Solar Lattice

Measurement

Temperature-linked output derating

ID
meas:temperature-derated-output
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/meas/temperature-derated-output
Status
active
Also known as
Temperature derating, Power Derating, Temperature, Active power limit Temperature, Derating en température, Derating running

In this signature, the inverter lowers its output power, or shuts off, to keep its components from overheating. Manufacturer derating curves show full output up to an ambient threshold, around 45 C on several models. Above that point the output drops, and on one model it falls linearly until the inverter shuts down at 60 C. Some inverters log a dedicated event when the internal operating temperature cuts the power. SMA units log one once the reduction has lasted more than 10 minutes. Inverters do not always report a derating or power-reduction status. Check their behaviour by plotting power against irradiance. The failure mode behind this pattern is inverter overheating. Check that all external fans are running and that the ambient temperature is within the normal operating range. Replace any failed fans. If you run a performance ratio regression on grid-side power, it also picks up thermal losses in the inverter. Use array-side power to separate these losses from module temperature effects.

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Signals

Monitoring channels where this signature appears, named by SunSpec model point.

PointUnitPattern
model_103.WWAC power reduced below expected output while temperature is high
model_307.TmpAmbDEG_Cambient temperature high when the power reduction occurs
model_103.TmpSnkDEG_Cheat sink temperature high while power is reduced
model_103.TmpCabDEG_CHigh cabinet temperature at the same time as the stepwise power reduction
model_302.POAIW-PER-M2plane-of-array irradiance stays high while power is reduced

Referenced by

Data