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  • 1.  Switch gears in Large-scale Scale Solar System

    Posted 03-09-2023 09:05 AM

    The solar system is an efficient and environmentally friendly source of electricity that has gained popularity in recent years. When installing a solar system, switchgear is an essential component that ensures the safe and efficient operation of the system, particularly in a large-scale solar system.

    Switchgear is a device that controls, protects, and isolates electrical equipment. It is composed of various components, such as switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and relays, that work together to control the flow of electricity in an electrical system. In a solar system, switchgear is responsible for protecting the system from overloads, short circuits, and other electrical faults.

    The switch gear in a solar system is responsible for protecting the system from electrical faults that can occur during the conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity. The switch gear is designed to monitor the electrical flow in the system and interrupt the circuit if an overload, short circuit, or other fault is detected. This helps prevent damage to the electrical equipment and ensures that the system operates safely and efficiently.

    In addition to protecting the system from electrical faults, switch gear also enables the solar system to be connected to the electrical grid. When a solar system generates more electricity than is needed, the excess electricity can be sent back to the grid and used by other customers. This is known as "net metering," and it requires the use of switch gear to ensure that the excess electricity is safely and efficiently transferred to the grid.

    In conclusion, switchgear is an essential component of a solar system that ensures the safe and efficient operation of the system. It protects the system from electrical faults, enables the system to be connected to the electrical grid, and helps to ensure that the system operates smoothly and efficiently.

    NB: I have attached some pictures of switch gears panels and synchronization panel in our ongoing project in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.



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    Felix Okene
    Project QC Engineer
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  • 2.  RE: Switch gears in Large-scale Scale Solar System

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 03-09-2023 01:41 PM
    Edited by william fitch 03-09-2023 01:42 PM

    Yes, when you get up into industrial and utility scale PV systems, etc.. allot of "the stuff" that is just built into res and commercial level Grid-tie inverters gets separated out into their own entities. "Boxes" become rooms, etc..

    Probably one of the most common and independently visible gear is over-voltage protectors for lightning hits. I have them on both sides of my grid-tie and some other places along with "over the top" grounding, more of a ground array really.

    But you need it because lightning is a really bad boy....

    Nice photos...



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    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Switch gears in Large-scale Scale Solar System

    ASES Life Member
    Posted 03-10-2023 10:41 AM

    Felix,

    How much of the switchgear is unique to PV and how much is standardized for AC connection of any generation source?  I assume that all of what you show is on the AC side, right? Anything special on the DC side?

    Steve 



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    Steven Hegedus
    Professor and Senior Scientist
    University of Delaware
    Newark Delaware
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Switch gears in Large-scale Scale Solar System

    Posted 03-13-2023 08:05 PM




    Hello Steve,


    Regarding the unique features of switchgear in a PV system, on the AC side, some of the components used in switchgear may have specific ratings or features that are tailored to PV systems. For example, the circuit breakers used in PV switchgear may need to have a higher DC voltage rating than those used in traditional AC power systems, due to the high DC voltages present in PV systems. Additionally, some PV systems may require specialized relays or protection devices that are not commonly used in other types of power systems, such as over voltage protection devices or arc fault detection systems.


    On the DC side, switchgear used in PV systems is much more specialized and tailored to the specific requirements of PV systems. DC switchgear used in PV systems typically includes components such as combiners, fuses, and overcurrent protection devices, which are designed specifically for use in PV systems. These components are typically rated for higher DC voltages and currents than those used in other types of DC power systems, due to the high power output of PV arrays.


    In terms of the amount of switchgear that is unique to PV systems versus standardized for use in any AC power generation source, it is difficult to give a precise answer, as it depends on the specific PV system and the components used in its switchgear. However, in general, a significant portion of the switchgear used in a PV system is tailored specifically to the unique requirements of PV systems, particularly on the DC side. While many of the components used in AC switchgear are standardized and widely used in other types of AC power systems, the specific ratings and features of these components may need to be adjusted to meet the requirements of a particular PV system.






    Original Message