Complete and Reliable Solar Circuit Protection: Bussmann PV Application Guide
Complete and Reliable Solar Circuit Protection: Bussmann PV Application Guide
Complete and Reliable Solar Circuit Protection: Bussmann PV Application Guide
Complete and
reliable solar
circuit protection
Bussmann has more than 100 years of
proven technical innovation to help make
your operation more productive while
protecting your equipment.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems have, over the last 50 years, evolved into a mature,
sustainable and adaptive technology. The installations and demand for PV systems
increase the need for effective electrical protection. PV systems, as with all electrical
power systems, must have appropriate overcurrent and overvoltage protection.
Bussmann has worked closely with solar system manufacturers and through coordinated
research and development, has produced revolutionary new fuse links which, combined
with its range of Surge Protective Devices, offer complete protection for PV systems.
Section Page
Bussmann solar technology solution 4-5
Introduction 6
IEC 60269-6 gPV standard 6
Photovoltaic module
Construction 7
Output 7
String protection
Overview 8
How to select fuse links for string protection 9
Worked example 10
Array Protection
Overview 11
How to select fuse links for array protection 12
Worked example 13
Solar PV fuse links, fuse holders and blocks offering specifications 14
10 x 38 mm PVM fuse links 15
10 x 38 mm PV-A10 fuse links 16 - 17
14 x 51 mm PV fuse links 18
14 x 65 mm PV fuse links 19 - 20
NH Style PV fuse links 21 - 23
XL Style PV fuse links 24 - 29
Flush end PV fuse links 30 - 31
Surge Protection Devices (SPD)
PV SPD system overview 32 - 33
PV T1 / PV T2 DC SPD 34 - 35
PV T2 Standard / high performance 36 - 38
AC SPDs overview 39
Data-line SPDs 40
Combiner box
Introduction 41
Anatomy of a combiner box 42 - 43
Part number system 44
Index 45
Eaton and Bussmann solar protection offering 46 - 47
String protection
Combiner box
10 x 38, 14 x 51
14 x 65 mm
photovoltaic fuse
links
In-line fuse
holder Solar modules Combiner box
BM series
fuse block
Surge
protection
devices
+
NH Style
photovoltaic
fuse links and
fuse holders DC Disco
XL Style
photovoltaic
fuse links and Solar modules Combiner box
fuse bases
Square body, BS
and UL High
speed fuse links
NH Low voltage
fuse links and
fuse holders
onnect
Array
combiner box
onnect
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
-
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Figure 1
Figure 2
With thin film technology typical output is 2.5 Amps and 40 Volts.
The maximum power point current of the modules vary between manufacturers of equal solar cell
dimensions. When selecting the appropriate fuse links, the specified Short Circuit Current (Isc) and
reverse current characteristics specified by the manufacturers should be used.
The specifications provided by the module manufacturer should be consulted to confirm the output
currents and voltages of the modules under the range of conditions expected for the proposed instal-
lation. These conditions are influenced by the ambient temperature, the incident angle of sunlight and
the amount of solar energy reaching the module. These are usually mentioned as coefficients on the
manufacturer’s specifications.
Manufacturers also suggest the maximum series fuse rating or a reverse current rating. Both of
these are based on modules surviving 1.35 time this rating for two hours.
