Table of Contents
Advertisement
Relays Enable Solar Powered Systems
Safety and remote control functions
As environmental concerns and sustainability become more
important, interest is growing in solar power generation.
Tyco Electronics supplies a number of core components that
may be used in PhotoVoltaic (PV) solar modules, both in
domestic and commercial installations.
PV solar energy systems typically consist of a generator and a
power inverter with a connection to the public power grid. The
connection is bi-directional, allowing power to be taken from, or
fed to, the grid. Such an arrangement is subject to special standards
and regulations to ensure safety and prevent system damage.
Safety measures require an automatic switching unit with a circuit
break function between the generator and feed-in point. Switching
units must comply with DIN standard V VDE V 0126-1-1; the most
important part of this standard is the need for a contact gap larger
than 1.5mm at each switched pole.
For PV systems with galvanic isolation and single-phase AC
feed-in, at least two normally open relay contacts are needed,
one each for the phase and neutral lines. In PV systems with no
galvanic isolation, both of the switches mounted in series must be
electromechanical components.
Tyco Electronics offers a variety of solutions for solar generation
systems from its RM, 041083 and PCFN product families. The
PCFN Solar, for instance, is a normally open monostable relay that
occupies a printed circuit area of just 490mm² and dissipates very
little power. It has a continuous contact rating of 26A and the
required 1.5mm contact gap. Pull-in power of 1.5W is required for
0.1s for secure operation, after which the power of the coil can be
reduced to a hold level of 200mW.
Although electromechanical relays are already mandatory for
interconnection to the power grid, they are also useful for coupling
the PV generator to the inverter electronics. Use of a component
6
EMECH
SOLUTIONS
For further information, including the Solar Flyer, please complete the reply
ENQUIRY 1422
slip or visit
such as the Tyco Electronics EV 200 allows implementation
of special features such as remote on/off switching, service
disconnection and reversible emergency shutdown in the event of
a fault. The EV 200 can accommodate voltages up to 900VDC and
current requirements up to 200A.
Relays may also be used in PV systems for interface functions and
for internal monitoring, test and diagnostic purposes. Relays with
large contact gaps such as the RP920145 are often required for
such applications.
Features: PCFN Solar
One normally open contact
26A current rating
Rated voltage 277VAC
Breaking capacity 7,200VA
Contact gap larger than 1.5mm
Coil-to-contact dielectric strength 4000V
Clearance/creepage 6.1mm
Operation requires 1.5W for 100ms
200mW holding power
Features: EV 200
One normally open bridging contact
200A current rating
Rated voltage 320V (900V maximum)
2,000A breaking capacity
Contact gap larger than 1.3mm
Coil voltage 9VDC to 36VDC
Coil-to-contact dielectric strength 2,000V
Operation requires 1.5W for 100ms
200mW holding power
http://www.arrowne.com/innov/in216/f_1422.shtml
Tyco Electronics Solar Flyer available!
Please complete the reply slip or visit the
weblink below.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
