March 2004 ECN-C--04-032

DESIGN QUALIFICATION OF
INVERTERS
FOR GRID-CONNECTED
OPERATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC
POWER GENERATORS

Dutch Guidelines
Edition 2

P.M. Rooij
P.J.M. Heskes
Members NEC 82
Preface
This document has been written as
second edition of ECNs Dutch Guidelines
to provide input for a new NTA (Netherlands Technical Agreement) and
to provide input to the International Committee TC 82 of the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) and CENELEC.
At various phases of the editing process this document was presented to members of the
Nederlands Elektrotechnisch Comit (NEC 82) and other experts in the field of photovoltaic
systems and components. Their comments and suggestions have contributed to this standard for
both the structure and the technical contents.
NEC82 is the Netherlands National Committee for Solar energy systems of the:
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)

Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank the following persons for their detailed comments which have
contributed to the technical contents of this document and the improvement of the text.
Wouter Hermelink (NKF Kabel BV, member NEC 82)
Henk Oldenkamp (OKE-Services)
Hans Welschen (Philips Lighting BV, member NEC 82)
Ronald van Zolingen (Shell Solar Energy, chairman NEC 82)
Arno van Zwam (Mastervolt BV, member NEC 82)

As a result of the intense discussions this document is supported by members of NEC 82, Dutch
PV inverter industry and ECN.

Abstract
This document lays down requirements for design qualification of inverters for grid-connected
operation of photovoltaic power generators with a power up to and including 5kVA for single-
phase power conditioners feeding into the utility low-voltage grid. This document is a
supplement to the committee draft for vote (CDV) 82/330/CDV of IEC 62093 and specifies
those requirements for grid-connected inverters, which are not yet discussed in the CDV.
In combination with the CDV this document gives a procedure for design qualification of grid
connected PV-inverters and comprises performance, utility interface protection, electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) and field tests.

This document can be used by manufacturers in the design process, by testing institutes, for
research and development, and by certification bodies.

2 ECN-C--04-032
How to use this document
This document can be used as an integral part of the IEC 62093 for qualifying grid-connected
inverters in all their aspects. IEC 62093 specifies qualification procedures, visual inspection,
insulation testing and environmental testing. While this document specifies the electrical testing
like performance, utility interfaces EMC and field-tests.

Also this document can be used as stand-alone document for electrical testing. Chapter 5 gives
all the relevant tests to characterise the electrical parameters of the inverter and chapter 6
describes a field test.

ECN-C--04-032 3
4 ECN-C--04-032
CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES 6
LIST OF FIGURES 6
1. SCOPE 7
2. PROCEDURE FOR DESIGN QUALIFICATION 8
3. DEFINITIONS 9
4. NORMATIVE REFERENCES 10
5. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONING TEST PROCEDURE INVERTERS 12
5.1 Performance tests 13
5.1.1 Power conversion efficiency (static) 13
5.1.2 European efficiency 13
5.1.3 Power factor 13
5.1.4 Static MPPT efficiency 14
5.1.5 Dynamic MPPT response 14
5.1.6 Stand-by loss at night 15
5.1.7 Electric shock 15
5.2 Utility interface tests 16
5.2.1 Over / under voltage protection 16
5.2.2 Over / under frequency protection 16
5.2.3 Islanding 17
5.2.4 Start-up delay 17
5.2.5 Response to utility recovery 17
5.2.6 Direct-current injection 18
5.3 EMC 18
5.4 Harmonics 19
6. FIELD MEASUREMENTS (OUTDOORS) 20
APPENDIX A TEST SET-UP 21
APPENDIX B DEFINITION PV SIMULATOR 24
APPENDIX C DEFINITION GRID SIMULATOR 25
APPENDIX D CALCULATION OF INPUT VOLTAGES 26
APPENDIX E BEST PRACTICE 27
APPENDIX F REPORTING 28

ECN-C--04-032 5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5-1 Input voltage test level 12
Table 5-2 Specification irradiation 14
Table 5-3 Response to Abnormal Voltages 16
Table 5-4 Distortion limits 19

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 5-1 Irradiation pattern 15
Figure 6-1 General test set-up for grid-connected inverters 22
Figure 6-2 Test set-up for grid-connected inverters with Power / Spectrum analyser 23

6 ECN-C--04-032
1. SCOPE
This document lays down requirements for the design qualification natural environments of
inverters for grid connected photovoltaic (PV) systems with a power up to and including 5kVA
for a single phase connection feeding into the utility low-voltage grid, suitable for long-term
operation indoor, conditioned or unconditioned; or outdoor in general open-air climates as
defined in IEC 60721-2-1, protected or unprotected.

