Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Systems

Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Systems

2 photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes

Index Introduction 4 Protection of PV systems 5 Surge Protection Range for PV system 6 Surge Protection Panels for PV installations 10 Surge Protection Panels for PV Plants 16 BR09092 Document could be modified without notice Surge Protection for PV 3

photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes The company CITEL, a French company founded in 1937, has been manufacturing surge protection since 1945. CITEL offers a complete range of surge protection adapted to various networks including Low Voltage, Telecom, Data, Radiocom. Since 2005, CITEL has developed a range of surge protection and integrated enclosure solutions specifically for the photovoltaic market. CITEL's mission is to bring highperformance solutions compliant with the worlds leading standards in order to insure the best efficiency and reliability of your photovoltaic system. 4

Protection of PV devices against transient overvoltages Most of the solar module manufacturers offer a warranty of 20 years or more on their products. The cost of such devices is then calculated on this very long period. However those installations are very regularly exposed to lightnings and overvoltages, which can considerably reduce the desired life expectancy. The use of adapted surge protections is then highly recommended. Several aspects have to be considered to evaluate the risk "Lightning and Overvoltages" : The more the solar panel field is expanded, the more the risk of "lightning" issue is important. The risk is multiple : direct effect (lightning impact directly on the ) and indirect effect (overvoltages on, on the converter/inverter and other connecions). When the Photovoltaic devices are located on industrial sites, the risk of operation overvoltages should be taken in account as well. The risks level is directly linked to the density of local lightning and the exposure of the lines. Surge Protectors for PV devices The photovoltaic installation can be exposed to overvoltages on different networks : AC network : surge protectors are necessary, sometimes mandatory, for the 230V monophase network (or 3phases 230/400V) on which the PV inverter is connected. DC network : surge protectors are necessary, sometimes mandatory, on the continuous network in between the and the PV inverter. Data Network : if the PV inverter is linked to data lines (transducers, sensors, supervision) surge protectors are sometimes required. Surge Protection for PV 5

photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes Surge Protectors for PV installations AC side The connection of the PV to low voltages should be protected according to the Guide UTE C15712 recommandation. Depending on the kind of network, the presence of lightning rod or on primary existing surge protectors, CITEL proposes several solutions. DS250VG DS40 DS240 Surge protectors Type 1 and Type 2 AC DS254VG230/G DS44S230/G Reference DS250VG DS40 DS240 DS215 Type of surge protector Type 1 Type 2 Type 2 Type 2 Location TGBT TGBT TGBT or close to a PV inverter close to a PV inverter Low voltage network Un 230/400 Vac 230/400 Vac 230 Vac 230 Vac Max. operating voltage Uc 255 Vac 255 Vac 255 Vac 255 Vac Nominal discharge current In 30 ka 20 ka 20 ka 5 ka Max. discharge current Imax 70 ka 40 ka 40 ka 15 ka Lightning current (10/350) Iimp 25 ka Protection level Up 1,5 kv 1,25 kv 1,25 kv 0.9 kv Reference for 1phase network (TT, TN) DS252VG300/G DS42230/G DS240230/G DS215230/G Reference for 3phase network (TT, TN) DS254VG300/G DS44230/G Dimensions (1phase) 72 mm 36 mm 18 mm 18 mm DS240S230/G Surge Protectors for Data Lines The PV installation can be interconnected to different data networks (transducers, sensors, supervision..). In that case the use of adapted surge protectors on those networks is recommended. DLA24D3 DLA Surge protection with pluggable module for Data line References DLA48D3 DLA24D3 DLA06D3 Type of line PT100 420 ma RS485 Operating DC voltage Un 48 Vdc 24 Vdc 6 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 5 ka 5 ka 5 ka Max. discharge current Imax 20 ka 20 ka 20 ka 6

