A Brief Overview Of Grid Tie Inverters
Grid tie inverters, also known as GTI, are a unique type of inverter that was designed to convert direct current power, DC, to alternating current energy, AC. What makes them different from other DC to AC power inverting machines is that they are a renewable energy system that can feed the inverted power directly into the power grid. The more technical name for this piece of machinery is the “grid interactive inverter” and they are often referred to as synchronous inverters as well. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about these helpful devices.
Grid tie inverters are most often used in residential and commercial buildings in countries where it is legal to sell energy to the utility grid with a process known as net metering. In the United States of America, these devices are covered by provisions outlined in the National Electric Code, which also covers several rules and regulations for using these pieces of equipment.
Most grid tie inverters use photovoltaic modules or small hydroelectric turbines as a renewable power source which typically produce 250 to 600 volts of direct current energy. It is not enough that this DC energy is inverted to AC however, as the resulting energy must also be synchronized to the same frequency as the grid, for example 60 Hz. A local oscillator is typically used to make sure the voltage does not go past this frequency. The newest model of GTI are outfitted with a fixed unity power factor which perfectly lines up the output voltage and the current.
The process by which grid tie inverters work is too difficult to understand without the use of a visual aid such as a schematic drawing. This information is often published by the manufacturer as part of a datasheet which provides essential information on their products. Also included in these datasheets is information such as: the rated output power, the output voltages, peak efficiency, CEC weighted efficiency, maximum input current, maximum output current, peak power tracking voltage, start voltage, NEMA rating, and more. Of course, the terminology used and the content of these datasheets will vary depending on the issuing company.
If you are in the market for grid tie inverters, one company that you should start your search with is Enphase. This company offers a wide range of products such as steam powered electric generators for producing renewable energy and are one of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Their products are most often used for solar panels which produce direct current energy that must first be converted into alternating current before being used. While their products can be pricey, when you shop for them over the Internet they can often be purchased at a discount. To get a great deal it just takes a little persistence and shopping around.
