Top 10 Central Inverters
A central inverter is relatively larger in terms of its physical size, power rating capacity, and maximum input voltage among other characteristics than a string inverter.
Multiple DC feeders are wired into the central inverter DC inputs. Some central inverters have 20 (or up to 28 optional) DC inputs, depending on the manufacturer of the inverter.
For example, considering the Sungrow SG4400UD-MV, there are 28 DC inputs. The number of independent maximum power point (MPP) inputs is 4. Hence each MPP input will have a maximum of 7 DC feeder inputs routed to a single inverter unit. The SG4400 has an optional DC input provision (24 inputs, floating) that you may want to verify per your system design. Each inverter AC output power is rated at 1100 kVA. The total AC outputs of 4 unit inverters give us the total nameplate rating of 4400 kVA.
When connecting multiple inverters in parallel, it is crucial to ensure proper coordination and sharing of inputs to optimize system performance and reliability. Both the inverter datasheet and operating manual provide essential information needed during the design stage to achieve this.
Key inputs shared between two inverters typically include:
DC Power Input: Solar PV arrays generate DC power, which is input into the inverters for conversion to AC power. Ensuring balanced and synchronized DC inputs to each inverter is essential to prevent uneven loading and maximize energy yield.
AC Output Connection: The AC output from each inverter must be coordinated to ensure seamless integration into the electrical grid or local distribution system. Proper synchronization of phase angles, voltage levels, and frequency is necessary to avoid issues such as voltage fluctuations or phase imbalances.
Communication Interfaces: Inverters often include communication interfaces for data monitoring, control, and grid interaction. Shared communication networks allow for centralized monitoring and management of multiple inverters, providing real-time performance data and enabling remote diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Protection and Safety Features: Inverters incorporate various protection and safety features to safeguard the system and personnel against faults, overloads, or abnormal operating conditions. Shared protection schemes, such as overcurrent protection or ground fault detection, must be coordinated to ensure effective and reliable operation.
Almost all central inverters have common features such as maximum power point tracking, voltage & frequency regulation, reactive power control, anti-islanding protection, and grid integration. Their applications largely span from ground-mount solar systems to commercial & industrial (C&I) installations.
Central inverter manufacturers in no Order of Preference
1. Sungrow
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd: Sungrow is a leading global inverter solution supplier. The SG3150UD-MV-US, SG3425UD/SG3600UD, and SG4400UD-MV-US are models designed for utility-scale solar PV installations. For large-scale solar projects, these series are suitable for meeting the demands of various plant capacities. These inverters are designed with advanced features to maximize energy yield, enhance system reliability, and ensure seamless grid interaction.
Sungrow central inverters incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), which optimizes the output of the solar array by continuously adjusting to the maximum power point under varying environmental conditions. This helps to maximize energy harvest and overall system efficiency. Additionally, these inverters often feature grid-support functionalities such as voltage and frequency regulation, reactive power control, and anti-islanding protection to maintain grid stability and safety.
Renowned for their robustness, performance, and ease of installation, Sungrow central inverters are suitable for a wide range of solar applications, from utility-scale solar farms to commercial and industrial rooftop installations. They are engineered to meet stringent quality and safety standards, providing reliable and long-lasting operation even in challenging environments. With comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities, Sungrow central inverters offer efficient operation and remote management, ensuring optimal performance and uptime for solar PV systems.
Refer to the inverter datasheet for further details during the design stage of your project.
2. Gamesa Electric
Gamesa Electric: Gamesa Electric is known for its renewable energy solutions, including central inverters. The Proteus PV inverters (4000 series) are suitable for large-scale solar installations.
3. GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy: General Electric (GE) is a multinational conglomerate, and its Renewable Energy division provides inverters for utility-scale solar projects. The LV5+ Series is designed for high efficiency and reliability. The FLEXINVERTER has a high power density from 3.0 to 3.9 MW suitable for standalone or power stations for utility-scale solar PV/Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solutions.
4. Ingeteam
Ingeteam: Ingeteam is a Spanish company that provides power conversion and control products, including central inverters. The PowerMax series is designed for utility-scale solar installations.
5. Power Electronics
Power Electronics: Power Electronics is a Spanish company known for its power electronics solutions. For instance, the HEC V1000 series, HEM, and HEMK models are central inverters designed to meet the demands of utility-scale solar projects.
