Current limiting device

freddyuk

Can anyone confirm which current limiter is suitable for compliance with ESB regs please. We need to restrict 6kw inverter to 25amps.

Thanks

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058417425/current-limiting-device

If for the NC6, there is no export limiting allowed, it is on inverter size only.

Export limiting is usually done on the inverter itself via a meter or CT

freddyuk

Is that effectively altering the inverter software to limit amperage output as obviously the KW output is fixed at a round number?

Also does this affect the provision under NC6 where older systems are already using approved inverter rated at 6kw? Are we supposed to throttle back legacy systems somehow?

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123569049#Comment_123569049

Older 6kW systems were OK up until 31/05/23. If you have proof that your system was installed before then and for whatever reason the NC6 wasn't done/received you'd probably be OK but you'd have to check that directly with ESBN.

https://www.esbnetworks.ie/services/get-connected/renewable-connection/micro-generation

In relation to micro-generation units which exceed the defined 25A limit

It has recently come to our attention that some micro-generation units are being installed which have output currents in excess of the Rated Current (as per Type Test) 25A limit allowable as per the ESB Networks document  Conditions-Governing-the-Connection-and-Operation-of-Micro-generation-policy.

We acknowledge that units may have been inadvertently purchased and installed based on manufacturers model references as opposed to specific data sheet information. In order to address the issue in a reasonable manner and ensure there is absolute clarity, we are now highlighting that we will continue to accept applications for units referenced as 6kW, but with a Rated Current (as per Type Test) of up to a maximum of 28A single phase, until 31st May 2023, however from that date on any units with a Rated Current (as per Type Test) over 25A will not be eligible for connection under the NC6 Microgeneration connection application route.

freddyuk

I understand Fronius inverters can be derated to comply using their datalogger and CT so that would avoid that issue

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123571501#Comment_123571501

Still technically not allowed. If going on the letter of the rules, the inverter that is being installed has to have the correct numbers on the cert type for that model inverter.

slave1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123570249#Comment_123570249

Legacy 6kW inverters are fine, I'm exporting just under 6kW constant during the better months and zero issue.

ESBN don't want us exporting more because they want monopoly/control, nothing else in it

mjatkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123571872#Comment_123571872

Guys, quick question, I understand the 5K Solis is the same chassis as the 6K and that the difference is the firmware, does this mean in theory a 5K can be upgraded to 6K or are Solis restricted to what ever market/grid the inverter is being used in?

graememk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123571898#Comment_123571898

I think so.. have a 5kW (installed in 2020) in my parents and we had issues with it mis reading the grid voltage. It was out about 20v.

Solis updated it and set an offset to correct, but ever since when we get a sunburst after rain it goes to 5.6+ kW (5.6kWp) I've looked back in my stats and I've not seen that before the update

bullit_dodger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123571872#Comment_123571872

Just harder to re-balance the phases at the substation if people are pumping out more and more. While it should generally balance out as you add each solar installation on to the randomly distributed phases/houses……I guess you could have a situation where one specific phase was substantially higher than the others.

Lowering the export limits of what people are allowed to do on NC6 reduces that overall risk. NC7 then of course they're doing an actual analysis …. well that's the theory, right? :-)

slave1

Well each local transformer has MEC as well as MIC, I doubt they are doing much with NC7, just a fiscal way to discourage more eating into their monopoly/control

bullit_dodger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123572923#Comment_123572923

Cha-ching! :-)