SMA Data Manager L powered by ennexOS

Smart control for power plants

SMA Data Manager L

Monitor large-scale PV power plants securely and operate them optimally

Manage PV power plants efficiently

The Data Manager L is the ideal energy management solution for all PV power plants in the megawatt range. It monitors and controls grid-compliant energy generation in power plants for up to 200 SMA inverters. The Data Manager L can be expanded flexibly and is ideally suited for the requirements of hybrid energy generation and smart connectivity. This makes you well-equipped even now for new business models on the energy market of the future.

Data Manager L - Monitor large-scale PV power plants securely and operate them optimally

More benefits

Reliable

  • Capable and robust
  • No maintenance work thanks to fanless device design
  • Secure control, monitoring, diagnostics and parameterization

Future-proof

  • Flexibly expandable
  • Regular software updates
  • Connection to the energy markets of the future

Functional

  • Comprehensive visualization and monitoring via web portal
  • Meets the requirements for connection to the grid
  • Central information point for commissioning, operation and maintenance of the power plant

Intelligently optimized

The Data Manager L and the new Sunny Portal make it easier to manage PV power plants throughout their entire lifecycles, which saves time and money.

  • Standardized user interface

  • Consistent parameterization on-site and remotely

  • Easy overview of the entire portfolio

  • Quick and direct online identification and rectification of faults

The Data Manager L and the new Sunny Portal make it easier to manage PV power plants throughout their entire lifecycles, which saves time and money.

Data Manager L

FAQ

Last update: 2022-08-05

General information

I reset the password and administrator account of the Data Manager. When I log in the next time, do I have to go through the entire installation assistant process and re-enter all the data?

No. Assign the user name and password and then stop the installation assistant. The original PV system data are still there and are adopted automatically.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can several Data Managers be used in one system to map system sections, for example?

System sections can be implemented by using higher-level and lower-level system managers. In this process, all Data Managers (higher-level and lower-level) are displayed as one system in the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS. In the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS the system can be divided into system sections.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Do new devices need to have the same password to be automatically detected by Data Manager?

No. To be able to detect new devices, the installation assistant of the Data Manager must be started. Devices with different passwords can also be detected in the installation assistant. This way you will receive the same system (installer) password.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How can I establish communication with Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS using an intercepting proxy server in the grid?

For technical reasons, only in-house certificates will be used. Certificates that could be replaced by an intercepting proxy server cannot be verified. Please contact your grid administrator to specify the exceptions for the firewall. When doing this, follow the information on the ports in these FAQs.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L


Why are no data displayed on the user interface of the Data Manager?

The buffer capacitor of the Data Manager's realtime clock might have discharged due to being without voltage supply for a longer time period. Make sure that the Data Manager has access to a time server on the Internet to obtain a current time. You can also assign the current time of a connected web browser to the Data Manager. In this case, the time is not synchronized cyclically with a time server. Over time, this causes inaccuracies (a few seconds per day).


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


What other power supply units can I use for the Data Manager?

You can use the power supply unit of the Sunny WebBox, SMA Cluster Controller, SMA Com Gateway or the SMA Inverter Manager for the Data Manager M and Data Manager M Lite. You can generally use all power supply units that meet the specifications of the datasheet and the Data Manager manual for all Data Manager devices.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can I connect the Data Manager to an SMA Cluster Controller?

Both the SMA Cluster Controller and Data Manager are data loggers. Parallel operation of both products is not advisable.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can I map more than 50 devices in a system?

To do this, several Data Managers M must be installed in the system. Each Data Manager M supports up to 50 devices At least one Data Manager M must be configured as the higher-level system manager. The other Data Managers M must be configured as lower-level system managers.

In Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS, each Data Manager M must be registered separately in the system. All Data Managers M are displayed together in the system. The device overview can show which of the Data Managers M each device is assigned to.

Information:

  • The energy meter at the point of interconnection must be assigned to the higher-level Data Manager M.
  • Only a Data Manager M as a higher-level system manager can perform controlling. The Data Managers M that function as higher-level system managers are used in open-loop control mode.
  • I/O systems that are used to make control settings must be registered with the higher-level Data Manager M.
  • On lower-level Data Managers M, the Modbus interfaces must be activated.
  • On the higher-level Data Manager M, the lower-level Data Managers M must be integrated as Modbus devices.
  • The device assignment must be unambiguous, otherwise the balance, power and yield values will not be displayed correctly.
  • The total power of the system may not exceed 2.5 MVA. For larger systems, a Data Manager L must be used as the higher-level system manager.
  • If the Data Manager M is used only for monitoring and open-loop control (without grid man-agement services), the nominal system power can be up to 7.5 MVA.


