With the prevalence of environmental protectionism and the search for renewable energy sources, solar energy systems have become the main direction of future development of energy systems. Photovoltaic cable is a type of cable specially used in solar power generation systems. They play an essential role in the transmission of solar energy.
What is a PV cable ?
Photovoltaic cable is a special cable designed for photovoltaic power generation systems. It is used to connect photovoltaic modules, inverters and other equipment, which allows energy to be transmitted and the system to be controlled. Failure to use specialized cables for solar applications will affect the lifespan of the entire system.
The structure of PV cables is relatively simple. They are generally divided into three layers : the inner layer, the insulating layer and the outer layer. The inner layer of a PV cable is made of a pure or tinned copper conductor, which is mainly used to transmit electrical energy. The conductor diameter of photovoltaic cables is larger than that of ordinary cables, and their current transmission capacity is higher.
The insulating layer of photovoltaic cables is made of polyolefin insulation, which protects and insulates the inner layer and is suitable for use in harsh environmental conditions.
The outer material of photovoltaic cables has properties such as corrosion resistance and UV protection, which effectively protect cables from environmental and chemical erosion. At the same time, the outer layer of the photovoltaic cable has good abrasion resistance, at high and low temperatures, and can maintain stable performance in a variety of environments.
The operating principle of photovoltaic energy production panels is mainly based on the absorption of solar energy by semiconductor materials and the generation of a photogenic voltage, which leads to the conversion and transmission of electrical energy. The photovoltaic electricity production system includes solar panels, cables, inverters and batteries. The solar panel transmits the electricity produced by cables to the inverter, which converts direct current into alternating current, which is then routed to the electrical system or stored in the battery.
Photovoltaic cable types and common types
PV cables, which constitute an important part of the PV system, are generally classified into DC and AC cables. They are used to connect modules to strings, DC distribution boxes to inverters, and inverters to low voltage distribution systems, to transformers to the network or users. DC cables generally have a smaller conductor cross section, while AC cables are used in low voltage distribution systems that transmit power to transformers.
Different cable models are suitable for different scenarios of photovoltaic power plants, and the selection of their models and technical parameters directly affects the safety and efficiency of energy production of the photovoltaic system.
There are five common types of photovoltaic cables : PV1-F cables, YJV cables, NH-YJV cables, NH-YJV22 cables and YJLV cables.
PV1-F cables are suitable for scenarios where photovoltaic panels are directly connected to the inverter. These cables have better UV and corrosion resistance and can withstand high temperatures and humidity.
YJV cables are suitable for distribution systems basse tension photovoltaic power plants and have good oil resistance, with acids, to alkalis and abrasion.
NH-YJV cables are suitable for emergency power systems and generator sets of photovoltaic power plants. They are fireproof, fire -resistant, low smoke, halogen-free, etc. and can effectively protect the safety of power plants.
NH-YJV22 cable is suitable for high voltage distribution system of photovoltaic power plants. It has good resistance to pressure, abrasion and weather resistance and can be used indoors and outdoors.
YJLV cables are suitable for direct current cables of photovoltaic power plants. They have good resistance to corrosion and high temperatures and can withstand high currents and voltages.
Choosing the right PV cable can ensure the stable operation of the PV system and maximize the effect of power generation, which is very important to promote the development of PV industry. In practice, it is necessary to select the appropriate PV cables based on the specific project requirements and environmental conditions, in order to guarantee the reliability and efficiency of the PV system.
Technical and historical context of the development of photovoltaic cables
The photovoltaic cable industry began to develop in the years 1980 following the oil crisis and the search for alternatives in terms of renewable energy. With the constant advancement of technology, the efficiency and stability of photovoltaic cables continue to improve, and their cost continues to decrease, which makes photovoltaic cables widely used in solar energy systems.
Advantages of photovoltaic cables
Photovoltaic cables have many advantages.
First of all, PV cables are resistant to high temperatures and compression. Compared to ordinary cables, PV cables have thicker insulation, higher compressive strength and better resistance to high temperatures. PV cable conductors generally operate at a temperature of 120℃. They can be used for long periods in high temperature environments.
Secondly, PV cables are more resistant to cold. PV cables can operate at very low temperatures, such as -40°C.
Thirdly, photovoltaic cables are oil resistant, with acid and alkali. Photovoltaic cables can resist chemical erosion and are suitable for harsh environmental conditions.
Fourth, photovoltaic cables are UV resistant. Insulation and sheathing materials for photovoltaic cables are generally made of irradiated cross-linked polyolefins., halogen-free and flame-retardant, which makes them resistant to strong ultraviolet radiation.
Fifth, the PV cable is flame-retardant and halogen-free, it is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Photovoltaic cable insulation has excellent flame retardant properties and can effectively prevent fires. The main materials of photovoltaic cables are recyclable and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, photovoltaic cables consume virtually no energy during transmission.
Sixth, PV cables have high current transmission capacity and long service life. Compared to ordinary cables, photovoltaic cables have a larger conductor diameter and their current transmission capacity is higher. Parallel, The conductive materials of PV cables are specially treated to provide high resistance to corrosion and aging. This makes it possible to meet the demand for long-term outdoor operation of the photovoltaic energy production system and to extend the lifespan of the PV cable.. The lifespan of photovoltaic cables is generally not less than 25 ans.
Finally, PV cables are well compatible. Cable insulation and jacket can be stripped in one operation, which ensures good compatibility with standard joints or connection systems.
The application of photovoltaic cable scene
THE photovoltaic cables are mainly used in centralized and distributed solar photovoltaic power plants to connect key components such as solar panels, smart inverters and regulators. They are more common in harsh climatic conditions.
Upstream countries and future development trends
Currently, China dominates the global photovoltaic industry chain. China is expected to achieve a total wind and solar capacity of 1 200 GW from here 2025. Photovoltaic electricity production (PV) will dominate the global market for new electrical installations. According to the International Energy Agency report (AIE), global production of solar photovoltaic energy will triple by 2027, overtaking coal as the world's largest source of electricity.
In the future, with the constant progress of technology and the continuous expansion of application scenarios, the photovoltaic cable industry will exhibit the following development trends : continuous technological innovation, growing market demand, continued industrial integration and more frequent international cooperation and exchanges.
In conclusion, the photovoltaic cable, as a key part of the solar power generation system, gives a strong impetus to the development of green energy. In the global context of encouraging environmental protection and promoting sustainable development, the photovoltaic cable industry will open up broader development prospects.
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