Choice of Surge Protection Devices for Photovoltaic Applications


General concept

To achieve the complete functionality of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant, whether small, installed on the roof of a family house or large, extending over vast areas, it is necessary to develop a complex project. The project includes correct selection of PV panels and other aspects such as mechanical structure, optimum wiring system (suitable location of components, correct oversizing of the cabling, protective interconnection or network protection) as well as external and internal protection against lightning and overvoltage. The LSP Company offers surge protection devices (SPD), which can protect your investment at a fraction of the total purchasing costs. Before projecting the surge protection devices, it is necessary to become familiar with the particular photovoltaic panels and their connection. This information provides basic data for selection of the SPD. It concerns the maximum open-circuit voltage of the PV panel or the string (a chain of panels connected in a series). The connection of PV panels in a series increases the total DC voltage, which is then converted into AC voltage in inverters. Larger applications can standardly reach 1000 V DC. Open-circuit voltage of the PV panel is determined by the intensity of sun rays falling on the panel cells and the temperature. It rises with growing radiation, but it drops with rising temperature.

Another important factor involves the application of an external lightning protection system – a lightning rod. The standard CSN EN 62305 ed.2 on Protection against lightning, Part 1 to 4 defines types of losses, hazards, lightning protection systems, lightning protection levels and the adequate arcing distance. These four lightning protection levels (I to IV) determine parameters of the lightning strikes and the determination is given by the level of hazard.

In principle, there are two situations. In the first case, protection of an object by an external lightning protection system is demanded, but the arcing distance (i.e. the distance between the air-termination network and the PV system) cannot be maintained. Under these conditions, it is necessary to ensure the galvanic connection between the air-termination network and the support structure of the PV panels or the PV panel frames. The lightning currents Iimp (impulse current with the parameter of 10/350 μs) are able to enter the DC circuits; thus it is necessary to install a type 1 surge protection device. LSP offers a more suitable solution in the form of combined 1+2 type surge protection devices FLP7-PV series, which are produced for the voltage of 600 V, 800 V and 1000 V with or without remote signalization. In the second case, there is no demand to equip the protected object by an external lightning protection system, or the arcing distance can be maintained. In this situation, the lightning currents cannot enter the DC circuit and only induced overvoltage is considered (impulse current with the parameter of 8/20 μs), where a type 2 surge protection device is sufficient, e.g. SLP40-PV series, which is produced for the voltage of 600 V, 800 V, and 1000 V, again with or without remote signalization.

When projecting the surge protection devices, we must consider the AC side as well as the data and communication lines, which are standardly used in a modern PV power station. A PV power station is also threatened from the side of the DC (distribution) network. On this side, the choice of a suitable SPD is much broader and depends on the given application. As a universal surge protector, we recommend a modern FLP25GR series device, which incorporates all three 1+2+3 types within five meters from the installation point. It features a combination of varistors and a lightning arrester. LSP offers several series of surge protection devices for measuring and regulation systems as well as data transfer lines. New types of inverters are usually equipped with interfaces that allow monitoring of the entire systems. The products include various types of interfaces and various voltages for various frequencies and a selectable amount of pairs. As an example, we can recommend the DIN Rail mounted SPDs FLD2 series or PoE surge protector ND CAT-6A/EA.

Consider the following examples of three basic applications: a small PV power station on the roof of a family house, a mid-size station on the roof of an administrative or industrial building and a large solar park extending over a large plot.

Family house

As mentioned in the general concept of surge protection devices for PV systems, the choice of a particular type of device is affected by numerous factors. All LSP products for PV applications are adapted to DC 600 V, 800 V and 1000 V. The particular voltage is always selected according to the maximum open-circuit voltage specified by the manufacturer in dependence on the given arrangement of PV panels with a ca 15% reserve. For a family house – a small PV power station, we recommend products of the FLP7-PV series on the DC side (on condition that the family house requires no external protection against lightning or the arcing distance between the air-termination network and the PV system is maintained), or SLP40-PV series (if an air-termination network is installed at a distance shorter than the arcing distance). As the FLP7-PV unit is a 1+2 type combined device (protecting both against partial lightning currents and overvoltage) and the price difference is not great, this product can be used for both options, thus preventing potential human error if the project is not fully observed.