(Data Manager M)


Why does it take a while until the home page of the Data Manager is set up during commissioning?

Due to internal setup processes, the start of the user interface takes a little longer once during commissioning.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


Data Manager M supports 50 devices, Data Manager M Lite supports 5 devices, Data Manager L supports 200 devices. What counts as a device?

The following devices are supported and defined as a device:

  • PV inverter
  • Battery inverter
  • Energy meter / power analyzer
  • External I/O system
  • External, directly communicating sensor
  • Weather station
  • Charging station for electric vehicles
  • Lower-level Data Manager
  • SMA Hybrid Controller (only Data Manager L)


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


What happens if I already have more than 50 devices in the system from a previous commissioning of a Data Manager and am suddenly limited to 50 devices by a firmware update as of version 1.6.14.R?

The system with the excess devices will be kept for the time being. If the system is extended or devices are replaced, the limitation of the number of devices becomes effective. In such cases, we recommend extending the system with a lower-level Data Manager. The total power of the system may not exceed 2.5 MVA (7.5 MVA for monitoring and open-loop control).


(Data Manager M)


Communication

I connected the Data Manager correctly. Why am I not able to access the Data Manager via the SMA[serial number]?

In the settings of the router, check whether DHCP is enabled. If no DHCP can be enabled, a static IP address must be assigned to the Data Manager.

For this, establish a direct connection to the Data Manager via Wi-Fi and perform commissioning (see product manual). Assign a correct static IP address to the Data Manager (ask your grid administrator).

or

Connect the Data Manager to a DHCP-capable router outside the system and perform commissioning. Assign a correct static IP address to the Data Manager (ask your grid administrator).

Then connect the Data Manager to the router in the PV system. Now the Data Manager can be reached via the static IP address. Follow the installation assistant steps and make the settings appropriate for your system.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


I connected the Data Manager correctly and DHCP is enabled in the router. Why isn't the Data Manager always assigned the same IP address?

When the DHCP validity period expires, a new DHCP request is performed. In the process, it is possible that the Data Manager and connected devices are assigned a new IP address. We recommend using a dynamic host configuration protocol. This always assigns the same IP address to devices with a known MAC address.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


I have activated a router that sets up a class C network in the 192.168.12.xxx range. Why do network problems occur?

Each Data Manager is initially assigned the static IP address 192.168.12.3. This address cannot be changed. This may cause conflicts in the network when the network class of the 192.168.12.xxx range is used. Avoid this network range.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


I connected the Data Manager correctly and DHCP is enabled in the router. Why am I not able to access the Data Manager via the SMA[serial number]?

Depending on the web browser, the entry may be interpreted as a search entry. In the address bar of the web browser, Enter "https://" before the access address of the Data Manager.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


I reset the Data Manager to the default settings. Why do I get an error message regarding an invalid certificate when I want to access the Data Manager with the web browser?

In order to save the self-signed certificate of the Data Manager in the web browser, it must initially be accepted as trustworthy in the web browser. After the Data Manager has been reset to the default settings, the web browser interprets this certificate as outdated or invalid. Delete the old certificate in the security settings of your web browser. Reconnect to the Data Manager and accept the newly offered certificate.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can each RS485 device connected to an SMA Com Gateway be used with the Data Manager?

All compatible RS485 devices connected to an SMA Com Gateway can be used with the Data Manager. When you do this, observe the restrictions listed in the FAQ section "Grid management services".


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


What data volume do I need if the Data Manager M or Data Manager M Lite is connected to the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS via LTE?

In Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS, under Configuration > System properties > External access > Data communication, the frequency and amount of data to be transmitted can be specified in 3 levels (default is "high").

The following table shows the required data volume of two example systems (with the exception of up-dates, Webconnect, FTP-Push, SMA SPOT):

SystemProfileFirmware version < 1.10.06.R
10 x Sunny Tripower CORE1
1 x SMA Energy Meter (@ 200 ms)
High400 MB/month
Medium140 MB/month
Low10 MB/month
49 x Sunny Tripower CORE1
1 x SMA Energy Meter (@ 200 ms)
High410 MB/month
Medium150 MB/month
Low10 MB/month


If the data transfer rate is below that of the standard LTE connection (e.g., due to used up data volume), all Data Manager services can no longer be guaranteed. This can affect the following services: FTP-Push, communication to Sunny Portal, updates, diagnostic data, SMA SPOT.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


What maximum data volumes can be expected for PV farms?

