Difference Between Mppt And Pwm Inverter

Difference Between Mppt And Pwm Inverter

In the picturesque landscapes of Saudi Arabia, where abundant sunlight graces the region for a substantial part of the year, harnessing solar energy has emerged as a promising solution to meet the country's growing energy needs while reducing its carbon footprint. As we delve into the year 2024, the quest for efficient and reliable solar power generation continues to gain momentum. At the heart of any successful solar power system lies a critical component: the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar inverter.

This vital device plays a pivotal role in optimizing the energy output of solar panels, ensuring that they operate at peak efficiency. In this dynamic environment, where technological advancements are rapid, it is essential to identify the best MPPT solar inverter options available in Saudi Arabia to maximize energy generation, reliability, and overall system performance. Join us as we explore the top MPPT solar inverters that are making a difference in Saudi Arabia's solar energy landscape in 2024.

MPPT is a four-letter acronym that many in the solar industry use but few understand. Understanding the definition of MPPT and its functionality is important because it can help a user improve the energy harvest of his photovoltaic installation, thereby increasing profitability.

What Is A MPPT?

MPPT is an abbreviation for Maximum Power Point Tracker. The majority of modern photovoltaic inverters use this circuit (typically a DC to DC converter). Its purpose is to always maximize the energy available from the connected solar module arrays.

Why Is An MPPT Required?

A solar module is a limited energy DC supply with internal impedances that change throughout the day, primarily due to the amount of solar irradiance impinging on the module face and the cell temperature.

Without an MPPT circuit, any PV module (or string of modules) and the inverter would have subpar or non-optimal operating conditions. Unless the inverter can match the strings to extract maximum power, the connected strings will have a lower efficiency operation. The MPPT circuit constantly monitors the voltage and current of the array. It tries to drive the inverter's operating point to the maximum power point of the array, resulting in the highest energy harvest.

What is the role of MPPT in a solar inverter?

MPPT refers to electronic DC converters that optimize the pairing of solar arrays (PV panels) and batteries. In short, the mppt solar inverter converts the solar panel's high voltage DC output into the low voltage required to charge the battery. The mppt solar inverter will determine the most efficient amount of power that the panel can provide to charge the battery. It converts this to the optimal voltage in order to get the most amperage out of the battery.

Most modern mppt solar inverters have conversion efficiencies ranging from 93 to 98%. In the winter, you can expect a 20-45% increase in power, and in the summer, you can expect a 10-15% increase. Actual mppt solar inverter gains can vary greatly depending on weather, temperature, battery charge state, and other variables.

Monitoring of MPPT

Monitoring data can only be provided at the array level by single MPPT channel inverters. Data collection will be based on the overall array input, whether it is one, two, or four strings. The inverter can provide monitoring information at the MPPT channel level with independent dual MPPT channels. As a result, monitoring data such as site status, energy production, and troubleshooting data have finer granularity. This is significant because the loading of the two channels can differ depending on the system design.

As a result, for small systems (one string per MPPT channel), data collection occurs primarily at the string level. Data collection is reported at the two-string level for larger residential systems (up to two strings per MPPT channel). As a result, in addition to providing appropriate energy harvest values per channel, the user can understand what is happening at any time at each input. This can help troubleshoot abnormal conditions at a specific inverter input.

Understanding all of these aspects of MPPT can help provide a better understanding of how energy harvesting works, allowing solar installations to become more profitable. This will also aid in the selection of the best MPPT solar inverter.

Best MPPT Solar inverter in Saudi Arabia-

Lento offers next generation smart MPPT based solar chargers for maximum efficiency and highest performance required in demanding situation. MPPT stands for maximum power point tracking and Lento’s smart MPPT solar chargers play a crucial, central role in stand-alone and hybrid solar power installation. MPPT increases energy transfer efficiency by as much as 30% by calculating maximum voltage available from the SPV modules at which maximum power is available for charging and sets the charging current accordingly.

Output from SPV modules can vary considerably according to changing weather conditions and incorporation of MPPT means the charging conditions are always optimized by covering extra voltage to amperes and thus speeding up the charging process. Lento uses high grade components to assure best performance and extended life of the unit.

