Cooper Bussmann Introduces A Full Range Of Photovoltaic Array Protection Fuses For Solar Power Installations
St Louis, MO - Cooper Bussmann, the leader in innovative circuit protection solutions, has developed a full range of PV Fuses specifically for protecting solar panel photovoltaic (PV) cell strings.
Sophisticated solar panel systems contain photovoltaic (PV) strings that consist of small solar power cells connected in series or parallel. Their recent, accelerated development has created a demand for high-performance fuses. The specific area of concern is the limited current condition that exists with a solar panel fault. The short-circuit current levels associated with solar panels do not produce sufficient current to open standard fuses in a way that effectively isolates faulted photovoltaic cell strings.
Fuses with full range low-fault current operation are recognized by design engineers as the tried and tested means for protecting PV arrays. With ratings from 8A to 15A at 1000Vdc, the new Cooper Bussmann PV Fuse line complies with the 'gR' operating Class and is manufactured to meet global standards of the 10 x 38mm fuse package for coordination with 4", 5" and 6" solar cell panels. The fuses are tested and approved to IEC 60269, and provide full-range protection with minimum interrupting ratings down to 1.3 x In.
The popular 10 x 38mm cylindrical fuse package allows using off-the-shelf modular fuse holders, fuse blocks, PCB clips, bolt fixing blocks, and also come with available tabs for direct soldering onto a circuit board.
"These unique Cooper Bussmann PV Fuses will assist design engineers in ensuring worker safety and equipment protection without sacrificing performance in alternative energy applications," explained Dan Dunlap, senior product manager for Cooper Bussmann.
Alternative power generating systems, like solar panels, were once considered impractical due to initial start-up costs. Cumbersome equipment required to sustain the continued supply of electricity and to convert the dc electricity into ac was also a deterrent. However, the rapid advancements in solar panels and systems has made this alternative means a more viable solution for generating clean power.
Cooper Bussmann is continually investing in the design of fuses for the protection of emerging technologies utilizing power electronics. Close global cooperation among the product and engineering teams ensures continuous component improvements, including fuses, to protect the next generation of "clean energy" equipment.
For more information about the new Cooper Bussmann PV Fuse, log on to www.cooperbussmann.com/pvfuse.
SOURCE: Cooper Bussmann