New Switch-Disconnectors for Photovoltaic Applications

gazza — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

gazza Fri, 29/06/2012

Eaton’s Electrical Sector has significantly developed its DC switch-disconnector product. The constantly growing requirements placed on the efficiency of Photovoltaic (PV) installations now require operating voltages above the previous limits of 1000 VDC. For the first time, switches up to 1500V DC with rated operational currents up to 1600A are now available. Switches and accessories are now suitable for ambient temperatures up to 65° C and typical applications include switch-disconnectors in generator terminal boxes, as well as isolating main switches that are suitable for use as maintenance and repair switches on the incoming side of the DC/AC inverter.

The switches are based on 4-pole switch-disconnectors from the AC range. These switches have been optimized in terms of their creepage and clearance distances and their contact elements in order to control the increased load placed on switching and quenching behavior with voltages up 1500V DC at a full rated current.

All switches meet the requirements of DIN EN 60947-3 and comply with category DC-22A for switching mixed resistive and inductive loads, including the fourfold overload with an L/R ratio of >= 2ms.

These conditions ensure that the contacts achieve an electrical lifespan of up to 2500 operations - at the full rated current. The mechanical and de-energized lifespan achieves up to 20,000 operations. The switches thus provide sufficient reserve capacity to perform the standard duties of isolating maintenance and repair switches reliably and safely over many years.

Compact bridge kits with contact protection up to IP2x are available for connecting switch contacts in series. These bridges are suitable for ambient temperatures up to 65° C and are factory tested in combination with the switches and enable rapid mounting in restricted space. All the modules from the standard range required for automated use can be combined as accessories, such as rotary drives, remote operators, voltage releases and suitable connection terminals depending on the cable type.

Picture Caption: New Eaton DC switch-disconnector 1500V/ 1600A

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Eaton, photovoltaic, switch disconnectors