Hopewind: Digitalizing Inverter & Storage Solutions For Utilities

Source:TaiyangNews

The company shared a brief insight into advanced digital features of utility inverter & storage solutions

The Power of Digitalization: Hopewind highlighted the advanced smart features of the utility-scale string inverter and ESS models at the TaiyangNews Inverter & Battery Storage Virtual Conference 2024. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

The Power of Digitalization: Hopewind highlighted the advanced smart features of the utility-scale string inverter and ESS models at the TaiyangNews Inverter & Battery Storage Virtual Conference 2024. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

Key Takeaways

  • Hopewind highlighted advanced smart features of the utility-scale 385 kW string inverter and containerized PCS solution at the TaiyangNews Inverter & Battery Storage Virtual Conference

  • The string inverter's smart DC switch feature automatically detects and isolates the DC switch from the faulty connected string followed by fault clearance

  • Its smart AFCI functionality automatically detects any series arc formation and isolates the faulty string from the system to mitigate potential fire risk

  • This string inverter offers 385 kW at 40°C operating temperature, resulting in equipment component longer lifetime

The increasing adoption of string inverters in utility PV applications is driven by enhanced system efficiency, improved reliability and redundancy, and advanced grid support features. Similarly, the rapid growth of energy storage systems (ESS) is fueled by opportunities for additional revenue generation and enhanced grid stability. Both utility-scale solutions share key advantages, including modular design, flexibility, and scalability. Recognizing the critical role of performance and reliability in string inverters and ESS, many solution providers are upgrading their products with cutting-edge features.

At the recent TaiyangNews Inverter & Battery Storage Virtual Conference 2024, Alvaro Zanon, Utility Technical Support Director at Hopewind, highlighted the advanced features of the company's utility-scale string inverter and ESS models (see Hopewind presentation here). Hopewind, a leading manufacturer of power conversion equipment across PV, wind, ESS, VFD, and hydrogen sectors headquartered in Shenzhen, China, has shipped over 150 GW of renewable energy (RE) products from its 5 R&D and manufacturing facilities located in China.

Smart string inverter: The HSHV320~385K-G02 series string inverter, equipped with 8 MPPTs supporting up to 4 strings each, boasts a power output of up to 385 kW. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

Smart string inverter: The HSHV320~385K-G02 series string inverter, equipped with 8 MPPTs supporting up to 4 strings each, boasts a power output of up to 385 kW. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

Product

Hopewind's HSHV320~385K-G02 series string inverter, equipped with 8 MPPTs supporting up to 4 strings each, delivers a maximum power output of 385 kW. Key features include integrated string-level monitoring, I-V curve diagnosis, and a low operating temperature of 40°C, ensuring reliable performance and an extended product lifecycle. The inverter incorporates a fuseless overvoltage protection design on both AC and DC sides, along with an automatic arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to enhance system safety and minimize downtime. Additionally, the model offers advanced functionalities such as on-grid reactive power compensation and high-speed communication systems.

In the utility segment, Hopewind introduced its fully integrated 20-ft containerized solution, the HPMVS-3000/6000/9000 series. This compact, prefabricated, and pre-tested system includes a low-voltage transformer, medium-voltage accessories, and auxiliary circuits. Rated at IP54 and C4, the solution is available in 3 output power classes: 3,000 kW, 6,000 kW, and 9,000 kW.

In the ESS segment, Hopewind highlighted its HPPS 1750–3500 series power conversion system (PCS). Housed in a compact 20-ft container, the system integrates a modular battery bank, RMU-type MV switchgear, and an LV/MV transformer with a capacity ranging from 1,750 kVA to 3,500 kVA.

Fire safety: Hopewind's AFCI feature identifies series arc faults in strings by periodically sampling string currents and analyzing arc characteristics through the integrated AFCI board. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

Fire safety: Hopewind's AFCI feature identifies series arc faults in strings by periodically sampling string currents and analyzing arc characteristics through the integrated AFCI board. (Photo Credit: TaiyangNews)

Digitalization

Zanon’s presentation included an overview of advanced features integrated into Hopewind’s inverters, referred to as “digitalization in Hopewind solutions.”

In compliance with IEC62548 and IEC60364-7-712 standards, the intelligent DC switch, equipped with digital signal processors (DSP) and current transformers, automatically detects faults in connected strings and trips the switch. For safety, the tripped DC switch remains open until it is manually reset after the fault has been cleared.

The inverter also incorporates a terminal temperature detection system, which uses NTC sensors to periodically monitor and compare temperature differences between connected DC or AC terminals. If the temperature difference exceeds a pre-set threshold, the inverter shuts down to prevent damage. Additionally, the AFCI protection system identifies series arc faults in strings by periodically sampling string currents and analyzing arc characteristics through the AFCI board.

To enhance the inverter’s durability, Hopewind has integrated silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET circuit at MPPT or booster stage and a smart air-cooling system, enabling the inverter to deliver a maximum power output of 385 kW even at an operating temperature of 40°C.

The inverter also includes features aimed at maintaining the health of connected modules, such as anti-PID, PID recovery, and smart I-V curve diagnosis. For efficient and cost-effective communication, Hopewind offers a high-speed power line carrier (HPLC) communication system.

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