Sputnik Engineering enhanced its communications software, MaxTalk 2. Sputnik Engineering also increased the flexibility of SolarMax MT string inverters for plant layout.
February 24, 2011 — Sputnik Engineering enhanced its communications software, MaxTalk 2. This tool 
monitors and manages the measured values of any number of solar power plants fitted with SolarMax inverters. Users can query the present status of their solar power plant, the operating data, statistics, measured values, and device parameters.
In comparison to the previous version (MaxTalk), the user guidance of MaxTalk 2 has been greatly enhanced. The new professional version MaxTalk 2 pro also permits registered installers additional configuration options to meet the requirements contained in the medium-voltage guideline of Germany’s Federal Association of Energy Suppliers and Water Utilities applicable to solar plants in Germany from April 2011.
Sputnik Engineering also increased the flexibility of SolarMax MT string inverters, introduced in 2010, (rated output: 10, 13 and 15kW), for plant layout. Instead of 6kw of generator output per MPP tracker, it is now possible to connect a maximum of 9kw of generator output. This will give installers the freedom, as when wiring the 15kw inverter SolarMax 15 MT, to connect either two module strings each with 9kw DC output to the inverter or, alternatively, to select a symmetrical division of three times 6kw. In between these two, any combination is possible, as long as the voltage and current limits stated in the data sheet are observed.
“The use of several MPP trackers is primarily practical if the solar generator is exposed to varying conditions (inclination, orientation, shading, etc.),” says Sputnik product manager Olaf Geistlinger. In this case, similar generator strings can be bundled at individual trackers and the energy yields can in this way be optimized even during the installation phase. But if the ambient conditions are the same, it is practical to distribute the generator to few MPP trackers and to provide for module strings that are as long as possible. This increases the DC input voltage and, hence, the overall efficiency of the PV power plant. At the end of February, Sputnik Engineering will integrate the new circuitry feature in its MaxDesign layout program.
Sputnik Engineering AG, manufactures grid-connected solar inverters. Under the name SolarMax the company develops, produces and sells inverters for every facility: photovoltaic systems on single-family homes whose kilowatt output is modest, to the solar power plants whose output is measured in megawatts. For further information, visit www.solarmax.com.
Subscribe to Photovoltaics World
Follow Photovoltaics World on Twitter.com via editors Pete Singer, twitter.com/PetesTweetsPW and Debra Vogler, twitter.com/dvogler_PV_semi.
