AC Coupled Off-Grid Systems

Example of an AC coupled system

In an AC coupled system, all loads and energy sources are coupled via an alternating current grid. The advantage here is that the off-grid system can be built and expanded flexibly with modular standardized components.

Depending on the application and availability, both renewable and conventional energy sources can be integrated. The connected energy sources charge the batteries and supply energy when necessary. Connection to the utility grid is possible, provided that the battery inverter and the combustion equipment are designed for this. AC coupled off-grid systems can be easily expanded with additional energy sources. Thus, they are able to satisfy increasing energy demands.

AC coupled off-grid systems can be used to supply conventional alternating current loads. They are therefore ideally suited for use in rural areas in developing- and newly industrialized countries, but also in industrialized countries in regions where a utility grid is not available.

The battery inverter connected to the battery, e.g. a Sunny Island inverter, forms the AC current grid.

In the medium-power range (1 kW to 300 kW), off-grid systems with a battery-storage system are significantly more attractive from an economic point of view than systems that are only equipped with generators. This is due to the high maintenance requirements, the short service life and the very low partial load efficiency of generators.