On the AC side, we recommend the application of an FLP12,5 series device in the building‘s main distributor. It is manufactured in a fixed and replaceable version FLP12,5 series. If the inverter is located in an immediate vicinity of the main distributor, the AC side is protected by a surge protection device of the main distributor. If it is located for example under the roof of the building, it is necessary to repeat installation of a type 2 surge protection device, e.g. the SLP40 series (again in a fixed or replaceable version) in the sub-distributor usually located next to the inverter. We offer all of the mentioned types of surge protection devices for DC and AC systems also in a remote signal version. For data and communication lines, we recommend the installation of a DIN rail mounted FLD2 surge protection device with screw termination.

FAMILY-HOUSE_0

LSP-Catalogue-AC-SPDs-FLP12,5-275-1S+1TYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II / TN-S / TT

FLP12,5-275/1S+1 is a two-pole, metal oxide varistor lightning and surge arrester, combined with gas discharge tube Type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11. These arresters are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0 – 1 (according to IEC 1312-1 and EN 62305 ed.2), where they provide the equipotential bonding and discharge of both, the lightning current and the switching surge, which are generated in power supply systems entering the building. The use of the lightning current arresters FLP12,5-275/1S+1 is mainly in the power supply lines, which are operated as TN-S and TT systems. The main use of FLP12,5-275/1S+1 series arrester is in structures of LPL III – IV according to EN 62305 ed.2. The marking of “S” specifies a version with remote monitoring.

LSP-Catalogue-DC-SPDs-FLP7-PV600-3STYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II / TN-S / TT

FLP7-PV series is a lightning and surge arrester type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11 and UTE C 61-740-51. These arresters are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0-2 (according to IEC 1312-1 and EN 62305) for equipotential bonding of positive and negative busbars of photovoltaic systems and elimination of transient overvoltage that originates during the atmospheric discharges or switching processes. Particular varistor sectors, connected between the terminals L+, L- and PE, are equipped with internal disconnectors, which are activated when the varistors fail (overheat). The operational status indication of these disconnectors is partly visual (discoloration of the signal field) and with remote monitoring.

Administrative and industrial buildings

The basic rules for surge protection devices also apply for this application. If we ignore the voltage, the decisive factor is again the design of the air-termination network. Each administrative or industrial building will most likely have to be equipped with an external surge protection system. Ideally, the PV power plant is positioned in a protective zone of external lightning protection and the minimum arcing distance between the air-termination network and the PV system (between the actual panels or their support structures) is maintained. If the distance of the air-termination network is larger than the arcing distance, we can only consider the effect of induced overvoltage and install a type 2 surge protection device, e.g. SLP40-PV series. Nonetheless, we still recommend the installation of combined 1+2 type surge protection devices, which are able to protect against partial lightning currents as well as potential overvoltage. One of such protection devices is an SLP40-PV unit, which is characterized by a replaceable module but has a slightly lower diverting ability than FLP7-PV, which has a greater diverting ability and is thus more suitable for larger applications. If the minimum arcing distance cannot be maintained, it is necessary to ensure galvanic connection of a sufficient diameter between all conductive parts of the PV system and the external lightning protection. All of these surge protection devices are installed in sub-distributors on the DC side before the inlet to the inverter. In case of a larger application where the cables are long or if line concentrators are used, it is suitable to repeat the surge protection even in these areas.

