Since April, an extreme heat wave has swept through most countries and regions in Southeast Asia. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in many places, setting new records for the highest temperatures during this period in history. According to Thai media reports, the temperature in Thailand has been rising for nearly eight years. This period is considered the hottest in 145 years. This year is again the hottest in the past eight years. In April, the hottest month of the year in Thailand, temperatures in many places exceeded 40 ℃. Body temperature reached more than 50 ℃, frequently setting new records. The climate in Southeast Asia is known for its high temperature and humidity, posing a serious challenge to the rapid shutdown of solar energy.
I. Causes of Heat Waves in Southeast Asia
In early June, parts of northern India and Pakistan experienced significant high temperatures. Average temperatures were 2-4°C higher than usual, and average maximum temperatures were 2-5°C higher than usual. “Compared to history, recent high temperatures in India or South Asia are not particularly extreme overall,” said Ren Guotian, a professor at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and a researcher at the National Climate Center, in an interview with the media. Countries like India and Pakistan experience extreme heat every year from March to June, closely related to India’s topography and climate.
Geographically, northern India is adjacent to the southern side of the Himalayas, while the south is the Deccan Plateau. In summer, this terrain layout causes solar radiation to directly hit the ground. The thin atmosphere in the plains limits heat dissipation, causing temperatures to rise rapidly. From a climatic perspective, South Asia is mainly influenced by a tropical monsoon climate. From late May to early June, before the South Asian monsoon breaks out, the region is controlled by the subtropical high. This results in fewer clouds, less precipitation, strong solar radiation, low soil moisture, and reduced evapotranspiration, leading to increasingly hot air.
Ren Guotian explained that from the vernal equinox, the solar zenith point gradually moves northward to the Indian mainland. By late May, the Indian subcontinent experiences “the sun at its zenith” at noon. The northern and western parts of the Indian subcontinent are blocked by high mountains, preventing cold air from higher latitudes from entering. Even when some northwesterly or northerly winds blow in, the air descending the mountains creates a “foehn effect.” This forms hot, dry winds that further heat the region. This year, the especially strong subtropical high-pressure system controlling the region from Iran to South Asia is also a factor contributing to the hotter and drier climate.
II. Risks of Working in High Temperatures
1、Heat Stress and Heatstroke:
High-temperature operations can cause workers to experience symptoms of heat stress, such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and nausea. In severe cases, heatstroke may occur, with symptoms including confusion, seizures, and even coma, requiring emergency medical attention.
2、Equipment Overheating:
High temperatures can cause electrical equipment to overheat, leading to failures or even fires. Overheated electrical components may increase the current load, damaging equipment or causing power outages.
3、Reduced Work Efficiency:
High temperatures not only affect human health but also reduce workers’ efficiency and focus, increasing the likelihood of operational errors and enhancing safety risks.
III. Challenges of Solar Rapid Shutdown in High Temperatures
In high-temperature environments, solar rapid shutdown systems face several challenges:
1、Thermal Failure of Electronic Components:High temperatures can increase the internal temperature of electronic components, potentially causing failure or instability of shutdown circuit components (such as transistors, integrated circuits), affecting system reliability and safety.
2、Reliability of Electronic Switch Devices:In high-temperature conditions, electronic switch devices like relays and circuit breakers may experience poor contact, oxidation of contacts, or deformation of springs, affecting the normal switching function of the system.
3、Decreased Electrical Insulation Performance:High temperatures can cause insulation materials in cables and connectors to age and soften, reducing their insulation performance and increasing the risk of electrical short circuits, especially during rapid shutdowns, potentially damaging electrical equipment or causing electric shocks.
4、Accuracy of System Protection Control:In high temperatures, the accuracy of system protection controls (such as overcurrent protection and overvoltage protection) may decrease due to temperature effects, potentially leading to malfunctions or delayed responses, affecting system stability and safety.
IV. Advantages of SUNPOLE Solar Rapid Shutdown
SHANGHAI SUNPOLE NEW ENERGY CO.,LTD.(SUNPOLE) produces solar rapid shutdown devices that are uniquely designed and perform excellently, capable of reliably operating in a wide temperature range from -40°C to 55°C.
1、Advanced Technology and Design:Our solar rapid shutdown devices use advanced technology and high-quality materials to maintain stable performance in extreme temperatures. Whether in the cold north or the hot tropics, they operate efficiently, ensuring the continuous stability of the solar system.
2、Superior High-Temperature Performance:Our devices excel in Southeast Asia’s high-temperature climate. The design takes into account the impact of high temperatures on electronic components, using enhanced cooling systems and high-temperature-resistant materials to ensure the devices do not overheat or fail in high temperatures.
3、Reliable Choice for Diverse Climates:Our devices are not only suitable for high-temperature environments but also for low temperatures and areas with significant temperature fluctuations. The working temperature range of -40°C to 55°C makes them an ideal choice for various extreme climate conditions, widely used in solar systems around the world.
4、Trusted Quality Assurance:SUNPOLE is committed to providing the highest quality products to our customers. Our solar rapid shutdown devices have undergone rigorous quality testing and field application tests, earning widespread trust from users. Whether for home solar systems or large industrial projects, our devices provide reliable protection.
SUNPOLE, your reliable partner in solar systems, supporting global sustainable energy development.
