Why Choose Projoy's PEFS Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown?
The Risk of DC Arc in Photovoltaic Systems
In photovoltaic power stations, light illuminating solar panels generates voltages of 600-1500V on the DC side. While inverters have built-in DC isolators, they cannot address the DC power between the panels and the inverter. Long-term operation can lead to DC arc phenomena due to issues like unfastened joints, contact quality problems, or aging insulation. Unlike AC arcs, DC arcs lack a zero-crossing point, allowing them to sustain combustion and reach temperatures up to 3000°C, posing a significant fire risk. Even with a low probability (1/1000), a 10MW station could experience 80 DC arc events over 25 years. Preventing fire risk and enabling non-professionals to identify and mitigate these risks is a major concern in the photovoltaic industry.
Global Response to Photovoltaic DC High Voltage Safety Standards
Developed countries like the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia have introduced compulsory measures for DC high voltage in photovoltaic systems.
Country | Requirement |
---|---|
United States | NEC 690.12 standard requires voltage within 1 foot (304.8mm) of the array boundary to be below 80V within 30 seconds, and outside the boundary below 30V within 30 seconds. If the inverter cannot reduce voltage to 30V or isolate capacitors within 10 seconds, a rapid shutdown device must be installed within 5 inches (127mm) of the inverter interface. |
Germany | The VDE fire safety standard mandates a DC cut-off device between the inverter and solar panel. |
Australia | OVE R11-1 (2013) requires a circuit breaker near the solar panel. |
Poland | Photovoltaic systems larger than 6.5kW must install a DC rapid shutdown device. |
China | CTS 13001-2018 requires rapid shutdown for single panels or strings when DC voltage exceeds 120V in residential off-grid rooftop systems. |
Projoy PEFS Series: String Level and Panel Level Solutions
Projoy offers PEFS-EL (string level) and PEFS-PL (panel level) rapid shutdown solutions based on market demand.
A diagram illustrates a photovoltaic system with multiple solar panels connected in series. The DC output from the panels feeds into PEFS-EL units, which then connect to an AC Electric Box and an On-grid Inverter. The system is shown connected to the grid, with a representation of a fire scenario where firefighters are present.
Projoy's PEFS-EL String Level Rapid Shutdown Solution
The PEFS-EL series is suitable for residential, industrial, commercial, and large-scale photovoltaic systems, supporting 1-2, 3-6, or 7-12 strings. It handles a maximum loop voltage of 1500VDC and a maximum loop current of 55A. The built-in temperature sensor triggers automatic shutdown if the internal temperature exceeds 70°C. In case of fire, after AC power is turned off, the PEFS-EL can shut down signals from the power grid. The disconnection switch automatically turns off if power failure exceeds 5 seconds, subsequently cutting off DC power.
Key Features of PEFS-EL:
- Max. loop voltage: 1500Vdc, max. loop current: 55A; supports 2-12 strings shutdown.
- Optional IP65 rated casting plastic shell.
- Active control for safety and reliability.
- Fire and flame retardant UL94-V0 / anti-UV material.
- High-quality materials for improved resistance to high temperature, corrosion, and impact.
- External slide block mounting hole design for easy installation.
- DC interface with knock-out holes, glands, MC4 connectors (optional).
- Built-in ventilate valve to prevent condensation.
- Built-in isolator switch with TUV, CE, CB, SAA, UL certifications.
Projoy PEFS-PL Panel Level Rapid Shutdown Solution
Projoy's PEFS-PL series offers panel-level quick shutdown, with each device serving one or two panels. When installed, panels can be left open. In emergencies, the AC switch or a quick-off button can be used to shut down panels, ensuring personnel safety for the system or firefighters.
A diagram shows multiple solar panels, each labeled with '≤40V'. These panels are connected to PEFS-PL devices. The DC outputs from the PEFS-PL units are consolidated and connected to a PLC Box, which then connects to an Inverter. The system is shown connected to the grid.
Key Features of PEFS-PL:
- Lightweight design with buckle installation for simple and convenient panel mounting.
- Complies with UL, NEC 2017/2020 (690.12), and SUNSPEC agreements.
- Matches inverter LVRT (Low Voltage Ride Through) features.
- Optional PLC control or DC24V power control.
- Available in one-for-one or one-for-two configurations.
- Available colors: White, Orange, Black.
- Built-in temperature sensor for automatic shutdown above 85°C.
- Fire and flame retardant UL94-V0 / anti-UV material / IP67 protection grade.
- High-quality materials enhance resistance to high temperature, corrosion, and impact.
- Automatic reset function: automatically closes after power is restored, no manual reset needed.
Comparison: Projoy PEFS Series vs. A Certain Brand DFS Series
No. | Item | Projoy PEFS Series | A certain brand DFS series | Comparison |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Max. operating voltage | 1500VDC | 1000VDC | Projoy PEFS are more suitable for 1500V photovoltaic systems |
2 | Current | 9~55A | 10~32A | Projoy's applicable current range is wider and larger |
3 | No. of shut-off strings | Up to 12 strings | Up to 3 strings | Projoy PEFS-EL 1-6 strings can meet residential or small industrial and commercial photovoltaic roofs; Projoy PEFS-EL 7-8 strings can meet industrial, commercial and power station application scenarios. |
4 | Single channel current | 1000V 55A | 1000V 16A | Projoy PEFS current is larger |
5 | Electrical life | 1500 | 1500 | Same electrical life |
6 | Control voltage | 100~270Vac | 100~240Vac | Projoy PEFS should have a wider voltage range |
7 | Application scenarios | Off-grid system, storage system | Off-grid system | Projoy PEFS has more application scenarios |
8 | Mechanical life | 10000 | 10000 | Same mechanical life |
9 | Indication port | LED luminous indication | Mechanical color indication | Projoy PEFS can be easily distinguished the switch status |
10 | Protection level | IP66/IP67 | IP65 | Projoy PEFS has stronger protection ability |
11 | Noise | Low noise | High noise | Projoy PEFS has low noise and can be used in quiet places |
12 | Breathable valve | Yes | Yes | Projoy PEFS ventilate valve can avoid condensation in the cavity |
13 | DC interface | knock-out hole, gland, MC4 | knock-out hole, gland, MC4 | Same DC interface |
14 | AC interface | 1m AC line | Without AC line | Projoy PEFS are more convenient for customers to connect to the AC control line |
15 | Structural design | Modular and simple structure design, quick maintenance and easy realization of single board-level maintenance | Product parts are intertwined and maintenance is difficult | Projoy PEFS are more convenient to maintain |
16 | Product iteration capabilities | Continue to develop more cost-effective products | Slow update | Projoy has stronger R&D capabilities |
17 | Panel-level rapid shutdown | Yes | No | |
18 | Delivery time | Less than two weeks, more production lines | Three weeks on average, fewer production lines | Projoy's delivery will be faster |
19 | Service | 7*24H after-sales, offices in various regions | Original service | Projoy after-sales service is more efficient |
20 | Trainning | Local training, on-site installation guidance | Appointment training and on-site installation guidance | Projoy training is more convenient |
ProJoy Electric Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, Building 3, No. 2266, Taiyang Road, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou, China
Tel: +86 512 6878 6489 | Fax: +86 512 6878 6489 | Email: sales@projoy-electric.com | www.projoy-electric.com