ABB utility-scale solar inverter testing laboratory has ushered in the next level of development for higher power solar inverters
The new laboratory features a unique, large climate chamber capable of full power electrical testing in conditions simulating the arctic tundra to an equatorial rainforest. In addition, full verification and grid code requirements testing enable ABB to develop larger, more powerful inverters to meet the developing customer and industry trends.
A new multimillion dollar facility designed to test high power central photovoltaic (PV) inverters has been opened in Helsinki, Finland. The laboratory supports testing and verification of inverters for safe operation, endurance in a wide range of climatic conditions, compatibility to the most demanding renewables-specific grid code requirements, and to measure and test harmonics and grid interactions.
ABB's global product manager for solar inverters, Marc Gomez,said customers are asking for more powerful central inverters.
"They want to maximise their return on investment and connect more incoming PV power to one inverter. With this lab, we are able to test new inverter concepts, under varying weather conditions, and that allows us to deliver new innovation to our customers and ensure we lead the market," he said.
Climate testing can last several weeks for the equipment under test. Powered by a DC supply, the inverters are run at varying power levels with different simulated weather conditions to test inverter reliability.
The climate chamber allows for accelerated product testing, important when the inverters are typically expected to operate for over 20 years. The climate chamber can vary temperatures from as low as -40°C to as high as +100°C, and relative humidity levels up to 95 per cent.
Business development manager for solar in Australia, Stefano Giommetti, said ABB's innovative spirit and continued investment in R&D will ensure ABB’s leadership position in the development of larger and more powerful high quality inverter products to satisfy market requirements. “The new testing facility will enable ABB to simulate the harsh Australian climate conditions, at any inverter power level, to guarantee the robust performance of our solar inverters for our local customers," Giommetti said.
Meanwhile, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has welcomed news that the Moree Solar Farm in Northern New South Wales has successfully achieved first generation.
The Moree Solar Farm, developed by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), is now feeding 56 MW of renewable solar energy into the National Electricity Market, enough to power 15,000 average homes.
FRV CEO Rafael Benjumea said the company was very proud to have delivered the first utility scale single axis tracking and largest polycrystalline solar farm in Australia on time and on budget.
ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said large-scale solar in Australia was making solid headway towards reaching commercial maturity.
“In the last six months we’ve seen more than 210 MW from ARENA-supported solar farms start feeding into the grid and powering Australian homes and businesses with renewable energy,” Frischknecht said.