grid-tie inverters & generators [RE-wrenches]

[Kurt Albershardt]

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I am interested in what others have learned about grid tie and engine-generators.  Seems silly to idle all that expensive PV just because the utility has a bad day or three...




--On Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:56 PM -0400 Kirk Herander <kirk at vtsolar.com> wrote:

>
> I have two larger PV systems with backup generators. Generators are 30kw and
> 500kw respectively, holding up all loads (no critical load breakout). I was
> told by SMA not to allow the inverters to see generator power in the event
> of a grid power failure (but I am curious to understand synch if its
> practical without frying the inverters)so here's what I did:
>
> 1) 10kw pv w/ 30 kw backup generator - tapped inverter output to utility
> side of the generator ATS, knowing that ATS contactor was break-before-make
> when switching house loads to generator power.
> 2) 40kw pv w/ 500 kw backup generator - could not do 1) because switchgear
> and inverters are located in different buildings / conduit logistics. But
> this generator ATS has many SPDT relays which change state when generator
> turns on - so we used one to drive the coil of a 480 / 277 three phase
> contactor. This disconnects all inverters from the grid whenever the genny
> starts, which is weekly for exercise at minimum.
>
> Kirk Herander
> Vermont Solar Engineering
> 802.863.1202
> fax 802.863-7908
> NABCEP(tm) Certified Solar PV Installer
> Xantrex Certified Dealer Charter Member
> NYSERDA-eligible installer
> VT Solar Incentive Program Partner
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Carl Adams [mailto:swingjunkie at gmail.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 1:35 PM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Re: SMA inverters & generators [RE-wrenches]
>
> On a similar subject I will be installing a large grid tied array (15
> kW) for an upcoming project.  The owner is also equipping the site
> with a 45 kW backup generator.  In the event of the grid going down
> will the SMA inverters be capable of synchronizing with the generator
> (perhaps after adjusting the Hz, V, and time limits) as Jay suggests.
>
> Blair please post what you find out from SMA.
>
> Cheers
> Carl







.


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