ABB Inverter Increases Flexibility For PV Plants
This three-phase inverter is distinguishable by its modular three component concept: a central part consisting of the inverter itself and two lateral compartments, one for the DC connection upstream (toward the photovoltaic plant) and the other for the AC downstream (toward the grid). The system thus offers significant flexibility with its ability to change the DC and AC components to cater for specific needs, even when retrofitting. It can also be wall mounted.
By having the total weight divided over three separate units, installation and commissioning as well as mounting and dismantling are simplified. Thanks to the lower weights involved there is no longer a need for civil work or floor reinforcement. Ongoing maintenance is also made more cost-effective as it is possible to substitute a single inverter module alone, while keeping the other two connection elements wired.
Its forced ventilation system consists of a pack of fans that can be easily substituted without opening the inverter. This enables the unit to be mounted both vertically (the standard string inverter type of installation) and horizontally, using a specific support to keep it away from the mounting surface. Horizontal installation reduces the height and allows positioning under photovoltaic panels.
"Ease of installation, commissioning and maintenance are pushing the market towards the use of string inverters in large-scale photovoltaic plants," says David Lowen, General Manager of ABB's UK solar business. "The TRIO 50.0 inverter was conceived to expand the TRIO family and maximise the return on investment in large plants, leveraging the benefits of decentralised configuration. Flexibility in plant configuration and design, ease of installation and commissioning, and lower maintenance requirements are the benefits achieved with this new design."