**
15 PV-20A10#
14
13
12
PV15A10#
11
10
9
8
7 PV12A10#
6 PV-10A10#
5 PV-8A10#
4 PV-6A10#
PV-5A10#
3 PV-4A10#
2 PV-3-5A10#
PV-3A10#
1 PV-2A10#
PV-1A10#
0
20 30 40 50 60 70 80
String protection
Combiner box
10 x 38, 14 x 51,
14 x 65 mm photvoltaic
fuse links
In-line fuse
holder Solar modules Combiner box
BM series
fuse block
Surge
protection
devices
OR
OR
Electrical data
t Open circuit voltage (Voc): 43.1 V
t Short-circuit current (Isc) : 5.37 A
t Maximum series fuse rating (Imod_max_OCPR): 15 A
t.BYJNVN¡$NPEVMF
set-up t.JOJNVN¡$NPEVMF
t.BYJNVN¡$BNCJFOUGVTFMJOL
tTUSJOHTJOQBSBMMFM /p = 4)
t$BCMFTJ[FNN2 => cable rating Iz"BU¡$ NBOVGBDUVSFSTEBUB
t$BCMFSBUJOHöY*scY"4FMFDUFEDBCMF*z=11.5 A OK
Calculation t4USJOHNBYTIPSUDJSDVJUDVSSFOU*sc_string = (Np -1) x 1.25* x Isc
= (4-1) x 1.25* x 5.37
= 20.1 A
Isc_string (20.1A) > Iz "
UIFSFGPSFTUSJOHGVTFMJOLTBSFOFFEFE
t .JOJNVNGVTFDVSSFOUSBUJOH*nöY*sc
Y"
t .BYJNVNGVTFDVSSFOUSBUJOH*n ≤ Imod_max_OCPR = 15 A
t .BYJNVNGVTFDVSSFOUSBUJOH*n ≤ IZ = 11.5 A
t .JOJNVNGVTFWPMUBHFSBUJOH6nöY7oc x Ns
YY7
5IFTFMFDUFEGVTFMJOLOFFETUPCFSBUFEBU"BOE7%$
Bussmann part number is PV-10A10F.
5IFTFMFDUFEGVTFMJOLIBTDVSSFOUDBSSZJOHDBQBCJMJUZPG"BU¡$BNCJFOU
temperature TFFDVSWFQBHF
, which is greater than the min fuse current rating
"
5IFSFGPSF
UIFGVTFMJOLTFMFDUFEXJMMQSPUFDUUIFDBCMFTBOEUIFNPEVMFT
against reverse current faults.
* The ratio of 1.25 allows for current increase in modules due to higher irradiance level
and temperature for most applications
90
80
Percentage of rated current
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Ambient temperature (0C)
NH Style
photovoltaic
fuse links and
fuse holders
XL Style
photovoltaic
fuse links and
fuse bases
Array
combiner box
Isc Voc Ns Np NA F1 F2
Short circuit Open circuit Number of Number of Number of Factor for Factor for
current of one voltage of modules in strings in arrays in module short module short
module at one module series per parallel per parrallel circuit current at circuit current at
Standard Test at STC string array max ambient max irradiance
Conditions temperature level
(STC)
Bussmann recommends using fuse links in both positive and negative cables, each with adequate voltage
rating (as above). Selectivity with string fuse links may not be achieved under some fault conditions
t Isc = 5.37 A
t Voc = 43.1 V
Manufacturer’s t Temperature coefficient of short circuit current D 0.053%/oC
PV Module
specifications
t.BYJSSBEJBODFMFWFM8N2*SSBEJBODFGBDUPS'
tNPEVMFTJOTFSJFTQFSTUSJOH /s
tTUSJOHTJOQBSBMMFM /p
tBSSBZTJOQBSBMMFM /A
t$BCMFSBUJOHöY*scY/p
Calculation YY"
4FMFDUFEDBCMF*["OK.
t"SSBZNBYTIPSUDJSDVJUDVSSFOU*TD@"SSBZ /A
Y/pY*sc Y'Y'
YYYY"
ITD@"SSBZ "
*Z "
UIFSFGPSFBSSBZGVTFMJOLTBSFSFRVJSFE
t.JOJNVNGVTFDVSSFOUSBUJOH*nöY*scY/p
YY"
t.BYJNVNGVTFDVSSFOUSBUJOH*n ≤ I["
t.JOJNVNGVTFWPMUBHFSBUJOH6nöY7ocY/s
YY7
5IFTFMFDUFEGVTFMJOLOFFETUPCFSBUFEBU"BOE7ED#VTTNBOOQBSU
OVNCFSXPVMECFPV-80ANH1 or PV-80A-01XL5IFTFMFDUFEGVTFMJOLIBT
DVSSFOUDBSSZJOHDBQBCJMJUZPGY"BU¡$BNCJFOUUFNQFSBUVSF TFF
DVSWFQBHF
XIJDIJTHSFBUFSUIBOUIFNJOGVTFDVSSFOUSBUJOH "
5IFSFGPSF
UIFGVTFMJOLTFMFDUFEXJMMQSPUFDUUIFDBCMFTBOEUIFBSSBZT
1
Self certified.
