The All-in-One Guide to Understanding Solar DG Synchronization: Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions

all-in-one guide to understanding Solar DG Synchronization

Experiencing power supply issues with your solar systems? Is your dream to go green turning into a headache? 

Power fluctuations, equipment damage, lost savings! You didn’t sign up for any of this. Right?

Seamlessly integrating solar DG synchronization with power grids is a challenge for many. 

So, how do you avoid these technical glitches? This blog is your break in the clouds. 

We have compiled all the common pitfalls, their practical solutions, and the benefits to help you keep your solar running smoothly. 

So, without much ado, let’s get going. 

Solar DG Synchronization: What is it?

A solar DG synchronization device is a controller that synchronizes a solar inverter with a DG (Diesel Generator). These systems are usually connected to your local grid, making them a perfect solution for rooftop solar plants.

Solar DG synchronization systems ensure that your solar plants adjust their power generation based on your energy requirements or demands (i.e. the connected load.) 

The primary goal of these systems is to keep your DG running at low power or minimum load while letting your solars run at their maximum capacity.

For this to work, the DG PV synchronization system must synchronize with the power grid in three key areas:

  • Voltage
  • Frequency, and
  • Phase angle

Proper synchronization assures that the transfer of current is secure and efficient. If there is any potential mismatch it can lead to power instability, damaging both your grid and your panel.

Would you want grid instability, blackouts, or equipment failure? No, of course not. A solar DG synchronization system helps you prevent these setbacks and prevent voltage and frequency mismatches. 

Moreover, this is a great option if you are looking for a large-scale integration of renewable energy projects. It allows you to use high levels of solar power without compromising the operations of your grid. 

How to Schychorinize a Solar DG System with the Existing Grid with Intello?

With all the power fluctuation and lost savings, are you curious to know how to make your solar panels work sustainably and seamlessly? 

To avoid regretting installing your solar panels and getting them run flawlessly, here is how a diesel generator and solar synchronization procedure works. 

Intello solar dg synchronization procedure

Step 1: Installing an Energy Meter with the Current Transformer (CT) Set

  • At the coupling point of DG and load, the energy meter calculates the power flow between the solar DG system and the load at your home or business facility. 
  • The CT monitors the current flowing from the DG system to the load. 
  • The CT then provides data on the amount of power consumed, such as the amount generated by the DG and the amount consumed by the load. 

To maintain balance and prevent overloading, you must have accurate data on the amount of power contributed by the DG for the overall energy consumption. 

Step 2: Connecting the Energy Meter with Intello Pro+ 

  • The energy meter is connected to Intello Pro+ using an RS485 communication cable.
  • Intello Pro+ is Intello’s micro-controller which synchronizes the DG solar with the grid. It calculates energy loss and provides real-time data on the active power.
  • RS485 communication cable uses the standard communication protocol that transfers data between devices.
  • The energy meters send the data about the voltage, frequency, and current to Intello Pro+.

Intello Pro+ further processes and monitors the data of the solar DG system, and displays it on the Intello Monitor.

Step 3: Connecting the Solar Inverter with Intello Pro+

  • In this step, a solar inverter is connected using an RS485 communication cable with Intello Pro+.
  • A solar inverter is a device that converts the DC (direct current) generated by solar panels into AC (alternating current).
  • Connecting these two provides real-time control and synchronization. The inverter helps adjust the solar system’s output to match the grid and load requirements.

This is crucial to properly align voltage, phase, and frequency, thus maintaining stable operation.

Step 4: Inserting a GSM SIM

  • Here comes the best part. The operators can monitor all the data with a GSM SIM card.
  • The card is inserted into the systems to enable communications with the cloud or remote servers.
  • This wireless communication link allows Intello Pro+ to send data, including power generation, consumption and other synchronization parameters) to the monitoring system.

From real-time tracking to finding hindrances and troubleshooting them, operators can monitor everything remotely. At the touch of a button, you can check your system’s health, detect faults and optimize the overall performance. 

How Does an Intello Pro+ Solar DG Synchronization Work?

Are you ready to save and maximize your solar power? You can make the most of your solar and DG setup with Intello Pro+ Solar DG synchronization, even if the grid goes down. 

The Intello Pro+ DG synchronization system manages power distribution

  1. When the power grid goes down, and
  2. When one or more DG (Diesel generators) are running.

The system continuously checks how much power your home or site needs. Based on this, it adjusts the solar investors using the RS485 cables and controls the solar power generation in real time.

Take, for example, the grid goes down and a DG is active. Now hypothetically, your house needs 30kW. Intello Pro+ will work in a way that the DG runs at, say 9 kW, and the solar system provides 21 kW of energy. 

4 Benefits of a Proper DG PV Synchronization System

From boosting your solar plant’s performance to slashing expensive electricity bills, here is how a DG PV Synchronization system becomes a must-have for your solar panels. 

  1. Real-time Solar Output Throttling

With real-time solar output, you can adjust how much solar power should be used at any specific time. The solar investor’s output automatically increases or decreases based on your energy demands.

The dependence on a solar DG reduces, helping you meet energy needs efficiently. As a result, you save fuel and get a more stable energy supply. 

  1. Cloud-Connectivity

Cloud connectivity lets you connect to the cloud, allowing you to monitor and control your solar system from anywhere.

