Inverters APLS-BDI

The APLS-BDI Bi-Directional Inverter is an advanced technology product and innovation to the market. It meets the requirement of a simple and economic solution for a complete grid / battery / diesel generator UPS or micro-grid installation. Referred to as the EneryDrive Bi-Directional Grid-Tide Inverter and Battery Charger, the system is designed for a wide range of applications in industry, agriculture, telecommunications, security, and the private/domestic sector.

Some of the outstanding features that distinguish the APLS-BDI from conventional inverter/charger units are a stable pure sinewave power supply and a battery charging capability of 60-250Amps, depending on the model. This is important when high reliance is placed on the availability of backup power during load shedding intervals, frequent power cuts, or generator driven charging cycles for grid independent power supplies.

The following is a brief functionality description of the APLS-BDI Bi-Directional Grid-Tied Inverter: When grid or generator AC power is present, the load (appliances, etc.) is supplied from the source and the batteries are charged through the EnergyDrive inverter/charger. When grid or generator power is off, the EnergyDrive inverter will supply the load, powered by the battery bank.

With grid power as the primary power source for supplying the load and charging the battery bank, the transfer time (switch-over) between the two modes of operation is virtually seamless.

With generator power as the primary power source for supplying the load and charging the battery bank, the transfer time between the two modes of operation is seamless. If the system operates in battery mode, a battery monitoring circuit provides “Battery Low” and “Battery Full” signals, which are utilized to Start / Stop a generating set. Generator voltage and frequency are fully synchronized and phase locked with the inverter.

An additional feature of the APLS-BDI Bi-Directional Inverter is a grid-tie facility. When activated it comes into play when operated in conjunction with a solar, wind, or solar/wind hybrid system. Requirement for this type of installation is a MPPT charge controller to interface the solar array and/or wind generator with the inverter and battery bank. When the battery bank is fully charged the extra power generated by the solar/wind generator is diverted back into the grid and thereby reduces the metered grid power consumption. Power that otherwise would be wasted is now being fully utilized. A super fast islanding facility will disconnect the inverter immediately from the national grid in case of a power failure, load shed, or power cut.

All functions of the bi-directional inverter are microprocessor controlled by the state of the art PULSAR^XSTREAM DSP (Digital Signal Processor) Control Module. Working parameters and settings are displayed on a large LCD display, and there is no need for any additional metering or display device. Critical settings such as battery and load management are fully programmable from the front panel mounted keypad. A data logging facility and remote interface are available through the DATACOMET (optional).

Bi-Directional Inverter Systems utilizing Solar/Wind Energy

The basic difference in functionality between an APLS-BDI Bi-Directional Inverter with grid-tie facility and APLS-GTI Solar Grid-Tied Inverter is as follows: The input of the Solar Grid-Tied Inverter is connected to a solar array and the output feeds straight into the grid (utility power grid). This type of inverter cannot be used in conjunction with a battery bank as it would drain the battery power into the grid. APLS-GTI Solar Grid-Tied Inverters are used when storage of energy is not required.

The APLS-BDI Bi-Directional Inverter with grid-tie facility: In order to fully utilize solar and/or wind energy the system requirement is for a programmable MPPT charge controller (e.g. MX60) to interface with the inverter and battery bank. The DC input of the inverter is connected in parallel with the charge controller output and the battery bank. The float voltage of the controller is set slightly higher than the specified battery float voltage. The inverter software is configured in such a way that it will keep the battery bank at normal float voltage and diverting any excess power into the grid. If for instance the MPPT controller float voltage is set at 56.0 Volts, the inverter float voltage is set at 55,6 Volts. The MPPT controller will try to get the battery voltage up to 56.0 Volts but the inverter will keep the battery voltage level at 55.6 Volts by using the grid as load. When the battery bank is fully charged the extra power generated by the solar/wind generator, i.e. the differential between the two voltage levels, is diverted back into the grid and thereby reduces the metered grid power consumption. Power that otherwise would be wasted is now being fully utilized. One of the safety features of the APLS-BDI is a super fast islanding facility that will disconnect the inverter immediately from the grid in case of a power failure or power cut.

It is anticipated that in the future electricity suppliers in Africa, such as Eskom, will have to compensate customers that are returning power back into the national grid. In Europe this is already common practice with green power being encouraged and even subsidised by the State.

Generator Application

Solar Grid-Tied Application

APLS-BDI (EnergyDrive) Leaflet: Download PDF File (31kB/1xA4)

APLS-BDI Solar Grid-Tied Explanation: Download PDF File (146kB/1xA4)

See also Sine-i 1.4kVA and 2.5kVA Power Backup Systems: Sine-i Inverter / Charger

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