How do smart solar inverters help improve performance efficiency, reduce downtime and save on costs?
Due to the high penetration level of DER (Distributed Energy Resources) the grid is posing a great amount of complex challenges on the functioning of inverters. As a solution for these common problems the smart inverters come into play by solving most of the problems of the traditional system. Since smart inverters work autonomously, they have a positive impact on the implemented residential sector as well as the national power grid. The traditional grid requires constant maintenance due to the stress, but smart inverters could help to address these localized challenges and grow the flexibility of the system. Smart inverters let two- way communication with utility control centers. In addition, advanced capabilities such as voltage and frequency sensors allow smart inverters to detect grid abnormalities and send the feedback to utility operators.
Delta’s smart solar inverter solutions enables the smart and cost-effective designs for industrial and small utility-scale PV power plants by maximizing energy yields even in challenging landscapes and locations. The smart Inverter will have more DC overloading options, flexible MPPT channels, fuse- less or in-line fuse options, wireless communication systems, mobile friendly APPs etc. With the mentioned features systems will have reduced clipping losses and provide extra generation (kWh) than the conventional PCUs.
Some of the key feature of Delta smart solar Inverters are,
- Built-in String/Zone monitoring option with SCADA and Mobile communications through wired/ wireless network
- GPRS/ Ethernet/ direct communication options
- Built-in Auxiliary Power supply and DC UPS systems with battery for Inverter operations (in central inverter range)
- Insulation Monitoring device with digital measurement of insulation value
- Ground Fault detector and Indicator with adjustable pre-warning alarm and trip level + Negative Grounding Fuse protection
- IV Curve monitoring at string level for individual DC inputs
- Delta developed Highly reliable and stable Sub 1 G wireless communications systems with coverage area of 100 + meters
By implementing right product with right design options customer can have better performance in system efficiency and earn better yield.
What are the pros and cons of implementing smart solar inverters?
The necessity of the smart solar inverter has been increasing day by day. SMART inverter technology provides some advantages to residential, commercial and utility-scale solar. This includes high redundancy through a distributed AC architecture that reduces system cost and improves operations and maintenance aspects.
The stability of the transmission system can be maintained and strengthened through the active contributions of DELTA smart inverters. Grid operators across the globe benefit from new technologies such as the ability to supply reactive power both night and day, intelligent and flexible PV plant regulation with the Power Plant Controller, and communication interfaces integrated into the inverter Delta smart inverters have proven as perfect choice for Grid management services like dynamic reactive power feed & Output power throttling capabilities and compliance to complex HVRT, LVRT requirements of large scale PV plants. The shade-tolerant solution for string inverters lies within the string inverter’s MPPT tracking algorithm which requires scanning of IV curve quite frequently in a short period of time. The MPPT algorithm must take into account the entire MPPT voltage window to act on the presence of a global maximum. DELTA’s shade tolerant Hill Climbing MPPT algorithm technology allows for tracking of dynamically changing global power peaks with no significant decrease in traditional static and dynamic tracking result in maximum efficiency in turn maximize output power generation, DELTA’s smart IV curve diagnosis technology allows the inverter to export IV curves, deploys algorithms on the management system, and analyzes data. I t also identifies modes to scan all PV strings of a PV plant and identify hidden PV module faults. DELTA’s Smart I – V Curve Diagnosis is able to carry out online I – V curve analysis on entire strings with advanced diagnosis algorithm. The scanning helps to find out and identify the strings with low performance or faults, which enables proactive maintenance which results in higher O& M efficiency and lower operation cost.
SUNSPEC & MODBUS are the industry standard communication protocols designed to achieve interoperability between Distributed Energy Resource (DER) components and smart grid applications. Alongside Wired based MODBUS & SUNSPEC protocols, Wi-Fi-based Communication is also available with which users can monitor the solar system working situation through either computer or APP using his smartphone. The User can check today, monthly & total energy harvest along with many more parameters etc.
Constantly declining cost of solar modules globally encouraging developers and IPPs to invest more on DC installation to get maximum AC generation. This DC overloading of inverter yields more generation through the day, however increases the duty cycle of the inverter which mandates the inverter to operate at almost rated capacity throughout the day. DELTA’s SMART inverters with their robust design offer maximum flexibility for project-specific oversizing. Thus, the inverter’s full load hours can be maximized throughout the total project duration— without any component degradation.
What is the future industry outlook for smart solar inverters in India?
With an optimistic beginning, 2020 seems more promising. Hopefully there will be adequate Government support and faster implementation of government policies to help industry achieve ambitious goal of 175 GW Renewable Energy by 2022.
To meet the green energy commitments, India is on the right track and adding more and more renewable energy (Wind and Solar).
Due to an increase RE penetration grid is becoming more and more volatile and unstable. So solar inverters are required to act more smartly and contribute to grid stability. Apart from this, to make the grid more stable, storage is being added. Hence the environment at which solar inverters operate is becoming more and more complex. Considering these complexities, there is great need for inverters to be more smart. I e smart inverters.
Solar has already become an attractive energy source compared to any other sources of Power generation on account of lowest cost of generation. Delta is well placed to meet the market needs with its current range and expected launches in coming quarters.
Highlight challenges towards implementation of smart solar inverters at the ground level, as regards acceptance by the industry?
Certification and qualification of inverters to meet stringent grid codes is a challenge. Though there are IEC/ IEEE standards on for the inverters behavior under complex situations like LVRT/ HVRT/ Frequency control etc. there are not enough facilities for testing and certification to ensure whether the so called smart inverters are really “ smart” or not. Absence of such checks will result in a deep penetration of cheap quality inverters into the market which puts a cost pressure on the suppliers which meet the requirements in true sense.
