FX Inverter/Charger FX and VFX Mobile Series Operator’s Manual
About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. OutBack products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems. Applicability These instructions apply to OutBack inverter/charger models FX2012MT, '9 .
Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7 Audience ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Symbols Used .............................................................................................................................................................
Table of Contents Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 37 Basic Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................................. 37 Error Messages ...........................................................................................................................................................................
Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Table 12 Table 13 Table 14 Table 15 Table 16 Table 17 Table 18 Table 19 Table 20 Table 21 Table 22 Table 23 Table 24 Table 25 Table 26 Table 27 Battery Indicator Values .............................................................................................................................. 11 Charge Currents for FX and VFX Mobile Models ...........................................
Table of Contents List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 6 FX Mobile Series Inverter/Charger with Turbo Fan ............................................................................. 8 MATE, MATE2, MATE3, and AXS Port ........................................................................................................ 9 LED Indicators ........
Introduction Audience This manual provides instructions for setup and operation of the product. It does not cover installation. The manual is intended to be used by anyone required to operate the FX or VFX Mobile Series Inverter/Charger. Operators must be familiar with all the safety regulations pertaining to operating power equipment of this type as required by local code. Operators are advised to have basic electrical knowledge and a complete understanding of this equipment’s features and functions.
Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack FX and VFX Mobile Series Inverter/Chargers. These products are designed to offer a complete power conversion system between batteries, shore power, and generator. In shore-based mobile and marine connections, the shore power (utility grid) is used as the primary source. When the shore power is removed, the inverter takes over to run the loads from the batteries.
Introduction General Safety WARNING: Limitations on Use This equipment is NOT intended for use with life support equipment or other medical equipment or devices. WARNING: Reduced Protection If this product is used in a manner not specified by FX product literature, the product’s internal safety protection may be impaired. CAUTION: Equipment Damage Only use components or accessories recommended or sold by OutBack Power Technologies or its authorized agents.
Introduction The MATE2 is a system display designed for use with mobile FX inverters. It is intended to be flush-mounted in a panel. Along with programmed criteria for accepting shore or generator AC sources, it has the Advanced Generator Start function which sets many parameters for generator control. The MATE3 is an advanced system display. In addition to the functions of the MATE2, it has improved accessibility to screens and readings.
Operation LED Indicators AUX Indicator (see page 31) Battery Indicators Status Indicators Figure 3 LED Indicators Battery Indicators The Battery LED indicators show the approximate battery state. (See IMPORTANT note below.) The Battery indicators and the Inverter Status indicators are independent. They may accompany each other depending on conditions. Common combinations are noted on page 12. A green indicator (FULL) means the batteries have an adequate charge at that time.
Operation Status Indicators STATUS INVERTER (Green): Solid: The FX inverter is on and providing power. Flashing: The inverter has been turned on but is idle. The inverter is likely in Search mode. See page 14. Off: The inverter is off. It is not waiting to provide power. See the system display manual to turn the inverter on. Any power present is from another source such as the utility grid or generator. The inverter may also be a slave that is in Silent mode due to the Power Save function.
Operation Each distinct mode, function, or operation is accompanied by a symbol representing the inverter and that operation: These items represent the input from the AC DC source, the output to the AC loads, DC functions TRANSFER (inverting, charging, etc.), and the transfer relay. AC IN AC OUT Arrows on each symbol represent power flow. The symbols may have other features depending on the operation. AC Input Connection The FX inverter has one set of input connections.
Operation V DC and AC Voltages V The FX inverter requires batteries to operate. Other sources may not maintain DC voltages that are consistent enough for the inverter to operate reliably. CAUTION: Equipment Damage Do not substitute other DC sources in place of the batteries. High or irregular voltages may damage the inverter. It is normal to use other DC sources with the batteries and the inverter, but not in place of the batteries. The following items will affect the inverter’s operation.
