New Electrical Safety Challenges under Energy Transition

1. Industry Background

As the global energy structure rapidly shifts toward low-carbon and renewable energy, new power systems such as solar, wind, energy storage, and electric transportation are developing at an unprecedented pace. While energy transition drives green development, it also brings unprecedented electrical safety challenges.

Traditional power systems are dominated by large-scale centralized generation, with mature electrical safety management and controllable risks. In contrast, renewable energy scenarios feature distributed generation, variable-frequency control, high-power energy storage, and high-voltage DC systems, increasing the risk of arc flash, short circuits, and electric shocks.

Key Changes Driving New Risks

• Complex voltage levels: coexistence of high-voltage DC (1,500V, 3,000V) and AC (25kV and above)

• High power density: concentrated energy in battery cabinets, solar inverters, and high-voltage electrical panels

• Varied working environments: wind turbine towers, solar racks, rooftop storage boxes restrict operational space

• Highly automated systems: faults propagate quickly, increasing potential arc energy

2. New Electrical Safety Challenges

1. Increased Arc Flash Risk
   Miniaturized and high-density equipment in renewable systems makes local short circuits or operator errors likely to cause arc flashes, releasing high temperatures, shock waves, and molten metal in milliseconds, posing serious hazards to personnel and equipment.

2. High-Voltage DC Protection Complexity
   Traditional AC protection experience cannot fully apply to high-voltage DC. DC arcs have longer duration, are harder to extinguish, and increase the risk of electric shock and arc burns.

3. Need for Multi-Point Monitoring and Remote Operation
   Distributed renewable equipment makes manual inspection risky, requiring high-standard PPE (personal protective equipment), infrared thermography, partial discharge detection, and remote monitoring solutions.

4. Complex Environmental Factors
   Wind and solar equipment are often exposed to high altitudes, strong winds, and rain or snow, increasing operational uncertainty and the probability of sudden accidents.

3. Electrical Safety Protection Strategies

1. Risk Assessment and Operational Procedures

• Conduct arc energy assessment for different voltage levels and equipment types

• Establish standardized work procedures, including power isolation, tool management, and work permits

• Prepare emergency response plans and designate isolation zones to ensure controllable incidents

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In renewable energy scenarios, arc flash clothing, arc-resistant gloves, and hoods/face shields are essential.

• Match arc protection level to risk: 8–40 cal/cm² for low-voltage DC in storage and PV, 40–65 cal/cm² for high-voltage wind and large-scale storage

• Modular design: hood, face shield, and gloves can be detached and combined for different tasks

• Lightweight, flexible, durable: suitable for outdoor, high-altitude, and confined-space operations

3. Systematic Management

• Deploy remote monitoring and intelligent alarms to detect partial discharges or abnormal temperature rises in advance

• Digitally manage PPE usage, cleaning, and lifespan to ensure worker safety

• Regular training and drills enhance on-site emergency response capability

4. Typical Application Scenarios

5. Conclusion

Energy transition provides new momentum for low-carbon development but also raises higher electrical safety requirements.
Scientific risk assessment, standardized operational procedures, and high-level arc flash PPE are key to ensuring the safety of renewable energy operators.

As distributed energy, energy storage, and smart grids continue to develop, electrical safety and protection technologies will become increasingly critical.
“Protection First, Safety Foremost” – in the context of energy transition, safeguarding the life of every power worker is paramount.

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