Future-proof photovoltaic installations High-quality key technology and all-inclusive solutions for installations of any size siemens.com/solar Answers for industry.
Siemens photovoltaics Introduction Reliability and investment security now and in the future: high-quality key components from Siemens What do you want from the electrotechnical systems of your PV installation? Reliability, high efficiency, ease of handling and communicative interaction between components? That all the systems are completely compatible and operate cost-effectively and smoothly? That s what we want to hear! Because with 40 years of experience in the field of photovoltaics, Siemens is offering a high-quality, integrated range of products for operating PV installations and can help plant builders and operators to create operationally reliable and profitable plants. Our future-proof products and systems set the highest quality standards, satisfy nationally valid connection requirements as well as international standards, and are designed to be extremely durable. Thus, we are already achieving the ambition that we have also set ourselves for the future: Siemens solar Your partner for today and tomorrow. 2
Innovative technology reliable service It is not only our engineering which meets the highest standards, but our services as well. We are offering all-round support for our systems and products during every life phase of your PV installation from planning and implementation, through commissioning to maintenance and modernization. Our Service & Support will provide you with direct on-site assistance in many countries around the world. An experienced team of specialists will draw on combined expertise to help you solve any problems. Everything you need You can call on Siemens engineering and expertise for assistance with tasks that go beyond the photovoltaic process itself. When it comes to building solutions, we can also install access control systems if required. And you can turn to Siemens Financial Services for advice on financial matters of any kind. The benefits for you Extensive product range from a single source Full compliance with requirements stipulated in PV-specific standards DIN VDE 0100-712 and DIN VDE 0636-6 Simple planning, installation and operation of components Enhanced plant reliability thanks to our comprehensive expertise Assistance with engineering and maintenance, support and spare parts service to suit your needs Contents Introduction 02 Overview 04 Tracking control 06 Low-voltage components 08 Inverters 10 Medium voltage 12 Communication 14 Monitoring 16 Security 18 Financing 20 References 22 3
Straight from the sun into the grid No matter how large or small the installation: Siemens will accompany you from the outset to ensure your plant becomes commercially viable. Sunlight is transported efficiently and safely into the grid by communicationcapable switching and control systems, economically efficient inverters, rugged transformers and intelligent HMI software. PV Power Plants are engineered on an appropriately large scale and also safely guarded by access control and fire protection systems. Low-voltage components Inverters Communications Medium-voltage components Low-voltage components Inverter Medium-voltage components
The all-inclusive portfolio for PV installations Products and systems for PV Power Plants Tracking control: Precise orientation with SIMATIC S7-1200 Low-voltage components: Functional reliability at the AC and DC ends Central inverters: SINVERT PVS for use on large industrial roof areas and medium-sized to large PV Power Plants Medium-voltage components: from the switchgear to the transformer Communications: The complete package for data availability from cabling to firewalls Products and systems for commercial PV Plants Low-voltage components: Functional reliability at the AC and DC ends String inverters: SINVERT PVM for use on roofs of industrial and agricultural buildings or in smaller PV Plants Medium-voltage components: from the switchgear to the transformer Communications: The complete package for data availability from cabling to firewalls Safety/fire protection: With Sinteso TM and Sinorix TM technology Security/access control: With SIPORT and Siveillance TM Inverters Inverters Inverters Low-voltage components Security/access control Inverter Tracking control Safety/fire protection Communication Safety/fire protection
