About Aero Sharp
Aero Sharp was a transformer-based solar inverter company located in Ontario, Canada serving the residential and commercial markets both on a local and international scale (this included Australia). The company was actually Chinese-owned as it was part of China AVIC Avionics Equipment Co. Ltd (now China Avionics Systems Co. Ltd), but it doesn’t appear to be operating at the moment. Aero Sharp specialized in the manufacturing of grid-tied solar inverters with a power ranging from 1 kW, 1.5 kW, 2 kW and 3 kW. Aero Sharp solar inverters was initially warranted for 5 years, but the latter models came with a 10-year warranty, shortly before the company went into liquidation presumably in 12 October 2013 due to an extremely large number of warranty claims being made on the Aero Sharp inverter product for slow start up times, involuntary system shut downs, unit not powering up, and other technical issues.
Aero Sharp Inverter Recall
Unfortunately with the manufacturer of Aero Sharp inverters being in liquidation this has left an untold number of their solar power customers with no warranties for the inverters that they have had installed, and it seems like the Aero-Sharp inverters are a problem waiting to happen. There is a company in Brisbane that repairs Aero Sharp inverter problems but obviously this is at a cost as the following steps will need to be taken:
1.You need to pay to have a licensed electrician remove the faulty inverter.
2.The problem Aero-Sharp inverter will need to be delivered to the Brisbane company.
3.You will need to pay for the inverter to be repaired.
4.The repaired inverter will need to be sent back to you.
5.You will need to have a licensed electrician re install your repaired Aero-Sharp inverter.
With all the above costs I would not expect any change from $500 and then you still have the Aero Sharp inverter with no warranty – just hold your breath until the next fault develops!
The best solution is to replace the problem inverter with a new, quality unit complete with a full 5 or 10 year warranty that will actually be honoured.
Aero Sharp Product Features
- Suitable for both outdoor and indoor installation.
- Sealed stainless steel enclosure designed and certified for IP65 protection level.
- Plug-in connection for all DC input, AC output and communication cables, very easy field wiring.
- Independent MPPT channels for PV module strings of different characteristics to maximize the yields of a system.
- Isolation transformer between the inverter electronics and the utility grid for safety and reliability yet maintains very high conversion efficiency.
- Proper power size and input voltage range for each input MPPT channel, very easy system integration with a single string for each MPPT channel.
- Transient voltage suppressor at both input and output terminals to protect the inverter from transient high voltages induced by lightning or other sources.
AERO SHARP TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| MODEL TYPE | HR-INV-X01-006 | HR-INV-X01-010 | HR-INV-X01-020 | HR-INV-X01-030 | HR-INV-X01-050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Power Rating (kVA) | 0.6 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| INPUT | |||||
| Recommended Input PV Power (W) | 750 | 1250 | 2500 | 3750 | 6250 |
| Max. DC Input Power (W) | 700 | 1200 | 2350 | 3500 | 5750 |
| Max. Input Voltage (Vdc) | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Norm. Input Voltage (Vdc) | 280 | 280 | 280 | 280 | 280 |
| Min. Input DC Voltage (Vdc) | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| MPPT Voltage Range (Vdc) | 150 ~ 400 | 150 ~ 400 | 150 ~ 400 | 150 ~ 400 | 150 ~ 400 |
| Max. Input DC Current (Adc) | 4.5 | 6 | 6 + 6 | 10 + 10 | 20 + 20 |
| Input Connection | Plug | Plug | Plug | Plug | Plug |
| Number of Input Connectors (pair) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Number of MPPT Channel | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Input Transient Voltage Suppression | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Earth Fault Detection and Indication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Opposite Polarity Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Input Current Limitation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OUTPUT | |||||
| Max. Output AC Power (VA) | 660 | 1100 | 2200 | 3300 | 5500 |
| Norm. Output AC Power (VA) | 600 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 5000 |
| Power Factor | >0.99 | >0.99 | >0.99 | >0.99 | >0.99 |
| Output Current THD | <4% | <4% | <4% | <4% | <4% |
| Norm. Grid Voltage (Vrms) | 220 / 230 / 240 50Hz, 120 / 240 60 Hz | 220 / 230 / 240 50Hz, 120 / 240 60 Hz | 220 / 230 / 240 50Hz, 120 / 240 60 Hz | 220 / 230 / 240 50Hz, 120 / 240 60 Hz | 220 / 230 / 240 50Hz, 120 / 240 60 Hz |
| Grid Voltage Range (Vrms) | 88%~110% of norm grid voltage by default, adjusted to local regulation | 88%~110% of norm grid voltage by default, adjusted to local regulation | 88%~110% of norm grid voltage by default, adjusted to local regulation | 88%~110% of norm grid voltage by default, adjusted to local regulation | 88%~110% of norm grid voltage by default, adjusted to local regulation |
| Rated Output AC Current (Arms) | 2.6 | 4.3 | 8.7 | 13.0 | 21.8 |
| Max. Output AC Current (Arms) | 3.0 | 5.0 | 10.0 | 15.0 | 24.0 |
| Norm. Grid Frequency (Hz) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Grid Frequency Range (Hz) | 49.5 ~ 50.5 by default, adjusted to local regulation | 49.5 ~ 50.5 by default, adjusted to local regulation | 49.5 ~ 50.5 by default, adjusted to local regulation | 49.5 ~ 50.5 by default, adjusted to local regulation | 49.5 ~ 50.5 by default, adjusted to local regulation |