Operation NOTE: Increment sizes are difficult to define due to varying load characteristics. However, the default setting, 6 increments, is approximately sufficient to detect the load of one compact fluorescent light (CFL). A load which draws this amount or greater will “wake up” the inverter. Search mode is not particularly useful with loads requiring continuous power. (These loads include clocks, answering machines, and similar devices.
Operation AC Current Settings A A A The AC current settings, Grid Input AC Limit and Gen Input AC Limit, control the amount of current that the inverter draws from the source. Adjust these settings to match the input circuit breakers. The adjustment is meant to protect a generator or shore supply that cannot supply enough current for both charging and loads. If the combined charging and loads exceed the setting, the inverter will reduce its charge rate and give priority to the loads.
Operation Multiple Inverters In a stacked system, whenever the master inverter senses acceptable input, it orders all other inverters to transfer to the AC source. The other inverters do not use their own input readings to transfer. It is expected that the AC source delivers input (in the appropriate phase) to all inverters. If a slave inverter does not sense acceptable input, it will not transfer, but also will not invert. The slave will have no output. It also will display Phase Loss Error.
Operation Battery Charging IMPORTANT: Battery charger settings need to be correct for a given battery type. Always follow battery manufacturer recommendations. Making incorrect settings, or leaving them at factory default settings, may cause the batteries to be undercharged or overcharged. Charge Current Batteries or battery banks usually have a recommended limit on the maximum current used for charging. Often this is calculated as a percentage or fraction of the battery capacity, represented by “C”.
Operation Charge Current for Multiple Inverters If FX inverters are stacked, the master inverter Charger AC Limit setting is used by all other inverters. Divide the total AC current by the number of chargers used and program the master with the result. The master will operate all chargers with this setting to achieve the maximum total charge current. The system display has a global Charger Control command of On which enables all available chargers.
Operation Voltage No Charge Bulk Absorption Float No Charge (Source Removed) Absorption Set Point Float Set Point Time Inverter now charging to a new set point Inverter has reached the charging set point Figure 6 Charging Stages (On Setting) Charging Steps The following items describe the operation and intended use for each individual charging step as shown in the graphs. Note that some charging cycles may not follow this exact sequence, including cycles which were previously interrupted.
Operation To skip this step: Setting Absorb Voltage equal to Float Voltage causes the charger to proceed through the normal three-stage cycle, but at a single voltage. Setting Absorb Time to 0 causes the charger to skip both the Bulk and Absorption stages and proceed directly to the constant-current Refloat stage. This may not be desired if the intent is to include the Bulk stage but skip Absorption. Absorption Stage This is the second stage of charging. It is a constant-voltage stage.
Operation The charger may perform two functions during Float. Both are called Float in the system display. They are defined here as Refloat and Float. Refloat Refloat is a constant-current function. The initial DC current may be as high as the charger’s maximum current, depending on conditions. This stage is similar to Bulk, except that the charger uses the Float Voltage setting as noted above. The charger delivers current until the batteries reach this value. Float Float is a constant-voltage function.
Operation Equalization Equalization is a controlled overcharge that is part of regular battery maintenance. Equalization brings the batteries to a much higher voltage than usual and maintains this high voltage for a period of time. This has the result of removing inert lead sulfate compounds from the battery plates. It also reduces stratification by circulating the electrolyte. Equalization follows the same pattern as standard three-stage charging, as shown in the figures on page 19.
Operation Compensation affects the Absorption, Float, and Equalization set points. The Re-Float Voltage set point is not temperature compensated. Note that the Equalization set points are not compensated in OutBack charge controllers. Table 3 Nominal Voltage Temperature Compensation Number of 2-Volt Cells Compensation (when above or below 25°C) Maximum Compensation 12 Vdc 6 0.03 volts per degree C ± 0.6 Vdc 24 Vdc 12 0.06 volts per degree C ± 1.2 Vdc 32 Vdc 16 0.08 volts per degree C ± 1.
