Grid tie inverter distorting waveform

[oz93666]

I've just wired in a 1kw grid tie inverter, feeding the power from solar panels into the mains grid, ( in Thailand , so no rules or regulations).

There are some problems I've noticed. Toaster buzzes , but works. Induction cooker won't work, lights come on , fan works but no heat delivered, when grid tie switched off, works fine again. Soldering iron ( temperature controlled) won't heat up fully.

This seems to indicate the grid tie inverter is not pure sine wave. What can be done? Would a power line filter help?

 

[berkeman]

I've just wired in a 1kw grid tie inverter, feeding the power from solar panels into the mains grid, ( in Thailand , so no rules or regulations).

There are some problems I've noticed. Toaster buzzes , but works. Induction cooker won't work, lights come on , fan works but no heat delivered, when grid tie switched off, works fine again. Soldering iron ( temperature controlled) won't heat up fully.

This seems to indicate the grid tie inverter is not pure sine wave. What can be done? Would a power line filter help?

Where did you get the inverter? Perhaps you should talk with the manufacturer about the problems. And 1kW is not a very big inverter. How big are the solar panels, and how much power do they produce in bright sunlight? I suspect that you are not getting 1kW out of the solar panels and/or they are not being operated at their maximum power point.

 

[gkam44]

I've just wired in a 1kw grid tie inverter, feeding the power from solar panels into the mains grid, ( in Thailand , so no rules or regulations).

There are some problems I've noticed. Toaster buzzes , but works. Induction cooker won't work, lights come on , fan works but no heat delivered, when grid tie switched off, works fine again. Soldering iron ( temperature controlled) won't heat up fully.

This seems to indicate the grid tie inverter is not pure sine wave. What can be done? Would a power line filter help?

Most inverters produce a facsimile of a waveshape, but very crude, a step function with copious harmonics. I would check to make sure what you did was correct first, as far as the hookup and your regulator. Are the panels balanced with the inverter and loads?

 

[zoki85]

This seems to indicate the grid tie inverter is not pure sine wave.

Good conclusion.

 

[alphy]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the grid tie inverter. Based on your observations, it is likely that the inverter is distorting the waveform of the electricity being fed into the mains grid. This could be due to various factors such as poor quality components, improper installation, or design flaws.

To address this issue, I would recommend consulting with a qualified electrician or engineer to properly assess the inverter and its components. It may be necessary to replace or repair certain components to ensure a pure sine wave output.

In addition, a power line filter could potentially help to reduce the distortion caused by the inverter, but it is important to note that this may not fully solve the problem. It is best to consult with a professional to determine the most effective solution for your specific situation.

It is also important to consider the potential safety hazards of using a distorted waveform, as it may cause damage to electrical devices and appliances, and could potentially pose a risk to individuals using them. I would strongly recommend addressing this issue as soon as possible to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your electrical system.

In summary, it is important to properly assess and address the root cause of the waveform distortion in your grid tie inverter. Seeking professional help and considering the potential safety hazards are crucial steps in finding a solution.