SMA Sunny Island 2012 Technical Description page 206

SMA Solar Technology AG
Glossary
Flash EEPROM
The abbreviation EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
Flash memories are digital storage devices (chips). The exact designation is "flash EEPROM". In
contrast to "normal" EEPROM memories, in flash EEPROM it is not possible to delete individual bytes
(the smallest addressable memory units).
EEPROM is a non-volatile, electronic memory component used (for example) in computer
technology, and mainly in embedded systems.
Flash EEPROMs are used where information must be permanently stored in the smallest amount of
space, e.g. for storing the firmware.
Float Charge
Allows the battery to be slowly charged to a charge level of 100 % without the negative effects of
overcharging. Complete charging to 100% using float charge takes several days. For this reason,
float charging is more important for grid backup systems and less important for stand-alone grids.
Full Charge
Full charge: recharging of the battery to a level of approx. 95 % on a regular basis (at least once
a month). This efficiently avoids premature battery aging caused by inadequate charging.
Full charge xxx
See Full Charge
Gel Battery
A type of battery in which the electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid) is bound into a gel.
This is a type of so-called closed lead acid battery. A gas mixture (hydrogen and oxygen) is always
generated when lead acid batteries are charged, and in normal operation this is internally
recombined to form water. This removes the need for regularly refilling the battery cells with water,
which is why these batteries are often described as "low maintenance" or even "maintenance free"
(see also AGM battery). Gel batteries are available from many different manufacturers for a wide
range of applications. There are gel batteries for high-current applications but also for cycle
operation with very high cycle resistance.
Generator
An electrical generator is an electrical machine which converts kinetic or mechanical energy into
electrical energy. Here, not only the electrical generator itself, but also the combustion unit (diesel,
petrol, or gas motor) necessary for the power unit is combined together with the electrical generator
and simplified under the term "generator". This is also described colloquially as a power generator.
Grid-connected system
PV system which is connected to the power supply grid of an external energy supplier.
Inverter
A device for converting the direct current (DC) from the PV generator into alternating current (AC),
which is necessary for connection of most normal household devices and especially for feeding
solar energy into an existing supply grid. Inverters for PV systems usually include at least one MPP
tracker, store operating data, and monitor the grid connection of the PV system (see also MSD).
206 SI2012_2224-TEN082311 Technical Description