Schneider Electric Inverters: Key Technology Overview

In the global energy transition, solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation plays a vital role. The inverter, as the core component of a PV system, directly impacts the efficiency and reliability of the entire system.

Schneider Electric, with over 20 years of operational experience in PV power generation, has accumulated more than 1500 MW of project experience across 20+ countries, including China. Their inverter product line covers various application scenarios, from residential to large-scale PV power plants, offering efficient and reliable energy solutions.

Product Line and Technology Advantages

Schneider Electric's Conext XW+ series battery-based inverters are designed for off-grid and grid-connected renewable energy systems in residential and commercial applications. The Conext Core XC central inverters, available in 540, 630, and 680 kW models, are used for large-scale commercial and utility-scale solar plants. These inverters operate at 1000 V DC and achieve a peak efficiency of 98.9%.

The core advantages of Schneider inverters lie in their high efficiency and intelligent management. The Conext XW+ series provides peak load regulation to avoid peak utility rates, while its self-consumption mode reduces grid energy use by cycling the battery pack. The Conext Core XC-NA inverter supports future grid demands with features such as reactive power control, nighttime reactive power control, and fault ride-through capability.

Key Parameters and Working Principles

Inverters convert DC power into AC power. Key performance indicators include the stability of the rated output voltage (within ±3% or ±5%) and waveform distortion (should not exceed 5%, or 10% for single-phase output). The rated output frequency is typically 50 Hz with a deviation of no more than ±1% under normal operating conditions.

Solar inverters use different topologies, such as half-bridge, full-bridge, and Heric for single-phase, and six-pulse bridge and NPC for three-phase applications. A typical solar inverter uses a four-switch full-bridge topology, with pulse width modulation (PWM) for high-voltage IGBTs to reduce output inductance and efficiently filter harmonic components.

How to Select the Right Inverter

When selecting an inverter, ensure the rated capacity meets the equipment's maximum load requirements. For resistive loads or those with a power factor greater than 0.9, a rated capacity of 1.1 to 1.15 times the electrical equipment’s capacity is sufficient. For inductive loads like motors, refrigerators, and high-power pumps, the inverter must handle a large instantaneous surge, which may be 5-6 times the rated power.

Schneider Electric’s inverters have been proven in various projects, including the 100 MW grid-connected PV station in Shilin and the 10 MW station in Sangri, Tibet. These projects demonstrate the reliability of their products in diverse environments, from high-altitude regions to desert conditions.

Future Outlook for Schneider Inverters

With continuous advancements in photovoltaic technology, Schneider Electric will keep innovating its inverter technology, providing more flexible, reliable, and efficient solutions. These innovations will help customers optimize solar power generation, improve efficiency, and shorten the payback period for investments.