With the increasing adoption of batteries in photovoltaic systems We have come across a very wide range of installations and some of them are very worrying as they put the system, the investment and the people nearby at risk.
Just like the entire installation, whether or not it is connected to the network, it must follow standards and practices that make them efficient and mainly safe. And it is not enough to be safe until the customer checks what has been installed, it must always be safe.
A well-done installation is not just one that places the organized cables, use correct connectors, size them correctly. It's that and much more.
There are published standards that guide the precepts of projects and installations of this nature, there are standards that were created so that equipment and devices used in installations have certain minimum characteristics that qualify them for such applications.
These standards were created from constant meetings and discussions with highly qualified technical personnel in each of the fields studied. These meetings are promoted, monitored and controlled by the ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards).
Created in the 40s, among its functions are the definition of standards and technical rules – that affect commerce, industry and the provision of services in Brazil, in addition to managing them. It is an institution linked to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which sets and administers standards around the world.
ABNT standards govern the industry and make the quality control and effectiveness of products sold and it is these standards that guarantee the standardization of parts, in addition to carrying out necessary processes in some services.
They even affect commercial and diplomatic relations between countries and this is very important in a market where almost all components and equipment come from Asia, notably China.
Some standards are compulsory, that is, mandatory and must be followed to the letter to allow marketing of products in our market.
Others are voluntary and must be followed to guarantee the aforementioned performance and useful life of what is being built. The standards govern projects and installations and are an excellent source of technical learning.
Standards govern products and equipment, but customer experience designer and installer, achieved with in-depth studies and practice, is essential for the success of the operation. This knowledge is the result of, for example, the correct definition of the type of battery to be used in a photovoltaic system.
Errors very common to find is the use of circuit breakers poorly sized for the application. These systems work with direct current on their generator side, therefore the use of circuit breakers and components suitable for this application is essential, otherwise they may not work when necessary.
For example, an AC circuit breaker in a DC application may not disconnect the circuit correctly or with the correct current value. Likewise, an installation in which cable splices are used, especially those made in any way, can be potentially dangerous for fires.
It is also common to find cables “thrown” during installation or even those that do not have the necessary protections for use in outdoor applications, showing extreme degradation after very little use.
It is common – unfortunately – to find installations where batteries used are of the “automotive” type. Those that were designed and built for use in automobiles and function completely differently from what is found in a photovoltaic system.
Starting with the stationary nature of the system. The battery used will work its entire life “stationary” in its installation location and not constantly moving like in a car.
To achieve this, its construction and chemistry must be different and prepared for it. The use of a automotive beater It can guarantee a smaller investment as the supply of this type of battery is enormous, however, given its design and construction characteristics, its useful life and performance will be much lower when compared to the correct type of battery.
We have already said a lot, in previous texts, that the best battery options for this type of application are Lithium batteries given their much better characteristics of useful life, energy efficiency, faster charging time, accepts greater depth of discharge (these two factors provide a bank with smaller capacity and even better performance than lead-acid banks), among others. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) is the safest and most mature technology for this use.
Batteries, as well as other equipment and components of the photovoltaic system, must comply with some standard. Lead-acid batteries must already comply with the 140 / 2022 Ordinance and compliance for lithium batteries will become mandatory from the beginning of this year.
You can find it here on the website Canal Solar several texts elucidating and commenting on the main standards and techniques of photovoltaic projects, as well as the training that takes place here.
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Overcurrent protection in compliance with current standards
Make good use of these materials and improve your experience by standing out for safe, economical and long-lasting projects because, as I always say, a good sale only ends when the second sale happens.
