Comprehensive Guide to IEC 62548-1:2023: Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays – Part 1: Design Requirements

General Overview

• Scope: This standard applies to all types of PV arrays, including ground-mounted, rooftop, and building-integrated systems.
• Objective: To ensure that PV arrays operate safely, reliably, and efficiently, and to provide a comprehensive framework for their design and installation.

Site Selection and Installation

Geographical Location

• PV arrays should be installed in locations with ample sunlight and minimal shading to maximize energy output.
• Consider local climate conditions such as wind speed, snow load, and rainfall to ensure long-term stability.

Structural Design

• The supports and mounting structures must be capable of withstanding local environmental stresses.
• Use materials with good corrosion resistance and long life, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel.
• Design the structures to facilitate easy installation and maintenance, ensuring safety during the installation process.

Installation Spacing

• Set the spacing between PV modules reasonably to avoid shading and improve heat dissipation.
• Typically, the spacing should be at least 1.5 times the height of the module to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling.

Electrical Connections

Wiring Methods

• Use reliable wiring methods, such as MC4 connectors, to ensure long-term stable operation.
• Ensure that junction boxes are well-sealed to prevent water and dust from entering and affecting electrical performance.

Cable Selection

• Choose cables that are suitable for local climate conditions, with good weather resistance and UV protection.
• Recommend using specialized PV cables, such as PV1-F, to ensure their long-term stability.

Grounding System

• The grounding system must comply with standards such as IEC 62305-3 to ensure electrical safety and lightning protection.
• The grounding resistance should be less than 4 ohms to ensure effective electrical protection.

Monitoring Systems

Data Acquisition

• The monitoring system should be capable of real-time data acquisition, including voltage, current, temperature, and irradiance.
• Use high-precision and high-reliability data acquisition devices, such as professional PV monitoring equipment.

Fault Detection

• The system should have automatic fault detection capabilities to promptly identify and report issues such as module failure, poor electrical connections, etc.
• Fault detection should include hot spot detection, insulation resistance testing, and inverter status monitoring.

Remote Monitoring

• Provide remote monitoring interfaces to allow operators to manage the system in real-time via the network.
• Remote monitoring systems should ensure secure and stable data transmission, recommending the use of encrypted protocols.

Maintenance Requirements

Cleaning Frequency

• PV modules should be cleaned regularly to remove dust and dirt, maintaining efficient energy conversion.
• Determine the cleaning frequency based on local pollution levels and weather conditions; typically, clean at least once a month.

Inspection Schedule

• Conduct regular inspections of electrical connections and mechanical structures to ensure long-term stable operation.
• Electrical connection inspections should include junction boxes, cables, and grounding systems.
• Mechanical structure inspections should cover supports, fasteners, and module frames.

Spare Parts Management

• Maintenance personnel should stock necessary spare parts to quickly replace faulty components.
• Common spare parts include junction boxes, cables, inverters, and modules.

Environmental Protection

Waste Management

• Waste management for PV modules should comply with local environmental regulations, prioritizing recycling and reuse.
• Dispose of waste modules through professional agencies to prevent secondary pollution.

Noise Control

• Implement measures to control noise during system operation to avoid impacting the surrounding environment.
• Recommend using low-noise inverters and cooling equipment to reduce operational noise.

Ecological Impact

• Minimize the impact on local ecosystems during site selection and installation, protecting wildlife and plants.
• Use environmentally friendly materials to reduce construction-related pollution.

Safety Requirements

Fire Prevention

• Equip PV arrays with fire prevention measures, such as fire isolation zones and firefighting equipment, to prevent fires.
• Install electrical equipment in enclosures made of fire-resistant materials to reduce fire risk.

Electrical Safety

• All electrical equipment must comply with standards such as IEC 60950-1 to ensure electrical safety.
• Regularly inspect electrical connections to ensure good contact and prevent electrical faults.

Mechanical Safety

• Regularly inspect supports and mounting structures to ensure mechanical safety and prevent accidents due to structural damage.
• Implement appropriate safety measures during installation to protect workers.

Compatibility with Other Standards

• Consistency: IEC 62548-1:2023 is consistent with other IEC standards, such as IEC 61215 and IEC 61853, ensuring uniform and complete design guidance.
• Referenced Standards: The standard references multiple other IEC standards, including IEC 61215 (Design qualification and type approval of photovoltaic (PV) modules) and IEC 61853 (Photovoltaic (PV) module performance testing), to provide a more comprehensive design framework.

Support for New Technologies

Bifacial Modules

• The standard specifically addresses the design requirements for bifacial PV modules, including the determination of the bifacial factor and backside irradiance-driven power gain yield testing.
• Optimize the layout and mounting design of bifacial modules to consider backside illumination conditions.

Flexible Modules

• Proposes special requirements for the design and installation of flexible PV modules to accommodate their unique physical properties and application scenarios.
• Use appropriate fixing methods to ensure stability in wind, rain, and other environmental conditions.

Large-Scale Modules

• Specifies additional mechanical strength and electrical connection requirements for large-scale PV modules to ensure their reliability and safety in practical applications.
• Pay special attention to transportation and installation to avoid difficulties and safety hazards due to their large size.

Testing and Verification

Type Testing

• PV arrays should undergo type testing to verify that their design meets the standard requirements.
• Type testing should include electrical performance testing, mechanical strength testing, and environmental adaptability testing.

Field Testing

• Field testing should include I-V characteristic curve testing, temperature measurement, and electrical measurement to ensure the array’s performance and reliability in actual operation.
• Conduct field tests under different environmental conditions to evaluate the array’s overall performance.

Future Development Directions

• Standard Updates: As PV technology continues to evolve, IEC 62548-1:2023 will be updated periodically to address new technical requirements and market changes.
• The update cycle is typically 3-5 years to ensure the standard remains timely and advanced.
• International Cooperation: Encourage international cooperation and technical exchange in the development and updating of the standard to promote the healthy development of the PV industry.
• International cooperation includes standard translation, interpretation, and technical training.