Surge Protectors for PV installations DC side The DC input of the inverters should be protected according to the recommandations of the UTE C15 712 Guide. Citel has developped a whole range of products devoted to this application : DS50PV. This one proposes several solutions : DS50PV : standard solution using specific varistors, available in common or differential mode. DS50PV.../G : version including a branch with gas tube linked to the ground, allowing the total suppression of leakage current. Protection in common and differential mode. DS50PV Surge protection Type 2 with unpluggable for PV network DS50PV1000 References DS50PV500 DS50PV600 DS50PV800 DS50PV1000 Max. PV voltage Uocstc 500 Vdc 600 Vdc 800 Vdc 1000 Vdc Max. operating voltage Ucpv 530 Vdc 680 Vdc 840 Vdc 1060 Vdc Protection Modes MC MC MC/MD MC/MC Nominal discharge current 8/20μs In 20 ka 20 ka 20 ka 20 ka Max. discharge current 8/20μs Imax 40 ka 40 ka 40 ka 40 ka Protection level Up 1,8 kv 2,5 kv 3 kv 3,6 kv Remote controlled version DS50PVS500 DS50PVS600 DS50PVS800 DS50PVS1000 DS50PV.../G Surge protection Type 2 with unpluggable for PV network without leakage current DS50PVS500 References DS50PV500/G DS50PV800/G DS50PV1000/G Max. PV voltage Uocstc 500 Vdc 800 Vdc 1000 Vdc Max. operating voltage Ucpv 530 Vdc 840 Vdc 1060 Vdc Protection Modes MC/MD MC/MD MC/MC Nominal discharge current 8/20μs In 20 ka 20 ka 20 ka Max. discharge current 8/20μs Imax 40 ka 40 ka 40 ka Protection level Up 1,8 kv 3 kv 3,6 kv Remote controlled version DS50PVS500/G DS50PVS800/G DS50PVS1000/G When the installation is equipped with lightning rods, it is recommanded to use surge protectors specifically designed to dissipate a part of the direct impact of the lightning. For those cases, CITEL has developped the DS60PV series Type 1 surge protectors being able to take up 12.5 ka a pole for a 10/350μs wave. DS60PV Surge protection Type 1 for PV power supply DS60PV500 References DS60PV500 DS60PV1000 Max. PV voltage Uocstc 500 Vdc 1000 Vdc Max. operating voltage Ucpv 550 Vdc 1100 Vdc Protection Modes MC MC Nominal discharge current 8/20μs In 40 ka 40 ka Lightning current 10/350μs Iimp 12,5 ka 12,5 ka Protection level Up 1,7 kv 2,4 kv Remote controlled version DS60PVS500 DS60PVS1000 Surge Protection for PV 7

photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes Surge protection panels for PV installations In compliance with the UTE C15712 guide, CITEL proposes a complete range of panel integrated solutions tha include surge protectors, over current protection, differential circuit breaker, switchning and connection. Those panels are designed to be installed on AC and PV access of the photovoltaic inverter. Numerous configuration are available Main features Panels for AC side and DC of the PV inverters. Compliant with the UTE C15712 guide. High resistance panels for use in all conditions. Easy installation and access for a best maintenance. Transparent cover for quick inspection. Switching. PV voltage up to 1000Vdc. Fuse protection (panels > 3 strings). Specific version on demand. Disconnecting switch handle with padlock. Protection principle by panel as defined by UTE C15712 towards TGBT CPV240 AC Surge protector panel differential breaker Photovoltaic inverter L CPV50 DC surge protector panel switching connection strings S D t o V DDR Pbt N AC DC t o V Pdc C Pbt : 1phase surge protector Type 2 D : External disconnector of the surge protector DDR : Differential breaker 25A/30 ma Pdc : DC surge protector Type 2 for PV (DS50PV) S : DC switch C : Terminal connection board for strings 8

