SMA Inverters with Emergency backup?

[bonaire]

Some say that in TX and other locations, wind power is stronger at night than during the morning and mid-day.

But it's only supplemental. The idea of renewables is to supplement and not replace the base-load based on "rocks and stuff" (nuclear, coal, natural gas)

[russ]

Some would say that new RE sources are presently trying to skim the cream off the top at the expense of traditional types of generation

[bonaire]

My on prediction is when the world population peaks and then starts to decline, the various things like renewables and other "side projects" will go by the wayside. There is some "good" to be had with renewables but when you break it all down, it's far less sustainable versus nuclear (when done right and without accidents). Sure, there will be a century when oil runs out and that will trigger a big decrease in cheap energy and thus a loss of population through attrition. Less population will then mean less energy needs and the whole "growth industry" concept will reverse and unwind.

it's not that renewables are really a scam. They're just too expensive and need subsidy to be viable. The CEO of a Wisconsin Energy Corp energy company was on CNBC this morning and stated that NG-based energy is about .04/kWh to produce while renewables are far higher.

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000156789&play=1

[Sunking]

it's not that renewables are really a scam. They're just too expensive and need subsidy to be viable. The CEO of a Wisconsin Energy Corp energy company was on CNBC this morning and stated that NG-based energy is about .04/kWh to produce while renewables are far higher.

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000156789&play=1

That ia a plain no non sense interview sticking to the facts.

[inetdog]

Inetdog, thanks for signing up, I will be interested in your findings

Hijacking the thread at least temporarily back to its original topic.

The webinar covered mostly the other features of the TL-US series, which are mostly cool, but I missed the early part on that. One touted feature which some other inverters and CCs probably have already is their OptiTrack MPPT algorithm that tracks performance derived from a small area sweep (local maximum) and decides whether it is necessary to do a full wide voltage range sweep to locate the true maximum for localized shading. It then apparently stores information about the hours during the day when shading is seen to optimize this long term.
The unit will start producing power at a minimum DC voltage of 175, but once started will go as low as 125 before dropping out.

The information on the EPS (Emergency Power Supply) was scant but still more than in the data sheets.
1. This is *NOT* to be confused with Emergency Power as regulated by NEC Article 700 or 701. This is an Optional Standby System (702) and it is NOT intended to be connected via a transfer switch to your house wiring. It is intended to supply a single outlet (or a more extensive separate distribution system if you want to do that.)
2. The function is locked out when stable grid power is seen on the GT terminals.
3. There is a separate signaling-only switch which enables the EPS function. This will typically be mounted next to the outlet, using a standard wall switch with or without a weatherproof cover, etc. depending on where it is located.
4. When grid is off, turning on the switch enables the EPS. 120 volts at an absolute maximum of 12 amps. Separate terminals inside the inverter wiring compartment. All wiring to switch and outlet is added in the field.
5. It is not an extra cost option. It cannot be retrofitted to any other SMA inverter. It is deeply integrated into the design of the inverter electronics.
6. When the grid comes back, it will remain locked in EPS mode until you manually turn off the switch.
7. There is no indication on the inverter LEDs that it is in EPS mode. Possibly the screen will show that. (Standard SMA knock-to-advance LCD but with more graphics.)
8. When the EPS function is overloaded (>12 amps OR more than the panels can currently supply) the EPS shuts down and re-checks the load every 20 seconds for an automatic restart.
9. You can hear the inverter straining as you approach the EPS max.
10. The unit can also work in hybrid mode in conjunction with a Sunny Island, just like other SMA GTIs, but only when EPS mode is off. Nothing surprising there. In hybrid mode you can utilize the full power of the panels. In EPS mode it is limited to ~1500 Watts regardless of how much the panels produce. This limit is the same for the 3000, 4000 and 5000.
11. They are still looking at potential labeling requirements for the EPS receptacle. It will take awhile for AHJs to get their heads wrapped around the idea.
12. The presenter was not willing to give any information about how much AC was available via EPS as a function of available DC from panels. They are stressing this as a phone and computer charging and radio and tv operation system with some lighting as well. But they have tested it with resistance heaters, etc. I do not get a good feeling about motor starting surge unless it stays below the 12 amp limit or is supplied by a separate UPS connected to the EPS. Did not get a chance to ask that question specifically.
13. And here is the big one:

Units are shipping today to SMA Solar Pro Club members (elite distributors)
These will be both a reward to Pro Club and an opportunity for a field beta test.
General distribution shipments will begin in about a month.
Still do not know the price.

PS: As in the data sheet, it has two MPPT input sections.
No word regarding CEC approval for efficiency.
Built-in DC AFCI (series fault). Note that on PV output, a series arc fault can have a lot more power set loose than a parallel arc fault.

[peakbagger]

Thanks for sitting through it. it would be interesting to setup a UPS on the output so that it could ride through clouds.

[jflorey2]

Interesting note for EV owners: If you have a Chevy Volt, you could charge your car from the TL's 120V 12A socket if you set the charger on the car to 8A input (normal is 12A). Possibly same for a Nissan Leaf (I don't know the charging specs for 120V). Of course, we have to wonder if this 12A socket would support anything with a heavy start-up draw (refrigerator or water pump) or would it be recommended to install a computer UPS (as mentioned above) in front of it just to buffer those instantaneous loads?

Note that the SP feature on the new SMA SB 5.0 and 6.0 inverters is 16 amps at 120 volts, providing for a considerably higher starting surge (and for 12A charging of EV's with margin.)