ABB Training Colombia Inverters - Focus on residential and commercial solution for PV with String Inverters

© ABB Group
February 16, 2016 | Slide 1
Training on solar inverters
Focus on residential and commercial
solution for PV with String Inverters
ABB Solar Days – Diseño de Plantas Fotovoltaicas – Feb. 11/12, 2016 – Universidad EAN, Bogotá - Colombia
Marco Trova, Technical Sales Support Manager

Fundamentals in solar radiation
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
The photovoltaic effect
Definitions
 SOLAR RADIATION: energy in the form of
an electromagnetic field generated by solar
nuclear fusion processes.
 POWER DENSITY: solar radiation per unit of
area. On the Earth's surface at sea level and
under optimum weather conditions, that is
about 1000W/m2.
 As the electrical energy that is collected is
proportional to the solar radiation which
strikes on the panel, the azimuth and tilt
angle of the modules must be selected to
maximize direct sun incidence.
 Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI): GHI is
the most important parameter for calculation
of PV electricity yield. In simple language,
Global Horizontal Irradiation
(GHI) = Direct Horizontal Irradiation (DHI) +
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiation (DIF)
 Optimal orientation, azimuth (γ):
• Deviation from the optimal direction
• Optimal ϒ: SOUTH for north hemisphere
• Optimal ϒ: NORTH for south hemisphere
 Optimal tilt angle(β): it depends on the
latitude of the site.
Bogota optimal configuration:
Tilt: 10°
Azimuth: south 0°
(due to the proximity to the equator an azimuth angle
of ±90° means only 1% loss by respect to the Optimum)
South

© ABB Group
Solar irradiation map (Latin America)

© ABB Group
Solar irradiation map (Colombia)

PV Technology basics
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© ABB Group
Basics
 When a light flow strikes the crystal surface of
a semiconductor, there follows the transition in
the conduction band of a given number of
electrons which corresponds to an equal
number of holes that pass into the valence
band.
 Charge carriers are therefore available and
they can generate a current flow.

© ABB Group
Behavior of solar cell
Maximum Power Point (MPP)
I
VVm
Im
Characteristic at dark
Characteristic when
irradiated
In this quadrant the cell
behaves as a simple
diode in direct conduction
Reverse
conduction
quadrant
In this quadrant the
cell becomes a
generator of electric
power
VD
VD
ID
ID

© ABB Group
I-V and P-V characteristic of solar cell
0.60 V [V]
0.75
0.50
0.25
1.00
MPP
Pm= Vmx Im
0.200.00
0.00
0.40 Vm
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
P [W]
Im
I [A]
I-V Characteristic P-V Characteristic

© ABB Group
Dependency of I-V characteristic from temperature
V [V]
40°C
60°C
20°C
0°C
-20°C
-40°C
0.53 0.57 0.60 0.64 0.68 0.72
0.75
0.50
0.25
1.00
Open Circuit
Voltage – Voc
(I=0)
Short Circuit
Current ICC (V=0)
0.200.00
0.00
I [A]

© ABB Group
Typical temperature
coefficient values
(Silicon cell)
α Isctyp ≈ + 0,04 [%/°C]
β Voctyp ≈ - 0,35 [%/°C]
γ Pmptyp ≈ - 0,45 [%/°C]

© ABB Group
At constant cell temperature
the module’s power and current
are proportional to the irradiance.
Open circuit voltage decrease
significantly only at low solar
radiation (below 200W/m2).
Minor effect on Voc at medium
And high irradiance!

© ABB Group
Dependency of I-V characteristic from irradiance
Maximizing the performance of Photovoltaic Inverters for the feed-in tariff
I [A]
V [V]
500 W/m2
600 W/m2
700 W/m2
800 W/m2
900 W/m2
1000 W/m2
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.00.0

© ABB Group
Common problem: shadows
Systematic shadows (chimneypots, trees, etc…), seasonal shadows, or
unexpected clouds can change the I-V characteristic and Power Curve
Absolute MPP Relative MPPs
Shadows can compromise the overall perfomances. It is important to take
into account the shadows problem during the design of a PV system
Note: in the ABB inverters section will be showed a technique to mitigate this problem

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Structure of PV generator
Cell Module
or Panel
Table (more panels mounted on
common mechanical structure)
String (panels series
connected)
Generator
(strings paralleled to obtain the
desired installed power)

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Inverter size: typ. 0.8 to 1.3 Pdc_STC
(*) NOCT = Normal Operating Cell Temperature
Irradiance = 800 W/m²
Ambient temperature = 25°C
Wind = 1 m/s
Inverter working voltage limits
Type (TL, isolated)
Vdc_max @ Tmin (string length)
Vmp_typ (configuration optimization)
Imp_max (configuration optimization)
Protection for strings in parallel
Isc_max (number of strings in parallel)
NOCT (Normal Operating Cell Temperature)*
Photovoltaic panel
Datasheet Example

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Photovoltaic panel
Example of 60 cells monocrystalline silicon panel

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Photovoltaic panel
Example of 60 cells polycrystalline silicon panel

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Photovoltaic panel

© ABB Group
Photovoltaic panel
!

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Photovoltaic panel
Example of CIS technology panel

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Photovoltaic panel
Example of CIS technology panel
!

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Photovoltaic panel
Example of amorphous silicon technology panel
!

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Photovoltaic panel
Panel Technology vs Inverter Architecture
TL String inverter
1 phase
TL/3 phase String inverter
HF isolated inverter
1 phase
HF trafo
LF isolated inverter String/Central
LF trafo
1/3 phase
All-back
CdTe
c-Si
(mono,poly)
TF_substrate
TF_superstrate
TL-1ph
TL-3ph
HF-iso
LF-iso
CIS

© ABB Group
Photovoltaic panel
Panel Technology vs Inverter Architecture
Module typology Compatible inverters
Crystalline silicon [c-Si] All (TL-1ph/3ph; HF-ISO, LF-ISO)
Thin Film (TF) – superstrate
With transformer (HF-ISO, LF-ISO)
+ Negative ground terminal
CdTe (First Solar) All (subject to verification of FS)
Thin Film (TF) – substrate
(Unisolar-like, without metal parts nearby)
All (TL-1ph/3ph; HF-ISO, LF-ISO)
Unisolar or similar glued on metal
With transformer (HF-ISO, LF-ISO)
+ TL in “quiet rail” technology

© ABB Group
Photovoltaic plants
Basic structure
PV generator
DC panel
Inverter
AC panel
Distribution network
DC connections
AC connections

Inverter: basics of energy conversion
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Photovoltaic plants
Inverter for grid connected plant
Electronic equipment that converts the
direct current supplied by the
photovoltaic generator (modules) into
alternating current in phase and at the
same frequency of the grid voltage.
CURRENT GENERATOR whose
amplitude is proportionate to the
energy made available by the modules
and whose frequency and phase are
controlled by the grid/network
voltage.
L
N
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Photovoltaic inverters
Basic functions
Transformation / DC-AC Conversion

Basic functions
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0 100 200 300 400 500
Voltage
Power
Conventional P&O
Automatic adjustment of the working point by
MPPT algorithm
• Maximize the energy harvested from the PV field
• Inverter find the optimum working point in real time in such a way
that the modules always operate in their maximum power point
(Maximum Power Point Tracking).
• “Perturb and Observe (P&O), incremental conductance” are
two techniques that use most conventional tracking algorithms.© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Basic functions
Protection and interface device in compliance
with safety and grid standards
• Function of monitoring the electrical parameters of the grid
• AUTOMATIC and PROMPT disconnection from the grid in case of
perturbations, failures or malfunctions of the public grid
• Galvanic separation of the inverter from the grid

© ABB Group
Integrated protections: R-iso and Ileak protections
PV1
PV2
DC / DC 1
DC / DC 2
R-iso
L
N
DC + AC
GFCI
PE
The requirements are more stringent for transformerless systems since the AC voltage
is superimposed on the DC component at the PV generator terminals (array).
In "transformerless" systems the system is not "immune" to the first ground fault!
VDE0126-1-1 standard requires a protection system equivalent to an advanced residual
current device:
 Before the connection to the grid: inverter measures the insulation resistance
(R-iso) to ground of the PV generator. Connection is only possible if R-iso is higher
than a preset limit.
 During the grid parallel operation: monitoring of ground leakage current (AC +
DC component) – advanced residual current device
 Redundancy: Each measurement was carried out and controlled by two separate
CPUs, each of which controls a separate interface protection device (relay)

© ABB Group
Integrated protections: R-iso and Ileak protections
Parameter
Limitations of the
VDE 0126
Intervention time
(VDE 0126)
Leakage Current (AC + DC) Ileakage < 300 mA < 300 ms
Leakage Current (AC + DC)
Fast transistors
Δ Ileakage = 30mA / sec < 300 ms
Insulation resistance (R-iso)
of panels (before connection)
≥ 1kΩ/V
(but ≥ 500kΩ)
no connection to the
network if it is below the
limit
Isolation resistance (R-iso):
The measurement must be carried prior to each connection to the grid (measure made with
DC). The limit must be proportional to the array voltage: 1kOhm/V of input voltage.
Leakage current:
Absolute "static" limit of 300mA.
Rapid variation detect: three variation rate thresholds 30mA/sec, 60mA/sec, 150mA/sec to
avoid risk of electrocution of maintenance personnel exposed to the risk of leaking
photovoltaic panels.
The leakage current induced by the capacitance coupling of the array to ground is not
negligible, especially in case of wet season.

