How to select the right SPD for solar, EV & smart building installations
What is that one common thing between solar
plants, EV charging stations, and smart buildings? They all rely on sensitive
electronics! So, electronic technologies make a system smarter; they also make
it vulnerable to electrical disturbances, such as voltage surges.
Per the U.S. National Lightning Safety
Institute, lightning and power surges cause billions of dollars in damage to
electrical equipment each year.
Hence, it is critical to pick the
correct surge protection device (SPD) for modern
installations. Let us discuss how to choose the right SPD for your
system.
Where do surges come from?
Is lightning the only cause? No.
In reality, most surges originate inside
the facility itself. Yes, shocking, right?
Studies show that switching operations in
motors, transformers, and power electronics generate frequent transient spikes.
This makes it crucial to protect the system not just from external lightning,
but also from internal disturbances.
Choosing the right SPD type
A surge
protection device type 2 is used at distribution boards and
sub-panels. It offers protection against:
- Indirect lightning surges
- Switching transients
Type 2 SPD offers protection to equipment
such as:
- Inverters
- Energy management systems
- Control panels
- Charging infrastructure
Electrical standards like IEC 61643
recommend layered surge protection, and that’s where type 2 SPDs come in. They
act as the electrical distribution system's defensive layer.
Match the SPD rating with the system
voltage.
Do you know the most common mistakes during
SPD selection? It ignores system voltage ratings.
Every piece of equipment or system operates
at different voltages depending on the application. The SPD must match the
system’s nominal voltage and have an adequate discharge capacity. Even the
electrical guidelines state that selecting the correct voltage rating is
essential for the SPD to activate at the right time.
Environment and installation location
Every plant has a different purpose and
thus requires different environmental conditions. Such as:
- Solar installations are often installed in areas prone to
lightning strikes.
- EV chargers are installed outdoors.
- Smart buildings have complex electrical networks.
This is why it’s crucial to select the SPD
that aligns with environmental factors, such as:
- Lightning density
- Cable length
- Grounding quality
- Proximity to sensitive equipment
Proper grounding and coordination with
other protection devices
Proper grounding = Effective SPD. As the
device directs excess energy to ground, it’s essential to have a grounding
system capable of safely dissipating that energy.
Poor earthing can lead to surge protection
failure. Also, SPDs should align with upstream protection devices to ensure
that surges are gradually reduced beforethey reach any sensitive equipment.
FAQs
What is a surge protection device?
It protects sensitive equipment by
diverting the excess voltage caused by lightning.
What are the uses of Type 2 SPD?
Type 2 SPD is installed at distribution
boards for protection against direct lightning surges.
Are SPDs necessary for solar
installations?
Obviously yes! SPDs are essential for
protecting sensitive components, such as inverters and other electronic
components, from voltage spikes.
In a nutshell
With advancements in energy systems, it
became essential to integrate these systems with reliable surge protection
devices.
Sure, surges are unpredictable, but
adequate protection can prevent equipment damage, system downtime, and costly
repairs.
If you are planning to upgrade your
system, Axis is
here to help you. We ensure you choose the right surge protection strategy to
protect your equipment and improve system reliability.
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