A new approach to advanced energy storage and charging technology

1. The MultiWave inverter/chargerplatformFor the lithium age

Agenda

▪ Brief intro to Morningstar

▪ MultiWave Overview

▪ Core Design Technology

▪ Technical Specifications

▪ Standard and Optional Features

▪ Multiwave vs Competition

▪ Service, Certifications & Support

▪ Operating Modes

▪ Energy Storage Partners

▪ Lithium Technology an Market Drivers

▪ Charging with Morningstar

▪ Q&A

Morningstar is the leading brand in solar charging technology

▪We are a US company in Newtown, Pennsylvania

▪We’ve been at this for 25 Years – recognized as the leader in off-grid solar controllers and now, Inverters

▪Over 4 million products supplied worldwide, in over

100 countries through over 200 distributors

▪Numerous patents and trademarks

Our products have the lowest failure rate in the industry

▪ We have the widest and most diversified product line covering:

• Commercial & Industrial uses including telecom, oil & gas, and security market verticals

• Mobile, marine, agricultural applications

• Residential - including rural electrification

▪ Our electronics power the largest residential off-grid project on the planet in Peru

▪ Providing solar electricity to 175,000+homes, 3,000 community centers

▪ Over one million people

Core product lines include:

TriStar MPPT & PWM Solar Controllers

ProStar MPPT & PWM Solar Controllers

SunSaver MPPT, PWM & Duo Solar Controllers

SunKeeper Solar Controllers

SunLight Solar Controllers

SunGuard Solar Controllers

SureSine inverters

NEW: MultiWave inverter/chargers

Others merely survive harsh environments while we thrive in them

How we do it1. Smarter digital design

Faster, more agile processing on-board

2. Internals laid out for performance, not economicsBecause as employee-owners, we not only can but we have to, in order to achieve our unparalleled low hardware failure rate

3. “Over-spec” componentsWith our smarter digital design and better internal engineering, we could get higher performance using the same components other companies use. Instead we raise the bar and surpass them, by using over-spec components

4. Superior, “fanless” thermal designNo fans. We don’t need them and you don’t want them.

Fans suck power, they suck dirt into the system, and they ultimately fail. We can’t have that!

How we do it (cont.)5. Dedicated engineering center with advanced R&D facilities,

test lab, EMI and environmental chambers, full-thermal modeling

6. Products built in fully automated world-class ISO 9001 facilities

7. Quality Control– 100% functional testing of every product, using the latest computerized test equipment and processes

▪ RESULT: hardware failure rate well below 1% • The only manufacturer who even dares share this

specification!

• Most Morningstar products ever built are still in use, some for a quarter-century now

Why create “the Morningstar of Inverters?”

1. Demand– the solar industry had been asking us to “get into inverters” for most of our existence

2. Experience— our 600Vdc charge controller paved the way for an AC-side breakthrough, with…• High voltage DC Bus to 48V charging at high efficiency

• A larger heat sink and fanless design, component modifications for higher current output, and powerful new software…

• Creating an AC output version was the next logical step

Inverter/Charger

▪ Good choice for systems with basic installation requirements

▪ Ideal for retrofitting systems which already have AC and DC switchgear

Inverter/Charger with BOS

▪ Adds pre-wired AC & DC breakers and AC input bypass switch

▪ Larger chassis with more wiring space

Two versions

Five models

120V 230V 120/240V 120V with BOS 120/240V with BOS

MW-4048-120 MW-4048-230 MW-4048-SP MW-4048-120-B MW-4048-SP-B

Multiwave’s low weight across all models enables easy installation

120V 230V 120/240V 120V with BOS 120/240V with BOS

45lbs 45 lbs 48lbs 58lbs 62 lbs

In specifications

BrandInverter model

Continuous kW

30 min30 min

kW5 sec

5 sec kW

100ms/Peak

100ms kw

Charger Current/Amp

Morningstar MultiWave 4 120% 4.8 200% 8 200% 8 80-100 A*

Magnum PAE 4448 4.4 109% 4.8 193% 8.5 ?40A LL / 70A

LN60 A

OutBack VFXR3648 3.6 111% 4 150% 5.4 167% 6 45 A

OutBack Radian 4048 4 113% 4.5 150% 6 212% 8.5 58 A

SchneiderConext SW split phase

3.8 116% 4.4 184% 7 ? 41A LL 45 A

*Charger current capacity determines how quickly the inverter can charge; a higher number is especially advantageous for advanced battery chemistries. MultiWave is truly bi-directional so input equals charging output. 100A @ 40V, 82A @ 48V, 80A @ 50V

