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Directly Connected Systems
Utility Interactive Systems
Stand-Alone Systems
PV-Generator Hybrid Systems |
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Directly Connected Systems
Characteristics:
- No battery storage
- Load operates in sync with sunlight
- Peak operation during summer and middle of day
- Special inverter can add AC power, ``soft start", protection circuits.
Typical Applications:
- Ventilation fans
- Water pumping
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Stand-Alone Systems
Characteristics:
- Battery storage allows operation at night, during bad weather
- Charge regulator prevents battery overcharging, overdischarging
- System controls can include circuit protection, remote monitoring
- Inverter can add AC power, ``soft start", protection circuits.
Typical Applications:
- Telecommunications, telemetry
- Traffic signaling, monitoring
- Outdoor lighting
- RV/boat electric power
- Lanterns
- Remote homes, clinics, schools
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PV-Generator Hybrid Systems
Characteristics:
- Generator plus rectifier allows battery charging for full energy availability in any climate during any season
- Generator can be gasoline, propane, or diesel
- ``AC Bus" allows direct AC power to loads from generator through transfer switch, while also recharging battery through rectifier
- ``DC Bus" has all power flowing through battery (DC) avoiding complex transfer switching and any ``glitches" in AC power to loads
Typical Applications:
- Large telecommunications stations
- Village power
- RV with generator
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Utility Interactive Systems
Characteristics:
- Unused power from system during daylight is actively sent to utility power grid, giving the system a credit
- Large grid support systems (100 kW-500 kW) and some distributed home systems send power directly to inverter and then to grid, and operate only when grid power is active (not during outages)
- Utility independent systems utilize special ``bi-directional" inverter that can power dedicated circuits which remain energized even during utility power outages
Typical Applications:
- Urban homes or businesses
- Large utility grid support systems
- Building-integrated / architectural pv systems
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