String Inverters Architecture
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© ABB Group
Single-phase TL string inverters: Internal Architecture

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Three-phase TL string inverters: Internal Architecture

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String inverters: dual stage & dual MPPT topology
 DC/AC converter can feed power into the grid
only in case input voltage is greater than grid
peak voltage single stage inverter provides
reduced configuration flexibility.
 Input DC/DC converters allow to boost the input
voltage to the correct level to allow the proper
operation of DC/AC even in case of reduced
input voltage  DC/DC input converters allow
wider input voltage range than single stage
inverters.
 Input DC/DC converters allow obtain flat
efficiency curves  optimal inverter behavior
in all load conditions.
 Multiple input channel technology allows multiple
independent input channels combined in a single
inverter to increase the management possibilities
of independent strings with different
characteristics (configuration and/or installation).
 The two MPPTs can be configured as
independent (double MPPT – multistring) or in
parallel (single MPPT).
Input (DC/DC)
converters
Output (DC/AC)
converter
Single-phase inverters:
- PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD
- PVI-5000/6000-TL-OUTD
Three-phase inverters:
- TRIO-7.5/8.5-TL-OUTD
- PVI-10.0/12.5-TL-OUTD
- TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD

© ABB Group
String inverters: dual stage & single MPPT topology
Input (DC/DC)
converter
Output (DC/AC)
converter
Single-phase inverters:
- UNO-2.0/3.0-TL-OUTD
- TRIO-5.8-TL-OUTD
- TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD
peak voltage single stage inverter provides
reduced configuration flexibility.
 Input DC/DC converters allow to boost the input
voltage to the correct level to allow the proper
operation of DC/AC even in case of reduced
input voltage  DC/DC input converters allow
wider input voltage range than single stage
inverters.
 Input DC/DC converters allow obtain flat
efficiency curves  optimal inverter behavior
in all load conditions.
 Single input channel can be used in case
homogeneous installation conditions are present:
no multiple orientations, same number of panels
each string, same kind of panels, reduced
shadowing problems.

© ABB Group
String inverters: single stage & single MPPT topology
Single DC/AC
converter
peak voltage minimum input voltage for
current injection into the grid is defined by
the grid voltage.
 Single stage converters show maximum
efficiency at lower input voltage  during the
configuration of the PV arrays, it’s important
to keep in mind the possibility of a power
limitation due to MPP at too low voltage.
 Single stage converters usually show higher
efficiency than dual stage converters.
 Single input channel can be used in case
homogeneous installation conditions are present:
no multiple orientations, same number of panels
each string, same kind of panels, reduced
shadowing problems.Single-phase inverters:
- UNO-3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD
- PRO-33.0-TL-OUTD

String inverters for residential applications
Product portfolio: brief models overview
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
PV inverters for residential & commercial applications
string inverters portfolio: From EU to US Version

© ABB Group
1-PH STRING INVERTERS – EU versions
UNO-2.0-I-OUTD(-S)
UNO-2.5-I-OUTD(-S)
PVI-3.0-TL-OUTD(-S)
PVI-3.6-TL-OUTD(-S)
PVI-4.2-TL-OUTD(-S)
PVI-5000-TL-OUTD(-S)
PVI-6000-TL-OUTD(-S)
Single phase inverters
(EU versions)
 AC rated power: from 2kW up to 6kW
(up to 45°C)
 AC max power: +10% over rated power
(except 5kW/6kW model)
 Multi-country selection
 Multi-MPPT (except 2kW/2,5kW models)
 Grid connection:
 230V/50Hz
 220V/60Hz
 Outdoor installation / IP65
 Two available versions:
 Basic
 -S with integrated DC switch

© ABB Group
1-PH STRING INVERTERS –US versions
UNO-2.0-I-OUTD(-S)
UNO-2.5-I-OUTD(-S)
PVI-3.0-OUTD(-S)-US(-A)
PVI-5000-OUTD-US(-M)(-A)
PVI-6000-OUTD-US(-M)(-A)
Single phase inverters
(US version)
 AC rated power: 2kW to 8,6kW
(except 5kW/6kW models)
 Multi-MPPT (except 2kW/2,5kW models)
 Grid connection:
 Single-phase Two-Wires 208V/60Hz
 Split-phase Three-Wires 240V/60Hz
 Single-phase Two-Wires 277V/60Hz (*)
(*) Not available for UNO-8.6-TL.
 Outdoor installation / IP65
 Multiple versions available (**):
 Basic
 With integrated DC switch
 With arc fault detector

PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD(-S)
PVI-3.0/3.6/3.8/4.2-OUTD(-S)-US(-A)
© ABB Group
Natural Convection
Cooling
Transformer-Less Inverters
for Residential Applications
IP 65 chassis
for outdoor installation
and front heatsink with solar screen
Installer-friendly connection
system
Country-code
On-site selection
(by display)
Different configurations
for the highest flexibility
(single/Double MPPT)
Double MPPT
Wide input voltage range
(VMPPT max=580V,
Vmax=600VDC)
Flat efficiency curve
SEPARATE SWITCH BOX
FOR US MODELS ONLY

PVI-5000/6000-TL-OUTD(-S)
PVI-5000/6000-OUTD-US(-A)
© ABB Group
Natural Convection
Cooling
Transformer-Less Inverters
IP65 chassis
and
front heatsink with solar screen
Installer-friendly connection system
Country-code
On-site selection
(by display)
Double MPPT
(VMPPT max=580V, Vmax=600VDC)
SEPARATE SWITCH BOX
FOR US MODELS ONLY

UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD(-S)
UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD(-S)-US(-A)
© ABB Group
HF Isolated Inverters
Semi-graphic user friendly
Display
SINGLE MPPT
(VMPPT max=520V, Vmax=520VDC)
Natural Convection
Cooling
Swing Cover for easy
installation and
commissioning
Grounding of Negative/Positive DC
Terminal or Floating configuration
(Grounded Negative Pole by Default)
SEPARATE SWITCH BOX
FOR US MODELS ONLY
Installer-friendly connection system
Country-code
On-site selection
(by internal rotary switch)

UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD(-S)
UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD(-S)-US(-A)
© ABB Group
The cover moves up to enter the
configuration (rotary switches for
installation country selection and
grounding option) and the connection
area (AC side and communication)

© ABB Group
3-PH STRING INVERTERS – EU versions
TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD(-S2)(-S2F)(-S2X)
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD(-S2)(-S2F)(-S2X)
PVI-10.0-TL-OUTD(-S)(-FS)
PVI-12.5-TL-OUTD(-S)(-FS)
TRIO-5.8-TL-OUTD(-S)
PRO-33.0-TL-OUTD(-S)(-SX)
Three phase inverters
(EU versions)
 AC rated power: from 5,8kW up to 33kW
(except 5,8kW/7,5kW/8,5kW/33kW
models)
 Multi-country selectors
 Multi-MPPT (except 5,8kW model)
 Network connections:
 400V/50Hz
 380V/60Hz
 Outdoor installations / IP65
 Multiple versions available to provide the
integrated protection devices.

