What is a Motor Controller?
A motor controller is a device that manages the performance of an electric motor by governing the input power, providing current, voltage and temperature management protection and enabling specific, even precise operation of the motor, such as speed and torque control.
What is a Solar+Grid/GenSet Motor Controller?
The Solar+Grid/GenSet series combine the cost-savings of solar power with the predictable operation of grid-connection. This controller series combines an MPPT controller, voltage booster, 3-phase inverter and the ability to prioritize the most favorable energy source – in a single compact, lightweight and durable package.
Unlike other controllers this system doesn't simply switch between power sources – is balances between them. This produces several significant advantages over every other grid-tie motor controller on the market. Only SMS can do all this:
- Automatically and dynamically adjust to the most favorable energy source.
- Improve motor performance with automatic Active Power Factor Correction.
- Eliminate need for mandatory capacitors for PF compensation for inductive loads.
- Reduce peak power usage, and hence your electricity bill, by soft-starting the motor and reducing start-up (inrush) current.
- Reduce the time-of-use billing by your electricity provider. During daytime hours, when electricity costs are highest, use solar as the preferential source and only draw the differential power from the grid.
- Produce clean, and consistent, AC power irrespective of the source.
What types of devices can a Solar+Grid/GenSet Controller run?
The Solar+Grid/GenSet Series runs 3-phase devices, such as; motors, pumps, compressors and condensers. The series runs motor sizes of: 3HP, 5HP, 7.5HP and 10HP. Larger sizes available in Q3 2015.
What is required to run a Solar+Grid/GenSet system?
Solar Panels + Solar Motor Controller + Grid or GenSet connection + 3-Phase Device. The Solar+Grid/GenSet controller series connects to conventional solar panels using standard connections (in series/parallel). Standard 3-phase electrical wiring is used to connect to practically any off-the-shelf 3-phase AC motor.
Preferential Differential Source Balancing.
This advanced and proprietary technology lets you set your preferred power source to use only solar or a combination of solar/grid (or generator) power during the daytime when electricity rates are highest. The system dynamically manages solar input fluctuations and the deficient power is automatically drawn from the selected alternate source (grid or standby generator) to ensure predictable output and performance. These unique capabilities produce several significant benefits;
Reduce system installation costs – Eliminate the need for capacitors for PF compensation for inductive loads – with SMS controllers you don't need them.
Lower your electricity bill – Intelligent management of energy sources gives you real control of your energy usage, allowing you to take advantage of time-of-use billing by your electricity provider.
Lower your electricity bill (again) – Reduce your peak power usage – by soft-starting 3-phase motors and by reducing your demand for start-up (inrush) current – and lower your power bill some more.
Utilize 100% of the solar power you generate – Only SMS allows you to set solar as the priority source and programmatically control when and how much power you draw from the grid. When solar is not sufficient to run the motor only the deficient power (the differential) is drawn from the grid (and only if and when you set it to run). This unprecedented control enables you to get the most from your solar investment and reduce the amount of expensive electricity grid or generator power you use.
Continuous, consistent power – Only SMS delivers continuous power, of a consistent type and quality, from the most efficient mix of the available sources. Motors receive an uninterrupted flow of high quality digital power – irrespective of the source.
What makes an SMS controller better?
- More power from fewer solar panels
- Clean, digital AC power – motors run better and last longer
- Smaller footprint and fewer components – less cost
- Built-in dynamic Charge Controller
- Programmable – with remote controls and monitoring
- Plug n' play set up – Anywhere
Plug n' play set up.
Solar+Grid/GenSet Series controllers provide commercial/industrial-grade performance in grid-or genset connected applications. The system connects to:
- Standard PV solar panels (100w to 310w) and standard connections.
- Standard 3-Phase AC motor – 3HP, 5HP, 7.5HP, 10HP.
- Standard plumbing connections.
Always use a Certified Electrician for electrical work! Follow US National Electric Codes (NEC2011) for installation guidelines and restrictions to conform to local electrical codes. For a certified professional it's an easy setup.
Fewer components to buy – it's all in one compact unit.
Solar Only Series controllers combine an MPPT Controller, 3-phase inverter, 3-phase motor controller and charge controller ALL in one compact unit. Our proprietary design employs software controls and advanced circuitry to produce a long lasting solution for commercial/industrial applications in a compact, lightweight and durable package.
