Fronius 50kA-3 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Fronius Smart Meter 50kA-3 is a bidirectional electricity meter designed for optimizing self-consumption and recording household load curves. It integrates with the Fronius Datamanager to provide a clear overview of electricity consumption. The meter measures power flow to loads or the grid and transmits this information to the Fronius Datamanager via a ModBus RTU/RS485 interface.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Fronius Smart Meter is to provide accurate measurement of electricity consumption and production within a photovoltaic (PV) system. This data is crucial for:

Optimizing Self-Consumption: By monitoring real-time energy flows, the Smart Meter enables users to maximize the use of self-generated solar power, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Load Curve Recording: It records the household's electricity usage patterns, offering insights into energy consumption behavior.
PV System Monitoring: When combined with the Fronius Datamanager, it provides a comprehensive overview of the PV system's performance, including energy sourced from the grid, energy fed into the grid, and battery charge (if applicable).
Dynamic Feed-in Control: The primary meter function allows for control over the amount of energy fed back into the grid, which can be important for compliance with local regulations or optimizing self-consumption strategies.
Multi-meter System Capabilities: The device supports the installation of multiple Smart Meters within a single system, allowing for detailed monitoring of individual loads (secondary meters) or producers (producer meters) in different branches of the consumption.

Important Technical Specifications:

Modbus Transmission Speed: 9600 baud
Parity Bit: None
Software Version (Datamanager): 3.7.2 / Energypackage 1.3.3
Input Voltage:
- Three-phase nominal: 400-415 V (Operating range: 363 to 457 V)
- Single-phase nominal: 230-240 V (Operating range: 210 to 264 V)
Voltage Transformer Ratio (kVT): 1 to 1500.0 (e.g., VT 20000/400V kVT = 50; for direct connection: kVT = 1)
Self-consumption (Voltage Path): 4.5 VA (1.85 W) for 440 V
Nominal Frequency: 50-60 Hz (Tolerance: 47 to 63 Hz)
Nominal Current (Ib): 1 A + 5 A
Maximum Current (Imax): 6 A
Starting Current: 20 mA
Current Transformer Ratio (kCT): 1 to 9,999 (e.g., TC 800/5A kCT = 160; for direct connection: kCT = 1)
Short-time Overload (EN/IEC 62053-21, EN/IEC 62053-23): 20 Imax / 0.5 s
Self-consumption (Current Path): 0.3 W per phase
Maximum Value kVT x kCT: 5,000,000 (CT/1A) or 1,000,000 (CT/5A)
Current Distortion Factor: In accordance with EN/IEC 62053-21
Power Factor (Operating Range): Active cosφ 0.5 ind to 0.8 cap, Reactive sinφ 0.5 ind to 0.5 cap
Energy Measurement:
- Max. Display: As per table (e.g., 999999.99 kWh/kvarh for kCT x kVT 1 to 9.9)
- Resolution: As per table (e.g., 10 Wh/varh for kCT x kVT 1 to 9.9)
- LED Indicator: 1 pulse / 0.1 Wh
- Active Energy Accuracy (EN/IEC 62053-21): Class 1
- Reactive Energy Accuracy (EN/IEC 62053-23): Class 2
- Response Time after Switch-on: < 5 s
Operating Hours Counter:
- Resolution: 7-digit (5 hours + 2 minutes)
- Max. Display: 99,999 h 59 min
- Programmable Values: 0.10 to 50% Pn (3-phase effective power)
Output (Energy Pulse):
- Contact Load: 110 V DC/AC - 50 mA
- Assignable Energy: Active or reactive energy (10 Wh/Varh to 1000 kWh/kVarh)
- Pulse Duration: 50 - 500 ms
RS485 Communication:
- Standard: RS485 - 3 conductors
- Protocol: Modbus RTU
- Addresses: 1 to 255
- Baud Rate: 4800 - 19200 bit/s
- Response Time: ≤ 200 ms
Insulation (EN/IEC 62052-11, 62053-21):
- Installation Category: III
- Pollution Level: 2
- Insulation Voltage: 300 V phase-neutral
- Impulse Withstand Voltage: 5 kV 1.2/60 µs
- Test Voltage: 2.75 kV r.m.s. 50 Hz / 1 min (voltage, current, pulse output, communication); 4 kV r.m.s. 50 Hz / 1 min (all circuits and earth)
Operating Conditions:
- Reference Temperature: 23 °C (±2 °C)
- Operating Range: -5 to 55 °C
- Temperature Limit for Storage and Transport: -25 to 70 °C
- Max. Power Loss: ≤ 2.8 W
Housing:
- Dimensions: 4 modules according to DIN 43880
- Mounting: Can be snapped onto 35 mm DIN rail
- Material: Polycarbonate, self-extinguishing
- Degree of Protection (EN 60529): IP54 front, IP20 connections
- Weight: 260 grams
Screw Terminals:
- Wire (rigid): Min. 0.05 mm² / max. 4 mm²
- Wire (flexible): Min. 0.05 mm² / max. 2.5 mm²
- Recommended Torque: 0.5 Nm / max. 0.8 Nm

