DIREL actif ©
Electric Current Insulation Unit
category Protection
DIREL « actif », is a system which protects electricity supplies against lightning strikes and interruption.
The unit is placed in between the electricity supply input from the grid and the distribution control panel. If lightning affects the electricity supply during a storm, any energy surge will be blocked and the distribution unit and electrical appliances will be protected.
The DIREL system not only protects against power surges from distant lightning discharges affecting the power supply network, but also protects against direct lightning strikes. The system can be used to protect radio stations, telephone networks, electricity substations and networks, independent electricity generators, solar panels, computer systems and networks, video cameras and private properties with electronic equipment etc...
More product information « DIREL actif © »
DIREL is composed of two parts :
An electronic detection unit of thunderstorm activity,
A power surge protection unit controlled by the electronic detection unit.
These parts are housed in an insulated case, made of fiberglass, separated in the interior in two zones, one zone for low-current and the other for high-current.
Electronic detection of thunderstorm activity :
This detection is carried out by a small iron antenna, which is designed to pick up the electromagnetic waves generated by lightning strikes in a radius of 10 to 15 km. The electronic signals thus received are transmitted to an analysis card, which after processing, recognizes that of a lightning bolt. Once a lightning bolt has been identified, the card sends a disconnection order to the opening device; this order will last a minimum of 15 minutes(time adjustable), or for the duration of the thunderstorm.
Power surge protection unit:
This unit consists of a power fuse and a cut-off switch with an opening of 100mm.
When a disconnection order is transmitted by the electronic detection card, the power fuse and then the cut-off switch open(the role of the power fuse is simply to break the circuit, the cut-off switch has no power-cutting ability). Once the cut-off switch is open, it provides an isolation of 100mm of air, which gives an isolation of 85,000 volts, a value measured by an independent laboratory; this value provides a near total protection.
Electrical supply of DIREL :
DIREL operates with a continuous voltage of 12 Volts; this voltage is provided by an emergency supply unit placed next to DIREL; thanks to this unit, DIREL will continue to function during a main power supply outage.
DIREL is an effective protection device that functions with voltage, meaning it continually maintains more than 80KV when it is on. On the contrary, the lightning arrester functions with current, giving it a high capacity to discharge electric shocks, so it needs to be set up correctly. One of the disadvantages of type 1 lightning arresters is that they can lead to the opening of an upstream circuit breaker or fuse, and depending on the two different installation methods of these units, can lead to either a service breakdown or a disconnection from the equipment to be protected. Additionally, the longevity of protection equipment is something to be considered, as it is difficult to tell how long it will last.
Lightning Protection and Prevention
