IEC 61936-2:2023

Overview

IEC 61936-2:2023 establishes internationally recognized requirements for the design and erection of direct current (DC) power installations with nominal voltages above 1.5 kV DC. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability, and proper functionality of high-voltage DC installations across various sectors, including renewable energy, utilities, and offshore facilities.

This standard applies to a range of DC installation types such as converter stations, DC switching stations, energy storage units (e.g., battery storage, solar farms), offshore installations, and transition stations. It provides guidelines for key design principles, safety measures, electrical requirements, and operation protocols. IEC 61936-2:2023 also aligns its requirements with current advancements and terminology, replacing the earlier IEC TS 61936-2:2015.

Key Topics

IEC 61936-2:2023 addresses several critical aspects of high-voltage DC power installation design and safety, focusing on:

• Definition and Scope of DC Installations
  Clarity on applicable DC installations, including their equipment and associated systems.

• General & Electrical Requirements

  • Methods for DC neutral point earthing
  • Voltage and current classification
  • Short-circuit current considerations
  • Overvoltage, harmonics, electromagnetic compatibility, and radio interference

• Mechanical, Environmental, and Climatic Considerations

  • Site-specific requirements (e.g., offshore vs. onshore)
  • Provisions for special climatic conditions and environmental impacts

• Insulation Coordination

  • Guidelines for minimum clearances and insulation selection
  • Reference to relevant IEC insulation standards

• Safety Measures

  • Protection against electrical contact (direct/indirect)
  • Arc fault and fire protection
  • Lightning stroke protection and identification/marking requirements

• Earthing Systems

  • Design, construction, and maintenance of earthing systems to ensure operational safety

• Protection, Automation, and Auxiliary Systems

  • Requirements for automation, remote control, monitoring, and auxiliary power systems

• Inspection, Testing, and Documentation

  • Verification procedures for installation and commissioning
  • Maintenance and operation manual guidelines

Applications

IEC 61936-2:2023 is essential for professionals involved in:

• Renewable Energy Projects
  Applicable to high-voltage DC solar farms, battery energy storage systems, and power conversion facilities.

• Offshore and Marine Installations
  Ensures standardized practices for DC installations on offshore wind platforms and similar marine energy units (excluding drilling, processing, and storage units covered by other standards).

• Utility and Transmission Networks
  Provides the framework for DC converter stations, transition stations (overhead to underground cable junctions), and centralized power transmission facilities.

• Industrial Facilities
  Supports industries seeking standardized DC system safety and performance at high voltage levels.

By following the guidelines in IEC 61936-2:2023, organizations can improve safety, streamline compliance, and ensure interoperability across international projects.

Related Standards

IEC 61936-2:2023 is closely linked to other key standards, including:

• IEC 61936-1:2021 – Power installations exceeding 1 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC – Part 1: AC
• IEC 60071 Series – Insulation coordination for high-voltage systems
• IEC 60529 – Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
• IEC 61000-6-5 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for power station and substation environments
• IEC/IEEE 60076-57-129 – Power transformers for HVDC applications
• IEC 61975 – High-voltage direct current (HVDC) installations – System tests

Referencing and adhering to these and other related IEC standards ensures comprehensive coverage of all technical, safety, and operational aspects for DC installations exceeding 1.5 kV DC.

Keywords: IEC 61936-2:2023, high-voltage DC installations, power installation safety, DC converter station, insulation coordination, earthing systems, renewable energy DC systems, offshore DC installation, IEC standards, power system engineering.