for low voltage supply lines for photovoltaic and wind ...the protection status. selection of the...

For low voltage supply lines

For photovoltaic and wind power installations

Compact equipments

FANOX presents the VP range of products for the protection of

electrical equipments and installations against transient overvoltage

that may arise in the electrical supply. As a result they prevent

damage to equipments and financial losses.

1. Introduction and concepts

¬ Introduction to protection against transientovervoltage------------------------------------------------------------ 4

¬ Operating principle ------------------------------------------------- 4¬ Definition of the characteristic parameters ------------------ 5¬ Electrical systems --------------------------------------------------- 6

2. Equipment for protection against transient overvoltage VP Class Equipment for protection against transient overvoltage VP Class II

¬ General features ----------------------------------------------------- 7¬ Selection of the transient overvoltage protector----------- 8¬ Connection diagrams ----------------------------------------------- 9

3. Application in photovoltaic solar installations

¬ General features---------------------------------------------------- 10¬ Selection table ------------------------------------------------------ 10¬ Connection diagrams for photovoltaic

installation ----------------------------------------------------------- 11

4. The product. Technical specifications of the VP Class II

¬ Product guide-------------------------------------------------------- 13¬ Technical sheets ---------------------------------------------------- 14

Introduction and concepts

Introduction to protection against transient overvoltage

Equipments connected to the electrical supply has been increasingly developed in the last years.Unfortunately they are increasingly susceptible to possible electrical disturbances on the supplytherefore adequate protection is essential to avoid significant damage to equipment and financial losses.

As a result, "contaminated" electrical energy conditioning is becoming an essential objective for companies,not only in new installations but also in existing installations, as these, adapted some years ago, mayno longer be safe.

One of the main disturbances that may affect installations is transient disturbances.Transient overvoltageappears as high voltage peaks (kV) during a short period of time.

The most visible and destructive cause of damage from transient overvoltage is the one created byatmospheric discharges (lightning).However, this is not the most common origin of this type of disturbancebecause in most of the cases, the main sources of transient overvoltage are within the installation itselfand are caused by, among other seasons:

¬ Operation of automatic switches and fuses.¬ Connection and disconnection of inductive loads.¬ Switching of motors and machines.¬ Electrostatic discharges.¬ Operation of power factor correction capacitors.¬ Transfers of energy in power generator sets.

VP Class II overvoltage protection equipments are used to protect the installation and eliminate theeffects of the transient overvoltage. These devices earth the high current generated as a result of theaforementioned overvoltage events and maintain a stable residual voltage that can be supported bythe equipments installed downstream.

operating principle

The working mode is based on varistors connected between the supply voltage and earth, whereby,when an overvoltage higher than permitted (Uc) is detected in the supply the varistors change to a lowimpedance condition driving the current generated by the overvoltage to earth. Under normal workingconditions, the equipment has a high impedance whereby, as it is connected in parallel with the line,it is effectively invisible.

In TT distribution systems, besides using varistors between the phases and the neutral,are used gasdischargers connected between the neutral and the earth conductor.

I (KA)4

5

The definitions below refer to the characteristic parameters of the transient overvoltage protectionequipments.

SURGE PROTECTION DEVICE (SPD):SURGE PROTECTION DEVICE (SPD): Transient overvoltage protection equipment.

NOMINAL VOLTAGE (Un):NOMINAL VOLTAGE (Un): Voltage value, under normal conditions, in the line to be protected.

MAXIMUM CONTINOUS OPERATING VOLTAGE (Uc):MAXIMUM CONTINOUS OPERATING VOLTAGE (Uc): Maximum effective voltage value that can beapplied in the SPD terminals permanently. This is the maximum permanent voltage value where theSPD is in a non-conductor condition and, after activation (the SPD), guarantees resetting of thissituation.

NOMINAL DISCHARGE CURRENT (In): NOMINAL DISCHARGE CURRENT (In): Peak current value of the wave form 8/20 μs which the SPD hasbeen designed for.

