Inverters and systems for utility-scale PV
Solutions for PV-diesel applications
The combination of PV and diesel generators or PV, diesel and main, alternatively with storage, offers all the advantages of the respective systems while eliminating their possible weaknesses. Solar electricity is comparatively cheap and creates almost no maintenance costs. Yet, its availability is limited to the daytime (as long as no storage devices are implemented). Diesel generators on the other hand, offer power all around the clock, but inevitably drive operating and maintenance costs up.
Intelligent control
The key to tapping the enormous potential of PV-diesel solutions - whether or not including main and energy storage - is an intelligent hybrid controller to properly manage all the power sources involved. The hybrid fuel saving solution that KACO new energy is promoting includes a combination of blueplanet solar PV Inverters with proven third-party hybrid controllers (see appendix). These components are meant to make sure that as much solar energy as possible is used and that the genset is kept in its optimum working range. The benefits of such a fuel saving hybrid system are:
Maximum amount of solar energy
Adding a relatively small PV system to a genset is easy. But then, the fuel savings are small, too. Integrating a PV system of significant size bears technical challenges. The KACO Fuel Saving solution allows you to integrate a large PV system which translates into significant fuel savings and O&M cost reduction.
Lower fuel costs
While fuel costs are rising continuously, we don’t have to pay for sunlight, and we will never run out of it. Using solar power to generate electricity liberates you from the threat of rising fuel costs.
Beneficial for health and environment
The combination of a fuel driven genset and a PV system significantly lowers emissions of air pollutants and noise, thus improving the direct environmental effect on the citizens in its vicinity.
In summary, with inverters from KACO new energy in a PV-diesel fuel saving solution, one stands to achieve the following benefits:
Typical off-grid/island Fuel Saving application with blueplanet 87.0-165 TL3 inverters
Off-grid (or island) systems such as PV-diesel hybrid ones, are characterized by the generators and the consumer profiles which differ in terms of time. Assuring supply means adjusting these profiles to each other. The Fuel Saving system consists of the diesel generator and the PV generator complete with modules and mounting system, the blueplanet inverters, and the hybrid controller needed to coordinate the components of the system.
Measuring points continuously register all voltage and current data that form the basis on which the diesel-PV ratio is optimized. The controller receives the data from these measuring points and makes sure that a maximum amount of solar energy is implemented at any given time without slowing down the diesel performance.
Typical on-grid/export control hybrid application with blueplanet 87.0-165 TL3 inverters
Unlike an off-grid system, an on-grid hybrid system is characterized by three or more energy sources (in case that storage is also required). Different modes are possible that are in accordance with the consumer profiles which can also differ in terms of time. In an export control mode, the generator can be operated in standby mode while the grid provides 50 Hz signals for the PV inverters to follow and provide the power needed by the load. This means that the system could be configured for zero power export to the grid, or - depending on the grid operation condition (i.e. feed-in is allowed) and the load situation at the instance in time - power export from the PV plant to the grid during the day.
Like in the case of the off-grid hybrid systems, measuring points continuously register all voltage and current data that form the basis on which the PV, diesel and grid penetration ratio is optimized. The controller receives the data from these measuring points and makes sure that a maximum PV amount is implemented at any given time.
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