peak real-world output of Power One Aurora PVI-3.6-OUTD-UK

[Sunshine777]

My PV system (4kWp of panels with a Power One Aurora PVI-3.6-OUTD-UK inverter) seems to regularly peak at 3608-3610 W. In reading the literature on the inverter I was expecting to see a peak output of 16A which is 3680 watts at 230 volts or 3840 watts at 240 volts. Grid voltage as seen by the inverter is typically 238-242 volts when the system is in full flow. I know the inverter has 3600 in its model name but I’m curious why the output doesn’t match the literature. Any insights appreciated.

 

[moggy1968]

what time of year did you achieve 3610?

 

[Sunshine777]

21 Jan and 7, 12, 16, 18 and 19 Feb - seems too much of a coincidence that it's the same peak value.

 

[Sunshine777]

Here's a graph of today's out - note the definite flattening at 3600

 

[TJLinks]

Where/how do you generate a graph like that?

 

[Sunshine777]

Data extracted from the inverter via Aurora Communicator and then plotted in Excel...

 

[yellowvanman]

My PV system (4kWp of panels with a Power One Aurora PVI-3.6-OUTD-UK inverter) seems to regularly peak at 3608-3610 W. In reading the literature on the inverter I was expecting to see a peak output of 16A which is 3680 watts at 230 volts or 3840 watts at 240 volts. Grid voltage as seen by the inverter is typically 238-242 volts when the system is in full flow. I know the inverter has 3600 in its model name but I’m curious why the output doesn’t match the literature. Any insights appreciated.

Probably something to do with the 'tolerances' of the inverter.

 

[screwdriver]

I take it that you are in the UK and have a nice high south facing steep pitch roof? If so how about giving it a few months until there is a bit more sun I have seen the PVI 3.6 OUTD UK peak at 4015w before on a 3920w system so I wouldn't worry too much!

 

[Sunshine777]

I am indeed: Hampshire, 40 deg roof, 10 degrees east of due south.

Happy to wait a bit but the consistent peak value did make me think there was a ceiling somewhere. I've now gone back and looked at the inverter log files and the DC peak wattage from the panels appears to be roughly 3700 watts so perhaps it all makes sense for the time of year.

 

[screwdriver]

Out of interest, what does your inverter show up as in the communicator? a PVI 3300?

 

[Sunshine777]

Yes, it shows up as a PVI-3.3-OUTD-UK - I understand this is something to go with G83 compliance for the UK.

 

[Graddie]

Hi We have a PVI 3.6 (16amp limited) and are also peaking at 3681W. I am waiting for a response from Power One as I agree that 16A at 240V is 3840W.

Regards

 

[Sunshine777]

What sort of grid voltages are you seeing when those output levels occur?

 

[GaryM]

Hi We have a PVI 3.6 (16amp limited) and are also peaking at 3681W. I am waiting for a response from Power One as I agree that 16A at 240V is 3840W.

Does you local grid deliver 240V or 230V? 3681W at 230V is 16A.

 

[Sunshine777]

In my case when the inverter is outputting 3600 watts the grid voltage it reports is typically 240-243V. On average when the inverter is outputting more than 200 watts the voltage is over 240. At start-up and shut-down the voltage is nearer 235.

 

[Graddie]

Hi

I have a comprehensive reply from Power One.

It appears the answer lies in the tightening of G83 regulation/interpretation - which is that 16 Amps is assumed at a nominal 230 Volts ac. This corresponds to 3.68 Killowatts (kW) on a single-phase supply.
Nominal voltage as stipulated by BS EN 50160 and the Electricity Supply Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR).

So whilst I'm not very happy at this top end limitation; at most it probably means a reduction of 100kwh per annum which at 43p is £43.

I'm interested to know what will happen if all the non 16A limited systems are deemed in breach of regulation eg SMA.

 

[liquidity]

The G83 certificate seems to indicate the inverter can peak at 4000 watts - see http://navitron.org.uk/download_images/download_1280401387_154.pdf

Also interesting to note that some people see 4000 watts from the same inverter - see SMA4000TL or the Fronius3.6TL for a 3.92kWp (16x245w) system advice needed

 

[liquidity]

I find this limitation rather frustrating - Power One appears to have changed the specification of the inverter without telling anyone and it seems they can't be *rsed to update their literature even well after the fact.

 

[liquidity]

To be fair I need to correct the above post - the latest G83 certificate lists the maximum output as 3600 watts - see http://www.power-one.com/sites/power-one.com/files/pvi-3.0_3.6_4.2-outd-s-uk_g83doc_05102011.pdf It's dated 5 Oct 2011.

 

[Fazzathebrave]

So my installers have just put in a Power One Aurora PVI-3.6-OUTD-UK on a 3.91kWp system. Does the G83 certificate and 16A Max output restriction that I see on the nameplate mean that I will lose the extra power at the top end on a sunny day? I thought it was curious when I saw a flat profile one sunny day recently. Should I ask them to fit the 4200?