PV AC SPD
The photovoltaic AC surge protector is specially designed for the AC side of photovoltaic grid connection. It uses high-quality zinc oxide varistors and features low residual voltage, fast response speed, and resistance to multiple surge impacts. It can effectively resist lightning-induced surges and grid operation overvoltages, providing protection for the inverter grid connection port. The product is equipped with complete thermal trip and short-circuit protection devices. Once it fails, it automatically disconnects from the main circuit, eliminating the risk of fire. It can adapt to the harsh outdoor environment of photovoltaic power stations, which is subject to high temperatures and large temperature differences between day and night. It is moisture-proof and flame-retardant, meeting IEC standards. It is often used as T2 level secondary protection and is combined with the front-end first-level lightning protection to achieve energy matching, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the photovoltaic grid connection system.
PV AC SPD
The photovoltaic AC surge protector is specifically designed for the AC input end of the photovoltaic inverter and is suitable for the outdoor power distribution circuits of photovoltaic power stations.
PV AC SPD->Type 2 / Class ll
Uc(V):
AC385V/760V/1100V/1500V
Poles:
2P,3P,3P+1(Series connection),4P
In (8/20 μs):
60kA
Imax(8/20 μs):
100kA
Mode of Protection:
L/N-PEReference Standards:
IEC 61643-11OEM/ODM Acceptable
Additional Function:
Thermal Tripping Protection, Status Indicator, and Remote SignalingPV AC SPD->Type 2 / Class ll
Uc(V):
AC385V/760V/1100V/1500V
Poles:
2P,3P,3P+1(Series connection),4P
In (8/20 μs):
40kA
Imax(8/20 μs):
80kA
Mode of Protection:
L/N-PEReference Standards:
IEC 61643-11OEM/ODM Acceptable
Additional Function:
Thermal Tripping Protection, Status Indicator, and Remote SignalingPV AC SPD->Type 2 / Class ll
Uc(V) :
AC385V/760V/1100V/1500V
Poles:
2P,3P,3P+1(Series connection),4P
In (8/20 μs):
20kA
Imax(8/20 μs):
40kA
Mode of Protection:
L/N-PEReference Standards:
IEC 61643-11OEM/ODM Acceptable
Additional Function:
Thermal Tripping Protection, Status Indicator, and Remote SignalingWhat is Surge Protective Device?
A surge protective device, also known as a surge protector or SPD, is designed to safeguard electrical components against surges in voltage that might happen in the electrical circuit.
Whenever a sudden increase in current or voltage is produced in the electrical circuit or communication circuit as a consequence of outside interference, the surge protection device may conduct and shunt in a very short period of time, preventing the surge from damaging other devices in the circuit.
Surge protective devices (SPDs) are a cost-effective method for preventing outages and enhancing system reliability.
They are typically installed in the distribution panels and play an important role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of electronic devices in a wide range of applications by limiting transient overvoltage.
How Does Surge Protective Device Work?
The basic principle behind SPDs is that they provide a low impedance path to ground for excess voltage. When voltage spikes or surges occur, SPDs work by diverting the excess voltage and current to the ground.
In this way, the magnitude of the incoming voltage is lowered to a safe level that doesn't damage the attached device.
To work, a surge protection device must contain at least one non-linear component (MOV or GDT), which under different conditions transitions between a high and low impedance state.
Their function is to divert the discharge or impulse current and to limit the overvoltage at the downstream equipment.
Surge protection devices function under the three situations listed below.
A. Normal Condition (absence of surge)
In case of no surge conditions, the SPD has no impact on the system and acts as an open circuit, it remains in a high impedance state.
B. During voltage surges
In case of voltage spikes and surges, SPD moves to the conduction state and its impedance decreased. In this way, it will protect the system by diverting the impulse current to the ground.
C.Back to normal operation
After the overvoltage has been discharged, SPD shifted back to its normal high impedance state.
SOLUTIONS
Experimental Facilities
Cresin is equipped with professional-level surge protection device (SPD) comprehensive performance testing equipment, which can fully adapt to the performance testing and trial research of all categories of T1 and T2 level power surge protection devices.
Large constant temperature and humidity equipment
High current generator equipment
RF network analyzer
PV AC SPD Operating Principle
Normal insulation; surge conduction, limiting voltage and current release; using the periodic zero-crossing of AC to extinguish the continuous current of power frequency; thermal tripping to disconnect after component aging and failure, ensuring the stable operation of the grid-connected power distribution system.
Normal operating state
Basic structure
Zinc oxide varistor + industrial frequency continuous current cut-off device, divided into phase-to-neutral line protection and phase-to-ground protection, used for the three-phase AC circuit of the inverter grid connection.
The grid voltage is stable, the varistor maintains a high resistance state, the leakage current is extremely small, and it is in a dormant state.
Affected by lightning or operational overvoltage
Instantaneous high voltage breaks through the varistor, the component quickly conducts, and the surge current is discharged into the ground, clamping the instantaneous high voltage of the grid within the withstand voltage range of the electrical equipment, protecting the power devices of the inverter.
FAQ
How do I choose a PV AC SPD?
You should select the SPD according to AC system voltage, grid type, pole configuration, discharge current, protection level, and installation location. Common systems include single-phase and three-phase AC power networks.
What type of AC SPD is used in PV systems?
Most PV AC systems use Type 2 SPDs. If the site has an external lightning protection system or high direct lightning risk, Type 1 or Type 1+2 SPDs may be required at the main AC entrance.
Do I need an AC SPD if I already have a DC SPD?
Yes. DC SPDs protect the PV string and inverter DC input, while AC SPDs protect the inverter output and grid-connected side. Both sides can be affected by surge voltage.
Where should PV AC SPDs be installed?
PV AC SPDs are usually installed at the inverter AC output panel, AC combiner cabinet, main distribution board, or grid connection point. The installation position depends on the PV system design and cable distance.
What is a PV AC SPD?
A PV AC SPD is installed on the AC output side of the photovoltaic inverter to protect the grid-connected AC power system from surge voltage. It helps protect inverters, AC distribution panels, meters, and downstream electrical equipment.
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