PHOENIX CONTACT | Customer Magazine UPDATE 3/11

Photovoltaic systems generate direct currents of up to 1000V, calling for especially sturdy wiring components.To answer this demand, Phoenix Contact offers a terminal block line for connecting the generator that has been designed and tested for use in PV systems. The DIN VDE 0100-712 standard for low-voltage electrical installations applies when designing generator terminal boxes (GTBs) as it defines the requirements for operating sites, rooms, and special facilities. In this context, the generator terminal box forms the interface between the modules and the inverter. Broad Product Range The PV range comprises, among others, disconnect terminals, diode terminals, spacer plates, feed-through terminals, and fuse terminals.The disconnect terminal is used to isolate individual module strings when performing maintenance or repair work. Also, measurements and tests can be performed via the terminal block’s checking and bridge shafts. The disconnect terminal also comes in handy during system installation since PV modules permanently deliver energy. The diode terminal for photovoltaic systems with thin-film modules serves as a string diode that prevents individual string modules from being operated in the event of a fault, for example when shadow effects or feedback current defects occur.The terminals are factory populated with type P1000 M diodes. On demand, customized arrangements are also possible. The feed-through terminals are easily and quickly interconnected using plug-in jumpers, thus providing an efficient means of combining multiple strings.The fuse terminals in the GTB protect cables and strings from inadmissibly high fault and regenerative currents that may occur when parts of the PV system fail or fall into shadow. Markus Scholz The generator terminal box acts as an interface between the modules and the inverter. High-Voltage Specialists Terminal Blocks for the Generator Terminal Box (GTB) The disconnect terminal facilitates isolation of PV system parts during maintenance and measuring work. Technology 09UPDATE 3|11