PV+storage systems with Ampt generate, capture, and deliver more energy to increase project ROI.
Ampt saves on EBOS, ESS, and PCS costs on day-one to deliver the lowest cost per kWh PV+storage systems.
Ampt lowers costs and increases flexibility when adding or replacing storage, modules, and PCS components in the future.
Ampt’s patented technology allows for more modules per string to eliminate electrical BOS components and labor.
Ampt increases battery converter and inverter power densities to lower the cost per watt.
Ampt optimizers enable higher DC/AC ratios (up to 3:1) to lower capex and enable longer storage durations.
Ampt optimizers feature output current limits which reduces cable ampacity by eliminating the margin requirement for “over sun” conditions. Additionally, PV arrays with Ampt operate at a high and fixed DC bus voltage which lowers current (I=P/V). By allowing more modules per string, Ampt lowers overall electrical balance of system costs - such as cabling and combiners or cabling harnesses.
Using Ampt operates the DC bus at a higher voltage which simplifies battery conversion requirements with a 50% reduction in conversion circuitry while increasing the battery converter's power density. This reduces battery converter costs by 50%.
A power conditioning system (PCS) or inverter in Ampt Mode® is configured by the manufacturer to operate at a fixed input voltage that is closer to the maximum system voltage. This high fixed-voltage bus with Ampt removes ambient temperature and string length constraints on the PCS so it can operate at a DC voltage that is always high enough to achieve its maximum rated output voltage.
For example, a PCS rated at 690 VAC that is deployed in a warmer environment without Ampt would be derated to a voltage below 690 VAC and therefore be underutilized. With Ampt, this PCS in the same environment achieves its highest rated power to lower the PCS cost per watt.
A power conditioning system (PCS) or inverter in Ampt Mode® can achieve a higher AC output voltage than a standard PCS without Ampt to lower the cost per watt.
For example, a standard PCS without Ampt has a specified rated output voltage (e.g. 600 VAC) which requires a wide operating range for the input voltage to accommodate the array. For this PCS to achieve 800 VAC while maintaining the wide operating range would require the input voltage to exceed 1500 VDC. However, this same PCS with Ampt can be set at a fixed input voltage to deliver 800 VAC on the output. This higher output voltage at the same output current increases the rated output power of the PCS which lowers its cost per watt.
Higher DC ratios lower the cost of energy storage while optimally increasing storage durations. Ampt's patented technology protects the inverter so system designers can achieve higher loading ratios than can systems without Ampt to lower the total system cost.
As energy storage durations increase, the optimal DC/AC ratio also increases to result in an overall capex savings as illustrated in these graphs.
During normal operation, the optimizer maintains PV maximum power point (MPP) and operates at a fixed output voltage (e.g. 1350V) while delivering full array power to satisfy the load (grid, battery, or both). The optimizers move the array off MPP when inverter is in power control mode.
The example shown is for an inverter that has a maximum DC/AC ratio of 1.52 and a minimum MPP voltage of 850-volts (both without Ampt). With Ampt, the inverter input operates at a fixed high voltage of 1350-volts to achieve a 3.0 loading ratio.
Ampt technology provides flexible options to increase storage capacity and/or duration over time at a lower cost.
Systems with Ampt can increase DC power capacity using the existing electrical BOS and without creating voltage mismatch between strings or overloading the existing ESS and PCS.
Ampt allows the DC bus to operate at a fixed voltage which can be adjusted to fit newer technologies over time. Systems with Ampt have more replacement options for storage components to lower costs.
Ampt Optimizers offer low-cost options when upgrading your existing PV systems to produce more energy and maximize annual project returns. Systems with Ampt recover energy lost from:
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