IMO FireRaptor receives UL PVRSS itemizing with FIMER solar inverters – Solar Builder
Last week IMO expanded the list of UL PVRSS (Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown System) and last week the Fimer UNO range of solar inverters from 1.2 kW to 6.0 kW as well as the Fimer PVS range of solar inverters from 50 kW to 60 kW added according to UL1741 guidelines. This announcement was made by SMA and Fronius.
What does that mean? IMO worked closely with Fimer to achieve this listing because it required the development of an additional capacitance vent circuit to divert the stored current when the fast shutdown began. This product has also been certified by UL as a PVRSE (Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Equipment) component for use in the required categories. These new offerings complement IMO's current UR-listed FireRaptor offering for NEC 2017 and NEC 2020 compliance, making it a complete agnostic solution for all inverters on the market.
"The support of efforts and inverter manufacturers in the marketplace is key to continued growth for the industry as NEC's regulatory requirements evolve," said Joe Covington, general manager, IMO. "It is these partnerships and the convenience they have when they turn to IMO for a safe and reliable rapid shutdown solution that sets us apart from the competition."
AFCI also: FireRaptor is the first NEC2017 and NEC 2020 module-level quick shutdown product to be tested under the PVRSS lists for UL's new AFCI compatibility requirements. AFCI interference has long been a problem in the solar industry as the use of MLPE devices, power line communications, or other similar technologies becomes more common. With this in mind, UL began developing AFCI test requirements for PVRSS-certified rapid shutdown components. IMO was the first company to present and receive certification in accordance with these new requirements as part of its PVRSS certification with the Fimer UNO & PVS inverter series.
How it works: The FireRaptor is designed for installation at the solar module level and offers a safe shutdown of the DC power supply to ZERO volts in an emergency. Shutdown is initiated in three ways: manual operation via an emergency stop switch (which can be conveniently located at floor level for easy access), interruption of the AC power supply, or a temperature rise trigger.
The FireRaptor works like a circuit breaker, making the FireRaptor compatible with all string inverters and not affecting their operation or performance in any way. In addition, the FireRaptor was developed for fail-safe operation in order to ensure that subsequent damage to the FireRaptor (e.g. by fire) does not affect the insulation and the shutdown status of the solar module. In fact, the FireRaptor has been tested for destruction by TÜV in Germany, with complete zero-volt isolation being maintained throughout the testing process.