How to prevent fire in photovoltaic cable in high-voltage direct current application scenarios?
Publish Time: 2025-04-28
As the global demand for renewable energy grows, photovoltaic systems have been widely used as a clean and sustainable energy solution. However, in these systems, especially in application scenarios involving high-voltage direct current, it is crucial to ensure electrical safety and fire resistance.1. Material selection and manufacturing processThe safety of photovoltaic cable depends first on its material selection and manufacturing process. In order to adapt to the high-voltage direct current environment and effectively prevent fire, photovoltaic cable usually adopts the following key materials and technologies:Halogen-free flame retardant materials: Traditional cables often use polymers containing halogens (such as chlorine or bromine) as insulation layers. These materials will produce toxic smoke and corrosive gases when burned, increasing the risk of fire. Photovoltaic cables mostly use halogen-free flame retardant materials, which not only reduces the harm when a fire occurs, but also has good self-extinguishing properties.Low smoke halogen-free (LSZH) sheath: Low smoke halogen-free sheath materials produce very little smoke when burning and do not contain toxic substances, which helps to reduce the spread of fire, protect personnel safety and reduce the risk of equipment damage.Weather-resistant outer material: Considering that photovoltaic systems are usually installed outdoors, the outer material of photovoltaic cables needs to have excellent UV resistance and weather resistance to avoid aging or damage due to long-term exposure to sunlight, thereby causing short circuits or other electrical faults.High conductivity copper core: Photovoltaic cables usually use high-purity copper as the conductor material because of its low resistivity, which can effectively reduce energy loss during current transmission and reduce the possibility of cable heating, thereby preventing fires.2. Electrical design and protective measuresIn addition to the selection of materials, the design and electrical protection measures of photovoltaic cables are also key factors in preventing fires:Overload protection device: To prevent overheating of cables caused by excessive current, photovoltaic systems are usually equipped with overload protection devices such as circuit breakers or fuses. When the current exceeds the set value, these devices automatically cut off the circuit to prevent the cable from overloading and causing temperature rise or even fire.Grounding system: A complete grounding system can quickly introduce lightning strikes or other transient voltages into the ground to avoid damage to the photovoltaic cable. In addition, good grounding can also reduce static electricity accumulation and prevent static electricity sparks from causing electrical fires.Lightning protection design: Since photovoltaic systems are mostly located in open areas, they are easily affected by lightning strikes. Therefore, photovoltaic cables are often designed with special lightning protection components, such as lightning arresters, to absorb and disperse lightning energy and protect cables from direct impact.Temperature control monitoring system: Some high-end photovoltaic systems are equipped with real-time temperature monitoring systems that can detect the operating temperature of the cable at any time. Once abnormal temperature rise is detected, the system will immediately issue an alarm and take corresponding measures, such as adjusting the load or cutting off the power supply, to prevent potential fire hazards.3. Construction and maintenance precautionsAlthough photovoltaic cables themselves have many fire-proof properties, the following points should still be noted during actual installation and daily maintenance to ensure the overall safety of the system:Correct installation method: Strictly follow the installation guide provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the cable is laid flat, without twisting, and with sufficient bending radius. Improper installation methods may cause damage to the internal structure of the cable and increase the risk of fire.Regular inspection and maintenance: Regularly inspect the photovoltaic cable and its connection points to promptly detect and repair possible wear, aging or looseness. Especially for the cable parts that are exposed to the outside for a long time, inspections should be strengthened to prevent damage caused by external factors.Reasonable planning of wiring paths: When designing wiring schemes, try to avoid arranging cables in high-temperature areas or near flammable items. At the same time, maintaining proper ventilation conditions will also help dissipate heat and reduce the operating temperature of the cable.Use special tools and accessories: During the installation process, be sure to use professional tools and connector accessories that match the photovoltaic cable to ensure a firm and reliable connection and prevent local overheating caused by poor contact.Through scientific and reasonable material selection, rigorous and meticulous design concepts, and strict construction specifications, photovoltaic cables can effectively prevent fires in high-voltage direct current application scenarios. Whether it is controlling the flame retardant properties of materials from the source or enhancing system safety through a series of electrical protection measures, photovoltaic cables have demonstrated excellent fire resistance.
