Press Releases

VOLTAIC
NEW DC SWITCHGEAR FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS

Moeller has launched four products targeting DC applications in the photovoltaic and standby battery fields.

Designed for DC voltages up to 1000V, they comprise fuse switch-disconnectors, switch-disconnectors with IP20 protection (IP65 protection for the enclosed version), fuseless DC string protective circuit-breakers, and switch-disconnectors specially designed for large photovoltaic plants.

The new products mean that Moeller now has the capability to encompass the switchgear requirements of applications in both AC and DC up to an operating ceiling of 1000V, at rated currents between 1 and 1600A.

DC fuse switch-disconnector up to 20A

First of the new products is the C10-FD fuse switch-disconnector, designed to reliably protect photovoltaic strings with a maximum rated current of 20A / 1000V DC from overload and short-circuit.

This product is designed as a modular rail-mounted device for top hat rail mounting in service distribution boards, and is available in single-pole (1 width module) and two-pole (2 width module) versions, or as a variant with a flashing LED light to indicate that a fuse has tripped.

DC switch-disconnectors up to 60A

Second in the new product line-up is the Moeller P-SOL DC switch-disconnector series for rated current ranges of 20A, 30A and 60A.

These DC isolators are available either with IP20 protection for direct mounting in the power inverter, or with IP65 protection for external mounting nearby. The high load switching capacity allows operation under load. For applications in large-scale photovoltaic plants, shunt and undervoltage releases enable the lockable switch-disconnectors to be tripped remotely if required.

Connection of the enclosed switch-disconnectors to the power inverter is via the special solar plug connectors used to connect solar plants. Depending on the power required, either two, four or eight solar strings can be connected on the incoming side via MC3 or MC4 connectors. There are alternative versions available for direct terminal connection and cable inlets using M12, M16 or M20 cable glands.

With the P-SOL DC switch-disconnector series, Moeller has eliminated the need for Y-cables by offering prefabricated solutions for different system configurations. Rugged housing material allows mounting in outdoor areas, with integrated pressure compensation elements preventing condensation. All enclosed switch-disconnectors are TÜV-approved.

Fuseless DC string protective circuit-breakers up to 60A

Moeller's third new product is a line of fuseless DC string protective circuit-breakers up to 60A.

These PKZ-SOL string protective circuit-breakers incorporate overload and short-circuit release, and are suitable for use in all currently available photovoltaic system configurations. Rail mounted in photovoltaic terminal boxes, they can also be combined with components such as terminals or lightning protection equipment. If required, users can fit optional shunt or undervoltage releases in order to implement remote tripping. The switching status is fed back via mounted auxiliary contacts.

DC switch-disconnectors and circuit-breakers up to 1400A

The fourth product comprises DC switch-disconnectors specially designed for large photovoltaic plants. These are available in three sizes (250A, 500A and 1400A) with a differentiated rated current and a maximum rated voltage of 1000V. Where overload and short-circuit protection are required in addition to the basic isolating function, circuit-breakers are available in three sizes with a rated current of up to 500A and a maximum rated voltage of 750V.

All switch-disconnectors switch the plus and minus pole together. On the four-pole breakers, incoming and outgoing wiring is implemented only on the bottom of the device. Jumper kits to ensure current connection across all four contacts are available for the two large circuit-breakers with a rated current greater than 300A. A protective cover offers all-round finger proof protection to IP2X standard.

The circuit-breakers can either switch on three poles, only plus or minus, or alternatively one and two poles of either plus or minus cables. The short-circuit breaking capacity is between 15kA to 70kA depending on the device type. Circuit-breakers from the standard Moeller range can be used for this DC application.

For the AC voltage side, Moeller offers proven three and four-pole circuit-breakers with thermo magnetic or electronic release. The versatile range covers rated currents from 20A to 1600A, rated voltages up to 1000V and short-circuit breaking capacities up to 150 kA.

All Moeller DC and AC circuit-breakers come from the tried and tested NZM product family, and can be fitted as required with system accessories such as control knobs, box terminals, indicating auxiliary contacts and voltage releases.

PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS:

Moeller products for photovoltaic applications

Issued on behalf of CBI-electric Industrial Controls (Moeller Division)
Further information: José Ruivo (manager sales & marketing)
Telephone: +27 11 977-0700
Fax: +27 11 977-0758
e-mail: ruivo@moeller.co.za
P O Box 100, KEMPTON PARK, 1620, SOUTH AFRICA

Issued by Thrush Industrial Marketing
Contact: Alan Thrush
Telephone: +27 11 483-1511
Fax: +27 11 483-3160
e-mail: info@thrushindustrial.co.za
P O Box 1933, HIGHLANDS NORTH, 2037, SOUTH AFRICA

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