Siemens photovoltaics Tracking control siemens.com/solar-industry siemens.com/s7-1200 Tracking control: Keeping close track of the sun No doubt about it: The more accurately the modules are oriented towards the sun, the more efficiently they will work. In order to calculate the current position of the sun and at the same time achieve optimum orientation of the solar panels, Siemens offers sun tracking support in the form of the SIMATIC control system (version S7-1200), a product that is tried and tested in industrial applications. Where required, the controller can be supplied with an installed SIMATIC Library for Solar Position which computes the general position of the sun for the specific location and controls positioning of the panels accordingly. Suitable software libraries are optionally available for appropriate control response to a variety of weather conditions. Tracking based on astronomical algorithm The exact position of the sun can be computed for any location by application of the astronomical algorithm. Based on these data, the tracker hardware is aligned by drives in such a way that the panel is optimally positioned relative to the sun. The stored SIMATIC function calculates the optimum irradiation coordinates to achieve ideal tracking of the sun s movement along the horizon. In order to attain the best possible irradiation angle in each case and thus the highest possible level of efficiency, the photovoltaic modules are moved and tilted along the azimuthal (relative to irradiation) and zenithal axes. Thanks to the capabilities of the SIMATIC S7-1200, both singleaxis and dual-axis systems can be tracked in systems which employ the technologies PV, CPV and CSP. Efficient in wind and weather In order to ensure maximum operating efficiency in a specific location, the optional software library for PV tracking by the SIMATIC control system also includes a module for current weather conditions: Weather data such as those relating to wind conditions can be taken into account in order to optimize positioning. In very windy or stormy conditions, the panel can be placed horizontal and thus safely positioned by minimizing the panel area exposed to the wind. By deploying suitable sensor technology, it is possible to ensure that the controller responds appropriately to the current weather situation. For example, if the angle of incidence of the sun s rays is so flat that it is causing long shadows, the controller automatically tilts the modules to prevent them from casting shadows over one another, thereby maintaining their efficiency of operation. Expandable and communication-capable Both the software and the hardware of the SIMATIC S7-1200 can be expanded to suit specific customer requirements. Even the basic version features an Ethernet connection via which the PLC can be accessed using proven Internet technology for the purpose of performing remote diagnostics. Using the onboard PROFINET interface or additional communication interfaces such as those for PROFIBUS / MODBUS, it is possible to link the control system into the integrated communication network of the entire solar park. 6
Siemens photovoltaics Low-voltage components siemens.com/lowvoltage/photovoltaic Low-voltage components: Tailor-made for PV Power Plants and tied roof-mounted systems Protecting, switching, measuring and monitoring are key functions in any PV installation. As a leading global supplier of products and systems for low-voltage power distribution, Siemens offers a broad range of perfectly coordinated components with an extensive selection of accessories designed to ensure the cost-effective and reliable operation of PV systems of any size. Low-voltage components for PV Power Plants Ground-mounted PV systems are installed in a very exposed environment and are thus particularly susceptible to direct and indirect lightning strikes. Overvoltage protection devices safely limit voltage peaks and ensure the safety of the PV modules and inverters, thereby boosting the availability of the installation. PV modules and connecting cables on the DC side must be protected against reverse currents. PV fuses which trip in response to inadmissibly high reverse currents are employed for this purpose. A DC disconnector is employed in order to comply with the requirement stipulated in DIN VDE 0100-712 for DCside isolation in the event of a fault or when maintenance work is in progress. In large-scale installations, this device is often integrated in central inverters but is also recommended as a junction-box-mounted device to permit selective disconnection of a PV string/subgenerator. With this arrangement, the remaining plant sections can continue to produce power. Protective equipment and switchgear for commercial PV Plants. The safety standards applicable to PV installations are equally stringent for roof-mounted systems. In this case as well, PV fuses protect the PV modules and connecting cables against reverse currents and overcurrents. Isolation at the DC end in compliance with DIN VDE 0100-712 is achieved with a DC disconnector. Overvoltage protection devices protect against overvoltages caused, for example, by lightning strikes. A miniature circuit breaker is provided at the AC end to protect against short circuits and overloads. Ripple-free DC fault currents and currents with minor residual ripple are detected by a type B residualcurrent-operated circuit breaker. Precise measurement effective infeed Power monitoring devices deliver reliable information about the quantity and quality of power generated by the PV installation. They detect the quantity of power fed into the grid. Calibrated instrument models can provide a basis for billing. In large-scale ground-mounted PV installations, all measured data can be linked into TIA and made available by SIMATIC WinCC for readout on the instrument itself as well as in the control center. The benefits for you Standard-compliant SENTRON protecting, switching, measuring and monitoring devices for all PV plant sizes Maximum operational reliability of the PV plant Mounted on standard rails for quick, easy installation Reliable infeed and recording of generated power 8
