Polar ESS ALPS Series Installation Manual

1 Product Description

The Polar ESS ALPS series models are designed for energy storage, utilizing energy from solar PV or the grid. They can also be used to feed energy back into the grid for profit or serve as a backup power source during grid outages.

This manual provides essential product information and installation instructions for ALPS users. For further details, please visit polar-ess.co.uk or contact customer service. The latest release version supersedes any previous versions.

The Polar ESS ALPS inverter package includes:

• ALPS HY3.6-GL
• ALPS HY6.0-GL

1.2 Safety Declarations

CAUTION

The ALPS inverter is designed and tested according to international safety regulations. Always refer to and strictly follow the safety instructions in this manual before and during operation, installation, and use. Installation must be performed by qualified personnel in compliance with local regulations. Non-compliance may result in injury, death, or damage to the inverter and other property.

1.3 Safety Instructions

DANGER: High Voltages and Large Currents

• CAUTION PV HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARD. Disconnect the DC switch before installation.
• CAUTION GRID HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARD. Disconnect the AC switch before installation.
• CAUTION BATTERY HIGH CURRENT HAZARD. Switch off the battery module before installation.
• Do not disassemble the inverter during operation.
• Do not operate the inverter except for the LCD and panel buttons. Touch other parts only when switched off.
• Do not plug or unplug any cables during operation.
• Ensure the inverter is reliably earthed and use appropriate insulation.
• Check wiring condition before installation, operation, or maintenance.
• Ensure all connections are secure to prevent damage or injury.

WARNING: Avoid Misoperation and Inappropriate Usage

• Installation must be performed by qualified personnel.
• All connections must comply with local and national standards.
• The inverter can only be connected to the public grid if permitted.
• Ensure all warning labels are visible and legible.
• Install the inverter in a suitable location as per manual requirements.
• Keep children away from the inverter and its systems.
• Be aware that inverter components can become hot during operation. Only touch the LCD and buttons when the inverter is running.

NOTE

• Read this manual carefully before performing any work. Keep it in a safe place for future reference.
• Qualified installers must be trained in electrical systems, hazard handling, and understand this manual and related documents. Familiarize yourself with local regulations.

2 Installation

2.1 Packaging List

The packaging includes:

• A: ALPS HY GL (1)
• B: Mounting bracket (1)
• C: Wall plugs (3)
• D: Mounting frame fixings (3)
• E: CT (Current Transformer) (1)

2.2 Installation Instructions

2.2.1 Installation Position

• Install in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight and water sources.
• Ambient temperature should be below 40°C for optimal operation.
• The mounting wall must support the inverter's weight and dimensions.
• Do not install on flammable materials.
• Humidity should be 0-95% without condensation.
• Ensure the installation position is safe and easily accessible.
• Do not place objects on or cover the inverter.
• Avoid installation near TV antennas or power cables.
• The status display must be visible and unobstructed.
• Install the inverter vertically with connections at the bottom. Avoid horizontal installation or tilting.
• The inverter is IP20 rated and must be installed in a dry location.

Observe minimum clearances for heat dissipation:

• Top: 100mm
• Sides: 400mm
• Bottom: 100mm

2.2.2 Step-by-Step Installation

1. Mark the positions for the wall mounting bracket holes on the wall. The minimum wall thickness required is 80 mm.
2. Drill 3 holes at the marked positions, at least 55 mm deep. Secure the mounting bracket to the wall using 3 wall plugs and suitable fixings (e.g., M8 coach screws/bolts).
3. Install the bracket using 2 fixings.
4. Mount the inverter onto the bracket and secure it with one screw in the bottom bracket.

2.3 Connection

2.3.1 System Wiring Diagram

An external AC breaker is required for grid connection. The inverter must be connected to its own bidirectional TYPE A 30mA RCD device with over-current protection.

If the EPS port load is 6kW-9kW, the switch should be 230VAC/63A.

Inverter overview of terminals:

• A: Battery terminal
• B: PV terminal
• C: Backup output terminal
• D: AC output terminal
• E: RS485/CANBUS, Meter and CT, Digital out/Digital in
• F: DRM CAN/485 parallel com terminals
• G: WiFi terminals
• H: Ground terminals
• I: Inverter dipswitches

2.3.2 PE Connection

The main earth connection should be connected to the grid-tied terminal block. The earth bond point at the bottom of the inverter is for connection to the battery and additional earth bonding.

2.3.3 Grid and EPS Connection

2.3.3.1 On/Off-Grid Load Connection

Distribute loads rationally between the AC grid side and EPS side according to the inverter's rated power. Maximum pass-through current is 39A.

2.3.3.2 AC Connection

Suggested cable requirement for AC wires:

1. Strip 6-8mm of insulation from the AC/EPS wire.
2. Open the lower cover to access the wiring bay and remove the dust plug from the AC input/output port.
3. Cut a hole in the wire entry and pass the AC/EPS wire through the AC input/output holes. Insert the wire into the connecting port of the AC terminal block.
4. Tighten the screws on the AC connection terminal block to ensure a stable connection.

2.3.3.3 CT/Meter Connection

Install a CT at the total output port, close to the supplier's meter, for accurate power measurement. The unit ships with a standard CT.

CT Installation Diagram: The arrow on the CT must point towards the inverter.

Meter Outlet Pin Definition: If using meters, connect the communication cable to the METER port. Recommended: shielded cable for meter communication. Refer to wiring examples for correct installation.

2.3.4 Battery Comms Connection

Connect the battery communication cable to the inverter's RJ45 socket for normal system operation. The port supports CAN and 485 communication. Pin definitions are provided for creating custom cables.

The connection uses the TS568B standard.

