2. Getting involved
3. Standards Committees
4. DKE

DKE German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of DIN and VDE

Overview

This document applies to electronic power conversion equipment for terrestrial PV applications. The term "power conversion equipment" (PCE) refers to devices and components for the electronic conversion of electrical power into another type of electrical power in terms of voltage, current, and frequency. This document is suitable for use with PCE in indoor locations and outdoor climates in accordance with IEC 60721-3-3. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, grid-connected and off-grid PCE, DC-DC converters, and battery charge converters and battery charge controllers. This document covers PCE connected to PV systems with a maximum rated voltage in the circuit not exceeding 1 500 V DC. The equipment may also be connected to systems with a maximum voltage of 1 000 V AC on the mains circuit and to AC loads not connected to the mains, as well as to other DC sources or load circuits such as batteries. If certain accessories are specified by the manufacturer and by models in the instructions for use for the PCE, these parts shall be tested with the PCE. This document specifies the IEC requirements for the type of construction of power conversion equipment (PCE) for long-term operation in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems. This document does not cover the characteristics of power sources other than photovoltaic systems, such as wind turbines, fuel cells, rotating electrical machines, and so on. This document does not cover the characteristics of electronic power conversion equipment that is fully integrated into PV modules. Separate standards exist or are being prepared for these types of equipment. However, it is applicable to devices for which the manufacturer has expressly specified that they can be completely removed from the PV module and then reattached, or if the input and output connections can be evaluated and a specification for the PCE is available. Devices that meet these requirements may be tested as individual test specimens independently of the PV module. This document does not apply to power conversion equipment with an integrated (= built-in) electrochemical energy storage device (for example, lead or lithium-ion batteries). However, it is applicable to devices for which the manufacturer specifies and permits complete removal of the electrochemical energy storage device from the power converter, so that independent evaluation of the PCE is possible with the storage device removed. The standard differs from DIN EN 62093 (VDE 0126-20):2005-12 as follows: a) title changed; b) this edition focuses on the type approval of power conversion equipment (PCE) and omits the clauses on testing the type approval of other balancing components (BOS, balance of system); c) although many clause titles remain unchanged from the first edition, significant changes have been made; d) while the first edition specifies the requirements for the type approval of BOS components, the second edition specifies the requirements for the type approval of BOS components that are not specified in the first edition. balance of system) have been omitted; c) although many section titles remain unchanged from the first edition, significant changes have been made; d) while the first edition specifies the requirements for the type approval of BOS components used in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems, this edition is limited to power conversion equipment; e) the test reports have been amended. The purpose of the test sequences specified here is to determine a basic level of durability and the most cost-effective and time-saving means of verifying that the power conversion equipment maintains its performance characteristics after being subjected to the simulated environmental stresses described here, which are based on the intended conditions of use as specified by the manufacturer.

Responsible national committee

DKE/K 373 - Photovoltaische Solarenergie-Systeme