Operation Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) Multiple inverters in a single system can support larger loads than a single inverter. Installing inverters in this configuration is called “stacking”. Stacking refers to how inverters are wired within the system and programmed to coordinate activity. Stacking allows inverters to work together as one system. Each inverter is programmed to power an individual phase of the system and to operate at certain times.
Operation Stacking Configurations Each inverter must be assigned a particular mode in the Stack Mode menu. In the figures for each configuration below, the mode names are shown next to each inverter. For example, Figure 8 shows 1-2phase Master for the first (L1) inverter in a “classic” series-stacked system. The designation for the L2 inverter is Classic Slave. On page 27, Figure 10 shows 1-2phase Master for the first inverter in a parallel-stacked system.
Operation LOAD PANEL OB Slave L2 2+ kVA 120 Vac 2.0 kVA 120 Vac FW-X240 OR 1-2phase Master 2+ kVA 120 Vac 2.0 kVA 120 Vac Figure 9 4.0 kVA 240 Vac Example of OutBack Series Stacking Arrangement Parallel Stacking (Dual-Stack and Larger) In parallel stacking, two or more inverters are stacked to create a single, common set of AC outputs. All inverters share a common input (AC source). The inverters run loads on a common output bus. The master inverter provides the primary output.
Operation Series/Parallel Stacking (Quad-Stack or Larger) In series/parallel stacking, inverters use OutBack series stacking create separate 120 Vac output phases and 240 Vac collectively. However, in this configuration, each output has parallel inverters. One output contains the master; the other uses a slave. Each output has at least one additional slave. The 120 Vac loads on each output can be sized to the wattage of multiple inverters. They can be powered by all the inverters on that output.
Operation Power Save Each FX inverter consumes 34 watts of idle power while it remains on, even if it is not actively inverting or charging. The Power Save function allows the option to put part of a parallel system into a quiescent state known as Silent mode. This mode minimizes the idle consumption. The inverters will come on again when the loads require power. (The term “Silent” is also used in an unrelated context during battery charging. See page 21.
Operation NOTE: The stacking designations also control which ports are used on the HUB communications manager. The master inverter must be plugged into port 1. Other ports and jumper positions vary with model and stacking configuration. IMPORTANT: Set the master rank at 0 and arrange the slave ranks in order (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). Another order may defeat the purpose of Power Save mode. Leaving the master at 0 makes power available from the master; the other inverters should not be active.
Operation The fourth line shows that loads of 36 Aac or more (approximately 4 to 4.5 kW) are present on the system. This load causes all four inverters to be activated. The last line shows that the loads are reduced to 16 Aac. Since this load is distributed among four inverters, the master reads 4 Aac, the lower threshold for Power Save. This causes one slave to enter Silent mode. The 16 Aac are distributed among the remaining three inverters.
Operation Auxiliary Terminals The FX inverter has a 12V AUX output which can respond to different criteria and control many operations. These terminals provide a 12 Vdc output that can deliver up to 0.7 Adc. The AUX output has three states: continuous Off, continuous On, and Auto, which allows that output to be activated using the automatic auxiliary functions. (All functions are defaulted to Auto.) These items are based in the inverter and accessed using the system display.
Operation Settable AC Divert parameters include: Low and high DC voltage On and off delay During variable conditions, the AUX output is triggered no more than once per minute (if voltage conditions are still met). This prevents rapid nuisance cycling of the AC load. AC Divert should not be used as the sole source of battery regulation. If the inverter shuts down or fails, the batteries could suffer severe damage. This function should be supported by an external regulator.
Operation Remote activates the AUX when the inverter receives an external command from the system display or a similar device. To prevent software conflicts, Remote should be selected when external functions such as AGS (see below) are used. This function does not have settable parameters. The AUX functions are summarized in Table 4.