In combination with the committee draft for vote (CDV) 82/330/CDV of IEC 62093 this
document, Dutch Guidelines Edition 2, gives a procedure for design qualification of grid
connected PV-inverters and comprises performance, utility interface protection, electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) and field tests.
This document must be seen as a supplement to the committee draft for vote CDV and specifies
those requirements for grid-connected inverters, which are not yet discussed herein.

ECN-C--04-032 7
2. PROCEDURE FOR DESIGN QUALIFICATION
The procedure for design qualification is laid down in the committee draft for vote (CDV)
82/330/CDV of IEC 62093 in chapter 4, 7 and 8. The Specific Performance Tests for
Components (paragraph 12.3 of the CDV) is supplemented with the Specific Functioning Test
Procedure inverters of chapter 5 of this document .

The test set-up for the specific functioning test procedure inverters of chapter 5 is described in
appendix A. The PV simulator is described in appendix B and the grid simulator in appendix C.

8 ECN-C--04-032
3. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this document the following definitions apply.

Array: A mechanically integrated assembly of modules or panels together with support

structure, but exclusive of foundation, tracking apparatus, thermal control and other such
components, to form a d.c. power-producing unit. (IEC 61277)

Current-voltage characteristic (I = f(V)): The output current of a photovoltaic (PV)

generator as a function of output voltage, at a particular temperature and irradiance.
(IEC 60904-3)

Fill factor (FF): The ratio of maximum power to the product of open-circuit voltage and
short-circuit current: FF = Pmax /( Voc Isc ) (IEC 60904-3)

Inverter: A device which changes d.c. input into an a.c. output. (IEC 61277)

inverter efficiency: The ratio of the useful a.c. electrical output power of the inverter to
the d.c. power input. (IEC 61277)

Irradiance (G): Radiant power incident upon unit area of surface. (IEC 60904-3)
Unit: Wm2

Maximum power (Pmax ): The power at the point on the current-voltage characteristic
where the product of current and voltage is a maximum. (IEC 60904-3) Unit: W

Module: The smallest complete environmentally protected assembly of interconnected

solar cells. (IEC 60904-3; IEC 61277)

Open-circuit voltage (Voc ): The voltage across an unloaded (open) photovoltaic (PV)
generator at a particular temperature and irradiance. (IEC 60904-3) Unit: V

Panel: A group of modules fastened together, pre-assembled and wired, designed to

serve as an installable unit in an array and/or subarray. (IEC 61277)

Power conditioner: The electrical equipment used to convert electrical power into a form
or forms of electrical power suitable for subsequent use. (IEC 61277)

Rated output power (Prated): The inverters maximum AC power under continuous operation at
nominal voltage of the utility interface, under specified operating conditions. Unit: W
NOTE - The Rated output power can be dependent of the DC input voltage.

Short-circuit current (Isc ): The output current of a photovoltaic (PV) generator in the short
circuit condition at a particular temperature and irradiance. (IEC 60904-3) Unit: A

Voltage temperature coefficient (): The change of the open circuit voltage of a
photovoltaic (PV) device per unit change of cell temperature. (IEC 60904-3) Unit: VC1
NOTE This coefficient varies with irradiance and to a lesser extent with temperature.

ECN-C--04-032 9
4. NORMATIVE REFERENCES

The following normative documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were
valid. All normative documents are subjected to revision, and parties to agreements based on
this standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain registers of
currently valid International Standards.

