Overview
IEC 62920:2017 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and test methods for power conversion equipment (PCE) used in photovoltaic (PV) power generating systems. This standard applies to DC to AC power converters that can be either grid-interactive or stand-alone devices. It covers equipment connected to various voltage levels including public low voltage AC mains, medium voltage, or high voltage AC networks, with or without step-down transformers.
IEC 62920:2017 is vital for ensuring that PV power conversion equipment operates reliably without causing or being affected by electromagnetic disturbances. It includes detailed test setups, operating conditions, immunity requirements, emission limits, and reporting guidelines designed to maintain compatibility with other electrical and electronic systems.
Key Topics
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Scope and Applicability
Covers power conversion equipment for photovoltaic systems, including various configurations of PV modules and integration with energy storage. Applies to grid-connected and off-grid systems, as well as different AC network voltage levels.
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Classification of PCE
Defines environmental categories and equipment classes to tailor EMC requirements depending on installation context and system design.
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Test Setups for Type Testing
Provides configurations for immunity and emission testing focused on:
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
- Radiated disturbances
- Electrical fast transients (EFT) and bursts
- Surge immunity
- Conducted disturbances induced by radio-frequency fields
- Voltage dips and interruptions
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Operating Conditions During Testing
Specifies simulation conditions for accurate and repeatable tests reflecting real-world operation.
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Immunity Requirements and Performance Criteria
Details immunity thresholds to electromagnetic disturbances ensuring PCE robustness against electrical noise and transient events, including voltage variations.
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Emission Limits
Defines maximum allowable conducted and radiated emissions from the power conversion equipment to minimize interference with other devices.
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Detailed Test Reporting
Specifies how test data should be recorded and interpreted to demonstrate EMC compliance.
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Annexes With Practical Examples
Supplementary materials provide multiple test setup examples and alternative methods for high-power conversion equipment, enhancing practical application of the standard.
Applications
IEC 62920:2017 is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and installers involved with photovoltaic power conversion equipment. Its applications include:
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Design and Development
Guiding designers in integrating EMC features early in the development of inverters and converters to meet regulatory requirements.
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Type Testing and Certification
Assisting certification bodies and manufacturers in performing standardized EMC tests to validate equipment compliance before market release.
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Installation Practices
Informing installation engineers on equipment classification and environment considerations to maintain EMC during deployment.
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Quality Assurance
Supporting ongoing compliance verification and product improvement by providing detailed testing protocols and performance benchmarks.
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Grid Stability and Safety
Ensuring that PV inverters and related equipment do not contribute to electromagnetic interference that could affect grid operation or other electronic systems.
Related Standards
When implementing or assessing compliance with IEC 62920:2017, it is beneficial to consider related IEC standards such as:
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IEC 61000 Series
Generic EMC standards covering immunity and emission testing practices applicable to electrical and electronic equipment.
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IEC 61727
Guidelines on the interface of photovoltaic systems with utility grids, relevant for grid-interactive inverters covered under IEC 62920.
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IEC 62116
Testing procedures for islanding prevention methods in grid-connected PV inverters, complementary to EMC requirements.
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IEC 61215 and IEC 61646
Standards for PV module performance and reliability that align with system-level EMC considerations.
Incorporating IEC 62920:2017 ensures electromagnetic compatibility is effectively managed for photovoltaic power generating systems, facilitating wider adoption of safe, reliable solar energy technologies worldwide.