29.09.2023

Installation guide for safe and high-performance hybrid energy storage system

Hybrid solar energy storage systems are among the most optimal and efficient solutions for harnessing solar energy and ensuring a continuous power supply for homes or businesses. The Hybrid solution not only helps reduce electricity bills but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a sustainable green future.

In this article, DAT Group will guide you through the process and steps of installing a Hybrid solar energy storage system. From determining energy needs, selecting suitable equipment, to system installation and maintenance, we will help you understand effective and safer installation methods.

1. Determine power usage needs, configure the system, and choose equipment

To design a solar energy system that meets the electricity consumption needs of a household, you must determine the power requirements of the loads in use and the daily operational times of these loads. Observing your electricity bill can provide a more comprehensive overview of daily power consumption.

Especially for solar energy storage systems, determining the needs of priority loads is crucial. Priority loads are loads that must maintain a stable power supply, prioritized for power supply in case of grid power failure. This is important because the output for priority loads on the inverter has a maximum power limit. Exceeding this power limit may result in errors and system shutdown.

Based on this information, you can calculate and propose the best solution for solar panel power, inverter power, and the storage system’s available capacity.

Refer to DAT Group’s Hybrid Inverter, Energy Storage Battery product lines distributed in the Vietnamese market.

2. Choose the installation location for the system

After determining usage needs and the quantity of devices to be installed, select appropriate, safe, and compliant installation locations according to the manufacturer’s technical standards.

2.1. Inverter installation location

Inverter installation location is crucial to ensure the system operates stably and safely for users. The installation locations must adhere to the following conditions:

+ Environmental installation requirements:

  • Do not install equipment near flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials.
  • Avoid installing equipment in areas easily accessible, especially within the reach of children. The equipment generates high temperatures during operation, so touching the device’s surface should be avoided to prevent burns.
  • Avoid areas with water pipes and cables buried in walls during drilling.
  • Install the equipment in a shaded place to avoid direct sunlight, rain, and snow. Erect a sunshade if necessary.
  • Installation location must be well-ventilated for heat dissipation and spacious enough for operation.
  • Equipment with high intrusion protection can be installed indoors or outdoors. Temperature and humidity at the installation location must be within the appropriate range.
  • Install the equipment at a convenient height for operation and maintenance, electrical connection, and checking indicators and labels.
  • Installation height of the inverter unit must be lower than the maximum working height of the inverter.
  • Installation space must be well-ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight and rain. The distance from the equipment surfaces to surrounding obstacles must comply with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

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+ Installation support requirements

  • Installation support must be made of non-flammable and fire-resistant materials.
  • Equipment should be installed on a surface sturdy enough to bear the weight of the inverter unit.
  • Avoid installing the product on support structures with poor sound insulation to prevent noise generated during operation, which may cause discomfort to nearby residents.

+ Installation angle requirements

  • Install the inverter unit in an upright or backward-inclined position, with a maximum inclination of 15 degrees.
  • Do not install the variable frequency drive unit upside down, forward-inclined, backward-inclined, or horizontally.

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2.2. Battery installation position

  • Area must be completely waterproof.
  • Floor should be flat and level.
  • No flammable or explosive materials should be present.
  • Ambient temperature should be maintained within the range of 0°C to 50°C.
  • Temperature and humidity should be kept stable.
  • There is no mandatory requirement for ventilation for the battery module, but avoid installing in confined areas. Ventilation should be kept away from high salinity, high humidity, or high-temperature areas.
  • Area should be free from dust and dirt.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters from the heat source.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 0.5 meters from the air outlet of the inverter unit.
  • Do not seal or enclose the battery or cabinet.
  • Do not place it in areas accessible to children or pets.
  • Installation area should avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

WARNING:

If ambient temperature exceeds the operating range, the battery unit will cease operation to protect itself. The optimal temperature range for battery operation is from 0°C to 50°C. Regular exposure to extreme temperatures can reduce the performance and lifespan of the battery unit.

2.3. Solar panel installation position

Selecting the installation position and installing solar panels is a crucial factor in ensuring the maximum efficiency of a solar power system. For detailed guidance, please refer to the article on Solar Panel Installation Guide.

