Sputnik launches new Central Inverter Series

Sputnik launches new Central Inverter Series
Biel, Switzerland March 1, 2010

The three new inverters in the SolarMax TS series have rated capacities of 50, 80 and 100 kilowatts and work in the MPP range of 430 to 800 Volts. The devices are highly compact and are better protected against dirt than their predecessor models in the SolarMax C series. In addition, Sputnik's developers have succeeded in boosting the European efficiency from 94.8 to 95.5 percent and to increase the acceptable ambient temperature range by five degrees.

A processor monitors the IGBT switch on the power component which improves operating safety and reliability. Sputnik has replaced the electrolytic capacitors with film capacitors which has extended the useful life of the inverters by several years. DC and AC circuit breakers are now accessible from outside. This means that electricians can separate the inverter safely from the grid before they open it. Several devices can now be switched off simultaneously using one external switch. The new inverters communicate via RS 485 and Ethernet. The graphic display can be operated using three keys.

Pilot project in the Wankdorf Stadium

The TS series meets all the specifications contained in the new Medium-Voltage Guideline published by Germany's Federal Association of Energy and Water Utilities (BDEW)– even those which will not be mandatory until January 2011. For example, the inverters are able to feed in reactive power, to remain on-line during brief grid failures, providing the grid with active support. In addition, these devices are compliant with the new product safety standard EN 62109-1, which is due to come into force in the spring of this year.

The first SolarMax 100 TS has already been in operation in a pilot project since December of last year in Bern's Wankdorf Stadium, "Stade de Suisse". In March, Sputnik is showing the new series to the public for the first time at the Photovoltaic Symposium in Bad Staffelstein. From this summer the new TS series will replace the C series in performance classes from 50 kilowatts.

	SolarMax 50 TS	SolarMax 80 TS	SolarMax 100 TS
AC rated capacity	50 kW	80 kW	100 kW
MPP range	430 to 800 V	430 to 800 V	430 to 800 V
Max. DC voltage	900 V	900 V	900 V
Europ. efficiency at 450 V	95,5 %	95,5 %	95,5 %
Max. efficiency	96,3 %	96,3 %	96,3 %
Dimensions (LxWxH)	100 x 76 x 141 cm	100 x 76 x 141 cm	100 x 76 x 141 cm
Weight approx.	670 kg	800 kg	840 kg
Protective type	IP 20	IP 20	IP 20
Ambient temperature	-20°C … 45°C	-20°C … 45°C	-20°C … 45°C

Sputnik Engineering AG was founded in 1991. Since then it has focused its activities exclusively on the development, sales and maintenance of inverters for grid-connected photovoltaic systems. With the SolarMax series, the company – headquartered in Biel, Switzerland – offers a highly diverse product range of string inverters for single family houses and central inverters for solar power plants. Thanks to its many years of experience and constant optimisation of its products, Sputnik has developed devices distinguished by their state-of-the-art technology, high quality, reliability, maximum yields and very good value for the money. Sputnik Engineering currently has around 250 employees at its Swiss headquarters as well in its subsidiaries in Neuhausen (Germany), Madrid (Spain) and Milan (Italy), and Paris (France).

Source: Sputnik Engineering

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