MAXIMUM DISCHARGE CURRENT (Imax):MAXIMUM DISCHARGE CURRENT (Imax): Maximum current peak value of the wave form 8/20 μs thatthe SPD must support in a completely safe manner at least once.

PROTECTION LEVEL (Up):PROTECTION LEVEL (Up): The highest momentary voltage value that appears in the SPD terminals.

SHORT CIRCUIT RESISTANCE:SHORT CIRCUIT RESISTANCE: The short circuit current value at normal frequency that the SPD cansupport, with the required fuses correctly connected.

FUSES:FUSES: The fuses installed before the SPDs have the purpose of cutting the short circuit currents thatmay appear on the line, in case these ones exceed the disconnection capacity of the SPDs.

N/PE DISCHARGERS:N/PE DISCHARGERS: Equipment designed to be installed between the neutral (N) and protection (PE)conductor

WORKING TEMPERATURE RANGE:WORKING TEMPERATURE RANGE: Temperature range in which the SPD can work under normalconditions.

RESPONSE TIME (ta):RESPONSE TIME (ta): Parameter that defines the speed of the SPD operation.

THERMAL SEPARATION DEVICE:THERMAL SEPARATION DEVICE: Device implemented in the SPD allowing the equipment to bedisconnected from the supply in case of overload fault showing that fault.This device reacts againstheating generated by a greater overvoltage than the one supported by SPD.In this situation, the devicedisconnects the SPD from the supply fast enough to prevent a fire risk.

PROTECTION CONDUCTOR CURRENT (IPROTECTION CONDUCTOR CURRENT (IPEPE):): Current between the SPD and the protection conductorPE, with the SPD correctly connected, without facility loads and at the maximum allowed Uc voltage.

OCCASIONAL OVERVOLTAGE (UOCCASIONAL OVERVOLTAGE (UTOVTOV):): Overvoltage events that appear on the supply line due to non-linear systems or earth contacts. It is characterised by its relatively long duration (up to 5 secondsand hours sometimes).This one is the most frequent cause of SPD failure.

MAXIMUM SERVICE VOLTAGE IN DIRECT CURRENT (Uocmax):MAXIMUM SERVICE VOLTAGE IN DIRECT CURRENT (Uocmax): Maximum voltage value that can beapplied to the SPD terminals permanently in direct current (DC) circuits, such as photovoltaic generationapplications. It is the maximum permanent voltage value where the SPD is in a non-conductor conditionand, after activation (the SPD), guarantees resetting of this situation.

Definition of the characteristic parameters

6

Electrical systems

Three basic types of distribution systems can be defined:

TN System.

TT System.

IT System.

First Letter:First Letter:

It refers to the status of the supply relative to earth.

T=Direct connection of one supply point to earth.

I=Insulation of all the active parts of the supply relative to earth or connection of one point toearth with an impedance.

Second letter:Second letter:

It refers to the situation of the masses of the receiver installation relative to earth.

T=Masses connected directly to earth, regardless of the eventual earth of the supply.

N=Masses connected directly to the point of earthed supply (in alternating current, this pointis usually the neutral point).

Other letters (possible):Other letters (possible):

These ones refer to the situation relating to the neutral conductor and the protection conductor.

S=The neutral and protection functions, guaranteed by separate conductors.

C=The neutral and protection functions, combined in a single conductor (PEN conductor).

TN-S system TN-C system

IT system TT system

7

Equipments for protection against

transient overvoltage VP Class II

general featuresThe VP Class II overvoltage protection devices make up a wide range of SDPs appropriate for anyelectrical distribution system.

They provide the highest level of safety in applications such as low voltage supply lines, continuousprocesses, domestic and tertiary installations, etc.They are adapted for manufacturers and integratorsof industrial equipment, photovoltaic installations, wind power installations, etc.

Compact equipments for all distributionsystems.

High discharge capacity via zinc oxide varistorsand gas dischargers.

With thermal separation device.

Visual indication of a fault in the equipment.

