• Once the ECU has been properly commissioned, make sure to connect your smartphone or tablet to local internet.
• Enter “Do it Yourself Registration Menu” and follow instructions to create your own EMA account.

Settings
This basic menu allows you to change the Language: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese. We’re adapting to more languages.

Technical Data

Disposal of your old appliance

1. When this crossed-out wheeled bin symbol is attached to a product, it means the product is covered by the European Directive 2002/96/EC.
2. All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities.
3. The correct disposal of your old appliance will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health.
4. For more detailed information about disposal of your old appliance, please contact your city office, waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

CAUTION

• The professional person is allowed to replace the battery.
• Do not ingest battery, Chemical Burn Hazard.
• This product contains a coin/button cell battery. If the coin/button cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in just 2 hours and can lead to death. Keep new and used batteries away from children. If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
• This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

FCC NOTE

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Please note that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits fora Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiateradio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, theuseris encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Data Plan Guideline

The following table shows the data volume typically used for our microinverter system.

• Daily data volume per micro-inverter 150Kbytes
• Basic data volume per ECU 2000 Kbytes
• Total data volume of Micro-inverter system 2000Kbytes+N*15OKbytes
  Note:”N”means the number of inverters

ECU-R Datasheet

• Communication to Microinverter
  • Communication ZigBee 2.4 GHz
  • Maximum Communicating Inverter * 100
• Communication to EMA
  • Ethernet 10/100M Auto-sensing, Auto-negotiation
  • Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11g/n /GSM Cellular
  • Wireless Security WEP, WPA2-PSK
  • USB Interface 5Vdc – 0.5A Output
• Communication to Meter
  • Communication RS485 to CHINT meter
• Power Data
  • Power Supply 5V, 2A
  • Power Consumption 1.7 W
• Product Specifications
  • Frequency Range
  • 2412MHZ-2472MHZ (WIFI),
  • 2405mhz-2480mhz (ZigBee)
  • RF Output Power (EIRP) 16.56 dbm (WIFI), 9.50 dbm (ZigBee)
  • Type of Antenna External antenna,SMA type connector
  • Modulation DSSS, OFDM
  • Mode of Operation(Simplex/Duplex) Duplex
• Mechanical Data
  • Dimensions (W×H×D) 122 mm x 87 mm x 25 mm (4.8’’ x 3.4’’ x 0.98’’)
  • Weight 150g (0.33lbs)
  • Operating Ambient Temperature Range -20°C to +65°C (-4°F to +149°F)
  • Cooling Natural Convection; No Fans
  • Enclosure Environmental Rating Indoor – NEMA 1 (IP20)
  • Warranty 3 Years Standard
• Features
  • Function (Optional) working with CHINT Meter to provide Export Power Control, Consumption monitoring and RGM function

Contact Information

• APsystems Jiaxing China
  • No. 1, Yatai Road, Nanhu District, Jiaxing, Zhejiang
  • Tel: 400-100-8470
  • Mail: info@apsystems.cn
• APsystems Shanghai China
  • B305 No. 188, Zhangyang Road, Pudong, Shanghai
  • Tel: 400-100-8470
  • Mail: info@apsystems.cn
• APsystems Australia
  • Suite 502, 8 Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia
  • Mail: info@altenergy-power.com
• APsystems America
  • 8627 N Mopac Expy, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78759
  • Mail: info@APsystems.com
• APsystems Europe
  • 22 Avenue Lionel Terray 69330 Jonage France
  • Mail: emea@APsystems.com
  • Karspeldreef 8, 1101 CJ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Mail: emea@APsystems.com
• APsystems Mexico
  • Av. Lázaro Cárdenas #3422 int 604, Col. Chapalita. Zapopan, Jalisco. C.P. 45040. México
  • Mail: info.latam@APsystems.com

References

• Homepage | Power Integrations
• APsystems | The global leader in multi-platform MLPE technology

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