Backgrounder
OutBack Radian Series of Grid/Hybrid inverter‐chargers with GridZero and Advanced Battery Charging technology 1. What’s new with the new Radians? OutBack Power has added two very significant technologies to newRadian models, both domestic and international. They are GridZero technology and Advanced Battery Charging. This is on top of the comprehensive technology inventory already in place with the Radian, consisting of six advanced operational modes to master a wide range of power conversion scenarios from mini‐grid to uninterrupted power supply (UPS), plus dual AC inputs and unparalleled surge capacity, stability and agility. 2. What’s behind these new technologies? Mainly Future‐Perfect System Design. That means being able to design renewable energy systems for both today’s needs plus any conceivable energy scenario tomorrow. Most important, the new technologies in the OutBack Radian’s address three fundamental shifts going on in the renewable energy sector that are affecting system sales: 1. Changes in incentives— policy is not permanent, and much policy surrounding government and utility‐
provided incentives—from tax credits to net metering—are being changed and in some cases cut back or even eliminated. This heavily affects PV system economics by skewing payback and return‐on‐
investment, and that results in greater buyer anxiety making it more challenging to overcome buyer resistance.  GridZero technology addresses this by eliminating the need to sell‐back in order to maximize system economics—by working to stop the meter, it can reduce grid usage to zero. 2. Changes in utility rules and regulations—for reasons ranging from economic (more solar equals fewer rate‐payers) to pragmatic (more renewable energy on a grid can result in grid instability), utilities are limiting or even eliminating sell‐back options in a growing number of regions—meaning that simple grid‐
tied systems, which rely on selling‐back to the utility to achieve payback, now carry a degree of built‐in obsolescence by being unable to master new economic realities.  GridZero technology powers loads from the battery instead of the grid, using solar to recharge batteries, and draws on the grid only when needed to supplement renewable or stored energy sources. The high degree of offset operation provides sufficient savings to justify the cost of PV. 3. Changes in storage technologies tied to the growth of storage—energy storage is considered the largest growth business in renewables today, and with that is surging interest in next‐generation batteries including lithium‐ion, flow and other types.  Advanced Battery Charging profile ensures compatibility with lithium‐ion, flow, aqueous‐ion, nickel‐metal, fuel‐cell, and other emerging residential and commercial types as well as today’s lead‐acid types. OutBack Power Technologies, Arlington, WA 98223 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 8 Backgrounder
Below: Future‐Perfect positioning is the at the core of OutBack Power’s new Grid/Hybrid Radian series with GridZero and Advanced Battery Charging technology
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3. How does GridZero work? By providing the perfect balance between utility power and stored renewable energy, allowing a home or business to power much of its electrical needs using renewables while tapping utility power during key moments when load demand might overload or overwhelm the system. Grid Zero works by controlling load powering instead of responding to battery voltage—a whole new approach, one designed to maximize renewable energy use and minimize grid dependence. In GridZero mode, the Radian inverter powers loads primarily from DC sources (battery and renewable energy). While remaining grid‐connected, the inverter uses these DC sources to reduce dependency on the grid to zero whenever possible, drawing only on this AC source when the load requirements on the DC sources exceed preselected values. Essentially, GridZero is a new AC input mode which: 1. Uses mainly stored and renewable energy to power loads day and night, using the grid only for meeting peak demands 2. Lets the grid pick up the surges and make up the difference when load demand increases, and only when necessary 3. Enables smaller systems to do a bigger job, since a relatively modest battery bank, inverter‐charger and PV array can satisfy more of a user’s energy needs by using the grid to augment renewables when necessary. This technology provides four critical advantages; 1. Higher system economics. By maximizing the contribution of renewables toward total energy consumption, systems no longer have to sell‐back to the grid to achieve payback and return‐on‐
