Fimer has introduced two new platforms for solar farms. These include a new string inverter and a modular conversion solution, for both distributed and centralised utility applications. "With significant growth predicted for the utility sector over the next few years, we wanted to offer a solution that maximises the return on investment for both conventional system architectures and all other emerging system arrangements, including storage units, while retaining the key benefits of modularity," explains Maren Schmidt, who is responsible for utility systems at Fimer.
Power pack with 350 kilowatts
Solutions with string inverters are increasingly pushing into the market for large solar power plants, which were previously dominated by central stations for power conversion. The decentralised and modular conversion of DC output to AC offers higher energy yield, minimal long-term risk and reduced O&M effort compared to a centralised solution.
The new PVS-350 from Fimer offers a maximum efficiency of more than 99 per cent and is optimised for decentralised topologies in the solar field. It has an output of 350 kilowatts.
Very compact and cost-saving
The unit is compact and, with more than three kilowatts per kilogram, has a very high density for energy and output. Therefore, the costs for transport and installation are reduced by about 30 per cent. The AC output for the medium-voltage station is up to 15 per cent higher than comparable systems on the market.
This means fewer stations per megawatt of installed AC output - with cumulative savings that can reach more than 0.2 euro cents per watt for a 100-megawatt solar power plant.
The new string inverter is designed for solar modules with cells of 182 or 210 millimetres and has twelve MPP trackers. The input current is nominally rated at 45 amps. This enables additional savings of 0.5 to 0.9 euro cents per watt compared to systems designed for six-inch cells.
New platform for utility-scale
For centralised system architectures, which currently account for nearly 40 per cent of the solar farm market, Fimer is also launching the PVS-260/PVS-300, a fully modular solution designed as a single-MPPT string platform.
It can easily replace conventional central inverters. They improve yields, reduce costs and lower the cost of electricity. Thanks to the modular conversion architecture, LCOE costs are reduced by up to 2.3 per cent compared to central solutions.
Also interesting: Green Investment Group invests in utility-scale storage developer esVolta
In addition, the PVS-260/PVS-300 has high device performance combined with the compact design of the single MPPT power block. This allows project planners to maintain a centralised system architecture if they prefer. The power electronics layout is located close to other major AC components to simplify control and maintenance. (mfo)
