New Switch Disconnector Protects PV and Wind Turbine Systems

Siemens have expanded their portfolio of switch disconnectors for low-voltage power distribution. The new devices from the 3KD series were developed specifically for personal and system protection in photovoltaic plants and wind farms.

The new six-pole model switch disconnectors are designed for PV systems in which high voltages up to 1200 V (DC) are generated. Siemens increased the permissible AC operating voltage tolerance of the three- and four-pole units from previously +5% to +10% as required by the IEC 60947 standard for wind farms.

The 3KD switch disconnectors will now safely power down systems with voltages of 690 V AC (+10%). Siemens offers the units with integrated side wall-mounted rotary operator for left- or right-hand side mounting.

Switch disconnectors ensure the safe activation and deactivation of electric equipment under load. They are used as repair switches to safely disconnect power and ensure secure conditions for maintenance work. As emergency stop switches, they protect machine operators against electric shock in case of faults. The 3KD switch disconnectors are suitable for currents up to 1600 A and are designed for use in buildings, factories, wind farms, and PV systems.

They are easily mounted and quickly commissioned. The modular design and comprehensive range of accessories allows the addition of further functions easily via retrofits. Additional safety features, including terminal covers, prevent direct contact with live components at the switch disconnectors. The contact setting of the switch is easily visible via the transparent terminal covers, which prevents incorrect operation. The devices are lockable, which offers additional protection against unauthorized switching. Plug-in phase barriers protect against inter-phase arcing.

An extensive service and support offering rounds off the engineering of the 3KD switch disconnector: Eleven CAx data types for mechanical and electric planning are made available for download online, including internal circuit diagrams, connection diagrams, dimensional drawings, and 3D models. The information can be downloaded via the CAx Download Manager. The data can be quickly and flexibly bundled, and then integrated in any popular configuring tool.

 For more information about 3KD switch disconnectors please visit www.siemens.com/3KD

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2014, which ended on September 30, 2014, Siemens generated revenue from continuing operations of €71.9 billion and net income of €5.5 billion. At the end of September 2014, the company had around 357,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com

Reference Number: PR2015020133EMEN

Contact

Mr. Heiko Jahr
Energy Management Division
Siemens AG

Freyeslebenstraße 1

91058 Erlangen

Germany

Tel: +49 (9131) 7295-75

heiko.jahr​@siemens.com