Every five minutes, the Data Manager L / SMA Power Plant Manager transmits the system data to the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS. The expected data volume of 60 inverters is up to approx. 500 MB/month. The estimated data volume for 9 inverters is up to approx. 200 MB/month.


If the data transfer rate is below that of the standard LTE connection (e.g., due to used up data volume), all Data Manager services can no longer be guaranteed. This can affect the following services: FTP-Push, communication to Sunny Portal, updates, diagnostic data, SMA SPOT.


(Data Manager L)


Do Field Data Management or Remote Service have any special requirements regarding internet connection?

If Field Data Management is activated, a higher data volume of approximately 200-600 MB/day can be expected. Very detailed information is transmitted using a high data rate. An Internet flat rate with an upload rate of at least 1 Mbit/s is recommended. If a firmware update is downloaded via the Remote Service, this is approximately 150 MB per update file.

(Data Manager L)


Which ports must be open to operate the Data Manager with the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS?
  • FTP push: Port 21 (FTP)
  • Updates:Port 443 (TLS) / update.sunnyportal.de
  • Time synchronization with Sunny Portal (if not provided by the Internet router): Port 123 (NTP) / ntp.sunny-portal.com
  • Data transmission: Port 443 (https/TLS) / ldm-devapi.sunnyportal.com
  • User interface: Port 443 (https/TLS) / ennexos.sunnyportal.com
  • SMA Webconnect 1.5 and SMA SPOT: Port 9524 (TCP) / wco.sunnyportal.com


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How can I set up a VPN connection?

Since VPN connections often cause display errors and functional restrictions, contact your administrator if there are any problems.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Which IP configuration should I use for Modbus devices?

For Modbus devices, either static DHCP or static IP addresses are recommended so that the IP addresses do not change during operation. The static DHCP can be set in the router (the MAC address always receives the same DHCP address). A static IP address can be specified in the respective device (must not be in the router's DHCP address range).


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


What update rates are used for monitoring the connected devices?

The following query rates apply for reading out devices connected to a Data Manager M:

Speedwire devices
5 seconds for measured values, 30 minutes for parameters, 100 ms for default values

Modbus/TCP inverters
5 seconds for measured values, 30 minutes for parameters, 100 ms for default values

SMA Data1 inverters (RS485)
10 seconds to several minutes for measured values (depending on system size), 10 to 30 seconds for default values (depending on system size), 30 minutes for parameters

Modbus TCP energy meter / power analyzers
200 ms or 1000 ms for P/Q measured values (depending on instrument type), 5 seconds for further measured values

Internal digital inputs (Data Manager)
Automatic switching to backup in only approx. 100 milliseconds

External I/O systems
1 second for measured values, 100 ms for output values (Wago, Moxa via the Modbus TCP)


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


Energy meter / power analyzers

I want to change the data transfer rate of the SMA Energy Meter from 1000 ms to 200 ms to obtain higher control dynamics. Can the Data Manager handle this?

Yes. To adjust the data transfer rate of the SMA Energy Meter, you have to log in to the user interface of the SMA Energy Meter with the user group Installer (see the SMA Energy Meter manual). For safety reasons, remote configuration of the SMA Energy Meter is not possible.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


I connected a UMG 604-PRO power analyzer from Janitza electronics GmbH to the Data Manager. Will the data from the further power analyzers (acting as lower-level devices) connected via RS485 also be transmitted?

No, that is not planned at the moment.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How can I configure an energy meter / grid analyzer at the point of interconnection?

In order to add new devices to the Data Manager, the devices have to be in operation and located in the local grid. Make the following settings on the user interface of the Data Manager:

  1. Select the menu item Device administration in the Configuration menu.
  2. Select the [+] button.
  3. Select Modbus devices and confirm with [Next].
  4. Enter the device data and confirm with [Next].
  5. Select the device and select [Save].
  6. Select the menu item Meter configuration in the Configuration menu.
  7. Select the new device as the grid feed-in meter and grid-supply meter.
  8. Select [Save].


