As an ardent solar enthusiast and blogger, I cannot help but get excited over the future of the solar industry, especially with innovations that are helping to extend the lifespan and efficiency of solar systems. One of the key aspects of solar system efficiency is the inverter – a vital component of any solar setup. Today, I’d like to spotlight a groundbreaking advancement in inverter technology brought to us using software from a U.S-based solar company, Infinrel.
Infinrel, which is pioneering some seriously cutting-edge tech in the solar world, has developed a breakthrough software solution called the Energy Kardio Graph (EKG) that proactively predicts component failure in inverters. This is incredibly important if you have solar panels for your home or a solar array for your home, as inverters are crucial in the operation of these systems.
So how does this Energy Kardio Graph (EKG) work? It operates at a speed millions of times per second, continuously sampling small electrical perturbations on the input and output of the inverter. This monitoring, similar in concept to a medical EKG, provides insight into how the inverter operates on a switching cycle basis.
A key feature of the EKG is its ability to display signs of degrading components, which is a real game-changer for solar companies. The software pinpoints issues like saturating inductors, capacitors losing their essential capacity to buffer energy, or even high frequencies that could potentially damage step-up transformers.
But where it truly shines is its application of machine-learning algorithms. The EKG system reduces the vast amount of high causality data from megabytes per second to kilobytes per second, making the data more manageable and precise.
The EKG system is independent of any third-party data source. Instead, it self-creates high-resolution data that syncs with the rate semiconductors experience change of both voltages and currents. This means it can provide real-time updates at a rate of a million times per second!
The result is an impressive new tool for the solar industry that can not only predict potential component failure but also dramatically increase energy efficiency and prolong the life of solar systems. By detecting subtle changes that could lead to component failure, this software control loop can help preempt issues before they become a problem, significantly reducing internal power dissipation.
While Infinrel is currently based in San José, California, it’s exciting to see that they are raising capital to further develop and expand their innovative EKG system. It’s undeniable proof that our solar industry is heading in the right direction, and I’m eager to keep you updated on the latest advancements coming from innovative solar companies like Infinrel.
As always, consider adding solar panels for your home or installing a solar array for home to not only save on your energy bill but also to contribute to a sustainable future by supporting innovative solar companies. Keep shining!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/06/startup-offers-ai-based-software-solution-to-predict-component-failure-in-utility-scale-inverters/
