Summer Distillation Challenges: The Impact of Higher Voltage from Photovoltaic Installations and How to Address It


In the summer, when the sun is at its peak, photovoltaic installations operate at full capacity, providing a significant amount of energy to our homes. While this eco-friendly solution has many benefits, it can also pose certain challenges, particularly for those using devices such as distillers. One of the main issues is the higher voltage in the electrical grid, which can lead to increased heating power from the heating elements. In this article, we will discuss why this happens, the consequences it brings, and how to mitigate it.

Higher Voltage in Summer: The Source of the Problem
Photovoltaic installations generate electricity that is fed into the home electrical grid. Ideally, the grid voltage should be around 230 V, but in the summer, when photovoltaic panels are operating at maximum efficiency, this voltage can rise to higher levels.

This occurs because:

  • Excess Energy Production: Photovoltaic panels produce more energy than is consumed, leading to a rise in grid voltage.
  • Grid Limitations: Electrical grids have limitations in absorbing excess energy, which can result in voltage spikes.

Impact of Higher Voltage on Distillers
Distillers, like any other heating devices, are designed to operate at a specific voltage. When the voltage increases, the heating power of the elements also increases, which can lead to several problems:

Overheating: Heating elements can overheat, potentially damaging the device.
Uncontrolled Distillation Process: Higher heating power can disrupt the precise distillation process, resulting in lower quality distillate.
Increased Energy Consumption: Higher voltage and the associated higher heating power can lead to inefficient energy use.
Higher Inlet Water Temperature for Cooling
Another significant issue in summer distillation is the higher temperature of the inlet water used for cooling. When ambient temperatures rise, the water used to cool the distiller can be warmer than usual. This can impact the efficiency of the distillation process in several ways:

  • Reduced Cooling Efficiency: Warmer cooling water is less effective at condensing the vapor back into liquid, potentially leading to incomplete condensation and loss of product.
  • Increased Risk of Overheating: Higher inlet water temperature can exacerbate the overheating issues caused by higher voltage, putting additional stress on the distiller's cooling system.
  • Quality of Distillate: Inefficient cooling can affect the purity and quality of the distillate, as proper condensation is crucial for separating impurities.

To address this, consider using a pre-cooling system to lower the temperature of the inlet water before it enters the distiller. Alternatively, using a larger cooling reservoir or employing active cooling methods such as chillers can help maintain the necessary cooling efficiency during hot summer months.

Measuring Grid Voltage and Using a Voltage Stabilizer


To minimize the risks associated with higher voltage, two key solutions are recommended:

Measuring Grid Voltage: Regularly monitoring the voltage in the electrical grid allows for real-time control of its value. Simple voltmeters available on the market can be used for this purpose.
Voltage Stabilizer: Voltage stabilizers are devices that automatically adjust the grid voltage to a safe level. A voltage stabilizer protects the distiller from voltage spikes and ensures consistent heating power, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of the distillation process.
How to Choose a Voltage Stabilizer?
When selecting a voltage stabilizer, consider the following aspects:

Input Voltage Range: The stabilizer should support the voltage range that may occur in your grid.
Device Power: Ensure the stabilizer has sufficient power capacity to handle your distiller.
Additional Features: Some stabilizers offer extra features such as surge protection, which can be beneficial.
Conclusion
In the summer, when photovoltaic installations are operating at full capacity, higher voltage in the grid can pose a problem for distiller users. Additionally, higher temperatures of the inlet water used for cooling can further complicate the distillation process. To avoid overheating heating elements, disruptions in the distillation process, and inefficient cooling, it's advisable to regularly monitor grid voltage, invest in a voltage stabilizer, and consider methods to cool the inlet water effectively. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy safe and efficient distiller operation year-round.

If you have additional questions or need assistance in selecting the right devices, our team at the distiller store is always ready to help!