Siemens photovoltaics Inverters siemens.com/sinvert siemens.com/sinvert-select Inverters: More than 98 per cent efficiency for maximum energy yields The specially designed inverters for converting DC into AC current required for feeding into the grid are an enormously significant factor. Selection of the inverter is a particularly important process because its efficiency will be decisive in determining the profitability of the plant. The SINVERT inverters have been specifically designed with this in mind. They are characterized by efficiency levels in excess of 98 per cent, an optimum per- formance ratio, simple installation and low maintenance requirements. SINVERT inverters secure yields The huge variety of designs and sizes of PV installation is mirrored in the wide range of products available in the SINVERT inverter family. Siemens is offering a comprehensive portfolio for large and medium-sized photovoltaic installations and PV power plants. Deployed in combination with other Siemens PV components of an integrated design, SINVERT delivers complete, cost-effective grid infeed systems. As a result, you ll reap handsome profits from the cost-effective operation of your grid-tied PV installation over its entire lifecycle. SINVERT PVS for medium-sized to large PV plants. The three-phase SINVERT PVS inverters with ratings ranging from 500 to 2520 kw are ideally suited for use in medium-size to large PV plants. When converting electricity for grid infeed, they attain peak efficiency levels of 98.7 % and an EU Eta of 98.6 %. Like all SINVERT inverters, they operate according to the master-slave principle to deliver outstanding plant availability and a long service life. SINVERT PVS inverters are also available as turnkey, container-installed units which include medium-voltage transformers and switchgear. SINVERT inverters and their environment are monitored and controlled conveniently using technology by SIMATIC WinCC or SINVERT WebMonitor and MobileApp. All operating data are recorded and are available in real time on site via an operator panel as well as in the control center. The SINVERT PVS system boxes can be used to implement communications and PV plant control. The SINVERT PVS WeatherStation 200 supplies environmental and meteorological data such as ambient temperature, irradiation levels and temperature of the solar cells and modules, thus contributing to effective plant monitoring. SINVERT PVM for commercial PV Plants We can also supply you with the right inverter solution for PV installations mounted on roofs or smaller areas: SINVERT PVM. These space-saving units are rugged, durable and easy to install. With their peak efficiency levels of up to 98.2 % and an EU Eta of up to 97.8 %, they offer both outstanding efficiency as well as maximum operational reliability. SINVERT Select for perfect dimensioning Whether your system is ground or roof-mounted: Choosing the correct design determines the profitability of a PV installation right from the outset. The SINVERT Select dimensioning software calculates the ideal configuration for a PV plant with SINVERT inverters and uses simple, easily understandable processes to help you evaluate and optimize the computed combinations with suitable PV modules. The benefits for you Peak efficiency levels of up to 98.7 % Best performance Simple mounting and installation Low maintenance requirements thanks to rugged, durable design User-friendly operator control and monitoring with WinCC Access to data through SINVERT WebMonitor and MobileApp Optimum design using SINVERT Select 10
SINVERT: a product in the Siemens environmental portfolio No emissions of airborne or environmental pollutants (nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, etc.) Utilization of an inexhaustible energy source, no resources required for operation
Product in the Siemens environmental portfolio: Gas-insulated switchgear Energy efficient, thus reducing CO2 emissions relative to the overall system Umweltverträgliche Energieverteilung