The 1+2 type FLP25GR device is standardly recommended for the building‘s main distributor at the AC line entrance. It features doubled varistors for higher safety and can boast an impulse current of 25 kA/pole. The FLP25GR unit, a novelty in the field of surge protection, incorporates all three 1+2+3 types and consists of a combination of varistors and a lightning arrester, thus providing multiple benefits. Both of these products will protect the building safely and adequately. In most cases, the inverter will be located off the main distributor, so it will again be necessary to install a surge protection device in the sub-distributor immediately behind the AC outlet. Here we can repeat the 1+2 level surge protection with the FLP12,5 device, which is produced in a fixed and replaceable version FLP12,5 or just SPD type 2 of the III series (again in a fixed and replaceable version). We offer all of the mentioned types of surge protection devices for DC and AC systems also in a remote signal version.

ADMINISTRATIVE_0

LSP-Catalogue-AC-SPDs-FLP25GR-275-3+1TYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II / TN-S / TT

FLP25GR/3+1 is a graphite discharge gap Type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11.These are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0-1 (according to IEC 1312-1 and EN 62305), where they provide the equipotential bonding and discharge of both, the lightning current and the switching surge, which are generated in power supply systems entering the building. The use of the lightning current arresters FLP25GR/3+1 is mainly in the power supply lines, which are operated as TN-S and TT systems. The main use of FLP25GR/3+1 arrester is in structures of LPL I – II according to EN 62305 ed.2. Double terminals of the device allow the “V” connection at the maximum current-carrying capacity of 315A.

LSP-Catalogue-DC-SPDs-FLP7-PV1000-3STYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II / TN-S / TT

FLP7-PV are the lightning and surge arresters type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11 and UTE C 61-740-51. These arresters are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0-2 (according to IEC 1312-1 and EN 62305) for equipotential bonding of positive and negative busbars of photovoltaic systems and elimination of transient overvoltage that originates during the atmospheric discharges or switching processes. Particular varistor sectors, connected between the terminals L+, L- and PE, are equipped with internal disconnectors, which are activated when the varistors fail (overheat). The operational status indication of these disconnectors is partly visual (discoloration of the signal field) and partly remote monitoring (by potential free change over contacts).

LSP-Catalogue-AC-SPDs-TLP10-230LPZ 1-2-3

TLP is a complex range of surge protection devices designed for the protection of data, communication, measuring and control lines against surge effects. These surge protection devices are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0A(B) – 1 according to EN 62305. All types provide effective protection of connected equipment against common mode and differential mode surge effects according to IEC 61643-21. The rated load current of individual protected lines IL < 0,1A. These devices consist of gas discharge tubes, series impedance, and transits. The number of protected pairs is optional (1-2). These devices are produced for nominal voltage within the range of 6V-170V. The maximum discharge current is 10kA (8/20). For the protection of telephone lines, it is recommended to use a type with nominal voltage UN=170V

LSP-Catalogue-IT-Systems-Net-Defender-ND-CAT-6AEALPZ 2-3

These surge protection devices intended for computer networks are specially designed for securing a faultless data transfer within computer networks category 5. They protect input electronic circuits of network cards against damage caused by surge effects in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0A(B) -1 and higher according to EN 62305. It is recommended to use these protection devices at the input of protected equipment.

Large photovoltaic power stations

External lightning protection systems are not frequently installed in large photovoltaic power stations. Subsequently, usage of the type 2 protection is impossible and it is necessary to use the 1+2 type surge protection device. The systems of large PV power plants incorporate a large central inverter with the output of hundreds of kW or a decentralized system with a larger amount of smaller inverters. The length of cable lines is important not only for elimination of losses but also for optimization of surge protection. In case of a central inverter, DC cables from individual strings are conducted to line concentrators from which a single DC cable is conducted to the central inverter. Because of the lengths of cables, which can reach hundreds of meters in large PV power stations, and a potential direct lightning strike at the line concentrators or directly the PV panels, it is important to install a 1+2 type surge protection device to all line concentrators even before the entry to the central inverter. We recommend an FLP7-PV unit with greater diverting ability. In case of a decentralized system, a surge protection device should be installed before each DC inlet to the inverter. We can again use the FLP7-PV unit. In both cases, we must not forget to interconnect all metal parts with the earthing to equalize the potential.

