Eaton Launches S-Max Solar Inverter Series

Eaton Corporation introduced its new S-Max Series grid-tied solar inverter at Solar Power International 2010. The inverters are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741 listed for 600 volt direct current (DC) and three-phase utility interactive operation.

The S-Max Series grid-tied solar inverter is based on Eaton's PowerChain Management solutions, which incorporate Eaton's programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives and protective relays. A core piece of the S-Max 250 kilowatt (kW) grid-tied solar inverter is the Eaton active front end (AFE) technology, which is designed to operate in harsh environments with 24/7 operation cycles over decades.

Emphasizing maximum energy harvest, Eaton S-Max Series is reported to have a 96.5 percent efficiency rating from the California Energy Commission and a greater than 99% accurate Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) efficiency.

Eaton PVgard health monitor on the inverters captures more than 60 photovoltaic (PV) system parameters each day, providing predictive-based maintenance. Delta or Wye transformer interconnection is field selectable, and mounting flanges remove pre-drilling requirements and provide zero interference for hammer drill usage.

The S-Max Series is also said to reduce the need for physical contact with equipment through embedded intelligence, which automates commissioning, operation and shutdown. The S-Max Series incorporates National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-based visible blade disconnects for AC and DC circuits, to enable reliable PV system interconnection.

For more information, visit www.eaton.com/solar