© ABB Group
TRIO-5.87.58.5-TL-OUTD
The solution for three-phase residential installations
(VMPPT max=800V,
Vmax=1000VDC)
5.8/7.5/8.5 3-phase
Inverter
2 Independent MPPT for TRIO-7.5/8.5
1 MPPT for TRIO-5.8
system
Country-code
On-site selection
(by display)
Option with PMU(Power
Manager Unit) board
integrated
SLIDING COVER: for easy
installation and
commissioning
NOT UL CERTIFIED

© ABB Group
The solution for three-phase residential installations
• Sliding cover
• Upgradeable firmware by
means of SD card.
• Datalogger and smart grid
functionalities on expansion
slots

© ABB Group
PVI-10.0/12.5-TL-OUTD
Natural Convection
Cooling IP 65 chassis
and front heatsink with solar screen
system
Country-code
On-site selection
(by display)
(VMPPT max=850V,
Vmax=900VDC)

© ABB Group
PRO-33.0-TL(-S)(-SX)
The cost-effective solution for commercial plants
Robust Enclosure with
IP65 rating
SINGLE MPPT
REDUCED SYSTEM
COST
High Maximum Input
Voltage:
1100Vdc
Wider MPP voltage range:
580..850 Vdc
Start-up input voltage:
610Vdc
NOT UL CERTIFIED

© ABB Group
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL(-S2)(-S2F)(-S2X)
The best solution for commercial plants in terms
of flexibility and system efficiency

© ABB Group
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL(-S2)(-S2F)(-S2X)
Basic version
-S2 version
-S2F version
-S2X version
of flexibility and system efficiency

Single String monitoring
(current sensing and
fuse status)
DC (MC4 / WM) connectors:
27.6kW: 5 pairs/MPPT
20.0kW: 4 pairs/MPPT© ABB Group
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL(-S2)(-S2F)(-S2X)
DC Input Class II
Overvoltage protections AC Output Class II
Overvoltage protections
AC connections
DC+AC Switch
Communication board with
RS485, Memory expansion slot,
SD Card, Radiomodule
expansion slot

© ABB Group
3-PH STRING INVERTERS – US versions
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-480
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S1A-US-480
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S1B-US-480
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S-US-480-A
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S1-US-480-A
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S1A-US-480-A
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL-OUTD-S1B-US-480-A
Three phase inverters
(US versions)
 AC rated power: from 20kW up to
27,6kW
 AC max power: +10% over rated
power
 DUAL-MPPT
 Grid connections:
 480V/60Hz
 Outdoor installations / IP65
 Multiple versions available to provide
the integrated protection devices.
 Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
available in all models with ‘A’ suffix

© ABB Group
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL(-S)(-S1)(-S1A)(-S1B)--(A)
-S
the Basic one with DC Disconnect
Switch
-S1
8 string DC Input Fuses and Class II
DC Surge Protection in addition to
the S version
-S1A
Class II AC Surge Protection in
addition to S1 version
-S1B
S1A with AC Fused Disconnect in
place of Class II AC Surge
Protection
All models with ‘A’ suffix are equipped with AFCI
of flexisibility and system efficiency

Finger Safe DC Fuse Holders
© ABB Group
TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL(-S)(-S1)(-S1A)(-S1B)--(A)
Input Class II
Overvoltage
protections
Fused AC Disconnect
AC
connections
DC Switch
Communication board with
RS485, Memory expansion slot,
SD Card, Radiomodule
expansion slot
Arc Fault Circuit
Interrupter
(AFCI)

© ABB Group
1-ph and 3-ph string inverters – COMING SOON
UNO-2.0-TL-OUTD(-S)
UNO-3.0-TL-OUTD(-S)
UNO-3.6-TL-OUTD(-S)
UNO-4.2-TL-OUTD(-S)
TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD

© ABB Group
UNO-2.0/3.0/3.6/4.2-TL
• Cost effective for extended portfolio in
residential applications
• Single MPPT
• Transformer-less topology
• Compact design
• Outdoor enclosure (IP65)
• Programmable relay: capability to control
priority loads to increase self consumption
• Stand Alone output Option !

© ABB Group
UNO-2.0/3.0/3.6/4.2-TL
UNO-2.0/3.0-TL
 Double stage topology
 Power module IGBT, input voltage range 100-600V
UNO-3.6/4.2-TL
 Single stage topology
 Power module Silicon Carbide (SiC), input voltage
range 350-850V

© ABB Group
TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD
• Commercial & Industrial PV installations
• Outdoor IP65 enclosure
• 1000Vdc .
• Single MPPT
• Double Stage Topology!
• Developed to reduce:
- the overall plant cost
- the installation cost, not requiring
any major commissioning activity.
• Light weight and construction make the unit
manageable by a team of 2 people
• Multiple versions to meet plant designer
requirements

© ABB Group
TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD
• Transformer-less (TL) topology
Separated DC compartment
Separated AC compartment
Offered in multiple versions to include:
• String fuses (monitored)
• DC and AC disconnect switch
• DC and AC Surge arrestors
• Forced air cooling with field replaceable fan tray
• No display. Only 3 functional LEDs in front cover
• Grounding Kit option
• Multi-standard for world wide availability

String Inverter Monitoring
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Overview
VSN300 Wifi Logger Card
Plant Portfolio Manager Plant Viewer
Plant Viewer App
for smartphones
VSN700 Data Logger

© ABB Group
VSN300 WiFi Logger Card
Expansion Board for string Inverter
Hyperlink link
Support for legacy inverter
Data logging function (2GB, 30 days)
Wi-Fi Certified™
IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2,4 GHz)
Local and Remote Monitoring
Plant Portfolio Manager
Plant Viewer
Plant Viewer for Mobile
O&M (future release)
Remote Inverter FW upgrade
Inverter settings remote configuration
AURORA VISION®
PLANT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

© ABB Group
PVI-12.5-TL-OUTD
PVI-10.0-TL-OUTD
PVI-3.0-TL-OUTD
PVI-3.6-TL-OUTD
PVI-4.2-TL-OUTD
PVI-3.0-OUTD-US
PVI-3.6-OUTD-US
PVI-4.2-OUTD-US
PVI-3.8-I-OUTD
PVI-4.6-I-OUTD
PVI-3.8-I-OUTD-US
PVI-4.6-I-OUTD-US
PVI-5000-TL-OUTD
PVI-6000-TL-OUTD
PVI-5000-OUTD-US
PVI-6000-OUTD-US
PVI-10.0-I-OUTD
PVI-12.0-I-OUTD
PVI-10.0-I-OUTD-US
PVI-12.0-I-OUTD-US
TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD
TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD-US
UNO-2.5-I-OUTD-US
UNO-2.0-I-OUTD-US
UNO-2.5-I-OUTD
UNO-2.0-I-OUTD
Solution available for all string inverters

• Compatible with new and legacy inverter
• IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2,4 GHz)
• Sunspec/Modbus TCP (future release)
Internet
Wi-Fi® router
AURORA VISION® PLANT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM
© ABB Group

Local monitoring of the plant with smart phones and tablet through Wi-Fi
point to point connection:
• PLANT VIEWER FOR MOBILE
• WEB SERVER
VSN300 WIFI LOGGER CARD
PLANT VIEWER FOR MOBILE
© ABB Group

Remote monitoring of the plant trough internet connection:
• PLANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER /
• PLANT VIEWER /
• PLANT VIEWER FOR MOBILE
© ABB Group

Direct Access with
APP/WEB SERVER Compatible with
PLANT VIEWER &
PLANT
PORTFOLIO
MANAGER
Data stored on
CLOUD
VSN300 WIFI LOGGER CARD
PLANT VIEWER
PLANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
WEB SERVER
© ABB Group

Easy and Fast Installation
No cable required
Wi-Fi Certified™ connection
App for point to point connection
Reduced cost
Single device for Local and Remote Monitoring
Compatible with home Wi-Fi®
External devices not necessary
© ABB Group

VSN700 Data Logger
General Specifications
• 2x RS-485 Ports
• 2x RS-232 Ports
• 2x Ethernet Ports
• 1x USB Port
• 2GB Data Logging
• Linux Kernel
• -40C to +85C
© ABB Group

VSN700 Data Logger
© ABB Group
Description VSN700-01
RESIDENTIAL
VSN700-03
COMMERCIAL
VSN700-05
MAX
String Inverter Support ≤5* ≤10 Yes
Central Inverter Support - - Yes
Modbus TCP Gateway - - Yes
Local historical logging Yes Yes Yes
Secure communication SSL SSL SSL
Modbus RTU Yes Yes Yes
Remote firmware upgrade Yes Yes Yes
Plug-and-play installation Yes Yes Yes
Energy meter support - - Yes
Local web server Yes Yes Yes
* Only single phase or Trio-5.8/7.5/8.5-TL

© ABB Group
Internet
• VSN700-01 Data Logger (Residential)
• Up to 5x 1ph string inverters or Trio-5.8/7.5/8.5-TL
• RS-485 twisted pair to inverters
• Ethernet cable to home owner’s Internet
• Plant Viewer
• CE mark, C-Tick, FCC
VSN700-01
RS-485
Plant Viewer
VSN700 Data Logger - Residential

© ABB Group
VSN700 Data Logger - Commercial
• VSN700-03 Data Logger (Commercial)
• Up to 10x string inverters
• Environmental sensor input in TRIO or separate weather station
• RS-485 twisted pair to inverters
• Ethernet cable to facility Internet
• Plant Portfolio Manager or Plant Viewer
RS-485
Internet
VSN700-03
Plant Viewer
VSN800
RS-485

