Increasing efficiency and lowering costs for emerging technology of 1,500 V DC systems
Zurich, Switzerland, September 11, 2014 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announces the release of the world’s first low voltage hybrid moulded-case switch, the T7D PV-E. Developed for emerging technologies such as photovoltaic (solar) applications, the new T7D PV-E is the only compact moulded-case switch for 1.5 kilovolt (kV) DC systems up to 1,600 amperes.
The T7D PV-E switch’s hybrid technology ensures reliable breaking and combines traditional mechanical breaking with modern power electronics. This is important especially in low ranges of direct currents where interruptions at 1.5 kV can be unpredictable.
With the T7D PV-E, PV plants are able to increase voltage levels thereby increasing efficiency and reducing overall costs as fewer components are required such as conductors, overcurrent protection devices, or inverters. Ideally suited for PV inverters, manufacturers benefit from the switch’s compact design resulting in up to 50% space savings.
“When developing the first low voltage hybrid moulded-case switch, our engineering team’s innovative mindset focused on advanced power electronics in the form of the most compact switch, the Tmax T7,” says Lucio Azzola, ABB’s Research & Development Manager for breakers and switches.
The new switch represents ABB innovation, having reached the limit of low voltage in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard. The T7D PV-E switch extends ABB’s Tmax range of moulded-case switch disconnectors, an ideal solution for whenever you need to switch low voltage power of DC systems up to 1.5 kV.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.