2
Requires range of protection accessories.
Standard/Approvals
UL Listed 2579, Guide JFGA, File E335324, CSA Component
Certified C22.2
Catalogue numbers
Voltage
Packaging Part number Current (A) (V d.c.)
10 PVM-4 4
PVM-5 5
Technical data PVM-6 6
Voltage: 600 V d.c. to UL 2579 PVM-7 7
PVM-8 8
Current: 4-30 A
PVM-9 9
Interrupting rating: 50 kA DC 600 (UL)
PVM-10 10
PVM-12 12
Recommended fuse blocks / fuse holders PVM-15 15
PVM-20 20
• Open fuse blocks: PVM-25 25
• BM Series (data sheet 1104) PVM-30 30
• Modular fuse holder:
• CHPV 1000 V d.c. (data sheet 720147) Power loss (Watts)
• Fuseclips: Power loss (Watts)
• 1A3400 Series (data sheet 2131) Part number Amp rating 0.8 In In
• In-line fuse holders: PVM-10 10 1.04 1.86
• HPV Series (data sheets 2157) PVM-15 15 1 1.72
PVM-30 30 1.65 2.91
Description Standards/Approvals
A range of fuse links in a 10 x 38 mm IEC 60269-6, UL 2579
package specifically designed for the pro-
(File number E335324)
tection and isolation of photovoltaic strings.
The fuse links are capable of interrupting CCC (1 to 15A), RoHS compliant
low overcurrents associated with faulted
PV (reverse current, multi-array fault)
strings. Packaging
MOQ: 10
Catalogue symbol Packaging 100% recyclable
PV-(amp rating)A10F (Cylindrical)
PV-(amp rating)A10-T (Bolt Fixing) Technical data
PV-(amp rating)A10-1P (PCB fixing 1 pin) Voltage 1000 V d.c.
Current 1-3, 3.5, 4-6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 A
PV-(amp rating)A10-2P (PCB fixing 2 pin)
Rated breaking capacity 50 kA (1 to 20 A), 20 kA (25 A only)
Min interrupting rating 1.3 x In for 1-15 A, 1.5 x In for 20 A, 2 x In for 25 A
PV Fuse coordination w/ Thin film cells and 4”, 5” and 6” crystalline silicon cells
Class of operation
Time constant 1-3 ms
gPV
Fuse size
10 x 38 mm
Dimensions — mm
Cylindrical
PCB Fixing
Bolt Fixing
Technical data
Description
A range of 14 x 51 mm fuse
links specifically designed for
protecting and isolating photo-
voltaic strings. These fuse links
are capable of interrupting low
overcurrents associated with
faulted PV systems (reverse
current, multi-array fault).
Technical data
Fuse size
14 x 51 mm
Standards / Approvals
IEC 60269-6, UL 2579
(File number E335324)
RoHS compliant, pending CCC
Packaging
MOQ: 10 Dimensions
Di i — mm
Packaging 100% recyclable.
Description
A range of 14 x 65mm fuse
links specifically designed for
protecting and isolating photo-
voltaic strings. These fuse links
are capable of interrupting low
overcurrents associated with
faulted PV systems (reverse
current, multi-array fault).
Technical data
Voltage 1300 V d.c. IEC/UL (25 & 32A)
Catalogue symbol 1500 V d.c. IEC/UL (15 & 20A)
Cylindrical Current 15-32 A
PV-(amp rating)A14LF Rated breaking capacity 10 kA
Cylindrical with tags Min interrupting rating 2 x In
PV-(amp rating)A14L-T PV Fuse coordination w/ Thin film cells and 4”, 5” and 6” crystalline silicon cells
Cylindrical with 10mm fixings: Time constant 1-3 ms
PV-(amp rating)A14LF10F
Accessories
Class of operation Fuse clips: 5592-01 for -LF
gPV 5960-07/5960-09 for -10F
Fuse size
14 x 65 mm
Standards / Approvals
IEC 60269-6, UL 2579
(File number E335324)
RoHS compliant, pending CCC
Packaging
MOQ: 10
Packaging 100% recyclable.
