3 ms·
I think we need to talk about the definition of "low voltage". In my understanding it's everything below 1000V. Solar power systems often provide a voltage up t
by andix 3y ago
I think we need to talk about the definition of "low voltage". In my understanding it's everything below 1000V. Solar power systems often provide a voltage up to 1000V, by serially chaining modules. Running them in parallel with ~50V would require quite massive cables.
Edit: About the danger of DC wires: There are technical solutions to mitigate risks. They may be too expensive though. I think we can reuse some of the strategies electric cars use. It's the only end-user application I know that uses DC powered cables with up to 900V (Lucid Air).
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]
- IndrekR 3y agoI (as someone who designs electric and electronic equipment every day) agree. Low Voltage is a very specific term and typically means <1kV AC and <1.5kV DC in the industry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_voltage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_voltage
- paleface 3y ago> Low Voltage is a very specific term […] It’s not a very specific term, at all - and is dependent upon context - per the first sentence, of the wikipedia article, you linked, stating: > In electrical engineering, low voltage is a relative term, the definition varying by context. The various standards, mentioned in that article, are in relation to “installations”, and power distribution. The standard in the UK (BS 7671), defines “high voltage”, as >600VAC difference between conductor(s), and earth. A voltage greater than mains voltage, in any item of domestic electrical equipment, is absolutely “high voltage”. Hence why valve amp power supply terminals, are considered high tension (HT, i.e., high voltage), despite not exceeding the threshold, claimed in wikipedia.
- zamadatix 3y agoThis is a great piece of data, thanks for posting it. Without this comment I would never have realized low voltage referring to ~50 volts or less was primarily a US thing.
- amelius 3y ago> I think we can reuse some of the strategies electric cars use. Sounds like it could be a patent minefield.
- Moto7451 3y agoSince we’re talking about power distribution in homes, the National Electric Code and local zoning apply. That means low voltage for the purpose of the article will be limited to 0-49v. All solar panels for homes that I’m aware of are under 49v per panel so fair enough for the article.
- imoverclocked 3y agoThe panels on my house are 44V each but are connected with 11 in series. That means you can expect to see 484V in an open circuit situation with full sunlight.
- Johnythree 3y agoMost grid-tie systems use multiple solar panels wired in series to give the high voltage DC needed to simplify the conversion to Mains AC.