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Which energy meter / power analyzer can I connect to the Data Manager?

You can connect suitable energy meters / power analyzers to the Data Manager by using the local grid. Furthermore, all energy meters / power analyzers that have a Modbus TCP interface can be connected (for a list of supported devices, refer to the Data Manager manual and the manufacturer declaration at www.SMA-Solar.com). The measured data are displayed in real time as a list view in the Data Manager. The data can be displayed with a delay as curves in the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS.


Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L


How many energy meters are supported at the point of interconnection?

Exactly one energy meter is supported at the point of interconnection. This is used both for monitoring and energy balance and for open-loop control / closed-loop control at the point of interconnection.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Where is the energy meter / power analyzer connected?

The energy meter / power analyzer is connected to the grid operator at the point of transfer:

  • for low-voltage installations (e.g., according to VDE AR-N 4105), at the low-voltage point of common coupling
  • for medium-voltage installations (e.g., according to VDE AR-N 4110), on the medium-voltage side of the transformer (current and voltage converters must be connected on the medium-voltage side with the same wiring diagram)


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can a data concentrator be used for several energy meters?

No, that's currently not possible. Each device used can represent only one system device. Modbus TCP data concentrators that map, for example, several energy meters to different Modbus register ranges or unit IDs can only be used for a single system device.

Data concentrators that are connected via Modbus RTU and map multiple devices via different unit IDs could be used for this function. Currently, there are no known data concentrators that operate in this mode.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Ext. I/O Systems

I correctly connected a compatible I/O system by WAGO to the router. Why is the I/O system by WAGO not visible in the router's device overview?

It is possible that the IP address of the I/O system cannot be determined. Check in the router's settings whether DHCP is enabled and, if necessary, enable DHCP. Make sure that the I/O system is set to DHCP. For this, all DIP switches on the I/O system must be set to ON (see the manufacturer's manual or the "WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 with SMA DATA MANAGER M" manual at www.SMA-Solar.com).

When the DHCP validity period expires, a new DHCP request is performed. In the process, it is possible a new IP address is assigned. For Modbus devices, either static DHCP or static IP addresses are recommended so that the IP addresses do not change during operation.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


I correctly connected a compatible I/O system to the router, but cannot access the router's settings. How can I determine the IP address of the I/O system?

In order to use the I/O system with the Data Manager, the I/O system must be registered with its IP address in the Data Manager. To determine the IP address of the I/O system, proceed as follows:

  1. Open the command line interpreter on a suitable end device and enter the command "arp-a".
    1. A list of all interfaces with the IP address, physical address and type is displayed.
  2. The physical address indicates the associated IP address.
    1. I/O systems by WAGO use physical addresses in the range 00-30-de.
    2. I/O systems by Moxa use physical addresses in the range 00-90-E8.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


I already have a WAGO I/O SYSTEM 750 and want to use it on the Data Manager. How does the I/O system have to be configured?

Make sure that the I/O system is set to DHCP or a valid IP address (see the manufacturer's manual or the "WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 with SMA DATA MANAGER M" manual at www.SMA-Solar.de).

The I/O system must be configured as follows (from left to right):

  • 750-352: Fieldbus coupler/controller
  • 750-602: DC power supply (24 V)
  • 750-1414: 8 digital inputs (24 V)
  • 750-1515: 8 digital outputs (24 V)
  • 750-464: 2/4 resistance inputs (2 x Pt100)
  • 750-455: 4 analog inputs (4 to 20 mA)
  • 750-559: 4 analog outputs (0 to 10 V)
  • 750-600: End clamp


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How do the Pt100 temperature sensors have to be connected to my WAGO I/O SYSTEM 750?

The WAGO I/O SYSTEM 750 is suitable for connecting Pt100 temperature sensors with 2, 3 or 4 con-ductors. SMA only supports connecting Pt100 temperature sensors with 2 conductors since the corresponding 750-464 bus terminal is preset to 2-channel measuring (see Fig. 1). Inputs that are not used must be bypassed (see Fig. 2).

For bypassed measuring channels, the value -200°C is shown in the user interface of the Data Manager. No values are shown when sensors are defective or cables broken (see the manufacturer's manual or the "WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 with SMA DATA MANAGER M" manual at www.SMA-Solar.de).


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


I already own an ioLogik E1214, E1260, E1241, or E1242 I/O system from Moxa and want to use it on the Data Manager. How does the I/O system have to be configured?