IEC 60364-7-712, Electrical installations of buildings Part 7: Requirements for special

installations or locations Section 712: Photovoltaic power supply systems

IEC 60449, Voltage bands for electrical installations of buildings

IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)

IEC 60950, Safety of information technology equipment, including electrical business

equipment

IEC 60721-2-1, Classification of environmental conditions Part 2: Environmental conditions

appearing in nature - Temperature and humidity, Amendment 1

IEC 61683, Photovoltaic systems - Power conditioners - Procedure for measuring efficiency

IEC 61727, Characteristics of the utility interface for photovoltaic (pv) systems (under
construction, committee Draft for Vote 82/308/CDV)

IEC 61836, Solar photovoltaic energy systems Term and symbols

IEC 62093, Balance-of-system components for photovoltaic systems Design Qualification

natural environments (under consideration, Committee Draft 82/311/CD)

IEC 62124, Photovoltaic (pv) stand-alone systems design verification (under consideration,
Committee Draft for Vote 82/303/CDV)

EN 61000-3-2, Electromagnetic Compatibility Part 3: Limits Section 2: Limits for harmonic

currents emissions (Equipment input current up to and including 16A per phase)

EN 61000-3-3, Electromagnetic Compatibility Part 3: Limits Section 3: Limitation of

voltage fluctuations and flicker in low-voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current
=< 16A

EN 61000-4-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring

techniques Section 2: Electrostatic discharge requirements

EN 61000-4-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring

techniques Section 3: Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test

EN 61000-4-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring

techniques Section 4: Electrical fast transient / burst requirements

10 ECN-C--04-032
EN 61000-4-5, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring
techniques Section 5: Surge immunity tests

EN 61000-4-6, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring

techniques Section 6: Immunity to conducted disturbances, induced by radio-frequency fields

EN 61000-4-11, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measuring

techniques Section 11: Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity
tests

EN 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 6-1: Generic standards; Immunity

for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments

EN 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 6-3: Generic standards; Emission

standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments

ECN-C--04-032 11
5. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONING TEST PROCEDURE INVERTERS
Inverters have a variety of input voltage ranges. Inverters suitable for one or two PV panels
normally have a small input voltage range. String inverters can have an input voltage range of
several hundreds of volts. The behaviour of the inverter under test can be different at minimum
and maximum input voltage. Therefore electrical parameters must be measured at different
input voltages. The number of different input voltages depends on the input voltage range of the
inverter. As guidance the number of voltage ranges and levels of the IEC 61683, Photovoltaic
systems Power conditioners Procedure for measuring efficiency, is taken. The different
input voltages of the IEC 61683 are: minimum input voltage, nominal input voltage and 90% of
the inverters maximum input voltage. appendix D describes how to calculate these three input
voltages.
The tests described in chapter 5 must be carried out at the input voltages as specified in Table
5-1.

Table 5-1 Input voltage test level

Paragraph Functioning Test Umin Unom 90%Umax
5.1.1 Energy efficiency X X X
5.1.2 European efficiency X X X
5.1.3 Power factor X X X
5.1.4 MPPT efficiency X X X
5.1.5 MPPT response time X
5.1.6 Stand-by loss X
5.1.7 Electric shock X
5.2.1 Over/Under voltage X
5.2.2 Over/Under frequency X
5.2.3 Islanding X
5.2.4 Start-up delay X
5.2.5 Utility recovery X
5.2.6 Direct-current injection X
5.3 EMC X
5.4 Harmonics X
6 Field measurement (outdoors) X X X

All measurements described in chapter 5 shall be carried out at room temperature after the
inverter under test is warmed up. An initially warming up phase could exist of 15 to 30 minutes
of operation of the inverter at full power.

Remark
In chapter 5, requirements in Italic refer to the original text of the standard mentioned for the
edition as mentioned in chapter 4. If the relevant standard changes due to a new release or the
standard mentioned is overruled by a new standard, than the text in Italic and requirements are
no longer applicable and shall be replaced by the new text and requirements of the new
standard.

12 ECN-C--04-032
5.1 Performance tests
The procedures and requirements of the sub-clauses of paragraph 5.1 are applicable for single
and multi PV-input inverters with one phase output.
For multi PV-input inverters the input power must be equally divided over the individual inputs.