© ABB Group
Aurora Vision® Plant Management Platform
Aurora Vision® Plant Management Platform is available in three versions accessible according to
privilege rules associated to the specific customer’s Aurora Vision ® account:
Note: “Site Owner” account cannot access to it
Note: “Site Owner” account can access to Plant Viewer only
PLANT VIEWER
PLANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Note: accessible by any Aurora Vision® account
Advanced web interface helping operators (EPC, installer,…) to manage
a portfolio of power plants
Simple web interface allowing residential and commercial site owners to
monitor their own plants in an easy to view manner
It is a mobile version of Plant Viewer

© ABB Group
Plant Viewer for Mobile
 Same features as Plant Viewer … but on mobile device
 Runs on iOS and Android tablets and smart phones
 Configuration shared with Plant Viewer

© ABB Group
Plant Viewer
(previously Aurora Easy View)
• Monitoring for users
• Simple browser based view
of energy produced
• Simple Monitoring Setup
• Installer setup in portfolio
• Homeowner Self Setup
• Alarming for major issues
• End User Self Registration

© ABB Group
Monitoring for Professionals
Monitors a Portfolio of Plants
Robust Alarming
Reports
Unassisted Site Installation
Manages Customer Sites
Administrate Portfolio Access
Logger firmware update
Future Add-on…
• Power Management
• Inverter firmware update

© ABB Group
Plant Portfolio Manager provides the tools needed by solar operators (homeowners,
installers, EPC’s and financial institutions) to:
o Operate any unmanned solar installation based on ABB devices such as inverters
o Troubleshooting and generate energy reports needed to manage a portfolio ABB
inverters
o Respond quickly to inverter and
other power generation issues to
minimize energy losses & maximize
power revenue
o Assists with servicing ABB inverter
resold by installers

EU and US models
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
EU and US models
Overview

© ABB Group
US vs EU models
Overview
There are some differences among US inverters models and EU models:
• UL certification for inverter and protections device is different from CE
certification
• Network Connections:
 EU Models:
- 230V(400V)/50Hz
- 220V(380V)/60Hz
 US Models
- Single-phase Two-Wires 208V/60Hz
- Split-phase Three-Wires 240V/60Hz
- Single-phase Two-Wires 277V/60Hz
- Three-phase Four-Wires 480V/60Hz
• Main difference is the Switch Box for UL models, with
presence of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

© ABB Group
Standard Switchbox (US Model Only)
All Single Phase US model are supplied with switchbox to comply with
UL requirements
 DC Terminals (MPPT1, MPPT2)
 DC Ground terminals
 Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
 DC Switch
 AC Terminals
 AC Protective Earth
Standard box is equipped with :

© ABB Group
US vs EU models
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
• Arc Fault protection for photovoltaic installations was introduced in the 2011 revision
of the NEC codebook.
• The aim of this protection is to recognize arcing conditions and interrupt power
production to avoid risks of fire.
• ABB addressed the code changes by developing the AFCI board
o Installed inside the wiring box
o Positive DC input cables routed through the AFCI board

© ABB Group
US vs EU models
Working Principles (No Arc Present):
BW Filter
& Gain
ADC
FFT
Current Frequency Spectrum
Numerical Elaboration Score 1
Score 2
Score 3
Score ...
Score 10
DC Current

© ABB Group
US vs EU models
Working Principles (Real Arc Condition):
BW Filter
& Gain
ADC
FFT
Current Frequency Spectrum
Numerical Elaboration Score 1
Score 2
Score 3
Score ...
Score 10
DC Current

String Inverters main characteristics and
advantages
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
String inverters: main characteristics
 Each inverter is responsible for MPP
tracking of single string.
 Multi-input channel technology allows
multiple independent input channels
combined in a single inverter to
increase the management possibilities
of independent strings with different
characteristics (configuration and/or
installation).
 Plant architecture: distributed DC/AC
conversion for high immunity to single
failure.

© ABB Group
Dual input MPPT (for inverters above 2kW,
with exception of TRIO-5.8-TL-OUTD)
to process two arrays independently to
maximize the energy being harvested.
wide string configuration flexibility (very short
strings to long strings).
Multiple Max Power Point scanning
(MMPP)
to detect the absolute MPP against relative
ones in case of partial shadowing
PV generator isolation control
detects isolation fault before the connection
(R-iso measurement) and during the grid
parallel operation (I-leak measurement)
DC-Injection protection
Avoid DC injection into the grid without
requiring an external LF transformer
MAIN BENEFIT OF DUAL
MPPT
Mixed oriented plants (i.e.
East and West)
Different tilt angles
Partial shading
Different solar panel brands
MPPT 1 = 10 x 190W Brand X
MPPT 2 = 5 x 235W Brand Y

Ensure maximum system design flexibility and energy harvesting:
Double stage with dual MPPT tracking architecture
Booster 1
Booster 2
MPPT 1
MPPT 2
PV 1 +
-
1 2 n
N
W
V
U
3-phase grid
PE
+
-
EMIFILTER
PV 2 +
-
1 2 m
Booster 1 & 2
MPPT 1
MPPT 2
Three-level 3-phase inverter
U V W
The benefit of double-stage dual MPPT architecture
© ABB Group

Ensure maximum system design flexibility and energy harvesting:
Double stage with dual MPPT tracking architecture
 Wide input voltage range, allows for optimum control of
various string lengths
 Different module technologies = different fill factors,
demand for a wider mpp voltage range
 Dual MPP tracking operate non-homogeneous PV arrays
as effectively as possible
 Stability of the efficiency against input voltage and load
ratio among the 2 MPPT’s is a further benefit for system
designers.
 According to Photon’s test results PVI-12.5 Euro and
peak efficiency is almost the same under balanced
(6.5kW/6.5kW) vs fully unbalanced (8kW/5kW) load ratio
Source: PV Energy – Frangart (www.pvenergy.it)
13,20kWp, Tramin – Bachmann
Source: Dott. Fernando Goffi (Dtp - Bergamo)
19,584kWp - Lallio
© ABB Group

Dual MPPT tracking – tangible advantages
 Split the modules according to their tilt angle and
azimuth
 Minimize losses due to partial shading, by
dividing shaded and unshaded modules into
separate strings, each operated by a dedicated
MPPT tracker (whenever possible…)
 M
P
P
T
1
 M
P
P
T
2
 M
P
P
T
1
 M
P
P
T
2
19,584kWp - Lallio
19,584kWp - Lallio
© ABB Group

• Key attribute to our products
• Multiple MPPTs allows:
• Greater design flexibility
• More power production
• Greater return on investment (ROI)
• Gives the effect of two inverters in one
© ABB Group
String inverters: DUAL MPPT, Key feature

© ABB Group
Flat efficiency curves
Optimal performances in any load conditions:
from low converted power up to max power
the efficiency is almost constant
Natural cooling system
Absence of fans for cooling system means
higher reliability.
Optimal solution for outdoor installation (no
maintenance required)
IP65 Protection Degree
Ideal for outdoor installation
High operating temperature without
power derating
Nominal AC power available up to 50°C
Easy installation and configuration
Compact and lightweight
Display for local configuration
RS485 communication port for monitoring
and configuration
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Ambient Temperature [°C]
Thermal Output Power Derating
Vin=250Vdc
Vin=530Vdc
Vin=360Vdc
MaxContinuousOutput[W]

…minimize energy yield losses under partial shading conditions
 Multiple MPPT trackers prevent losses of parts of PV
arrays with different orientation, but only marginally help
to minimize yield losses caused by partial shading.
 Systematic shadows (chimneys, trees, dormers, poles),
seasonal, or unpredictable partial shading (leaves,
etc…) may affect the overall performance of the system
Cortina – 18,9kWp
Cortina – 18,9kWp
Mpp1 array (west-faced)
sunset shadows
Mpp2 array (east-faced)
sunrise shadows
Mpp1 Mpp2
Shading issue: importance of MPP scanning
© ABB Group

 Systematic shadows (chimneypots, electric lines, trees,
etc…) or seasonal shadows, or unexpected partial
shadows (e.g. leaves) can compromise the overall
performance.
 The absolute maximum on the power curve can
dynamically shift from a peak to another during the day
depending on the variation of the radiation conditions
and of the shadow footprint on the modules.
 A real time tracking algorithm is working in a narrow
voltage range around a local maxima and is not able to
detect the absolute maxima, also to not incur to even
higher losses that those generated by the shading
pattern!!!
Isc = 2,5A Isc = 2 A
Isc = 3 A Isc = 2 A
2,8 A
1,95 A
Shading issue: importance of MMPP scanning
© ABB Group

