Export Requirements for Packaging Machines - Moeller

INFo
The Company: www.gefran.com
Products: P-SOL DC switch-disconnectors
N1, N3 DC switch-disconnectors
NZM AC circuit-breakers
DILM3000 contactors
RMQ pilot devices
Quicklink ID: ES2317 [www.moeller.net]
The Italian company Gefran is headquartered in
Provaglio d’Iseo and is a renowned manufacturer
for drives, sensors, controllers and automation
systems. The company started a few years
ago with the development of photovoltaic
power inverters based on devices for drives. A
complete range consisting of nine types from
2 kW to 250 kW for industrial and residential
applications has been on offer since March
2010. The power inverters operate both with and
without transformers.
Gefran also offers a generator string box for
eight strings. It can be expanded in combinations
with 16 or 24 strings and with a switchdisconnector
box. In the basic version, the inputs
are brought together via string diodes and fuses.
The more convenient version also features a
current measuring function. The read data is fed
to a central data acquisition and evaluation unit
via an RS485 interface and Modbus protocol.
This enables faulty modules to be detected
early and yield losses to be prevented. The
range is rounded off with a varistor overvoltage
protection.
Eaton’s P-SOL60 DC switch-disconnector is
integrated both in the APV 20K power inverter
as well as in the JBX string boxes. It is used in
the power inverter to isolate the DC input from
the solar generator. One highlight is the fact
that it causes the isolation of the power inverter
using the attached shunt release and a DILM95
contactor on the AC side.
The majority of the P-SOL60s are used in the
string boxes as DC switch-disconnectors in
order to isolate the string group from the power
inverter. Also here the combination with the
undervoltage release is used in two versions,
in order to open the switch-disconnector in the
event of malfunctions on the module side, which
the electronics reliably detects.
Gefran also uses other high quality switchgear
from the Eaton range: N-S1-DC DC switchdisconnectors,
DIL contactors, RMQ pilot
devices, Xpole components and NZM
circuit-breakers.
P-SoL DC switch-disconnectors
Eaton offers P-SOL DC switch-disconnectors
for the rated current ranges 20 A, 30 A and
60 A. The DC isolators are available with IP20
protection for direct mounting in the power
inverter or with IP65 protection for external
mounting close to the power inverter. The high
Gefran S.p.A., headquartered
in Provaglio d’Iseo (BS), Italy,
develops components and
implements automation solutions
for monitoring and controlling both
industrial processes and machines.
The range covers sensors, drive
solutions (such as inverters,
servo drives, and converters),
semiconductor relays, meters and
switching capacity allows the switch to be
actuated during operation – even under load.
With extensive PV installations the integration
of shunt and undervoltage releases allows
an optional remote tripping of the (lockable)
switch-disconnectors.
The solar installation, like the power inverter, is
connected to the enclosed switch-disconnectors
via the special solar plug connectors. Depending
on the rating, two, four or eight solar strings
can be connected on the incoming side via MC3
or MC4 plug connectors. Alternatively types
are available for direct terminal connection
and cable routing via M12, M16 or M20 cable
glands. Eaton offers pre-assembled solutions for
different installations, thus making the use of Y
cables unnecessary. The rugged housing material
also allows mounting in protected outdoor areas.
Integrated pressure compensation elements
prevent condensation. All enclosed switchdisconnectors
are TÜV-certified.
CoNCLuSIoN
programmable controllers, right
through to software solutions
and complete systems. Power
inverters for solar installations
are the latest product line. Gefran
has 800 employees and seven
production sites with operations
worldwide.
Optimized for DC switching, the
Eaton N3 DC switch-disconnector.
Photo left: PV central inverter
The long-standing and trusting relationship between Gefran and Eaton
formed the basis for the current project. Marcello Baberini, head of Power
Electronics Development at Gefran, summed up as follows: “The excellent
quality of Eaton products, also with this project, was impressive. The ability
of the DC switch-disconnectors to be actuated remotely if required is a
particular benefit for our innovative solutions. As early as the development
phase of the inverter we were working closely with the specialists at Eaton.
However, we are now also pursuing new directions in the area of logistics.
For example, we are purchasing the Eaton products required for an inverter
as complete kits. Each kit, with only one order number, thus contains all
the associated components. This saves us ordering several individual items
separately and guarantees us the availability of all the Eaton components
required for an inverter.”
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