? – the manuf. chose to spec surge capacity in current vs. power; unknown how much voltage sag is assumed under these conditions to calculate % power overloadLL– line to line currentLN— Line to neutral currentAll surge numbers are at 25C. All data is derived from Morningstar’s own internal comprehensive model testing

Feature BenefitMorningstar

MultiWaveSchneider SMA

Outback

RadianMagnum

Fanless design

Higher reliability, no

moving parts to fail.

No parasitic load. No

dirt/debris sucked in

YesNo No

No, fan

warranty is

2 years

only

No

Nameplate

Continuous

Power rating at

40c ambient

Hot Climate

ReliabilityYes No No No No

Meter Display

and

programmer

System Info. All

require one, most

don’t include one

Included Extra IncludedExtra (Mate3

or AXSport)Extra

Generator

ControlEnergy Management Standard Optional Standard Standard Optional

In features

Feature BenefitMorningstar

MultiWaveSchneider SMA

Outback

RadianMagnum

SD Card Logging

and configuration

Setup and

Data EaseStandard Optional Standard Optional Optional

Web App Config. Ease of SetupStandard

(LiveView)Optional Standard Optional Optional

Networking HubSystem

expansionStandard Standard Standard Optional Optional

Standard

MODBUS Data

Protocol

Ease of

integration

StandardOptional Optional Optional No

In features continued

An inside tour MW-4048-120-B “BOS” version

Aluminum chassisLight, rigid & corrosion-resistant

Built-in programmer with meterNo additional components to buy. And its

simple– no 190 page manual to read

High-speed ARM processorAll-digital calibration for precise control

Advanced passive thermal designExtruded aluminum heatsink &

superior engineering means no fans necessary

Field-serviceable, removable relay boardAll critical components and connectionsin one place for fast, easy replacement

DIN rail expansion systemFuture-proofed– snap-in relay controls, communications, battery management

systems (BMS) as needed

Bypass switchQuickly takes MultiWave off-line for easier maintenance or switching to generator power

Factory pre-wiredReduces on-site installation time and ensures reliability with 100% Quality Assurance and SquareD breakers and switch gear

Cooling fansJust wanted to see if you were listening. Unlike the competition, we don’t need ‘em

Connects with and talks to everythingUSB, RS-232, EIA-485, MeterBus and Ethernet

with built-in 4-port hub. MultiWave “talks solar.” Open ModBus protocol communicates with 3rd

party devices

Ample wiring room and featuresProbably the most installer-friendly

inverter/charger on the market, with large-diameter terminals, pre-punched knockouts, and

loads of space to work in

More advantages

▪ Low transfer time: <10ms, fast enough for UPS operation. Build back-up systems around MultiWave and your storage solution

▪ 200% surge capability: 8.5kW/5 seconds, for starting large inductive loads

▪ Generator optimization with scheduler: reduces runtime which lowers maintenance cost and fuel consumption

▪ Lithium fold-back: adjusts charging for low-temperature operation, preserving battery health

▪ Continuous power to 40⁰C: will not de-rate as conventional inverter/chargers do

Off-Grid Solar with Generator

▪ Prioritizes the power from solar modules before starting the generator

▪ Uses intelligent programming to start the generator during pre-specified times, monthly exercise, or to support the home loads

▪ AC loads are powered from the inverter the majority of the time

▪ Back-up generator operates only when needed

▪ Starts and connects to the back-up generator when battery voltage gets low

▪ No utility grid connection

▪ Can have a second generator connected to grid input

Off-Grid Solar with Generator

Grid-Connected Solar Priority

▪ Prioritizes the power from solar modules before using power from the electric grid

