Re: Transient Protection- Phtovoltaics
one item I forgot to mention is a shorted high side buck boost transformer will make a very good transient protector for a DC circuit when the low voltage side in placed in series with the photo array. this will short out any AC events that might try to be imposed upon the DC lines from the array in the event of a lightning strike close by.
Use one that has a 12 volt secondary and has a low voltage amperage at least higher than the output of your array. shorting the primary leads together by just capping all 4 H1, H2, H3, H4, together. then place the secondary leads in series with the photo array down leads. it will be best to X1 toward the array and X2 toward the load for the positive conductor then X3 toward the array and X4 toward the load for the negative conductor. I wish I could draw a diagram to show what I mean. But one low voltage winding will be in series with the positive cable, and one low voltage winding will be in series with the negative cable
This has the effect of shunting any AC via the shorted primary. They make special transformers for this but I haven't seen any. Placing the transformer close to the array will have the best effect.
[ January 15, 2005, 01:38 AM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]