New Photovoltaic Fuse range for solar applications from SIBA
Photovoltaic, or 'PV' as it is also known, refers to the technology that converts light directly into electricity.
There is a rapidly growing need for solar energy in the world. This has created a dramatic growth in the development, manufacture and implementation of PV technology. Photovoltaic production has been doubling every two years, making it the world's fastest growing energy technology. At the end of 2007, it was estimated that the cumulative global production was 12,400 megawatts!
As the cost of coal-burning electricity rises, many governments have created financial incentives for solar generated electricity and this trend is predicted to continue around the world.
Electrical systems that convert the sun's energy into electricity are very reliable as long as they are protected properly. Any solar installation is vulnerable to fault currents or lightning strikes. Today, fuses and surge arrestors are the most effective ways of protecting the wiring and all the electrical equipment in a photovoltaic system.
But that protection must be designed, tested and adapted to the specific features of solar applications. Fuses protect the cables between the strings of modules from damage. The faulty circuits are then isolated and the system can keep on generating power.
The unique and specific nature of this protection has resulted in the creation of a whole new category of fuse products, known as Photovoltaic (PV) fuses.
WHAT MAKES PV FUSES DIFFERENT TO OTHER FUSES?
Low level Fault Protection
In Photovoltaic Equipment, fault currents can be only fractionally higher than system currents and the elimination of such low level overloads is a very challenging task for a fuse. This is the single biggest difference between PV fuses and all others and has taken many years of R&D to develop. The short circuit conditions associated with solar panels do not allow for sufficient current to open a standard fuse in a way that effectively isolates faulted photovoltaic strings.
PV fuses are designed with a maximum 1000VDC operating voltage based on typical solar panel systems with L/R of 1ms and below. The development of sophisticated solar panel systems has accelerated the demand for high performance fuses.
- Superior Cycling Withstand
PV fuses are tested in coordination with cycling conditions associated with solar panel system operation and environmental influences.
WHAT MAKES A SIBA PV FUSE DIFFERENT TO OTHER PV FUSES?
The Imin is the minimum opening current of the fuse and this is the key to opening low level fault currents. This is especially true during times of low-light conditions.
(eg. early morning, evening, fog, mist, cloudy or overcast conditions, etc.)
During such times, the system is not producing a lot of current, however a short circuit can still occur, therefore a fuse with the lowest possible Imin is desirable.
SIBA PV fuses have the lowest Imin of any PV fuses on the market!
Some brands have the 10x38mm PV cartridge fuses only. SIBA is the only brand to have developed a PV fuse offering consisting of 10x38mm, 14x51mm, NH style and even 6.3x32mm fuses. You can be sure that there is a fuse solution for your specific PV application.
- "Made in Germany" Quality
SIBA is one of the rare remaining manufacturers who have not shifted their manufacturing to low cost labour markets. SIBA believe that it is impossible to manufacture to a consistent high quality standard unless the product is being built by highly trained people in a quality controlled environment. They are uncompromising in their quality so that you can have peace of mind.
- Vast experience with solar applications R&D
Now that PV fuses are perceived as being an emerging market, other manufacturers are developing PV fuses to join 'the action'. However, SIBA have been building PV fuses and refining their technology for over 10 years! That is why their products are so advanced in comparison to the competition.
This was very evident at the Intersolar exhibition at Munich in 2008 where the significant majority of exhibitors used SIBA PV fuses in their installations.
Have a look at our range of PV (Solar) Fuses. click here
Have a look at the 'Photovoltaic (Solar PV)' section in our Information Library. click here
