Solar Inverters – The heart and brain of solar installations
The most important aspect of solar inverters is the reliability and conversion efficiency, we in Pakistan are facing regular load shedding thus anti-islanding feature in on-grid has virtually reduced these kind of applications whereas simulating and using unidirectional DGs is risky as well as unprofessional way when it comes to deploy such inverters.
Inverter is a device that inverts (or you can say converts) the DC into AC – in simple terms. It means, you can attach some specified ‘direct current (DC)’ to its input and it will produce some specific type of ‘alternating current (AC)’ output. A Solar inverter (or converter) is the most critical component in the balance of system (BOS) of solar projects. Solar inverters have different powering capabilities, they can power ‘electrical AC loads’ of various classes including inductive, resistive, capacitive, combination type, linear, non-linear etc., and are available in both power delivery circuits of single or three phase; solar inverters also comes with some specific functions not found in other types of converters like maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and anti-islanding features.
Because of the intermittent nature of solar and its connectivity – AC input beside DC are also common in solar Inverters like the grid input; the classification of these inverters is thus based on two of its main facets i.e., the input source(s) and how its output is put to work (generated/connected). In our view, off-grid, off-grid/hybrid, on-grid, grid-tied/hybrid types are generally in use.
Any-Grid™ Hybrid Solar Inverters
The Phocos Any-Grid™ PSW-H Inverter Charger Series (Pure Sine Wave Hybrid) represents Phocos’ most versatile line of inverters/chargers. Flexibility and reliability are key characteristics of this product line, with a strong potential for cost saving opportunities in real world conditions. The Any-Grid PSW-H converts DC (Direct Current) energy into AC (Alternating Current), with multiple advantages beyond standard inverters. This product includes an integrated MPPT charge controller and can function as an AC to DC battery charger, which provides flexible energy access solutions in a broad range of applications.
The battery can be charged from solar and/or an AC source (public grid or generator), with easily programmable priorities. The Any-Grid PSW-H can function without an AC source or alternatively even without solar, as a pure uninterruptible power supply (UPS). When the utility grid or AC generator fails, the Any-Grid PSW-H immediately switches to ‘Off-Grid’ mode within 10 ms (typical, in UPS mode) to securely power the loads at all times. Solar can be set as the priority energy source to save electricity costs.
The Any-Grid PSW-H can function in a battery-free mode. In this mode, for installations with stable public grids, grid energy consumption can be reduced without the need to invest in a costly battery bank. Additionally, power can be supplied directly to loads from the grid and solar simultaneously.
Product Features
• Flexible, advanced features with options to solve many common challenges in the field
• Integrated high-voltage MPPT charge controller(s). The high-voltage PV connection means in most scenarios the PV modules can simply be connected in series of one or two strings, avoiding costly combiner boxes and string fuses or diodes, thus reducing total system cost
• Integrated AC battery charger
• Charge controller(s) function(s) even if inverter is turned off to keep batteries fully charged
• Compatible with Lithium batteries
• Functions even without an expensive battery to reduce energy consumption from the grid with minimal investment
• Detachable display / communication unit with 6 LEDs and an intuitive LCD screen
• High level of connectivity: BLE, USB-OTG (on-the-go), CAN Bus, RS-485, RS-232, relay for generator start
• Datalogger with up to 60 days of data storage
• Compatible with Phocos Any-Bridge™ AB-PLC and PhocosLink Cloud for remote monitoring & control
• Integrated buzzer for error indications
• Galvanic isolation of battery allows positive or negative grounding of the same
• Up to 9 inverters can be connected in parallel, 3-phase or split-phase for up to 72 kW of synchronized AC power
• Washable filter reduces dust buildup in the inverter
• Grid feed-in option is code-protected to avoid accidental feed-in
We are the authorized distributor for all Phocos products in Pakistan, for further information on Phocos Any-Grid™ Hybrid Solar Inverters, you may visit the Phocos website here.