ABB has achieved the UL98B certification for its 2,000-V OTDC switch discharge, the first to do this in the industry of the renewable energy.
ABB’s 2,000-V OTDC switch DISCONCNECTOR.
In the past 20 years, solar systems have evolved to tackle higher voltages, resulting in lower system costs and higher energy yields. UL certifications are crucial for guaranteeing product safety, reliability and performance in the American renewable energy industry. UL Solutions, a world leader in applied safety science, performs rigorous tests and evaluations to ensure that products meet products for electric, fire brigade, mechanical and environmental performance standards.
While 2,000-V solar modules are commercially available, 2,000-V solar systems require inverters and combiner boxes with switches that can also process the higher voltage.
“This certification is a breakthrough for the solar industry,” says Bill Stewart, product marketing director of Product Marketing, ABB Smart Power. “We are proud of being the first to be the market on the market with an UL-certified 2,000-V solution that directly meets the requirements of our customers for higher efficiency and lower costs without endangering the quality. Innovations such as these are crucial to speed up the energy transition.”
ABB’s three-color DC switch-DISConnector is designed for 2,000-V Utility-Scale Fotovoltaic power plants, which makes an increased power possible, while the electric balance of system costs is reduced by a maximum of 15% by fast installation times, fewer components and lower labor costs, the company explained in a press release. The design of 2,000 feathers can also process more modules per string to improve the energy yield during the lifetime of solar installations, which ultimately drives the costs for developers and EPCs.
“Our customers have been clear: UL certification is the first step that many need to ensure product and project compatibility,” said Brian Nelson, leader of renewable energy sources at ABB. “Reaching this milestone removes a big barrier and confirms ABB as the enabler for the next generation more efficient, cost-effective solar installations.”
It is expected that products for 2,000 V will rise from less than 5 GW in 2026 to 380 GW in 2030. At that time they are expected to include 77% of all solar projects on the utility company worldwide in 2030.
News item from ABB
