ABB string inverter compatible with KNX building automation systems

ABB string inverters are suitable for PV plants up to several hundred kilowatts (kW) in size installed in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Typically PV power plants on buildings have been monitored by separate monitoring systems. Now, the ABB string inverter is compatible with the KNX home and building automation system so that visualization of the PV plant performance, as well as diagnostics and alarms, can be brought directly to the building automation system without any additional monitoring system. This makes the PV power plant part of the building’s normal maintenance and service procedures, with information easily available on demand as needed by the building management personnel.

Compatibility with KNX building automation systems is accomplished with ABB’s remote monitoring adapter SREA-50 that now, in addition to the normal Ethernet connection, also features KNX compatibility towards the building. The string inverters are connected through their inbuilt Modbus line to one or several SREA-50 adapters which can be distributed as required around the building. Weather stations and other sensors using Modbus communication can be connected directly to SREA-50 adapter and their data can therefore be seen in the building automation system, if they do not have KNX compatibility directly.

“Distributed power generation by PV power plants is at its best close to the consumption point, and especially when installed on commercial and industrial buildings. This market and the importance of this application field will increase during coming years thus making the integration needs of the PV power plants much wider than just the mechanical and electrical integration of the plant on the building,” says Jyrki Leppänen, Director, Market Management for ABB solar inverters.

This new compatibility feature of ABB string inverters responds to these needs and raises the usability and attractiveness of solar power plants to a new level. It therefore completes the integration of solar-based power production by bridging the gap between smart grids and the energy systems of buildings where the power is generated.

The ABB string inverter PVS300 is available from 3.3 to 8 kW, with target solar installations including residential and small and medium-sized commercial and industrial buildings.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.