Modified on Wed, 3 Apr at 8:46 AM

What is a microgrid and DC-nanogrid, and how does it work?

Answer:

The terms "microgrid" and "DC-nanogrid" refer to Ferroamp's direct current (DC) networks that are built in each EnergyHub installation.


The DC-nanogrid is generated by the EnergyHub, which, upon startup, charges the DC network to a voltage of 760 V (+/- 380 V), which is the voltage of the EnergyHub system when it is operational. When the voltage of the DC network is charged, SSO:S (Solar String Optimizers) and ESS modules (Energy Storage Optimizers) start up, thus activating solar power production and the battery.


The components in the DC-nanogrid then communicate with each other through both Power Line Communication (PLC) and through the voltage level in the network, also known as Droop Control.


We use PLC to send data to the components, and the control of the system itself is managed based on the voltage level configured in the EnergyCloud system.


Example:

If we have configured the battery to charge when we start exporting solar power to the grid, the following occurs when our solar production exceeds the property's consumption:


  • The EnergyHub measures with current transformers that the property begins exporting electricity beyond the main fuse.
  • The EnergyHub increases the voltage in the DC network above 760 V.
  • The ESS module reacts to the rising voltage by starting to charge the battery and thus drawing power from the DC network to lower the voltage back to 760 V.


If we have configured the battery to discharge when we start importing electricity from the grid, the following occurs when our property consumption exceeds solar production:


  • The EnergyHub measures with current transformers that the property begins importing electricity beyond the main fuse.
  • The EnergyHub lowers the voltage in the DC network below 760 V.
  • The ESS module reacts to the voltage drop by starting a discharge of the battery and thus supplying power to the DC network to raise the voltage back to 760 V.


If our solar panels produce more power than what the EnergyHub can convert to AC, the following occurs:


  • The voltage on the DC network rises above 760 V.
  • The SSO:s react to the rising voltage by trying to lower the production to once again lower the voltage to 760 V.




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The terms "microgrid" and "DC-nanogrid" refer to Ferroamp's direct current (DC) networks that are built in each EnergyHub installation.


The DC-nanogrid is generated by the EnergyHub, which, upon startup, charges the DC network to a voltage of 760 V (+/- 380 V), which is the voltage of the EnergyHub system when it is operational. When the voltage of the DC network is charged, PV modules (PV String Optimizers) and ESS modules (Energy Storage Optimizers) start up, thus activating solar power production and the battery.


The components in the DC-nanogrid then communicate with each other through both Power Line Communication (PLC) and through the voltage level in the network, also known as Droop Control.


We use PLC to send data to the components, and the control of the system itself is managed based on the voltage level configured in the EnergyCloud system.


Example:

If we have configured the battery to charge when we start exporting solar power to the grid, the following occurs when our solar production exceeds the property's consumption:


The EnergyHub measures with current transformers that the property begins exporting electricity beyond the main fuse.

The EnergyHub increases the voltage in the DC network above 760 V.

The ESS module reacts to the rising voltage by starting to charge the battery and thus drawing power from the DC network to lower the voltage back to 760 V.


If we have configured the battery to discharge when we start importing electricity from the grid, the following occurs when our property consumption exceeds solar production:


The EnergyHub measures with current transformers that the property begins importing electricity beyond the main fuse.

The EnergyHub lowers the voltage in the DC network below 760 V.

The ESS module reacts to the voltage drop by starting a discharge of the battery and thus supplying power to the DC network to raise the voltage back to 760 V.


If our solar panels produce more power than what the EnergyHub can convert to AC, the following occurs:


The voltage on the DC network rises above 760 V.

The PV modules react to the rising voltage by trying to lower the production to once again lower the voltage to 760 V.

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