What is a Sigenergy Gateway?
A Sigenergy Gateway is used in conjunction with a Sigenergy SigenStor solar/inverter/battery installation. It enables the loads to be powered from energy stored in the batteries in the event of a grid power outage. The Gateway effectively provides ‘backup’ capability.
The Sigenergy Gateway detects a grid outage and immediately disconnects the installation from the grid via a contactor and directs power from the batteries to support the loads. There is no interruption in the power supply to the loads when this happens. Solar power continues to be generated and supplied to the load during a grid outage. When the grid power returns, the system is seamlessly reconnected to the grid.
The Sigenergy Gateway also facilitates the connection of a standby generator which can be used to supply loads and charge the batteries during a grid outage.
Energy usage can be monitored and energy flow controlled via the mySigen App.
If a SigenStor system is installed in an ‘off grid’ situation, where there is no grid supply, the Sigenergy Gateway can control the operation of a generator – starting and stopping it as required to supply the loads and maintain a nominated level of charge in the batteries.
When is a Sigenergy gateway required?
A Sigenergy Gateway is mandatory if any load needs to be ‘backed up’ during a grid outage. If this function is not required (e.g., when batteries are only used for load shifting), a Gateway is not necessary.
For ‘standalone’ or ‘off-grid’ SigenStor systems, a Sigenergy Gateway is always required, regardless of whether a generator is installed.
Standard Sigenergy Gateways
In Australia, Sigenergy offer two Gateway options – a single-phase Gateway (referred to as the Sigen Energy Gateway SP AU), and a three-phase Gateway (referred to as the Sigen Energy Gateway TP AU).
These two standard Gateways are designed to accommodate most common installations, however they do each have some significant limitations that are important to understand.
Sigen Energy Gateway SP AU
- Maximum continuous grid supply: 12kW (63A CB)
- Maximum number of inverters able to be connected: 2
- Maximum inverter capacity able to be connected: 12kW (1 x 63A, 1 x 40A CB)
- Maximum backup generator capacity: 12kW (63A CB)
- Maximum continuous ‘non-backed up’ load capacity: 12kW (63A CB)
- Maximum continuous ‘backed up’ load capacity: 12kW (63A CB)
- Maximum continuous total load (non-backed up and backed up): 12kW
- Maximum EV charger capacity: 7kW
- Bypass Switch: Yes
- Surge Protection: No
Sigen Energy Gateway TP AU
- Maximum continuous grid supply: 60kW (125A AB)
- Maximum number of inverters: 3
- Maximum inverter capacity able to be connected 60kW: (2 x 63A, 1 x 40A CB)
- Maximum backup generator capacity: 60kW (125A CB)
- Maximum continuous ‘backed up’ load capacity: 60kW (125A CB)
- Maximum EV charger capacity: 22kW
- Bypass Switch: Yes
- Surge Protection: Yes
. There are also Installation Manuals available for the Single-Phase and Three-Phase Gateways.
What is a Smart Port and how is it used?
The standard Sigenergy single-phase and three-phase Gateways are both equiped a with a Smart-Port.
The Smart-Port can be used for the connection of one of the following devices:
- Standby generator
- Smart loads (this is effectively any load that the system owner wants to be able to control, or ‘shed’ to preserve battery power when operating in off-grid mode)
- Third party solar PV systems
How are third-party solar systems connected to the Sigenergy Gateway?
Existing or new PV systems using other brands of inverter (e.g. Sungrow, SolarEdge, Enphase) can be integrated into a SigenStor installation. The best way to connect a third-party system is via the Smart-Port. This will allow the PV system to operate if/when the system is operating in backup mode (i.e. if the grid supply is lost). The third-party PV system must have a kW output rating no higher than the combined rating of the Sigenergy Energy Controllers.
For example, a SigenStor system incorporating a 10kW Energy Controller may have a third-party PV system rated at no more than 10 kW connected via the Smart-Port.
One exception to this rule is when connecting a compatible inverter that has 'ramp down' capabilities. If such an inverter - for example SolarEdge, Fronius, or Enphase - is connected to a SigenStor system in accordance with this Sigenergy Technical Note, the inverter system size may exceed the size of the Sigenergy Energy Controller and is only limited by the rating of the Smart-Port.
