Understanding inverter with MPPT: selection, maintenance and working principles

 

 

With the increasing popularity of renewable energy, inverter with mppt as the core components of solar photovoltaic systems, their role and performance have received more and more attention. It optimizes the energy conversion process through intelligent control algorithms, significantly improving the overall efficiency of the solar system.

This article mainly describes the working principle of the inverter with mppt, purchase and maintenance methods, which are essential to ensure the long-term stable operation of the solar system.

What is an inverter?

Inverter is a kind of power conversion equipment that converts direct current into alternating current. It plays an important role in the field of power electronics, commonly used areas such as solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, uninterruptible power supplies, power adapters, etc.

What is an inverter?


The working principle of the inverter is to generate AC output with a specific frequency and amplitude through the high-speed switching action of semiconductor switching devices (such as transistors, MOSFETs, IGBTs, etc.) by modulating and converting the voltage of the DC power supply. Inverter with mppt can be single-phase or three-phase, according to the different application needs, high-power appliances generally need more stable current, so three-phase will be selected.

What is mppt?

MPPT, or maximum power point tracking, is an electronic control algorithm that maximizes the energy output of solar photovoltaic systems or other renewable energy systems. In the solar photovoltaic system, the output power of the photovoltaic (PV) module will change with the change of environmental conditions, such as the impact of light intensity and temperature, the power will decline, MPPT technology in order to make the solar panel working state power to reach the highest point, by constantly monitoring the working state of the solar panel, automatically adjust the voltage and current.

What is mppt?

For example, the voltage is reduced to increase the current, so that the solar panel always works at the maximum power point, thus maximizing the output of electrical energy.

Difference between inverter with mppt and general inverter?

The inverter with mppt (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is a more advanced energy storage inverter, which can not only convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), but also integrates MPPT technology to adjust the operating status of the photovoltaic system in real time. To ensure that the solar panel always works at the maximum power point (i.e. the maximum power output point), thus maximizing the energy output.

Difference between inverter with mppt and general inverter?

 

Therefore, inverter with mppt are usually more efficient than ordinary inverters because they can adjust in real time to adapt to environmental changes, such as light intensity and temperature changes, that is, in cloudy days, insufficient light or weather changes, and still maintain a high energy collection efficiency. Inverter with mppt can be adapted to different solar panel configurations, including different directions, angles and different types of solar panels. In addition, inverter with mppt are usually relatively high in cost due to more complex technology.

How does inverter with mppt work?

The inverter with mppt optimizes the energy output by constantly monitoring the output of the solar panel and adjusting its operating state to match the maximum power point. Specifically, the MPPT algorithm uses a DC-DC converter to dynamically adjust the voltage of the solar panel, causing the current to rise and optimizing the power output of the solar panel.

High light: Assume the maximum power output of the photovoltaic module at 36V voltage and 8A current:
P=36V×8A=288W

At low light, the voltage is not adjusted: If the light intensity is reduced, the current drops to 5A, but the voltage is maintained at 36V, and the power becomes:
P=36V×5A=180W

How does inverter with mppt work?



In low light, adjust the voltage: the MPPT controller reduces the voltage to 30V, the current increases to 6.67A, and the power becomes:
P = 30 v * 6.67 A = 200 w

It can be seen that after the inverter with mppt reduces the voltage and increases the current, the overall power has been improved. In the case of high light intensity, photovoltaic modules can output maximum power at high voltage and high current. When the light intensity decreases, the output current of the module will decrease accordingly. Since power P=V×I, in order to maintain as high power as possible, the MPPT controller may reduce the output voltage, thereby increasing the current and helping the module reach the new maximum power point.

How to choose inverter with mppt?

Choose a high performance MPPT controller
Some high-quality inverter with mppt efficiency can usually reach 95% to 99%, different brands and models of inverter MPPT controller have different efficiency performance. The higher the efficiency, the more photovoltaic power can be converted into effective output. When buying, consider MPPT tracking efficiency and conversion efficiency, and a controller with a high-efficiency MPPT algorithm will better capture the maximum power point of the solar panel and reduce losses.

In addition, it is also necessary to consider the voltage range of the photovoltaic system to which the inverter with mppt is adapted. The wide range of MPPT controllers allows for more flexibility in tracking maximum power points under different lighting conditions.

How to choose inverter with mppt?


Power capacity
Determine that the power of the inverter should be greater than or equal to the total power of the photovoltaic module to make full use of solar energy. If your PV modules have a total power of 5 kW, then choose an inverter with mppt with at least 5 kW. Because in the case of strong sunlight, the output power of the photovoltaic module may be higher than the nominal value, then ensure that the power of the inverter is greater than the total power of the component, you can better adapt to this change, so that you can output higher total power.

At the same time, it also ensures that the service life of the inverter with mppt is extended, and running the inverter can reduce the risk of overload and overheating, thus. If the inverter with mppt frequently works in the overload state, it will increase the risk of damage.

Number and range of MPPT
A wide selection of MPPT allows for more flexibility in responding to changes in lighting. View the number of inverter with mppt before purchase, especially for large photovoltaic systems, multi-channel MPPT can better manage different angles and directions of solar panels, improve the overall efficiency.

Check inverter shops near me for more details. 

How to maintain an inverter with mppt?

Check connection points regularly
Regularly check whether the connection of the inverter with mppt is firm and whether there are signs of loosening or corrosion as inverter protection. Loose inverter with mppt connection will cause poor contact, which will cause the connection to increase resistance, resulting in additional heat, affecting the output efficiency of the inverter. Pay attention to cables that are about to break to avoid unplanned shutdowns and more extensive equipment damage.

Ensure good heat dissipation conditions
The inverter with mppt generates heat in the process of converting direct current to alternating current. The MPPT controller also heats up when it adjusts the operating state of voltage and current in real time. If the heat is not effectively distributed, it will lead to an increase in the internal temperature of the equipment, and too high a temperature will affect its efficiency and performance and reduce the conversion efficiency of the inverter with mppt and the tracking accuracy of the MPPT algorithm. High temperature may also lead to premature aging of the device and shorten the service life of the device.

In addition, pay attention to the installation location to ensure that the installation environment of the inverter and MPPT controller is well ventilated to avoid a decrease in efficiency due to high temperature to prevent inverter failure. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also necessary to keep the inverter with mppt and its radiator clean, avoid dust and debris accumulation, and ensure good heat dissipation performance.

How to maintain an inverter with mppt?


Update the inverter control software
Pay attention to the reasons for updating the control software of the inverter with mppt in time to obtain better performance and new features. Some overload protection functions are implemented by the internal software program of the inverter, and once there is a fault or vulnerability, the performance will be affected.

Therefore, in order to improve the overall performance of the system, software updates may include security patches that can fix known errors and vulnerabilities, improve system stability and reliability, and help protect the inverter from cyber attacks and other security threats.

Conclusion

The purchase and regular inverter maintenance of the inverter with mppt can ensure the long-term stable operation of the inverter and maximize the performance of the solar system. With the continuous progress of technology, future inverters will be more intelligent and efficient, providing a more solid foundation for the realization of the wide application of clean energy and the process of global sustainable development.

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