Scribd
Upload
4 views

string_fusing_requirements_eu_and_apac_en

This technical note outlines the string fuse requirements for SolarEdge systems in comparison to traditional string inverter systems, highlighting the differences in design and fault response. It specifies that string fuses are generally only necessary when four or more strings are installed and emphasizes that SolarEdge Power Optimizers prevent reverse current flow, mitigating fire risks. The document also details overload protection and the need for components to comply with local regulations regarding current ratings.

Uploaded by

Mohd Ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

string_fusing_requirements_eu_and_apac_en

This technical note outlines the string fuse requirements for SolarEdge systems in comparison to traditional string inverter systems, highlighting the differences in design and fault response. It specifies that string fuses are generally only necessary when four or more strings are installed and emphasizes that SolarEdge Power Optimizers prevent reverse current flow, mitigating fire risks. The document also details overload protection and the need for components to comply with local regulations regarding current ratings.

Uploaded by

Mohd Ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Version 1.

6, October 2024

SolarEdge systems - String fuse requirements -


Technical note – EU and APAC
Revision history
Version 1.6, October 2024 – General update
Version 1.5, January 2024 – Content update
Version 1.4, June 2022 – Content update

Overview
String design and installation is significantly different in a SolarEdge system when
compared to a traditional string inverter. PV modules do not get connected in series
directly. Every PV module in the array is connected to the input of a SolarEdge power
optimizer, and the power optimizer output wires are connected to each other in series.

Consequently, the behavior of a SolarEdge system under fault conditions differs from that of
a traditional string inverter system.
This document compares the overcurrent protection mechanisms of the SolarEdge system
and the string inverter system and analyzes their response to various fault scenarios. From
this analysis it follows that for most common installations 1, string fuses should be used
only in cases where four or more strings are installed.
All equipment within the inverter-optimizer segment (connectors 2, wires, disconnectors,
etc) must be rated at 2x the maximum output current of the Power Optimizer 3 and must
comply with the requirements of local regulations.
ie, 36A for P-Series Power Optimizers and 40A (or 48A) for S-Series commercial Power
Optimizers.
When the strings are directly connected to the inverter, fuses in one polarity are sufficient to
protect both polarities, as required by HD 60364-7-712 cl. 712.432.101.

1
Excluding the use of the M1600 Power Optimizer.
2
Refer to the original Staubli MC4 datasheet on the Staubli website.
3
Refer to the "Maximum Output Current" in the relevant Power Optimizer datasheet for the maximum
rating.

SolarEdge systems - String fuse requirements - Technical note – EU and APAC 1


Version 1.6, October 2024

String fuse requirements


According to IEC 62548 and US NEC -2017 Article 690.9, there is a need for string
overcurrent protection (string fuses) if the possible reverse current is higher than the
maximum rating of the PV module. According to EN 60269-6, a string fuse must disconnect a
current that is 1.35x (IEC)/1.56x (US NEC) its rating within one hour. That is, wires and
modules must withstand currents up to 35% (IEC)/56% (US NEC) higher for one hour. For
shorter time frames, higher currents may occur so wires and modules must withstand higher
currents for up to one hour.
In a SolarEdge system, the PV modules are not connected directly to the inverter. Hence,
when evaluating whether string fuses are required, the installer must consider if reverse or
fault currents can affect all the system’s components such as: PV modules, Power
Optimizers, combiner boxes, connectors, etc.

Fault scenarios
To create reverse current in a PV system, a string or a part of a string must be short-circuited.
This can be caused either by two consecutive ground faults or by a line-line fault.
A schematic of the two insulation faults is depicted in the following figure:

Short-circuits due to Line-Earth (Ground) faults

String inverter systems


In string inverter systems, an earth fault will create an insulation fault indication at the
inverter and a transformer-less inverter will also disconnect from the grid, however the fault
remains. In the case of a second insulation fault in another part of the DC system (either in
the same string or in a different string), the string or part of it is short-circuited. Then, a
critical reverse current, being higher than the fuse rating of the PV module, can flow
through the PV modules. A string overcurrent protection device is required, with a lower
current rating than the max rating of the PV module, to interrupt this current. In case of a
reverse current lower than the module rating, this current will not be interrupted, and there
may be risk of a fire at the earth fault location. From the standard’s point of view, this risk is

SolarEdge systems - String fuse requirements - Technical note – EU and APAC 2


Version 1.6, October 2024

considered low and therefore protection is not required.

SolarEdge Systems
In SolarEdge systems, an earth fault will create an insulation fault reaction leading to system
shutdown. Not only is the inverter disconnected, but the optimizers shut down and enter
safety mode, reducing the string current to a safe level around 0A . In case of a second fault,
there might be scenarios where current will flow momentarily. When there are three parallel
strings or fewer installed, the SolarEdge system sustains the resulted current, and the
optimizers minimize the chance of reverse current flowing to the modules. Thus, no
additional string protection is required.

Short-circuits due to Line-Line faults


Due to the use of double-insulated single-core wires, the risk of line-line faults is low.
Therefore, to protect PV modules from the effects of short-circuits, no additional
overcurrent protection devices (such as string fuses) are required by the standard.
Nevertheless, such faults must be considered.

String inverter systems


In string inverter systems, a line-line fault can create a critical reverse current. To protect the
PV modules, string overcurrent protection is necessary if the PV module rating is insufficient.
However, even with string fuses, when the current is lower than the module rating there is a
current at the fault location, and it may cause a fire.

SolarEdge systems
SolarEdge Power Optimizers provide internal current limitation. Due to the topology and the
control of the switches, no reverse current can flow to a PV module. The Power Optimizers
limit current at the PV module input to 20A, depending on the model 4. They also limit
current at the Power Optimizer DC output circuit up to a constant value of the “Maximum
Output Current”. For the S1200 this value is 20A, and for the S1400 the value is 24A. The
SolarEdge Power Optimizers are certified to provide zero back feed current to the PV module,
and zero back feed current to the rest of the string, meaning that the string current can flow
in only one direction. Therefore, there is no risk of reverse currents in the modules.

In most cases, a line-line fault affects the fixed-voltage control and immediately leads to
system shutdown, including shutdown of the optimizers, reducing the string current to a
safe level around 0A. However, if the wires are not sized to have current carrying capabilities
appropriate for the maximum current, there may be a need to have overcurrent protection
devices to protect the wires until the shutdown occurs.
When installing three (or fewer) parallel strings, no string overcurrent protection is needed
if the wires are able to withstand the potential reverse current for 15 seconds. In
comparison to the traditional string inverter systems, there is no current after this time, and
no risk of a fire at the location of the fault itself.

4
As specified in the "Maximum Short Circuit Current" parameter in the relevant Power Optimizer
datasheet.

SolarEdge systems - String fuse requirements - Technical note – EU and APAC 3


Version 1.6, October 2024

Overload protection
String inverter systems
In string inverter systems, string currents can be higher than the STC values in the module
datasheet. Therefore, a safety margin is used (for example 10%) to account for higher
irradiances and other ambient conditions, which may increase the current.

SolarEdge systems
In a SolarEdge system, the string current is limited to the Power Optimizer’s maximum
output current, even if module current increases due to ambient conditions. In addition, the
Power Optimizers limit the current at the PV module input. Therefore, no safety margin is
needed when calculating maximum string current.

SolarEdge systems - String fuse requirements - Technical note – EU and APAC 4

You might also like