Intello Pro+ offers cloud connectivity using GSM (M2M/4G) or LAN, such as a mobile device or local area network. Using this you can check your system’s data, performance stats, and diagnosis issues without actually checking a solar panel in person. 

  1. Easy Installation

A DG PV synchronization system is very easy to install, requiring minimal to no configuration. The simple setup reduces the installation costs and its user-friendly interface helps streamline the process for technicians and installers. 

  1. Cost-Savings

A DG synchronization solar power plant is a cost-effective solution in all aspects. Apart from minimal installation costs, they help combat expensive electricity bills. Thus making them a pocket-friendly solution for homeowners, business owners, and every solar user. 

The widespread adoption of solar panels is reducing dependence on fossil fuels. For your next generation and a cleaner sustainable future, investing in a solar panel is the need of the hour. 

4 Challenges that Come with Solar DG Synchronization System 

Despite many benefits, you might face a few challenges while syncing your solar panels with the grid. Here are a few you would want to consider before you start with your journey to achieve perfect solar synchronization.

  1. Incompatibility of the Grid

Older infrastructure could lead to power quality issues, voltage fluctuations, and grid instability. Not all grids are one-size-fits-all. To handle the influx of solar power and accommodate many synchronized solar DG systems, grids must be compatible with your system. 

  1. Fluctuating Power Generation

Clouds, night time, and seasonal variations can inherently affect the power output. Solar panels variably depend on sunlight causing fluctuating energy generation. This comes as a challenge to maintain synchronization with the grid consistently.

  1. Technical Difficulties

Sophisticated inverters and control systems are needed for synchronized solar DG systems. To ensure that the inverters constantly monitor grid conditions, you might need skilled professionals to install and maintain your solar panels.

  1. Safety Concerns 

Solar DG systems might continue to power a portion of your grid even during an outage. This situation is called “Islanding,” and it can be dangerous for utility workers trying to repair the system. 

Solar DG synchronization comes with its challenges. However, with the right technology and monitoring tools, you can overcome these obstacles like a pro. 

Solutions for Efficient Solar DG Synchronization 

Now that you have read about the benefits and challenges of a DG synchronization system, ready to run your system like a pro? Want to know how to run your solar system more efficiently? 

Read ahead to tackle all the challenges of a DG synchronization solar power plant. 

  • Modernize Your Grids: Upgrade your existing grid infrastructure to manage the integration of your distributed solar energy system more efficiently. 
  • Install Energy Storage System: Store excess solar energy during high production periods. Provide this excess stored energy to the grid during low power generation periods. 
  • Invest in Smart Inverters: Smart inverters have advanced features, such as voltage and frequency regulation and reactive power control. Investing in a smart inverter system can help you overcome several synchronization issues.
  • Use Intello’s DG Synchronization Dashboard: If you are looking for a user-friendly, cost-efficient, and efficient solution to manage your Solar DG System, Intello Pro+ is your solution.

How Does Intello Pro+ DG Synchronization Dashboard Help?

Intello - DG Synchronizing Dashboard

Intello Pro+ DG Synchronization dashboard provides a real-time overview of the power distribution and overall system performance. Its key features are as follows.

  • It allows you to monitor your home or business site’s total energy demand (Active load).
  • You can also get data on the amount of data handled by the DG in real-time.
  • It predicts the actual solar power generated at that specific time based on your system’s capacity and environmental factors, such as sunlight.
  • By comparing predicted and actual solar power, you can forecast how effectively solar energy contributes to meeting your energy needs, allowing you to manage power better.
  • Get advanced analytics to calculate deemed energy loss, the solar energy lost due to system inefficiencies, downtime, and throttling.
  • Deemed energy loss calculations can help you pinpoint improvement areas and let you better use your solar energy.

With Intello, you can optimize better performance, reduce fuel costs, and maximize your solar energy utilization.

Conclusion

In a global initiative to reduce carbon footprint, many are leveraging the power of the Sun. 

According to Statista, electricity generation worldwide in the solar energy market is expected to reach 1.30Tn kWh in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 7.31% CAGR by 2029. 

However, solar power comes with its challenges. If you are also struggling to optimize your solar investment, contact Intello today. 

FAQ’s:

  1. What is the synchronization of DG sets? 

DG (Diesel Generator) synchronization is the process of matching technical electrical parameters, such as voltage, frequency, phase angle, phase sequence, and waveform of DG, with a healthy running power system. This process must be done just before the generator is reconnected to the power system. 

  1. What is the principle of the PV DG controller?

The PV DG controller optimized fuel usage by dynamically regulating the solar plant’s power generation and synchronizing it with the diesel generator (DG). 

This helps in significant cost reductions and minimizes the environmental impact of excessive fuel consumption. 

  1. Is Solar generator AC or DC?

Solar panels generate DC (direct current), which is incompatible with most household appliances and electrical grids. 

Therefore, solar (PV) photovoltaic systems use inverters to convert DC energy into AC (Alternating current) energy. (Apart from many other functions.)

  1. What is the future of solar energy?

According to Statista, electricity generation worldwide in the solar energy market is expected to reach 1.30Tn kWh in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 7.31% CAGR by 2029. 

  1. Do I need solar monitoring?

Investing in a reliable solar monitoring system is crucial for quickly detecting and addressing electric faults for optimal energy production. With Intello, you can track your panel’s performance, identify problems, and maximize your ROI. 
Call us on +91 9999085951 to talk to our experts.

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