DPS-1000 DC/DC Converter
Adaptable DC/DC converter for solar plus storage, EV charging, and hydrogen.
With nearly double the power output of its previous version, this compact and highly flexible DC/DC converter can adapt to a variety of applications in PV + energy storage, EV charging, and hydrogen production.
The DPS-1000 is a bi-directional 1000kW DC/DC converter designed to interface battery energy storage with new and existing 1000V and 1500V central inverter-based PV power plants. Ideal for utility-scale solar plus storage installations, the DPS-1000 offers the flexibility necessary to also meet requirements in hydrogen and EV applications.
The DPS-1000 offers many advantages and features, like increased efficiency and flexibility, scalable storage power up to 6MW blocks with paralleled units, and a simplified system design. The system also includes automated clipping recapture and low voltage harvesting that increase project revenues, while its DC-coupled architecture reduces installation and regulatory costs.
This DC/DC converter can operate in voltage, current, and power control modes, and is capable of on-the-fly switching between modes. Designed to be easily scaled, any combination of up to six units can be paralleled together to create building blocks of up to 6MW of storage power.
DPS-1000 APPLICATIONS
DC Coupled Solar Plus Storage
The DPS-1000 is ideal for solar plus storage applications, and is well-suited for microgrid applications through reverse DC coupling, providing safe and reliable power to an islanded microgrid.
Energy Storage for EV Charging
The DPS-1000 is compatible with EV charging infrastructure using reverse DC coupling, allowing for scalability and flexibility to integrate PV modules, fuel cells, or batteries for future growth and expansion. Additional EV chargers can be integrated in the DC side of the bus for both low-power fleet charging and high-power charging applications.
Green Hydrogen Production
The DPS-1000 can power electrolyzers needed for hydrogen production, taking the DC power from a renewable energy source and using it directly for the DC needs of the electrolyzer. By converting the DC input via a single converter stage, system efficiency is significantly increased.
Product Features
Droop Control
Droop control is an efficient method of controlling multiple DC converters in parallel without requiring unit to unit synchronization or communications. A decentralized form of control, droop control is flexible, reliable, easy to implement and capable of handling load variations and disturbances.
Paralleling up to 6MW
Paralleling of up to 6 DPS-1000 units allows for power handling of up to 6MW. This configuration is ideal for larger projects of up to 6MW of PV or battery power. The DPS-1000 manages these large projects with fewer converters required, saving costs during shipping, deployment, and construction. The compact footprint also increases savings.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
MPPT is one of several advanced modes of operation and is used in Battery Prime (aka reverse DC Coupling) applications to harvest the most energy available from a PV array during variable production conditions. This is the same technology as is found in a grid tied PV inverter. With the DPS-1000, users gain the superior efficiency of DC coupling in solar plus storage applications.
System Advantages
Highest efficiency
Augmentation ready
Qualify for tax credits
Increased revenue potential through use cases only possible with DC-coupled architecture
Lower CAPEX, installation, and regulatory costs than AC-coupled energy storage
Benefits of DC Coupling
Choosing a DC-coupled system comes with many advantages, making it a compelling choice for your power conversion and energy storage needs.
Compatibility
Allows for seamless integration of new PV systems with existing AC coupled storage systems. This facilitates upgrades without necessitating major overhauls, providing a cost-effective solution for harnessing the latest advancements in solar technology.
Battery Charging
Another significant benefit is the optimal battery charging capability enabled by the DC to DC converter’s maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capabilities. This ensures efficient energy transfer, maximizing the amount of energy harvested from PV panels. The result is enhanced overall system performance with improved energy utilization.
Grid Independence
By storing energy in batteries, the system can power critical loads, reducing dependence on the grid during emergencies. and outages. This resilience is crucial for maintaining essential services and mitigating the impact of unforeseen disruptions.