Usage Features:

Flexible Installation: The Smart Meter can be installed at two key locations: the feed-in point (where power enters/leaves the public grid) or the consumption point (where power is consumed by loads). This flexibility allows for different monitoring strategies depending on the system's needs.
DIN Rail Mounting: The device is designed for easy mounting on a standard 35 mm DIN rail, simplifying installation in electrical cabinets.
Current Transformer (CT) Integration: It supports external current transformers for measuring high currents, with selection criteria provided based on primary current, secondary current (1A or 5A), power requirements, and accuracy class. The device requires CTs to be directional and correctly phased with voltage inputs for accurate measurements.
Voltage Transformer (VT) Integration: For systems requiring voltage transformation, the Smart Meter can be connected to suitable voltage transformers (210-440 V phase-to-phase).
Modbus RTU/RS485 Communication: The Smart Meter communicates with the Fronius Datamanager via a robust RS485 interface, ensuring reliable data transmission.
Terminating Resistors: The manual provides clear guidance on the use and placement of terminating resistors to ensure proper functioning and prevent interference in the communication bus. A 120 Ohm terminating resistor is included with the device.
Configurable Transformation Ratios: Users can set the transformation ratios for both current and voltage transformers directly on the Smart Meter, allowing for adaptation to various system configurations.
Address Setting for Multi-meter Systems: In systems with multiple Smart Meters, each device must be assigned a unique Modbus address (1-14), with address 1 typically reserved for the primary meter. This enables individual monitoring of different energy flows.
Web Interface Configuration: The Fronius Datamanager's web interface provides a user-friendly platform for configuring the Smart Meter, including setting its location (feed-in or consumption point), assigning names, and managing Modbus addresses.
Clear Display and Indicators: The device features an LED indicator for energy pulses (1 pulse / 0.1 Wh) and a display for various measurement values.
Password Protection: Access to certain settings, such as transformation ratios and addresses, is protected by a password (default 0001, configurable), ensuring secure operation.

Maintenance Features:

Firmware Updates: To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, the firmware of the Fronius system monitoring (inverter and Datamanager) should always be kept up to date. Updates can be initiated via the inverter's web page or Fronius Solar.web.
Legible Safety Notices: All safety and danger notices on the device must be kept legible, undamaged, and uncovered, emphasizing the importance of safety information for maintenance personnel.
Qualified Personnel Requirement: All commissioning, maintenance, and servicing work must be carried out by suitably qualified personnel with knowledge and experience in electrical installations, and who have thoroughly read and followed the operating instructions.
Original Spare Parts: The use of original spare parts is strongly recommended to ensure safety and maintain the device's performance and warranty.
Regular Checks: Before switching on, any equipment malfunctions that might impair safety must be remedied. Cables and leads should be regularly checked for damage, proper insulation, and secure connections.
Operating Hours Counter: The device includes an operating hours counter, which can be reset via keypad or locked, potentially aiding in scheduling maintenance based on operational time.
Manufacturer's Warranty: Detailed, country-specific warranty terms are available online, and registration of the inverter or storage system on Solar.web is required to obtain the full warranty period.