Power and automation technology group, ABB, has announced the release of the new OTDC range of switch-disconnectors at its first Australian exhibition.
Released at Automation and Power World Australia on the Gold Coast yesterday, OTDC is specifically designed for direct current (DC) applications.
This includes solar photovoltaic (PV) systems - one of the most popular and technically demanding applications.
Switch-disconnectors are largely used as the main switch in low voltage switchgear for distribution of power, starting and stopping motors and isolating loads during maintenance.
In PV systems, they are relied on to operate continuously in hot locations, to break current and provide isolation at exceptionally high voltages - ABB's OTDC switch-disconnectors meet all these requirements.
Despite its compact size, OTDC has very generous insulation voltage ratings and the DC-rated operational voltage can be scaled up to 1200 V thanks to a carefully optimised arc dissipation plate design and to Dual Magnetic Breaking (DMB) action.
This flexibility can be achieved because of the modular design and without increasing the footprint area.
The switch has a symmetrical power pole design, so the connections work in both ways and the switch operation is independent of the user (quick-make, quick-break).
Since OTDC has a robust,authentic switch-disconnector design, it is not vulnerable to voltage peaks making PV systems safe and reliable over a wide range of voltages.
OTDC has a flexible, modular design which allows the mechanism to be located at the side or
between the poles and for special applications, such as two discrete DC circuits, four pole versions(2x1000 VDC) can be built.
ABB Automation and Power World Australia 2012 has showcased ABB’s extensive offerings in power and automation technologies; technologies that address the themes of energy efficiency, grid reliability, industrial productivity, lifecycle management and renewables and environment.
More than 75 workshops, three industry-led panel sessions, as well as 168 product and
solutions demonstrations were on display across 1200 sq m of exhibition space.
