Project VMSP_2009 (APVV)

Project registration number: VMSP-P-0098–09

Project Title: Research and development of a new generation of photovoltaic Grid-On Inverters for small distributed solar power plants

Applicant and beneficiary: RMC s.r.o.

Name of the responsible representative: Ing. Michal Rafaj

Start of the project (MM/YYY): 09/2009

End of the project (MM/YYY): 09/2011

Annotation

The project was focused on industrial research and development of a new generation of photovoltaic (PV) inverters with an output of 1 – 5 kW, preferably intended for the construction of small distributed PV power plants for family houses, cottages, public buildings, etc., connectable to the single-phase LV distribution system. The main task of the designed PV inverters is to convert the DC energy of the PV generator into AC energy so that this energy can be supplied to the LV distribution system and used by consumers as standard.

The content of the R&D solution of PV inverters was the following tasks: identification of system requirements (power, efficiency, power factor, functionality, safety, operating conditions, cooling, dimensions, weight, price), research and development of electronic circuits and control algorithms, research and development of power and protection circuits, design and manufacture of prototypes of the selected type series, construction of PV power plant for verification and validation of the solution results.

Co-investigator organizations

The project was planned and approved in such a way that only RMC s.r.o., as the beneficiary, provided the solution, i.e. without any other co-investigating organisations.

Objectives set

The aim and objective of the project was to develop and successfully type test a range of new in-house products, PV inverters with power up to 5 kW, as key components for the construction of small PV power plants, connectable to the grid. By fulfilling the above objective, the beneficiary was to obtain realistic prerequisites for doing business in a new, attractive market segment, oriented towards the use of renewable energy sources (RES), in which it can apply its own, Slovak products.

Conclusion

RMC s.r.o., as a beneficiary and project promoter, fulfilled all planned tasks and completed the project within the set deadline. For its own technical solution, the level and novelty of the Amon series of PV inverters, it was awarded the „Electrotechnical Product of the Year“ prize at the Elosys_2011 exhibition. The solver reasonably assumed that the results of the project, as well as the declared interest of the public in RES, would support its independence from foreign solutions, provide it with economic benefits and increase its competitiveness, as well as employment. These expectations were also supported by the amendment of Act No. 309/2009 on the use of RES in economic practice, mainly aimed at limiting the construction of large-scale PV power plants on greenfield sites. Only the construction of small PV plants, mainly on the roof structures of buildings, was to be allowed, and the authorities (ÚRSO) were to clearly and quickly formulate the obligations as well as the rights of RES electricity producers.

Unfortunately, the expectations of RES electricity producers have not been fulfilled. Legal uncertainty, lack of government support, chaos with permits and apparent other restrictions have hampered this business segment in the Slovak Republic, effectively shutting down the original Slovak producers from their RES activities.