Metering MATE3 Screens The MATE, MATE2, and MATE3 system displays can each monitor the FX inverter and other networked OutBack devices. Menu navigation for the MATE3 is depicted in this chapter. From the Home screen, the “soft” key accesses the screens for monitoring the inverter. Inverter Soft Key Figure 16 Home Screen Inverter Screen The Inverter soft key opens a screen showing the inverter operating mode, battery voltage, and status of several AC operations.
Metering Charge displays the kilowatts and AC amperage consumed for the inverter to charge the battery bank. This line also shows the present charging stage. Load displays kilowatts and AC amperage consumed by devices on the inverter’s output. It can be the same as Invert. Buy displays the kilowatts and AC amperage brought into the inverter’s input for both charging and loads. This is usually a total of Charge and Load. Battery displays the uncompensated battery voltage.
Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting Table 5 is organized in order of common symptoms, with a series of possible causes. Each cause also shows possible troubleshooting remedies, including system display checks where appropriate. These instructions are for use by qualified personnel who meet all local and governmental code requirements for licensing and training for the installation of electrical power systems with AC and DC voltage up to 600 volts.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Symptom One or more units have no output but others do (in multiinverter system). Will not connect to the AC source. Troubleshooting Possible Cause Possible Remedy Unit is slave and is in Silent mode. MATE3 system display only: Check Power Save levels in the Inverter Stacking menu and test with loads. MATE/MATE2 system display only: Check Power Save levels in the ADV/FX/STACK menu and test with loads. Determine if the inverter comes on at the appropriate levels.
Troubleshooting Table 5 Symptom Unusual and different voltages on AC hot input lines. Possible Cause Possible Remedy Inverter has not synchronized with input source. MATE3 system display only: The AC In reading accessed by the soft key may be erratic or inaccurate after initial connection until the inverter has synchronized with the AC source. This may require a short time. Erratic AC source voltage. Check AC voltage on the AC HOT IN and AC NEUTRAL IN terminals. (See page 37.
Troubleshooting Error Messages An error is caused by a critical fault. In most cases when this occurs the ERROR indicator will illuminate and the inverter will shut down. (See page 11 for the FX inverter’s LED indicators.) The system display has a list of error messages. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE or MATE2. It will display Y in the MATE3 along with an event message. If a message says no or N, it is not the cause of the error. See the system display literature for more instructions.
Troubleshooting Warning Messages A warning message is caused by a non-critical fault. When this occurs, the ERROR indicator will flash, although the inverter will not shut down. (See page 11 for the FX inverter’s LED indicators.) The system display has a list of warning messages. One or more messages will display yes in the MATE or MATE2. It will display Y in the MATE3 along with an event message. If a message says no or N, it is not the cause of the warning.
Troubleshooting Table 7 Warning Troubleshooting Message Definition Possible Remedy Transformer (in Temps screen) Displays the ambient temperature around the inverter’s transformer. MATE3 system display only: These values are given in degrees Celsius. Output FETs (in Temps screen) Displays the temperature of the FETs (Field Effect Transistors) and heat sink. Capacitors (in Temps screen) Displays the temperature of the inverter’s ripple capacitors.
