The Sigen Gateway HomeMax TP is a crucial component for PV storage applications, designed to facilitate data acquisition and monitoring, off-grid backup power switching, diesel generator control, and energy management. It is specifically engineered for use with SigenStor BAT and inverters, making it suitable for both on-grid and off-grid home rooftop PV power systems. These systems typically comprise photovoltaic panels, inverters, battery packs, the Gateway itself, master control switches, loads, and power grids.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Sigen Gateway HomeMax TP is to act as a central control and monitoring unit within a solar energy storage system. It enables seamless integration and management of various components, ensuring efficient energy flow and system reliability. Its capabilities include:
- Data Acquisition and Monitoring: The Gateway collects data from connected inverters, battery packs, and other system components, providing comprehensive insights into system performance. This data is accessible through the mySigen App, allowing users to monitor their energy system remotely.
- Off-grid Backup Power Switching: In the event of a grid outage, the Gateway can automatically switch to off-grid backup power, drawing energy from the SigenStor BAT to power essential loads. This ensures continuous power supply for critical appliances.
- Diesel Generator Control: For systems requiring additional backup or extended off-grid operation, the Gateway can integrate with and control diesel generators, optimizing their operation in conjunction with the solar and battery storage system.
- Energy Management: The Gateway intelligently manages energy flow, deciding when to charge batteries, discharge them to power loads, or feed excess solar energy back to the grid (if configured for on-grid operation). This optimizes energy usage and can reduce electricity costs.
- Networking: The device supports various communication methods, including FE (Fast Ethernet), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and 4G (via CommMod), to ensure reliable data transmission and remote management.
Important Technical Specifications:
The Sigen Gateway HomeMax TP is built with robust specifications to ensure reliable operation in diverse environments.
- Dimensions: The physical dimensions of the Gateway are 522 mm (width) x 750 mm (height) x 179 mm (depth), with a total height of 803 mm including the support frame. The mounting hardware requires a minimum clearance of 173 mm from the top and 100 mm from the bottom for installation.
- Environmental Ratings:
- Relative Humidity: Operates within a relative humidity range of 0%RH to 95%RH.
- Ambient Temperature: Designed to function in ambient temperatures ranging from -30°C to 55°C.
- Heat Source Distance: Requires a minimum distance of 2 meters from any heat source (60°C).
- Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: IP54, indicating protection against dust ingress and splashing water from any direction.
- Internal Components and Ports:
- Bottom View Ports:
- INV1: Wire-in port of inverter 1
- INV2: Wire-in port of inverter 2
- BACKUP: Wire-in port of distribution panel
- SMART-PORT: Reserved
- GRID: Wire-in port of power grid
- COM: Wire-in port of communication
- Interior View Components:
- FE interface
- (Reserved) RS485, DI, DO interface
- (Reserved) Miniature circuit breaker
- Miniature circuit breaker (Power grid)
- Miniature circuit breaker (Distribution panel)
- Miniature circuit breaker + Surge protection device
- GND (Ground)
- Cable clamp
- Grounding bar
- Miniature circuit breaker (Inverters 1)
- Miniature circuit breaker (Inverters 2)
- Safety Labels: The device features several important safety labels:
- High Voltage Warning: Indicates a risk of high voltage inside the cover, requiring precautions during operation.
- Discharge Delay Warning: After power-off, internal components have a discharge delay. Users must wait 5 minutes for full discharge.
- Hot Surface Warning: The equipment surface can be hot during operation, posing a burn risk.
- Refer to Instructions: Directs users to consult the manual for proper operation.
- Earthing Mark: Indicates the grounding point.
Usage Features:
The Sigen Gateway HomeMax TP is designed for user-friendly operation and flexible system configurations.
- Whole Home Backup: In a whole home backup scenario, the Gateway connects to PV panels, SigenStor EC/AC/Hybrid units, SigenStor BAT, and a backup distribution panel. It manages power flow to backup electric equipment and can connect to the internet for cloud services and app monitoring. Communication with the inverter is recommended via FE and WLAN.
- Partial Home Backup: For partial home backup, the system can be configured with a power sensor (H) to enable zero-power grid connection. If H is not configured, zero-power grid connection is not possible. For partial backup power and zero-power grid connection control networking, H must be configured.
- mySigen App Integration: The mySigen App, available on App Store and Google Play, provides a convenient interface for monitoring and managing the Gateway and the entire energy system.
- Communication Options: The Gateway supports FE and WLAN for communication with the inverter. For users relying on CommMod (4G), it's important to note that a 4G data plan needs to be topped up after two years.
- Installation Requirements:
- Environment: Avoid smoky, flammable, explosive, or strong electromagnetic interference environments. Protect from direct sunlight, rain, standing water, snow, or dust. Install in a sheltered place and take precautions against natural disasters. Ensure the installation environment's temperature and humidity comply with requirements. Maintain at least 500 m distance from corrosion sources (e.g., seaside, chemical plants).
- Position: Install horizontally, not tilted or overturned. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid areas prone to fire or moisture (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms). Keep away from daily working and living areas (living rooms, bedrooms, studies).
- Mounting Surface: Do not install on flammable carriers. The carrier must meet load-bearing requirements (solid brick-concrete or concrete walls recommended). The surface must be smooth, and the installation area must meet space requirements. Ensure no water or electricity lines are routed inside the carrier to prevent drilling hazards.
- Accessibility: Install in an accessible position for operation, maintenance, and indicator status viewing. Avoid installation in mobile scenarios (RVs, cruise ships, trains) or areas difficult to access (attics, basements). In garages, avoid positions where vehicles pass through to prevent collisions.
Maintenance Features:
Routine maintenance is essential for the long-term performance and reliability of the Sigen Gateway HomeMax TP.
- System Cleaning (Every Three Months): Regularly check the device for shielding and dirt. Clean as needed, but avoid tools that may cause electric shock or insulation damage, such as wire brushes and wet towels. This can be done with the power on.
- System Running State Inspection (Every Six Months):
- Check for any physical damage or deformation of the equipment.
- Listen for abnormal noises during operation.
- Verify that the equipment parameters are correctly set.
- This inspection can be performed with the power on.
- Troubleshooting and Disconnection Procedures:
- In case of abnormal device behavior, immediately switch off all miniature circuit breakers and inspect the circuit. Re-energize after resolving the issue.
- Safe Disconnection Order: To disconnect the Gateway, follow this specific sequence:
- Switch off the miniature circuit breaker (Distribution panel) QF5 to disconnect the distribution panel from the equipment.
- Switch off the miniature circuit breakers (Inverter) QF3, QF4 to disconnect the inverter from the equipment.
- Switch off the miniature circuit breaker (Power grid) QF1 to disconnect the equipment from the power grid.
- Switch off the miniature circuit breaker (Surge protection device) QF6 to disconnect the surge protection device from the equipment.
- Emergency Measures for Fire:
- Immediately shut down the equipment or disconnect the main power switch if it is safe to do so.
- For small fires, use carbon dioxide or ABC dry powder extinguishers.
- If the fire is spreading, evacuate the building and call the fire department. Re-entry to burning buildings is prohibited.
- Do not contact high voltage components during fire fighting.
- After extinguishing the fire, do not use the equipment; contact your installer.
- Emergency Measures for Flood:
- Immediately shut down the equipment or disconnect the main power switch if it is safe to do so.
- After floodwaters recede, do not use the equipment; contact your installer.
The Sigen Gateway HomeMax TP is a comprehensive solution designed to provide reliable, efficient, and safe energy management for residential solar power systems. Adhering to the outlined installation, usage, and maintenance guidelines is crucial for optimal performance and longevity of the device.