Photovoltaic inverter overtemperature derating curve

Does temperature derating affect a PV inverter?

In this case, the maximum DC voltage of the inverter acts more as a technical boundary than a normal operating curve. There is no PV array operating point that requires the inverter to feed in at full power at temperatures above 31°C (at 800 V). On principle, temperature derating has no negative effects on the inverter.

What is a derating process in an inverter?

This power reduction process is called “derating”. Derating protects sensitive components within the unit and prolongs its lifetime. When the ambient temperature falls below the specified maximum, normal power output resumes. The following inverter models operate at full power and full current up to the ambient temperatures listed in the table.

How do you calculate derating behavior of an inverter?

The calculation formula is: ηEU= (0.03 x η5%) + (0.06 x η10%) + (0.13 x η20%) + (0.1 x η30%) + (0.48 x η50%) + (0.2 x η100%) Derating Behavior Safety mechanisms are implemented in the inverter protecting the inverter against damage due to too high ambient temperatures or too high output currents.

Do SolarEdge inverters operate at a certain temperature?

All SolarEdge products operate at full power and full currents up to a certain temperature, above which they may operate with reduced ratings to prevent device damage. This technical note summarizes the de-rating properties of SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers. All temperatures in the document refer to ambient temperature.

What happens when an inverter reaches high temperature?

Typically, when an inverter reaches high temperatures it gradually reduces its power output, by reducing the output current. This power reduction process is referred to as “de-rating”. De-rating protects sensitive components and prolongs their lifetime. When the temperature drops, the inverter increases power output automatically.

Why is derating needed at high ambient temperatures?

Derating is needed at high ambient temperatures to prevent overheating of a.o. power semiconductors and transformers. In general, output power cannot be increased at low temperatures due the maximum current rating of certain components (terminals, core saturation of filter chokes). 4.2. Power loss and efficiency