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Inverter Types and Classification PDF
Inverter Types and Classification PDF
Inverter Types and Classification PDF
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Home > Lessons > Lesson 4: PV System Components (Power Conditioning Units) > Inverter types and classification
Note
Inverter classification according to Interconnection types is discussed in EME 812 (11.4. Grid
connection and role of inverters) [1].
Central Inverter
Let's start with the central inverter, as shown in Figure 4.1. This is a PV array that consists of
three strings, where each string has three series connected modules. Before these strings are
connected to the utility grid, a power conditioning unit is required as an interface between the
array and the grid. Designers can use one central inverter as illustrated in Figure 4.1, where all
strings are connected to the DC side of the inverter and the single AC output is connected to the
utility grid.
Figure 4.1: Central Inverter Topology
Credit: Mohammed Amer Chaaban
Reflection
What consequences can the size of a central inverter have on a PV array?
String Inverter
Now, we are moving to the String inverters as shown in Figure 4.2. Assuming the same PV array
that consists of three strings, another way to connect it to the grid is using three string inverter as
illustrated in Figure 4.2. In this case, each PV string is connected to a single string inverter at the
DC side, and all AC outputs of inverters are combined and connected to the utility grid.
As the name indicates, each string of PV modules has its own inverter. In this case, we are
moving closer to the PV modules level.
Note:
There is another topology of string inverters called the multi-string inverter. It utilizes string DC-
DC converter for MPPT and then central inverter. This type is not very common and is beyond
our discussion for this class.
Micro Inverter
Finally, let's look at the micro inverters. These are also referred to as module inverters. In this
case, each module has one dedicated inverter connected on the back of the module. The
module DC terminals are connected to the DC side of the inverter and then all AC wires of all
terminals are combined and then connected to the utility interconnection point as illustrated in
Figure 4.3.
As the name suggests, each module has a dedicated inverter with an MPP tracker.
1. Resilience to partial shading effects as compared to the central and string inverters.
2. MPPT at module level
3. Highest system flexibility for future expansion
4. Minimum DC wiring costs
5. Monitoring at module level
What consequences can the micro-inverter installation location have on the PV module?
Links
[1] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme812/node/737