Transcript
Radian E-Panel installation manual
Model MNERAD-SINGLE The MidNite Solar RADIAN E-Panel is designed for single & multiple inverter installations. Use this installation manual to aid in installation. The installation of electrical systems such as this fall under the guidelines of the NEC in the USA. Canadian electrical codes have jurisdiction in Canada. These instructions are not intended to be used in lieu of these local and federal codes, but rather are used as specific to this product. You may need to consult with a professional Solar installer or electrical inspector when in doubt on code specific questions and system installation issues. Even though the EPanel incorporates and simplifies numerous separate electrical circuits into one enclosure, an inverter system such as this is still a very sophisticated and somewhat complicated electrical system. This Manual contains information for MidNite Solar Radian E-Panel Model Numbers: Models numbers that contain CLx come prewired for a Classic charge controller (sold separately). MNERAD-MASTER MNERAD-MST-CL150 MNERAD-MST-2CL150
MidNite Solar inc 17722 – 67th Ave Ne Arlington, Wa 98223 USA
MNERAD-SLAVE MNERAD-SLV-CL150 MNERAD-SLV-2CL150
360-403-7207 Voice 360-691-6862 Fax
MNERAD-SINGLE MNERAD-SINGLE-CL150 MNERAD-SINGLE-2CL150
www.midnitesolar.com
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual MNERAD-SINGLE - All Breakers on the upper left hand side. Bypass Breaker, AC Out Breakers , AC In Breakers 2- 175 amp Battery Breakers, Shunt, AC Out Bus, AC IN 1 Bus, AC IN 2 Bus, AC Neutral Bus, Battery Plus Bus, 2 PV Positive Busbars, Ground Bus, MNERAD-MASTER - The Master E-Panel will be on the Left Hand side, Includes all Bypass Breakers Upper Left Hand Din Rail, AC Out Breakers Upper Right Hand Din Rail, 2-175 amp Battery Breakers, Shunt, AC Out Bus, AC In 1 Bus, AC IN 2 Bus, AC Neutral bus, Battery Plus Bus, Ground Bus, MNERAD-SLAVE - The Slave E-Panel will be on the right hand side, Includes, AC Out Breakers Upper left hand Din rail, 2- 175 amp Battery Breakers, shunt, 2 PV Positive Bus Bars, Battery Neg Bus, Battery Plus Bus, Ground Bus. Disclaimer Unless specifically agreed to in writing, MidNite Solar Inc. (a) Makes no warranty as to the accuracy, sufficiency or suitability of any technical or other information provided in its manuals or other documentation. (b) Assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage whether direct, indirect, consequential or incidental, which might arise out of use of such information. The use of any such information will be entirely at the user's risk.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - These instructions contain important safety and operating instructions for the MidNite Radian E-Panel. If you do not fully understand any of the concepts, terminology, or hazards outlined in these instructions, please refer installation to a qualified dealer, electrician or installer. These instructions are not meant to be a complete explanation of a renewable energy system. GENERAL PRECAUTIONS If service or repair should become necessary, contact MidNite Solar Inc. Improper servicing may result in a risk of shock, fire or explosion. To reduce these risks, disconnect all wiring before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off the inverter will not reduce these risks. Solar modules produce power when exposed to light. When it is not possible to disconnect the power coming from the Photovoltaics by an external means such as a combiner, cover the modules with an opaque material before servicing any connected equipment. Do not work alone. Someone should be in the range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work with or near Batteries. Remove rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches etc. when working with photovoltaic modules or other electrical equipment. Power from an illuminated photovoltaic array makes a very effective arc welder with dire consequences if one of the welded pieces is on your person.
All installations must comply with national and local electrical codes. Professional installation is recommended. Wiring must be done in accordance with the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70. Use Class 1 wiring methods for field wiring connections to terminals of a Class 2 circuit. Use only 14-2/0 gauge AWM wire. Select the wire gauge used based on the protection provided by the circuit breakers/fuses. MidNite products are not intended for use in connection with Life Support Systems. MidNite Solar makes no warranty or representation in connection with their products for such uses.