Voltage
Power
0 Voc
Global Pmax
Local Pmax
Vmin
INITIALIZINGSCANNINGTRACKING
PVI-12.5-OUTD
How to minimize energy yield losses of partially shaded arrays?
Power-Voltage curve of a PV array under shaded
conditions with 3 maximum power points
 Real time tracking methods are unable to detect global peak power, they only move the
operating point to the nearest local maximum point
 Shaded arrays develop 2 or more maximum power points
 Is there room for further improvements?
 Locking on a local maximum will cause energy
losses…how to prevent it?
 All ABB string and central inverter series
combine a voltage scan with the real time
algorithm to prevent the “locking effect” and
recover the maximum available energy
Shading issue: importance of MPP scanning
© ABB Group

Periodic MPP scan by programmable voltage sweep
1. Voltage scan sequence with programmable time
interval (1min-1hour)
2. Adaptive voltage sweep range. Each mppt tracker
independently adjust the minimum and maximum
scan voltage limit, according to the actual operating
mpp voltage range
3. Maximum effectiveness thanks to the wide input
voltage range with possibility to identify and catch
low voltage peaks
4. Disable function to prevent losses in case of
unshaded arrays
5. Maximum energy loss on unshaded arrays <0,06%
(with 15 min. scan interval)
6. “Manual test function”. Use your inverter to test the
array and identify “unexpected” shadows to prevent
additional losses.
Campo Normalizzato In Potenza
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Tensione [Vdc]
Potenza[KW]
Shaded PV array with 3 maximum power points
Normalized Power Curve – Voc=800Vdc
Automatic scan sequence
INITIALIZINGSCANNINGTRACKING
How to minimize energy yield losses of partially shaded arrays?
Vin
Pdc
Iin
Vmax
Vmax
Vmin
Vmin
Shading issue: MPP scanning
© ABB Group

Data sheet reading and understanding
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Inverters Technical Data
Data-sheet reading and understanding: 1-ph example

© ABB Group
ηEuro
= 0.03xη5 + 0.06xη10 + 0.13xη20 + 0.1xη30 + 0.48xη50 + 0.2xη100
ηCEC
= 0.04xη10 + 0.05xη20 + 0.12xη30 + 0.21xη50 + 0.53xη75 + 0.05xη100

Balance of System (Plant Architecture)
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Balance of System: Plant Architecture
PV generator junction boxes
 Protection of strings (diodes or
fuses)
 Break-switch for entirely safe
control and intervention operations
on the inverter or modules
 Surge Protection (SPD)
PV generator
junction box
Inverter AC box
DC AC
AC box
 Automatic circuit breaker to
protect the line against inverter
failures
 Disconnection function to ensure
safe interventions
 Protection against surges
induced on the grid (SPD)

© ABB Group
Typical Electrical System Diagram single-phase string inverters
 Fully express the
concept of
decentralized
production
 High flexibility for
installation and
configuration
 Concept can be
used for any
application
 Power rating from
2kW up to 50 ÷ 60
kVA

120 Confidential
Modular benefits: Operation & Maintenance
Inv 1
+
_
Inv 2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Inv 3
Inv n
Pac = N x PinvPac = (N-1) x Pinv
Greater availability – reduction of downtime
Minimum production losses associated with
single component failures.
 Benefits in terms of management and
maintenance
 Quick and accurate identification of the
failure: the inverter "protects" its generator;
segregating the failure, be it on the DC side
or inside the device (self-exclusion).
 O&M benefits – Fast and simple intervention
 Operations made easier by the self-diagnosis
function, smaller size of the equipment and ease
of disassembly and replacement.
Distributed installation architecture
+
_
+
_
© ABB Group
+
_

Modular conversion technology
Evolution of String inverter concept
String inverter: evolution or "mutation" towards "hybrid" solutions
DC Box
N
Inverter
+ N
AC Box
+ N
+ 1st level AC Box3-phase inverter with integrated DC box
© ABB Group

Evolution of String inverter concept
TRIO-50.0-TL-OUTD
• Mounted nearby the PV modules  no need of an external DC recombiner Box
• Cost reduction and simplification of DC connections
• Reliable and repeatable (reduces risks of tailor-made system designs)
String inverter: evolution or "mutation" towards "hybrid" solutions
1 2 3
1) DC Wiring box (DCWB)
2) Power module
3) AC Wiring box (ACWB)
© ABB Group

String Inverter large plant Solution-Site References
1,6 MW solution
© ABB Group

1,6 MW solution  Romania – Titu
 9 MW with 290 TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S2X
 Commissioning: 06/2013
© ABB Group

 Germany – Ground Mounted (former military airbase)
 38MW with 1246 TRIOs
 Up and running from July 2013
© ABB Group

Projects Reference
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Pictures of installed systems
50kW / Mountain Lift in Austria
PVI-12.5-TL-OUTD-S

© ABB Group
3MW Rooftop plant in Italy (Logistic Center) made with string inverter
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S2X

© ABB Group
4,6kW Residential Plant in Boston, Massachusetts
PVI-4.2-OUTD-S-US-A

© ABB Group
26kW plant, Punta Helbronner Monte Bianco (Altitude: 3452 mt)
PVI-5000-TL-OUTD

© ABB Group
756kW Rooftop plant, Maryland (USA)
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S1A-US-480

© ABB Group
80 kW , 2-axis Trakers, Greece
PVI-12.5-TL-OUTD-S

© ABB Group
2,106 MW Tissot-Arena Stadium, Bern Switzerland
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD-S2X

© ABB Group
HASTA MAÑANA…
Foro de Preguntas

Network connection and system
protections
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
AC side distribution system
The choice of the distribution system (and of the
transformer windings in case of large plants) depends on
the choice of the state of the neutral of the system, which
also determines how the protection against indirect
contacts must be realized.
IT SYSTEM: neutral insulated from earth – metal masses
connected to earth.
The protection against indirect contacts is realized by the
installation of a permanent insulation controller.
The IT distribution system cannot be used
with string inverters.
TN-S SYSTEM: neutral connected to earth – metal masses
connected to the protection conductor.
The transformer must have star windings on inverter side,
and the star centre is connected to earth.
The protection against indirect contacts is usually realized
by the installation of residual current devices.
Network
Side
Network
Side
IT SYSTEM
TN-S SYSTEM

© ABB Group
Connection to the network – EU versions
380/400ph-ph / 220/230Vph-n network
 Three-phase inverters allow both 3 wires and 4 wires connection to the
three-phase network.
 Multiple grid standard available (rotary switches/display selection required
during commissioning).
 Connection of inverter to PE is mandatory.
 Network (neutral) must be referred to ground.
220V/230V
380V/400V
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
TRIO-5.8/7.5/8.5-TL-OUTD
TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD
PRO-33.0-TL-OUTD
TRIO-5.8/7.5/8.5-TL-OUTD
TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD
TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD
PRO-33.0-TL-OUTD
380/400Vph-ph three-phase / 220/230Vph-n single phase network:
allowed connections diagrams for different inverter models
3ph / 4wires
(with neutral)
3ph / 3 wires
(without neutral)
UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD
PVI-5000/6000-TL-OUTD
1ph / 2 wires
(phase-to-neutral)
(connection is allowed
between L2-N and L3-N too)

© ABB Group
Connection to the network – US versions
480ph-ph / 277Vph-n network
 Three-phase inverters allow both 3 wires and 4 wires connection to
the three-phase network.
 Single phase inverter: 277V option should be selected during
commissioning.
277V
480V
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
PVI-10.0-I-OUTD-US
PVI-12.0-I-OUTD-US
PVI-10.0-I-OUTD-US
PVI-12.0-I-OUTD-US
480Vph-ph three-phase / 277Vph-n single phase network:
3ph / 4wires
(with neutral)
3ph / 3 wires
(without neutral)
UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD-US
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-OUTD-US
PVI-5000/6000-OUTD-US
UNO-7.6/8.6-TL-OUTD-US
1ph / 2 wires
(phase-to-neutral)
between L2-N and L3-N too)

© ABB Group
208ph-ph / 120Vph-n / 240ph-ph split phase network
 Three-phase inverter (PVI-10.0-I-OUTD-US) allow both 3 wires and 4
wires connection to the three-phase network.
 Single phase inverter: network configuration (208V 2-wires / 240V
split-phase) should be selected during commissioning.
120V
208V
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
PVI-10.0-I-OUTD-US PVI-10.0-I-OUTD-US
208Vph-ph three-phase / 120Vph-n single phase network:
3ph / 4wires
(with neutral)
3ph / 3 wires
(without neutral)
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-OUTD-US
1ph / 2 wires
(phase-to-phase)
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-OUTD-US
1ph / 3 wires
(split-phase)
between L2-L3-N and
L1-L3-N too)

