ABB PVS300 User Manual

Maintenance
Perform the routine maintenance actions listed below. Reduce the maintenance intervals if the inverter is located in a relatively harsh
environment. Any other maintenance and repairs must only be performed by qualified personnel.
Interval Maintenance action Instruction
Weekly Check event log Use the control panel to check the event logs from the Events Menu. The menu shows the most recent
events as faults or other events. Note that a single fault can potentially give rise to several events.
Events are stored in the memory until the event memory is full. When the event memory is full the
inverter automatically removes the oldest events from the event memory.
Monthly Check operation of Check the Events menu for possible fan faults. The inverter activates a maintenance reminder when
the cooling and both fans (cooling and stirring) should be replaced.
stirring fans
Note that the cooling fan only operates when the inverter detects that cooling is required.
Change the fan(s) when the inverter displays a fan fault or a replacement reminder.
Monthly Check the Make sure that the inverter is still in its intended operating environment. Check that the installation
environment environment is still clean, dry, free of obstacles near to the inverter and that the ambient temperature
has not risen since installation.
Monthly Cleaning Clean the inverter installation space and mounting area regularly to remove dust and dirt. This helps to
prevent clogging of the cooling fan and heat sink of the inverter.
Monthly (Yearly if Check connections Check that cables are properly routed to the inverter. Cables should be tidy, secure and in good
the inverter is condition.
indoors with
Check that connectors are properly connected and that they are in a safe, unbroken condition. Check
restricted access)
that possible screw and spring terminal connections are tight.

Troubleshooting

In the event of a problem or malfunction in the system, the built-in self-diagnostics will automatically display messages to inform you of
faults, warnings and maintenance reminders.
Push the left softkey to hide each message from the screen. If there are several active messages, you must hide the most recent
message to see other active messages.
Operating status Example graphical display Description
Warning The inverter has temporarily entered the limited operation mode. Normal operation will resume
automatically if the cause of the warning is temporary, for example if there's a temporary
power outage of the AC grid.
Check events from the control unit.
The power meter shows "-- kW" when there is a warning.
Fault The inverter has entered stand-by mode and user action is required to resume normal
operation. Check events from the control unit. The power meter shows "-- kW" when there is a
fault.

Further information

More detailed information about the PVS300 inverter can be found in the PVS300 product manual (3AUA0000096321 [English]),
supplied with the inverter. The Product manual can be found in
www.abb.com www.abb.com/solar
www.abb.com/solar by entering the document code in the search field.
ABB solar inverters
User's guide
PVS300 string inverters
Safety
WARNING! Ignoring the following instructions can cause injury or death, or damage to the equipment.
• Never attempt to repair a malfunctioning unit yourself. The inverter is not field repairable.
• Do not obstruct the inverter cooling air inlets and outlets.
Refer to the PVS300 product manual (3AUA0000096321 [English]) for a complete list of warnings relating to the product.
Key parts of the inverter
1
2
3
4
No. Description
1 Front cover
2 Control area: display, LEDs, keypad
3 DC switch 0=Off, 1=On
4 Bottom cover (under the inverter)

Operating principle

Sleep Standby Normal operation (and Limited operation)
The inverter sleeps As the sun rises, the In daylight, the inverter is in normal operating
when there is not inverter enters standby mode, feeding energy to the grid. The sun
enough daylight to mode, and prepares to symbol's rays indicate the current power output.
operate. feed power to the grid. In strong sunlight, all of the rays are black.
Note: Inverter enters to If the inverter senses that it is at risk of
standby mode also by overheating, it will enter limited operation mode
night-time if control unit and a reduced number of rays will be shown.
buttons are activated.
Status icon shown in the corner of the graphical display:
Sun display shown on the graphical display:
Turning the inverter on and off
Use the DC switch on the front cover to switch inverter operation on and off. The switch
should be kept turned on all of the time, except during maintenance or malfunction.
WARNING! Inverter has dual power supply, DC and AC. The DC power
switch does not completely isolate the inverter from the solar array (DC) or the
electrical grid (AC).
Note: Inverter controls are powered from AC side if the DC power switch is turned
OFF. To reset inverter controls, turn OFF also the main disconnector and circuit
breakers at AC distribution board.
WARNING! Do not use excessive force to remove or replace the front or
bottom covers. The DC switch must be turned OFF before the covers can be
removed. Covers must be replaced before the DC switch can be turned ON.
Standby Sleep
As the daylight fades, The inverter sleeps
the inverter stops when there is not
generating power and enough daylight to
enters standby mode. operate.