▪ Uses intelligent programming to draw from the grid during pre-specified times, or on demand to support the home loads

▪ AC loads are powered from the inverter the majority of the time

▪ Connects to the grid onlywhen battery voltage gets low

▪ Can include a back-up generator or other AC source

Note: MultiWave does not “sell” power back to the utility grid; it supplements inverter power with grid when needed based on load demand

Grid-Connected Solar Priority

UPS/Battery Back-Up (may include genset)

▪ Power from the utility grid passes through the inverter as normal operation

▪ Uses intelligent programming to detect power loss from the grid, and move the loads to the battery while starting the generator automatically

UPS/Battery Back-Up

• AC loads are powered from the grid the majority of the time

• AC loads are powered by inverter only when a power outage occurs

• Normally the back-up generator does not operate

• Starts and connects to the back-up generator only when battery voltage gets low

In general, off-grid and hybrid inverter manufacturers rely on “old school” power conversion technology

▪ Low-frequency transformers with limited ability for power control, conditioning or protections

• They guarantee a lack of agility and response speed

▪ Complex, slow, unreliable legacy programming interfaces with proprietary data protocols

• Some hybrid inverters require buying extra programmers that come with nearly 200 page user manuals!

▪ Frequent software patches, unknown hardware upgrade paths increase risk of obsolescence

Low Frequency Topology (almost every off-grid and hybrid inverter out there today)

Source: Home Power Magazine

▪ Advantages: very stable, able to provide ample surge performance when needed

▪ Disadvantages: slow, stiff and sluggish response. Requires large, bulky and inefficient magnetics which compromise reliability and add size and weight

High Frequency Topology

▪ Advantages: very agile, faster and more accurate response. Higher efficiency. Superior charging capabilities. Reduced size and weight

▪ Disadvantages: older attempts at this design were very electronically complex without complementary advanced software to make them practical. They also lacked surge capability

MultiWave Design

Stability and

Reliability

Speed and

Agility

Low Frequency High Frequency

Uses very advanced software on top of an all-new electronic architecture to achieve the best of both types:

MultiWave achieves:

1. Stability and reliability of a low frequency inverter

2. Speed and agility of a high frequency inverter—and entirely passively cooled!

3. Truly bi-directional high-frequency DC-DC topology delivers control and choice

4. Highest power rating in its weight class

5. Unprecedented charging capabilities ideal for advanced battery types including lithium– up to 100 Amps!

Easily accessible SD Card Slot

-System Data

-Event Log journal

Inverter-Charger-AC 1/2 Status

Backlit Directional Buttons

Convenient removable mount allows viewing of display while accessing wiring box (underneath unit)

Assignable Softkey for common tasksState of Charge LED’s

Built-In Meter Display

DIN module expansion system

▪ Capacity for 6 Blocks

▪ Comes standard with 2 Dry Contact Relay Block

▪ Future options will include lithium battery management system (BMS), wireless, shunt…

▪ Auto-configures with customized from any web browser

Communications

4x Ethernet

USB Meterbus On/Off

Remote

Temp + Vsense

Serial 232/485

Mainboard BOS Bus

Service

▪ Efficient, compact design – Only 2 boards

▪ Fewer Serviceable Items• Relay board is only field replaceable unit (FRU)

• Isolates most potential failure points onto easily replaced, single FRU

▪ 5 year base warranty / optional extension to total of 10 years

▪ Easy replacement; ship same day boards/replacements

▪ Spares to be stocked at Morningstar distribution centers globally

▪ Morningstar Product Registration

▪ TUV, ETL listed

▪ UL1741, CSA 22.2 #107.1-01

▪ CE, IEC 62109-2, FCC Class B

▪ Pre-wired BOS options for NEC-compliant installation

▪ REACH compliant (formerly RoHS)

Certifications

LiveView 2.0

(Use Live feed for demonstration)

