KACO releases new 125-kW silicon carbide inverters for U.S. market

KACO new energy adds further solar PV inverters with innovative silicon carbide power transistors to its product range. The new inverters create a host of opportunities for commercial and industrial customers to increase the cost-effectiveness of PV systems. The corresponding output of the inverters is 105 kW in the international version and 125 kW for the North American market.

The line voltage of 400 V makes it possible to connect the blueplanet 105 TL3 to an existing transformer at no additional cost. The 480-V version with an output of 125 kW follows the same principle for the North American market. Both inverters are thus designed to increase the cost-effectiveness of commercial and industrial PV systems.

“The power transistors of the blueplanet 105 TL3 are made of silicon carbide, which is characterized by a high thermal load capacity. Compared to its predecessor blueplanet 92.0 TL3, the blueplanet 105 TL3 has almost 15% more output — it has more horsepower under the hood, so to speak. Nevertheless, we have managed to keep the mechanical dimensions of the device identical to those of its predecessor. We are specifically addressing customer wishes to reduce the initial investment,” said Kurt Desimpelaere, CSO of KACO new energy.

The usual high costs for grid and plant protection can also be minimized with these new inverters. The necessary section switches are integrated in the blueplanet 105 TL3 and can be activated directly by the control unit. The inverter allows for an oversizing of its AC power by 1.5 times; a feature that it also owes the heat-resistant silicon carbide power transistors.

To protect against overvoltage, the blueplanet 105 TL3 has type 1+2 arresters on the DC side; the arresters for the AC side as well as the RS485 and Ethernet interfaces can be retrofitted with a single movement. For servicing the inverter, a screwdriver is all that is needed. Commissioning and updates can even be carried out remotely.

Along with the new inverters, KACO new energy has modernized its range of DC combiners. Together with the inverters, the string collectors ensure great flexibility for commercial and industrial PV systems. The inverters are installed in a central location, while the DC combiners are mounted close to the PV modules. This ‘Virtual Central’ concept avoids AC lines on the roofs and — if necessary — safety requirements for arcing faults and rapid shutdown can be implemented very practically in the DC combiner.

News item from KACO new energy

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/11/kaco-releases-new-commercial-industrial-inverters/