Clean, digital AC power – motors run better and last longer.
SMS controllers utilize Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which practically eliminates electrical and electromagnetic noise and dramatically improves motor performance. This high quality digital power eliminates many of the conditions of heat and stress that cause motors to fail. Motors run better and last longer.
Clean, digital AC power – motors run better and last longer.
SMS controllers utilize Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which practically eliminates electrical and electromagnetic noise and dramatically improves motor performance. This high quality digital power eliminates many of the conditions of heat and stress that cause motors to fail. Motors run better and last longer.
More power from fewer solar panels.
Proprietary High Frequency Interleaved Booster technology accommodates the variable nature of solar power using circuit-level MPPT technology that runs even on cloudy days/partial shadowing. In low light conditions, when other systems fail to start or simply shut down – an SMC controlled motor keeps running. The controller dynamically monitors and automatically adjusts for maximum performance.
If you ask the system to run on solar only: As input power fluctuates (dawn, dusk, shadowing), the SMS controller recalculates for the compensated run sequence, automatically adjusting the motor at a revised speed and torque based on the available light. This reduces start/stop cycles, which increase the output in a 24hr cycle and reduces stress on the motor. When sunlight falls below the critical minimum (nighttime) the motor shuts down and automatically restarts when the minimum required light resumes.
If you ask the system to run based on a specific flow rate or runtime (you can control settings from your phone!): The motor will first utilize the available solar power and draw only the deficient power from the grid to maintain the programmed operation that you set.
Programmable – with remote controls and monitoring.
Now you can monitor and control off-grid systems from anywhere. SMS controllers utilize The Internet of Things (IoT), which makes advanced connectivity, remote monitoring and controls, beyond machine-to-machine communications (M2M) possible.
The Solar+Grid/GenSet Series (check specific product for availability) allow you to set programmable SMS (text) based monitoring and alerts, perform demand-based auto starting of standby generator, specify runtimes, provide dry run monitoring and make other closed-loop controls possible.
Solar power's problem is not a problem here.
Solar is a variable energy source, when shadowing occurs a panel's voltage output fluctuates. These variations in current are bad for motors – they can cause them to run hotter, reducing performance, efficiency and shortening lifespan. It also forces the motor into more stop/start cycles – reducing performance and output.
When an electric motor hums, vibrates or heats up – those are signs that the power being fed to the motor is not clean. A variation in current or a modified sine wave puts stress on motors – they produce less, die sooner and cost you money. Like the fuel in your car, water in the gasoline is not good for your engine. Similarly, the signal you 'feed' to electric motors has a big impact.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are proving to be ever more useful and powerful. They increase motor efficiency, reduce noise, extend the lifespan of devices, and add useful features like soft-start and speed control. The more advanced VFD controllers on the market today deliver pure sine wave power to motors, but that's not the whole story.
Scientific breakthrough meets practical benefit
These capabilities produce several practical benefits:
- Use any standard PV solar panels.
- Highly efficient MPPT system. Utilize 100% of your solar investment.
- Use any standard 3-Phase AC motor.
- Connect to grid or standard GenSet to draw differential power.
- Digital Signal Processing dramatically improves motor performance. Motors run quieter, smoother and with less heat – they last longer.
- Utilize 100% of your solar investment – harvest ALL of the solar energy produced.
- Advanced electronics drive better motor performance, even with older panels past their peak performance.
- Motors start earlier in the day and run later, increasing runtime.
- Advanced electronics drive better motor performance, even with older panels past their peak performance.
- SMS technology is able to power a 3-Phase device using single-phase power connection (through the controller)
SMS controllers do what others can't.
Pure sine wave, soft-start and variable speed control is all great. There are several quality controllers on the market with these capabilities, but SMS controllers are unmatched in the industry in several important ways:
Proprietary High Frequency Interleaved Booster technology addresses the primary challenge of variable energy sources like solar; the need to manage fluctuations of input power (dawn, dusk and shadowing). When shadowing occurs a panel's voltage output fluctuates. These variations in current are bad for motors. Our precise closed-loop control of the digital signal (using our proprietary advanced algorithms) 'boosts' the voltage to produce consistent output.