2|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual Table of Contents Disclaimer..................................................................................................................................................2 Warnings ...................................................................................................................................................2 Dimensional drawings ..............................................................................................................................4 Component placement .............................................................................................................................5 Installing E-Panel to Inverter ..................................................................................................................6 Wiring ........................................................................................................................................................7 DCGFP Ground Fault..............................................................................................................................8 Classic Arc Fault Detection ....................................................................................................................9 Charge Controller hookup ....................................................................................................................10 Inverter wiring ........................................................................................................................................11 Wiring Diagrams ....................................................................................................................................13 Battery Combiner ...................................................................................................................................18 Converting a Single Radian to a Dual Radian system ........................................................................19 Battery Disconnect Module ...................................................................................................................21 New NEC Requirements ........................................................................................................................23
3|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
The inverter can be mounted to the wall prior to installing the E-Panel. Pay attention to the total height of the system. Refer to the dimensioned drawing above. Installing the E-Panel to the inverter: To install the E-Panel, remove the door and deadfront. Attach bottom wall mounting bracket to the E-Panel using two M6 x 10mm taptite screws supplied. Refer to pictures on page 6 for bracket placement. Optional equipment shown.
4|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
Shown with optional hardware.
Main component placement (MNERAD-SINGLE-2CL150 with Optional equipment shown)
5|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
Bottom left
Bottom right
The mounting bracket is held on using two 6mm x 10mm thread forming screws. Use a #3 Philips screwdriver for these screws. Installing the E-Panel to the inverter: Remove the four #2 Philips screws from the bottom of the inverter that will be used to attach the EPanel. These screws are the only attachment to the inverter. The bottom wall mounting bracket also needs to be secured to the wall. You must also remove the battery terminal bolts prior to setting the EPanel in place. Note: 10-32 UNF screws are fairly interchangeable with the 5mm screws if you should misplace them.
Left attachment. E-Panel to inverter
Right attachment. E-Panel to inverter
To gain access to the mounting screws, you will need a long #2 Philips screwdriver. The tip must be at least 9 inches long. Most tool boxes do not have a Philips screwdriver this long, so consider adding it to your arsenal of tools. Slide the AC breakers to the right a bit to allow the screwdriver to line up with the screw. Move them back after the E-Panel is secured to the inverter. Remove the left side plate of the EPanel. This allows access to tighten the bottom of the battery plus bus bar located on the 175 amp circuit breakers. Both the Plus and Minus battery busbars are shipped loose for ease of alignment and must be tightened. Use a 9/16” wrench for these connections.
6|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual Inverter DC connections: Negative Connections Positive Connections
Inverter DC connections. There are four inverter DC connections on each Radian E-Panel. Use the hardware supplied with the inverter to make the connections to the busbars in the E-Panel. Refer to the inverter manual for appropriate tightening torque.
AC Wiring: Start with the grounds. Wiring the system will be easier if grounds are done first.
Chassis ground connection to inverter The E-Panel comes with a 6AWG green ground wire shown above. Since the E-Panel ground, inverter chassis ground and wiring compartment grounds are all at the same potential, you may use any and all as required although electrical inspectors are used to finding all grounds on just one busbar. The EPanel ground bus is the proper place for this single point ground on an off-grid system. Your main distribution panel ground is the proper AC ground for utility connected systems. Use the E-Panel ground bus for the DC grounds in a utility connected system. Inspectors will want to see a separate ground wire from AC and DC on a utility connected system. You can use a single ground wire from the E-Panel for AC and DC for an off-grid installation.
7|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual Neutral to ground bond: All AC electrical systems in North America must have an AC Neutral to Earth Ground bonding connection. A typical distribution panel such as Square D makes this bond by use of a bonding screw. That green screw grounds the neutral busbar when installed. Electrical inspectors are used to looking in the main distribution panel for this electrical bond. In a battery backed up grid tie or power back up installation, this bond has already been made in the main distribution / service entrance panel. Do not add it inside the E-Panel when the utility is connected. In an off-grid installation where there is no utility connection, the bond should be done inside the E-Panel as shown here. 6AWG Neutral to Ground bonding wire. The bond should be done at the power source and since the E-Panel is central to the power generation, it is considered the source. Some electrical inspectors are used to looking for this bond to be accomplished in the distribution panel. They may ask you to move it to where they feel comfortable finding it. Don’t fight it. The bond will work just fine in a Square D box too.