5.1.1 Power conversion efficiency (static)

Procedure
The static power conversion efficiency must be measured in compliance with the procedure for
grid-connected inverters described in IEC 61683. The power test levels are: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%,
5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,
85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, and 120% of the rated output power. The power
test levels must be measured for all input voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1. The power
conversion efficiency must be measured over a period of 60 seconds for each power level. In
case the inverter cannot operate at overload conditions, power levels higher than 100%Prated are
not applicable for the inverter under test.
The power conversion efficiency shall be part of the qualification in order to assess the heat
production and the energy yield.

Requirements
See appendix E

5.1.2 European efficiency

Procedure
The European efficiency must be calculated for all input voltage test levels specified in Table
5-1. The formula for the European efficiency is specified by:
EU = (0.035%) + (0.0610%) +(0.1320%) +(0.130%) +(0.4850%) +(0.2100%)
The efficiency data required for calculating the European efficiency equals the efficiency data
of the power conversion efficiency test of paragraph 5.1.1. The index percentage of the
efficiency is the power test level percentage.
The European efficiency shall be part of the qualification in order to assess the heat production
and the energy yield.

Requirements
See appendix E

5.1.3 Power factor

Procedure
The power factor must be measured for the power test levels: 50%, 75%, 100% and 120% of the
rated output power. The power factor must be measured for all input voltage test levels specified
in Table 5-1. The power factor must be measured over a period of 60 seconds for each power
level. In case the inverter cannot operate at overload conditions, power levels higher than
100%Prated are not applicable for the inverter under test.

ECN-C--04-032 13
Requirements
The power factor shall comply with the requirements of IEC 61727.
The PV system shall have an average lagging power factor greater than 0.9 when the output is
greater than 50%Prated.

If the inverter is specially designed and produced for application in a specific country then the
power factor shall be in accordance with the national standards of the specified country.

5.1.4 Static MPPT efficiency

Procedure
The static maximum power point tracking (MPPT) efficiency must be measured for the power
test levels: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110% and 120% of the
rated output power. The static MPPT efficiency must be measured for all input voltage test
levels specified in Table 5-1. The static MPPT efficiency must be measured over a period of 60
seconds for each power level. In case the inverter cannot operate at overload conditions, power
levels higher than 100%Prated are not applicable for the inverter under test.
The static MPPT efficiency shall be part of the qualification in order to assess the MPPT range.

Requirements
See appendix E

5.1.5 Dynamic MPPT response

Procedure
The dynamic mppt response test shall be part of the qualification in order to characterise the
tracking behaviour of the inverter under dynamic irradiations.
The dynamic MPPT response must be determined for a continuously changing input power
corresponding to the irradiation patterns specified in Figure 5-1and Table 5-2, for all input
voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1. The DC input power of the inverter must be measured
with an oscilloscope after one minute of operation. In three successive cycles per pattern the
time must be noted the mpp tracker needs to reach 90% of its final state.

GL GH tr tf
Pattern [W/m] [W/m] [s] [s]
1 300 800 5 5
2 300 800 3 3
3 300 800 2 2
4 300 800 1 1
5 300 800 0.5 0.5

Table 5-2 Specification irradiation

As a reference the irradiation can be simulated as follows:

G=1000W/m corresponds to a Pmpp suitable for the rated output power
G is linearly with Pmpp

The times tH and tL, see Figure 5-1, are inverter dependent and shall be chosen long enough to
stabilise the inverter in its new point of operation due to maximum power point tracking.

14 ECN-C--04-032
 GH

GL

tr tH tf tL

Figure 5-1 Irradiation pattern

Requirements
See appendix E

5.1.6 Stand-by loss at night

Procedure
The stand-by loss shall be part of the qualification in order to assess the loss of energy yield due
to night consumption when the irradiation level is Gi = 0W/m.
Stand-by loss must be measured in compliance with the procedure for grid-connected inverters
described in IEC 61683. Stand-by loss, active power drawn from the grid (W) and apparent
power (VA), and load current of the inverter must be measured. The measurement starts after
the switching to the "night operation" state of the inverter and must be measured over a period
of time of 60 seconds.

