Solar panel safety.

Omron is addressing the challenge of de-energizing solar PV panels and other renewable energy sources with the launch of a new high power DC relay capable of rapidly interrupting 25A at 1000V DC in the event of an emergency.

According to Steve Drumm, European Marketing, Sales Development & Project Management, at Omron, “Rooftop solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in offices and homes, and as a result the issue of their shut-down in the event of a fire in the building is moving up the agenda. Rapid PV shut-down is moving from being highly desirable to mandatory in some markets in order to protect fire fighters and other first responders.”

In response, Omron has launched the G7L-X relay, with a rated load of 1000V DC at 25A and a release time of just 30ms. This relay can be installed close to a PV panel or other renewable source, and disconnect it quickly in an emergency, to permit maintenance or in response to utility requests. The G7L-X conforms to UK and IEC solar inverter standards, as well as applicable UL and VDE electrical standards.

Features of the design include an assisting magnetism circuit, to help achieve a very quick switchover. The relay contacts have been specifically designed to handle the very high DC loads that are a feature of this application, and have a contact gap of 6.0mm for safety.

the G7L-X is rated at 6,000 operations at 600V DC, and 100 operations at 1000V DC – more than enough for its envisaged emergency cut-off application. The device is compact for a relay with this capacity: it’s size is just 52.5 x 35.5 x 41.0 mm. The relay is ideal for outdoor installations, and can operate in ambient temperatures of between -40 and +85 deg C. Omron is also offering a general purpose version of the relay, with a capacity of 20A at 1000VDC.

#PAuto @OmronEurope #Safety