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 bar power connections. Similarly, the Modbus and digital I/O signals are provided on redundant, high density, 15-pin D-Sub connectors, which also allow for simple daisy chain cabling. When using Modbus to control multiple, paralleled PCS there are several things to consider, including termination, addressing, and broadcast messaging.

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 generate real power commands based on grid frequency measurements.

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 a linear, piece-wise curve that results in the desired Volt-VAR behavior.

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 OZSCR2000 is our latest SCR Firing and Control board offering, built upon the successful OZSCR1000 digital control platform. This second generation controller uses a Texas Instruments Piccolo processor, and provides all the original digital control features, including:

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 upgrade options.

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 application within conventional power grid locations by helping utilities in times of outages by delivering reliable power to neighborhoods, hospitals and mission critical buildings.

There is no doubt that 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 conduction losses in semiconductor devices as well as losses in passive components such as magnetics, filter damping resistors, and bus bars.