03 July 2012
The ABB Low Voltage Products division has introduced a new line of switches from 100 to 360 Amperes specifically designed for PV applications, the first two pole disconnect switches in the industry to achieve a 1000 VDC rating per UL 98B. ABB will feature the 1000 VDC switches and a broad range of products for the solar power market at Intersolar North America 2012, booth #8041, 10-12 July at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California (US).
This arc suppression technology occupies to 50% less space while providing energy savings and reduced wiring costs compared to switches currently available for solar applications. Previously, switches for photovoltaic applications required up to six poles wired in series in order to break 1000 VDC. ABB’s switches achieve the 1000 VDC rating with a compact, two-pole configuration, designed for use in combiner-boxes for disconnecting individual arrays, and at the inverter input for disconnecting the inverter from the DC side. UL 98B covers enclosed and dead-front switches rated up to 1000 VDC, intended for use in DC PV systems.
The additional features of the 1000 VDC switch family include:
- Bi-Polarity Operation: break both the positive and negative lines at the same time or utilize preconfigured versions with two poles wired in series to break just the positive or negative line.
- Integrated Heat Sink: preconfigured versions with two poles wired in series utilize a custom-designed jumper with integrated heat sink, resulting in cooler operation and longer switch life.
- Modular Design: for the flexibility to use in diverse applications, the switch is available with the mechanism mounted between the poles or to either side of the poles. A four-pole version is available for double circuit applications, allowing the breaking of two separate PV strings with a single switch.
- Visible Blade Technology: one of the only switches on the market with visible contacts, providing safe and reliable quick-make, quick-break operation.
