Electronicdesign 4359 Xl testandmeasurement2 150x155 1
Electronicdesign 4359 Xl testandmeasurement2 150x155 1
Electronicdesign 4359 Xl testandmeasurement2 150x155 1
Electronicdesign 4359 Xl testandmeasurement2 150x155 1
Electronicdesign 4359 Xl testandmeasurement2 150x155 1

PV Micro-Inverter Gains UL Certification Without An Electrolytic Capacitor

Feb. 17, 2011
Enecsys claims that its 240W micro-inverters are the first to achieve UL certification without electrolytic capacitors

Enecsys claims that its 240W micro-inverters are the first to achieve UL certification without electrolytic capacitors. The photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverter is also certified for use in Europe. 

With an operating life expectancy of over 25 years, the micro-inverter matches that of solar PV modules. Also, solar PV systems based on micro-inverters harvest from 5 to 20% more energy over the life of the system, compared to traditional string inverter-based systems. According to the company, the enhanced system reliability, energy harvest, ease of installation, and improved system safety ultimately transforms the economic model of solar PV systems.

In a micro-inverter-based system, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is performed on each solar module, which maximises energy harvest even under partial shading, module mismatch, or obstructions from leaves or debris. Systems are simpler to design and install, and are safer because there’s no high-voltage dc like that in conventional solar PV installations. 

A string inverter isn’t required because the dc output of each solar module is converted to ac using a micro-inverter mounted on the rack behind each module. This eliminates the central point-of-failure and the primary failure mechanism found in traditional inverter systems and currently available micro inverters.

The micro-inverters’ reliability was verified using HALT, HASS, and accelerated life tests to IEC61215, the same methodology used to test solar PV modules. The micro-inverters maintain full performance from -40°C to +85°C, ensuring efficient operation in real-world conditions. 

The Enecsys Wireless Monitoring System provides real-time performance information for each solar module to maintain high solar-PV-system performance throughout the operating lifetime.

The micro-inverter is designed to operate in both North American (60Hz) and European (50Hz) electricity grid systems. The micro-inverters are safety and EMC evaluated to EN 62109, UL1741, TUV, and CE. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1: 2006 compliance, are achieved through the use of Enecsys installation products.

Sponsored Recommendations

Board-Mount DC/DC Converters in Medical Applications

March 27, 2024
AC/DC or board-mount DC/DC converters provide power for medical devices. This article explains why isolation might be needed and which safety standards apply.

Use Rugged Multiband Antennas to Solve the Mobile Connectivity Challenge

March 27, 2024
Selecting and using antennas for mobile applications requires attention to electrical, mechanical, and environmental characteristics: TE modules can help.

Voltage- and Current-Mode Control for PWM Signal Generation in DC-to-DC Switching Regulators

March 27, 2024
Learn voltage- and current-mode control technique for PWM-signal generation in switching-voltage regulators and where each application is best suited.

Highly Integrated 20A Digital Power Module for High Current Applications

March 20, 2024
Renesas latest power module delivers the highest efficiency (up to 94% peak) and fast time-to-market solution in an extremely small footprint. The RRM12120 is ideal for space...

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!