HOW THE POWER
OPTIMIZER WORKS
Reduced irradiation of your PV system?
We have the solution!
Here is the introductory video
If one or more modules are shaded, the current they can generate is reduced. Since the remaining modules are connected in series, they are also limited to this reduced current.
➤ Your PV system produces less energy.
Solution:
Your BRC optimizer adjusts the current of the shaded modules to match the remaining modules, allowing your system to achieve maximum energy yield again.
Recommendation:
You can either equip all modules within the affected string (full optimization) or only the potentially shaded modules (partial optimization) with BRC optimizers.
Modules with different orientations within the same string receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the day and therefore produce different current levels. Since the modules are connected in series, the entire string is limited by the weakest-performing section receiving the least sunlight.
➤ Your PV system produces less energy.
Solution:
Your BRC optimizer compensates for the lower-performing modules, allowing the stronger modules to operate at their optimum and maximizing your system's energy yield.
Recommendation:
Equip all modules in the affected string with BRC optimizers (full optimization).
Modules with different tilt angles within the same string receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the day and therefore generate different current levels. Since the modules are connected in series, the entire string is limited by the weakest-performing section receiving the least sunlight.
➤ Your PV system produces less energy.
Solution:
Your BRC optimizer compensates for the lower-performing modules, allowing the stronger modules to operate at their optimum and maximizing your system's energy yield.
Recommendation:
Equip all modules in the affected string with BRC optimizers (full optimization).
Our product portfolio
for your needs
M605-M System with monitoring
The proven benefits of BRC
optimizers are extended with the monitoring function
Power Optimizer
M700-E
The powerful extension
of our optimizer portfolio
without monitoring function
Compatibility
We have the right optimizer for your inverter
FUNCTIONAL MODE
The following illustrates how our BRC Power Optimizers work using a shading situation.
a shading situation:
Watch the video here
Live data comparison with and without power optimizer
Modern systems have the option of disconnecting the partially shaded module from the power circuit so that the other modules are not weakened. However, this creates the problem of hot spots, which can damage or destroy the modules.
With the help of the BRC Power Optimizer, hot spots are eliminated and the remaining energy of the partially shaded module is also used despite the shade, allowing us to utilise the maximum energy yield of the system.
Explanation for PV experts
When looking at the electrotechnical situation under optimum lighting conditions, it can be seen that one module in the example can produce 400W. There is a voltage of 40V on each module and a current of 10A in the overall system.
However, if shade falls on the module, the output drops accordingly. In our example (see below), the shading is 50%, so the current drops to 5A. As the current decreases, the power also decreases:
P (power) = U (voltage) * I (current)
Because all modules are connected in series in a string, the current on all modules is now only 5A. The reason for this is the behaviour of the current in a
Series connection: I Total = I1 = I2 =…
The formula shows that the current is the same at every point in the circuit, i.e. the current is determined by the weakest module. In this case, Itotal is therefore 5A.
Modern inverters can avoid this problem by activating the bypass diodes of the modules. If the bypass diode is activated, the shaded cell string delivers its maximum possible current and the difference to the string current flows through the bypass diode.
I total = I cell string + I diode
The fact that a short-circuit current is still flowing through the shaded cell string means that the most heavily shaded cell heats up and a hot spot is created.
Depending on its duration and intensity, this hot spot can damage or, in the worst case, destroy the module. The bypass diodes can also be overloaded and destroyed if they are activated very frequently.
Using our BRC Power Optimizer prevents all these problems.
The Power Optimizer is connected in parallel to the module. When shading occurs, it is automatically activated by the inverter in a similar way to the bypass diode. When activated, the Power Optimizer reduces the output voltage and increases the output current so that it corresponds to the string current. This means that the BRC Power Optimizer can continue to feed the available module power into the PV system.
In the example, it would turn 5A and 40V into 10A and 20V. The result is that the total current everywhere in the string is now 10A again and each module can supply 10A. Although the voltage on the partially shaded module is lower, this does not affect the voltage of the other modules.
I Total = I1 = I2 = …
U Total = U1 + U2+ …
The energy yield is maximised. The problem of hot spots is also solved, as all the energy flows into the system with the help of our Power Optimizer and is not lost as thermal energy.
