Outback Power Systems GS4048A Operators Manual - Manual (Page 18)

Operation
16 900-0161-01-00 Rev A
BENEFITS:
Excess power is returned to the utility grid.
 The inverter will offset the loads with excess renewable energy if it is available from the batteries.
 If the excess energy is greater than the AC demand (the load size), the excess will be sold to the grid.
 Due to varying requirements in different locations around the world, the grid-interactive settings are
adjustable. These adjustments are made in the
Grid Interface Protection menu.
∼ This menu is only available to operators with installer-level access. There are firm rules concerning the
acceptable voltage range, frequency range, clearance time during power loss, and reconnect delay
when exporting power to the utility. Generally it is expected that the end user cannot alter the settings.
∼ The installer password must be changed from the default in order to get access to these settings. Once
this password has been changed, the settings can only be accessed by using the installer password. See
pages 65 and 67 for more information.
∼ The inverter’s operating frequency can be changed between 50 and 60 Hz using the Grid Interface
Protection menu. This setting changes the inverter’s input acceptance parameters, as well as its output.
See Table 16 beginning on page 65 for the locations of all menu items in the MATE3 menus.
NOTES:
 The inverter has a delay before selling will begin. This delay has a default setting of five minutes. During this
time, the inverter will not connect to the utility grid. This setting is adjustable in the
Grid Interface Protection
menu. Upon initial connection to the utility grid, the inverter may be required to perform a battery charging
cycle. This may delay the operation of the grid-interactive function.
 The grid-interactive function only operates when excess DC (renewable) power is available.
 The grid-interactive function is not available in any of the other input modes.
 When power is returned to the utility grid, it may be possible to reverse the utility meter. However, this
depends on other loads in the system. Loads on the main panel (not on the inverter’s output) may consume
power as fast as it is sold. The meter would not run backwards, even if the system display showed the
inverter selling power. The result of selling would be to reduce AC power consumption, not reverse it.
 The amount of power an inverter can sell is not equal to its specified output wattage. The Maximum Sell
Current can be decreased if it is necessary to limit the power sold. This item is available in the Grid Interface
Protection menu.
∼ The amount of power that is sold is controlled by the utility grid voltage. The wattage sold equals this
voltage multiplied by the current. For example, if the inverter sells 30 amps and the voltage is 231 Vac,
the inverter will sell 6.93 kVA. If the voltage is 242 Vac, the inverter will sell 7.26 kVA. Additionally,
output will vary with inverter temperature, battery type, and other conditions.
∼ This recommendation is specifically for the inverter’s grid-interactive function. In some cases, the
source may be sized larger to account for environmental conditions or the presence of DC loads. This
depends on individual site requirements.
 The grid-interactive function can only operate while the utility grid power is stable and within specific limits.
∼ In Grid Tied mode, the inverter will operate in accordance with the Grid Interface Protection settings.
The default settings and ranges are listed in Table 16, which begins on page 65.
∼ If the AC voltage or frequency vary outside the Grid Interface Protection limits, the inverter will
disconnect from the utility grid to prevent selling under unacceptable conditions. These limits override
the AC source acceptance limits described on page 24, which are used in other input modes.
∼ If the inverter stops selling or disconnects due to Grid Interface Protection, the MATE3 will show the
reason. Sell Status messages are listed on page 59. Disconnect messages are listed on page 58. Often
these messages will be the same.