Remote signalling of the protection status..

Plug-in protection modules which facilitate themaintenance.

PROTECTION

The VP provides protection up to 40 kA (wave 8/20μs) for overvoltage generated by indirect dischargesof lightning or originated within the installation.

They also provide safe protection by the incorporation of a thermal separation device which disconnectsthe varistor or the gas discharger from the network in case of a maintained overvoltage, activating thevisual fault indicator.

INSTALLATION

The VP allow simple, fast mounting onto DIN rail and allow easy wiring thanks to its common base wherethe various modules of each phase are plugged in.

As it is equipped with plug-in protectionmodules, these can be replaced whennecessary without having to remove the wholeprotection or disconnect cables. The modulesare equipped with a mechanical code to preventthe installation of modules with incorrectcharacteristics.

Mecanical code

8

FusesFuses

Sometimes, apart from the F1 fuse fitted on the main line, an F2 fuse must also be installed in serieswith the SPD. This depends on F1 fuse’s rating.

Example for VP C40:

ConnectionConnection

For correct protection, the cables must be connected to theSPD in V form and the input and output lines of such a V mustbe separated as much as possible.Never coil or tension thecable excessively.

SIGNALS

Visual fault indicatorVisual fault indicator

All the equipments are fitted withmechanical signalling in case of failureof the plug-in protection module.

Remote signallingRemote signalling

A switch contact provides information ofthe protection status.

Selection of the transient overvoltage protector

The main parameters to be considered when choosing the SPD are as follows:

Protection level (Up): The highest voltage value that appears on the SPD terminals. It must be lessthan the maximum voltage value that the protection equipment can support.

Maximum discharge current (Imax): The maximum current peak value with wave form 8/20 μs that theSPD can derive in a completely safe manner at least once.

Nominal discharge current (In): The peak current value of the wave form 8/20 μs which the SPD isdesigned for.

Continuous service maximum voltage (Uc or Uocmax): The maximum voltage value that can appear onthe SPD terminals permanently, maintaining the non-conductor condition.

(figure 1)

L1

L2L3

N

F1 ≤ 125 A gl/gG

PE

(figure 2)

L1

L2L3

N

F1 > 125 A gl/gG

PE

F2 ≤ 125 A gl/gG

L

N

F1

F2

L

VP C40

VP C20

VP C30

Not necessary to beinstalled F2

(figure 1)

If F1 > 125 A gl/gG F2 ≤ 125 A gl/gG

If F1 > 100 A gl/gG F2 ≤ 100 A gl/gG

If F1 > 63 A gl/gG F2 ≤ 63 A gl/gG

If F1 ≤ 125 A gl/gG



Necessary to beinstalled F2

(figure 2)

9

connection diagrams

TN-S SYSTEM:

TN-C SYSTEM:

VP C40 275/2

2F + NPE

VP C40 275/3

3F + NPE

VP C40 275/2

1F + N + PE

VP C40 275/3

3F + PE

VP C40 275/3

2F + N + PE

VP C40 275/4

3F + N + PE

TT SYSTEM:

VP C40 275/3+NPE

VP C20 275/3+NPE

3F

VP C40 275/3+NPE

VP C20 275/3+NPE

3F + N

VP C40 275/1+NPE

VP C20 275/1+NPE

1F + N2F + N

VP C40 275/2+NPE

1F + NPE

VP C40 275/1

10

application in photovoltaic solar

installations

general features

Photovoltaic generation has become one of the most emerging sources of renewable energy, both insystems connected to the supply network and in installations for isolated consumption.

One of the major problems of photovoltaic installations is the high exposure to transient overvoltagesdue to direct atmospheric discharges on the actual panels and those generated in the installation.

The consequences of the transient overvoltage affect both, the photovoltaic panels andthe rest of the installation. To prevent breakdowns and significant economic losses theseinstallations must be equipped with appropriate protection against transient overvoltage.

In the VP C40 series, Fanox offers a product specially designed to protect panels in solar photovoltaicinstallations of 500 and 1000 Vdc.

