Control Techniques Are Technology And Service Leaders For High Efficiency Power Conversion And...

03-Sep-2008


Control Techniques Are Technology And Service Leaders For High Efficiency Power Conversion And Control Solutions For Photovoltaic Energy Schemes.

 

Photovoltaic Energy

Control Techniques are technology and service leaders for high efficiency power conversion and control solutions for photovoltaic energy schemes. Our systems are backed by manufacturing and engineering centres globally employing over 1700 staff. Our unique grid tie inverter technology utilises cost effective, mass produced modules that are proven to give market leading reliability and efficiency.

Kublank Project, Meridian (Germany)

Over 12 MW per day, every day
For 35 years Control Techniques has specialised in power control and conversion. We currently manufacture more than 12MW of inverters per day worldwide. Our intelligent scalable technology ensures optimum efficiency across varying radiation intensities, typically achieving 97% to 98%. This is achieved using the following key methods:

Inverter teaming operation
To enhance system efficiency over a wide radiation range, a separate smaller inverter is used during low light conditions and a larger inverter automatically switches in above a defined threshold. The small inverter is typically rated at 20% of array peak power, and the larger inverter at 100%+.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

The control strategy constantly adjusts the DC input voltage set-point whilst monitoring the power produced to find the optimum point on the curve.

Fast availability
As each system is constructed from a small number of variants of mass produced modules, products are usually available from stock or short lead times.

Compact Dimensions
Control Techniques grid tie inverters have been designed using advanced thermal modeling techniques to ensure that maximum reliability is achieved with the most compact dimensions. Each module is built on a rigid SMC chassis to reduce dimensions and weight, making them easy to handle and service.

The picture below shows a complete solution for a 1.6MW array together with a 350kW teaming inverter for low light conditions. The complete system dimensions including the control section are 6000 wide x 2100* high x 800 deep (mm) (*including a 100mm plinth).

Assured performance
Photovoltaic installations are designed for an operational life of 20 years. First class performance and product reliability build confidence, whilst worldwide support and optional performance packages deliver customer assurance during the whole life of the product.

Proven reliability
Control Techniques grid tie inverters are proven in thousands of mission critical applications worldwide. They are designed and manufactured using cutting edge processes to deliver class leading reliability and system availability.

Built-in redundancy
Inverter modularity enables redundancy to be incorporated within the system. If one inverter is unavailable due to servicing or failure, the other modules continue to operate, thus minimizing lost power generation

 

 




Courtesy of Control Techniques