Requirements
See appendix E

5.1.7 Electric shock

Procedure
The discharge of the internal capacitor of the inverter at the grid connection must be measured
for all input voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1 when the inverter is first operating at
100%Prated then the grid is disconnected at the voltage maximum of the sinus.

Requirements
The voltage on the grid connection after disconnection of the grid shall comply with the
requirements of IEC 60950.
Equipment is considered to comply if any capacitor having a marked or nominal capacitance
exceeding 0,1 F and connected to the external mains circuit has a means of discharge
resulting in a time-constant not exceeding:
- 1 second for pluggable equipment type A
- 10 seconds for permanently connected equipment and for pluggable equipment type B
During an interval equal to one time-constant the voltage will have decayed to less than 37% of
its original value.

ECN-C--04-032 15
5.2 Utility interface tests

5.2.1 Over / under voltage protection

Procedure
The under voltage and over voltage levels, with nominal frequency, of the utility interface must
be measured at which the inverter ceases to energise the utility line. Also the trip times must be
measured.
The under voltage and over voltage levels and the trip times must be measured for all input
voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1 when the inverter is operating at 50%Prated.

Requirements
The under voltage and over voltage levels and the corresponding trip times shall be in
accordance with IEC 61727, see Table 5-3. As voltages of 135% of the nominal grid voltage
and higher are supposed to be destructive for the inverter under test, the maximum voltage may
be limited to 120% of the nominal grid voltage.

Table 5-3 Response to Abnormal Voltages

Voltage (at point of utility connection) Maximum Trip Time*
V < 50% 0.1 seconds
50% V < 85% 2.0 seconds
85% V 110% Continuous Operation
110% < V < 135% 2.0 seconds
135% V 0.05 seconds

*Trip time refers to the time between the abnormal condition occurring and the inverter ceasing
to energize the utility line.

There are no requirements for the voltage levels at which the inverter must energise the utility
line again after the utility service voltage has recovered to within the specified ranges

If the inverter is specially designed and produced for application in a specific country then the
under voltage levels, over voltage levels, the corresponding trip times and the behaviour at
recovery shall be in accordance with the national standards of the specified country.

5.2.2 Over / under frequency protection

Procedure
The under frequency and over frequency levels of the utility interface must be measured at
which the inverter ceases to energise the utility line. Also the trip times must be measured.
The under frequency and over frequency levels and the trip times must be measured for all input
voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1 when the inverter is operating at 50%Prated for both the
minimum and the maximum voltage level of the utility interface where the inverter can operate
continuously.

Requirements
The under frequency and over frequency levels and the corresponding trip times shall be in
accordance with IEC 61727.
When the utility frequency is outside the range of +/- 1 Hz the inverter should cease to energise
the utility line within 0.2 seconds.

16 ECN-C--04-032
There are no requirements for the frequency levels at which the inverter must energise the utility
line again after the utility service frequency has recovered to within the specified ranges
If the inverter is specially designed and produced for application in a specific country then the
under frequency levels, over frequency levels, the corresponding trip times and the behaviour at
recovery shall be in accordance with the national standards of the specified country.

5.2.3 Islanding
Procedure
No special procedure is prescribed for measuring islanding protection.
An inverter that complies to the tests and requirements of paragraphs 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 is
considered to be sufficiently protected against islanding.

Requirements
The islanding protection shall be in accordance with IEC 61727.
A PV system that ceases to energise the utility line in case of a voltage and frequency situation
outside of the ranges stated in IEC 61727 within the timeframes set in the IEC 61727 is
considered to be sufficiently protected against islanding.

5.2.4 Start-up delay

Procedure
The start-up delay must be measured for a power test level of 50% of the rated output power.
The start-up delay must be measured for all input voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1.
Starting with a disconnected inverter, the inverter is connected to the grid and energised. Then
the solar input is connected and energised. The start-up delay is the time between the moment of
energising both the solar input and the grid connection and the moment the inverter is starting to
energise the utility line.