Specifications Electrical Specifications Table 9 Electrical Specifications for 12-Volt Mobile Models Specification FX2012MT VFX2812M Continuous Output Power at 25°C Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C AC Output Voltage AC Output Frequency AC Output Type AC Waveform Typical Efficiency Total Harmonic Distortion (maximum) Harmonic Distortion (maximum single voltage) AC Output Voltage Regulation Load Power Factor AC Maximum Output Current (1 ms peak) AC Maximum Output Current (100 ms RMS) AC Overload Capa
Specifications Table 10 Electrical Specifications for 24-Volt Mobile Models Specification FX2024M FX2524MT VFX3524M Load Power Factor AC Maximum Output Current (1 ms peak) AC Maximum Output Current (100 ms RMS) AC Overload Capability (100 ms surge) AC Overload Capability (5 second) AC Overload Capability (30 minute) Power Consumption (idle) – Invert mode, no load Power Consumption (idle) – Search mode Power Consumption – Off AC Input Voltage Range AC Input Frequency Range AC Input Current (maximum con
Specifications Table 12 Electrical Specifications for 36-Volt Mobile Models Specification FX2536MT VFX3236M Continuous Output Power at 25°C Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C AC Output Voltage (default) AC Output Frequency (default) AC Output Type AC Waveform Typical Efficiency Total Harmonic Distortion (maximum) Harmonic Distortion (maximum single voltage) AC Output Voltage Regulation Load Power Factor AC Maximum Output Current (1 ms peak) AC Maximum Output Current (100 ms RMS) AC Overload Capabilit
Specifications Table 13 Electrical Specifications for 48-Volt Mobile Models Specification FX3048MT VFX3648M AC Overload Capability (5 second) AC Overload Capability (30 minute) Power Consumption (idle) – Invert mode, no load Power Consumption (idle) – Search mode Power Consumption – Off AC Input Voltage Range AC Input Frequency Range AC Input Current (maximum continuous) DC Input Voltage (nominal) DC Input Voltage Range DC Input Power (continuous) DC Input Maximum Current (continuous full power) Batter
Specifications Regulatory Specifications Listings This product carries a listing report by ETL. It is listed to the following standards: UL 458 — Standard for Safety Power Converters/Inverters and Power Converter/Inverter Systems for Land Vehicles and Marine Crafts, ANSI/UL 458, Ed:3, dated 2006/04/19 (with revisions through and including 2013/02/20) CSA C22.2, General Use Power Supplies, No. 107.
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges (MATE or MATE2) Table 17 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum 6 8 60 AC cycles Grid 28 Aac 28 Aac 10.5 Vdc 12.5 Vdc 120 Vac 10 Aac 14 Aac 14.4 Vdc 1.0 hours 13.6 Vdc 1.0 hours 12.5 Vdc 14.4 Vdc 1.0 hours 108 Vac 140 Vac 28 Aac 6 AC cycles 0.
Specifications Table 18 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum 6 8 60 AC cycles Grid 28 Aac 28 Aac 21 Vdc 25 Vdc 120 Vac 12 Aac 18 Aac 28.8 Vdc 1.0 hours 27.2 Vdc 1.0 hours 25 Vdc 28.8 Vdc 1.0 hours 108 Vac 140 Vac 28 Aac 6 AC cycles 0.
Specifications Table 19 32-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum 6 8 60 AC cycles Grid 28 Aac 28 Aac 27.7 Vdc 33 Vdc 120 Vac 12 Aac 18 Aac 38 Vdc 1.0 hours 35.9 Vdc 1.0 hours 33 Vdc 38 Vdc 1.0 hours 108 Vac 140 Vac 28 Aac 6 AC cycles 0.
Specifications Table 20 36-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum 6 8 60 AC cycles Grid 28 Aac 28 Aac 31.5 Vdc 37.5 Vdc 120 Vac 12 Aac 18 Aac 43.2 Vdc 1.0 hours 40.8 Vdc 1.0 hours 37.5 Vdc 43.2 Vdc 1.0 hours 108 Vac 140 Vac 28 Aac 6 AC cycles 0.
Specifications Table 21 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE) Item Default Minimum 6 8 60 AC cycles Grid 28 Aac 28 Aac 42 Vdc 50 Vdc 120 Vac 12 Aac 18 Aac 57.6 Vdc 1.0 hours 54.4 Vdc 1.0 hours 50 Vdc 57.6 Vdc 1.0 hours 108 Vac 140 Vac 28 Aac 6 AC cycles 0.
