SMA SUNNY BOY 3600TL - SMA Optitrac Global Peak; Grid Management; Varistors

3 Product Description SMA Solar Technology AG
22 SB30-50TL-21-IA-en-21 Installation Manual
3.10 SMA OptiTrac Global Peak
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak is a more advanced form of the MPP tracking tool SMA OptiTrac.
MPP tracking is a feature that determines the highest usable power in the PV plant at any given time.
The power generated by the PV array depends on the level of solar irradiation and the temperature
of the PV modules. As a result, the optimum operating point for maximum power (MPP) changes
constantly throughout the day.
SMA OptiTrac ensures that the operating point of the inverter always coincides exactly with the MPP.
In addition, with the aid of SMA OptiTrac Global Peak, the inverter can detect the presence of several
maximum power points in the available operating range, such as may occur particularly with partially
shaded PV strings. This means that almost the entire available power of partially shaded PV strings
can be fed into the electricity grid.
SMA OptiTrac Global Peak is deactivated by default. In the case of partially shaded PV modules, it
should be activated and configured via a communication product (see Section8.2 "Activating and
Setting SMA OptiTrac Global Peak", page62).
3.11 Grid Management
The inverter is equipped with grid management functions.
Depending on the requirements of the network operator, you can activate and configure the functions
(e.g. provision of reactive power, active power limitation) via operating parameters (for information
on the functions and operating parameters, see the Technical Description "Measured Values and
Parameters" at www.SMA-Solar.com).
3.12 Varistors
Varistors are voltage-dependent resistors to protect the inverter against overvoltage. The inverter is
equipped with three thermally monitored varistors.
The function of the varistors can diminish with age or repeated strain as a result of overvoltage.
This can cause varistors to wear. The inverter detects if one of the varistors is defective and indicates
a disturbance.
The varistors are specially manufactured for use in the inverter and are not commercially available.
You must order new varistors directly from SMA Solar Technology AG.