3. Carrying out the construction of solar power system installation

  • Before installation, carefully read the user manual of the equipment to understand the product and preventive measures.
  • All installation activities must be carried out by trained technicians with knowledge of and familiarity with local standards and safety regulations.
  • Use insulated tools and personal protective equipment when operating the equipment to ensure personal safety. Wear gloves, appropriate clothing, and anti-static wrist straps when handling electronic devices to protect the inverter unit from damage.
  • Strictly adhere to installation, operation, and configuration instructions provided in the equipment user manual.

Before proceeding with the installation, consider the following safety precautions:

3.1. Safety in installing the solar panel array

DANGER
  • Connect the DC cables of inverter to the designated DC terminals. The manufacturer will not be responsible for any damage to the equipment if different DC terminals are used.
WARNING
  • Ensure that both the component frames and support systems are securely grounded.
  • Ensure that DC cables are securely, safely, and correctly connected.
  • Measure DC cables with a multimeter to prevent reverse polarity connections. Additionally, the voltage must be within the allowable range.
  • Do not connect a PV string simultaneously to multiple inverters, as this may damage the inverters.
  • PV modules used with the inverter must be Type A IEC6173.

3.2. Inverter installation safety

WARNING
  • Voltage and frequency at the connection point must meet the grid requirements.
  • Additional protective devices such as circuit breakers or fuses should be used for AC. The specifications of the protective device should be at least 1.25 times the rated AC output current.
  • Ensure that all grounding points are securely connected. When multiple inverters are present, ensure that all grounding points on the machine casing are equi-potentially connected.
  • Inverter can operate normally after troubleshooting errors.
  • Do not use the BACKUP function if the PV system is not configured with storage batteries. Otherwise, the risk of using the electrical system will be beyond the equipment manufacturer’s warranty.

3.3. Storage battery installation safety

WARNING
  • Batteries used with the inverter must be approved by the inverter manufacturer. The approved battery list is provided through the official website.
  • Before installation, thoroughly read the User Manual of the corresponding battery to understand the product and preventive measures. Strictly adhere to the requirements outlined in the User Manual.
  • If the battery is fully discharged, please recharge it according to the instructions in the User Manual of the corresponding model.
  • Factors such as temperature, humidity, weather conditions, etc., may limit the current in the battery and affect the battery load.
  • Contact customer service immediately if the battery cannot be started. Otherwise, the battery may be permanently damaged.
  • Use a multimeter to measure DC cables, avoiding reverse polarity connections. Additionally, the voltage must be within the allowable range.
  • Do not connect a battery pack simultaneously to multiple inverters. Otherwise, the inverter may be damaged.

4. Solar energy storage system principle installation diagram

Based on usage requirements, the installation layout of selected equipment, and the existing electrical infrastructure of the building, the installation unit develops a design plan, connection diagram, and prioritizes load groups for implementation.

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01 Solar Panel Array 05 Backup Output Switching Device
02 Inverter 06 Relay SPDT
03 Battery 07 Load Output Switching Device
04 Grid Input Switching Device 08 Smart metter

5. System installation

Following the specific installation instructions for each solar panel model, inverter, and battery, the installation unit installs the components according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure equipment safety, stable system operation, and warranty compliance.

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Solar Power System at DAT Group Office Building

5.1 VDevice trial operation

Before conducting trial operations, check the following items:

No. Check Item
1 Secure and clean installation location.
2 Proper and secure connections for PE, DC input, AC output, and communication cables.
3 Intact cable ties, correctly routed and evenly distributed.
4 Unused cable holes sealed with waterproof screws.
5 Cable conduits securely sealed
6 Voltage and frequency at connection point comply with inverter grid connection requirements.

System operation steps

Step 1: Turn on AC MCB at the GRID CONNECTION of inverter.

Step 2: Turn on AC MCB at the BACKUP of inverter

Step 3: Turn on battery connection switch between inverter and battery.

Step 4: Turn on DC switch connecting PV of inverter.

Step 5: Set up and monitor system operation using the monitoring software provided by manufacturer.

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5.2. Maintenance and monitoring

  • Regular maintenance is crucial to uphold your system’s performance and lifespan.
  • Ensure solar panels are periodically checked and cleaned to avoid reduced output due to accumulated dust and diminished efficiency from prolonged conductor exposure.
  • Regularly monitor and inspect system operations through the monitoring system, detect issues, and promptly address them to prevent loss of output or system component damage.
  • Before conducting maintenance or repairs, ensure all devices in the system are turned off and wait for the devices to discharge power internally to ensure safety.

Contact DAT Group at Hotline 1800 6567 (free of charge) for advice on installing a high-performance solar energy storage system.