What is the difference between a standard and high frequency inverter?
Specifically, the SMA Sunny Boy 3000US Inverter vs. SMA Sunny Boy 3000 HF US Inverter (the latter is slightly more expensive).
What applications call for a high frequency inverter?
Comments
Brian,
No application specifically calls for an HF inverter. HF inverters are just an evolutionary step toward lighter, more efficient systems. HF inverters have less of the volatile priced iron and copper of 60Hz inverters, but more of the specialized silicon switching components. They are more expensive now but should eventually be less expensive and more efficient.
The only other benefit is that you can have a wider range of input voltages with the HF inverter, but if you design the system correctly, that's no big deal.
SMA is bringing the HF inverter to market in order to keep up with other manufacturers who already offer them. Only PV Powered and SMA still offer the 60 Hz inverters (I think) but those are incredibly relaible (if heavy) units.
Comments
Brian,
No application specifically calls for an HF inverter. HF inverters are just an evolutionary step toward lighter, more efficient systems. HF inverters have less of the volatile priced iron and copper of 60Hz inverters, but more of the specialized silicon switching components. They are more expensive now but should eventually be less expensive and more efficient.
The only other benefit is that you can have a wider range of input voltages with the HF inverter, but if you design the system correctly, that's no big deal.
SMA is bringing the HF inverter to market in order to keep up with other manufacturers who already offer them. Only PV Powered and SMA still offer the 60 Hz inverters (I think) but those are incredibly relaible (if heavy) units.