© ABB Group
WYE Systems 120Vph-gnd, 208Vph-ph
WYE Systems 277Vph-gnd, 480Vph-ph
DELTA System without ground 240Vph-ph
DELTA System without ground 480Vph-ph
 Direct connection is not allowed because the
network is not grounded.
 Possibility to use the inverter with a transformer
between the inverter and the network (one of the
previous connection diagram has to be present).
 Direct connection is not allowed because the
network is not grounded.
 Possibility to use the inverter with a transformer
between the inverter and the network (one of the
previous connection diagram has to be present)
240V/480V
L1
L2
L3
120V/277V
208V/480V
L1
L2
L3
N (optional)

© ABB Group
120V
240V
L3
L2
L1
N
PE
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-OUTD-US
Delta high Leg system 120Vph-gnd, 207Vph-gnd (high leg), 240Vph-ph:
1ph / 3wires
(split-phase)
between L1-L2-N only)
120V 240V
480V
L3
L2
L1
N
PE
UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD
Delta high Leg system 240Vph-gnd, 415Vph-gnd (high leg), 480Vph-ph:
1ph / 2wires
(split-phase)
between L1-N and L2-N only)
240V

© ABB Group
120V
240V
L3
L2
L1
N
PE
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-OUTD-US
Open Delta system 120Vph-gnd, 207Vph-gnd (high leg), 240Vph-ph:
1ph / 3wires
(split-phase)
between L1-L2-N only)
120V 240V
480V
L3
L2
L1
N
PE
UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD
PVI-3.0/3.6/4.2-TL-OUTD
Open Delta system 240Vph-gnd, 415Vph-gnd (high leg), 480Vph-ph:
1ph / 2wires
(split-phase)
between L1-N and L2-N only)
240V

© ABB Group
Plant protections: DC side
1. Inverter protection devices
Protection against transient voltage surges
Protection against reverse polarity
Overcurrent protections
2. Devices for protecting the strings of PV generator
Protection against transient voltage surges
Protection against reverse over-currents
3. Devices for disconnecting the photovoltaic generator
If the protective devices are inside the inverter, it is
possible to remove the DC-side protection panel!
ATTENTION!
Inverters with integrated safety devices may have specific
requirements!
The installation of external protection devices shall be
evaluated in relation to:
 Installation conditions of the photovoltaic generator
 Intrinsic characteristics of the inverter
 Devices integrated into the inverter and their
characteristics

© ABB Group
Plant protections: surge
Surge: huge transient voltage, originating in one
or more points in the system, that could exceed
the insulation voltage of the system.
Causes: it may be caused by activating and
introducing highly inductive or capacitive loads
or by atmospheric phenomena
External surges (lightning): originated by
lightning, for example when it strikes in the
vicinity of power lines of high, medium and low
voltage.
Internal surges (electrical operations):
originated by opening and closing devices
installed on power circuits that are highly
inductive or capacitive or by system failures.
Standard waveforms of external
surge impulse current
Standard
waveform of
internal surge
impulse current

© ABB Group
Plant protections: surge – string cable routing
Minimize the area subtended by the string cables that constitutes the wiring
Execute the wiring so that you have two rings in which the induced current
circulates in the opposite direction (surge compensation).

© ABB Group
Plant protections: surge protections
ALL string inverters integrate surge arresters based on
thermally monitored and replaceable varistors.
Are the arresters inside the inverter adequate for
protecting the inverter?
 The equipment integrated in the inverter is designed for
inverter protection and guarantees a impulse withstand
voltage of 5 kV - Impulse withstand category III
 Due to the way they are wired inside the inverter, the surge
arresters protect against differential mode surges and common
mode surges.
Do the surge arresters inside the inverter also protect the
modules of the photovoltaic generator?
 The need to use external surge arresters must be evaluated
for each specific case, based on the following factors:
- Installation site
- Length and characteristics of the DC line

© ABB Group
Plant protections: overcurrent protections
When is it possible to have overcurrent in
the inverter?
When the PV generator is connected to the
inverter, and the internal capacitors are
completely discharged, they act as a short
circuit and the PV generator supplies its
maximum short circuit current (Isc,gen).
The inverters IS NOT protected against large
inrush currents and for this reason the
datasheet besides the maximum current for
each MPPT also includes the short circuit
current value (Isc,inv).
The following condition must be met:
Isc,gen@Tcell,max < Isc(inv)
If the configuration is verified using
stringsizer, this check is already passed!!!

© ABB Group
Plant protections: DC-side fuses
Is there a limit to the reverse current sustained by the
modules?
The module manufacturers publish in the datasheet the
Max Fuse Rating = the maximum size of the fuse that shall
be connected in series to the module to protect it against
excessive reverse current.
When is it necessary to insert a reverse overcurrent
protection?
When a reverse current higher than the Max Fuse Rating
may develop in the string; typically when there are more
than three strings in parallel.
What are the possible reverse overcurrent protections?
Blocking diode: the insertion of a blocking diode in series
to each string prevents reverse currents.
Fuses: the insertion of a fuse in series to each string allows
to prevent harmful reverse currents from flowing through
the string.

© ABB Group
Plant protections: DC-switch (disconnector)
Disconnector: device able to ensure an
insulation between two portions of a circuit.
Specific characteristic of the disconnector is
the ability to guarantee insulation (up to a
certain voltage) between the two circuit that
are disconnected.
Switch: device able to interrupt the current
flowing into a circuit.
What is the task of the DC disconnector in
a PV system?
The disconnector must be able to separate
the live circuits (safety conditions) and to
interrupt the current also in case of internal
fault of the inverter.

© ABB Group
AC-side: connections and protections
The inverter for grid-tied application is a
power generator injecting current into the
network in phase with the voltage, so that
the inverter operates nominally with a
unitary power factor.
The inverter, therefore, 'sustains' the
network voltage and IS NOT ABLE to
modify it directly.
For connecting to the network, it is
sufficient, for the inverter, the presence
of an AC voltage with amplitude and
frequency within the range compatible
with inverter ratings and grid code
requirements
ABB
INVERTER

Installation notes
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Installation notes: positioning
Inverters are suitable for outdoor
installation, but the exposition to
direct sunlight must be avoided.
On top/bottom sides the required
distances must be observed to avoid the
reduction in the natural air flow over the
heatsink (chimney effect).
ALWAYS REFER TO QUICK INSTALLATION GUIDE (PROVIDED WITH INVERTER)
OR TO INSTALLATION MANUAL (AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE)

© ABB Group
Installation notes: positioning
Inverters with natural cooling system require a good air
circulation around the unit; suitable for outdoor
installation.
They can be installed indoor but distances around the
unit shall be considered.
On lateral sides the required distances shall be observed
to allow proper operation during installation and service.
On top/bottom sides the required distances must be
observed to avoid the reduction in the natural air flow
over the heatsink (chimney effect).

© ABB Group
Installation notes: PE and AC cabling
1. PE cabling – first connection to do: the connection of the PE cable should
be the first. It is supposed the PE cable is connected to a suitable protective earth
circuit. Usually the connection of the PE is made in conjunction with AC side
cables. In some cases an additional grounding connection is required.
2. Check the AC side voltage: check the voltage on the AC side. Especially in
case of three-phase inverters this is important to identify the neutral respect the
phases.
3. Connect the AC cables to the inverter: make sure the operation is performed
with AC breaker open and, during the connection, pay attention to the tightening
torque.

© ABB Group
Installation notes: DC cabling
1. Check the polarity: this operation should be performed before the connection to
the inverter or before mounting of the quick-plug connectors. During this check it
would be important to measure the DC voltage and to compare with the value in the
configuration report.
1.a. Mount the quick-plug connectors: depending on the inverter model and
version different kinds of quick-plug connectors may be provided. Some of them
(Multicontact or equivalent) requires the crimping tool for proper installation, others
(Weidmuller – TRIO, and Sunclix – PRO) are tool-free.
2. Connect the cables to the inverter: always pay attention to the polarity!!!
Vmax

© ABB Group
Parallel MPPT configuration: PVI (1ph/3ph) inverters
1. Install the jumpers
2. Select the MPPT operating mode through “INPUT MODE” dip switch
(on main board, close to the communication terminal blocks)
09
11

© ABB Group
Parallel MPPT configuration: TRIO-5.8/7.5/8.5-TL
1. Install of jumpers
2. Select the MPPT operating mode through the start-up wizard configuration or
SETTINGS menu
(configuration is possible only after the activation of the inverter)
07

© ABB Group
Parallel MPPT configuration: TRIO-20.0/27.6-TL
1. Install the jumpers 
2. Select the MPPT operating mode through “INPUT MODE” dip switch (a01)
(on main board, close to the communication terminal blocks)
12 13

