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Understanding the dangers of arc flash in solar, battery storage systems

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In this pv magazine Webinar, we will review different electrical hazards present in renewable energy systems and compare various methods to mitigate them as well as examine real-world examples using arc-flash relays to increase system reliability.

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A quick response to arc faults is essential. However, a lot of available protection equipment is prone to registering accidental trips rather than faults, as well as responding too slowly or potentially not at all. Therefore, selecting and implementing an appropriate arc-flash detection technology is an essential task. In this pv magazine Webinar, we will review different electrical hazards present in renewable energy systems and compare various methods to mitigate them as well as examine real-world examples using arc-flash relays to increase system reliability.

Arc flashes are a major concern for solar and battery energy storage system owners and operators alike. Such failures—which produce an explosion of extreme heat, molten shrapnel, and intense light from an arc event—can occur due to loose connections, improper wiring in the field, vibration, or humidity. The net result can include serious safety hazards and costly service interruptions.

To address safety concerns and minimize equipment damage it is critical to turn off other parts of the equipment as soon as possible. However, with combiner boxes and battery storage cabinets tight for space, right-sized and efficient products are needed.

In this pv magazine webinar, we will discuss arc-flash events and how to best mitigate them. Mark Pollock, global standards & application engineering manager at Littelfuse, will explain why both overcurrent and arc-protection are important in renewable systems.

You will also have a chance to learn about the impact of arc-flash relays in reducing incident energy levels, as well as hear how to design an electrical balance of system with arc-flash mitigation included or how to easily apply it to existing designs.

pv magazine Webinar content:

  • Arc-flash events explained
  • Examples of arcing
  • Arc-flash codes and compliance
  • How can arc-flash relays reduce risks?
  • Case Study – arc-flash relay for grid-scale BESS
  • Q&A

Questions can be submitted beforehand in the comments window when registering or in the chat during the webinar. Marija Maisch, Energy Storage News Director at pv magazine, will be the moderator of this webinar.

Registration for this pv magazine webinar is free of charge.

Speakers

Mark Pollock | Application Engineering Manager, Codes & Standards, Littelfuse

Mark Pollock is the Global Standards & Application Engineering Manager for the Littelfuse Industrial Business Unit, responsible for developing subject matter expertise in arc-flash and ground-fault protection. He has been with Littelfuse for the past 18 years in various roles, focusing on the technical application and product line strategy for protection relays. Mark participates in a variety of standards working groups with UL, CSA, IEC, IEEE, Standards Australia, and others, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Moderators

Marija Maisch | Energy storage news director, pv magazine

Marija has years of experience in a news agency environment and writing for print and online publications. She took over as the editor of pv magazine Australia in 2018 and helped establish its online presence over a two-year period. Since December 2021, Marija has been working as staff editor at pv magazine International for both online and monthly print publications, specializing in Eastern European solar markets, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicles.

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