Page 54 - North American Clean Energy July/August 2020 Issue

energy storage
Flexible AC coupling option with a simple firmware update
Recently, OutBack Power released an AC coupling firmware update to its SkyBox hybrid inverter. AC coupling is suitable when users have an existing solar PV system and want to add batteries for backup and time-of-use energy management. By adding a SkyBox hybrid inverter and energy storage to an existing grid-tied PV system, owners can keep their arrays
and even enlarge them, meet new code requirements, and power their buildings with clean energy. Once the SkyBox hybrid inverter and batteries are installed, an icon appears on the SkyBox screen whenever a new firmware version is ready for installation. The user can simply press the icon and follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware. A true hybrid energy system, SkyBox hybrid inverter provides both reliable energy back-up in the face of utility shutdowns and helps customers navigate new pricing structures and electrical codes with their existing arrays intact. Simply, SkyBox addresses a need in the market for energy flexibility. OutBack Power updates its SkyBox hybrid inverter firmware regularly to introduce new features. Past firmware upgrades include stacking, to allow two SkyBox hybrid inverters to
be used in the same system, drop-down battery presets for streamlined installation, and external current measurement which enables energy management for the whole home. This last feature eliminates external charge controllers and communication boxes, significantly cutting solar and energy storage installation time and cost.
OutBack Power Technologies, Inc.
/// www.outbackpower.com
Premium grid-optional commercial energy solution
Peerless-AV announces a product partnership with Blue Planet Energy to develop the Blue Ion LXHV, a premium grid-optional energy solution that brings together a wide range of sustainable energy options to power critical infrastructure and businesses. Through a ruggedized, custom enclosure manufactured by Peerless-AV, Blue Planet Energy’s non-toxic battery system
and an integrated site controller, the product provides reliable energy for resilience projects that are built independent of, or
in conjunction with, the utility grid. These include applications where energy is absolutely critical, like emergency services
and healthcare facilities, or prohibitively high-cost, such as regions with expensive utility rate structures, or where business continuity during grid outages is imperative. The Blue Ion LXHV grid-optional energy solution enclosure is built to withstand and thrive in the tough situations. Features of the solution include
a fire-safe battery chemistry and built-in battery management system; an integrated site controller accessible via a touchscreen on the enclosure or an app; a tunable cooling system and eco- friendly reusable and washable air filter; and easy installation and serviceability features like the zero displacement door
hinge and removable top service entrance. The Blue Ion LXHV
is a 125kW/128kWh system that is easily expandable in 32kWh increments to 2+MWh, with a 21-year life expectancy (8,000 cycles). The system also includes a pre-tested and pre-configured battery inverter and flexible microgrid control software allowing for optional integration with generators, renewables, or the grid. Blue Planet Energy solutions are available in various locations around the world, with installations in California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and beyond.
Blue Planet Energy /// www.blueplanetenergy.com
Energy storage online certification program
Stem, Inc., announced the debut of Stem University, an online certification program that provides required educational classes and tools for
solar companies that are in the Stem Partner Program to gain expertise in storage. Stem's Premier and Certified Partners are required to complete Stem University coursework in three initial distinct certification tracks: sales, sales analytics, and deployment. Additional certifications in commercial operations, product, and back up power will be added to Stem University. Once a partner has one or more employees who have completed these tracks, they will become officially "Stem Certified." To continue in the Stem Partner Program, certifications must be renewed annually.
Stem, Inc. /// www.stem.com
Reverse DC-coupled PV + storage
Dynapower is currently delivering two DC-coupled PV+S configurations to help power the evolution in solar plus storage. In the standard DC-coupled PV+S, a grid-tied PV inverter with energy storage (BESS) is coupled to the PV array through a DC/DC converter (Dynapower’s DPS- 500) and is well suited for exporting power to the grid. Reverse DC-Coupled PV+S ties a grid-tied bi-directional energy storage inverter with energy storage directly to
the DC bus. PV is coupled to the DC bus through a DC-DC converter (Dynapower’s DPS-500). Reverse DC-coupled PV+S
is most often well suited for microgrid application because of its inherent ability to efficiently provide safe and reliable power to an islanded microgrid. While the standard configuration is suitable for the majority of DC-Coupled solar plus storage installations, Reverse DC-Coupled PV+S has a number of benefits to consider.
Dynapower
/// www.dynapower.com
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JULY•AUGUST 2020 ///
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