3 module compact units for direct current.3 module compact units for direct current.

Easy mounting on DIN rail.Easy mounting on DIN rail.

Thermal separation device.Thermal separation device.

Remote signalling.Remote signalling.

Plug-in protection modules.Plug-in protection modules.

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

Direct currentline

Alternating current line

Single phase network Three phase network

TT System TN System TT System TN System

Uocmax 500 Vdc VP C40 PV500VP C40 275/1+NPE

TN-S VP C40 275/2

TN-C VP C40 275/1VP C40 275/3+NPE

TN-S VP C40 275/4

TN-C VP C40 275/3Uocmax 1000 Vdc VP C40 PV1000

SOLAR PANEL

DC AC

L1 L2

single phase network

three phasenetwork

VP C40 PV VP C40 275

L1 L2

L1 L2

INVERTER

selecTiOn TABLE

11

SINGLE PHASE AC:

THREE PHASE AC:

VP C40 275/2 VP C40 275/1

VP C40 275/4 VP C40 275/3

VP C40 275/1+NPE VP C40 275/3+NPE

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

connection diagrams for photovoltaic installations

TN SYSTEM: SINGLE PHASE AC:

TN-S System TN-C System

THREE PHASE AC:

TN-S System TN-C System

TT SYSTEM:

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

VP C40 PV1000

VP C40 PV500

12

00

technical specifications of the VP CLASs II

PRODUCT

VP C40 275/3

VP C40 275/2 NPE

VP C40 275/4

VP C40 275/3 NPE

VP C20 275/3 NPE

VP C40 275/2

VP C40 250/NPE

VP C40 PV500

VP C30 600/3

Using individual devices instead of compact ones, they can be installed in:

(1) TN-S System:¬ 2 units of VP C40 275/1 1F+N+PE¬ 3 units of VP C40 275/1 2F+N+PE o 3F+PE¬ 4 units of VP C40 275/1 3F+N+PE

(2) TN-C System:¬ 2 units of VP C40 275/1 2F+NPE¬ 3 units of VP C40 275/1 3F+NPE

(3) TT System:¬ 1 unit of VP C40 275/1 + 1 unit VP C40 250/NPE 1F+N¬ 2 units of VP C40 275/1 + 1 unit VP C40 250/NPE 2F+N¬ 3 units of VP C40 275/1 + 1 unit VP C40 250/NPE 3F+N o 3F

13

VP C40 275/1

VP C40 250/NPE

VP C40 275/2

VP C40 275/1+NPE

VP C40 275/3

VP C40 275/2+NPE

VP C40 275/4

VP C40 275/3+NPE

VP C20 275/1+NPE

VP C20 275/3+NPE

VP C40 PV500

VP C40 PV1000

VP C30 600/3

TN-S System

(1)

TN-C System TT System

(3)

(3)

1F+N

2F+N

Photovoltaicapplication

2F+PE

2F+PE

Wind powerapplication

Uc 275 VIn 20 kAImax 40 kAUp ≤ 1,2 kV









Uc 1000 VdcIn 20 kAImax 40 kAUp ≤ 3,6 kV

PRODUCT GUIDE

2F+N+PE3F+PE

3F+NPE

1F+N+PE

2F+N+PE3F+PE

2F+NPE

3F+NPE

3F+N+PE

3F+N3F

3F+N3F

1F+N



Uc 500 VdcIn 20 kAImax 40 kAUp ≤ 1,8 kV

1F+NPE(2)

14

main specifications

01

02

02

51

45

90,5

17,5

35

66

45

NA

COM

NC

N/PE

L/N

02

technical parameters

DIMENSIONS millimetersAccording to IEC 61643-1 Clase II

Type of network TT/TN

Nominal voltage Un 230 Vac

Maximum continuous operating voltage Uc 275 Vac

Nominal discharge current (8/20 μs) In 20 kA

Maximum discharge current (8/20 μs) Imax 40 kA

Protection level Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Protection level at 5 kA ≤ 1 kV

