Using a variable frequency drive for non-motor loads
An apparatus for effectively powering non-motor loads with solar power includes a solar array for producing DC power; a variable frequency drive (VFD) connected to the VFD for converting the solar DC power to AC power; a power transformer connected to the VFD; and a non-motor load connected to the power transformer. The power transformer is selected to provide a desired operating voltage to the non-motor load, typically 120 V. The power transformer may have a primary with a delta configuration and a secondary with a wye configuration. The system can be used to operate incandescent and fluorescent lamps, and to power UPS systems.
1 . Apparatus comprising:
a solar array for producing DC power;
a variable frequency drive (VFD) connected to the VFD for converting the solar DC power to AC power;
a power transformer connected to the VFD;
a non-motor load connected to the power transformer.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power transformer is selected to provide a desired operating voltage to the non-motor load.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the operating voltage is 120 V.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power transformer has a primary with a delta configuration and a secondary with a wye configuration.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the power transformer is configured to provide a 208 V phase voltage and a 120 V phase voltage to neutral.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the load is an incandescent or fluorescent lamp.
7 . The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the load is an incandescent or fluorescent lamp.
8 . The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the load is an incandescent or fluorescent lamp.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the load is a UPS system.
10 . The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the load is a UPS system.
11 . The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the load is a UPS system.