IEC 62109-3:2020

Overview

IEC 62109-3:2020 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on safety requirements for electronic devices integrated with photovoltaic (PV) power systems. This standard specifically addresses the particular safety requirements for electronic elements that are mechanically or electrically combined with photovoltaic modules or systems. It forms the third part of the IEC 62109 series, which covers safety of power converters used in PV power systems. IEC 62109-3 supplements and modifies requirements from IEC 62109-1:2010 and IEC 62109-2:2011 to ensure comprehensive safety coverage for module integrated equipment (MIE).

Key Topics

Scope and Definitions

• Covers electronic devices sold as combined products with PV elements or evaluated for compatibility when sold separately.
• Defines two types of MIE:
  • Type A: PV element can be independently evaluated per IEC 61730 standards.
  • Type B: PV element cannot be independently evaluated without the electronic element.
• Emphasizes testing methods and safety validations tailored for integrated electronics in PV modules.

Testing and Safety Requirements

• Includes general testing conditions, thermal testing parameters, and testing under single fault conditions to ensure resilience and safety.
• Specifies temperature limits and test sequences for verifying equipment durability and safe operation under various environmental and electrical stresses.
• Provides additional tests for grid-interactive inverters integrated within PV modules.
• Defines protection requirements against:
  • Electric shock and energy hazards
  • Mechanical and fire hazards
  • Sonic pressure, liquid, and chemical hazards
• Details marking, documentation, and information for safe installation and operation.
• Covers components, software, and firmware that perform safety functions within these integrated devices.

Thermal and Environmental Considerations

• Clarifies thermal limits and backsheet temperature testing specific to integrated MIE usage.
• Addresses environmental conditions relevant for deploying PV modules combined with electronic devices, ensuring reliability in diverse climates.

Applications

IEC 62109-3:2020 is essential for manufacturers, installers, and certifiers of photovoltaic power systems incorporating module integrated electronic equipment such as:

• Module integrated converters and inverters
• Power optimizers and micro-inverters combined with PV modules
• Electronic devices that are part of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) or advanced PV system designs.
• Ensuring safety compliance in products marketed as combined PV and electronics units or where electronic devices are installed adjacent to PV modules.

Use of this standard helps:

• Guarantee user and equipment safety by managing combined hazards of electronics and photovoltaics.
• Facilitate international market access by aligning products to globally recognized safety criteria.
• Support certification and testing laboratories in validating combined PV electronic products.

Related Standards

IEC 62109-3 is designed to be used alongside and supplements:

• IEC 62109-1:2010 - General safety requirements for power converters in PV systems.
• IEC 62109-2:2011 - Particular requirements for grid-connected power converters.
• IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730-2 - Photovoltaic module safety qualification standards focusing on construction and testing.

Additionally, the standard integrates references to normative documents important for understanding safety, electrical performance, and environmental testing protocols within the PV industry.

Keywords: IEC 62109-3, module integrated equipment, photovoltaic safety standard, PV power converters, integrated electronics, Type A and B MIE, PV module safety, grid-interactive inverters, thermal testing, electric shock protection, PV system standards.