investment. 2. Lower cost‐of‐entry. By seamlessly blending‐in utility power when needed to support surges, load spikes, and solar variability, GridZero technology enables a smaller system to perform like a much larger one, reducing the equipment and installation investment needed for system efficacy. 3. Greater simplicity. The inverter/charger remains connected and synchronized to the utility grid for when it’s needed. When larger load demand requires the use of more grid power, no destabilizing transfer is required—the process is seamless. And programming is simple, with only two set point adjustments needed to determine the rate, priority and amount of energy to use. 4. “Best case scenario” design capability. As energy policies and incentives change, the new Radians with GridZero technology can easily master them, prioritizing self‐consumption and offset over sell‐back to always deliver the best renewable energy value possible. They are ideal for complex utility environments such as California, Hawaii, and other areas where a shifting policy landscape raises buyer apprehension and uncertainty over investing in a solar energy system—and having a “future perfect” system capable of anticipating and mastering any changes on the horizon is the best way to overcome it. 4. How does Advanced Battery Charging work? OutBack built its reputation on legendary off‐grid reliability and battery back‐up expertise. That background is thoroughly built‐into the new Radians, which are future‐ready through expanded charging voltage and time parameters to enable system designers to accommodate the specific charging profiles and algorithms of newer battery technologies. By eliminating the three‐stage charging scheme used for traditional lead‐acid batteries, Advanced Battery Charging allows a full‐range of adjustment and flexibility for all battery types, present and future. OutBack Power Technologies, Arlington, WA 98223 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Page 3 of 8 Backgrounder
5. Where does all this new technology put the Radian series compared to the competition? Most important to a system designed for future‐perfect perfomance by optimizing renewable economics regardless of the regulatory, utility and incentive environment are affordability and practicalitys—this technology has to be easily implementable in today’s systems. In that respect OutBack has succeded by balancing three parameters: 1. System size—residential and light commercial systems are getting larger, exceeding the utility and government “top off” points—in the Northeastern United States, for example, installers report that system sizes are increasing at the rate of 30% annually. OutBack’s expanded Radian series perfectly spans two sizes, 3.5‐4kW and 7.5‐8kW depending on the version used, providing both an entry‐level and a maximized system power design point. And of course Radian systems are easily expandable through system stacking, thanks to on‐board networking intelligence plus OutBack’s line of compatible GSLC pre‐wired load centers. 2. System value—GridZero techology lets a smaller system perform like a larger one, meaning that installers can lower the cost of entry using Radian technology. 3. System agility—A Grid/Hybrid Radian‐based system, through its dual inputs and multiple operational modes, really serves as several systems in one: grid‐tied, off‐grid, and back‐up during emergencies and outages. 6. How many models make up the new Radian series? Four, they are: 1. GS8048A 8kW model for selected North, Central and Latin American markets 2. GS4048A 8kW model for selected North, Central and Latin American markets 3. GS7048E 7kW model for Europe, Asia and other global markets. NOTE: this product is currently in distribution; the new features can be upgraded on models in the field with firmware updates available at www.outbackpower.com 4. GS4048E 3.5kW model for Europe, Asia and other global markets In addition the current GS8048 8kW model is still available. Also for selected North, Central and Latin American markets, this model has similar performance to the 8048A but without GridZero and Advanced Battery Charging capabilities.* It is ideal for cost‐sensitive installation or when expanding a legacy Radian system (the 8048A and 8048 models cannot be stacked with each other). *Other differences include selectable frequency/adjustable voltage, certifications, grid‐protection parameters, and other specifications. See spec tables for both products for full details.
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The chart shows that the new Radian series, while comparable to other grid‐interactive inverter/chargers, is a better value based on the greater performance and versatility inherent in its design and enhanced by its new technologies of GridZero performance and Advanced Battery Charging. OutBack Power Technologies, Arlington, WA 98223 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Page 5 of 8 Backgrounder
