What happens to input power when inverter switched off?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of input power in a photovoltaic (PV) system when an inverter is switched off. Participants explore the implications of this action on voltage, current, and resistance, as well as the operational characteristics of inverters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what happens to input power when an inverter is switched off, noting that voltage remains relatively stable while current changes, suggesting a potential increase in resistance.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the question, asking whether "switched off" refers to the inverter's position before or after the input and what type of inverter is being discussed.
  • A participant specifies that the inverter is switched off after the input power, indicating that sunlight continues to illuminate the PV panel.
  • One participant states that if a PV panel is disconnected from its load, no power is produced, asserting that power is the product of voltage and current, leading to zero power output if current is zero.
  • This same participant introduces the concept of an ideal switch, describing it as having resistance that changes from zero when closed to infinity when open, and questions whether an inverter truly disconnects from its source when turned off.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of the inverter and its impact on power output, with no consensus reached on whether the inverter disconnects from its source or how this affects input power.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the type of inverter and its operational characteristics, as well as the definitions of terms like "switched off" and "disconnected."

says
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In a PV system, what happens to input power when an inverter is switched off?

I noticed that voltage does not change much but the current does. Does this mean the resistance increases?
 
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says said:
What happens to input power when inverter switched off?

define that question clearer ... switched off ... where ?
before or after the input ?
what sort of inverter ?then this Q may be answered better
says said:
I noticed that voltage does not change much but the current does. Does this mean the resistance increases?
Dave
 
After the input power. So the sun is still shining on the PV panel, but the inverter is switched off.
I don't know much about inverters to answer your last question, sorry.
 
If you disconnect a PV panel from its load, no power is produced. Power P is voltage times current, ##P=VI##. Therefore if ##I=0## then ##P=0##.regardless of ##V##.

If you wish, you can view an ideal switch as a device that changes resistance from ##R=0## when closed to ##R=\##infinity when open.

Does an inverter really disconnect from its source when off? I'm not sure about that.
 

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