Siemens photovoltaics Medium voltage siemens.com/mediumvoltage siemens.com/geafol Medium voltage: from the switchgear to the transformer As well as its low-voltage systems, Siemens can also offer medium-voltage solutions which will assure the operational reliability of your plant and ensure a consistently high quality of grid infeed. A significant role in achieving this goal is played by gas-insulated or air-insulated switchgear and by tried-and-tested, rugged cast-resin transformers for large-scale photovoltaic plants. Standard-compliant: gas-insulated switchgear Switchgear plays a decisive role in ensuring the functional safety of photovoltaic plants. As pioneers in the field of gas-insulated switchgear, we have more than 25 years of expertise in developing this technology. This means that today s customers will benefit from the compact design, maintenance-free operation and climate-resistant construction of our systems. For the lower output range, we also offer the SIMOSEC air-insulated switchgear as an alternative. Our switchgear are already certified to IEC 62271-200 and are type-tested for indoor installation. We are pleased to be able to offer you the standards of tomorrow right now so that you can benefit from our intelligent switching technology. Even when the insulation is exposed to arcing, no toxic gases are generated. The windings are clamped between resilient spacers that provide effective vibration insulation both from the iron core and mutually between windings. The result: GEAFOL transformers are as quiet as oilimmersed types. We produce cast-resin transformers in compliance with IEC 60076-11, EN 50541-1, ANSI, GOST and in compliance with special national regulations or customer wishes. The transformers satisfy the highest requirements for safe installation in residential and working environments with the climate category C2, the environmental category E2 and the fire resistance category F1. Maintenance-free environmentally friendly rugged: GEAFOL cast-resin transformers GEAFOL transformers are insulated with an epoxy resin / quartz powder mixture. This is an environmentally friendly material that makes the windings maintenance-free, moisture-resistant, tropicalized, flame-retardant and self-extinguishing. This eliminates the need for additional flame-retardant chemicals, such as aluminum oxide trihydrate, which can negatively affect mechanical properties as well as aging. The benefits for you Climate-resistant, compact and maintenance-free switchgear Transformers compliant with the highest safety standards Reliability and operational safety Environmentally-friendly, cost-effective technology 13
Siemens photovoltaics Communications siemens.com/scalance Communications: All data ready to hand whenever you need it State-of-the-art, sophisticated photovoltaic parks place exacting demands on communication systems. This is where the major advantages of the coordinated system components supplied by Siemens really come into play: the technology is integrated in design - all devices and components interact and communicate with one another via standard interfaces. And: all information can be retrieved anywhere at any time via cable connections or secure Industrial Wireless LAN connections. Future-proof hardware: Data transmission to industrial standards The basis for a fully functional, stable communication network in photovoltaic parks is provided by Ethernet cabling which is suitable for industrial applications. With the FastConnect system for connecting copper and fiber optic cables it is possible to build cable networks within a very short time. The FastConnect system is designed to assist time-saving, error-free setup or modification of networks directly on site, and at the same time to minimize error sources and simplify planning and ordering. Progressive: Switching with SCALANCE X The use of networks based on Industrial Ethernet also necessitates the logical structuring of the overall network and the deployment of state-of-the-art switching technology. With this comprehensive product range, it is possible to implement any type of network topology from simple, low-cost solutions to highly redundant systems with structured rings. The product lines SCALANCE X-100 to SCALANCE X-500 give you the means to set up high-performance Fast Ethernet structures from the control level to the subplant level. These devices offer a broad range of functions such as bandwidth (up to 1 Gbit/s), error signaling contact, redundancy, Web-based management, office features, C-PLUG, PROFINET diagnostics and many more. IWLAN: Wireless communication Where terrain structures are challenging, SIMATIC NET IWLAN with SCALANCE W might be a cost-effective alternative to fiber optic cabling in solar parks and its use should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Industrial Wireless LAN is also employed as a wireless communication system close to MES level or in defined maintenance areas. Reliable and secure remote access External access to recorded data must be permanently assured so as to allow convenient, reliable and secure remote access to PV parks. Products from the SCALANCE S and SCALANCE M ranges are available for this purpose which afford IP-Sec protection of the internal network by a firewall and VPN (Virtual Private Network) in accordance with the Industrial Security Concept. The SCALANCE M modems provide permanent wireless access via EDGE / GPRS or UMTS in this environment. 14
