ZENER VARIDRIVE SOLUTIONS
ZENER ECODRIVE® 8000
IM00130
P a g e
| 16
20/07/2018 3:59 PM
A HYBRID SYSTEM:
Switched and/or Blended AC Supply
A ‘solar hybrid system’ is a power system that combines the solar power from a photovoltaic system with another power generating
energy source. The system can be configured to source power from both power sources simultaneously. Extracting maximum power
from the array at all times is dependent on how well the ‘blending’ has been optimised for a particular site.
The ECODRIVE
®
s internal MPPT controller will automatically control the pump to achieve maximum pump running time from the solar
array. When there is insufficient power available from the array to operate at a desired (or minimum) motor shaft power an auxiliary AC
supply can be connected to continue pumping at the required power. This can be a seamless transition if correctly configured. With
additional controls the Auxiliary AC supply can be from a generator supply, however a seamless transition can be more difficult to
achieve.
During the shoulder periods (dusk & dawn) there is an opportunity
for ‘Blending’ to extend pumping time, whilst extracting power
from the array. At this point, there may be still a significant amount
of solar power available but just not enough to operate at the
required power. An ‘optimised blended system’ ensures that
maximum power from the array is used and only supplemented by
the Auxiliary AC supply. Without ensuring an ‘optimised blended
system’ the maximum benefit from your solar investment may not
be achieved.
When the solar power is sufficient the ECODRIVE will disconnect
the Auxiliary AC Supply and operate only from the array. The
ECODRIVE monitors the irradiance levels to provide an output to
control the Auxiliary AC supply. The irradiance levels that control
the Auxiliary AC supply are adjustable.
A ‘step-up or step-down’ transformer’ on the AC supply
may be required to achieve maximum benefit from
‘blending’.
CONTACT ZENER FOR SELECTION
A transformer must be used for low
voltage control circuit to operate R1. A
switch mode power supply must not be
used.
Refer to the instruction manual IM00124 for more details on ratings
and installation for standard 3 phase AC operation and recommended
circuit protection.
A disconnect contactor must be fitted in
series with the AC input of the ECODRIVE.
Control for the disconnect contactor
must be powered by a control
transformer powered from 2 phases from
the Aux AC power.
Actual results will vary depending on the size of the array,
blending transformer (if required) and power requirements..
