The power of choice; safe, reliable engineered photo voltaic solutions from Socomec

Safe, reliable PV infrastructure For the organizations commissioning, installing and operating solar technology, the key drivers are the provision of a safe and reliable photovoltaic instrastructure. Patented Load-Break Switching Technology: 500Vdc per pole Socomec's SIRCO PV solar disconnect switches, available from 16 to 2500A, have been specifically engineered for the most demanding photovoltaic applications – and to outperform industry standards.

June 2014


The power of choice; safe, reliable engineered photo voltaic solutions from Socomec
Solar energy is becoming increasingly accessible by equipment becoming more affordable in the residential and commercial segments. According to McKinsey & Company (April 2014) solar growth in the United States has more then quadrupled since 2009. As the downstream costs – financing and approvals – become more economical, combined with improved regulatory incentives, growth in the solar market is expected to become significantly more competitive.

These cost reductions are important as they will enable solar to compete with the traditional power generation technologies – not just within residential and commercial segments but in industrial and wholesale markets as well.

The evolving economic model within the solar energy market is driving how businesses consume and invest in energy – these changes are increasingly becoming visible and trending towards consumer markets
Commercial-scale rooftop solar systems are being adopted by businesses with a significant physical footprint and the associated high power overheads. WalMart has stated that it will switch to 100% renewable power by 2020, up from around 20% today (McKinsey & Company, April 2014). Beyond the retail sector, senior executives across all markets have a growing awareness of the disruptive potential – and the unique benefits in terms of energy supply diversification and cost savings - of solar power.

The scalability of solar solutions is also dependent upon the availability of advanced investment packages that meet the profile of this growing market – and the widening of the investment pool. The relatively long term contracts and comparative immunity from fuel-price rises provide comfort to investors as there is a sense of stability – even futureproofing – in the solar market.

Safe, reliable PV infrastructure
For the organizations commissioning, installing and operating solar technology, the key drivers are the provision of a safe and reliable photovoltaic instrastructure. Typically, solar installations require high production output, reliability and safety – with low maintenance. Total dependability and guaranteed safety - combined with low operating costs - are vital when building a solar energy system.
Photovoltaic installations often perform in extreme operating environments: solar is increasingly the power of choice for the mining and defense industries where conditions can be extreme, and locations remote.

Patented Load-Break Switching Technology: 500Vdc per pole Socomec's SIRCO PV solar disconnect switches, available from 16 to 2500A, have been specifically engineered for the most demanding photovoltaic applications – and to outperform industry standards.

Extreme temperature fluctuations, condensation, dust, UV exposure and oversized connection cables all place significant stress on the electrical infrastructure. SIRCO PV switches make and break under load conditions and provide safety isolation for any low voltage PV circuit. This patented load-break switching technology has been developed to improve energy efficiency while providing flexibility with control, circuit isolation and the ultimate in safety performance.

The latest range breaks on-load by dividing the number of poles by two, allowing for a more compact frame and reducing the overall size of the installation. The reduction in number of poles means that production capacity and flow is optimised – with a faster installation and a reduced labor requirement reducing the inherent risk of loose connections associated with numerous poles in series.

Disconnect up to four circuits with one switch – a world first. A compact and cost effective solution for recombiner applications. Break up to 24 circuits (NEC690 standard).

1500 Vdc within a compact footprint. Socomec's patented technology enables PV installations to achieve up to 1500Vdc by using 3 poles in series.Each switch pole has a maximum voltage breaking capacity. To break a high DC voltage it is necessary to wire poles in series. The global on-load breaking capacity of the switch is the multiplication of this max voltage breaking capacity per pole by the number of poles in series. By paralleling output with our double stack design it is possible to achieve higher current levels in one disconnect.Guaranteed electrical isolation over time

Most photovoltaic systems operate at 1000Vdc, trending towards 1500Vdc. The challenging operating environments of PV installations can cause the detioration of some plastics over time which can, in turn, result in catastrophic electrical failure.

Socomec switches are designed with materials that maintain structural integrity. These materials maintain the distance between live parts and is a key mitigating factor against electrical failure.

Socomec's latest designs exceed the IEC standard increasing the distance over surface to 53mm – over twice the required 25mm -and a vital design feature for switches operating at 1500Vdc. This design guarantees compliance with the UL standard which stipulates a distance over surface of 50mm (2 inches).

Safe operation
The speed of make and break is independent of the manual operation of the switch. The quick make and break feature reduces the arc duration and switching energy. A reliable position indicator informs the operator of the state of the switch contacts, therefore avoiding inadvertent contact with any live components.

Durable, stable raw materials
SIRCO switches are extremely robust; all casings are produced from fiber glass reinforced polyester materials for high mechanical withstand, stability at high temperatures (Relative Thermal Index 130⁰C) and high dielectric performance (high Comparative Tracking Index, tested according to ASTM D 2303).

The SIRCO PV range comes with a heavy duty range of handles as standard, with door interlocks in operating mode and a secure padlock option when the system is not engaged.

A fully tested range
The use of tested and certified components is vital in the successful design and implementation of a photovoltaic system. Socomec's SIRCO PV range has been tested and certified in accordance with the main photovoltaic industry standards, including global approvals such as UL98B, IEC947-3 and CCC standards. The range also bears the CE mark.

PV Critical Current
Under certain conditions – under cloud cover or at dusk – PV systems can deliver a low current at high voltage. These types of currents are particularly difficult to interrupt. Standard AC or DC products are not usually tested under these specific conditions and in some cases are unable to interrupt these low currents at high DC voltage. And if the electrical arc produced is not interrupted it could result in operator injury or an electrical fire.

The Sirco PV range has been specifically designed and tested to interrupt the current under all current / voltage conditions.

Short Circuit
The complete Sirco range is tested to withstand a short circuit of 10kA for the duration of 1 second without any specific protection, allowing the use of any over current protection device for line protection.


To discuss your requirements please contact
Adande Armand on 617 245 0447 or email info.us@socomec.com

www.socomec.us







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