Country Standard Setting (via Display)
If required, the Display
language can be changed
from the default between
one of the following:
English, German, French,
Italian, Spanish, Czech,
Dutch.
PVI family, TRIO 5.8/7.5/8.5 and PRO 33, are Universal Standard and the Standard can be selected during the
installation by DISPLAY acc. to the following table (check for the certifications availability on the specific model)
Nation Name Grid standard Display Label
Australia AS4777 AS4777
Belgium C10-11 100% C1011 100
Belgium C10-11 110% C1011 110
Brazil ABNT NBR 16149:2013 BRAZIL
Corsica VDE01261)
CORSICA
Czech Republic VDE01261)
CZECH
France VDE01261)
FRANCE
Germany VDE AR-N-4105 VDE 4105
Greece VDE01261)
GREECE
Korea Korean KOREA
Taiwan VDE AR-N-4105 TAIWAN
Hungary IEC62116 + IEC61727 HUNGARY
Ireland EN50438 IRELAND
Italy CEI-021 INTERNAL Prot. CEI021 IN
Italy CEI-021 EXTERNAL Prot. CEI021 EX
Netherlands VDE01261)
NETHERL.
Portugal VDE0126 PORTUGAL
Romania ANRE no.30/17.V.2013 ROMANIA
Slovenia Slovenian SLOVENIA
Spain RD 1699 RD 1699
Turkey CLC/FprTS 50549 TURKEY HV
Turkey CLC/FprTS 50549 TURKEY LV
UK G83/2 UK G83
UK G59/3 UK G59
VDE 0126 VDE 0126
EN 50438 EN 50438
1) in accordance with local regulations
Brazilian, Korean and Taiwanese are 60Hz/220Vac standards
Suitable for Colombia© ABB Group

Country Standard Setting (rotary switch selectors)
Rotary Switch
Selectors
TRIO 20/27.6 and UNO 2.0/2.5 inverters are
Universal Standard models and the Grid
Standard can be selected during the installation
using the rotary switches, according to the
following table
Brazilian, Korean and Taiwanese are 60Hz/220Vac standards
Suitable for Colombia© ABB Group

175
• Connect AC conductors for the
appropriate grid according to table below
• For transformer-less inverters, program
the AC voltage using the display
Commissioning procedure single phase – US models
(208V delta network)
© ABB Group
February 16, 2016 | Slide 175

 Wiring Connections for 208V
 L1
 L2
Before turning the rotary switches,
ensure the inverter is switched OFF
For 208 Grid Voltage
• Upper switch: 0
• Lower switch: 2
Commissioning procedure: network configuration
selection for UNO-2.0/2.5-I-OUTD-US
© ABB Group

 L1
 L2
 N
• Upper Dial: 0
• Lower Dial: 3
Prior to turning the rotary
switches, ensure the
inverter is switched OFF
© ABB Group

• N
• L1
• Upper Dial: 0
• Lower Dial: 4
Prior to turning the rotary
switches, ensure the
inverter is switched OFF
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
Model identification
Regulatory label: nominal inverter
ratings and certification
Product label: model, production part
number, sales order, serial number and
production week.

© ABB Group
Model identification
Model Designation / description
Part Number
Serial Number ( 10 digits: YYWW+6 digits)
Production Week (WWYY)
For internal reference

© ABB Group
PV arrays configuration optimization
While the efficiency is pretty constant against output power (flat curves), it shows a
certain dependence against input voltage, so it’s important to configure in the right
way the arrays to obtain the highest performances.
Inverter
Model
Nominal Input
Voltage [V]
Input Voltage
(Efficiency)
PVI-3.0-TL-OUTD 360
320 – 400 (≥96,8%)
270 – 460 (≥96,6%)
PVI-3.6-TL-OUTD 360
320 – 400 (≥96,8%)
270 – 460 (≥96,6%)
PVI-4.2-TL-OUTD 360
320 – 400 (≥96,8%)
270 – 460 (≥96,6%)
PVI-5000-TL-OUTD
PVI-6000-TL-OUTD
360
320 – 370 (≥97,0%)
250 – 460 (≥96,8%)
PVI-10.0-TL-OUTD 580
510 – 660 (≥97,5%)
390 – 750 (≥97,0%)
PVI-12.5-TL-OUTD 580
510 – 660 (≥97,5%)
390 – 750 (≥97,0%)
Configuration target:
allow the inverter to operate in its
highest efficiency area!

© ABB Group
Typical “optimal” day input power
and voltage behavior
Input
Voltage
Input
Power
Input power as function of input
voltage during typ. “optimal” day
InputPower[%ofnom]
Input Voltage [V]

© ABB Group
Technical data: input OV limits
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
PVI-6000-TL-OUTD single MPPT power capability (Vstart=200V)
MPPT1 Power Capability (Vstart=200V)
Max absolute input voltage:
• 1ph TL: 600V
• 1ph HF-iso: 520V
• 3ph TL: 900V
• TRIO: 1000V
Input OV threshold:
• 1ph TL: 580V
• 3ph TL: 850V
• TRIO: 1000V
Vmax

© ABB Group
Technical data: MPPT operating area / 1 channel
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Inverter MPPT operation
working area:
within this area the inverter is
able to perform MPPT and to
catch the PV array’s
maximum power point.
This picture (and the
followings too) refers to PVI-
6000-TL-OUTD: the
considerations are still valid
for all the other inverters.

© ABB Group
MPPT voltage range (max power)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Input voltage range for
MPPT operation at max
power:
• 1ph TL: up to 530V
• 1ph HF-iso: up to 470V
• 3ph HF-iso: up to 470V
• 3ph TL: up to 750V
• TRIO: up to 800V
A
V Pmax

© ABB Group
Input OC limitation area
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Input power limiting range due
to current limitation:
each input converter provides a
certain current and power
capability. In case one of the two
may be overcame, the inverter
limits the power from the PV
array. At low input voltage the
current limiting mechanism may
occur.
A
Imax
Plim

© ABB Group
Input OV limitation area
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Input power limiting range due
to high input voltage:
in order to prevent potential
damaging of active devices in
the inverter, at high voltage
levels the inverter acts a linear
power limiting. This effect
usually is present only in case of
huge oversizing of PV array’s
power with respect to input
channel power.
Vmax Plim

© ABB Group
Activation voltage (start-up voltage)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Activation voltage:
• 1ph TL, 1ph HF-iso, 3pf HF-iso:
• Default: 200V
• Adj. range: 120V÷250V
• 3ph TL, TRIO:
• Default: 360V
• Adj. range: 250V÷500V

© ABB Group
Array configuration example (single MPPT)
Example: 13xTrina Solar TSM-230PC05 with PVI-6000-TL-OUTD
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
MPPT1 Input Power Irr=200W/mq; T_amb=-10°C; T_cell=-3.75°C)
MPPT1 Input Power Irr=1000W/mq; T_amb=15°C; T_cell=46.25°C)

© ABB Group
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Example: 2 strings x 13xTrina Solar TSM-230PC05 with PVI-6000-TL-OUT
input power limiting

© ABB Group
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
Example: 3 strings x 7xTrina Solar TSM-230PC05 with PVI-6000-TL-OUT :
input current limiting

© ABB Group
Array configuration example (parallel MPPTs)
Example: 3 strings x 10xTrina Solar TSM-230PC05
with PVI-6000-TL-OUT
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
InputPower[W]
Input Voltage [V]
PVI-6000-TL-OUTD parallel MPPT power capability (Vstart=200V)
Inverter Input Power Capability [W] (Vstart1=200Vdc)
In case of parallel configuration of
MPPT the considerations are the
same of the independent
configuration…
…only the limits are different!
• Absolute voltage range is the
same
• Absolute voltage range for
MPPT operation is the same
(defined by Vstart)
• Input current capability is twice
• Input power limitation is not
related to the single MPPT
capability but is defined by
output power capability
• Voltage range for MPPT
operation at maximum power is
defined by power limitation and
input current capability

© ABB Group
PV arrays configuration: MPPT configuration
The selection of MPPT configuration depends from the installation conditions and from the technical
characteristics of the photovoltaic generator.
MANDATORY INDEPENDENT MPPT CONFIGURATION
POSSIBILITY OF CHOOSING MPPT CONFIGURATION
MANDATORY PARALLEL MPPT CONFIGURATION
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PHOTOVOLTAIC
GENERATOR
MPPT
CONFIGURATION
NOTES
The photovoltaic generator
is made of strings having a
number of modules in
series different from each
other.
MANDATORY
MPPT
INDEPENDENT
CONFIGURATION
NECESSARY condition for using the two MPPT in
independent mode is that the maximum Isc and Imp
of the PV generator are lower than the respective
current limits of the single input channel.The photovoltaic generator
is made of strings having
installation conditions
different from each other.

