QFire firefighter switch for a 4.7 MWp PV system at Ladenburger
Optimising QFire PV firefighter switch safety for the PV system at Ladenburger
Firefighter switch safety: The construction of a large-scale PV power plant with a total output of 4.7 MWp on the warehouse roofs of Ladenburger in Bopfingen represents a significant step towards sustainable energy generation. Since early May 2023, e.systeme21 has been working on this forward-looking project, which addresses not only environmental but also technical challenges.
Optimising energy demand
The experts at e.systeme21 developed a tailored system concept that takes the company’s annual and daily electricity demand into account. The system spans three large roofs with trapezoidal sheet-metal cladding and a large flat roof, and comprises 11,191 modules across a total area of more than 22,500 m². The system is matched to the company’s electricity demand to achieve maximum yield.
Firefighter switch
PV fire protection
QFire BIG
| Project data | |
|---|---|
| Application | PV fire protection |
| Location | Ladenburger |
| Technology | QFire BIG firefighter switch |
| Special features | ■ Integrated delay circuit ■ Integrated surge protection T1+2 ■ Connection to the fire alarm system |
Feed-in power challenge
Despite the high generation capacity, the responsible grid operator approved a feed-in capacity of only 30 kW, which corresponds to zero export. To meet this requirement, a certified process for controlling feed-in power was established, supplemented by redundant safety shutdowns.
Safety as the top priority
Particular attention was paid to firefighter switch safety, especially to protecting the fire brigade’s emergency responders. The cables are routed on crossbeams and guided through Q3 firefighter switch boxes, which enable both central shutdown—via the fire alarm control panel—and decentralised shutdown—at each relevant crossbeam. This allows emergency responders to carry out firefighting operations safely. Even the safe tearing down of crossbeams, should this be necessary for the success of the firefighting operation, is possible.
Firefighter switch safety
Several reasons were decisive in choosing Q3’s QFire PV firefighter switches:
- High number of DC strings possible, beyond the industry standard.
- Surge protection up to 1500 V.
- High switching current of 15 A per string.
- Option for remote switching.
- Highly competent contacts with extensive knowledge of large-scale PV projects.
- Communication in German for clear understanding.
- Geographical proximity of the companies.
- On-time delivery and manufacturing quality confirm the decision during implementation.
- Q3 Energie’s QFire PV firefighter switches are considered the gold standard for generator disconnection and are therefore used to protect large-scale projects.
The use of Q3 Energie’s QFire PV firefighter switches not only ensures the safe operation of the PV system, but also protects people and property in the event of a fire. With their commitment to safety and sustainability, e.systeme21 and Q3 Energie are setting new standards in the industry and underlining their commitment to responsible action.
Jörg Steimann, e.systeme21 GmbH