Solar energy systems can’t send power to either the home or the utility grid without some help; a solar inverter is what provides that help. The main purpose of the solar inverter is to translate or “invert” the solar energy—generated by your solar panels—from DC to AC so that your home and utility grid can use it.
Solar inverters play a critical role in photovoltaic systems by converting the DC power output from solar panels into usable AC power that can be fed into the electrical grid or used to power a home or business. Within a solar inverter, there are a number of important components that allow this power conversion to take place. Two key components that require proper cooling and electrical motor operations are the power circuitry and cooling fans themselves.
The power circuitry is made up of sensitive electronics that are responsible for making the conversions from DC to AC power. This conversion creates heat, and if allowed to get too hot, could cause failures or damage to the inverter. Therefore, cooling fans are used to maintain safe operating temperatures inside the inverter housing where all of the internal components reside. Most solar inverters have two or more variable-speed cooling fans that turn on when needed to keep temperatures within a safe range. The speed of the fans is controlled by electric motors that can adjust the rotational speed and resulting airflow to meet the current cooling demand. If temperatures begin to rise higher, the controller circuit instructs the fan motors to run the fans faster in order to increase airflow and bring temperatures back down.
In addition to using electric motors to control the speeds of the cooling fans, some solar inverters also use separate electric motors to drive internal power switches that facilitate the conversion between DC and AC power. These motors receive signals from the inverter control board and rapidly turn the switches on and off at certain frequencies to produce the sine wave form that is characteristic of AC power from the DC input. These electric drive motors help ensure smooth and consistent output power quality while also synchronizing with the electric grid. Keeping these motors cooled is also important to prevent potential failures that could disrupt power generation or quality. So the cooling fans play a dual role of both cooling the power circuitry as well as these internal electric drive motors that assist in producing usable AC power from the solar panels.
The key trends influencing the solar inverters market include:
Our components provide reliable performance through any and all harsh environmental elements. Our value added components will increase the life span of the solar inverter, help you differentiate yourselves in this competitive market, and reduce consumer fears of a system shutdown. Partner with us to create the next generation of solar inverters that will reduce cost without sacrificing quality, reduce the size of the inverters to save space, maximize the life of the inverter, and optimize performance.
Our IP68 and IP69K fans are waterproof and corrosion resistant. They use an epoxy potting structure for protection in harsh environments and they are highly efficient with a long service life. These make our fans an ideal solution for solar inverters.
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We develop and manufacture millions of units per month of LED panels, less than 15 inches in size, for use in smart phones, car navigation systems, tablets and laptop PCs, and solar inverters.
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NMB Technologies Corporation is a MinebeaMitsumi Group company; a global leader in the design and production of miniature ball bearings, precision components, electromechanical components, and semiconductor components. Our precision manufacturing expertise also includes backlights, lighting products, advanced technology components for smart cities, medical devices, automotive manufacturers, and industrial manufacturers.
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