| Transformer Isolation Between System and Grid | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grid Connection Wiring | Plug | Plug | Plug | Plug | Plug |
| Grid Disconnection | Relay | Relay | Relay | Relay | Relay |
| Output Short Circuit Protection | Yes, current control | Yes, current control | Yes, current control | Yes, current control | Yes, current control |
| Output Transient Voltage Suppression | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Non-islanding | Yes, comply with UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / VDE0126-1-1 | Yes, comply with UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / VDE0126-1-1 | Yes, comply with UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / VDE0126-1-1 | Yes, comply with UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / VDE0126-1-1 | Yes, comply with UL 1741 / IEEE 1547 / VDE0126-1-1 |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility | Comply with EN 61000-3-2 / 3-3 / 6-1 / 6-2 / 6-3 / 6-4 FCC Part 15 class B | Comply with EN 61000-3-2 / 3-3 / 6-1 / 6-2 / 6-3 / 6-4 FCC Part 15 class B | Comply with EN 61000-3-2 / 3-3 / 6-1 / 6-2 / 6-3 / 6-4 FCC Part 15 class B | Comply with EN 61000-3-2 / 3-3 / 6-1 / 6-2 / 6-3 / 6-4 FCC Part 15 class B | Comply with EN 61000-3-2 / 3-3 / 6-1 / 6-2 / 6-3 / 6-4 FCC Part 15 class B |
| POWER EFFICIENCY (with isolation) | |||||
| Max Efficiency | >93.0 | >93.5 | >94.0 | >94.5 | >95.5 |
| European Efficiency | >91.0 | >91.5 | >92.5 | >93.0 | >94.5 |
| PACKAGING | |||||
| Enclosure | IP65, for indoor and outdoor installation | IP65, for indoor and outdoor installation | IP65, for indoor and outdoor installation | IP65, for indoor and outdoor installation | IP65, for indoor and outdoor installation |
| Weight (kg) | 16 | 22 | 28 | 33 | 70 |
| Dimension (H x W x D, mm) | 326x375x202 | 326x375x202 | 395x525x222 | 395x525x222 | 520x400x350 |
| ENVIRONMENT | |||||
| Operation Ambient Temperature (°C) | -25 ~ +40 | -25 ~ +40 | -25 ~ +40 | -25 ~ +40 | -25 ~ +40 |
| Storage Ambient Temperature (°C) | -40 ~ +70 | -40 ~ +70 | -40 ~ +70 | -40 ~ +70 | -40 ~ +70 |
| Elevate Above Sea Level (m) | 4000 (Max. Temp +30°C) | 4000 (Max. Temp +30°C) | 4000 (Max. Temp +30°C) | 4000 (Max. Temp +30°C) | 4000 (Max. Temp +30°C) |
AERO SHARP ERROR CODES
Aero Sharp Fault and Error Code Displays
Aero Sharp fault codes are divided into two categories: CAT I faults and CAT II faults. When a CAT I fault occurs the inverter will stop operating while it can continue to operate when a CAT II fault occurs. The break down of the fault codes is as follows:
Aero Sharp CAT I Fault Display
When an Aero Sharp inverter is displaying a CAT I fault only fault information, not operating information will be displayed. If the faults are more than one, the display will continually scroll between the faults every 5 seconds.
There are 5 types of CAT I fault as follows:
- BIT Failure
- Ground Fault
- PV1 Over Volt
- PV2 Over Volt
- System Error
The system will stop operating upon occurence of the 3rd and 4th faults and will re-commence operation automatically upon disappearance of these faults. The system stops upon occurrence of the 1st, 2nd and/or 5th faults and will require manual repair to eliminate the fault condition.
Aero Sharp CAT II Fault Display
There are five types of CAT II faults as follows:
- PV Over Power
- Grid Volt Error
- Grid Freq. Error
- TVS1 (Transient Voltage Suppressor 1) Failure
- TVS2 (Transient Voltage Suppressor 2) Failure
When the 1st, 4th and / or 5th fault conditions occur the system will still operate normally while there will be advice when TVS1 or TVS2 (Internal Transient Voltage Suppressors) need to be replaced. The system will stop operating upon occurrence of the 2nd and 3rd faults; it will however automatically reconnect when the grid is back within the inverter specifications.
| FAULT CODE | DESCRIPTION | REMEDY |
|---|---|---|
| BIT Failure | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| Ground Fault | This could indicate an earth fault or, if permanent, the board may have fused. | Have a technician check for an earth leak. If none is detected, the inverter will need to be replaced. |
| PV1 Over Volt | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| PV2 Over Volt | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| System Error | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| Grid Volt Error | An AC fuse may have blown or the AC board may be fused. | Have a technician check the AC fuse in the inverter and the AC board. The inverter may need replacing. |
| PV Over power | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| Grid Freq Error | This fault may indicate an energy provider issue or the AC board may have fused. | If the fault is intermittent, this could be a legitimate power distributor issue. If it is permanent, the inverter will need replacing. |
| TVS1 Failure | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| TVS2 Failure | Internal component has failed. | The inverter needs to be replaced. |
| Inverter dead | Internal component has failed. | If all the isolators are in the “on” position, then the inverter needs to be replaced. |
If your Aero Sharp solar inverter is faulty it can be repaired however usually there isn’t much point doing this when you consider how much it will cost. Why spend good money on repairing a cheap inverter which could have another problem next week and cost you more money? We recommend you bite the bullet and spend a bit more money on a quality new inverter with a full manufacturers warranty.
FIND OUT MORE
Contact SAE Group on 1300 18 20 50 to have a chat to our service team about your Aero Sharp solar inverter repair needs or fill out the form below.
