1 Scope
This document lays down IEC requirements for the design qualification of power conversion equipment (PCE) suitable for long-term operation in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems.
This document covers electronic power conversion equipment intended for use in terrestrial PV applications. The term PCE refers to equipment and components for electronic power conversion of electric power
into another kind of electric power with respect to voltage, current, and frequency.
This document is suitable for PCE for use in both indoor and outdoor climates as defined in IEC 60721‑3‑3 and IEC 60721‑3‑4. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, grid-tied and off-grid DC-to-AC
PCEs, DC-to-DC converters, battery charger converters, and battery charge controllers.
This document covers PCE that is connected to PV arrays that do not nominally exceed a maximum circuit voltage
of 1 500 V DC. The equipment may also be connected to systems not exceeding 1 000 V
AC at the AC mains circuits, non-main AC load circuits, and to other DC source or
load circuits such as batteries. If particular ancillary parts whereby manufacturers
and models are specified in the manual for use with the PCE, then those parts are tested with the PCE.
Exceptions:
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a) This document does not address characteristics of power sources other than PV systems,
such as wind turbines, fuel cells, rotating machine sources, etc.
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b) This document does not address the characteristics of power electronic conversion
equipment fully integrated into photovoltaic modules. Separate standards exist or
are in development for those types of devices. It is, however, applicable to devices
where the manufacturer explicitly specifies the capability of full detachment from
and subsequent reattachment to the PV module or if the input and output terminals can be accessed and a specification sheet for the PCE is available. Devices meeting these requirements may be tested as individual samples
independent from the PV module.
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c) This document does not apply to power conversion equipment with integrated (built-in) electrochemical energy storage (e.g. lead acid or lithium-ion). It is, however, applicable to equipment where the manufacturer
specifies and permits complete removal of the electrochemical energy storage from
the PCE so that stand-alone assessment of the PCE with the storage removed becomes possible.
The object of the test sequences contained herein is to establish a basic level of
durability and to show, as far as it is possible within reasonable constraints of
cost and time, that the PCE is capable of maintaining its performance after prolonged exposure to the simulated
environmental stresses described herein that are based on the intended use conditions
specified by the manufacturer. Optional tests contained herein may be selected depending
on the intended installation, market, or special environmental conditions that the
PCE is anticipated to experience. The categorization imposes differentiated test sequences
and test severity levels reflecting the different requirements of mechanical and electrical
components in different environments.
PCEs are grouped into categories based on size and installation environment.
The actual life expectancy of components so qualified depends on their design, their
environment, and the conditions under which they are operated. Estimation of a lifetime
and wear out is not generally covered by this document.