© ABB Group
POSSIBILITY OF CHOOSING MPPT CONFIGURATION
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATOR
MPPT CONFIGURATION NOTES
The photovoltaic generator is made of
strings having each the same number
of modules in series.
POSSIBILITY OF CHOOSING
BETWEEN THE CONFIGURATION
WITH INDEPENDENT MPPT OR WITH
PARALLEL MPPT
NECESSARY condition for using the
two MPPT in independent mode is
that the maximum Isc and Imp of
the PV generator are lower than the
respective current limits of the
single input channel.
RECOMMENDED (*) condition for
using the two MPPT in parallel is that
the photovoltaic generator connected
to the two inlets is made of strings
having the same number of modules
in series, and that all of the modules
have the same installation
conditions.
strings having the same installation
conditions, i.e. all of the strings have
the same inclination with respect to the
horizontal and the same orientation
with respect to the SOUTH.
The photovoltaic generator connected
to each of the inlets has a current lower
than the current limit of the input
channel.

© ABB Group
MANDATORY PARALLEL MPPT CONFIGURATION
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATOR
MPPT CONFIGURAZIONE NOTES
strings having each the same number of
modules in series.
MANDATORY CONFIGURATION
WITH MPPT
IN PARALLEL
SUFFICIENT condition (*) for using the
two MPPT in parallel mode is that the
photovoltaic generator connected to each
of the inlets has a power higher than the
power limit of the single input channel
OR a maximum current higher than the
current limit of the single input channel.
RECOMMENDED (**) condition for
paralleling the two MPPT is that the
photovoltaic generator connected to the
two inlets is made of strings having the
same number of modules in series, and
that all of the modules have the same
installation conditions.
strings having the same installation
conditions, i.e. all of the strings have the
same inclination with respect to the
horizontal and the same orientation with
respect to the SOUTH.
The photovoltaic generator connected to
each of the inlets has a power higher than
the power limit of the input channel OR a
current higher than the current limit of the
input channel.

Double stage topology  Wide Input voltage range (many sizing possibilities)
 No shaving losses at high irradiance & temperature
 Optimal operation also with shaded arrays
 No peak shaving at high AC voltages
51.2kW
480Vdc 800Vdc 950Vdc300Vdc
33.0kW
Input voltage
Input power
Full power range (480÷800Vdc)
MPP operating range (300÷950Vdc)
Not depending on AC voltage!
Wide input voltage range (double stage topology)
© ABB Group

0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
DCPower[W]
DC Voltage [V]
260Wp / 60 cells, 9 strings / 22 in series = 51480W
1000W/m2; cell @ 5°C
DOUBLE STAGE CONVERTER – TRIO-50
INPUT CAPABILITY
No shaving losses at high irradiance & temperature
Cold climate (5°C)
High Irradiance (1000W/m2)
Shaving due to favorable
Irradiance & temp conditions
© ABB Group

0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
DCPower[W]
DC Voltage [V]
1000W/m2; cell @ 5°C
SINGLE STAGE CONVERTER
INPUT CAPABILITY
Same behavior than double
stage in cold conditions
Shaving due to favorable
Irradiance & temp conditions
Cold climate (5°C)
TL single stage/3 phase-400Vac
© ABB Group

0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
DCPower[W]
DC Voltage [V]
1000W/m2; cell @ 75°C
INPUT CAPABILITY
Hot climate (75°C)
Vmpp within the input
capability of the inverter
No peak shaving
in hot climates
© ABB Group

0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
DCPower[W]
DC Voltage [V]
1000W/m2; cell @ 75°C
Hot climate (75°C)
Yield losses in hot climates
at high irradiance !
INPUT CAPABILITY
Vmpp below the input
capability of the inverter
Shaving due to narrow
input range
© ABB Group

Optimal operation also with partially shaded arrays
30% of the array is shaded
800 W/m2 on 15 panels out of 22
200 W/m2 on the shaded panels (7/22)
260W / 60 cells – sizing 22 x 9 = 51480W
25°C – partially shaded array
top row
bottom row
X 9
+
-
Shaded area
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
DCPower[kW]
DC Voltage [V] unshaded array
shaded array
© ABB Group

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
DCPower[kW]
DC Voltage [V]
shaded array
double stage inverter
absolute maxima Vmpp within the
input capability of the inverter
260W / 60 cells – sizing 22 x 9 = 51480W
INPUT CAPABILITY
Always tracking absolute
MPP under any condition
including shaded arrays
© ABB Group

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
DCPower[kW]
DC Voltage [V]
shaded array
single stage converter
260W / 60 cells – sizing 22 x 9 = 51480W
INPUT CAPABILITY
Absolute maxima Vmpp
below the input capability
of the inverter
Power loss due to narrow
input range
∆P = 15 kW (-60%)
Yield losses when operating
on shaded arrays !
© ABB Group

© ABB Group
SIZING EXAMPLES
• 4.5 kW plant
• 2 strings of 9 panels(250W) in series
• 2 Different orientations (East, West)
UNO 4.2 TL
SINGLE MPPT
PVI 4.2/5000 TL
DUAL MPPT

© ABB Group
SIZING EXAMPLES
• 3 kW plant
• 1 single orientation with fix shadows
UNO 3.0/3.6 TL
SINGLE MPPT
PVI 3.0/3.6 TL
DUAL MPPT Possible solution with 1 string
and 1MPPT, Solution with 2
MPPT more flexible and able to
mitigate shadow problems
Scanning Function for all ABB
Inverters

© ABB Group
SIZING EXAMPLES
• 1,25 kW plant
• Short string, 1 orientation
UNO 2.0 TL
SINGLE MPPT
UNO 2.0 IT
SINGLE MPPT
Short string require a wider input
voltage range

© ABB Group
SIZING EXAMPLES
• 66,5 kW plant
PRO 33 OUTD
SINGLE MPPT
TRIO 27.6 OUTD
DUAL MPPT
In case of Single MPPT inverter (PRO
33), 7 strings on the EAST direction
have to be connected to one PRO and
the other 7 strings on the WEST
Direction have to be connected on the
other PRO

© ABB Group
View options
 STANDARD
No indication about the recommended
«best fit» configuration
 USER FRIENDLY VERSION
In the configuration matrix indication
about the «best fit» of the proposed
configurations is provided by means of
different cell color.

© ABB Group
Project management buttons
 Project reset
Clean-up the project and reset
the page.
Save project
Allows to save a project as p1pj
file. The project can be saved for
further evaluation/checks. Useful
especially in case of manual
editing of the PV module data.
Load project
Allows to open a saved project
as p1pj file.

© ABB Group
Input data
Select language to start to use
the tool
Select the installation continent,
country and location where the
PV plant will be installed.
Optimal installation conditions
and irradiance are provided for
reference: in case the installation
will not be made according to
optimal conditions the overload
of the inverter may be
considered.

© ABB Group
PV Panel selection
Select panel brand/model from PV
panels database.
Inform us in case the selected
panel is not available in the data-
base using the «Report» function.
In case the panel is not present,
using the «Edit» button it is possible
to manually edit the characteristics
of the panel in order to proceed with
the configuration.
The manually entered parameters are saved for the
current session only: saving the project allows to reload
the manually entered parameters.

© ABB Group
Inverter selection
Select grid standard
This selection is present because
depending on the grid standard the
inverter may have some limitation in
the max power.
Select the inverter model and version.
Depending on the version the number
of inputs or the input protections may
be different. Link to product webpage
is provided in order to double check all
the available versions for the inverter.
Select grounding options.
Available only for inverters which
allows the grounding of one of the DC-
side poles.

© ABB Group
Results matrix
 All the proposed configurations are
allowed: selecting one of the
configuration, no impact on the product
warranty.
 Cells color code
Green: optimal configuration. The
configuration allows the best
performance for the inverter. This
should be the configuration target.
Yellow: allowed configuration, no
message.
Orange: allowed configuration, check
the message (possibility of power
limiting, need to change the activation
voltage from the default value).

© ABB Group
Configuration report
 Provide a summary about the selected
configuration.
 Single-page document with all the relevant
information about the selected PV modules
and inverter, PV arrays and inverter
configuration:
Number of panels/string
Number of strings/MPPT
Expected operating voltages/currents
Inverter inputs configuration
(independent/parallel)
Need for activation voltage modification
respect default.
 Useful for both designers and installers.

© ABB Group
Energy Evaluation
Advanced PV Simulator Software: PVsyst
• Meteo and Geographical information
• Full-featured study and analysis of a project
• Hourly production simulation
• Different Simulation variant
• Losses analysis
• PVsyst file models available for all ABB inverters

ABB Training Colombia Inverters - Focus on residential and commercial solution for PV with String Inverters

ABB Training Colombia Inverters - Focus on residential and commercial solution for PV with String Inverters

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