The Difference Between Hybrid Inverters and Battery Inverters for Energy Storage
This guide covers an array of topics, including an explanation of energy storage inverters, an exploration of various types—ranging from hybrid inverters to battery inverters—and highlights what Hoymiles offers for your PV energy requirements.
You don't need to be an electrical engineer to cut down on your energy expenses and make a positive environmental impact.
Understanding the options available in the realm of renewable solar energy is crucial for leveraging the latest advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology. Among these, inverters play a pivotal role in optimizing your solar power system's efficiency, ultimately leading to energy and cost savings over time.
Understanding Energy Storage Inverters
What is an energy storage inverter? An Energy Storage Inverter (ESI) is an important electrical device that enables the conversion of electricity between a battery storage system and the grid or a connected load.
Conventional PV inverters are designed to convert direct current (DC) energy into alternating current (AC).
However, energy storage inverters offer a distinctive feature – they facilitate two-way power conversion, allowing the seamless transition between DC to AC and vice versa.
This unique capability enables energy storage inverters to effectively store energy, as the name suggests.
In a standard PV inverter system, surplus power generated is often directed back to the grid. This setup treats the grid as a backup power source, especially when the PV inverter ceases operation after sunset, ensuring access to grid power.
Yet, what if the grid experiences an outage? In such scenarios, relying solely on the grid becomes insufficient.
This is where the remarkable functionality of energy storage inverters becomes evident.
During emergencies, like blackouts or extreme weather causing grid disruptions, the ability to retain power becomes imperative. To achieve this, local energy storage is essential. However, only DC power can be stored in batteries.
Consequently, an energy storage inverter becomes essential to convert the AC power generated by the PV inverter back into storable DC power, ensuring efficient energy storage.
Now that we've established the fundamental concept, let's delve into the two primary types of energy storage inverters – hybrid inverters and battery inverters.
How does an ESI work?
- An ESI converts DC power from a battery into AC electricity.
- This AC electricity can be used to power devices or sent back to the power grid.
- An ESI is a key component of a solar energy system.
- An ESI can also be used in a backup power system to provide power during grid outages.
6-15kW Hybrid Inverter Three Phase
Understanding Hybrid Inverters
A hybrid solar inverter resembles a standard inverter but offers an additional advantage: compatibility with an AC source.
Distinguishing itself from a PV inverter, the hybrid inverter features a battery port enabling bidirectional power conversion.
Interestingly, employing a battery with a hybrid inverter is optional.
When a battery isn't connected to the port, the hybrid inverter functions akin to a regular solar inverter. Some hybrid inverters even support generators, ensuring continued power supply during off-grid situations caused by severe weather or unexpected power outages.
Operating as a DC-coupled solution, only one inverter is necessary. This arrangement allows direct transmission of DC power from solar panels to batteries, requiring a single conversion to AC for appliance use and grid feeding.
However, incorporating a charge controller becomes crucial to regulate electricity inflow into batteries, preventing potential damage from overcharging.
Hybrid inverters boast a unique feature by offering a higher DC-to-AC ratio without energy loss. Surplus power generated by the solar system is efficiently stored in the battery, contributing to this enhanced ratio.
Exploring the concept of a DC-to-AC ratio reveals its significance—it signifies the ratio between the installed capacity of PV modules and the rated output power of the PV inverter.
A higher DC-to-AC ratio might lead to energy loss during peak sunlight, termed "clipping," when the solar panel's DC power surpasses the inverter's rated output power. However, with hybrid inverters, excess energy can be stored, preventing energy loss even with a higher DC-to-AC ratio.
Applications of Hybrid Inverters
Hybrid inverters find their primary application in string solar systems designed for residential homes.
In the case of expansive rooftops, employing a string system is feasible. Here, the hybrid inverter acts akin to a string inverter, while offering an added battery port for storage.
For those initiating a solar system setup from the ground up, aiming to integrate both solar and storage simultaneously, hybrid inverters emerge as the most practical and efficient choice.
LV Lithium Battery 5.12 kWh
Understanding Battery Inverters
Battery inverters closely resemble hybrid inverters, but their distinction lies in having only a battery port without a PV port.
Unlike hybrid inverters, which function as a DC coupling solution, battery inverters operate as an AC coupling solution. This means that battery inverters convert the AC power produced by microinverters into DC power, facilitating storage in batteries, hence their name 'battery inverter'.
Typically utilized for PV retrofit applications, they integrate into existing string systems or microinverter systems.
Consider this scenario: If you already possess a PV system and aim to incorporate energy storage capabilities, a battery inverter is essential. It connects to your system, allowing power backup via the battery.
Here's how it functions:
1. Your PV inverter converts DC power obtained from PV modules into AC power.
2. Subsequently, the battery inverter changes that AC power back into DC power for storage in the battery.
3. Household appliances typically operate on AC power. When accessing power from the battery, it needs to convert back to AC to effectively and securely power the appliances.
It's crucial to note that the conversion between DC to AC power and its reverse may result in some power loss during the process.
Applications of Battery Inverters
Battery inverters find utility in solar systems requiring an energy storage capability. Consequently, they are primarily deployed in larger residential properties, commercial establishments, and industrial facilities.
Moreover, larger-scale battery inverters play a vital role in extensive energy storage power stations. These installations are critical for conserving power, ensuring its availability during outages or when consistent power supply becomes crucial.
Hybrid Inverters vs. Battery Inverters
Whether you opt for a hybrid inverter or a battery inverter to fulfill your energy storage needs, our Hoymiles energy storage inverters assure efficient power conservation during critical periods. Below is a brief summary highlighting the primary distinctions between hybrid and battery solar inverters:
|
|
Hybrid inverters |
Battery inverters |
|
System efficiency |
Higher self-consumption ratio, higher utilization ratio of PV |
Certain power loss during energy conversion |
|
Installation scenario |
Brand-new installation |
Already have PV inverter and want to have a system retrofit |
|
Coupling |
DC-coupling solution, |
AC-coupling solution |
|
System components |
PV modules |
PV modules |
