Inverters and Grid Interconnection
PVB 105 delves into the principles of DC-to-AC power conversion, various inverter topologies, and advanced features such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and anti-islanding. Students will learn to interpret technical specifications, perform system sizing, troubleshoot common inverter issues, and ensure compliance with relevant electrical codes and utility interconnection standards. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through hands-on labs, focusing on safe wiring practices, commissioning procedures, and the use of diagnostic tools. This course is crucial for developing the expertise required to design, install, and maintain reliable and safe grid-interconnected PV and battery storage systems.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Inverter Technologies and System Architectures","Week 2: Lesson 2: Inverter Functions, DC-to-AC Conversion, and Power Quality","Week 3: Lesson 3: Inverter Types: String, Microinverters, and Central Inverters","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Inverter Identification and Basic Parameter Configuration","Week 5: Lesson 4: Inverter Sizing, Selection, and Matching to PV Arrays","Week 6: Lesson 5: Inverter Efficiency, Performance Characteristics, and Data Monitoring","Week 7: Lesson 6: Safety Systems: Rapid Shutdown, Arc Fault, and Ground Fault Protection","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Inverter Installation, Wiring Practices & Midterm Review","Week 9: Lesson 7: Grid Interconnection Standards and Utility Requirements","Week 10: Lesson 8: Anti-Islanding Protection and Grid Support Functions","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Grid Interconnection Simulation and Troubleshooting","Week 12: Lesson 9: Commissioning, Testing, and Performance Verification","Week 13: Lesson 10: Advanced Inverter Features: Battery Integration and Hybrid Systems","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Grid-Tied Inverter System Commissioning"]