2.3.5 PV Connection

WARNING: Verify the minimum ambient temperature. Solar panel Voc increases as temperature decreases. Ensure the maximum solar panel string voltage at the lowest temperature does not exceed the maximum inverter input voltage.

Recommended PV cable.

The inverter has two independent MPPTs, each with one string input. If only one string is used with high current, it can be connected to both MPPT interfaces. Connecting two PV channels limits the total solar input power to 9KW, with a maximum of 4.5KW per MPPT. Connecting a single PV channel limits the maximum MPPT input power to 6KW.

Follow the wiring annotations under the connector block.

2.3.6 Battery Connection

1. Open the lower cover to access the wiring bay and remove the dust plug on the battery input port.
2. Strip 6-8mm of insulation from the battery positive and negative wires and crimp OT terminals (QT25-8) onto the wires.
3. Pass the battery wires through the input hole and fix the OT terminals to the corresponding terminal blocks.
4. Tighten the screws on the battery connection terminal block.

2.3.7 Connecting Communication Cables between Polar Inverter and Associated Battery Packs

Connect the communication cables between the Polar Inverter (CAN/RS485 port) and the Polar Battery using the RS485 (in/out) ports. All power connections between batteries must be wired according to the diagram.

2.3.8 DRMS Function

For use in Australia, the DRMS device may need to be connected to the inverter's DRMS terminal. The RJ45 terminal pin definitions for DRMS are provided.

Inverter Demand Response Modes:

DRM1-4 limit charging, DRM5-8 limit discharging. These modes do not limit charge power.

2.3.9 Data Collector Connection

2.3.9.1 WiFi/4G Dongle Connection

Use the WiFi/4G dongle for remote monitoring via the Polar ESS mobile app. Download the app and register an account. For 4G dongles, ensure a SIM card is inserted.

3 Description of LCD Display

The inverter features an LED screen, an LED indicator, and four function buttons for information display and system settings.

The display shows grid, PV, battery, and load power, energy flow, current operating mode, and basic inverter status.

3.1 Basic Information View

Press any button to wake the screen. The main interface displays real-time system information. Press the OK button to enter the system menu. Use the down button to navigate through system information, operating states, and power generation history.

3.2 Parameterisation

From the system menu, navigate to the parameter setting screen. Key settings include:

Control Setting

• System Time sync: Sets the system time.
• Restart Inverter: Initiates an inverter restart.
• Active Battery: Enables or disables the active battery function.
• Screen Off Time: Sets the display timeout duration.

Basic Setting

• System Frequency: Sets the grid frequency (e.g., 50Hz).
• Meter Enable: Enables connection to a smart meter.
• Bat Parallel Mode: Sets the battery parallel mode.
• Inv Parallel Mode: Sets the inverter parallel mode.

HMI Setting

• Communication Address: Sets the external communication address.
• CT/Meter Direction: Configures the input direction for CT/meter.
• Meter Type: Selects the matching meter type.

Remote Control Setting

• UPS: Enables or disables the UPS function.
• Active Power Percent: Sets the maximum active power percentage.
• Reactive Power Percent: Sets the maximum reactive power percentage.
• Battery Type: Selects the battery type (Lithium or Lead-acid).
• Bat Cap Set: Sets the battery ampere-hour capacity.

Protection Setting

• Battery Upper Limit: Sets the maximum battery voltage protection value.
• Battery Lower Limit: Sets the minimum battery voltage protection value.
• Buzzer: Enables or disables the buzzer.
• Min Discharge SOC: Sets the minimum discharge State of Charge (SOC) for the battery.
• Island Check: Enables or disables the islanding detection function.

DC-DC Setting

• Battery Discharge: Enables or disables battery discharge.
• Battery Charge: Enables or disables battery charging.
• Self-Use/Eco Mode: Enables or disables the self-generation and self-use mode.
• Export Limit: Enables or disables the export limit function.
• Export Limit Power: Sets the maximum export limit power.

DC-DC Setting2

Allows setting up to three time periods for charging priority mode and the corresponding cut-off SOC values.

4 Mode Setting

The ALPS inverter can be configured for different operating modes to suit various application scenarios. Settings are typically made via the WiFi interface.

4.1 Self-generation and Self-Use Mode (Default)

In this mode, the priority for load response is Photovoltaic > Battery > Grid. Photovoltaic energy flow priority is Load > Battery > Grid. This is the factory default mode and is active when no other mode is selected.

4.2 Charge Priority Mode

Photovoltaic energy preferentially charges the battery until the set SOC is reached. Excess energy is then supplied to the load or fed to the grid. The battery does not discharge actively in this mode. This mode is beneficial for areas with frequent power outages, high peak electricity prices, or significant night-time energy demand.

4.3 Discharge Priority Mode

To activate this mode, enable Battery Discharge, set the desired working period, and the SOC at which to stop discharging.

4.4 AC Charge Function

When enabled, the inverter uses grid energy to charge the battery, allowing for energy arbitrage or emergency backup.

4.5 Export Limit Function

This function limits the maximum power fed back to the grid to a user-defined value, suitable for regions with grid connection power restrictions.

5 Troubleshooting and Maintenance

5.1 Troubleshooting based on LCD Displays

Refer to the following table for fault codes and troubleshooting steps. Contact Polar ESS support if issues persist.

5.2 Fan Maintenance

Regular fan maintenance (cleaning) is recommended every 6 months, or more frequently depending on the environment. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the system and wait at least 5 minutes. Isolate the system.
2. Remove the fixing screws securing the fan assembly.
3. Carefully remove the fan assembly, noting the internal power cable connection.
4. Clean dust and debris from the fan and check the cable for damage.
5. If the fan is damaged, replace it with a new one and reinstall following the above steps.

6 Datasheet