Response time ta ≤ 25 ns

Maximum back-up fuse 125 A gL/gG

Short circuit resistance 50 kAeff

Occasional overvoltage UTOV 335 V (5 seconds)

Working temperature range -40 oC a +80 oC

Recommended cable section (connection to line and neutral) Rigid cable: 6 – 16 mm2

Flexible cable: 6 – 25 mm2

Recommended cable section (earth connection) Rigid cable: 10 – 25 mm2


Torque Maximum 4,5 Nm

Assembly Symmetrical rail 35 mm EN50022

Carcase material Thermoplastic, grey colour, UL 94 V-0

Protection degree IP 20

Visual failure indicator Green (Correct)/Red (Replace)

Remote signalling Switched contact NA-NC

Wire section for remote signalling 1,5 mm2

Remote signalling cut off capability 1 A/125 Vac - 0,2 A/125 Vdc

Marking

Article code 41600

Weight 105 gr

Packaging 4 units/box

ORDER INFORMATION

Other voltages (Uc) or discharge capacities(In) are available to order.

Consult us at [email protected].

PLUG-IN MODULE

Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code

VP C40VP C40275275

codes

Units designed to protect installations and equipmentsagainst potential damages caused by transient overvoltage.

¬ Class II overvoltage protector (Type 2).¬ Plug-in protection module.¬ Visual fault indicator.¬ Remote signalling.

The combination of VP C40 275/1 equipment, in some casestogether with the VP C40 20/NPE,makes it possible to beused in any electric distribution system. Please look at notes(1),(2) and (3) of page 13.

15

250/NPE



The combination of VP C40 250/NPE together with VP C40275/1 equipments, make it possible to be used in TT electricdistribution system. Please look at note (3) of page 13.

main specifications

01


02

DIMENSIONS millimeters

02

51

45

90,5

17,5

35

66

45

NA

COM

NC

PE

N

VP C40GVP C40G250NPE250NPE

02

codes

According to IEC 61643-1 Clase II

Type of network TT


Maximum continuois operating voltage Uc 250 Vac



Consecutive current extinguishing capability (N-PE) Ifi 100 Aeff

Lightning impulse current (10/350 MS) Iimp 10 kA



Occasional overvoltage UTOV 1200 V (200 ms)














