Electronic – Can a double conversion UPS energize grid-tied micro inverter solar array during power outage

invertersolar cellups

Hypothesis: Can a double conversion UPS energize a grid-tied micro inverter based solar array during power outage if the UPS input and output are both connected to main panel?

Assumptions below diagram

Questions:

  • Can the UPS provide reference voltage to the solar micro inverters to operate?
  • Can the the UPS get damaged due to excess AC current backfeeding into UPS's inverter?
  • Can we limit AC current backfeed into the UPS by dumping excess solar power to run a 5 ton HVAC?
  • Can the UPS keep a fixed 60Hz output (as the utility grid does) if the micro inverters adjust their output frequency?
  • Can the UPS batteries charge safely from micro inverters output?
  • What other safety and functional concerns should be addressed?

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Assumptions:

  • Both the UPS and solar micro inverters are split phase 208V 60Hz
  • 7.8KW solar array based on Enphase IQ6+ grid tie micro inverters.
  • 3000VA APC double converion UPS model SURTD3000XLT with sine wave output
  • UPS output frequency tracks input frequency
  • input of UPS powered from breaker panel with 30A 2-pole breaker
  • output of UPS is plugged safely to breaker panel bus bar with 30A 2-pole breaker
  • grid is disconnected.

Best Answer

I think the odds of that working are very slim.

The UPS is much smaller than the inverters, so it will struggle to maintain a stable 208V 60Hz. That's especially true if it's not intended to be back-fed.

It will be very difficult to get the load to exactly match the generation. Too much load, and the UPS will shut down, followed immediately after by the inverters. To little load, and the inverters will attempt to push out current into no load.