Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH, Norden

Stefan Davids Günter Grünebast

Sales Promotion Manager Manager of Standardisation/Test Laboratory/Certification Version 1.1
Brief Introduction

Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH, Norden

» Proprietor- led, medium-sized company

» High in-house production rate
» Manufactured in Germany
» High flexibility in the production of individual solutions
» Extensive programme in the RCD sector

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 2

Overview

1. Definition RCD / RCM

2. Definition Type A /Type B

3. What is an RCMU?

4. Residual current protection at the DC side of a PV installation

5. Residual current protection at the AC side of a PV installation

6. Practical example: Faults at the DC side of a PV installation

7. Which residual currents may arise?

8. Using RCDs in PV installations

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 3

Definition: RCD / RCM

RCD RCM
(Residual Current Device) (Residual Current Monitor)

RCCB RCBO CBR MRCD

» RCCB
» Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker conforming
to DIN EN 61008-1 / VDE 0664-10 and -100
» Suitable as protective measure for safeguarding by
means of automatic disconnection of the power
supply (disconnection characteristic)
» Example: DFS 4 B

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 4

Definition: RCD / RCM

RCD RCM
(Residual Current Device) (Residual Current Monitor)

RCCB RCBO CBR MRCD RCM

» RCM
» Residual Current Monitor conforming to DIN
EN 62020 / VDE 0663
» not suitable as protective measure for
safeguarding by means of automatic
disconnection of the power supply
» Example: DRCM 1 A

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 5

Definition: Type AC / Type A / Type B

Type AC: Detecting AC residual currents of mains frequency

(not permissible in Germany)

Type A: Detecting AC residual currents and pulsating DC residual currents

of mains frequency

Type B: Detecting AC residual currents and pulsating DC residual currents

of mains frequency, as well as smooth DC residual currents and AC
residual currents ≠ mains frequency

Type AC

Type A

Type B
Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 6
Definition: “pulsating DC residual currents” (Type A)

IEC 60755:

Residual current must have at least 8.3 ms of zero contact (mains frequency f = 50 Hz)

Up to max. 6 mA superimposed smooth DC residual current is permissible (irrespective of

the residual current rating)

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VDE 0100-530: General conditions for the selection and
installation of residual current devices (RCDs)

“If components of electrical equipment that are being installed as fixtures at the load
side of a residual current device (RCD) could generate pure DC residual currents,

then the residual current protective device (RCD) must be of Type B”

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 8

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 9
Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 10
Block diagram - PV installation

Inverter
Overload protective device

Parasitic capacitances of
the PV generator

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 11

Residual current protection at the DC side

VDE V 0126-1-1:
»Automatic switching point between an own-energy generating installation and
low-voltage net
»Also known as ENS (facility for system monitoring with respective switching facility,
in line)
»It monitors mains voltage, mains frequency, DC input and prevents unwanted
island net operation.
»Predominantly integrated in inverter
»Switching facilities for switching (relay) are integrated in the Inverter, but are not as a rule
suitable for disconnection (no 4 mm creepage and air paths)

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 12

Residual current protection at the DC side

VDE V 0126-1-1:
»Despite all the standards-based requirements in respect of basic protection and fault
protection (double insulation of PV cables) there have been a number of accidents due to
faults at the DC side (PV generator).
»Upon the recommendation of the professional body ETEM, in order to cover for faults at
the DC side (protection of persons) a residual current monitoring unit has to be integrated
when operating PV installations featuring an inverter without transformer:
RCMU (Residual Current Monitoring Unit).
»The RCMU is a component of the automatic switching point (ENS)
»If no RCMU is integrated, then an external Type B RCD is required at the AC side of the
PV inverter.
Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 13
 trafoloser Wechselrichter
DC input
Rectifier without transformer

M:\MARKTING\Bilder\Produkte\ADI_Platine.JPG
Intermediate capacitors
Zwischenkreis Transistorbrücke RCMU
PV+
Netz-
Relais
drosseln
RCMU board L

PV- Transistor full bridge

Steuerung
Chokes Relays
Control

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 14

Residual current protection at the DC side

» Due to the parasitic capacitances of the PV modules (metal frames) to earth a high
leakage current (capacitive AC residual current) is to be expected.

» Leakage current is not constant; it changes gradually, but markedly, during the day,
as a result of e.g. dew precipitation.