Siemens photovoltaics Monitoring siemens.com/sinvert siemens.com/sinvert-webmonitor Monitoring: Tailored to every plant size The broad range of tasks associated with plant monitoring necessitate the implementation of a safe data communication network. For this purpose, a wide variety of data such as temperature, wind speed, radiation intensity or current measurements must be recorded and transferred to monitoring and control center systems. WinCC and SINVERT WebMonitor not only solve these tasks in a precise, reliable way, but are also extremely easy to use. Monitoring for small, medium-sized and large PV plants: with WinCC WinCC is a dependable and convenient solution for monitoring PV Power Plants: With its clearly structured graphical displays and intuitive operation, it makes information such as grid infeed, yield and performance ratio, electrical parameters and environmental conditions just as transparent as fault, alarm and event messages. Alarms and messages enable the user to troubleshoot and identify faults quickly and easily so that they can be rectified even faster. The system affords extreme flexibility in the configuring of fault messages so that they can be tailored to your plant management concept, for example, employing notification by SMS or email. Faults are displayed not only on the relevant tab on the message page, but also on a fault line. This fault line is displayed on the plant page and the statistics page, thereby allowing you to take appropriate measures quickly so as to minimize or even prevent problems which might result in loss of earnings. Monitoring for commercial PV Plants: with SINVERT WebMonitor For monitoring commercial PV plants, SINVERT WebMonitor has been developed as a practical add-on to the SINVERT PVM inverter. This tool provides comprehensive functions for monitoring performance and yield: a simple PV plant monitoring system for outstanding reliability and transparency. Data transmitted from the SIN- VERT photovoltaic inverters to the plant monitoring system can be evaluated quickly and economically. The same functionality is now offered by a MobileApp to give you quick access to information about plant profitability. By employing SINVERT WebMonitor, the entire system is maintained in an optimum technical condition and so keeps it highly profitable in the long term. SINVERT WebMonitor is available for both PVS inverters and for applications in ground-mounted installations. And yet another piece of good news: SINVERT WebMonitor is available to you free of charge. The graphical user interface includes PV-specific standard graphical display items which you can adapt to suit your individual requirements. WinCC is also available for PVM inverters. The benefits for you Monitoring tailored to your plant using WinCC or SINVERT WebMonitor Effective solution for plants of any size Graphical displays for ease of operation Easy to adapt to individual requirements 17
Siemens photovoltaics Security siemens.com/accesscontrol siemens.com/firesafety Security: Access control and fire protection A PV plant is a valuable investment. Access to the site should be equally as secure as the technology is reliable in its operation. Siemens gives you peace of mind on both these counts: Innovative access control technology protects the plant against unauthorized access, while dependable technology inside the site boundaries ensures smooth operation and compliance with the installation standard DIN VDE 0100-712. And to provide you with a financially sound base for your PV plant, we are pleased to offer you customized financial solutions. Access control technology for ground-mounted PV systems With many decades of experience in building technologies, Siemens can offer you a comprehensive, coordinated range of products which address every aspect of access control - whatever the special requirements of your PV plant. Access control systems developed by Siemens, such as SIPORT, are expandable so that you can quickly react if your requirements change. Security management software solutions such as Siveillance TM allow you to implement secure and authorized access in both the physical and logical worlds and provide you with an overview of the current situation at all times. Other components are available for monitoring the site and fencing, i.e. using video or electronic systems. Fire protection for early elimination of risks As a leading global supplier of fire protection technologies, we know that precisely coordinated fire detection, alarm, voice alarm and extinguishing systems provide more effective protection than individual solutions. That s why we take a systematic approach: The Sinteso TM fire detection system performs all the requisite tasks and is very easy to integrate into a higher-level safety concept. The Sinteso system was the winner of the 2010 European Fire Detection Equipment Market Product Line Award. In addition to a wide range of fire detector variants, our extensive product spectrum also includes voice alarms, extinguishing systems and services. Fire-extinguishing systems for PV systems To