Comparison of Central Inverter and String Inverter for Solar Power Plant: Case Study in Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract

Solar power technology is developing rapidly in Vietnam and investors are interested in developing the solar power plant. Comparison of the choice of grid-tie inverter technology between central inverter and string inverter can affect the change of investment cost, operation and maintenance costs, and operation efficiency of solar power plants in the real condition. However, most of solar power plants in Vietnam are currently in the design stage, so experience in selection of technology, design, construction, and operation of solar power plants in general and the inverter is very limited. In this study, the advantages and disadvantages of grid-tied inverter technology for solar power plants in Vietnam are analyzed. Besides, the research results using the PVSYST program showed that generated electricity and the performance of a typical solar power plant in Vietnam using string inverter would be slightly higher than the case of using central inverter.

Keywords: commercial electrical grid , Power plant, central inverter, string inverter, grid-tied inverter, PV array loss factor, system loss factor, Solar radiation.

Cite this Article

Vu Minh Phap, Le Thi Thuy Hang. Comparison of Central Inverter and String Inverter for Solar Power Plant: Case Study in Vietnam. Journal of Nuclear Engineering & Technology. 2019; 9(3):
11–23p.