Revenue
Through demand response mechanisms, energy storage systems contribute to grid stabilization during peak demand, earning additional revenue. The bidirectional energy flow in DC/reverse DC coupling allows for frequency regulation and voltage support, creating opportunities for grid services that generate further income. What’s more, by storing excess energy during periods of low demand and supplying it during high-demand times, the system can take advantage of time-of-use tariffs. This optimization not only generates cost savings but also contributes to a more efficient and sustainable energy consumption model.
Learn more about DC Coupled Energy Storage
Key Technologies
Select an item below to view more information
Clipping Recapture
Maximize Value of PV Generated Energy
Due to high DC/AC inverter loading ratios typical with utility-scale PV, energy is lost when PV output exceeds the PV inverter peak rating, resulting in lost revenues. With DC-coupled battery storage attached to the array, the batteries can be charged with this excess PV output that would otherwise be clipped by the PV inverter. The stored energy can then be fed into the grid at the appropriate time, maximizing production and revenues from the PV generation asset. The ability to capture clipped DC output is only possible using a DC-coupled storage system.
Low Voltage Harvesting
Make Money On The Edges
PV inverters typically require a minimum ‘wake up’ threshold DC bus voltage to operate, resulting in lost energy in the morning and evening or during periods of cloud coverage when voltage on the array is below the PV inverter ’wake up’ threshold. Adding DC-coupled energy storage allows for the capture of this generated energy from the margins. This capability is only available with a DC-DC converter that has voltage source capability.
Curtailment & Outage Recapture
Continuous Uptime and Revenue Generation
With DC-coupled energy storage, the energy storage system can operate and maintain the DC bus voltage when the PV inverter is offline for scheduled or unplanned outages, allowing energy from the array to flow to the batteries and ensuring energy can be harvested for later use. The same uptime capabilities apply when a large utility- scale array is curtailed by the ISO or utility when there is overall excess production on the grid. With a DC-coupled energy storage system, energy production can continue with energy being stored and available for discharge when curtailment ends.
Energy Time Shifting
Utilize Generated PV Energy When Its Value is Highest
Energy Storage allows bulk energy shifting of solar generation to take advantage of higher PPA rates in peak periods, or to allow utilities to address daily peak demand that falls outside periods of solar generation.
Ramp Rate Control
Modulate Power for Continuous Grid Connection
Ramp rate control is often required by utilities and ISOs for PV and wind systems to mitigate the impact of a sudden injection of power onto the grid or a sudden loss of generation due to the intermittent nature of these generation sources. A storage system coupled with PV can monitor PV inverter output and inject or consume power to ensure the net output remains within the ramp requirements allowing for continuous energy injection into the grid. Additionally, with this ramp rate control benefit, energy otherwise lost when a PV inverter would self-regulate during a ramp up can be stored for later use.
System Overview
Maximum Power
- 833kW (@1000VDC)
- 1000kW (@1200-1500VDC)
Max Current
- +/-833A
DC Input Voltage Range
- 100-1500VDC (Battery Port)
- 100-1500VDC (PV Port)
Certifications & Standards Compliance
- UL 1741
- CSA C22.2 #107.1
- UL / IEC 62109-1
- IEC / EN 61000-6-4
- IEC / EN 61000-6-2
- CISPR 11 2015-6 / EN 55011
- FCC Part 15 Class A
Features
- Advanced Operating Modes for Clipping Recapture, Curtailment Recapture, Energy Time Shifting, Low Voltage Harvesting and Ramp Rate Control
- Integrated Battery Overvoltage Protection
- DC Contactor and Precharge on Battery Port Included
- Wide DC Input Voltage Range for Battery and PV
- Parallel up to 6 DPS-1000 together for flexible building blocks up to 6MW
Applications
- Solar Plus Storage
- Augmentation for AC- or DC-coupled systems
- Microgrids (Reverse DC-Coupling)
- EV Charging
- Hydrogen Production
Downloads & Links
Want to learn more about the DPS-1000 DC/DC converter? Check out our product information below for technical specifications and other essential product information.
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