The CATCH Power Solar Relay is a DIN-mounted device designed for the solar industry to control electrical loads based on solar energy availability and grid conditions. It is manufactured by Project H Pty Ltd, located at 180 Dumaresq Street, Glen Innes, NSW 2370, Australia. For support, they can be reached at +64 2 5700 5717, via their website www.Catchpower.com.au, or by email at sales@catchpower.com.au.

Function Description

The CATCH Solar Relay is a sophisticated control unit that manages electrical loads in conjunction with solar power systems. Its primary function is to maximize solar self-consumption, manage grid voltage rise issues, and operate in off-grid environments where frequency shifting is used for device control. The device can control one or more contactor coils (up to a maximum load current of 4A), allowing it to drive various single or three-phase contactors, making the number and type of controllable loads limited only by imagination.

The relay operates through a series of configurable "overrides," each representing a specific mode of operation. A maximum of four overrides can be configured, each with a start and stop time. These modes include:

Export Control: This mode controls the load based on solar export levels, ideal for maximizing solar self-consumption. It features configurable "Minimum On Time," "Above Threshold" (watts to be exporting before turning on), "Above Time" (minutes the "Above Threshold" needs to occur), "Below Threshold" (watts to be exporting before turning off), and "Below Time" (minutes the "Below Threshold" needs to occur). A crucial note is that the difference between the "Above" and "Below" thresholds must be greater than the load size to prevent contactor oscillations.
Turn On: This mode simply turns the load on for a specified period.
Turn Off: This mode forces the unit to turn off the load for a specified period.
Top Up: This mode ensures the load has been on for a minimum specified total duration within a 24-hour period. It's typically used with other control modes like Export Control or Voltage/Frequency Control to guarantee a minimum running time, activating only if the load's run time from other modes doesn't meet the target.
Voltage Controlled: This mode turns the load on and off based on grid voltage, suitable for managing voltage rise issues in solar installations. It includes configurable "Minimum On Time," "Above Threshold" (voltage to turn on), "Above Time," "Below Threshold" (voltage to turn off), and "Below Time."
Frequency Controlled: This mode turns the load on and off based on grid frequency, ideal for off-grid environments using frequency shifting for device control (e.g., SMA systems). It also has configurable "Minimum On Time," "Above Threshold" (frequency to turn on), "Above Time," "Below Threshold" (frequency to turn off), and "Below Time."

The device also supports MODBUS RTU control over an RS485 physical layer, allowing for updates and control of all relay aspects via a Modbus interface. Details on configuring inverters and the CATCH Solar Relay for this can be found on their website's tech docs page.

Important Technical Specifications

Operational Voltage: 230VAC
Operational Frequency: 50Hz
Maximum AC Load: 4A (for controlling contactor coils)
Load Types: Any (when used with appropriate external contactors)
Max A/C Cable Size: 2.5mm²
CT Lead Length: 1m
IP Rating: IP2X
Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +45°C
Size: 35W x 85H x 65D (mm)
Standards Conformity: IEC 60730-1, AS/NZS CISPR 32:2015
CT Ratio: For the standard model (CP-SR-STD), the supplied CT is used, and the ratio does not need to be changed. For industrial versions using standard 5A secondary CTs, the applicable CT ratio must be specified (e.g., 400A primary current CTs would have a ratio of 80).
Modbus Device ID: 0-255
Modbus Baud Rate: Configurable (e.g., 9600)
Modbus Stopbits: 1 or 2
Modbus Parity: Even, Odd, or None

Usage Features

DIN Mounted: The device is designed to be mounted inside a standard electrical enclosure (switchboard, sub-board, load center) and is the same size as a 2-pole miniature circuit breaker.
Easy Wiring: Terminal layouts are designed for maximum flexibility and simplicity. Power terminals are duplicated for easy daisy-chaining to other power control devices.
Current Transformer (CT) Integration: If the export control feature is required, a CT must be installed. The CT can be positioned anywhere in the installation that monitors all loads and solar. CTs are directional, and the arrow on the CT must point in the same direction as the current flow (e.g., from HOUSE to GRID for mains monitoring). CTs must be fitted to insulated cables only and terminated into the device before clamping onto cables. Multiple wires can be put through the CT, provided all currents are in the same direction and in phase.
Bluetooth Configuration: The CATCH Solar Relay is configured wirelessly using the CATCH Power Configuration App, available on Google Play Store and Apple iStore. The app connects to the device via Bluetooth.
Live Data View: The Configuration App provides a "Live Data View" showing real-time information such as Device Time, Volts (RMS voltage), Amps (RMS current), Freq (Grid Frequency), Power (measured at the CT point, negative for exporting), Run Time (minutes load has had voltage applied since midnight), and Duty (load status: 1 for on, 0 for off).
LED Indicators: The device has three LEDs:
- Power (Green): Indicates power is applied and the unit is functional.
- Load On (Green): Indicates power has been applied to the Active Out port.
- Bluetooth (Blue): Indicates the Solar Relay is connected to a mobile device.
- Upon power-up, all three lights flash for 20 seconds, then the Power light comes on.
Configuration Menu: The app's menu allows users to:
- Find Devices: Disconnect from the current device and scan for others.
- Live Data: Access the real-time data screen.
- Configuration: Adjust device settings, including general settings (Date/Time, CT Ratio) and system overrides.
- Change Password: The device ships with a blank password.
- Firmware Update: Update the device firmware.

Maintenance Features

Firmware Updates: The device supports firmware updates via the mobile application, ensuring it can receive the latest features and improvements.
Password Protection: The ability to set a password for configuration access adds a layer of security.

Important Safety Information

Professional Installation: This product must be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with AS/NZ3000 – Australian Wiring Standards.
High Voltage AC: Always ensure all electricity sources are appropriately isolated when installing the equipment to prevent danger to life from high voltage AC.
Electric Shock Risk with CTs: CTs must be fitted to insulated cables only. Ensure the CT is terminated into the device before clamping onto any current-carrying cables. Never disconnect CTs from the Solar Relay while they are wrapped around a current-carrying conductor.

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