Dimensions - mm
Catalogue symbol
Packaging
PV-(amp rating)ANH(size)
MOQ: 3
Size 1
Size 2
Size 3
Description
A range of XL package fuse links specifically designed for protect-
ing and isolating photovoltaic array combiners and disconnects.
These fuse links are capable of interrupting low overcurrents asso-
ciated with faulted PV systems (reverse current, multi-array fault).
Catalogue symbol
PV-(amp rating)A(size)XL (1000 V d.c. Bladed)
PV-(amp rating)A(size)XL-B (1000 V d.c. Bolted)
PV-(amp rating)A(size)XL-15 (1500 V d.c. Bladed)
PV-(amp rating)A(size)XL-B-15 (1500 V d.c. Bolted)
Class of operation
gPV
Fuse size
01XL, 1XL, 2XL and 3L
Standards / Approvals
IEC 60269-6, UL 2579
(File number E335324)
Technical data
RoHS compliant, pending CCC and CSA
1000 V d.c. Size 01 and 3 50 kA
Voltage/ Rated breaking Size 1 and 2 33 kA
Packaging capacity
1500 V d.c. Size 01 to 3 30 kA
MOQ: 1 Current 50 – 600 A
Packaging 100% recyclable. Min interrupting rating 2 x In
Time constant 1-3 ms
1
1200 V d.c. for 160A
Dimensions - mm
127 3
20 MIN
40.4±0.3
46.5 MAX
129 3 46.5 MAX
8.9±0.3
189 3
123,5±3
120±3
20
TOP INDICATOR
40.8 MAX
52.0 MAX
20 MIN.
189±3
6
Dimensions - mm
123.0 3.0
48±0.8
61 MAX
25 MIN
16.5 MAX
130 MAX 60 MAX
205.0 3.0
122.0±2.0
118.0±2.0 22.0
TOP INDICATOR
60.8 MAX
75.0 MAX
32 MIN
CL
18.0 MAX
127.0±3.0
75.0 MAX
205.0±2.0
6.0
CL
Bladed - Size 3L
Dimensions - mm
Adapter
MAX 60.0
6.0
45.0±1.5
131 MAX
45.0±1.5
187,2±2.0
20±0.3
10.4±0.3
149,8±1.6
163,8±2.0
Dimensions - mm
Bolted - size 3L
Catalogue symbol
PV-(amp rating)AF2 - size 2
PV-(amp rating)AF3 - size 3
Class of operation
gPV
Fuse size
2 and 3
Optional microswitches
• 170H0069
Standards / Approvals
Tested to IEC 60269-6,
RoHS compliant, pending UL, CCC and CSA
Packaging
MOQ: 1
Packaging 100% recyclable.
Technical Data
Size 2
Size 3
DC
Disconnect
DC
Disconnect
Standard Features
• Modular design.
Dimensions - mm
Description
Designed specifically for PV solar applications, this range of
modular PV SPDs are suitable for use within 600V d.c. or
1000V d.c. systems. They provide fast and reliable protection
against indirect lightning strikes and voltage surges. The SPDs
contain integrated indication of device status with the option
for remote indication helping system operators ensure continu-
ous protection.
The IP20 finger-safe construction has an operating temperature
range from -40°C to +80°C, increasing the operational capabil-
ity required for PV environments.
Certified to EN 50539-11 these devices provide effective PV
Type 2 protection of the DC element of the photovoltaic sys-
tem from indirect lightning strikes and surges.
• Modular design.
• Keyed plugs and base elements protect
against mismatching.
• Local and remote monitoring.
• DIN rail mountable.
• Modular design.
• Keyed plugs and base elements protect
against mismatching.
• Local and remote monitoring.
• DIN rail mountable.
Dimensions - mm
Standard Features
• Modular design.
• DIN rail mountable.
• Local and remote monitoring.
