The subject of EMP comes up from time to time, usually when real catastrophes
occur or imagined catastrophes are expected to occur. In the 1960s, the US
military thought that an EMP would affect semiconductors so all the electronics
at the nuclear missile base where I was stationed had tubes instead of
transistors. Meanwhile, the civilian world was going solid-state. Sure, you can
harden your equipment, but no one has ever reported a problem with a PV system
as the result of an EMP. I'm reminded of a phone call I got in 1984 from a PV
customer living in southern Utah who called himself a survivalist. He asked how
his solar module would be affected by an EMP from a nuclear blast. I asked him
if he planned to watch the end of civilization on his solar powered TV and told
him to get a life.
Joel Davidson
----- Original Message -----
From: Drake
To: RE-wrenches
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2011 7:53 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
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.
a.. Would the pulse damage the modules?
b.. Could the large currents and voltages induced by EMP damage the
conductors in the cells?
c.. Even if the inverters were surrounded by a Faraday cage, would induced
currents & voltages from the modules harm the inverters?
a.. 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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