APS Troubleshooting

Created by Victor Herrera, Modified on Wed, Jun 15, 2022 at 10:47 AM by Victor Herrera

For Additional APSmart Application and Support Please contact: [email protected]

Installation

Following slide is introduced best practice for installation: RSD-S-PLC default voltage is between 0.6 and 0.7v DC while connected to a module in the sun, due to flexible/easy mounting it on the frame, installers could quickly preparing by simple 3 steps and make sure PV module+ RSD device is ready to go.

By doing those 3 steps, it would be pertinent to ignore the “bad devices out of box” to guarantee every module is ready to line up, then install them as normal PV modules as before.

Troubleshooting:

When one or more MLRSD's are believed to be malfunctioning, troubleshoot via the following paths:

Measure DC voltage at the inverter side. Look for voltage differences from the expected voltage that may indicate a MLRSD (RSD-S-PLC) has failed.
- After AC Grid is turned on, the transmitter starts sending heartbeat signals, the RSD-S-PLC enables PV modules to generate power. The inverter input voltages show as total voltages in the array: Vm1+Vm2+….Vmn = Vinputs
- When AC Grid is turned off, the transmitter stops sending heartbeat signals, the RSD-S-PLC goes into RSD mode and shuts down the PV modules' power outputs. Because each RSD-S-PLC outputs a voltage of 0.7V during shutdown mode, by monitoring the total inverter input voltages, it is easily to calculate the total functioning RSD-S-PLC within the array: 0.7v * Number of Receivers = Vinputs
Use an IR camera to find the module(s) that appears "black," indicating no current is flowing. --> Replace the RSD.
If a whole string is not functioning --> Examine/replace the transmitter.

To replace a faulty RSD-S-PLC, follow the steps below:

1. Switch off the supply.

2. Disconnect the AC by turning off the inverter switch.

3. Disconnect the DC by turning off the inverter switch.

4. Wait for at least 5 minutes after switching off the power and then disconnect the PV module with the RSD-S-PLC.

5. Remove the RSD-S-PLC from the PV array racking.

6. Install a replacement RSD-S-PLC to the rack .

7. Turn on the DC side switch and then turn on the AC side switch and recover the system.

There are 4 basic tools to locate failed device, preferred method by IR camera.

The easiest testing method is by Thermometer to measure the PV module’s surface temperature, because if the device failed, module is not operating and its surface temperature significantly lower than others.

RSD-EYE detector is the tool for tracking PLC signals also be able to troubleshoot Transmitters, broken connections. Will be available soon.

Customer Support:

Please contact APSmart Customer Support. [email protected]