Cambridge, UK, January 2011: Enecsys Limited a solar PV micro-inverter company, will showcase its high reliability solar PV micro-inverter and monitoring system on Stand N2424 at Ecobuild, March 1-3, held at ExCel, London, UK.
Conventional domestic and commercial solar PV systems use a large, central “string” inverter, typically one per system, to convert the direct current (DC) output from solar modules (panels) into alternating current (AC) for connection to electricity grid. The Enecsys micro-inverter is a small inverter attached to the rack behind each solar module. Micro-inverters extract more energy from every module through an electronic technique known as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). Solar PV systems based on micro-inverters are easier to plan and install and eliminate dangerous high voltage DC from rooftops. In addition, these systems do not suffer from dramatic reductions in output when one PV module, or part of a module, has its output reduced by shading or build up of debris on its surface. This is a significant problem in conventional systems. This combination of factors ensures a 15% to 25% improvement in energy harvesting, compared to systems using string inverters.
The SMI series 200/240/280 Watt micro-inverters, first announced in May 2010, use patented technology developed at Cambridge University. They are based on a rugged topology, which eliminates the most unreliable and limited-life components found in other micro-inverters. For example, by replacing the electrolytic capacitors with long-life film capacitors, and removing opto-isolators, Enecsys micro-inverters are the first commercially available products of this type with greater than 25 years’ life expectancy. Their reliability has been verified in accelerated life tests to IEC61215, the same methodology used to test solar modules. Furthermore, Enecsys micro-inverters maintain full performance from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C. This is an important consideration in real-world operating conditions on commercial and residential rooftops.
The Ecobuild show also sees the announcement of a new product from Enecsys with the world’s highest power density for a single micro-inverter. The SMI-360Watt-D (‘DUO’) controls power from two solar modules and Enecsys’ patented topology enables full MPPT from both modules, maximizing energy harvest. The DUO will deliver improved efficiency of greater than 95.5% peak and greater than 93% Euro with the same high reliability and lifetime, compact footprint and ease of installation as other Enecsys products.
Enecsys micro-inverters are designed to operate on both North American (60Hz) and European (50Hz) electricity grid systems. The micro-inverters are safety and EMC evaluated to EN 62109, G83, UL1741, TUV and CE. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1: 2006 compliance, are achieved through the use of specific Enecsys installation products and UL certification has been received for the SMI240 model. Enecsys micro-inverters come with a 20-year warranty.
The Enecsys monitoring system consists of a proven and robust ZigBee wireless system integrated into the micro-inverters which connects to the Internet via the Enecsys Gateway in order to provide detailed performance information of each solar module from anywhere. Such comprehensive monitoring, which is not available with conventional inverter systems, gives users and installers detailed, real-time information to ensure that the solar PV system is operating with optimized performance over the life of the installation.
Enecsys Limited, develops, manufacturers, and markets world leading, highly reliable grid-connected solar micro-inverters and monitoring systems that offer an outstanding value proposition for solar PV systems. The micro-inverter converts and controls the DC power from each solar module into clean AC power for supply to the electricity grid. The advantages of Enecsys solar micro-inverters include: maximized energy harvest, improved safety, increased lifetime and reliability, enhanced performance monitoring, and simplified PV array design and installation. The monitoring system tracks, in real-time, the performance of each PV module transmits the information through a robust built-in wireless communication system that connects to the Internet via a gateway. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the company also has a sales and support office in Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.enecsys.com.
Source: TechnoPR (Europe)
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