DC-GFP installation: The NEC 2008 requires a DC-GFP in all US systems! Note! The MidNite Solar Classic has the DC-GFP built in. If your system includes a Classic charge controller it can perform this function and an external DC-GFP will not be required. The Classic can also be used with the MNDC-GFP100-Dual breaker GFP device. The Classic would then detect the ground fault and send a remote trip signal to the MNDC-GFP100-Dual breaker, breaking both the negative and positive leads. This is the safest way to protect from a ground fault situation. When installing a DC-GFP in the PV circuit, make sure there is no battery minus to ground connection. That would effectively short out the sense circuit on the DC-GFP. MidNite solar has DC-GFP devices that fit the E-Panel. One is a 63 amp single circuit din rail mount device another is an 80 amp single circuit panel mount device. There is also a 50 amp 300VDC device. The MidNite Solar single circuit DC-GFP’s are designed for a single PV array. Two MidNite DCGFP’s may be used to accommodate two arrays or the Midnite Dual GFP-100 is ideal for dual arrays. DC-GFP’s are a very misunderstood device. When looking at a wiring diagram you will notice that part of the DC-GFP is a high current breaker. Connected in series with the GFP is yet another high current DC breaker. It is a common mistake to think the second breaker is unnecessary. NEC2008 requires a DC-GFP on all systems whether mounted on the roof top of a residence or not. The NEC also does not allow the DC-GFP to be the PV disconnect. When the DC-GFP is turned off, it leaves the battery negative ungrounded. The only time it is allowed that the system be ungrounded is during a fault condition. This requirement necessitates a PV disconnect in series with the DC-GFP. Some DC-GFP’s such as the Midnite Solar MNDC-GFP100-Dual breaker break both the positive and negative circuits, this provides the highest level of protection.
8|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
Make sure the polarity of all DC dinrail breakers are correct. MidNite Solar panel mount breakers are not polarity sensitive. The din rail mount breakers have a + sign at the bottom terminal. The output of the PV charge controller requires over-current protection. Most installations will use either a 63 amp din rail mount breaker (observe polarity) or an 80 to 100 amp panel mount breaker. Use a red 6AWG wire for the 63 amp breaker and 4AWG wire for an 80 to 100 amp breaker. The charge controller output breaker must be sized large enough for the expected output. You can always use a larger breaker and wire than the array output though. The breaker is there to protect the wire, not the controller, so you can use a 63 amp breaker even if the controller is not capable of outputting more than 30 amps. Classic Arc Fault Detector: If your system includes a Classic charge controller then Arc fault protection is provided for the system. The Arc Fault Detector is a unique safety component built into every Classic charge controller. Because safety is not an option, MidNite Solar responded to the 2011 NEC code requirements by adding arc fault detection as standard. The Classic is the first charge controller in the world to successfully stop a series arc. The Classic can detect an arc in less than 100mSec. From low power arcs to devastating high power arcing, the Classic will detect and shut down with an audible and visible alert to announce that there is a problem in the PV side of the system. A manual reset is required after clearing the fault. Refer to the Classic charge controller manual for more information.
9|Page
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual Charge Controller hook up: (Sold separately) The E-Panel is set up to accept numerous controllers. These controllers may be installed on either side of the enclosure using brackets like shown below. The bracket below is the standard bracket that comes with every E-Panel. If your controller must mount to the opposite side, then order a MNCCB-Left. This bracket directly accepts the MidNite Classic controller, OutBack MX60, FM60 and FM80. Some PWM controllers such as the Xantrex C40/C60 and the Morningstar Tristar 60 can also mount to this bracket by adding an additional mounting hole. The Xantrex MPPT controller does not require a bracket. It mounts to the two holes marked with arrows. The Radian E-Panel can mount up to 2 Classic charge controllers.
Wires pass through a 1” conduit knockout in the side plate. Install a 1” Close nipple, three 1” locknuts and two bushings to complete the wire passage. One of the locknuts is placed between the two enclosures to act as a spacer. The picture below shows the MidNite Classic installed. Note the two 80 amp panel mount breakers. The E-Panel can accept up to six panel mount breakers on either side Din rail breakers go up to 100 amps. Panel mount breakers are also available up to 100 amps.
