5 ms·
> The circuit relies 100% on the microcontroller outputting the right signals I'm not an E.E. but does that apply for DC optimizers? Older optimizers had no AC
by heimatau 7y ago
> The circuit relies 100% on the microcontroller outputting the right signals
I'm not an E.E. but does that apply for DC optimizers? Older optimizers had no AC conversions in them.
> Little boxes like that are hard to waterproof and make resistant to repeated temperature fluctuations.
Hmm. I never checked to see if the warranty for the optimizers are 20 years. The panels are but I'd be surprised to see the optimizers be less than 20. Most, non-cheap, optimizers do have insulation to prevent moisture from getting in.
> It's just as likely to happen on a de-energised panel too - the optimizer is still connected, and the sun is still shining.
Based on your description, that makes it a possibility. Why aren't the optimizers equipped with some type of regulator to prevent output in situations like this?
- rasz 7y agoDC optimizers seem to be DC to DC converters, you rarely do those with MCU in professional setting, there are dedicated chips for it. Googling pictures of PCBs there are a ton of products with Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, those are rated at up to 10K hours at 105C, thats probably less than 5 years of sun divided by days whole thing gets cooked on the roof. Still that would merely lead to product failing to output power, MLCC and tantalum capacitors are the real problem, those love to short HARD under mechanical stresses, and temp cycling is a perfect environment to induce it. mlcc fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2rvAoO-MIA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2rvAoO-MIA , causes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKY5QWehME https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKY5QWehME