Specifications Default Settings and Ranges (MATE3) Table 22 Field INVERTER Hot Key CHARGER Hot Key AC Input Hot Key Search AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Gen AC Input Voltage Limits AC Output Low Battery Battery Charger Battery Equalize 12-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Inverter Mode On On or Off Drop or Use 5 Aac 2 Aac 0 Aac 0 Aac 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 30 Aac 30 Aac 12 Aac 16 Aac 115 Vac 150 Vac 4.0 seconds 115 Vac 150 Vac 4.
Specifications Table 23 Field INVERTER Hot Key CHARGER Hot Key AC Input Hot Key Search AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Gen AC Input Voltage Limits AC Output Low Battery Battery Charger Battery Equalize 24-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Charger Control On On or Off Use 6 8 AC Cycles 60 AC Cycles Grid 28 Aac 28 Aac 12 Aac 18 Aac 108 Vac 140 Vac 0.1 second 108 Vac 140 Vac 1.0 second 0.5 minutes 5 Aac 2 Aac 0 Aac 0 Aac 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.
Specifications Table 24 Field INVERTER Hot Key CHARGER Hot Key AC Input Hot Key Search AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Gen AC Input Voltage Limits AC Output Low Battery Battery Charger Battery Equalize 32-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Inverter Mode Charger Control AC Input Mode Sensitivity (see page 14 for increments) Pulse Length Pulse Spacing Input Type Grid Input AC Limit Gen Input AC Limit FX2532MT Charger AC Limit VFX3232M Voltage Limit Lower (Voltage Limit) Upper Tr
Specifications Table 25 Field INVERTER Hot Key CHARGER Hot Key AC Input Hot Key Search AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Gen AC Input Voltage Limits AC Output Low Battery Battery Charger Battery Equalize 36-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Inverter Mode Charger Control On or Off Drop or Use 5 Aac 2 Aac 0 Aac 0 Aac 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 0.2 minutes 30 Aac 30 Aac 14 Aac 20 Aac 115 Vac 150 Vac 4.0 seconds 115 Vac 150 Vac 4.0 seconds 15.
Specifications Table 26 Field INVERTER Hot Key CHARGER Hot Key AC Input Hot Key Search AC Input and Current Limit Grid AC Input Voltage Limits Gen AC Input Voltage Limits AC Output Low Battery Battery Charger Battery Equalize 48-Volt Inverter Settings (MATE3) Item Inverter Mode On or Off Drop or Use 5 Aac 2 Aac 0 Aac 0 Aac 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 40 Vac 130 Vac 0.12 seconds 0.2 minutes 30 Aac 30 Aac 14 Aac 20 Aac 115 Vac 150 Vac 4.0 seconds 115 Vac 150 Vac 4.0 seconds 15.
Specifications Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 27 58 Terms and Definitions Term Definition AC Alternating Current; refers to voltage produced by the inverter, utility grid, or generator AGS Advanced Generator Start AUX Inverter’s 12-volt auxiliary output Communications manager Multi-port device such as the OutBack HUB 4 or HUB10.
Index 1 12V AUX .................................................................................... 32 A Absorption Stage................................................................... 21 AC Input ............................................................................. 13, 15 AC Test Points ......................................................................... 37 AGS (Advanced Generator Start) ...................................... 34 Audience ..................................................
Index G S GenAlert ................................................................................... 33 Generator Sizing ............................................................................... 17 Note Symbol .............................................................................. 7 Safety ........................................................................................... 7 Search ........................................................................................
Index U W UL458.................................................................................... 8, 47 Warning Symbol .......................................................................7 Warnings .................................................................................. 41 V Vent Fan Control ....................................................................
Index This page intentionally left blank.
Index This page intentionally left blank.
Masters of the Off-Grid.™ First Choice for the New Grid. Corporate Headquarters 17825 – 59th Avenue N.E. Suite B Arlington, WA 98223 USA +1.360.435.6030 900-0198-01-00 Rev A European Office Hansastrasse 8 D-91126 Schwabach, Germany +49.9122.79889.