Requirements
Start-up delay is a normal operating action due to installing the inverter to the grid or due to
wake-up of the inverter in the morning where the utility interface supplies a continues grid
voltage and frequency in-range with the conditions for normal operation. Therefore there is no
relation with utility recovery according to IEC 61727.
The start-up delay shall be in accordance with national standards.

5.2.5 Response to utility recovery

Procedure
The response to utility recovery must be measured for a power test level of 50% of the rated
output power. The response to utility recovery must be measured for all input voltage test levels
specified in Table 5-1. Following an out-of-rang condition that has caused the photovoltaic
system to cease energising, the system shall respond to recovery of the utility service voltage
and frequency within the specified ranges with a delay before starting to energise the utility line.

Requirements
The response to utility recovery shall be in accordance with IEC 61727.
Following an out-of-range utility condition that has caused the photovoltaic system to cease
energising, the photovoltaic system shall not energise the utility line for 3 minutes after the
utility service voltage and frequency have recovered to within the specified ranges.

ECN-C--04-032 17
If the inverter is specially designed and produced for application in a specific country then the
response to utility recovery shall be in accordance with the national standards of the specified
country.

5.2.6 Direct-current injection

Procedure
The direct-current injection into the utility line must be measured for two power test levels of
the rated output power. One power test at 95% of the highest power level where the inverter
operates in the maximum power point. A second power test level where the inverter operates
outside the maximum power point at maximum power (output power limitation). The direct-
current injection must be measured for all input voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1.

Requirements
The direct-current injection shall be in accordance with IEC 61727.
The PV system shall not inject dc current greater than 1% of the rated inverter output current
into the utility ac interface.

5.3 EMC
Procedure
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) must be tested. In the EMC tests, emission and
immunity, the repercussion of the inverter to the grid and the surrounding area are measured.
The measurements are based upon the requirements stated in EN 61000-6-1 and EN 61000-6-3
both for residential, commercial and light industry applications.

Requirements
The inverter must satisfy the requirements of the following standards:

Emission
Emission EN 61000-6-3 *)
Harmonic distortion EN 61000-3-2
Flicker EN 61000-3-3

Immunity
Immunity EN 61000-6-1
Electrostatic discharge EN 61000-4-2
Radiated immunity EN 61000-4-3
Electric fast transient EN 61000-4-4
Surge EN 61000-4-5
Conducted immunity EN 61000-4-6
Voltage dips EN 61000-4-11

*) For PV-systems with very short DC-lines, like modules with integrated inverters,
conducted emission measurement on the DC-lines may not be obliged, however the module
area could work as an antenna. In this case a measurement of the radiated field between
150 kHz and 30 MHz is recommended.

18 ECN-C--04-032
5.4 Harmonics
Additionally to the requirements of paragraph 5.3 EMC the inverter must satisfy the
requirements of IEC 61727 too.

Procedure
The harmonic current emission injected into the utility interface must be measured while the
inverter is operating at 100%Prated. Voltage harmonics of the utility interface shall be in
accordance with appendix C. The harmonic currents must be measured for all input voltage test
levels specified in Table 5-1.

Requirements
The harmonic current emission shall be in compliance with IEC 61727.
Even harmonics shall be less than 25% of the next higher odd harmonics listed in the IEC
61727.
Total harmonic distortion shall be less than 5% at the rated inverter output. Each individual
harmonic shall be limited to the percentage listed in Table 5-4
Even harmonics in these ranges shall be less than 25% of the odd harmonics listed.

Table 5-4 Distortion limits

Odd harmonics Distortion limit
3rd through 9th Less than 4.0%
11th through 15th Less than 2.0%
17th through 21st Less than 1.5%
23rd through 33rd Less than 0.6%

NOTE: A procedure for determining the effect of harmonic current emission of an inverter as a
response on harmonic voltage pollution of the grid is under consideration.

ECN-C--04-032 19
6. FIELD MEASUREMENTS (OUTDOORS)
Outdoors measurements are necessary to assess the maximum power point tracker performance
of the inverter. Outdoor measurements have the advantage that the actual maximum power point
tracker behaviour can be observed with a real PV array, so that potentially unrealistic
interactions between maximum power point tracker and solar simulator can be avoided.

