Photovoltaic inverter and HMI communication

Do PV inverters share a communication channel?

SINGLE VERSUS MULTIPLE CONTROLLERS Because of the distance between the PV inverters and the controller, the inverters typically share a communications channel to the controller. The communications channel must be shared by both the control data and the SCADA/HMI data.

How to integrate a control system with a PV inverter?

One solution is to utilize the communications capabilities of protective relays, meters, and PV inverters to integrate an active control system. This system compares the common-point power factor to the utility requirements and calculates a control signal to adjust the inverter outputs.

How do inverters communicate with SCADA/HMI?

The relay interface is EIA-232, and the inverters communicate via four-wire multidrop EIA-485 full- duplex communications networks. Communication between the SCADA/HMI and the controller utilizes a DSL modem connected to a local Internet provider.

Can a PV inverter deteriorate the power quality of the grid?

This energy conversion mechanism can potentially deteriorate the power quality of the grid, especially as the number of grid- tied solar farms increases . The common-point power factor at the point of common coupling (PCC) of multiple PV inverters can fluctuate unpredictably outside of the utility requirement range.

How does a PV inverter controller work?

As a controller, it polls data from the protective relay or meter and the inverters and utilizes the collected data along with the SCADA/HMI set point reference to calculate control signals. It then sends the signals to the PV inverters via the communications channels to adjust the output power of each inverter.

What is a HMI in a SCADA system?

In a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, the HMI is also the means by which the operator gives commands to the Power Plant Controller (PPC). When is HMI software typically required? We recommend using an HMI software for all solar PV projects.