» Due to high leakage currents it is therefore only possible under certain conditions to
use a Type B RCD with IΔ = 30 mA only at the AC side of a non-transformer equipped
inverter in order to provide the protection at the DC side as specified in VDE V 0126-1-
1

» Hence integration of an RCMU in the automatic switching point.

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Residual current protection at the DC side

» RCMUs detect DC as well as AC residual currents and, in the event of a fault, trigger a
disconnection with the aid of the inverter’s output relays.

» The RCMU reacts to residual current “jumps” (ohmic) from 30 mA. Slowly changing
residual currents, both AC as well as DC (!), result in disconnection only at max. 300
mA..

» An RCMU is not a residual current protective device (RCD) and therefore also
not an AC-DC sensitive residual current circuit-breaker. Neither does it replace any
RCDs to be fitted at the AC side of the inverter, if these are required as fault protection
(or fire protection) according to the relevant erection specifications (e.g. VDE 0100-
712).

» In the event of a fault an inverter with an integrated automatic switching point inc.
RCMU thus offers a proven increase in the protection level at the DC side according to
VDE V 0126-1-1.

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 16

 Inverter
Overload protective
device

Parasitic capacitances
of the PV generator

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 17

Residual Current Protection at the AC Side

VDE 0100-712:
Requirements regarding fault protection (protection in the event of indirect contact) at the
AC side of a PV installation:

»If, due to the design of the inverter, there is a simple disconnection between the AC and
the DC voltage sides (electrical isolation, e.g. with the aid of an inverter with transformer)
and if fault protection by means of automatic disconnection with overvoltage protective
devices (miniature circuit breakers) cannot be realized due to inadequate earthing
conditions (high loop resistances, e.g. TT system), then a Type A RCD must be employed.

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 18

Residual Current Protection at the AC Side

VDE 0100-712:
»If, due to the design of the inverter there is not at least a simple disconnection between the
AC and DC voltage sides (e.g. inverter without transformer) and if fault protection by means
of automatic disconnection with overload protective devices (miniature circuit breakers)
cannot be realized due to inadequate earthing conditions (high loop resistances, e.g. TT
system), then a Type B RCD must be employed.

»As high leakage currents are to be expected, the use of RCDs with higher rated residual
operating currents is recommended (IΔn > 30 mA).

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 19

Residual Current Protection at the AC Side

VDE 0100-712:
»If, in the event of a fault in the electrical installation, no smooth DC currents are to be
expected, then the RCD intended as fault protection may also be a Type A device.
Note:
According to findings made to date, this requirement can presumably only be achieved if an
inverter with transformer is used (electrical isolation between DC and AC sides).

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 20

Residual Current Protection at the AC Side
further standards-based Requirements

» VDE 0100-705 specifies that in agricultural establishments an RCD has always to be

provided for fire protection (IΔn = 300 mA) (in final circuits with sockets: IΔn = 30 mA).
» According to the VDE 0100-530 Erection Specifications, measures for preventative fire
protection may be required in all areas of an electrical installation based on a risk
assessment by the operator, the supervising authority or the fire insurance company.
» Some utility companies demand that an RCD be employed irrespective of the existing
system (TN, TT).
» VDE 0100-482 describes the requirements for fire protection in cases of special risks or
dangers. See also VdS 2033 (Fire-endangered work establishments).

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 21

Example for Explaining the
Residual Current Flow in a
PV Installation with a Fault at the
DC Side

Quelle: Markus Scholand, vereidigter Sachverständiger

» As a result of a rodent bite in a DC cable of the PV generator, a slowly rising residual

current to earth develops during the input as contamination or moisture increases.

» The resulting residual current without zero contact consists of an AC and DC

component (ignoring HF constituent).

» Due to the slow rise of the residual current, the integrated RCMU of the inverter will
respond only to a current between 100 and 300 mA.

» The same residual current will flow through an RCD installed at the AC side.

» The response of Type A RCDs would be impaired by the existing DC constituent

(magnetization of the inverter core).

