Using Modbus to Communicate with Multiple OZpcs-RS40s
The OZpcs-RS40 is a 40kW Power Conversion System (PCS) intended for battery-based energy storage applications. The PCS is designed to be mounted in a standard 19” rack, and easily paralleled to scale power capability. All hardware interfaces are located on the front panel, utilizing pass-through type terminal blocks for simple daisy chained cable or bus […]
Frequency/Watt Smart Inverter Functionality
In a previous post, I discussed how the Volt/VAR function can be used to provide grid voltage stabilization during over and under-voltage conditions. In addition to stabilizing out of tolerance voltage conditions, over and under-frequency grid conditions can also be mitigated using Frequency/Watt functionality. In a manner similar to Volt/VAR, the Frequency/Watt function will automatically […]
Volt/VAR Smart Inverter Functionality
To support grid voltage stabilization during over and under-voltage conditions, UL1741 certified smart inverters, such as the OZpcs-RS40, can be configured to automatically absorb or inject reactive power based on grid voltage measurements. This behavior is commonly referred to as Volt/VAR control and is implemented using a configurable array of points, that when combined, define […]
Back-to-Back Buck-Boost Converter
Through the proper configuration of two OZIP-DC/DC Intelligent Power Modules, it is possible to transfer energy between two DC power sources with overlapping voltage ranges. In this configuration the DC-DC Converters are connected “back-to-back” such that they share a common, intermediary rail voltage. The following figure illustrates a “Back-to-Back” Buck-Boost DC/DC converter. The Boost converter […]
A Second Generation Digital SCR Controller
The OZSCR-2000 is our latest SCR Firing and Control board offering, built upon the successful OZSCR-1000 digital control platform. This second-generation controller uses a Texas Instruments Piccolo processor and provides all the original digital control features, including: Jitter free, Digital Phase Locked Loop (PLL) Digital Control Laws for Closed-Loop Applications 100% Software Configurable One of the […]
What is MESA/SunSpec?
Traditionally, grid energy storage systems (ESS) have been one-off solutions, utilizing proprietary software and hardware components. As such, each installation requires time consuming, custom integration. Often times proprietary vendor hardware or software protocols require “hacks” to get all components to play nice. Ultimately this approach results in higher costs, decreased reliability, and limited scalability and […]
Grid Energy Storage for Emergency Preparedness
The drive toward clean energy is forcing utilities around the world to augment their grids with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. However, effectively and efficiently utilizing energy generated by renewable sources means complementing the traditional grid with energy storage systems because solar cannot provide energy at night and wind turbines don’t generate […]
Knowing Your Grid Forming Inverter
In remote locations where the traditional utility power grid is inaccessible, standalone microgrids, powered by renewable energies like solar and wind turbines, are playing a crucial role in generating electricity for the local community. In addition to generating power to meet the electricity needs of islands and remote communities across the world, microgrids also see […]
Thermal management: the life of your power conversion system depends on it
There is no doubt that the operating environment has a major effect on the life and reliability of electronic assemblies. Power electronics in particular are perhaps most susceptible to life and reliability degradation, as there are usually several components within the system whose losses all conspire to raise the operating temperature. Losses include switching and […]
Power Conversion Systems: Three Manufacturing Options
In our recent blog posts we’ve been discussing specifying and sourcing power electronics in order to help you better understand your needs as well as the various design and manufacturing options available to you. These options range from using an off-the-shelf power conversion system, to designing and building your own power conversion system in-house, or […]
