Eaton will be presenting its portfolio of electrical solutions for the safe, efficient harvest and grid connection of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy at Intersolar Europe 2013, one of the world's leading exhibitions for the solar industry, from 19 - 21 June in Munich, Germany.
Eaton and recently acquired Cooper Industries will demonstrate the combined commitment to sustainable energy generation at stand A4.360. Exhibition visitors will be able to learn how the companies are making reliable solar generation a reality for customers by enabling safe distribution of energy from solar panels to the power grid, and how to best protect their PV assets.
Eaton leverages more than 100 years of electrical distribution system experience and innovation to provide strategic coordination of all the electrical equipment, design, installation and maintenance services required to install a productive, safe and sustainable solar power system. Eaton's solar industry portfolio includes components that provide reliable protection, switching and control technology for the safe operation of PV systems, using integrated or external disconnection equipment for automated and manual operation and for both ac and dc. These are complemented by a portfolio of medium voltage equipment designed to feed electricity from solar energy into the utility grid.
Among the product highlights in Munich will be Eaton's Cooper Bussmann Division's new PV Combiner Box that sets new standards in the protection, switching and monitoring of PV systems. Designed for system voltages from 600 V DC to 1,200 V DC the range combines the latest in overcurrent, overvoltage and monitoring technology in one robust, custom-built solution. A unique configuration process allows users to easily and cost-effectively customise each unit to their individual application. The boxes are IP65 rated and include breather drains making them suitable for the most demanding climate conditions including tropical and sub-tropical environments. The portfolio also comprises a comprehensive range of fuse links, fuse holders, terminal blocks as well as surge protection devices.
Additionally Eaton will be showcasing its innovative switch disconnectors for PV applications up to 1,500 V dcwith rated operation currents up to 1,600 A, that are suitable for temperatures up to 65°C. Eaton's solar disconnects are designed to perform their duties reliably and safely over many years in applications including generator terminal boxes or isolating main switches that are suitable for use as maintenance and repair switches on the incoming side of the dc/ac inverter. The contacts achieve an electrical lifespan of up to 2,500 operations – at the full rated current. The mechanical and de-energised lifespan achieves values up to 20,000 operations.
Key components within Eaton's offering for PV applications are also grid and system protection devices according to VDE-AR-N 4105, that include ready-to-connect combinations for systems ranging from 30 to 100 kVA as well as a family of protective switches covering 14 to 866 kVA. The PV fireman's switches are a special dc switch disconnector that isolates the lines between solar modules and inverters up to a rated voltage of 1,000 V DC and thus allow emergency services to operate safely and without the risk of electrocution.