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 22

 Überstrom-
PV-Generator Wechselrichter
schutzeinrichtung
Fault: PV+ to earth Inverter without transformer, all transistors pulsed
trafoloser Wechselrichter, alle Transistoren getaktet

PV+
L

RCD
N
PV-
Steuerung

Control
RErde
parasitäre Kapazitäten
des PV-Generators

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 23

Representation of Residual Current Curves
with Faults at the DC side
Further example: Fault PV- to earth; non-transformer equipped inverter: two transistors each switched and two transistors
pulsed (transistors shown simplified as switches)

1. Mains voltage half-wave: 2. Mains voltage half-wave:

S1 closed, S4 pulsed (PWM) S1 open, S4 open
S2 open, S3 open S2 closed , S3 pulsed (PWM)

Inverter (schematic) Inverter (schematic)

UAC

I fault

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 24

Representation of Residual Current Curves
with Faults at the DC side

In the event of faults to earth at the DC side, the DC and AC constituents of the residual
current depend upon the design or topology of the inverter and the strength of the DC
voltage of the PV generator.
The shape of the residual current’s curve can thus vary considerably. The AC constituent
can become so great that a Type A RCD will be markedly impaired in its function.
Composition of the residual currents:
»AC-constituent (normally 50 Hz)
»DC-constituent
»HF-constituent (determined by the inverter’s switching frequency (typ. 16 – 22 kHz),
size dependent upon HF filter provisions in the inverter)
Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 25
 Representation of Residual Current
T1 T2
Curves with Faults at the DC side
L N
with differing Inverter Topologies
T3 T4

all transistors pulsed (PWM) T1, T3 switched / T2, T4 pulsed (PWM)

PV+
earth PV-
earth PV+
earth PV-
earth

Type B Type B Type B Type B

Inverter with separated DC link and step-up

T3, T4 switched / T1, T2 pulsed (PWM) converter
PV+
earth PV-
earth PV+
earth PV-
earth

Type B Type A/B Type B Type B

This illustration of possible residual currents is intended as an example and is not complete (schematic, without HF constituent).

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 26

Using RCDs in Photovoltaic (PV) Installations

M:\MARKTING\Bilder\Photovoltaik\CIMG2015.JPG

Using RCDs at the AC side of a PV inverter:

»RCDs for fault protection (AC side) with I∆n > 30 mA as per VDE 0100-712,
when it is not possible to provide protection by means of automatic disconnection
of the power supply using overload protective devices.

»RCDs for the protection of persons (DC side) with I∆n < 30 mA as per
VDE V 0126-1-1, if there is no automatic switching point with RCMU.

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 27

Using RCDs in Photovoltaic Installations

Inverter

Load Branch

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Aid for Selecting RCDs in Photovoltaic (PV) Installations
RCD 1 RCD 2
In systems where protection through
automatic disconnection with overload without load without
protection devices is not possible: with load branch ** with load branch **
branch load branch

Inv. without
Inverter Prot. Class I transformer - Type B * Type B * Type B *
without switching
point/RCMU Inv. with
- - Type A Type A
transformer
Inv. without
Inverter Prot. Class I transformer - - Type B Type B
with switching
point/RCMU Inv. with
- - Type A Type A
transformer
Inv. without
Inverter Prot. Class II transformer - - Type B * Type B *
without
switching/RCMU Inv. with
- - - Type A
transformer
Inv. without
- - - Type B
Inverter Prot. Class II transformer
with switching/RCMU Inv. With
- - - Type A
transformer
Irrespective of the supply system (TN, TT) of the low voltage net:
* For the protection of persons at the DC side according to VDE V 0126-1-1 the RCD must have a residual current rating of 30 mA
(attention should however be paid to possible high leakage currents).
** In cases of load branches with plug-in sockets (non-professional, external areas): I∆n = 30 mA, or additional RCD in load branch
with I∆n = 30 mA (see also VDE 0100-410).

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 29

Comments regarding the Table

Notes regarding Type B RCDs

Please refer to section “Residual Current Protection at the AC side” regarding a possible alternative use
of Type A RCDs.

Additional Notes:
»Inverter Protection Class I without transformer: faults from the inverter must be taken into consideration.
RCD1 required directly downstream of the inverter, if there is a load branch.
»Inverter without switching point: Input may also be possible if mains voltage fails (formation of island
net). Furthermore, no protection for persons provided at the DC side, RCD with I∆n=30 mA required.
»Inverter with switching point: No input possible if mains voltage fails.

Protection Classes :
»Protection Class I: All electrically conductive enclosure parts of the equipment are linked to the
protective earth system of the permanent electrical installation, which is located at earth potential.
»Protection Class II: Equipment has reinforced or double insulation between mains circuit and output
circuits, or is provided with metal housing. It does not as a rule have a connection facility for a protective
earth.

Stefan Davids, Günter Grünebast | Doepke Schaltgeräte GmbH 30