Marking

Article code 41602

Weight 105 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



PLUG-IN MODULE

Article code 41612

Uc 250 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,5 kV

Mechanical code

16

01


02

275/2

NA

COM

NC

N

PE

L

90,5

35

17,5

35 4566

51

45

02

02



main specifications


























Marking

Article code 41603

Weight 210 gr


ORDER INFORMATION




Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code

PLUG-IN MODULEVP C40VP C40

275275

codes

17

01


02

NA

COM

NC

L

N

PE

90,5

35

17,5

35 4566

51

45

02

02



main specifications


Article code 41604

Weight 210 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code

VP C40VP C40 VP C40GVP C40G275275 250NPE250NPE

41612

250 Vac

20 kA

≤ 1,5 kV

PLUG-IN MODULE


























Marking

18

01


02

275/3

NC

COM

NA

N/PE

L1 L2 L3

02

90,5

52,5

17,5

35 45

5166

45

02



main specifications


Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code


275275

Article code 41607

Weight 315 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes


























Marking

19

275/2 NPE

01

NC

COM

NA

N

L1 L2 PE

02

90,5

52,5

17,5

35 45

5166

45

02


02



main specifications


Article code 41606

Weight 315 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code

VP C40VP C40 VP C40G VP C40G275275 250NPE250NPE

41612

250 Vac

20 kA

≤ 1,5 kV

PLUG-IN MODULE


Type of network TT












Recommended cable section (line and neutral connection) Rigid cable: 6 – 16 mm2












Marking

20

01


02

275/4

02

L2 L3L1

PE

N

COM

NC

NA

02

35 45

5166

45

90,5

70

17,5



main specifications


Article code 41610

Weight 420 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code


275275


























Marking

21

275/3 NPE

01


02

02

L2 L3L1

N

PE

COM

NC

NA

02

35 45

5166

45

90,5

70

17,5


Type of network TT
























Marking




main specifications

Article code 41609

Weight 420 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

PLUG-IN MODULE

Article code 41611

Uc 275 Vac

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,2 kV

Mechanical code


41612

250 Vac

20 kA

≤ 1,5 kV

22

01


02

02

90,5

35

17,5

35 4566

51

45

02

L

N

PE


¬ Class II overvoltage protector (Type 2).¬ Plug-in protection module.¬ Visual fault indicator.

main specifications


Article code 41624

Weight 210 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



PLUG-IN MODULE

Article code 41626

Uc 275 Vac

In 10 kA

Up ≤ 1,0 kV

Mechanical code


41627

250 Vac

10 kA

≤ 1,0 kV

codes


Type of network TT






Protection level at 5 kA ≤ 0,95 kV















Marking

23

275/3 NPE

01


02

02

L2 L3L1

N

PE

02

35 45

5166

45

90,5

70

17,5


¬ Class II overvoltage protector (Type 2).¬ Plug-in protection module.¬ Visual fault indicator.

main specifications


Article code 41625

Weight 420 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

PLUG-IN MODUL

Article code 41626

Uc 275 Vac

In 10 kA

Up ≤ 1,0 kV

Mechanical code


41627

250 Vac

10 kA

≤ 1,0 kV


Type of network TT





















Marking

24

01


02

PV500

02

NC

COM

NA

L+ PE L-

02

90,5

52,5

17,5

35 45

5166

45

Units designed to protect installations and equipments indirect current against potential damages caused by transientovervoltage.

¬ Photovoltaics installations.¬ Class II overvoltage protector (Type 2).¬ Plug-in protection module.¬ Visual fault indicator.¬ Remote signalling.

main specifications


Article code 41605

Weight 315 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

Article code 41614

Uc 250 Vdc

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 0,9 kV

Mechanical code


250250


Maximum service voltage in direct current Uocmax ≤ 500 Vdc

Maximum continuous operating voltage Uc [L-PE] 250 Vdc




















Marking

25

01


02 02

90,5

52,5

17,5

35 45

5166

45

02

NC

COM

NA

L+ PE L-

Units designed to protect installations and equipments indirect current against possible damages caused by transientovervoltage.

¬ Photovoltaics installations.¬ Class II overvoltage protector (Type 2).¬ Plug-in protection module.¬ Visual fault indicator.¬ Remote signalling.

main specifications


Article code 41608

Weight 315 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



codes

Article code 41616

Uc 500 Vdc

In 20 kA

Up ≤ 1,8 kV

Mechanical code


500500


Maximum service voltage in direct current Uocmax ≤ 1000 Vdc

Maximum continuous operating voltage Uc [L-PE] 500 Vdc




















Marking

26

01


02 02

90,5

52,5

17,5

35 45

5166

45

02

NC

COM

NA

N/PE

L1 L2 L3

600/3

Units designed to protect installations and equipmentsagainst possible damages caused by transient overvoltage.

¬ Wind power installations¬ Class II overvoltage protector (Type 2).¬ Plug-in protection module.¬ Visual fault indicator.¬ Remote signalling.

main specifications


Article code 41622

Weight 315 gr


ORDER INFORMATION



Article code 41623

Uc 600 Vac

In 15 kA

Up ≤ 2,8 kV

Mechanical code


600600

codes











Circuit resistance 25 kAeff















Marking

www . f a n o x . c o m

[email protected]

PAE Asuaran - Edif. Artxanda, 23. 48950 Erandio (Spain)tel.: (+34) 94 471 14 09//fax.: (+34) 94 471 05 92

Fanox reserves the right to modify technical specification of products contained within this catalogue without previous notice. 06/2008/Rev0

for low voltage supply lines for photovoltaic and wind ...the protection status. selection of the...

Documents