Ballard [RE-wrenches]

[Ryan Mayfield]

The following is a response from one of our engineers, Christopher Houghton, who has been working closely with Ballard on the launch of their inverters. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Ryan Mayfield
Engineering Manager
Energy Outfitters Ltd.
543 NE "E" St.
Grant Pass, OR 97526
800 GO SOLAR 


Philip,

The Ballard EPC-PV 75kW certainly appears to be a great product. A couple of the features that separate it from the pack are the liquid cooling system and "sleep mode" disconnection from the transformer. Both of these features improve the performance of the inverter; the former assists while the unit is in operation and the latter insures limited if not nil nighttime tare losses. The output transformer is made by Ballard specifically for the EPC-PV inverter and is more efficient than others on the market. The MPPT algorithm seems to be very effective over a wide voltage window (330 -600VDC) and many of the operating parameters are user definable. The TDD (distortion noise) is lower than any other inverter in it's class. 

Currently, Ballard is acquiring data acquisition software that will allow for remote monitoring. They would also like to provide the unit with the ability to host a range of "weather station" inputs.  

The installation of the inverter seems relatively simply. It has only a couple of DC input locations, so combiner boxes are necessary. The unit will have multiple knock out locations to allow installation flexibility. It is a real solid product that should serve the commercial market well.

Arizona Public Service has had a 75kW unit in operation for several months at their STAR Center. Call them if you have any questions regarding operational information.      


-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Leen [mailto:philip.leen at rweschottsolar.us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:58 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Ballard [RE-wrenches]


Good Day,
Wondering if anyone could comment on using the Ballard Inverters. Most 
interested in the 75 kW units.
Installation, performance, operation? We are looking into some 
installations using them. They certainly
look nice, well made, and have a lot of experience in the field, albeit in 
Fuel Cell installations.
Thanks,


Philip Leen
Distribution Sales
RWE Schott Solar, Inc.
4051 Alvis. Ct. # 1
Rocklin, CA 95677
916.577.1408
FX 916.625.9032
philip.leen at rweschottsolar.us
http://www.rweschottsolar.com

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