Most controllers are too large to allow panel mount breakers to be mounted in front of the controller as is shown with the Classic here. Each charge controller must have a breaker/disconnect coming in from the PV combiner and also a breaker on the output of the controller. The need for breakers on both sides of the controller is an NEC requirement. Wiring diagrams are at the end of these instructions and on the inside of the door.
10 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual Inverter wiring compartment: The E-Panel comes wired with 6AWG wire for all AC circuits. The left three terminals on the inverter are the AC output terminals. The output of the inverter terminals are wired to the E-Panel AC output terminal busbars. Wires are supplied and marked AC out. AC in 1 and AC in 2 are supplied and marked as such. These wires also connect to the E-Panel terminal busbars of the same name. Cut and strip these wires as required to hook up as shown. Refer to the inverter manual for torque values. AC hook up: The E-Panel is supplied with 2 pole 50 amp continuous breakers for the generator input, utility input and AC input/output bypass switch. Most generators come with a UL489 branch circuit output breaker. All main distribution/service entrance panels such as Square D utilize UL489 branch circuit rated breakers. The AC breakers supplied in the E-Panel are supplementary protection listed to UL1077. These breakers are used as disconnects or switches, but not as branch circuit devices. Branch circuit breakers made for a residential service entrance panels are typically thermal breakers. These breakers are not allowed under NEC guidelines to normally carry more than 80% of their rating. That means a 50 amp Square D QO stab in breaker may only be sized for 40 amps continuous power. The MidNite breakers are a hydraulic/magnetic variety and are allowed under NEC guidelines to carry full rated current. The RADIAN EPanel comes with 50 amp hydraulic/magnetic breakers. Always refer to the documentation supplied with any equipment used with the E-Panel. Bus bars are provided for easy hook up from a generator and or the utility and also for an AC sub-panel. The AC input and output busbars are also the ideal place to connect lightning or surge arrestors. The output busbar must not be connected to the main distribution panel in a utility connected installation. The main utility connected distribution panel will go dead during an outage. Only circuits connected to the AC output busbar (sub-panel) will have power during a power outage. Do not try to back feed a utility connected distribution panel from the output of the inverter, except in an AC coupled system designed to be utility interactive.
The above flow diagram shows AC current flow direction for a battery backed up grid tie system with a generator. DC current flow is not shown. Note that all loads powered by the inverter must be connected to the AC sub-panel on the right.
11 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
The above flow diagram shows AC current flow in an off-grid system. DC current flow is not shown.
This is a pictorial explanation of the main AC circuits. AC input 1, AC input 2 and AC output. In a utility connected system, only the loads connected to the AC output Sub-panel will have power during an outage. The main service entrance loads will have no power. Always properly disconnect power before any servicing.
12 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
AC OUT
AC IN 1
AC IN 2
AC IN 1
AC IN 2
AC NEUTRAL
AC OUT
BATT POS BUS
Typical system layout (optional equipment shown).
