Advantages of vertical design fuse switches for LV grid connection of self-consumption systems

Pronutec, which is firmly committed to the energy transition and caring for the environment, has incorporated self-consumption with the installation of 250 bifacial 280º south-west facing solar panels on the roof of our facilities, with a total power of 135 KWp. Self-consumption without surpluses was chosen for the initial phase, to supply energy to the three group companies located on the site.

Milestones achieved since it started operating include:

137,060 Kg CO2 reduction
55,540 Kg coal reduction
Equivalent to planting 7,483 trees

To keep abreast of this information daily, we have a tool that provides data on the production of renewable solar energy in real-time, which we can consult for data on our generation and self-consumption.

Pronutec, with over 36 years of experience in the electricity market, embarked upon this project to increase our use of renewable energy and optimise its distribution via a direct current photovoltaic generation facility.

One of the main challenges of the project involved the transfer of the energy generated while reducing potential distribution losses as much as possible, which is a common challenge for all photovoltaic installations. To this end, a cabling route was designed that would run through the different floors of the site to the transformer substation following the most direct route possible to minimise potential energy losses.

Upon its arrival at the transformer substation, the direct current (DC) is converted into alternating current (AC), ready to be fed into the grid and thereby ready for consumption. Conversion is conducted via an inverter, in our case a 110 kVA model.

Low Voltage panel functionality

Energy from the electricity grid ready for consumption and energy from the solar panels converge in the switchboard located in the transformer substation. This switchboard consists of six three-pole vertical design fuse switches size NH1 and four three-pole vertical design fuse switches size NH00, all 400 V AC. For distribution protection, each includes three fuses specifically for this application from the German brand SIBA.

Nine fuse switches in this switchboard perform the “traditional” energy distribution function, i.e. energy enters through the top of the switchboard via cables connecting the transformer to the fuse switches and the tenth switch, and a size NH1 I vertical three-pole fuse switch is responsible for supplying the energy generated by the photovoltaic panels during daylight hours. Once energy enters through this fuse switch, it is combined with the energy from the grid for distribution among the different fuse switches to the consumption points.

But how can we find out how much energy we are consuming from our self-consumption panels? Very easily, via advanced monitoring. This Pronutec switchboard includes advanced monitoring for each fuse switch, making it possible to find out how much energy is being consumed at any given moment. This solution for smart grids enables us to discover, by employing a simple calculation, how much energy is being consumed from the grid and how much from the photovoltaic installation. Even at times when no energy is being consumed, we can find out how much energy we are feeding into the grid.

Discover our Smart Grids Solutions

Fuse switches for photovoltaic applications

At the Pronutec facilities, the fuse switches protect and distribute the current at 400 V. For large-scale solar plants, the three-pole fuse switches used for grid protection and distribution from the new inverters employ the Pronutec TRIVER + range for photovoltaic applications, with voltage levels of up to 800 V AC.

The main advantages of using fuse switches from the Triver+800 range for photovoltaic applications are:

Tested switching capacity up to 800 V.
Tested short circuit protection up to 120 kA.
Reliable protection using well-established technology based on the DIN standard.
Operations can be conducted comfortably and safely using conventional or insulated tools.
Compatible with 185 mm and 100 mm busbar spacing.
Available from size NH-00 to NH-3.
Complete range of copper and aluminium terminals for different cable sizes.

Range of 800V AC vertical design fuse switches

NH 00 | 100 mm | 800 V

NH 00 | 185 mm | 800 V

NH 1/3 | 185 mm | 800 V

Solutions for large solar projects

For higher-power photovoltaic projects, Pronutec designs and manufactures low-voltage switchboards for up to 800V AC. Our technical team can develop custom switchboards adapted to the individual needs of each client and project. Do you have a project in progress? Contact us to discover the advantages of our solutions and the best options for your solar project.