Make sure that DHCP or a valid IP address has been set for the I/O system. For Modbus devices, either static DHCP or static IP addresses are recommended so that the IP addresses do not change during operation. Make sure that the mode of the analog inputs is adjusted for the I/O system. For this, the jumpers of the I/O system must be configured accordingly (see the manufacturer’s manual).

IP address:

The IP addresses of the I/O systems from Moxa can be adjusted via the user interface or via the ioSearch program from Moxa.

Jumper setting (only for E1242):

To be able to use the analog inputs of the I/O system with the Data Manager, the analog inputs of the I/O system must be set to 4 mA to 20 mA with the aid of the jumpers (see the manufacturer’s manual).

Jumper setting for voltage mode:

Jumper setting for voltage mode

Jumper setting for current mode:

Jumper setting for current mode

(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Sensors

Which sensors can I connect to the Data Manager?

You can connect temperature sensors, solar irradiation sensors, and anemometers to a suitable I/O system. The measured data are displayed in real time as a list view in the Data Manager. Furthermore, the data can be displayed with a delay as curves in the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS.

The linearization of the temperature sensors' data takes place in the I/O system. In the case of solar irradiation sensors and anemometers, however, the sensor itself must be designed for a linearization of the data.

For sensor connection options, see the technical information "SMA DATA MANAGER / SUNNY PORTAL powered by ennexOS - Functions" at www.SMA-Solar.de.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How do the Pt100 temperature sensors have to be connected to my ioLogik E1260 from Moxa?

The ioLogik E1260 from Moxa is suitable for the connection of Pt100 temperature sensors with 2 or 3 conductors.

3-conductor connection:

When connecting Pt100 temperature sensors with 3 conductors, the measurements are more accurate, especially for long conductor lengths.

2-conductor connection:

When connecting Pt100 temperature sensors with 2 conductors, SMA recommends connecting a 3-core shielded cable to the ioLogik E1260 from Moxa. Lead the third conductor close to the Pt100 temperature sensors and connect it to one of the two Pt100 connections. Connect the cable shield on one side to the grounding conductor on the ioLogik E1260 from Moxa. The Moxa ioLogik E1260 itself does not have a connection for a grounding conductor. That is why the grounding conductor of the switch cabinet should be used (there should be a grounding conductor on the DIN rail or the enclosure of the switch cabinet).

In case of inaccurate measured values, the inputs of the Moxa ioLogik E1260 can be individually calibrated via the user interface (see the manufacturer's manual).


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Modbus Client

Valid IP addresses were assigned by the DHCP router to some Modbus devices in my system and the communication to these Modbus devices was faultless for some time. Recently, the connection to some of these Modbus devices has been interrupted. What is the reason for this and how can I rectify it?

Some Modbus devices may have been restarted due to a voltage drop. In the process, the Modbus devices received new, modified IP addresses from the DHCP router. This can happen if a MAC address connection has not been assigned in the DHCP router. So the Modbus devices do not necessarily receive the same IP address.

Set up the MAC address connection in your DHCP router or, if possible, extend the validity period of the DHCP to infinite.

If the IP address of a Modbus device has been changed, it must be entered in the installation assistant of the Data Manager.

Assign only static IP addresses for Modbus devices if possible.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Which requirements do the devices connected via RS485 (Modbus/RTU) need to fulfill so that they can use their own Modbus profiles?

The bytes in the product are set as follows and may need to be adjusted in the RS485 device:

  • 8-bit transmission, no parity (optional: odd/even)
  • Baud rate: 1200, 9600 or 19200 
  • Stop bits: 1 (standard) or 2

An RS232/RS485 converter is required for the Data Manager.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Modbus Server

Why are no values mapped in the registers for the sensors (NaN)?

The values have to be assigned as system values in the sensor configuration.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS

How can I download data from the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS as a CSV file?
  1. Select a system in the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS.
  2. Select the Analysis Pro menu item in the Analysis menu.
  3. Select desired data points and time periods.
  4. Select the Details button.
  5. Select the Download button.
  6. Select the save location and confirm.
    1. The data are downloaded as a CSV file

Can I create system sections with my Data Manager to be able to divide PV systems into compass directions?

This is possible in Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS. System sections and system groups can be creat-ed and visualized there.


Can I carry my system from the classic Sunny Portal over to the Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS?