PV PLUS
SPD 300
SPD 300
SPD 300
PV PLUS
SPD 300
MNSPD Wiring (MNSPD’s sold separately) 13 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual GRID GEN L1 L2 L1 L2
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
OUT L1 L2
BATTERY NEGATIVE
OFF OFF
ON ON
OFF OFF
BYPASS
ON ON
175 ON
175 ON
OFF
OFF
OFF OFF
BATT NEG
OFF OFF ON ON
NORMAL
INVERTER 1 INPUT 1
ON ON
INVERTER 1 INPUT 2
BATTERY POSITIVE
100
BATT POS
8 0
ON ON
L2 OUT
L1 IN 1
L1 IN 2
L2 IN 1
L2 IN 2
NEUTRAL
L1 OUT
BATT POS BUS
70 90
PV PLUS
SPD 300
SPD 300
SPD 300
SPD 300
PV MINUS
SPD 300
Wiring diagram showing connections to the inverter and charge controller Other MidNite Solar components that may be part of the RADIAN installation include: PV combiner MNPV3, MNPV6, MNPV12 or MNPV16, MNPVHV Combiner and MNSPD Surge Protective Device. Sold separately. MNPVHV Disconnecting combiners when used in conjunction with the Birdhouse and Battery Disconnect module can shut down the inverter remotely. Battery enclosures MNBE-A, MNBE-B, MNBE-C, MNBE-D, MNBE-D3R or MNBE-E DC din rail mount breakers: MNEPV1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,15,20,30,40,50,63,80,100 DC panel mount breakers: MNEDC70, 80, 90, 100 AC din rail mount single pole 120VAC breakers: MNEAC10, 15, 20 UL489 listed AC din rail mount single pole 277VAC breakers: MNEAC30, 40, 50 or60QZD AC din rail mount 2 pole 20 amp 120/240VAC breakers: MNEAC20QZ2P AC din rail mount 2 pole 30 amp 120/240VAC breakers: MNEAC30QZD2P AC din rail mount 2 pole 50 amp 120/240VAC breakers: MNEAC50QZD2P
14 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual AC din rail mount 2 pole 50 amp 120/240VAC breakers: MNEAC60QZD2P
OFF OFF
BYPASS
L1 OUT
L2 OUT
SPD 300
OFF
L1 IN 1
L1 IN 2
L2 IN 1
L2 IN 2
OFF
ON ON
ON ON
OFF OFF
OFF OFF
INVERTER 2 INPUT 2
ON ON
INVERTER 2 INPUT 1
175 ON
INVERTER 1 INPUT 1
ON ON
OFF OFF
ON ON
BATTERY /PV NEGATIVE
PV PLUS 2
SPD 300
SPD 300
BATTERY POSITIVE
175 ON
175 ON
OFF
OFF
OFF OFF
NEUTRAL
SPD 300
DUAL RADIAN WITH BATTERY COMBINER AC WIRING
BATTERY NEGATIVE
INVERTER 2
BATTERY POSITIVE
INVERTER 1 INPUT 2
OFF OFF
OFF OFF ON ON
ON ON
OFF OFF
GRID GEN L1 L2 L1 L2
NEUTRAL
175 ON
NORMAL
OUT L1 L2
NEUTRAL
BATTERY NEGATIVE
INVERTER 1
ON ON
NEUTRAL
GRID GEN L1 L2 L1 L2
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
OUT L1 L2
BATTERY PLUS
PV PLUS 1
SPD 300
SPD 300
DRAWN BY T.CARPENTER 11/8/12
BATTERY NEGATIVE
BATTERY POSITIVE
Dual Radian AC wiring shown with an optional MNSMA Battery Combiner, Classic Charge Controllers and MNSPD Surge Protective Devices. Sold separately.
15 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
ON ON
175 ON
175 ON
OFF
OFF
OFF OFF
L1 IN 1
BATTERY /PV NEGATIVE
NEUTRAL
L1 IN 2
L2 OUT
L2 IN 1
PV PLUS 2
L2 IN 2
60
ON
BATTERY PLUS
CC 1 IN /OUT
L1 OUT
ON
80
OFF
OFF OFF
CC 2 IN /OUT
OFF
ON ON
OFF OFF
ON
ON
80
BYPASS
ON ON
BATTERY POSITIVE
60
ON ON
OFF OFF
INVERTER 2 INPUT 2
OFF OFF
INVERTER 2 INPUT 1
OFF OFF
175 ON
INVERTER 1 INPUT 1
ON ON
DUAL RADIAN WITH BATTERY COMBINER DC WIRING
BATTERY NEGATIVE
INVERTER 2
BATTERY POSITIVE
INVERTER 1 INPUT 2
OFF OFF
OFF OFF ON ON
ON ON
GRID GEN L1 L2 L1 L2
NEUTRAL
175 ON
NORMAL
OUT L1 L2
NEUTRAL
BATTERY NEGATIVE
INVERTER 1
ON ON
NEUTRAL
GRID GEN L1 L2 L1 L2
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
OUT L1 L2
PV PLUS 1
CLASSIC 1
CLASSIC 2
PV OUT 1 PV IN 1 BATT/ PV NEG
SPD 300
SPD 300
SPD 300
SPD 300
SPD 300
PV OUT 2 PV IN 2 BATT/ PV NEG
SPD 115
DRAWN BY T.CARPENTER 11/8/12
BATTERY NEGATIVE
BATTERY POSITIVE
Dual Radian DC wiring shown with an optional MNSMA Battery Combiner, Classic Charge Controllers and MNSPD Surge Protective Devices. Sold separately.