Another option for connecting a third-party PV system to a SigenStor installation is to connect it to the grid side of the Sigenergy Gateway. There is no limitation to the size of the system that can be connected in this way, however the third-party system will not operate and contribute to the load if/when the grid supply is lost and SigenStor system is operating in backup mode.
You can find additional information on how to connect the third-party inverter to a Sigen Energy Gateway on this Technical Note.
Although third party PV systems can be easily integrated into a SigenStor installation, it is recommended to connect at least one string of modules directly to the Sigenergy Energy Controller as this will enable it to ‘black start’ in the event that the system turns off due to low battery state of charge.
How does the Sigenergy Gateway control a generator?
Sigenergy Gateways have a digital output (dry contact) that can be used for 2-wire control of a generating set.
Additional information on connecting a generator to a Sigenergy system can be found here.
Can a single-phase generator be connected to a three phase Gateway?
No, only a three-phase generator can be used in a three-phase SigenStor system.
Can a three-phase Gateway be used for two-phase system?
No, where a two-phase system requires backup, two single-phase Gateways must be installed.
How are Sigenergy Gateways mounted?
Both the single and three-phase Gateways have detachable mounting plates. Mounting screws are provided to secure the mounting plate to the wall. The Gateways are then hung on the mounting plates and secured with locking screws.
Wiring the Sigenergy Gateway
There are glands provided at the bottom of both the single and three-phase Gateways to allow for power and communications cable entry. Rear cable entry is not currently possible, however it is being considered as a future option.
Earth and Neutral bars are provided within the Gateway.
A schematic diagram is provided on the inner door of the Sigenergy Gateways, and full Installation Manuals can be found here: SP AU & TP AU
Bypass Switches
Standard Sigenergy Gateways include a Bypass Switch which can be used to bypass the controller and connect the grid directly to the backup loads. In the event of a controller failure, the system owner has the option of turning the Bypass Switch on and connecting the load directly to the grid supply. It is critical that the correct process (as per the user manual) is followed when switching the system into Bypass mode.
What is the warranty on Sigenergy Gateways?
The Sigen Energy gateway SP AU and Sigen Energy gateway TP AU are both covered by a limited 2-year warranty, full details of which can be found below:
- Warranty Sigenergy for Inverter Systems - Australia and New Zealand (Hybrid Inverter, PV Inverter, Sigen Power Sensor, Sigen Communication Module, Sigen Gateways)
- Warranty SigenStor - Australia and New Zealand (Battery, Energy Controller, EV DC Charger)
Custom Sigenergy Gateways
The standard single-phase and three-phase Sigenergy Gateways are a readily available and cost-effective solution for common SigenStor installations. However, where site requirements fall outside of the capabilities of the standard Gateways, a Custom Sigenergy Gateway is required.
AC Solar Warehouse designs and builds Custom Sigenergy Gateways to meet any system requirements. These Gateways contain a Sigenergy Control Board along with the required contactors, circuit breakers, current transformers and surge protection.
The following information is required to design and quote a custom Sigenergy Control Board:
- Installation type: On Grid / Off grid
- Number of Phases: 1 / 2 / 3
- Generator connection required: No Yes ____kVA
- Generator cable type/size: ______________ ______mm2
- Grid connection rating: ___Amps
- Grid connection cable type/size: ______________ ______mm2
- Number and size of inverters: ___ x ___kW ___ x ___kW
- Inverter connection cable type/size : ______________ ______mm2
- Backed up load configuration: Number and Amp rating of outgoing circuits: _____
- Backed up load cable type/sizes: ______________ ______mm2
- Secondary Network Protection required: Yes / No
- Bypass Switch required: Yes / No
- Surge Protection required: Yes / No
- Note: Surge protection is strongly recommended unless it is already installed elsewhere in the installation.
How much do custom Sigenergy Gateways cost?
The cost of a custom Sigenergy Gateway varies significantly depending on the specific system requirements. Typically, they cost between $10,000 and $15,000 excluding GST.
Want to learn more about Sigenergy?
Book a training session with our team of experts or request a follow-up call!
To discuss how we can assist you with Sigenergy or receive a quote for a Custom Sigenergy Control Board, call us or request a callback. You can also request a Sigenergy training session for your team, and we’ll contact you to discuss the best options.