SMA CLUSTER CONTROLLER Installation - Manual (Page 16)

Reading out, provision and administration of PV system data
The Cluster Controller is the central communication unit for the system and continuously reads out
the data of the devices in the system (e.g. inverters, sensors). The Cluster Controller then makes this
system data available via the display, user interface and Modbus data interface. In addition, the
system data can be displayed, evaluated and managed using Sunny Portal (see the
Cluster Controller user manual and the user manual of the Cluster Controller in Sunny Portal).
Configuring Device Parameters
You can configure specific parameters of individual devices or entire device classes via the user
interface of the Cluster Controller. You must be logged into the user group Installer on the
Cluster Controller. The device parameters that can be configured, if any, depend on the device and
the rights of the user group. You may only change grid-sensitive device parameters
(SMA Grid Guard parameters) with the approval of the grid operator and using your personal
SMA Grid Guard code (see the Cluster Controller user manual).
Sending e-mail alarms in the event of critical system statuses
You have the option of receiving prompt information on critical system statuses via e-mail (see the
Cluster Controller user manual). The Cluster Controller automatically sends a notification if alarm-
related events occur in the system.
Feedback on Current Total Active Power of the System
You have the option of being informed of the total active power currently generated by the system
via an analog current output signal.
Implementation and feedback of grid operator setpoints for active power
limitation and reactive power operation under grid management services
With the Cluster Controller, as part of grid management services you can implement different grid
operator setpoints for active power limitation and reactive power operation of your system. The
Cluster Controller can implement the setpoints using open-loop control or closed-loop control.
For Cluster Controller systems without self-consumption and with direct limitation of active power
feed-in, the operating mode Open-loop control is used. In this operating mode, the
Cluster Controller can receive the setpoints either in the form of digital or analog signals, or via
Modbus. The different types of signal source can be combined so that, for example, the setpoints
for active power limitation are received as digital signals and the reactive power setpoints are
received as analog signals. For Cluster Controller systems with self-consumption, the operating
mode Closed-loop control is used. In this operating mode, you can regulate the system's active
power feed-in at the grid-connection point, e.g. to limit it to a fixed percentage value. In agreement
with your grid operator, you can use the user interface of the Cluster Controller to configure which
setpoints of the Cluster Controller are to be transmitted to the connected inverters depending on the
respective signal. In addition, you can use a digital response contact or an analog current output
signal to inform the grid operator of the setpoints (if any) for active power limitation and reactive
power operation that are currently being used in the system.
4 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG / SMA America, LLC
Installation Manual ClusterController-IA-en-14 16