Proprietary Circuit-Level MPPT technology enables solar powered motors to start earlier in the morning and run closer to dusk. An SMS controlled motor dynamically adjusts to variable solar power and keeps running when other motors stop – even on cloudy days or with partial shadowing.
Proprietary Preferential Differential Source Balancing lets you set your preferred power source. The system dynamically monitors and automatically manages variable solar and grid sources based on programmed priorities that you set.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology combined with our advanced vector-based inversion technology produces clean AC power – irrespective of the power source. This is uninterrupted high-quality conditioned power, practically free of electrical and electromagnetic noise.
3-phase motors run better and last longer.
In general, 3-phase AC motors offer more features, are more efficient and provide a better power factor than single-phase motors. AC motors have no capacitors or internal switches to wear out – they are more reliable, lighter, requiring less maintenance. The combination of free DC power and high-efficiency AC motors produces a more cost-effective solution than fuel-based systems for many small to mid-sized off-grid jobs.
The typical lifespan of a 3-Phase motor is 10+ years vs. 3 years or less for DC or single phase. Advanced SMS controller technology means that you need fewer panels (less cost, less space) for the same amount of work. Now you can run high-efficiency AC motors with no fuel costs and less maintenance – No brushes or capacitors to replace! SMS controllers run AC motors like no other system can.
Model/Sizes: 3HP 5HP 7.5HP 10HP
SMS-SMC00030GGC 2.3kW/3.0HP
SMS-SMC00050GGC 3.7kW/5.0HP
SMS-SMC00075GGC 5.6kW/7.5HP
SMS-SMC00100GGC 7.5kW/10.0HP
Run a 0.5HP motor with only 2 panels
Run a 1HP motor with only 4 panels
Run a 1.5HP motor with only 6 panels
Run a 2HP motor with only 8 panels
Solar+Grid/GenSet system specifications.
- High Frequency Interleaved Booster.
- Proprietary Circuit-Level MPPT.
- Automatic Priority Differential Source Balancing.
- Automatic Active Power Factor Correction.
- Digital Signal Processing (practically eliminates electrical/electromagnetic noise).
- Clean digital, vector-based AC power (irrespective of source).
- The Internet of Things (IoT) enabled (with SMS alerts).
- Soft start technology.
- Speed and torque control.
- Reversible motor (not recommended for pumps).
- Dry run monitoring (pump applications).
- Closed-loop speed controls.
- Temperature management of controller and 3-phase devices.
- Overload/over voltage protection.
- Automatic GenSet starting.
- Programmable management of power source and specified time line.
- Real-time synchronization of 24 clock.
- Global Parameter Settings – adjust many devices at once to optimize usage.
- Lightweight transformer-less design with low parasitic power loss.
- Solar Motor Controller components are CE and TUV certified.
Plug n' play set up – Anywhere
Solar+Grid/GenSet Series controllers provide commercial/industrial-grade performance in grid-or genset connected applications. The system connects to:
- Standard PV solar panels (100w to 310w) and standard connections.
- Standard 3-Phase AC motors/pumps – 0.5HP 1HP 1.5HP 2HP.
- Standard plumbing connections.
Always use a Certified Electrician for electrical work! Follow US National Electric Codes (NEC2011) for installation guidelines and restrictions to conform to local electrical codes. For a certified professional it’s an easy setup.
Perfect for commercial/industrial-grade off-grid applications.
- Domestic supply, animal water tanks, construction sites.
- Gardens, fountains, agriculture, horticulture, irrigation.
- Aerate ponds or fish farm tanks.
- Circulation/cooling fans, condensers (HVAC) and compressors.
Now you can combine the cost savings of solar with the predictable operation of Grid/GenSet power.
Application examples
Select your preferential energy source to power commercial-grade 3-phase pumps to fill animal water tanks, operate fountains, aerate ponds or irrigate fields. The SMC can also power circulation and cooling fans, condensers (HVAC) and compressors. Bypass the expense and hassle of fuel-based pumps. The plug n' play system is easy to set up. Programmable operation, day or night requires minimal management. Clean, digital AC power reduces peak power requirement – and your electricity bill!
