[RE-wrenches] Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)

[R Ray Walters]

Hi Allan;

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7819201/Nasa-warns-solar-flares-from-huge-space-storm-will-cause-devastation.html
http://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/big-questions/how-does-solar-variability-affect-human-society-technological-systems-and-the-habitability-of-planets/
http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-flare-electronics.htm
http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=10548


Should I shield all my electronics under my lead batteries, or is this our next Y2K non event?

Ray




On Mar 19, 2011, at 11:58 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote:

> For those of us less aware of solar flare issues and what we might expect that relates to PV, could someone provide a good link to educate us?
> Thanks, Allan
> 
> Allan Sindelar
> Allan at positiveenergysolar.com
> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Positive Energy, Inc.
> 3201 Calle Marie
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> 505 424-1112
> www.positiveenergysolar.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 3/19/2011 11:48 AM, R Ray Walters wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Drake;
>> 
>> No, I don't have answers, just more of your same concerns. I had a high altitude (12,500 ft) installation damaged recently, possibly by a solar flare in Feb; we lost a C40 charge controller. 
>> At this point, I don't know if the flare was the cause or not, but I would expect more problems at higher altitudes.
>> So far, my internet research says that the panels and batteries would be ok, but we might expect damage to electronics similar to the induced high voltages caused by lightning.
>> Would grounding help? (I, too, also considered the Faraday cage....)
>> 
>> NASA is predicting the solar storm of a generation for 2012-2013, and I read of a similar EMP incident in the 1800s that set telegraph equipment on fire. 
>> I think very long utility lines and transformers at the ends of those lines are the most vulnerable, so this could be more of GridTie issue?
>> 
>> R. Walters
>> ray at solarray.com
>> Solar Engineer
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Mar 19, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Drake wrote:
>> 
>>> Hello Wrenches,
>>> 
>>> I had an inquiry concerning the effect of EMP on photovoltaic systems.  We are heading for a period of solar activity that likely will produce this effect.  According to a local AEP (American Electric Power) representative, the utility is spending a lot of money to counter this anticipated problem.  Additionally, nuclear related issues are moving back to the front burner.  
>>> 
>>> It is clear that the pulse would damage an inverter, but possibly it could be put in a Faraday cage.  But a number of questions arise. 
>>> Would the pulse damage the modules? 
>>> Could the large currents and voltages induced by EMP damage the conductors in the cells?  
>>> Even if the inverters were surrounded by a Faraday cage, would induced currents & voltages from the modules harm the inverters? 
>>> Would series fuses and surge protectors be adequate protection.
>>> Has any research been done in this area?  Does anyone know answers to any of these questions?
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> 
>>> Drake 
>>> 
>>> Drake Chamberlin         
>>> Athens Electric
>>> OH License 44810        
>>> CO license 3773
>>> NABCEP Certified PV
>>> 
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