IEC 62093:2022

Overview

IEC 62093:2022 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the design qualification and type approval requirements for power conversion equipment (PCE) used in terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) systems. This second edition replaces the original 2005 version, focusing exclusively on power conversion electronics, such as grid-tied and off-grid DC-to-AC inverters, DC-to-DC converters, battery chargers, and charge controllers, supporting PV arrays up to a nominal maximum circuit voltage of 1500 V DC. The standard applies to PCE intended for both indoor and outdoor environments according to IEC 60721 classifications.

By defining rigorous testing protocols and performance criteria, IEC 62093:2022 ensures the reliability, durability, and safety of photovoltaic system power conversion equipment-key components in efficient and sustainable solar power generation.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  Covers electronic power conversion equipment in terrestrial PV systems, excluding balance of system components addressed in earlier editions.

• Environmental Service Conditions
  Classification of PCE performance requirements based on climatic exposure including outdoor, indoor unconditioned, and indoor conditioned environments.

• Testing Requirements and Procedures
  Includes detailed test sequences to evaluate:

  • Visual inspection and operating performance characterization
  • Functional testing under typical operating conditions
  • Dielectric strength (voltage) testing
  • Thermal testing of bus link capacitors and power transistor modules
  • Environmental stress tests such as humidity freeze, thermal cycling, damp heat, dry heat, and UV weathering
    These ensure PCE can withstand long-term terrestrial environmental effects.

• Pass Criteria and Documentation
  Specifies criteria to verify that equipment meets or exceeds functional and durability requirements for certification.

• Optional Environmental Tests
  Includes rain intrusion, wind-driven rain, and dust ingress tests for enhanced qualification depending on deployment scenarios.

Applications

IEC 62093:2022 is essential for manufacturers, testing labs, and certification bodies involved in the development, verification, and approval of power conversion equipment within photovoltaic systems. Practical applications include:

• Grid-Tied and Off-Grid PV Systems
  Ensuring components reliably convert solar-generated DC power to usable AC or controlled DC voltages suitable for grids or standalone applications.

• Battery Charging and Control Systems
  Qualification of converters used to manage energy storage solutions integrated with PV installations.

• Outdoor and Indoor Installations
  Verifying PCE performance in diverse environmental conditions, ensuring resilience against climate challenges like temperature extremes, humidity, UV exposure, and dust.

• Quality Assurance and Product Certification
  Providing industry benchmarks for product design validation and regulatory compliance, critical for commercial deployment and market acceptance.

Related Standards

• IEC 60721 Series – Environmental conditions for equipment, serving as reference for climatic categories applicable in IEC 62093.
• IEC 62109 – Safety of power converters used in photovoltaic systems, complementing qualification with safety requirements.
• IEC 61727 – Photovoltaic systems - Characteristics of the utility interface, related to electrical performance.
• IEC 62548 – Design requirements for photovoltaic arrays, supporting system integration considerations.

By adhering to the IEC 62093:2022 standard, stakeholders in the photovoltaic industry gain confidence in the reliability and durability of power conversion equipment, promoting the wider adoption of high-quality solar energy solutions globally.