Summary of Radian Series operational modes AC Input Mode Description Use scenario Mini Grid Where renewable and battery sources are the primary source of electricity, this mode enables the system to operate off‐grid the majority of the time and switch‐over to grid‐connected when conditions warrant it. Ideal for sites where sufficient renewable energy enables mostly off‐grid operation. Grid tied Uses power from both renewable sources and the utility grid for running loads and charging batteries; any excess energy can be sold back to the grid. Systems in regions with FiT (feed‐in‐tariff), net‐
metering, or other incentive programs. The larger the renewable energy system, the greater the benefit. GridZero Draws on grid electricity only when needed to supplement renewable and stored energy sources, such as when load requirements exceed the capacity of those sources. Enables a smaller renewable system to perform like a larger one by blending‐in utility power only when needed, reducing grid‐dependency. Ideal for use in areas where policies, incentives and regulations are subject to change and utility sell‐
back options may be becoming more limited. Support Augments a limited AC source, such as a generator or weak grid, by adding battery power when needed to prevent load demand from overloading the available energy supply. Ideal for sites with small generators or inadequate grid power. Backup Where the main application is providing power in the event of grid failure. OutBack inverter technology protects Ideal for systems in applications where computers and manages expensive battery banks with features such and other sensitive loads or site‐specific equipment as monitoring and adjustable battery temperature are present. compensation. UPS Generator An immediate back‐up mode when staying powered is essential and ultra‐fast response time in switching to battery back‐up is critical. Ideal for commercial applications where uninterrupted power is mission‐critical. Allows a wider use of less‐than‐optimum AC sources, such as an noisy utility grid or generator, and reduces intermittency or shut‐down under those condition. Ensures stable, dependable operation regardless of local power quality. Ideal for using a generator even when that generator is undersized or has power‐quality issues. OutBack Power Technologies, Arlington, WA 98223 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Page 6 of 8 Backgrounder
Comparison of competitive features OutBack Power Technologies, Arlington, WA 98223 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Page 7 of 8 Backgrounder
NEW Radian Series Specifications Model GS8048A GS4048A GS7048E GS3548E Nominal DC Input Voltage Continuous Output Power at 25°C AC Output Voltage (selectable) AC Output Frequency (selectable) Continuous AC Output Current at 25°C Idle Consumption ‐ Invert mode, no load Typical Efficiency CEC Weighted Efficiency Maximum Output Current Overload Capability 48Vdc 48 Vdc
48 Vdc
48 Vdc
8000 VA 4000 VA
7000 VA
3500 VA
120/240 Vac
120/240 VAC 230 Vac 230 VAC 60 Hz (50 Hz)
60 Hz (50 Hz)
50 Hz (60 Hz) 50 Hz (60 Hz)
33.3 Aac at 240 Vac
16.7 Aac 30 Aac
15.2 Aac
34W 34W
34 W
34 W
92.5% 92.5% 92.5%
92.5%
92.0%
N/A
92.0%
N/A
1 ms peak 100 ms surge 100 Aac 50 Aac at 240 VAC
100 Aac
50 Aac
16.97 kVA 8.5 kVA 16.3 kVA
8.2 kVA
L‐N 170 to 290 Vac
45 to 55 Hz or 55 to 65 Hz 208 to 252 Vac 45 to 55 Hz at 50 Hz (54 to 66 Hz at 60 Hz) L‐N 208 to 252 Vac 50 Aac at 240 Vac L1‐N, L2‐N 85 to 140 Vac 54 to 66 Hz at 60 Hz (45 to 55 Hz at 50 Hz) L1‐N, L2‐N 108 to 132 Vac (default) 59.3 Hz to 60.5 Hz (default) 50 Aac 170 to 290VAC (L1 or L2) 70‐
280VAC 54 to 66 Hz at 60 Hz (45 to 55 Hz at 50 Hz) (L1 or L2) 106 to 132VAC 59.3 to 60.5 Hz
57Hz to 61Hz (EN50438) 50 Aac
57 Hz to 61 Hz (default) 50 Aac
115 Amps DC
57.5 Adc
100 Adc
50 Adc
40 to 64 Vdc
40 to 64 Vdc
40 to 64 Vdc 40 to 64 Vdc
UL Listed 1741, CE, IEC 62109‐1 ETL , CSA C22.2 No.107.1, RoHS compliant per directive 2011/65/EU, FCC Class B, EN61000‐6‐
1, EN61000‐6‐3, EN61000‐3‐2, EN61000‐3‐3 UL Listed 1741, CE, IEC 62109‐1 ETL , CSA C22.2 No.107.1, RoHS compliant per directive 2011/65/EU, FCC Class B, EN61000‐6‐
1, EN61000‐6‐3, EN61000‐3‐2, EN61000‐3‐3 IEC 62477‐1, AS4777.2, AS4777.3, EN61000‐6‐1, EN61000‐6‐3, EN61000‐3‐2, EN61000‐3‐3, AS3100, CE, RoHS compliant per directive 2011/65/EU IEC 62109‐1, IEC 62477‐1, AS4777.2, AS4777.3, EN61000‐6‐1, EN61000‐6‐3, EN61000‐3‐2, EN61000‐3‐3, AS31000, CE, RoHS compliant per directive 2011/65/EU AC Input Voltage Range (adjustable) AC Input Frequency Range (default) Grid‐Interactive Voltage Range Grid‐Interactive Frequency Range Maximum AC Input Current Continuous Battery Charge Output DC Input Voltage Range Certifications OutBack Power Technologies, Arlington, WA 98223 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Page 8 of 8