Outback FLEXnet DC - User Manual

Contact Information
About OutBack Power
OutBack Power is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. OutBack Power products include true
sinewave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication
components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems.
Contact Information
Mailing Address: 1628 – West Williams Drive
Phoenix, AZ 5027 USA
Web Site: www.outbackpower.com
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, OUTBACK POWER:
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL
OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
(b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT,
NDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH
INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.
OutBack Power cannot be responsible for system failure, damages, or injury resulting from improper
installation of their products.
Notice of Copyright
FLEXnet DC Battery Monitor Overview Guide © 2020 by OutBack Power Technologies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
Trademarks and logos are the property of OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates unless
otherwise noted. Subject to revisions without notice. E. & O.E. UL is a registered trademark of UL LLC.
IEEE is the registered trademark of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
Date and Revision
August 2020, Revision C
Part Number
900-0093-01-00 Rev C
FLEXnet DC Battery Monitor
Overview Guide
Contents
Specifi cations 2
Installation 3
Wiring 4
Programming 6
Monitoring 8
Operation 12
Example Use Cases 16
Troubleshooting Guide 18
Calibration 19
Introduction
OutBack Power’s FLEXnet DC (FN-DC) is a battery monitoring
device that serves as a window to the battery bank. By
tracking battery voltage and the amount of incoming and
outgoing current, the FN-DC indicates the battery bank’s state of
charge (SOC) and enables users to precisely confi gure charging
parameters to maximize battery performance and lifespan.
The FN-DC also provides an auxiliary relay that can activate a
ventilation fan, low-battery warning alarm, or other low-voltage
DC device. The MATE3s can use the FN-DC’s information to
stop all charging devices when the batteries are full.
Included
A: FLEXnet DC
B: 10-pin Wiring Block
C: 6' CAT5 cable for HUB connection
D: 10' Twisted-Pair (TP) cable for battery connection
E: Three 6' TP cables for shunt connections
F: Two #6 × ⅜" pan head machine screws (not pictured)
G: Colored labels (not pictured)
NOTES:
 For programming and full functionality, this product requires
the use of an OutBack Power system display such as the
MATE3s. It is intended to monitor systems with OutBack
Power inverters, charge controllers, and related products.
 This document assumes knowledge of features, functions,
and operation of other OutBack Power products. Consult
appropriate literature as necessary.
IMPORTANT:
This document provides instructions for installation, setup, and
operation of the product. These instructions are for use by
qualifi ed personnel who meet all local and governmental code
requirements for licensing and training for the installation of
electrical power systems with AC and DC voltage up to 600 volts.
Failure to install or use this equipment as instructed in the
literature can result in damage to the equipment that may not
be covered under the limited warranty. This product is only
serviceable by qualifi ed personnel.
C
D
B
A
E

Summary

Contact Information

About OutBack Power

General information about OutBack Power, the company.

Disclaimer

Legal notice regarding warranty and liability for product use.

Notice of Copyright

Details the copyright ownership of the FLEXnet DC Overview Guide.

Trademarks

Lists the trademarks and logos owned by OutBack Power Technologies, Inc.

Date and Revision

Indicates the publication date and revision level of the document.

Part Number

Specifies the product's part number for identification.

Overview Guide

Introduction

Provides an overview of the FLEXnet DC battery monitor and its function.

Contents

Lists the main sections and topics covered in the document.

Specifications

FN-DC Field Calibration

Step-by-step guide to calibrate the FN-DC in a real-world system.

Troubleshooting

Common Problems

Lists symptoms, possible causes, and remedies for typical FN-DC problems.

Installation

Installing the FLEXnet DC

Procedure for physically mounting the FN-DC unit into a power center.

Wiring Connections

Detailed guide on how to connect all wires to the FN-DC wiring block.

Example Use Cases

One Inverter, Two Charge Controllers

Diagram showing FN-DC setup with one inverter and two charge controllers.

One Inverter, One Charge Controller

Diagram showing FN-DC setup with one inverter and one charge controller.

Shunt Operation

Explains the principle of shunt operation for current measurement.

Programming

Initializing the FLEXnet DC

Essential steps to perform before powering on the FN-DC for the first time.

Programming with the MATE3 s

Instructions for configuring the FN-DC using the MATE3s system display.

Operation

Accessing Historical Data

How to retrieve and view logged battery performance and historical data.

FN-DC and the Charging Cycle

Explains how the FN-DC monitors battery SOC and charging parameters.

Viewing FN-DC Data

Methods for accessing and viewing data from the FN-DC on the MATE3s.

MATE3 s Battery Status LED Indicators

Explanation of the LED indicators on the FN-DC unit showing battery SOC.

Battery Stats

Summary of key battery performance metrics displayed by the FN-DC.

Shunt Status

Information regarding the operational status of the connected shunts.

FLEXnet DC DataLog

Details on the data logging capabilities and contents of the FN-DC.

Programming the Auxiliary Relay

Steps to configure the auxiliary relay for external device activation.

FN-DC LED Indicators

Meaning of the various LED indicators on the FLEXnet DC device.

Shunt A Historical Data

Historical data logged for the specific shunt designated as Shunt A.

Shunt B Historical Data

Historical data logged for the specific shunt designated as Shunt B.

Viewing Data on OPTICS RE

How to remotely monitor FN-DC data using the OPTICS RE web interface.

Battery Charging

OPTICS RE interface screen for configuring battery charging parameters.

Shunt A

OPTICS RE interface screen displaying data for Shunt A.

Shunt B

OPTICS RE interface screen displaying data for Shunt B.

Relay

OPTICS RE interface screen for managing the device's relay settings.

FLEXnet Relay Mode

Setting to manually or automatically control the auxiliary relay's state.

FLEXnet Relay Set Points

Criteria used to automatically trigger the auxiliary relay's operation.

Outback FLEXnet DC Specifications

General

Brand	Outback
Model	FLEXnet DC
Category	Monitor
Language	English