16 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
MNERAD-SLV-2CL150 MNERAD-MASTER
Negative Battery Connection 1000 Amp Shunt
Positive Battery Connection
MNSMA Battery Combiner Dual Radian E-Panel Shown Installed on an optional backplate with 2 Classics and an optional MNSMA Battery Combiner. The MNSMA Battery Combiner is a DC distribution box that connects all the Radian inverters to the battery bank. It also provides a 1000 amp shunt for current monitoring. This setup utilizes a single AC bypass switch that controls both inverters at once.
17 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
Single Radian E-Panel
18 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual Converting a single Radian E-Panel to a dual Radian E-Panel System A second slave E-Panel can be added to a single E-Panel to create a dual system. Required components are: A single Radian E-Panel, A slave Radian E-panel, 3-348-1 Wide Slider for Circuit Breakers Additional breakers for bypass and disconnect 6 AWG wire such as THHN When converting to a dual system, the AC bypass will be in the left inverter and output breakers will be in both E-Panels for the inverter above each. A shunt and DC breakers are in each E-Panel. A 1000 amp shunt (sold separately) can also be used.
Bypass Breakers DIN Rail Output breakers move here
Output Breakers
Single Radian E-Panel before conversion to dual The steps to convert to a dual system are: 1. Install second E-Panel to the right of the existing E-Panel. 2. Move the output breakers on the left E-Panel to the DIN Rail on the right side of the panel 3. Install the bypass breakers for the right side inverter next to the left side bypass breakers. With one 2 pole breaker upside down, like the left side breakers. Replace the 2 position slider with the quad slider PN 3-348-1. 4. Install the output breakers for the right side E-Panel (Slave) on the upper left DIN Rail. 5. It is recommended to have a professional installer do all the wiring. Even with an E-Panel, inverter systems are still quite complex. Using appropriate 6 gauge wire such as THHN wire up both E-Panels as according to the Dual Radian AC and DC wiring diagrams. Check your work before applying power. 19 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
Dual Radian E-Panel after conversion from Single. Shown with optional equipment.
20 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual MidNite Solar Battery Disconnect Module – MNBDM (Optional) The Midnite Solar Battery Disconnect Module (MNBDM) is an optional circuit board which can be installed in most BDM - Battery Disconnect Module MidNite Solar E-Panels. It is used in conjunction with one or more MNBH Disconnect switches and MidNite Solar disconnecting combiners to remotely shutdown the system in emergencies. The MNBDM is controlled by the MNBH Birdhouse Disconnect switch and disconnects the main batteries from the system in a similar manner as the disconnecting combiner disconnects the PV array from the rest of the system. The trip signal for the MNBDMs and combiners is generated by the MNBH Disconnect Panel. Control signals are provided to the target devices via a ruggedized 600V CAT-5 cable, which connects all components in the system.
Power and Circuit Breaker Connections The MNBDM is powered from the main batteries (24 to 48 volt) and has terminals for connection to the E-Panel circuit breaker, other MNBDMs, the disconnecting combiners and the MNBH Disconnect Panel. Connect the switched battery positive (after the battery breaker) to TB1 pin 1 (+). Connect the battery negative to TB1 pin2 (-). Connect chassis ground to the TB1 pin 3 (GND symbol). Connect the red circuit breaker trip wire to TB2 pin 1 (+) and the black to TB2 pin 3 (-). Leave TB2 pin 2 open (middle).
System Connections There can be up to four MNBDMs in the system. All system components are connected together with CAT-5 cable which plugs into the two RJ-45 (Ethernet-style) connectors, J1 and J2. There is no difference between the two connectors. A typical installation consisting of one MNBH Disconnect switch, one MNBDM and one disconnecting combiner would use one of the RJ-45 jacks for connection to the MNBH switch and the other for connection to the combiner. Connect one to the MNBH Disconnect switch, or to another MNBDM that connects to the MNBH Disconnect switch. Connect the other to any downstream MNBDM units or combiners.