For the AC side behind outlet from the central inverter, we recommend the FLP25GR unit. These surge protection devices allow large earth-leakage currents of 25 kA/pole. In case of a decentralized system, it is necessary to install a surge protective device, e.g. FLP12,5, behind each AC outlet from the inverter and repeat the protection by the mentioned FLP25GR devices in the main AC distributor. The AC line on the outlet from the central inverter or the main AC distributor is most frequently conducted to a nearby transformer station where the voltage is transformed to HV or VHV and then conducted to an aboveground power line. Because of a higher likelihood of lightning strike directly at the power line, a high-performance type 1 surge protection device must be installed at the transformer station. The LSP Company offers its FLP50GR device, which is more than adequate for these applications. It is a spark gap able to divert a lightning pulse current of 50 kA/pole.

To ensure correct operation of a large power station and the maximum efficiency, the PV power station is monitored by modern electronic measurement and regulation systems as well as the transfer of data to a control room. Various systems work with various boundaries and LSP provides protection of all standardly used systems. Like in the previous applications, we offer only a fraction of products here, but we are able to offer various customized concepts.

The LSP Company is represented in many countries and its qualified staff is prepared to assist you with choosing the right surge protection device for the given application or a technical concept of your particular project. You can also visit our website at www.LSP.com where you can contact our business representatives and find a complete offer of our products, which all conform to the international standard IEC 61643-11:2011 / EN 61643-11: 2012.

LSP-Catalogue-AC-SPDs-FLP12,5-275-3S+1TYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II / TN-S / TT

FLP12,5-xxx/3+1 is a metal oxide varistor lightning and surge arrester, combined with gas discharge tube Type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11.These are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0-1 (according to IEC 1312-1 and EN 62305), where they provide the equipotential bonding and discharge of both, the lightning current and the switching surge, which are generated in power supply systems entering the building. The use of the lightning current arresters FLP12,5-xxx /3+1 is mainly in the power supply lines, which are operated as TN-S and TT systems. The main use of FLP12,5-xxx /3+1 arrester is in structures of LPL I – II according to EN 62305 ed.2.

LSP-Catalogue-AC-SPDs-FLP25GR-275-3+1TYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II / TN-S / TT

FLP25GR-xxx/3+1 is a metal oxide varistor lightning and surge arrester, combined with gas discharge tube Type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11.These are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0-1 (according to IEC 1312-1 and EN 62305), where they provide the equipotential bonding and discharge of both, the lightning current and the switching surge, which are generated in power supply systems entering the building. The use of the lightning current arresters FLP12,5-xxx/3+1 is mainly in the power supply lines, which are operated as TN-S and TT systems. The main use of FLP25GR-xxx arrester is in structures of LPL III – IV according to EN 62305 ed.2.

LSP-Catalogue-DC-SPDs-FLP7-PV600-3STYP 1+2 / CLASS I+II

FLP7-PV is a lightning and surge arrester type 1+2 according to EN 61643-11 and EN 50539. It is designed for the protection of positive and negative busbars of photovoltaic systems against the surge effects. These arresters are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0-2 (according to IEC 1312-1and EN 62305). Particular varistor sectors are equipped with internal disconnectors, which are activated when the varistors fail (overheat). An operational status indication of these disconnectors is partly mechanical (by exserted red signaling target in case of failure) and with remote monitoring.

LSP-Catalogue-AC-SPDs-TLP10-230LPZ 1-2-3

TLP is a complex range of surge protection devices designed for the protection of data, communication, measuring and control lines against surge effects. These surge protection devices are recommended for use in the Lightning Protection Zones Concept at the boundaries of LPZ 0A(B) – 1 according to EN 62305. All types provide effective protection of connected equipment against common mode and differential mode surge effects according to IEC 61643-21. The rated load current of individual protected lines IL < 0,1A. These devices consist of gas discharge tubes, series impedance, and transits. The number of protected pairs is optional (1-2). These devices are produced for nominal voltage within the range of 6V-170V. The maximum discharge current is 10kA (8/20). For the protection of telephone lines, it is recommended to use a type with nominal voltage UN=170V.