DS-JUNE23-PG48_Layout 1 16/06/2023 14:24 Page 1
FEATURE CABLES & CONNECTORS
sponsored by
MAKING THE CONNECTION TO PV TECHNOLOGY
When designing and planning a Photovoltaic (PV) system, the smaller components such as
cabling and connectors can often be overlooked in the initial stages. These are, however, a crucial part of the system, as Stäubli explains
R
unning alongside the soaring costs of traditional fuels is the growing
awareness that clean energy is the way forward, meaning alternative methods of power generation are essential. However, although there are numerous ways in which clean energy can be produced – on-shore and off- shore wind, hydro-electric, tidal based systems, and Photovoltaics (PV) – many of the government subsidies and incentives for these have either been scaled back or are no longer available. There is therefore a greater
focus on ensuring high levels of efficiency and reliability to strengthen the case for a satisfactory return on investment, especially in large scale projects. PV technology will play an increasingly important role in the production of clean and renewable energy and as such the scale of the projects and installations is increasing year on year. In fact some sites cover expansive areas, with capacities up to several thousand Megawatts (MW). However, PV power generation must not
only compete against other methods of power generation, but also with other similar installations using the same technology. To secure funding, it is essential to be able to accurately predict not only the initial capital costs, but the total cost of ownership. And in the case of PV installations, this could be over an extended operational period of some 25 years. Developers and investors have to assess
the investment risk: performing a qualitative evaluation on both the technical and legal aspects. This also involves a quantitative economic evaluation focussing on the balance between Total Initial Costs, Total Operating Costs and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), which is a measure of the average net cost of electricity generation over the lifetime of the project. The result and output of the review processes have to
48 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2023
be rated as bankable in order to improve the chances of a positive financial decision as well as managing and mitigating risk.
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS High-quality components ensure risk is minimised. Poor choices at the planning and design stages, as a result of lack of knowledge, or the selection of inferior-quality components, will eventually result in an unexpected loss of production or potential safety issues during the lifecycle of a PV system.
An EU-funded Solar Bankability Project set out
to establish a common practice for professional risk assessment on the basis of existing studies and by collecting statistical data of failures in PV installations. The project presented cost-based Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to be
implemented within the PV sector – and failures on cabling and connectors were identified amongst the highest risk potentials. During the project design and planning phase of a PV system, the main focus is likely to be on the solar modules and the power inverters, the two highest cost items. Smaller components, such as connectors, although a crucial part of the installed system, are often overlooked at the initial stages. It is clear that a greater consideration needs to be given to these items. The importance of the connector in these installations cannot be underestimated as it is clear that long- term reliability, together with consistent low contact resistance, are the key attributes required of the connectors if the highest levels of performance are to be achieved.
INDUSTRY STANDARD CONNECTORS With several decades of expertise within the PV sector, Stäubli’s MC4 connector has become recognised as the industry standard. The reason for this is its design, the selection of the materials used, and the precision manufacturing methods
which have resulted in predictable performance and reliability. Stäubli’s patented MULTILAM contact technology, at the heart of Stäubli PV connectors, uses multiple contact points to improve both connection quality and energy transfer. Thanks to MC4’s design and constant spring pressure, the connectors offer low contact resistance, ensuring safe, long-term operation. Furthermore, the connectors are very stable in terms of temperature and demonstrate no heat accumulation, significantly reducing downtime and ongoing service costs. Today, Stäubli connectors are connecting
over 615 GW globally, which is more than half the world’s cumulative PV capacity.
Stäubli UK T: 01952 671917
Stäubli’s MC4 connector has become recognised as the industry standard in the PV industry
www.staubli.com
Feature
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