Available Variants:

1450 VA / 24 VDC
2100 VA / 24 VDC
3.5 KVA / 48 VDC
5 KVA / 48 VDC & 96 VDC
7.5KVA / 120 VDC
10 KVA / 192 VDC

Lento’s smart MPPT Solar chargers also play a dual role. The MPPT microprocessor and DSP based module constantly measures the load current on the battery and prevents deep discharge thereby extending battery life. In highly demanding SPV installations and where performance and efficiency are more critical the best solution is a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based solar charger.

 Unlike the simple PWM MOSFET charge controller, MPPT solar chargers employ sophisticated microprocessor-based circuitry with a wide number of variable presentable parameters and also automatic configuration. The end result is gain in efficiency by 30%, better battery performance and also enhanced battery life.

Lento Smart MPPT solar chargers are made of military grade components and undergo severe tests to withstand any climatic conditions. Lento smart MPPT solar chargers are designed for unattended operation for remote solar power installations and there are options available to configure the charge voltage and current according to the type of battery in use. The intelligent microprocessor-based technology in MPPT solar chargers not only check for type of battery but also constantly monitor its condition and adjust charge accordingly.

SPV modules are supposed to deliver 17 volts maximum, but this is under optimum conditions and provided the glass surfaces are kept clean, which is not taken care of in remote conditions with the result that output voltage and current falls drastically. Lento MPPS solar chargers automatically factor in the reduced input and adjust output to ensure that charging of the battery and its state does not become affected.

In addition to these basic features, Lento MPPT solar chargers incorporate automation and protection features that assure users of increased power, better battery life, consistently reliable performance and assured life.

PWM Inverter :-

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverters have many advantages over traditional square wave inverters, including:

• Efficiency: PWM inverters are more efficient than square wave inverters, minimizing power loss and heat generation.
• Reduced harmonic distortion: PWM inverters produce a cleaner, more sinusoidal output waveform, which reduces electromagnetic interference and stress on connected equipment.
• Improved power factor: PWM inverters enhance the power factor of the system and reduce reactive power demands on the power grid.
• Precise control: PWM inverters offer precise and fine-grained control over the output.
• Digital compatibility: PWM is well-suited for digital control systems. 

PWM inverters are ideal for most modern applications that need a high-quality AC power output, especially in renewable energy systems. 

 FAQ- About difference between mppt and pwm inverter

Which is better, MPPT or PWM?

All things being equal, MPPT is a newer technology that harvests more energy. However, the advantages of MPPT over PWM controllers come at a cost, so sometimes a less expensive PWM controller can be the right choice, especially with smaller systems and in warm climates where the MPPT boost is not as significant.

What is the disadvantage of MPPT?

Higher Upfront Cost: MPPT inverters are generally more expensive than traditional inverters due to their advanced technology and additional components required for maximum power point tracking. The higher initial cost can be a barrier, especially for smaller residential solar systems.

What are the disadvantages of PWM solar charge controller?

Cons of PWM Charge Controllers

There is no single controller sized over 60 amps DC as of yet. Many smaller PWM charge controller units are not UL-listed. Many smaller PWM charge controller units come without fittings for conduit. PWM charge controllers have limited capacity for system growth.

What is the purpose of MPPT?

Maximizing Energy Yield: MPPT continuously adjusts the operating point of solar panels to the maximum power point, allowing the system to extract the highest possible energy output from the available sunlight. This optimization is vital for maximizing the overall energy yield of the solar power system.

Do I need MPPT or inverter?

In most cases the MPPT style charge controller, such as the PT-100, is the better choice, capturing PV energy far more efficiently and allowing for more flexible configurations of solar panels and batteries. Almost all PV + storage applications require both an inverter/charger and a charge controller.

Does MPPT charge faster?

MPPT controllers offer higher efficiency, faster charging times, and increased energy harvest, making them suitable for larger solar systems. PWM controllers provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for smaller systems.1

Why PWM is used in MPPT?

A PWM controller operates at a relatively constant harvesting efficiency regardless of the size of the array. A PWM controller is less expensive that a MPPT, so is a more economical choice for a small system.