In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Faviola Angula, a performance improvement engineer at CPS America, to explore the intricate world of solar inverter technology and performance monitoring. Faviola shares her journey into the solar industry, highlighting her transition from oil and gas to renewable energy, driven by a desire to contribute positively to the planet. Having joined CPS America six years ago after completing her master's in electrical systems, she has become a well-respected figure in the industry, known for her technical expertise and customer-focused approach.
Listeners will gain insights into the critical role of performance monitoring in maximizing solar asset's LCOE. Faviola discusses how CPS America utilizes their advanced monitoring system, FlexOM, to track inverter performance, identify issues in real-time, and implement solutions that enhance overall system productivity. Through FlexOM, she can remotely access and adjust inverter settings, diagnose complex problems like power quality issues and grid integration challenges, and help customers avoid unnecessary truck rolls that can cost upwards of $1,000 each. The system's sophisticated capabilities have been so effective that Faviola hasn't needed to conduct field visits in four years, handling most technical issues remotely from CPS's headquarters in Dallas.
Faviola explains the importance of understanding individual inverter behavior within larger systems, particularly in managing noise and voltage fluctuations that can impact energy output. The FlexOM platform provides detailed data about each inverter's performance, allowing for precise monitoring of everything from harmonic distortion to isolation readings. This granular level of monitoring, combined with CPS's commitment to having technical experts answer support calls directly, has helped position the company as a leader in customer service and technical support in the solar industry.
This episode is a must-listen for solar professionals, engineers, and anyone interested in the technical aspects of renewable energy technologies. Tune in to discover how innovative monitoring solutions are shaping the future of solar energy production and ensuring that systems operate at their full potential.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/faviola-angulo-44011aa5/
https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 - Intro: Performance Improvement of Solar Assets
02:19 - Faviola's Journey into Solar and CPS
03:50 - Faviola's Role at CPS: Customer Satisfaction and System Performance
04:51 - Flex Monitoring System: Real-Time Alarms and Proactive Support
06:24 - How Flex OM Processes and Presents Field Data
09:47 - Key Benefits for Asset Owners: Remote Control and Reduced Truck Rolls
13:11 - Technical Advancements: Remote Troubleshooting and Inspections
17:58 - Diagnosing Complex System Issues: Lost Phases and Harmonic Distortion
20:48 - Common Inverter Challenges and IEEE 1547 Requirements
24:04 - Security Features and Audit Logging
26:16 - Future of Flex OM: Evolving with Industry Demands
27:49 - CPS Company Culture and Innovation
29:35 - Innovation Day: Insights for Customers
31:12 - Closing: How to Contact Faviola
