New Generation of High-Efficiency, High-Power Three-Phase Inverters Launched, Boosting Renewable Integration

New Generation of High-Efficiency, High-Power Three-Phase Inverters Launched, Boosting Renewable Integration

Location: Global Renewable Energy Sector

Date: October 26, 2023

A significant advancement in three-phase power conversion technology has emerged, offering enhanced capabilities for integrating solar and battery storage systems into commercial and industrial grids. A suite of new high-power inverters, ranging from 12kW to 30kW nominal AC output, has entered the market, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, flexibility, and resilience.

These inverters, identified by model designations TP12KH, TP15KH, TP20KH, TP25KH, and TP30KH, achieve remarkable peak conversion efficiencies of up to 98.4% when converting solar power (PV) to grid-compatible AC electricity. European weighted efficiency (Euro Efficiency) stands at a consistent 97.9% across the range, maximizing energy harvest. Battery-to-AC conversion efficiency also peaks at 98.0%, optimizing stored energy usage.

A key feature is their high-voltage design. All models support photovoltaic input voltages up to 1000V, with a wide Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) range of 160V to 950V, allowing for longer, more efficient solar strings and reduced balance-of-system costs. The series offers configurations with either 2 or 3 independent MPP trackers, each capable of handling significant current (up to 32A per input) and supporting multiple strings per tracker.

Battery integration is a major strength. The inverters support both Lithium-ion and Lead-acid battery chemistries, accommodating a wide battery voltage range of 120V to 800V. Particularly notable is the high charge/discharge capability. The TP25KH and TP30KH models can manage peak charge power up to 45,000W (requiring dual battery ports for the TP25KH) and discharge power up to 36,000W, enabling rapid charging from solar or grid and robust backup power delivery during outages. All models feature a rapid transfer time to backup mode of less than 10ms.

Grid interaction is sophisticated. Designed for global three-phase networks (nominal voltages 380V/400V/415V), they offer a wide adjustable grid voltage range (277V-520V) and frequency ranges (45-55Hz/55-65Hz), ensuring compatibility with diverse utility requirements. Power factor is maintained above 0.99 at rated power and is adjustable, while Total Harmonic Distortion of Current (THDi) is kept below 3% at full load, ensuring clean power injection.

Robustness and safety are paramount. The inverters boast an IP66 ingress protection rating, making them highly resistant to dust and powerful water jets. They operate reliably across a wide temperature range (-25°C to +60°C, with derating above 45°C) and altitudes up to 4000m (derating above 2000m). Comprehensive protection features include anti-islanding, DC reverse polarity protection, AC overcurrent and short circuit protection, DC and AC overvoltage protection (Type II/III), insulation resistance detection, leakage current protection, and integrated surge arresters (Type II). Arc Fault Circuit Interruption (AFCI) is available as an option. Safety certifications include IEC 62109-1&2, with EMC compliance to IEC/EN 61000 and grid connection certifications meeting major international standards (VDE 4105, EN 50549-1, AS 4777.2, etc.).

Operator interaction is facilitated through Bluetooth and a dedicated app, with LED status indication and an optional LCD display. Communication interfaces are extensive, including RS485, CAN (for Battery Management Systems), DRM/RS485 (for meters), and optional Wi-Fi/LAN, along with digital inputs and outputs for system integration. Cooling solutions range from natural convection to smart forced-air systems depending on the power level. Units are designed for wall mounting and utilize standard MC4/H4 connectors for PV input.

"This generation of inverters represents a substantial leap forward," commented an industry analyst familiar with the technology. "The combination of ultra-high efficiency, robust high-voltage PV support, exceptional battery power handling, comprehensive safety features, and wide grid compatibility makes them a compelling solution for demanding commercial and industrial renewable energy applications, particularly where resilience and backup power are critical."

The launch of these advanced inverters is expected to significantly impact the deployment of medium-scale solar-plus-storage projects worldwide, contributing to grid stability and decarbonization efforts.