Rückspeisungsschutz

Rückspeisungsschutz, also known as reverse power protection, is a safety mechanism in electrical systems, particularly relevant in power grids and distributed generation scenarios. Its primary function is to prevent or mitigate the unintended flow of electricity back into the power source, such as a utility grid, from connected loads or generators.

In a typical grid-connected scenario, electricity is expected to flow from the utility provider to consumers. However, with the rise of distributed energy resources like solar panels or wind turbines, there's a possibility for these sources to generate more power than is being consumed locally. If this excess power flows back into the grid, it can cause several issues.

These issues can include voltage fluctuations, damage to grid equipment not designed to handle bidirectional power flow, and interference with protection relays that are designed to detect faults based on the expected direction of current. Rückspeisungsschutz devices, often integrated into inverters or specialized protection relays, detect this reverse power flow.

When an abnormal reverse current is detected that exceeds a predefined threshold, the Rückspeisungsschutz system will typically initiate a shutdown or disconnection of the source causing the reverse flow. This ensures the stability and safety of the main power grid. The specific thresholds and response times are usually set according to grid codes and regulations to comply with safety standards.