Afore AF3.6K-SL3.6kW single-phase low-voltage hybrid inverter, 2 MPPT

Overview

The Afore AF3.6K-SL is a 3.6kW single-phase hybrid inverter for 48V-class batteries (40–60V). It takes up to 5.4kW of PV on two MPPTs, one string each, with 550V maximum input, and charges or discharges the battery at up to 3.6kW and 80A. During a grid outage the backup output takes over seamlessly with 3.6kVA continuous and 5.4kVA peak. With IP65 protection, 18.5kg weight and parallel operation of up to six units, it is designed for single-phase homes.

• 3kW / 3.6kW single-phase, two MPPTs
• PV input up to 550V, 1.5× PV oversizing
• 48V-class batteries, 40–60V, 80A
• Seamless switch to backup output
• Up to six units in parallel
• IP65, -25…+60°C, wall mounted

How it works

The Afore AF3K-SL and AF3.6K-SL combine a PV inverter, a battery charger for 40–60V batteries (51.2V nominal) and a grid-tie inverter with a backup (EPS) output in one wall-mounted unit. The two MPP trackers each take one string at up to 18.5A, with 550V maximum PV voltage and an 80–500V MPPT range.

The datasheet allows PV arrays up to 1.5 times the AC rating, 4.5kW and 5.4kW respectively. Battery charge and discharge power equals the AC rating, 3kW or 3.6kW, at up to 80A, and lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries can be used.

Operating modes

The manual describes SelfUse (PV to loads, then battery, then grid), SellFst for high feed-in tariffs, Maintain for small batteries, a time-of-use mode with up to three AC charging periods, PeakShave, and command-driven or external EMS control. Export can be limited to a set value or to zero. When the grid fails the backup loads are supplied seamlessly from PV and battery, and the backup output can deliver 150% of rated power, 5.4kVA on the 3.6kW model.

Installation and compatibility

The inverter is rated IP65 for indoor or outdoor use between -25°C and +60°C, under shelter from direct sun, rain and snow. Mount it vertically or tilted back by up to 15°, with 300mm of free space around it. An AC breaker of 63A is specified for the AF3-6K-SL range. A CT or meter is connected for export control, a generator input is supported, and up to six units can operate in parallel. Afore lists EN 50549-1, VDE-AR-N 4105, C10/C11, G98/G99 and IEC 62109-1/-2 among the approvals.

Monitoring

Communication interfaces are RS485, CAN, Wi-Fi, GPRS and 4G, with an LCD and LEDs on the unit. The Afore HOME app and web portal show the system and allow remote firmware upgrades; arc fault detection and SunSpec communication with rapid-shutdown devices are integrated.

Questions and answers