Eliminating Module Hazards: Fonrich’s Three Major Arc Safety Solutions for Safer Photovoltaic Power Stations

As the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems increases, more rooftops are adorned with solar panels. However, incidents of PV power stations catching fire are frequently reported both domestically and internationally. Approximately 80% of these fires are caused by DC side faults, with DC high voltage arcs being the primary culprits.

Common causes of arc faults include manufacturing errors, installation mistakes, aging, and degradation of connectors. These faults can lead to electrical sparks, resulting in fires. To address these issues, Fonrich has introduced three major arc fault solutions for ensuring PV power station safety!

Fonrich Photovoltaic Power Station Arc Safety Solutions

NO.1 Module-Level Arc Solution

Fonrich’s module-level arc fault protection solution integrates AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) at the module level. Each module is equipped with a safety protector or smart optimizer, which detects series, parallel, and ground arcs in real-time. Using big data analysis, the system identifies the arc’s location, providing early warnings, rapid protection, and precise fault localization.

In addition, Fonrich’s safety protectors and smart optimizers offer the following features:

Module-Level Rapid Shutdown Function: Reduces voltage within a 30 cm range of the PV array to below 30V within 30 seconds, meeting NEC2017 & 2020 requirements. In emergencies, this ensures any point in the PV system is at a safe voltage.

Module-Level Power Optimization: Each module independently uses MSPT (Maximum Suitable Power Tracking) to address issues of mismatched series connections, thereby increasing power generation efficiency. This also allows for a 30%-70% increase in the number of installed modules on roofs with inconsistent lighting or orientation.

Module-Level Data Monitoring: Monitors generation data, including voltage, current, power output, and temperature, providing support for refined operations and maintenance (O&M). Utilizing proprietary photovoltaic PLC communication technology, it lowers costs for both products and users. Data is transmitted through controllers and IoT gateways to the SafeSolar cloud platform, accessible via web or mobile app for real-time monitoring.

NO.2 String-Level Arc Solution

The FR-AFCI arc safety protection box‘s primary function is to detect arc faults in PV strings in real-time. Upon detecting a fault, it triggers local indicators and sends an alarm signal, while driving an AC relay to disconnect the inverter from the grid, ensuring the DC circuit is de-energized to prevent fire hazards.

Users can remotely monitor the arc box’s alarm status, relay switching, and current levels via a mobile app.

Product Features

lSupports 16-channel string arc detection and protection

lPatented DC arc extinguishing technology, ensuring no impact on normal power generation

lSupports RS485 communication for remote monitoring

lExpandable DTU for networked remote monitoring

lEffective arc detection in each circuit

lCompatible with various inverter models

NO.3 DC Arc Fault Detector

Fonrich is the first domestic provider of arc detection equipment certified under UL 1699B

The equipment features a modular design, with each arc sensor supporting four channels. Up to eight sensors can be cascaded, covering 32 channels in total. It effectively identifies arcs in any channel and bus arc, with a maximum detectable channel current of ±20A. Strong signal adaptability: Alarm signal is open-drain output remote alarm indication: Arc alarm status is read remotely via Modbus.

Perforated isolation measurement, strong isolation detection ability. Sensor and PCB shell protection: high reliability, beautiful appearance, DIN-rail design, easy and reliable installation, and communication distance up to 1 km.

Can be integrated into combiner box monitoring systems, arc box detectors, and inverters for real-time monitoring, automatic shutdown, and current detection.