AC500, the scalable control unit –ideal for solar-tracking photovoltaic systemsFocusing on sunshine2Those who turn to the sun are more successfulIn an age where fossil energy reserves are becoming increasingly scarce and issues such as reducing or avoiding CO 2 are becoming ever more important, renewable energy sources are playing an increasingly vital role. Over the next 10 years, more than 20% of global power requirements are planned to be covered by renewable energy.Demand for photovoltaic systems is boomingThe use of photovoltaic systems to generate power is increasingly establishing itself around the globe. Solar systems are easy to install, don‘t cost much to operate and can be used practically anywhere where sunlight is available. The various possibilities range from small fixed systems for home use right through to large solar parks with mobile solar modules that follow the position of the sun.As the demand for photovoltaic systems increases, technological development is currently also progress-ing just as quickly. With its wide range of products, ABB is making an efficient and sustainable contribution in this area.Particularly effective systems at present are solar-tracking photovoltaic systems. In this case, the solar modules are mounted on a support system thatmoves along one (horizontal) or two (horizontal andvertical) axes. In this way, with the aid of special3function blocks in the control unit, the solar module can be adjusted to face the sun at all times, for maximum incidence of sunlight. This ensures that the direction at which the sun’s rays meet the solar cells is as close to perpendicular as possible, thus maximizing efficiency.AC500 sets standardsWith the appropriate automation components, for instance the scalable PLC AC500 as well as switching and drive technology, ABB ensures that solar systems are able to maximize the efficient use of the sunlight.Depending on the location and the design of the solar-tracking system, such systems can generate up to 35% more power than fixed systems.In addition to photovoltaic systems, solar-thermal systems also use this technique. In this case, it is the solar-thermal collectors that follow the position of thesun.Everything from a single source saves energyABB's end-to-end product range comprises all components that are necessary for the smooth operation of a solar-tracking photovoltaic system – regardless of the size.The control systemWith its scalable PLC AC500, based on a modular concept consisting of a CPU, communication modules and I/O modules, ABB can always supply the appro-priate automation solution. What’s more, it is also easy to expand should you need to do so. Standard function blocks and standard programming allow you to gain a quick overview of everything – something that is particularly useful when subsequent changes are made.4Always the appropriate solutionSo that the solar modules can be ideally adjusted to the position of the sun when it is windy or even snowing, a small, robust and powerful drive and automation system is required.The switching componentsIn addition to the scalable AC500 control unit, ABB also offers all other switching components such as connectors, circuit breakers, power circuit breakers, power contactors, relays, motor protection switches, operator panels and high-performance automatic circuit breakers.CommunicationThanks to a large selection of communication and fieldbus modules, solar panels can easily be integrated into an existing automation environment.The operator panelOperator panels are available in a wide range of sizes and designs, from text to touch panels – for straight-forward, reliable operation.The drive technologyWhen it comes to drive technology, ABB products are the market leaders worldwide. In this area, we have an extensive range of frequency converters, power converters and motors.Always there for youWith its worldwide technical support and services, ABB is a reliable partner for manufacturers and users alike. This protects your investments in the long term.Special seminars and training courses are offered for numerous ABB products and systems, including the automation of systems.5ss6Enjoy success withthe scalable PLC AC500Tailored to your needsSolar algorithms with a high resolution, implemented directly in the software, ensure that solar panels are aligned exactly with the position of the sun. Together with the unique scalability of the AC500, this makes it perfectly simple to adjust to the highly diverse requirements of different solar-tracking systems.■ T he CPUs are available in various performance classes. The aspects that are identical in all cases are the consistent programming, between 1 and 2 integrated serial interfaces, and an SD card as an optional extra (e.g. for logging data).■ T he communication modules (up to 4 for each CPU) can be added, in any combination. The following alternatives are available: Ethernet (Modbus TCP , with switch), CANopen, DeviceNet, Profibus DP (V0 and V1), Modbus RTU, as well as ProfiNet and EtherCAT upon request.■ T he I/O modules (digital and analog) are suitable for universal use, as they are simply configured for the specific application by means of software.O ne thing that all I/O modules have in common is extensive integrated diagnostic functionality (e.g. to detect line breaks or short circuits and monitor the range limits).■ S pecial “Solar Tracking” function blocks are avail-able for programming solar panels. For example, these function blocks calculate all the values required to control the panels based on the localcoordinates, the current date and the time of day.7Ideal for solar-tracking photovoltaic systemsThe AC500 takes care of all tasks relating to the open-loop control, closed-loop control and monitoring of a solar-tracking solar panel. This includes:■ C alculating the course of the sun■ R ecording and evaluating connected sensors (e.g. wind gauges)■ S afe positioning of panels in difficult circumstances (e.g. during storms or snow)■ “Manual positioning” operating mode ■ Specifying set points for the drives■ S toring important events and operating states (data logging)■ Remote data transmissionWith maximum design reliabilityFurther advantages of the AC500 from which youcan benefit right from the start:■ Consistent programming in accordance withthe IEC61131-3 standard in five languages■ User-friendly operation with LCD display, keyboard, slide-in unit for SD card and twointegrated serial interfaces■ Worldwide availability■ Worldwide support and service ■ Wide range of certifications■ F uture-oriented standard automation platform from a renowned specialist in the areas ofautomation and energy technologyP u b l i c a t i o n n u m b e r : 2C D C 125 056 B 0201 P r i n t e d i n t h e F e d e r a l R e p u b l i c o f G e r m a n y (11/08 · 2 · V C M ) S u b j e c t t o c h a n g e w i t h o u t n o t i ceBe it different sites, changing conditions, or individual solar-tracking concepts, you can always rest assured that automation technology requirements will be completely met by the scalable PLC AC500.working to guide the reflectors to the ideal position with respect to the sun. Solar systems with ABB technology are used around the globe, often under extreme climatic conditions.Moreover, ABB can provide you with competentcontact persons locally wherever you are based, thanks to a worldwide network of ABB branches, distributors and competent systems integrators. We can guarantee full support from project planning to commissioning and servicing.The key to successNowadays, the AC500 can be found in solar-tracking photovoltaic and solar-thermal systems of all sizes. For example, large solar parks with way over 1,000solar modules have just as many AC500 control unitsABB STOTZ-KONTAKT GmbH P . O. Box 10 16 80D-69006 HeidelbergTel.: ++49 62 21 / 701-0Fax: ++49 62 21 / 701-240http://www.abb.de/stotzkontaktABB FranceAutomation Products Division Export Department10, rue Ampère Z.I. - B.P 114F-69685 Chassieu cedex / France Tel.: 33 (0)4 7222 1722Fax.: 33 (0)4 7222 1935ABB Global Contact DirectoryThe ABB Contact Directory (/contacts/) helps you fi nd local contacts for ABB products in your country. Please select the relevant product group from the dropdown menu to the right or from the page.abb。