• Keyed plugs and base elements protect against mismatch-
ing.
RJ45 / Ethernet
Connectors RJ45
Voltage 48V
C2 Nominal discharge current (8/20μs) line-PG In 2.5kA
Grounding DIN-Rail
Applications RJ45 Connector ethernet cables
Test standards IEC 61643-21/ EN 61643-21, UL 447B
• Designed for harsh environments, Bussmann’s combiner box has superior thermal characteristics eliminating the need for forced
ventilation in extreme ambient temperatures.
• Completely customisable from 3 to 24 strings offering PV Circuit protection with Bussmann’s industry leading gPV fuses in ratings
from 1 A to 32 A, up to 1000 V d.c., PV Overvoltage surge protection and true PV DC rated disconnect switches.
• Engineered to make installation and operation safe and easy, each combiner box is fully IEC Compliant with options for MC4 connec-
tors, glands, surge protection, monitoring and power supply configurations. All this wrapped up in durable IP65 rated enclosure, with
breather vent, as standard.
• With a global manufacturing base and an integrated common system approach, Bussmann can locally develop and manufacture cus-
tomised combiner boxes while maintaining exceptional levels of quality.
Combiner box
Standard IEC 61439-1 and -2 and IEC 60363-7-712
Voltage Up to 1000 V d.c.
Current 1 to 32 A
Number of strings 3 - 24 strings (20 A fuse max), 3 - 16 strings (32 A fuse max)
Operating class gPV
IP Rating IP65 (options for IP55)
Enclosure types Glass reinforced polyester (GRP), painted steel, stainless steel
Overcurrent protection configurations Positive and negative, positive only, negative only
DC Load isolation DC switch disconnect 25 A d.c. to 500 A d.c. or fixed output
Input connection types Bottom or side entry MC4 connectors or glands
Overvoltage protection options (SPD) PV T1/T2, PVT2, AC T1, T1/T2 & T2. Dataline D1, C2
Monitoring options 8/16/24 string shunt based monitoring.
Communications options 2-Wire modbus
Power supply options External 24 V d.c., Internal 240 V a.c. to 24 V d.c., Internal 1000 V d.c. to 24 V d.c.
Solar PV applications including: Large scale residential, small to large scale
Applications
commercial, large scale utility
nn - Number of Strings
03, 04, 05..............24
yy - System Voltage
06 = 600Vdc 08 = 800Vdc 10 = 1000Vdc 12 = 1000Vdc 15 = 1500Vdc
s - Switch Disconnect
D = Disconnect switch F = Fixed
M = T2 PV SPD with remote + T2 TN 240 Vac SPD with remote + C2/D1 Modbus SPD* S = T1/T2 PV SPD with remote + T2 TN 240 Vac SPD with remote*
N = T2 PV SPD with remote + T2 TT 240 Vac SPD with remote + C2/D1 Modbus SPD* T = T1/T2 PV SPD with remote + T2 TT 240 Vac SPD with remote*
P = T2 PV SPD with remote + C2 Modbus SPD* U = T1/T2 PV SPD with remote + T2 TN 240 Vac SPD with remote + C2/D1 Modbus SPD*
Q = T1/T2 PV SPD V = T1/T2 PV SPD with remote + T2 TT 240 Vac SPD with remote + C2/D1 Modbus SPD*
R = T1/T2 PV SPD with remote W = T1/T2 PV SPD with remote + C2/D1 Modbus SPD*
mm - Monitoring System
Wired Modbus Wireless Zigbee Industrial Wireless
M1 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with 240Vac power supply Z1 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with 240Vac power supply W1 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with 240Vac power supply
M2 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with no power supply Z2 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with no power supply W2 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring no power supply
M3 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with PV power (self powered) Z3 = Type S1 Shunt monitoring with PV power (self powered) W3 = Type S1 Shunt monitoringwith PV power (self powered)
Contact your
local Eaton office
Electrical Sector
Eaton’s Bussmann business
Melton Road
Burton-on-the-Wolds
LE12 5TH
Leicestershire
United Kingdom
bulesales@eaton.com
www.bussmann.com