Surge protection panel for PV inverter AC side CPV240 AC surge protector panel for 1phase PV inverter The CPV240 surge protector panel are designed to protect against the overvoltages caused by lightning, the low voltage side of the PV inverter linked to the low voltage network. They integrate the following functions : Protection against the overvoltages (surge protector CITEL DS240) compliant with the NF EN 6164311standard Line and differential breaker Connection to network The CPV240 panels are available for 1phase 230V network and several line currents and comply with the UTE C15712 Guide requirement about the photovoltaic installations linked to low voltage network. Specific versions by request. Electrical diagram L N PE Towards PV inverter TGBT Réseau 230 V L L N C25 30mA C20 Test N Breaker 25 A differential 30 ma DS240230/G L L N N onduleur inverter ~ = D L N Type 2 Imax 40kA Towards TGBT vers Terre de l'installation Characteristics CPV240230xxDDR Network Un 230 V single phase Max. current (xx) 16 20 25 32 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 4 mm² max Safety DS240230/G Thermal disconnector inside the surge protector Disconnection indicator indicator on the surge protector Overvoltage protection by circuitbreaker in the surge protector branch Overcurrent protection by line circuitbreaker (16 to 32 A rating) Protection against indirect contact by diff. circuit breaker 30 ma Type 2 SPD DS240230/G Max. operating voltage Uc 255 Vac Nominal discharge current In 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka Protection level Up 1.5/1.25 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP55 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 198 x 255 x 108 Housing material Polycarbonate UL 94 V0 Switchgear access Transparent door Cable path by cable gland Surge Protection for PV 9

photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes Surge protection panel for PV inverter DC side CPV50 Electrical diagram vers onduleur PV sectionneur vers strings The CPV50 surge protection panels are designed to protect, against overvoltages due to lightning, the DC part of the PV inverters. They integrate the following functions : Protection against overvoltages (surge protector CITEL DS50PV) compliant with NF EN 6164311 standard Switching Line fuse on string (panels > 3 strings) Connection of the strings The panels CPV50 are available with the voltage Uocstc 500, 600 800 and 1000 Vdc and for several short circuits current (Iscstc). They comply with the requirements of the UTE C15712 Guide on the Photovoltaic installations connected to AC network. The panels have a protection indice and a resistance to the impacts adapted to rough use conditions. Specific version are available on demand. PE Fusible (option) DS50PV Reference system CPV range PV surge protector panel Max. PV DC voltage (Uocstc) CPV 5010003ST/FU 500 500Vdc 600 600Vdc 800 800Vdc 1000 1000Vdc SPD 50 Type 2 60 Type 1 Number of Strings 3ST 3 strings 8ST 8 strings 4ST 4 strings 10ST 10 strings 6ST 6 strings 14ST 14 strings Breakers and Fuses with DC switch, without fuse (standard) NS without DC switch FUS10 with fuse on line (ex: 10 A) 10

Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV500 DS50PV500 Un 500 Vdc Un 500 Vdc Uc 530 Vdc Uc 530 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA Up 2.2kV Up 2.2kV PV Surge Protection Panels CPV505003ST CPV506003ST 3 strings surge protection panel 500 Vdc Switch in out out = onduleur ~ inverter in Characteristics CPV505003ST CPV506003ST Number of strings 3 3 Max. voltage PV Uocstc 500 Vdc 600 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 20 A 20 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 6,5 / 10 mm 2 6,5 / 10 mm 2 Switching yes yes Fuse protection by string no no Type 2 SPD DS50PV500 DS50PV600 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 530 Vdc 680 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka 40 ka Protection level Up 1.8 kv 2,5 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection level IP65 IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 305 x 225 x 125 305 x 225 x 125 Housing material ABS PC ABS PC Knob type Lockable Lockable Surge Protection for PV 11

Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV800 DS50PV800 DS50PV800 Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA In 20kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA Up 3kV Up 3kV Up 3kV photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes PV Surge Protection Panels CPV508003ST CPV5010003ST 3 strings surge protection panel 800 and 1000 Vdc 25 A Switch in out out = onduleur ~ inverter in Characteristics CPV508003ST CPV5010003ST Number of strings 3 3 PV maximum voltage Uocstc 800 Vdc 1000 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 25 A 25 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 6,5 / 10 mm 2 6,5 / 10 mm 2 Switching yes yes Fuse protection by string option option Parafoudre Type 2 DS50PV800 DS50PV1000 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 840 Vdc 1060 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka 40 ka Protection level Up 3 kv 3,6 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP65 IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 305 x 225 x 125 305 x 225 x 125 Housing material ABS PC ABS PC Knob type Lockable Lockable 12

Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV1000 DS50PV1000 DS50PV1000 Un 1000 Vdc Un 1000 Vdc Un 1000 Vdc Uc 1060 Vdc Uc 1060 Vdc Uc 1060 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA In 20kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA Up 3V Up 3V Up 3V PV Surge Protection Panels CPV5010004ST/FUS10 4 strings surge protection panel 1000 Vdc 25 A Switch Fuse in = onduleur ~ inverter out out in Characteristics CPV5010004ST/FUS10 Number of strings 4 Max. voltage PV Uocstc 1000 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 25 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 6,5 / 10 mm 2 Switching yes Fuse protection by string 10 A Type 2 SPD DS50PV1000 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 1060 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka Max discharge current Imax 40 ka Protection level Up 3,6 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 285 x 385 x 185 Housing material GR Polyester/PC Knob type Lockable Surge Protection for PV 13

Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV1000 DS50PV1000 Un 1000 Vdc Un 1000 Vdc Un 1000 Vdc Uc 1060 Vdc Uc 1060 Vdc Uc 1060 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA In 20kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA Up 3.6V Up 3.6V Up 3.6V photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes PV Surge Protection Panels CPV5010006ST/FUS10 6 strings surge protection panel 1000 Vdc 25 A Switch Fuses in out = onduleur ~ inverter M20 M20 M20 out in Characteristics Number of strings 6 Max. voltage PV Uocstc 1000 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 25 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 6,5 / 10 mm 2 CPV5010006ST/FUS10 Switching yes Fuse protection by string 10 A Type 2 SPD DS50PV1000 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 1060 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka Protection level Up 3,6 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 285 x 570 x 185 Housing material GR Polyester/PC Knob type Lockable 14

OFF ON 55DC4014 INTERRUPTOR SECCIONADOR 125A 4P Switchdisconnector * poles in series Ue 48V 110V 220V 400V 600V 800V Ie 125A/1p* 125A/2p* 125A/3p* 125A/4p* 80A/4p* 63A/4p* Imax Imax Imax PV Surge Protection Panels CPV508006ST/FUS10 6 strings surge protection panel 800 Vdc 63 A Switch Fuses in ENTRÉE INPUT SORTIE SORTIE OUTPUT OUTPUT TOUJOURS SOUS TENSION ALWAYS UNDER VOLTAGE 800V out = onduleur ~ inverter out in Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV800 DS50PV800 DS50PV800 Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA In 20kA T2 40kA T2 40kA T2 40kA Up 3kV Up 3kV Up 3kV M20 M20 M20 ENTRÉE INPUT Characteristics Number of strings 6 Max. voltage PV Uocstc 800 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 63 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 6,5 / 10 mm 2 CPV508006ST/FUS10 Switching yes Fuse protection by string 10 A Type 2 SPD DS50PV800 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 840 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka Protection level Up 3 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 285 x 570 x 185 Housing material GR Polyester/PC Knob type Lockable Surge Protection for PV 15

photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes Surge protection panels for Photovoltaic farms The panels devoted to the junction, switching and protection of Photovoltaic Power Plants are designed for specific conditions of use, performance and maintenance Main Features High resistance enclosure for use in all conditions. Easy installation with simple access for an optimized maintenance. Transparent cover for quick inspection. Switching up to 125 A. PV voltage up to 1000Vdc. Fuse protection. Specific version by request. 16