Procedure
Operate the inverter in a PV system with a real PV panel or PV array and a real utility power
line. There shall be fault protection according to clause 712.413 of IEC 60364-7-712. The PV
panel or PV array shall be able to continuously supply the DC power sufficiently for the
inverters rated output power, at a maximum irradiance of 1000W/m. The field measurements
must be carried out for all input voltage test levels specified in Table 5-1.
At a minimum of four irradiance levels (preferably 100W/m, 200W/m, 600W/m and
1000W/m) data of Udc, Idc and G must be acquired with a sample rate of 1000Hz. Three plots
must be made of the tracking behaviour of the inverter at the given irradiance levels.
The first plot must show the irradiance G and the DC power Pdc versus time.
This plot shows the power deviation as a result of the search algorithm of the MPP tracker.
The second plot must show the DC voltage versus time.
A voltage swing with a frequency of twice the grid frequency can possibly be seen.
The third plot must show the DC power Pdc versus the DC voltage Udc.
This plot is a part of the IV curve of the PV panel or PV array and shows if the maximum
power point tracker finds the maximum power point.

Requirements
The inverter shall not show abnormal operation.

20 ECN-C--04-032
APPENDIX A TEST SET-UP
The test-up is defined in Figure 6-1 and Figure 6-2 of this appendix. Two test set-ups have been
defined. Test set-up according to Figure 6-1 is applicable for basic measuring instruments. Test
set-up according to Figure 6-2 makes use of an intelligent measuring device such as a power /
spectrum analyser. The test set-up describes the place of the measuring instruments or devices
for each solar input and for the grid connection for single input or multi input PV inverters with
a 1-phase output.
The test set-up is in accordance with test set-up of IEC 61683 for utility-interactive type power
conditioners.

ECN-C--04-032 21
 A1 W1 W2 A2 PF

PV Inverter Grid
Simulator V1 under test V2 F R* Simulator

Figure 6-1 General test set-up for grid-connected inverters

A1 DC ammeter V1 DC voltmeter
A2 AC ammeter V2 AC voltmeter
W1 DC wattmeter PF power factor meter
W2 AC wattmeter F frequency meter
R* Resistive load (optional, see appendix C)

22 ECN-C--04-032
 S1 S2

PV Inverter Grid
Simulator U1 under test U2 R* Simulator

Power / Spectrum Analyser

Figure 6-2 Test set-up for grid-connected inverters with Power / Spectrum analyser

S1 DC current shunt U1 DC voltage probe

S2 AC current shunt U2 AC voltage probe
R* Resistive load (optional, see appendix C)

ECN-C--04-032 23
APPENDIX B DEFINITION PV SIMULATOR
The PV simulator is a manually adjustable or computer driven power supply. The DC output
follows the IV-characteristic of a normal PV-array. The IV-curve can be obtained by a data
table, analogue or numerical computation. The PV simulator shall have sufficient speed in
relation to the dynamic behaviour of the inverter, such as the ripple due to the grid frequency in
case of a 1-phase inverter and the inverters MPPT-algorithm. The PV simulator shall not
interfere with the switching behaviour of the inverter.

The IV curve shall be described by three variables:

Isc = Short-circuit current
Voc = Open Circuit voltage (no load voltage)
FF = Fill factor (sharpness of the curve)

The fill factor shall be between 0.70 and 0.75 in case of simulating c-Si PV-modules, in case of
simulating a-Si PV-modules the fill factor shall be between 0.60 and 0.65.

The formulas for Isc=f(G) and Voc=f(G) for both c-Si and a-Si PV-modules are defined in the draft
standard of IEC62124 as:

Translation factors

G2
Isc , 2 = Isc ,1 [1 + (T 2 T 1)]
G1

and

G2
Voc , 2 = Voc ,1 1 + a ln + b (T 2 T 1)
G1

Module parameters
: temperature coefficient of Isc (default = 0.0005 /C)
b : temperature coefficient of Voc (default = -0.004 /C)
a : dimensionless radiation factor of Voc (default = 0.06)

