Datasheet

www.steca.com
Steca Solarix PI:
flexible and versatile
Parallel connection
A stand-alone PV system is relatively difficult to size, since often the
loads and their average running times are not adequately known, or
because, when the system is subsequently expanded, more loads are
added.
This is where the simple expandability of the Steca Solarix PI in-
verters pays off. Up to four devices can be operated in parallel. The
connections are made via an external box, the Steca PA Link1.
From the outside, the combination of two, three or four inverters
functions like one device with a correspondingly higher capacity. In-
ternally, in case of open-circuit operation or low output, e.g. for the
lighting, only one inverter continues to operate. This has a positive
effect on the electricity consumption, since the devices which are
not turned on do not consume any power. Only when a higher capa-
city is called for, for example when a refrigerator is turned on, are all
the inverters automatically switched on, thus ensuring trouble-free
operation.
In this regard, Steca Solarix PI inverters are all the same. Only via
the connection to the Steca PA Link1 parallel switch box is one inver-
ter designated as the master. This device then has control over the
system, whilst the other Steca Solarix PI inverters operate as slaves.
Rotary switch
Operating the Steca Solarix PI is made very easy by the large rotary
switch on the front of the device.
If the Steca Solarix PI is being used as a single device, three different
modes of operation are possible, and these may be selected using
the rotary switch. The load detection section follows on from the
‘off’ setting on the far left. In this section, the switch can be turned
continuously to match the power consumption of the smallest load.
In order to reduce power consumption, the inverter is then turned
off, and it checks periodically whether a load has been turned on.
Only if this is the case does the inverter switch itself on. The ‘on’
setting on the rotary switch follows on from the load detection sec-
tion. In this operating status, the inverter makes the output voltage
continually available.
If several inverters are connected in parallel, the desired mode of
operation is selected using the rotary switch of the device connected
to the ‘master socket’. In addition to the modes of operation described
above, there is also the setting ‘all on’. This means that not only the
master device is continually switched on, but all other connected
inverters as well.
The use of the rotary switch makes it possible to see very quickly
which mode of operation the inverter is in.
Electronic fuse
One innovation in sine wave inverters is the electronic fuse as it is
employed by Steca in solar charge controllers. With this fuse, the
Steca Solarix PI is protected against overloads, and also against the
accidental connection of the AC output to the public grid. Because
the fuse is electronic, it does not need to be replaced after it has
been triggered, as is the case with mechanical fuses. As soon as the
problem has been remedied, the inverter automatically reverts back
to its selected mode of operation.
The Steca Solarix PI is also internally protected against an incor-
rect wiring of the battery. In case of reverse polarity, the device re-
mains undamaged, and there is no need to replace the fuse.
Quick and robust control
The Steca Solarix PI inverter was developed to supply power to a
wide range of loads. Even critical loads can be operated, thanks to
the quick control. At the heart of the controller is a DSP (digital si-
gnal processor) which takes on the extensive calculation work. The
inverter’s necessary robustness is supplied by a control software
program which was developed in cooperation with a renowned re-
search institute.
Low own consumption
The sine wave inverter has benefited from Steca’s 15 years of expe-
rience in the field of stand-alone PV systems. This is reflected, for
instance, in the low own consumption of the Steca Solarix PI. When
used in solar home systems, the inverter is connected to the battery
24 hours a day, and is designed to consume as little as possible of
the solar-generated energy whilst in load-detection or open-circuit
modes.
Inverter type (2x) PI 500-12 PI 550-24 PI 1100-24 PI 1500-48
Continuous power 900 VA 900 VA 1,800 VA 1,800 VA
Power 30 min. 950 VA 1,000 VA 2,000 VA 2,800 VA
Power 5 sec. 950 VA 1,350 VA 2,700 VA 4,100 VA
Inverter type (3x) PI 500-12 PI 550-24 PI 1100-24 PI 1500-48
Continuous power 1,350 VA 1,350 VA 2,700 VA 2,700 VA
Power 30 min. 1,400 VA 1,500 VA 3,000 VA 4,150 VA
Power 5 sec. 1,400 VA 2,050 VA 4,100 VA 5,400 VA
Inverter type (4x) PI 500-12 PI 550-24 PI 1100-24 PI 1500-48
Continuous power 1,800 VA 1,800 VA 3,600 VA 3,600 VA
Power 30 min. 1,850 VA 2,010 VA 4,000 VA 5,500 VA
Power 5 sec. 1,850 VA 2,750 VA 5,500 VA 6,600 VA
SINE WAVE INVERTERS