[RE-wrenches] Generator Controlled Mini Grid

[Drake]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the Eigg video.  What a great place.

I didn't see evidence of any AC coupling of inverter produced AC to a 
generator produced mini grid.  I understand this is being done in a 
homebrew manner by some.

The current wisdom on the issue is that the less the PV contribution 
to the generator supplied grid is, the easier.  It would seem that if 
a grid tie inverter output could be regulated, using Sunny Island 
type controls, it should be possible to have a small inverter 
generator create a mini grid that could be fed by PV.

A system featuring this type of technology was linked in a posting on 
this list some years ago, The link seems dead now.  In that case a 
large generator was feeding a number of houses, and PV was fed into 
the system.

The reason for this interest is that battery backup systems are much 
more expensive than generators.  We need to find a way to utilize PV 
arrays during outages without the expense of battery backup systems.

Drake


At 07:42 PM 2/8/2013, you wrote:
>Hi Drake,
>
>SMA has very good solutions for this. Does this out of the box 
>without a bunch of custom control systems. I have put a few systems 
>in like this, but the renewables not yet online (generator / battery 
>now). If you google Isle of Eig you will find some info on what they 
>have done there.
>http://islandsgoinggreen.org/about/eigg-electric/
>
>Kevin
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
>[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Drake
>Sent: February 8, 2013 6:41 AM
>To: RE-wrenches
>Subject: [RE-wrenches] Generator Controlled Mini Grid
>
>
>A potential customer is interested in a mini grid, set up by a
>generator, to connect his array to.
>
>Some years back, on this list, an article was linked about a
>community with a central generator that had PV input to the generator
>supplied, local grid, using electronic controls.
>
>Has any progress been made in this technology?  Does anyone have a
>link to the electronic control equipment or any other relevant information?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Drake
>
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