OFF ON 55DC4014 INTERRUPTOR SECCIONADOR 125A 4P Switchdisconnector * poles in series Ue 48V 110V 220V 400V 600V 800V Ie 125A/1p* 125A/2p* 125A/3p* 125A/4p* 80A/4p* 63A/4p* Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV800 DS50PV800 DS50PV800 Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA In 20kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA Up 3V Up 3V Up 3V PV Surge Protection Panels CPV5060010ST/FUS10 10 strings surge protection panel 600 Vdc 80 A Switch Fuses in ENTRÉE INPUT SORTIE OUTPUT TOUJOURS SOUS TENSION ALWAYS UNDER VOLTAGE 800V out out = onduleur ~ inverter ENTRÉE INPUT SORTIE OUTPUT M25 M25 M25 in Caractéristiques Number of strings 10 PV max voltage Uocstc 600 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 80 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 10 / 18 mm 2 CPV5060010ST/FUS10 Switching yes Fuse protection by string 10 A Type 2 SPD DS50PV600 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 680 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka Protection level Up 2.5 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 285 x 760 x 185 Housing material GR Polyester/PC Knob type Lockable Surge Protection for PV 17

Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Red/Rouge: to replace Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Parafoudre DC Surge Protector Surge Protector Surge Protector DS50PV800 DS50PV800 DS50PV800 Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Un 800 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc Uc 840 Vdc In 20kA In 20kA In 20kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA T2 Imax 40kA Up 3V Up 3V Up 3V OFF ON 55DC4014 INTERRUPTOR SECCIONADOR 125A 4P Switchdisconnector * poles in series Ue 48V 110V 220V 400V 600V 800V Ie 125A/1p* 125A/2p* 125A/3p* 125A/4p* 80A/4p* 63A/4p* photovoltaic generator disconnection boxes PV Surge Protection Panels CPV5080014ST/FUS10 14 strings surge protection panel 800 Vdc 125 A Switch Fuses in ENTRÉE INPUT SORTIE OUTPUT TOUJOURS SOUS TENSION ALWAYS UNDER VOLTAGE 800V out out = onduleur ~ inverter M25 M25 M25 ENTRÉE INPUT SORTIE OUTPUT in Characteristics Number of strings 14 PV max. voltage Uocstc 800 Vdc Max. current Iscstc 125 A Connection to network (Max. cable crosssection) 10 / 18 mm 2 CPV5080014ST/FUS10 Switching yes Fuse protection by string 10 A Type 2 SPD DS50PV800 Max. operating voltage Ucpv 840 Vdc Nominal discharge current In 20 ka Maximum discharge current Imax 40 ka Protection level Up 3 kv Mechanical characteristics Protection class IP65 Dimensions (H x L x P) mm 380 x 760 x 185 Housing material GR Polyester/PC Knob type Lockabke 18

Determine your specifi c PV panel Information Last, First Name Company Adress City/Zip code Phone Fax Email Web Requested Features Quantity Switching Max. current (Iscstc) : 15A 20A 25A MC Connectors 40A 80A 50A 125A Surge protector Type 2 Type 1 sans Number of strings Fuse protection Max. voltage (Uocstc) 500V 800V 600V 1000V Comments : Contact our technical service for your personalized panel info@citel2cp.com fax : 01 41 23 50 39 Surge Protection for PV 19

CITEL2CP 2 rue Troyon 92316 Sèvres CEDEX France Tel 33 (1) 41 23 50 23 Fax 33(1) 41 23 50 39 Email : contact@citel2cp.com Web : www.citel2cp.com CITEL GmbH Alleestrasse 144, Tor 5 D44793 Bochum Allemagne Tel 49 234 54 72 10 Fax 49 234 54 72 199 Email : info@citel.de Web : www.citel2cp.de CITEL Inc 11381 Interchange Circle South FL 33025 Miramar USA Tel 1 954 430 6310 Fax 1 954 430 7785 Email : citel@citel.us Web : www.citel.us