SMA has expanded its power plant solutions portfolio with its new utility power system. This compact, DC-to-AC system solution for utility-scale PV consists of advanced engineered components, including the new Sunny Central 2000-US inverter, medium-voltage transformer, DC combiners, high-speed plant control and system-wide services. The Utility Power System’s efficient design delivers higher energy yields while reducing capital and operating expenditures, resulting in optimized levelized cost of energy.
Well suited for worldwide implementation, the Utility Power System is available in ANSI and IEC versions and allows PV power plants to fulfill global grid regulations by providing all required ancillary services, including full “Q on demand” (24/7) reactive power capability. It is designed for use outdoors in all regions of the world and can be deployed under any extreme environmental condition.
“The new Utility Power System represents the next generation of global, utility-scale PV deployment,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “This innovative DC-to-AC solution approach provides value at every step of the project lifecycle.”
The core of the Utility Power System is the Sunny Central 2000-US, which was recently introduced to the market. This new inverter boasts 2,000 kVA of output power at 1,000 VDC, enabling even more efficient PV power plant design. It allows for over-dimensioning up to 160 percent DC/AC and seamless curtailment down to open-circuit-voltage. The Sunny Central 2000-US also provides an area for customer SCADA equipment installation, integrated multi-mode fiber switch, integrated power supply for customer loads and industry-leading power density for simplified logistics. An optional tracker auxiliary rack with plug-and-play connectivity to the medium-voltage block removes the need for field integration and further reduces balance of system costs.
The medium-voltage transformer is available for all medium-voltage grids from 6.6 to 35 kV and can be deployed in installations up to nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. It features a highly effective thermal design and an extended life expectancy.
The Utility Power System’s power plant controller ensures utility feed-in compliance with quick and precise management for optimum plant operation. Its flexible communication protocols allow for adaptability while regulating active and reactive power. Fulfilling global requirements for grid integration and international plant certification, the power plant controller is able to individually direct a single inverter within the system.
The innovative technology of the Utility Power System is backed by SMA’s sophisticated global service structure. Its complete suite of services includes extended warranties, commissioning, preventative maintenance and plant-wide operations and maintenance to backstop the investment for the life of the plant.