24 ECN-C--04-032
APPENDIX C DEFINITION GRID SIMULATOR
The grid simulator is a manually adjustable or computer driven power supply with an AC
output, 1 phase, able to sink and source power. When the output of the grid simulator cannot
sink all the power or when the output of the grid simulator can only source power, a resistive
load of sufficient power can be placed in parallel with the grid simulator. Due to internal
resistance, external wiring and (current) measuring devices the output voltage may drop or rise.
The voltage at the grid connection of the inverter shall be within 1% of the adjusted output
voltage of the grid simulator. The harmonic ratios of the test voltage shall not exceed the
following values with the EUT connected as in normal operation:

0.9 % for harmonic of order 3;

0.4 % for harmonic of order 5;
0.3 % for harmonic of order 7;
0.2 % for harmonic of order 9;
0.2 % for even harmonics of order from 2 to 10;
0.1 % for harmonics of order 11 to 40.
(The harmonics and percentages are in accordance with IEC 61000-3-2)

The grid simulator must be able to sink DC currents produced by the inverter.

ECN-C--04-032 25
APPENDIX D CALCULATION OF INPUT VOLTAGES
The input voltages Umin, Unom and 90%Umax are defined as the simulated PV array that gives the
corresponding voltage, according to the manufacturers specification, in the maximum power
point of the IV-curve when the inverter is operating at the specified power. The specified power
can be voltage dependent. The inverter may not show a current limiting, voltage limiting or
power limiting behaviour.
By specifying a simulated PV array the input voltage and input current of the inverter changes
as a result of irradiance and mppt behaviour. The dependency of Isc=f(G) and Voc=f(G) for both c-
Si and a-Si PV-modules is defined in appendix B.

As a reference the input voltages can be calculated as follows:

90%Umax is the simulated PV array that gives an Umpp , at the rated output power (Prated), equal to
90% of the maximum of the mpp voltage range specified by the manufacturer of the inverter. If
the corresponding Uoc should exceed the absolute maximum voltage of the inverter then the
Umpp must be adjusted to such a value that Umpp corresponds to Uoc=Uoc max.

Unom is the simulated PV array that gives an Umpp , at the rated output power (Prated), equal to the
nominal input voltage (Umpp) of the inverter. If the manufacturer does not specify a nominal
value then an average value can be calculated.

Umin is the simulated PV array that gives an Umpp equal to 120% of the minimum of the mpp
voltage range specified by the manufacturer of the inverter. The value of 120% allows the
inverter to operate at low power levels while the input voltage is still higher than the minimum
Umpp specified by the manufacturer. Due to a possible limitation of the input current the rated
output power at Umin can be less than the rated output power for Unom or 90%Umax.

Note:
For inverters with a small input voltage range the nominal input voltage can be about equal or
even more than 90% of the inverters maximum input voltage.
If the calculated input voltages lead to unpractical or illogical values, alternatives must be
chosen in consultation with the designer or manufacturer of the inverter.

26 ECN-C--04-032
APPENDIX E BEST PRACTICE
Not all the tests of chapter 5 have requirements according to an international standard or a
national standard. For those tests a best practice is defined. This best practice reflects a
performance level that is achievable to day. It is not a mandatory requirement. Due to an
optimization of the price/performance ratio other performance levels are acceptable. As
standards omit, it is not up to a test institute to approve or disapprove the inverter under test.

Power conversion efficiency (static)

For today's inverters, power conversion efficiency higher than 90% for power levels higher than
20%Prated is achievable.

European efficiency
For today's inverters a European efficiency higher than 91% is achievable.

Static MPPT efficiency

For today's inverters, static MPPT efficiency higher than 97% for power levels between
10%Prated and 95%Prated is achievable.

Dynamic MPPT response

The inverter must continue its normal operation during and after the test.
The fastest pattern that passes the test will be noted.

Stand-by loss at night

The stand-by loss must comply with the specifications according to the manufacturer.

ECN-C--04-032 27
APPENDIX F REPORTING
All test results must be reported. Aspects to discuss in the report are:
General:
Test set-up
Used equipment
Specification of IV-curves
Specification of the grid

Tests
Measuring data
Data according to specification of the manufacturer
Selection of standard
Data according to standards
Data according to best practice

28 ECN-C--04-032