Only systems with a Sunny WebBox or an SMA Cluster Controller can be carried from the classic Sun-ny Portal over to Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS.


What do I have to be aware of when I delete a system in Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS?

When a system is deleted in Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS, the associated Data Manager and any existing lower-level Data Managers must also be reset to default settings. Otherwise, these Data Managers cannot be registered in other systems.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Grid Management Services

How can I set zero export in the Data Manager?

To set up zero export, there must be a suitable energy meter installed at the point of interconnection. Make the following settings on the user interface of the Data Manager:

  1. Select the menu item Grid management service in the Configuration menu.
  2. Select Active power.
    1. The installation assistant will open.
  3. Confirm every step with [Next].
  4. Select the operating mode Closed loop control.
  5. Select the signal source Manual control.
  6. In the field Active power setpoint, enter the value 0. To make sure that absolutely nothing is fed in, you can also enter a negative value here. If there is a negative value, however, this means that energy is always being drawn. In this case, the negative value should be at the height of the base consumption.
  7. In the field Time interval, enter the value 1.
  8. In the field Active power gradient, enter the value 100.
  9. In the field Total system power, enter the desired value.
  10. Select [Save].

No further settings are necessary. Now you can find a new widget for active power limitation on the system’s dashboard.

Please also read the manufacturer's declaration at www.SMA-Solar.com.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can the Data Manager also use pulse signals for active power limitation?

The Data Manager typically requires static signals on the internal inputs (I/O system from Wago or Moxa). To be able to use pulse signals, preprocessing is necessary (e.g., by an additional mini control system). For more information, see the technical information "Conversion of Power Specifications via Pulse Signals" at www.SMA-Solar.com.

If the internal digital inputs of the Data Manager M are used, they can also use pulse signals (pulse duration >=1 s). To do this, enter the appropriate fallback and default settings.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


When do I use the operating mode "closed-loop control" and when "open-loop control"?

A distinction must be made here between active and reactive power:

Active power

If the grid operator specifies an active power specification at the point of interconnection, this always refers to the measurement at the point of interconnection. Therefore, for pure feed-in systems, the operating mode "open-loop control" (without feedback of the actual value) is sufficient. For systems with self-consumption, the operating mode "closed-loop control" (with feedback of the actual value) should be used, since this converts excess PV energy into self-consumption and the power value at the point of interconnection still meets the grid operator's specification.

Reactive power

In pure feed-in systems and also in systems with self-consumption, the operating mode "closed-loop control" (with feedback of the measured values from the point of interconnection) should be selected. This way, the Data Manager accounts for and controls the influences of the line and, if applicable, of the transformer.

In systems with high self-consumption and a high reactive power demand (e.g., operation of electrical machines in commercial and industrial plants without an additional compensation system), the PV inverters might not be able to control the setpoints at the point of interconnection (reactive power value, cos phi value). For example, this can be operation of electrical machines in commercial and industrial plants without additional compensation equipment. In such systems, the PV inverters will generate almost only reactive power and hardly any active power. In such cases, the "open-loop control" operating mode is recommended. Contact your local grid operator.

To use inverters via RS485/SMA Data1, follow the information in these FAQs.

To use FLX/TLX inverters (communication protocol EtherLynx), the open-loop control mode is also recommended for the reactive power setpoint.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


For Q(U), can I use an energy meter on the medium-voltage side that only measures voltage?

No, this is currently not possible. Active and reactive power measurement values are required for a complete closed-loop control and open-loop control. These are only provided by a power meter if it is possible to measure both the voltage and the current. 


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


For Q(U), can I use an energy meter on the medium-voltage side that only measures voltage and use another energy meter on the low voltage side that measures all other values?

No, this is not possible. The Data Manager supports only one measuring device for the point of interconnection.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


For Q(V), can I use an energy meter that only measures voltage on the medium-voltage side (via a voltage converter) and that measures the current on the low-voltage side (via a current transformer)?

This should be avoided, as this causes the active and reactive power values to not match the actual values. When this happens, both the transformer losses and its phase shift lead to a faulty measurement.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


If my system feeds exclusively into the utility grid (no self-consumption), do I need an energy meter at the point of interconnection?

No, in such a case you can use a "virtual" utility grid meter in the Data Manager. This lets you specify an external cos phi setpoint. The specified setpoint will be different from the value that is set at the point of interconnection. An external closed-loop control by the grid operator is required.

