flow reversal

That power flow reversal has become one of the main obstacles to the expansion of distributed generation (DG) in Brazil is no secret to any professional in the sector. In recent years, thousands of photovoltaic projects have faced connection restrictions due to limitations in the electrical grid, leading distributors in different regions to demand solutions capable of controlling or limiting energy export. In this context, Brazilian companies have been developing technologies to meet the new demands of concessionaires. One of them is SolarView, which has just unveiled a universal controller for Zero Grid applications and power export control, designed to meet the technical requirements adopted by energy distributors. According to the company, the solution can already be used in projects approved by several utility companies, such as Cemig (Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais) and CPFL (Companhia Paulista de Força e Luz). One successful example of the solution's use occurred at CCGL (Cooperativa Central Gaúcha Ltda.), which, after facing a long period without being able to use the energy generated at its solar power plant, managed to solve the problem by installing the technology. The technology was developed by SolarView. Photo: Courtesy of Roger Santos, Marketing and Sales Director at SolarView, states that the technology was developed to operate with different inverter manufacturers and meet the diverse applications of Zero Grid and power limitation. "It is a universal, robust solution, prepared to keep pace with the evolving regulatory requirements of the electricity sector," he said. Key features of the equipment include: Simultaneous control of up to four inverters; Real-time monitoring of up to four inverters; Integration with inverters from up to two different manufacturers in the same system; Hourly control of power export; Daily control of exported energy; Flexible configuration according to the requirements of each utility company; SolarView relay with integrated ANSI 32 protection, combining electrical protection and control in a single device. According to the manufacturer, this architecture reduces project complexity and expands application possibilities in different technical scenarios. Compatibility with over 600 inverter models. One of the main advantages of this technology is its broad market compatibility. According to SolarView, the controller is compatible with over 600 photovoltaic inverter models, allowing integrators freedom in equipment selection and even the use of different manufacturers in the same installation. Compatible brands include Sungrow, Huawei, Solis, Growatt, SolaX, ABB, FoxESS, Solplanet, SAJ, Livoltek, Canadian Solar, WEG, GoodWe, Sofar, and Deye. Another point highlighted by the company is the speed of operation of the control loop. According to SolarView, the equipment communicates with the inverters four times per second, allowing for quick responses to variations in generation and consumption. "This speed is crucial to ensure that export limits are respected before protective measures are taken due to flow reversal or non-compliance with the requirements imposed by the distributor," explains Santos. The executive adds that the solution also allows for the implementation of strategies such as hourly and daily control of energy exports. Technical immersion will present practical applications. Professionals interested in deepening their knowledge of Grid Zero and power export control can participate in the 7th SolarView Grid Zero Immersion, scheduled for July 17th at the PowerSafe Innovation Lab in São Paulo. The training will combine theoretical content, practical demonstrations, case studies, and real-world applications of solutions developed by the company to meet the demands of energy distributors. Information regarding the program and registration is available at this link.