6. Delta Electronics
Delta Electronics, Inc: Delta Electronics produces a variety of power electronics products, including central inverters. The M50A series is designed for large-scale solar installations.
7. Chint Power Systems
Chint Power Systems (CPS): a subsidiary of the Chint Group, provides central inverters for utility-scale solar projects. The CPS provides utility-string inverters with transformer skids usable on large-scale solar PV projects.
Chint central inverters are designed to cater to various scales of solar installations, from residential and commercial to utility-scale projects. They come equipped with advanced features like the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology, which optimizes the system’s energy output by continuously tracking and adjusting to the maximum power point of the solar array.
CPS inverters also incorporate grid-support functionalities like reactive power control and voltage regulation, ensuring stable and efficient operation while maintaining grid compatibility and compliance with industry standards. Also, Chint inverters are known for their user-friendly interface and built-in monitoring capabilities, allowing for easy installation, operation, and remote monitoring of the solar PV system’s performance.
With a focus on quality, durability, and innovation, CPS central inverters are suitable for diverse solar applications and environmental conditions. They undergo rigorous testing and adhere to international standards to ensure reliability, safety, and long-term performance, making them a trusted choice for solar projects worldwide.
8. TMEIC
TMEIC (Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation): a global company established in 2003, in Tokyo, Japan due to the integration of Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation’s industrial systems divisions. A wide variety of TMEIC’s central inverters are suitable for utility-scale solar projects.
These central inverters are known for their advanced technology, efficiency, and reliability. They are engineered to maximize energy yield and system performance while ensuring grid stability and compatibility. TMEIC inverters utilize innovative features such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), grid voltage regulation, and reactive power control to optimize energy production and maintain grid balance.
With a focus on quality and durability, TMEIC central inverters are built with the capability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and operate seamlessly in challenging grid environments. Equipped with comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities, operators can remotely monitor, diagnose, and optimize the performance of solar PV systems in real time. TMEIC inverters also comply with international standards for safety, quality, and grid interconnection, assuring reliability and compliance to project developers and system owners.
Overall, TMEIC central inverters offer a trusted solution for large-scale solar power generation, delivering high efficiency, performance, and reliability to utility-scale solar projects around the world.
9. FIMER
FIMER: It was founded in 1942, in Monza, Lombardia in Italy and it’s a global key manufacturer of central inverters suitable for commercial & industrial as well as utility-scale solar PV solutions. FIMER acquired the ABB solar inverter business unit as a press release on March 2, 2020, confirms.
FIMER central inverters are known for their high efficiency, reliability, and advanced grid management capabilities. They are engineered to deliver maximum energy yield, optimize system performance, and ensure grid stability under varying conditions. These inverters incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithms, reactive power control, and grid support functions to enhance energy production and maintain grid compatibility.
With features like built-in monitoring systems, remote control capabilities, and seamless integration with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, FIMER central inverters enable operators to monitor, manage, and optimize their solar PV systems with ease. These inverters also adhere to international standards for quality, safety, and grid compliance, providing peace of mind to project developers, installers, and system owners. Overall, FIMER central inverters are trusted solutions for reliable and efficient solar energy conversion in a wide range of applications.
10. SMA
SMA: SMA has central inverters such as the Sunny Central UP for large-scale solar PV installations. These inverters are typically deployed in utility-scale solar installations, where they play a critical role in optimizing energy production, managing grid interactions, and ensuring system reliability.
SMA central inverters are known for their robustness, efficiency, and advanced monitoring capabilities, making them a preferred choice for worldwide commercial and industrial solar projects. They are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, provide high conversion efficiency, and offer flexible grid management functionalities to support grid stability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
With features such as integrated monitoring and control systems, grid support functions, and advanced communication interfaces, SMA central inverters enable operators to monitor and manage their solar PV systems remotely, optimize performance, and respond effectively to grid conditions and fluctuations in solar irradiance. Additionally, SMA inverters are backed by comprehensive technical support and warranty services, ensuring reliable operation and long-term performance for solar energy projects of all scales.
Summary
In summary, by referring to the inverter datasheet and operating manual, designers can obtain detailed specifications, wiring diagrams, and configuration guidelines specific to the model and manufacturer. This information enables proper sizing, installation, and commissioning of the inverters, ensuring compliance with industry standards and optimal performance of the solar PV system.
Additionally, consulting with technical experts or seeking support from the manufacturer can provide valuable insights and assistance in designing and integrating parallel inverters effectively.
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