what is MPPT in solar inverter ?

MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is a crucial feature in solar inverters used to optimize the power output from solar panels. It ensures that the solar panels operate at their maximum power point (MPP) despite changes in sunlight intensity or temperature.

Solar panels have a characteristic called the I-V curve, which represents the relationship between the panel's current (I) and voltage (V) output. The MPP is the point on this curve where the panel produces the maximum power output for a given set of conditions.

The MPPT function in a solar inverter continuously monitors the solar panel's voltage and current and adjusts the operating point to track the MPP. It achieves this by varying the inverter's input voltage and current to extract the maximum power from the panels. This is done by employing a DC-DC converter within the inverter.

The MPPT algorithm typically operates in the following steps:

Measurement: The inverter measures the solar panel's voltage and current at regular intervals.

Power Calculation: The inverter calculates the instantaneous power output of the solar panels by multiplying the measured voltage and current values.

Power Comparison: The calculated power is compared with the previously measured power to determine the direction in which the MPP is moving.

Perturbation: Based on the power comparison, the inverter adjusts the input voltage and current slightly to track the MPP. It may increase or decrease the operating point to find the maximum power.

Iteration: Steps 1-4 are repeated continuously to track the MPP in real-time, as the conditions affecting the solar panels change.

The MPPT algorithm dynamically adapts to variations in temperature, shading, and other factors affecting solar panel performance. By continuously adjusting the operating point to match the MPP, the MPPT ensures that the solar panels produce the maximum power output, resulting in increased overall energy harvest from the system.

Overall, the MPPT function in a solar inverter optimizes the power generation of solar panels by dynamically tracking and adjusting the operating point to the maximum power point, maximizing the efficiency and output of the solar power system.

Thiland's Biggest Siam Cement Group to harness the sun’s energy by ABB Inverter

Siam Cement Group (SCG)’s operation significantly relies on energy, and it has been a challenge for SCG to manage the energy usage and operate its business while minimizing impact on the environment, particularly climate change. Currently, SCG’s total renewable energy production from all sources is 30 megawatts (MW), which will contribute towards substantial savings in electricity costs. SCG aims to increase solar capacity to 150 MW during 2018 – 2020.

For this project ABB has supplied 19 units of the central inverter type PVS800-57 for ground-mounted solar including installation, supervision, commissioning and training. Those units will be installed at the 3 cement plants; Khao Wong, Kaeng Khoi and Tha Luang in Saraburi province. The total installed capacity of this project is 25 MW, and has been in operational since October 2018.

“Since the end of 2011, ABB central inverters with a capacity of over 300 MW and ABB string inverters with a capacity of 100 MW have been installed in Thailand,” said Mr. Burapa Laohalatanaviboon, Sales Manager of Power & EV Infrastructure. “We are proud to provide SCG with the inverters that are the most efficient and cost-effective way to convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar modules into high-quality and CO2-free alternating current (AC). It will enable SCG to reduce the electricity cost and its carbon footprint that meet its sustainability goals,” continues Mr. Burapa.

The cement industry is important to Thailand’s industrial development, being the main driver of the construction and infrastructure sectors. Siam Cement Group, established in 1913, is now a leading business conglomerate in the ASEAN region with three core businesses namely SCG Cement-Building Materials, SCG Chemicals and SCG Packaging. Over the years, ABB has, in addition, installed DC drives and DC motors in 12 cement plants owned by SCG.