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PowerViews
How Transverter Power Electronics are Solving One of the World's Biggest Problems
Warren Stokes, Director of Marketing and Sales, Heart Transverter
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Now we get to the solution. Advancements in power conversion technology exist today that can avert this looming crisis. One such technology is the Transverter . When combined with energy storage, the Transverter can actually remove this limitation placed on PV as a percent of grid capacity.
Here is how it works. The Transverter is a Tri-directional inverter. This means it can convert power in three directions, DC to AC, AC to DC and DC to DC. So when the grid needs the solar power, it can supply it from the batteries or from the solar panels. When the grid does not need the energy, the excess energy is routed into the batteries. When there is a power outage the residential or commercial consumer can continue to operate critical loads from power stored in the batteries.
Figure 4. Block Diagram of Tri-Directional Inverter
Another problem this technology solves is that of consumer satisfaction of PV systems. Imaging spending $30,000 for a residential solar system, only to find out that when the power goes out you have no electricity! It makes no sense. In conjunction with advancements in storage and battery technology, the transverter technology solves this problem.
When it comes to storage, there have been three primary barriers to widespread adoption; Performance, Price and Longevity. According to Rick Proctor, CEO of PS Power Company in Seattle Washington, Lithium Ion batteries have the potential to address all three of these barriers: “The Li-On battery cost should drop by at least 20% and perhaps up to 50% over the next three years. With expected cycle life of up to 8,000 cycles, the system longevity is on par with utility grade installations.” More to come in future articles on energy storage.
The impact of this technology is potentially huge.
- Makes Renewable Energy Infinitely Scalable
- Provides UPS and Back Power
- Generates Revenue with PPA, FIT Contracts, Time Of Use Shifting, Frequency Regulation, Demand Response and Distributed Energy Resource programs
Not only will the transverter make renewable energy infinitely scalable, it will solve other problems for grid operators such as power factor compensation, demand response and load leveling. It does all this while providing energy security for the end user in the form of zero switchover time, long run time, and uninterruptible pure sine wave power.
Figure 5. Transverter providing Demand Response, UPS and Solar Integration.
Photo courtesy of PS Power Company, Seattle, WA
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About the Author
Warren Stokes is currently serving as Director of Marketing and Sales for Heart Transverter. His background includes 17 years in the power inverter industry. Stokes holds two patents, and is an avid supporter of renewable energy. Warren can be reached by email at: warren@transverter.com
We welcome the opportunity to publish your opinions. Please email us at editorial@darnell.com.
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