Installation, wiring & operation basics

Let’s reference the manual

▪ Assure system designers of compatibility and interoperability

▪ Make system installation easier and less complex

▪ Provide end-users with a more proven, better documented and controlled energy storage system

Sources:

GTM; est. 4,400 NA residential ES systems in 2016. GTM predicts that 97% of NA ES systems will be grid-connected by 2021

Technavio; 81% CAGR for North American residential ES systems

Lithium vs. Lead-Acid

Important considerations:▪ Cycle-life

▪ Temperature tolerance

▪ Depth of Discharge (DoD)

▪ Partial State of Charge (PSoC) effects

▪ Round-trip efficiency

▪ Energy density

▪ Maximum allowable charge/discharge rates

GTM:• Lead-Acid will be mainly

confined to pure off-grid market

• “Vast majority of grid-connected PV energy storage market will favor Li-ion technology, across all regions and segments”

• Li-ion price drops 14% YOY average

Before you make the switch...Seven lithium characteristics can significantly change your system behavior. Consider them carefully before you “drop lithium in”

1. Battery Management System (BMS)

Electronic system for balancing and protecting cells (including thermal protection). If a BMS isn’t in the battery you’ll need one in your system

2. Narrow voltage rangeLess fluctuation or “travelling” between low and high SOC. Requires more data monitoring to measure SOC

3. Cold temperature charging

Lithium can be damaged if charged in too cold conditions. To ensure health, you’ll want a “foldback” feature that can throttle-back charging in cold conditions

4. Full discharging Can cause “chemical death.” Sometimes the LVD point is not correlated with SOC

5. Low self-dischargeExtended float or stand-by periods are OK, making lithium ideal for systems that aren’t frequently used (such as cabins) which might make scheduling more complex

6. High charge/discharge rate (C-rate)

More energy density means faster charging and discharging, and can benefit from inverter/chargers that can more quickly “stuff” electricity into them

7. Higher upfront cost……but generally much longer cycle life. Which means system economics and ROI can be more complex to calculate for end-users in order to understand the value proposition

PWM Solar Charge Controllers

MPPT Solar Charge Controllers

ProStar TriStar SunSaver MPPT ProStar MPPT TriStar MPPT

Morningstar offers a complete line of lithium-compatible charge controllers

Example: Morningstar’s ProStar MPPT Solar Controller

Programming Battery Settings Using Meter Interface

▪ Advanced Custom Charge Settings for Special Use Cases:– Battery Temperature Foldback – some Li Ion unable to charge when cold

– High Voltage Disconnect – prevents overcharging

– Max Regulation Voltage – limit operating range for sensitive loads

– Fixed Vmp – disable sweep and operates only at a single Vmp input

– Absorption Extension – lengthen absorption after deep cycle period

– Temp Comp Variations for non SLA batteries (Ni Cads, Lithium)

Detailed Programming with MS View

Charge RateLow Temperature Current Fold back

Examples from Battery Partners

Discover ‘AES’ Battery

▪ LiFePO4▪ 24V, 36V, & 48V models▪ 1-6.7kWh + optional parallel expansion▪ Optional communication w/ external devices (including available SoC

indicators)▪ Upcoming ‘LYNK’ system will support remote access and ‘master’

system control

Trojan ‘Trillium’ Battery

▪ LiFePO4▪ 12V & 24V models, 640-1400Wh▪ Group 27, 24, & U1 classifications▪ Series/parallel configurations supported (Up to 20

strings @48V)▪ Integrated SoC gauge + open protocol

communication available on select models

Settings & Documentation

▪ https://www.morningstarcorp.com/energy-storage-partner-program/

▪ (located under the ‘Resources’ tab on ▪ www.morningstarcorp.com)

▪ Click on any of the brands listed to access the Morningstar Integration Guide(s)

▪ Fill out the information request form to retrieve the PDF(s)

▪ Includes link to pre-configured downloadable MSView settings files for simple plug-n’-play setup

Questions & Answers

Thank You

www.morningstarcorp.com

Phone: +1-215-321-4457

Fax: +1-215-321-4458

Email: info@morningstarcorp.com