UL-Certified Over-Voltage Protection for 1000Vdc E-Mobility Applications

Raycap introduced the ProBloc B 1000 DC, a new over-voltage protection for dc applications. With the new solution, numerous systems in the growing electro-mobility (e-mobility) market can be protected.

"Both rectifiers and inverters should convert the voltages with as little loss as possible. However, since these components react very sensitively to over-voltages, they also have to be protected with appropriate protective elements"

E-mobility frequently uses technologies including fast charging or battery storage systems, particularly with dc applications. These battery-related technologies require dedicated arresters with corresponding extended safety requirements, such as larger air and creepage distances.

Since the dc voltage, in contrast to the ac voltage, does not have a zero crossing, resulting electric arcs cannot be automatically extinguished. As a result, fires can easily start.

With the new ProBloc B 1000 DC, Raycap offers a product that is UL Type 2 CA certified and future-proof for a large number of dc sources. Its primary features include a compact design and a unique patented disconnecting device with a rotating mechanism that can safely extinguish a switching arc. Due to the high self-extinguishing capability, a prospective short-circuit current of 50kA can be separated, for example as caused by battery storage.

Universally suitable in the e-mobility environment

Due to its combination of Type 1 and Type 2 arresters, the new SPD can be used universally for e-mobility applications such as lightning or surge protection.

The nominal discharge current (8/20µs) of ProBloc B 1000 DC is 20kA per conductor. The pulse current is 6.25kA per conductor.

In addition, ProBloc B 1000 DC offers safety up to 1,000V of permanent operating voltage. RayCap points out that when ensuring that insulation monitoring is not disturbed, it is advisable to use a leakage-current-free arrester. The new product also guarantees no leakage current.

The protection level <2.3kV ensures the protection of a fused electric vehicle. Cars with such a drive require a rated surge voltage of 2.5kV. Therefore, if correctly wired, the SPD also protects the electric car to be charged.

A color display provides convenient information on the status of the product, and an integrated telecommunications contact enables evaluations to be carried out from remote locations.

"Both rectifiers and inverters should convert the voltages with as little loss as possible. However, since these components react very sensitively to overvoltages, they also have to be protected with appropriate protective elements," explains Ralf Güthoff, who is responsible for general management at Raycap GmbH. "Otherwise they can be pre-damaged, which significantly shortens the service life of the components and thus entails high follow-up costs. With ProBloc B 1000 DC, Raycap offers a corresponding solution."

Features and Benefits

• Compact design
• UL Type 2 CA certified
• Nominal discharge current (8/20µs) is 20kA per conductor
• Pulse current is 6.25kA per conductor
• Innovative patented disconnecting device with a rotating mechanism that can be used to safely extinguish a switching arc