Introduction
Congratulations! You are about to install and use an equipment from the Studer NEXT range. You have chosen a high-tech converter that will play a central role in the energy production of your solar electrical installation. The next3 has been designed to work as a solar battery charger and hybrid inverter working in both modes “on-grid” and ”off-grid”. Its advanced and completely configurable functionalities will guarantee a perfect functioning of your energy system in any situations.
The NEXT range is a family of hybrid inverters, with or without included solar chargers. All models are designed with Swiss quality to have outstanding performances in offgrid and ongrid applications.
When the next3 is connected to batteries and photovoltaic panels, it automatically recharges batteries in an optimal way with all the available solar power. According to the selected programming, the solar can be injected to the grid or used for self-consumption only. The accuracy of the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm, the high output and low internal consumption ensure an optimal valorisation of the energy produced by the PV modules.
The battery charge profile may be set freely according to the battery type or the operation mode. The charging voltage is corrected depending on the temperature thanks to the external sensor nx-tempSensor. If using lithium batteries, the next3 communicates with battery BMS through a CAN-bus and ensure an optimal operation according to the manufacturer of the battery.
The control, display and programming unit nx-interface allows an optimal setup of the system and guarantees the user a permanent control over all important parameters for the installation. Moreover, it enables the recording of the system data to analyse later its functioning (data logging). The nx-interface also acts as a communication center to connect the energy system to the remote monitoring web portal https://portal.studer-innotec.com for distant supervision. The remote supervision can also be done with the APP Studer Easy Monitoring, available for both IOs and Android.
The next3 operates as an independent device and is also designed to be included into a Studer energy system together with other NEXT compatible devices, display modules and the communication modules.
The parallel operation of several inverters is possible and offers modularity and flexibility enabling an optimum dimensioning of your system according to your energy requirements. Working together, these different devices have a synchronised behaviour for a better management of the battery and of the solar resource. The next3 is available in models without the solar charger or without the AC-transfer to fit in various types of systems.
Please read this manual carefully to ensure the perfect start up and operation of your system. It contains all the necessary information regarding the operation of the next3 charger. The installation of such a system requires special expertise and may only be carried out by qualified personnel familiar with the local standards in force.
About the sections of this manual
This manual is a technical handbook containing different levels of information. With the ecological aim of reducing paper printouts, but above all to offer a manual that is always up to date for each user, the digital version was chosen.
Different sections will provide all the information you need to know:
- first steps and updates: a simplified start with your device through a quick guide
- discover the next: gives more information about the possibilities of the next. These are aimed at end-users curious to discover the possibilities of their system as well as installers
- application notes: an advanced section on specific topics, aimed primarily at installers.
All technical or commercial data brochures, as well as certificates, warranty conditions, marketing documents or lists of accessories for sale can be downloaded from the studer website.
For more information or in case of problems, our support team will be happy to help you.
Important safety instructions
The installation and commissioning of the next3 must be entrusted to qualified personnel. The installation and use must comply with the local safety instructions, laws, and standards in force in the country.
Do not excess the maximum rated characteristics of the equipment shown on the Type label and in the datasheet.
HIGH-VOLTAGE DC AND AC INSIDE THE DEVICE: DANGER OF DEATH
When the next3 is under operation, it generates voltages that can be potentially lethal (up to 900Vdc and 400Vac). Any work on or close to the installation must be carried out only by thoroughly trained and qualified personnel. Do not try to carry out ordinary maintenance on this product yourself.
The next3 is in overvoltage category III (OVCIII) on AC side, in accordance with the safety standard IEC/EN 62109-1.
While working on the electrical installation, it is important to make sure that the source of DC voltage coming from the battery as well as the source of DC voltage coming from the photovoltaic generator, have been disconnected from the electrical installation.
Be also certain the sources of AC voltage coming from a generator or network have been disconnected from the electrical installation.
Even when the next3 is disconnected from the power sources, a potentially dangerous voltage may remain at the terminals. To eliminate this, you must wait for at least 120 seconds to allow the electronics to discharge.
After disconnection, check all the terminals voltage with a multimeter in AC and DC modes. The connections compartment can then be opened, and the task carried out safely. All other cover parts of the device shall never be opened without written authorization of Studer Innotec SA company.
The next3 can be installed at altitudes up to 3000m. For installations at higher altitudes, please contact Studer Innotec SA.
If the next3 is used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection provided by the next3 may be impaired.
Nobody is authorized to proceed with any change, modification, or repair of the equipment without the prior written authorization of Studer Innotec. Use only original parts for any authorized modification or replacement.
How to translate your manual
In order to simplify the updating of the translations in the technical manual, we have decided to publish the technical manual in English only. However, there are possibilities to display the manual in the language of your choice, using the translation tools from the web browser.
