Photovoltaic inverter power carrier communication

Can a PV inverter provide voltage regulation?

A PV inverter or the power conditioning systems of storage within a SEGIS could provide voltage regulation by sourcing or sinking reactive power. The literature search and utility engineer survey both indicated that this is a highly desirable feature for the SEGIS.

How can a PV inverter be used in a utility system?

Integrate PV inverters into utility supervisory control and data acquisition systems or AMI systems. Inverters could be tied into utility communications systems, which would issue a warning to inverters in sections of the utility isolated from the mains. Any available channel, such as BPL, DSL, or coax, could be used.

Can PV inverters fold back power production under high voltage?

Program PV inverters to fold back power production under high voltage. This approach has been investigated in Japan, and though it can reduce voltage rise, it is undesirable because it requires the PV array to be operated off its MPP, thus decreasing PV system efficiency and energy production.

What are the benefits of a PV inverter?

Use energy storage. PV energy could be diverted from the utility line to a storage medium for later use when voltages are too high. The many benefits of energy storage are described elsewhere in this report. Use nonunity power factor operation to give PV inverters voltage control capability.

Can inverter-tied storage systems integrate with distributed PV generation?

Identify inverter-tied storage systems that will integrate with distributed PV generation to allow intentional islanding (microgrids) and system optimization functions (ancillary services) to increase the economic competitiveness of distributed generation. 3.

What is a solar string inverter?

Solar string inverters are used to convert the DC power output from a string of solar panels to a usable AC power. String inverters are commonly used in residential and commercial installations. Recent improvements in semiconductor technology is allowing for string inverters with high power density (from 10s of kW to 100s of kW).