Make the following settings on the user interface of the Data Manager:

  1. Enable the Modbus server.
  2. Configure a Modbus profile of the device type bidirectional meter with one power channel.
    1. For the channel designation Meter count of the grid-supply meter, select the register address 30513 and the scaling factor 0.
    2. For the channel designation Meter count of the feed-in meter, select the register address 30513 and the scaling factor 1.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


In which order should a system with higher- and lower-level system managers be configured?

First configure the lower-level Data Managers. Then configure the higher-level Data Managers. Set up the system in Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS only after all Data Managers have been configured.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can system sections of a lower-level Data Manager be operated with the "closed-loop control" operating mode?

A lower-level Data Manager can only be used in open-loop control. The higher-level Data Manager is responsible for the closed-loop control.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


What happens if the communication to the energy meter at the point of interconnection fails or is disrupted?

This communication is monitored with a fixed timeout of 10 seconds. If the communication fails, the device is displayed as being disrupted. If closed-loop control is active at the point of interconnection, the operating mode is switched to open-loop control. This means that the setpoints are transmitted to the inverters (without closed-loop control). As a result, an inverter will not recognize this disturbance as such, and its own fallback behavior will not be activated if there is a communication failure. The inverter continues to receive the specifications from the Data Manager.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Can SMA inverters connected via RS485 be used for grid management services?

Inverters connected via RS485 communicate via the SMA-specific protocol SMA Data1. It is also possible to transfer power specifications to the inverters. However, there are restrictions that affect systems that have such devices (regardless of whether these devices are connected directly to the Data Manager M via an SMA COM Gateway):

  • Due to stability reasons, if there are SMA Data1 devices in the system, controlled operation (closed-loop control) is not possible. Only controlled operation (open-loop control) is possible. As a result, any possible self-consumption is not taken into account in the event of power reduction specified externally or at a constant level.
  • However, if this is desired, the RS485 devices concerned must be replaced by devices that can communicate directly via Ethernet (SMA Speedwire or Modbus SunSpec).

If a reactive power setpoint is required in addition, there are also restrictions in this case:

  • Not all SMA inverters are reactive power-capable (this applies in particular to SMA inverters launched on the market before 2007).
  • If these inverters are reactive power-capable and a setpoint should be specified, the inverters must be connected directly to the Data Manager M. If the inverters are connected via an SMA COM Gateway, it cannot be ensured that the function is given for all reactive power-capable inverters.
  • Here, too, only controlled (open-loop control) operation is possible.

We recommend resetting the feed-in power limitations set in the inverter so that the parameters "P-Limit" and "P-Max" are set identically to the maximum power of the respective inverter.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M)


What do I have to consider for the grid management services if I have added or removed one or more inverters in the device management?

Run the installation wizard for the grid management services. When doing this, check the values for the AC nominal system power and fallback values. Adjust the values to the AC nominal system power that may have changed.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


SMA Speedwire Encrypted Communication (SEC)

What is Speedwire?

SMA Speedwire is a wired, Ethernet based fieldbus for the implementation of powerful communication networks in decentralized large-scale PV power plants. SMA Speedwire uses the internationally established Ethernet standard, the Ethernet based IP protocol as well as the communication protocol SMA Data2+ optimized for PV systems. This enables a consistent 10/100 Mbit data transmission to the inverter as well as reliable monitoring, control, and regulation of the system (refer to the Technical Information “SMA SPEEDWIRE FIELDBUS” at www.SMA-Solar.com).


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Why should I use SMA Speedwire Encrypted Communication (SEC)?

When data communication between the Data Managers and inverters is encrypted, cyber security attacks on PV systems are much more difficult.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Which devices support SMA Speedwire Encrypted Communication (SEC)?
  • SMA Data Manager M
  • Inverters with SMA Speedwire from a production date > 2010 that are not connected via an SMA Com Gateway.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How can I exchange a device in an encrypted system?
  1. Use Sunny Explorer to reverse the system encryption.
  2. Remove the old device from the system.
  3. Include the new device in the system.
  4. Enable system encryption with a new password.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


How can I extend a system encrypted with SMA Speedwire Encrypted Communication?
  1. Use Sunny Explorer to reverse the system encryption.
  2. Include the new device in the system.
  3. Enable system encryption with a new password.


(Data Manager M Lite, Data Manager M, Data Manager L)


Data Manager L

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