ABB is adding an advanced, new molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) for higher-voltage solar power plants to its Tmax PV range. The breaker, designed to protect combiners, switchgear and inverters up to 1500V DC, is the latest addition to ABB’s complete range of protection solutions for utility-scale solar plants.
The shift to higher voltages is helping reduce the cost of utility-scale photovoltaic systems. Higher-voltage systems make installations more energy efficient, require fewer components and less wiring, and are less labor intensive to build. Most new solar plants have voltages of 1500V on the DC side and many are moving towards 800V on the AC side.
Niko Railo, Global Product Group Manager for ABB’s Breakers & Enclosures business, said: “ABB advances are making utility-scale solar power plants more reliable, efficient and cost-effective. Upgrading solar plants can be complex because they are constructed from a lot of different technologies from a long list of suppliers. ABB’s solar expertise and its broad range of power technologies make the process simpler.”
Formula Ranges
The FORMULA molded case circuit breaker from 15A to 250A consists of the interruption part together with the trip unit and can be installed:
• Directly on the backplate of cubicles
• On a DIN rail
They are characterized by:
• Fixed version
• Polarity: 1 pole, 2 poles, 3 poles
• Maximum breaking capacity of 25kA at 240V AC
• Fixed thermomagnetic trip unit (TMF) for protection of networks in alternating current
• A single depth of 2.36”
• Standard front terminals
For systems using string inverters, the SACE Tmax PV range now offers circuit breakers for up to 800V AC, the industry’s first to be type-approved to UL 489 specifications and compliant with IEC 60947-2 Standard. ABB’s compact circuit breakers can break short circuit currents up to 32kA.
For 1500V DC installations with rated current up to 1200A UL and 1600A IEC, ABB’s product range now includes molded case circuit breaker (MCCBs) and switch-disconnectors. The SACE Tmax PV range makes installation faster and reduces wiring costs for more advanced solar plants, helping utilities and engineers save time. The SACE Tmax PV offers design engineers, panel builders and inverter manufacturers a single–brand solution for photovoltaic systems installed anywhere in the world. All integrate readily with the electrical and mechanical accessories developed for the SACE Tmax T MCCB range.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees. www.abb.com
