At SPI 2014, ABB announced the introduction of a new line of 1500 Vdc rated components and three additions to the OTDC disconnect switch family, all for use in solar PV applications.
15oo Vdc Components
These components include disconnect switches, molded case switches, contactors, surge protective devices and voltage/current sensors. Some components are rated up to 3000 amps at 1500 Vdc and carry various UL and/or IEC certifications. They are designed to meet the expected trend in development of large scale 1500 Vdc utility power plants.
“ABB has utilized its highly developed skill in component design and manufacturing to develop this new line of state-of-the-art components in order to provide those systems designers the components they need today to begin their development of the next generation large scale utility balance of electrical systems (BOES) components,” says Allen Austin, global solar industry manager for ABB’s Low Voltage Products division.
Selection of Low Voltage Products
OTDC Disconnect Switches
The OTDC disconnect switch family, specifically designed for dc applications, recently welcomed three new members. The UL98B listed offering will now go up to 600 amperes while the new IEC 60947 ratings are 630 and 800 amperes.
With these new products ABB is bringing the benefits of compactness, safe dc switching and low power losses of the OTDC products also to the PV applications with higher amperages. The new disconnect switches are ideal for disconnecting a solar inverter from the dc side and can be used in combiner boxes for switching of individual PV arrays.
In addition to the growing amperage range, the OTDC disconnect switch family is now offering solutions for simultaneous switching of two 1500 Vdc circuits up to 500 amperes. These new products, together with solutions introduced last year for single 1500 Vdc circuit switching, have been designed to support the solar industry’s path towards higher voltages and, most importantly, greater efficiency. Additionally, the traditional 1000 Vdc PV disconnects have been expanded to now cover simultaneous switching of three dc circuits up to 500 amperes.
“ABB continues its product expansion in advanced design technology, including reduced number of poles, visible blade technology and compact packaging that makes for higher efficiency and power yield in the solar market place,” says Austin.
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