The IMEON solar inverters come equipped with a secondary output, so called “AC Output” which is meant for providing uninterrupted power supply to essential loads in the event of the public electricity grid failure. This output has a maximum power rating which is not supposed to be exceeded. If the total load of the building exceeds the inverter’s power rating, this specific limit requires the hybrid system installer to modify the electrical distribution board and select the loads that are coupled to the inverter.
The single-phase Smart Meter connected to the IMEON solar inverters and installed at the building’s electricity entry point, measures the total electricity consumption of the building. This electricity consumption information is then transmitted to the photovoltaic inverter which, in return, will control in real time the renewable energy injected to the local electrical network (building electrical network downstream of the single-phase Smart Meter). The inverter will aim to keep the power measured by the single-phase Smart Meter at 0W at all times, which means that the power consumed from the public electricity network should be offset as much as possible. The self-production rate will therefore approach 100 %.
In case of public electricity grid loss, the essential loads (such as lighting, refrigerator, freezer, shutters) which are coupled to the “AC Output” will remain powered. All other loads in the building will remain without supply and will be powered by the hybrid inverter when the grid becomes available, thanks to the single-phase Smart Meter.
The loads connected to the secured AC Output as well as those connected downstream of the single-phase Smart Meter will be powered primarily by the power generated by the solar array, then – in case of an insufficient solar production – by the battery, then – in case the battery is discharged or charging – by the public network.
The single-phase Smart Meter for solar inverters can significantly increase self-production and get the house further autonomous. It also reduces the possibility of an inverter failure caused by incorrect estimation of loads connected onto the secured “AC Output”.
