Danfoss Solar Inverters - Page 2

Benchmark testing draws definitive conclusions In an effort to substantiate initial assessments by Alternativas Energeticas y Medio Ambiente, Sociedad Limitada (AEMA, SL), PV plant owner and developer, Cenit Solar Engineers, conducted exhaustive benchmark testing, concluding that Danfoss’ TripleLynx inverters produced the most likely scenario for maximising yield while reaching efficiencies of 98%. Cenit Engineers, assessing the Michelin Tire facility rooftop, adorned with several chimneys, relied upon multiple input MPP Tracking systems to best optimise yield. String Independence & Module Variance The TripleLynx inverter’s string design played a critical role in the planning stages, allowing developers to create a layout design directly from every row of modules to each input of inverters, avoiding the costly and space consuming installation of junction boxes. This technology combined with 1000V input, 250-800V range and multiple DC inputs, created a scenario where the solar setup could carry power longer at higher levels of voltage, keeping power losses to a minimum. As roof space and system configuration proved to be significant factors in moving forward with the upgrade to three-megawatts, the multi-string concept played a vital role in providing a wide enough range of flexibility for the planning team at Cenit Solar to feel confident in the expansion. The option of installing independent strings and a varying number of modules gave Cenit a tremendous amount of flexibility and control in how they would arrange the module setup. Because Michelin is a production facility which requires steam exhaust through the numerous rooftop chimneys, the inverters controlling the User-friendly accessibility and systems management developed by Danfoss Engineers, ”. paired down (potential) corrective maintenance times to 20 minutes with very little affect on overall energy production.” said Cenit Solar Project Director, Antonio Munoz. Challenges facing the Michelin Tire facility included multiple chimneys and varying weather conditions – overcome by TripleLynx MPPT technology. modules required the sophistication and flexibility to adjust to shading and structural challenges. “At varying points of the day, some modules will ultimately become subject to shading. This has a direct impact on our bottom line. Having 720 MPPT (Maximum Power Point Trackers – three per inverter) helps keep losses to minimum levels”, Mr. Munoz continued. The 2010 build and first-phase launch generated 3.243.150 kWh per year – an 8% higher level of production than expected. “As systems efficiencies and yields surpassed our projected numbers and the path grew clear of legal barriers (which set a two-megawatt ceiling on energy production), we felt we had all the technological pieces in place to procede with our threemegawatt build and increase output by 1.6 million kWh per year. And with the success of our existing setup, we felt comfortable keeping with and expanding on the existing hardware”, Munoz concluded. A high efficiency solution The electricity produced at the Michelin facility continues to exceed Cenit projections. The TripleLynx inverters, reaching 98% efficiency helped the Michelin Tire facility to best optimize power output most consistently throughout the day. Finally, advanced TripleLynx cooling ultimately extends the life of the inverters and helps protect the overall solar setup. As output data is accumulated in the coming months and years, the Michelin Tire facility, as a result of the efforts of the creative PV design team at Cenit Solar, could prove to be a solid model throughout Europe when constructing, managing and monitoring large-scale, rooftop multiple string inverter energy sites. Contact: Juan José Ferrandis Product Manager Danfoss Solar Inverters Madrid, Spain PA.01.C1.22 Produced by Danfoss A/S ©

Page 1 ...