Operation The MNBH Disconnect Panel must be energized and connected to an MNBDM before closing the battery circuit breaker on the E-Panel. If you attempt to close the breaker without the MNBH on and the cable installed, the MNBDM will detect a problem and trip the breaker within about 5 - 7 seconds. This is a fail-safe feature that requires the system to be intact and working before energizing. If the cable is properly installed the power will remain on and the system is now ready for operation. The MNBDM LED will briefly blink (off) three times when power is first applied. This is normal and indicates that the board is working properly. The system may be tested by pressing the button on the MNBH Disconnect Panel, but doing that will trip every combiner and MNBDM in the system. To avoid this, a small test button is located on the front edge of the MNBDM board. Pressing the test button only trips the one breaker in that panel. Note that there is 2 second delay after pressing the button before the breaker trips.
TB1 Pin 1 Battery Positive
TB1 Pin 2 Battery Negative
21 | P a g e
TB2 Pin 3 Breaker Trip Negative
No Connection TB1 Pin 3 Ground
TB2 Pin 1 Breaker Trip Positive 10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual System connections for the MNBDM and Birdhouse (sold separately)
Radian E-Panel
Radian E-Panel
Birdhouse
Disco Combiner
Disco Combiner
System connections for the MNBDM at the circuit board level.
Radian E-Panel
Radian E-Panel
Birdhouse
Disco Combiner
Disco Combiner
MNCSM Whiz Bang Jr. Optional accessory Shunt Based Battery Meter for Classic Charge Controllers
The MNCSM Whiz Bang Jr. can be added to monitor system performance. Working with the Classic, the MNCSM Whiz Bang Jr. provides real-time information on system performance. This allows the Classic to become a full featured battery monitor.
22 | P a g e
10-228-1
REV: A
RADIAN E-Panel installation manual
Below are some of the new requirements for NEC 2014. In short, there is a requirement for a “Rapid Shutdown”. This is accomplished nicely with the MidNite Solar Birdhouse, Disco Combiners and MNBDM Battery Disconnect Module (located in the E-Panel). Where there is more than one source of power this is even more critical. Consider a system with solar panels and battery backup. There is the high voltage of up to 600 volts from the panels and the 120/240 volts in the building AC Supply. When the main breaker is thrown to disconnect AC, the inverter will do as intended and maintain voltage in the building. The 600 Volts from the panels, the 120/240 VAC and battery voltage are all still present. Thus, throwing the mains did not remove any power at all. The MidNite Solar Birdhouse, Disco Combiners and MNBDM Battery Disconnect Module work together to remove power from the solar panels and disconnect DC from the batteries to the inverter removing all backup power. All with the push of a single button. 690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings. PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function that controls specific conductors in accordance with 690.12(A) through (D). (A) Requirements for controlled conductors apply only to PV system conductors of more than 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length inside a building, or more than 3 meters (10 feet) from a PV array. (B) Controlled conductors shall be limited to no more than 30 volts and 240VA within 10 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. Voltage and power shall be measured between any two conductors and between any conductor and ground. (C) The rapid shutdown initiation methods shall be labeled in accordance with 690.56(B). (D) Equipment that performs the rapid shutdown shall be listed and identified. The following comment is one of many resulting from a consensus process established among three groups of stakeholders: 1) CMP4 Firefighter Safety Task Group, 2) the SEIA Codes and Standards Working Group, and 3) the PV Industry Forum. 9. ROP 4-325 (accepted) introduces a distance of 1.5m (5 feet) to disconnection means of indoor battery-backup wiring. This distance is recognized as an acceptably short conduit length that allows for best practices in workmanship, and can be applied to PV wires entering a building in addition to conductors in and out of inverters and conductors coming out of a battery.
MidNite Solar inc 17722 – 67th Ave Ne Arlington, Wa 98223 USA
23 | P a g e
360-403-7207 Voice 360-691-6862 Fax
www.midnitesolar.com
10-228-1
REV: A
