In line with expectations, the new Fronius Agilo inverter and flexible service packages designed by the quality experts at Fronius generated a great deal of interest. There was another surprise in store for visitors to the stand as three new power categories in the proven Fronius IG Plus series were unveiled.
Austrian company Fronius has been involved in solar electronics for the past 20 years. "The high visitor numbers to the Fronius stand and the high level of interest in our products and services go to show we really have been getting it right over the past 20 years!" says a satisfied Martin Hackl, head of the Fronius Solar Electronics division. Complete heat and energy self-sufficiency in the Fronius house of the future "The aim of the Fronius house of the future is to achieve complete heat and energy self-sufficiency", explains Michael Schubert, Sales Development Fronius Energy Cell, about the pilot project soon to be commissioned at a Fronius site.
Batteries are charged with solar power to provide short-term energy storage in the energy self-sufficient family home, which then supply the energy needed during the evening and at night. For long-term storage, the Fronius Energy Cell uses an electrolyser to convert excess electricity into hydrogen that is stored in an external tank. The fuel cell function of the Fronius Energy Cell converts hydrogen back into electricity, enabling the household to be supplied with power even in the winter. The heat produced by the conversion process can be used to provide hot water and heating back-up.
The energy management system, developed in conjunction with Fr. Sauter AG (Basle), ensures efficient use and distribution of energy. This is how the Fronius house of the future provides complete heat and energy self-sufficiency. More agility with the Fronius Agilo "The Fronius Agilo is the first central inverter in the 75 kW and 100 kW power category that can be completely installed, commissioned and maintained by the installer" explains Martin Hackl.
Its special heavy-duty castors and compact design make the inverter very manoeuvrable and easy for the installer to work with. Being able to replace components on site makes servicing simple and fast and so has an add-on benefit in terms of providing a dependable yield. The maximum efficiency rating of 97.2% guarantees extremely high yield levels. With an output of 75 kW or 100 kW, the three-phase device is ideal for industrial or commercial photovoltaic systems and is designed to feed into the low-voltage grid.
The spacious connection compartment makes installation very easy, and the installer can save time and money using the new V terminal technology, which makes cable lugs and special tools unnecessary. 1The indoor version of the Fronius Agilo 100.0-3 will be available from September 2012. The Fronius Agilo 75.0-3 and the outdoor models will be available from January 2013. Flexible service packages To coincide with the launch of the new Fronius Agilo 100.0-3 and Fronius Agilo 75.0-3 central inverters, Fronius is adding new packages to the range of services it offers.
"The degree of flexibility clearly sets them apart from other packages on the market," says Daniel Drescher, who is responsible for the marketing of Fronius services. From a five year extension of the standard manufacturer's warranty, to an extra, comprehensive service package and also on to a 99% availability guarantee, there is something for every requirement. Three new three-phase inverters With perfect timing for Intersolar 2012, Fronius has pulled three new power categories in the popular Fronius IG Plus series out of the hat. "The Fronius IG Plus 55 V-3, Fronius IG Plus 60 V-3 and Fronius IG Plus 80 V-3 are ideally suited to the residential and small commercial sector," explains Martin Hackl.
With an output power of 5 kW, 6 kW and 7 kW, the devices complete the three-phase product range from 5 to 12 kW. Features such as optimum yield in partial load conditions and maximum service life offered by the Fronius MIX-Concept, HF transformer switchover, the Fronius Module Manager, the PC board replacement and ventilation concept, and the straightforward installation system ensure maximum yield dependability, extremely high levels of reliability and a wide variety of applications.
The Fronius IG Plus 55 V-3 inverter will be available from 1st July 2012, and the Fronius IG Plus 60 V-3 and Fronius IG Plus 80 V-3 from 1st September. They are intended for ²worldwide use. 1 These dates apply to the following countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany (low-voltage grid), France, Greece, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic. Certification for other countries will follow in 2013. ² Exceptions: Spain, Australia, Israel and China.
