The first test system with the RADOX Solar Blue-Safety system is now operational in Wängi, Switzerland. The system comprises the smart RADOX Solar HM-Blue-Safety junction box, which HUBER+SUHNER developed in cooperation with the French company MERSEN, and a combiner box with components for monitoring and controlling the photovoltaic installation.
The test system, consisting of a total of two strings of 10 solar modules by SI Module each, has now been installed on the roof at MBR Solar, one of Switzerland's leading photovoltaic system integrators. This is an initial pilot series with the new junction box, whose design-in was actively supported by HUBER+SUHNER's application engineers.
Key findings
The test system has a nominal output of 5.4 kWp and offers all the stakeholders the opportunity to test the new products in the field. "Today's test installation is an important step for us in the future development of the product," said Reto Keller, an application engineer with HUBER+SUHNER. "On top of this, it allows us to subject all critical components to long-term testing. After all, the idea is for our products to be maintenance-free and safe for at least 25 years of operations."
The next step is to complete TÜV and UL certification for all the components before the system is marketed worldwide through HUBER+SUHNER sales organisations.
About the system
Safety systems are already required for PV systems in many countries to allow photovoltaic modules to be switched to a voltage- and current-free state in case of fire.
The RADOX® Solar Blue-Safety fire protection system offers this possibility. The system thus increases facility safety and guarantees safe fire-fighting in case of fire, or safe conditions for system maintenance.
In addition, the system offers important monitoring functions. Voltage, temperature and current can be monitored, and individual modules can be switched off if critical temperatures are exceeded or if safety-relevant system components fail.