With a few exceptions, such as the translation of proper names (like next3), this procedure works relatively well. Here you will find short tutorials on how to translate your page or revert to the original language.
Translation tool for MS Edge
Translation tool for Google Chrome
Translation tool for Mozilla Firefox
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Translation tool for Opera
Quality and warranty
During the production and assembly of the next3, each unit undergoes several checks and tests which strictly comply with established procedures and device safety requirements. The manufacturing, assembling, and testing of each next3 are entirely carried out in our factory in Sion (CH). The warranty for this equipment depends upon the strict application of the instructions in this manual.
The next3 inverter has a ten (10) year warranty period (starting from the date of purchase) against material and manufacturing defaults. The defective product will be either repaired or replaced at the discretion of Studer Innotec. A warranty extension up to 15 years (10+5) is possible with the studer care+ program, which brings along other advantages as well.
Exclusion of warranty
No warranty claims will be accepted for damages resulting from handling, use or treatment that are not explicitly mentioned in this manual. Damages arising from the following causes are excluded from the warranty:
- Voltage higher than 900V across PV terminals.
- Voltage higher than 70V across battery terminals.
- Accidental presence of liquids in the equipment or oxidation due to condensation.
- Damage resulting from falls or mechanical shocks.
- Modifications carried out without the explicit authorisation of Studer Innotec.
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Nuts or screws that have been too much or not enough tightened during the
installation or maintenance. - Damage due to atmospheric surge voltage (lightning).
- Damage due to inappropriate transportation or packaging.
- Damages due to improper installation
- Disappearance of original identification marks.
Never take off or damage the rating plate showing the serial number. It enables to check and follow-up the data specific to each equipment and is vital for any warranty claim.
Exclusion of liability
The installation, commissioning, use, maintenance, and servicing of the next3 cannot be subject of monitoring by Studer Innotec. Therefore, we disclaim all responsibility and liability for damage, costs or losses resulting from an installation that does not comply with the instructions, a faulty operation or inadequate maintenance. The use of Studer Innotec equipment is in any case under the responsibility of the customer.
This equipment is neither designed nor guaranteed to supply installations used for vital medical care nor any other critical installation entailing potential risks of important damage to people or to the environment.
We assume no responsibility for the infringement of patent rights or other third parties’ rights resulting from the use of the inverter.
Studer Innotec reserves the right to make any modifications to the product without prior notification.
Studer Innotec is not liable for incidental, direct or indirect damages of any kind, including any profit loss, revenue loss or damages caused to equipment or goods due to defective equipment.
Conventions
Glossary
- AC: Alternating Current
- AC-Flex: The AC-Flex is a physical connection for 3 phases and neutral. It can be configured for a use as a secondary AC source, or for a use as a controlled secondary AC loads.
- AC-Transfer : with “transfer” we mean the fact that the AC-Source is connected to the AC-Loads with the internal relays of the next3. The input voltage is “transferred” to the output.
- PE : Protective Earth
- Solid neutral : when the AC-Source and the AC-Loads neutral are physically connected with a bridging cable.
- Transfer : have a transfer means be connected to the AC-source with the internal relay. The inverter switch to a current source mode.
Symbols and conventions
This symbol is used to indicate safety instructions, which if not followed, could result in a risk of electrical shock with possible serious personal injury or death to the operator or the user.
This symbol is used to indicate a risk of material damage and/or the cancellation of the guarantee.
This symbol is used to indicate a procedure or function that is important for a safe and correct use of the equipment. Failure to respect these instructions may lead to the cancellation of the guarantee or to a non-compliant installation.
This symbol placed on the product indicates that its surfaces may reach temperatures higher than 60°C.
This symbol placed on the product indicates that its use must follow the instructions in the user manual.
PE = protective earth (connected to the enclosure of the device).
About this user manual
This manual contains all the necessary information and procedures to install, configure, use and troubleshoot the next3 hybrid inverters. It is the most detailed documentation about this product.
This manual does not contain information about photovoltaic modules (PV) or batteries of various brands that can be connected. For this kind of information, please refer to the instructions of each specific manufacturer.
It does not contain specific information on national rules/regulations about electrical installation. It contains only safety requirements about the use of the device next3 according to following International and European standards; IEC/EN 62109 for power converters used in photovoltaic systems and IEC/EN 62477 for power converters used in general systems.
This manual covers the next3 following models and accessories:
- Hybrid inverter charger nx3 16000-48 (with any options)
- Interface: nx interface
- Battery temperature sensor: nx tempSensor
This manual is an integral part of the equipment and must be kept available for the operator and/or the installer. It is provided under digital form in the usb key delivered with every unit.
The latest version of the manual is always referred from Studer webiste: www.studer-innotec.com
The content of this manual is copyrighted by Studer Innotec SA, Rue des Casernes 57, 1950 Sion, Switzerland