meet the special fire protection requirements of PV installations, two main types of fire-extinguishing system are available: Sinorix 1230 and Sinorix 227. With its unique characteristics and benefits, Sinorix 1230 belongs to the latest generation of chemical extinguishing system. This holistic solution also includes a comprehensive range of services from risk analysis, system planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance. Sinorix 1230 ensures that fires are quickly and reliably extinguished without any negative impact on the environment. The 42-bar technology developed by Siemens is especially compact in design and offers maximum flexibility of system configuration. Sinorix 227 is a dependable solution based on the worldfamous extinguishing agent HFC 227ea and the 42-bar technology which engenders particularly efficient and flexible system configurations. Even in low concentrations, the extinguishing agent employed by Sinorix 227 affords extremely effective protection for people and property. The benefits for you Secure access control provided by scalable, flexible solutions Safeguarding of operation by protective functions of equipment Reliable early detection of fire risks Innovative and environmentally compatible extinguishing systems 19
Siemens photovoltaics Financing http://finance.siemens.com/financialservices Financing: individually tailored to meet your needs Every investment decision is inextricably linked to a financing decision. Siemens Financial Services can give you expert support in making these decisions - wherever you are in the world. Tailor-made financing solutions coupled with our decades of expertise in the fields of technology, markets, countries and financing all add up to a clear competitive advantage for you. The right solution for your project Every project and its boundary conditions are unique. And our financing solutions which are tailored to your requirements are just as unique. In addition to the financing opportunities we offer in-house, we also have a global network of financial institutions with which we work in close cooperation to structure financing packages which are tailored to the needs of your project. In this way, we can devise solutions which help our customers to compete even more successfully in the marketplace. Financing solutions from Siemens Financial Services Tailor-made financing concepts in cooperation with all international financial institutions and SFS Special structures (revenue sharing/ receivable-backed financing) Performance contracting Buyer credit/ syndicated loans Forfaiting Siemens Financial Services Managed service ECA (Export Credit Agency) secured loans Finance lease/ operating lease 21
Siemens Photovoltaics References References: represented in PV installations all over the world* San Donaci Puglia (Italy) Year of installation: 2010 Plant size 15 MW Scope of supply: Medium-voltage components (switchgear and transformers), SINVERT inverters, plant monitoring equipment, low-voltage components Les Mées (France) Year of installation: 2010/2011 Plant size 31 MW Scope of supply: Medium-voltage components (switchgear and transformers), SINVERT inverters, communication network for plant monitoring (WinCC), SCALANCE-based communication structure Dobre Polé (Czech Republic) Year of installation: 2010 Plant size 4 MW Scope of supply: Medium-voltage components (switchgear and transformers), SINVERT inverters 22
Kibbuz Ketura, Eilat (Israel) Year of installation: 2010/2011 Plant size 5 MW Scope of supply: Medium-voltage components (switchgear and transformers), SINVERT inverters Solarpark Vreden (Germany) Year of installation: 2010 Plant size 200 kw Scope of supply: Control/tracker automation: SIMATIC S7-1200, SIMATIC WinCC, SIRIUS position switches, SINVERT inverters, SIMATIC S7-1200, wireless networking via IWLAN SIMATIC NET Canada Thunderbay Year of installation: 2010/2011 Plant size 8.5 MW Scope of supply: SINVERT inverters, medium-voltage components (switchgear and transformers) * examples of PV installations containing Siemens key components 23
Further information: siemens.com/solar Click on navigation point Support on our webpages to access further information brochures and technical descriptions. Siemens AG Industry Sector Control Components and Systems Engineering Postfach 48 48 90026 NUREMBERG GERMANY Subject to change without prior notice 05/12 Order No.: E80001-A3320-P300-X-7600 Dispo 46371 WÜ/41642 MI.CE.PV.XXXX.52.2.01 WS0512 Printed in Germany Siemens AG 2012 The information provided in this brochure contains merely general descriptions or characteristics of performance which in case of actual use do not always apply as described or which may change as a result of further development of the products. An obligation to provide the respective characteristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms of contract. All product designations may be trademarks or product names of Siemens AG or supplier companies whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owners.