Background

The AC Coupling solution allows customers to easily add an hybrid system on the basis of an existing on-grid inverter (SolaX or third-party inverter), or add a on-grid inverter system on the hybrid system. This solution is divided into two versions, one is the common version, and the other is the version with Advanced Matebox. Since some customers have already used Advanced Matebox, the installation position of the meter and the calculation logic also show difference with the common version. Next, we will delve into these key details.

AC Coupling Common Solution

Figure 1 AC Coupling Common Solution Diagram

1. Key points

• Single-phase hybrid inverter and on-grid inverter can be connected with dual CTs to form a Micro-grid system, but the pin of the three-phase hybrid inverter Meter/CT port cannot support two CTs, so only the AC Coupling dual meter solution can be used.
• In this solution, the on-grid inverter system is connected to the hybrid inverter's Grid port, as well as to the grid and common loads.
• Meter 1 is connected to the grid, collecting data from the on-grid point;
• Meter 2 is connected to the AC output of the on-grid inverter, measuring the output power of the on-grid inverter.
• The hybrid inverter has only one Meter/CT port, and an RJ45 splitter is needed to achieve communication between two Meters and the inverter.

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of RJ45 splitter pin configuration

Note: The pin configuration of the required RJ45 splitter is shown in Figure 2, using other types of splitters may result in communication fault. A multimeter can be used to measure whether the pins of the splitter port and the main port correspond and are conductive.

2. Inverter and Meter Communication Settings

①Check if the communication addresses of Meter1/2 in the inverter correspond to 1 and 2, usually the default address for Meter 1 is 1, and for Meter 2 is 2. The setting path is as follows:

“Main”-->”Setting”-->”Advanced”-->”Meter/CT Settings”-->”Meter1 Addr”

②Check the communication addresses in the Meter, the address for Meter1 should be 1 , and the address for Meter 2 needs to be set as 2.

Setting Steps:

1)Check the current address status of Meter

2)Enter the setting interface by entering password [0701]

3)Change the address in the "Addr" field

For detailed operations please refer to the animation below:

Figure 3 Meter Address Checking and Setting Guide

AC Coupling with Advanced Matebox Solution

1.X3-Matebox Advanced

Figure 3 X3-Matebox Advanced Electrical Connection Diagram

Matebox Advanced integrates Meter, Circuit Breaker, RCD, DC Switch and DPDT, simplifying the wiring steps of some accessories during the installation process. However, some customers may need to add on-grid inverter after installing and using Matebox Advanced. Inside Matebox, Meter is fixedly installed on the Grid branch and cannot be moved. Therefore, to realise the AC Coupling solution, it is necessary to enable the [External INV] function on the inverter.

2. AC Coupling with Advanced Matebox Solution

According to the product features of Matebox, the AC Coupling solution needs to be adjusted as shown in the diagram below.

Figure 4 AC coupling with Advanced Matebox Diagram

①Key points

• Meter 1 is integrated inside Matebox, while Meter 2 is installed on the grid side.
• After enabling [External INV], the hybrid system calculation logic changes to:

P_Meter1 - P_Meter2 = P_{on-gird INV} ,

achieving the function of Meter2 in the common solution.

• The hybrid inverter has only one Meter/CT port, which requires the use of an RJ45 splitter to connect the communication of the two Meters to the hybrid system.

②Inverter and Meter Communication Settings

• Check if the communication addresses of Meter1/2 in the inverter correspond to 1 and 2, usually the default address for Meter1 is 1, and for Meter2 is 2. The setting path is as follows:

“Main”->”Settings”->”Advance setting”->”Meter/CT Settings”->”Meter1 Addr”

• Check if [External INV] is enabled in the inverter.

“Main”-->”Settings”-->”Advance setting”-->”Meter/CT Settings”-->“External INV”（Must Enable）

Figure 5 [External INV] setting

• Check if the communication address in Meter 2 on the meter is set to 2. If not, please refer to step 2-② for instructions.

Compatibility

Inverter Type:

X1-Hybrid/Fit G4, X3-Hybrid/Fit G4, X1-IES, X3-IES