Solar cathode protection transformer rectifier is a cathodic protection power supply system that combines photovoltaic power generation, energy storage, and control.

Its core function is to provide continuous, stable, and automatically regulated protection current for cathodic protection systems located in remote areas where access to the public grid is not available or where power supply is unstable.

1. Core Components of the System

This system is a highly integrated engineering solution, mainly consisting of:

Power Generation Unit: An array of solar panels that converts solar energy into DC electricity. Its capacity should be designed considering daily power consumption, the number of sunless days, and local peak sunshine hours.

Energy Storage Unit: A deep-cycle battery bank used to store solar-generated electricity, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the cathodic protection system during nighttime or periods of insufficient sunlight (cloudy or rainy days).

Rectifier / Constant Potential Rectifier: The core of the cathodic protection system. Based on preset parameters, it precisely regulates the current and voltage output to the anode ground bed, ensuring that the protected structure’s potential remains within the required protection range (e.g., –850 mV vs. CSE).

2. Working Principle

The solar panels convert solar energy into DC power, which charges the batteries via a charge controller.

The constant potential rectifier draws power from the batteries and, using internal IGBT and other power components, inverts and regulates the output into DC current suitable for cathodic protection. This current is applied through the anode ground bed to the protected structure.

Thus, the entire cathodic protection system forms a self-sufficient, closed-loop automatic control system, independent of external power input.

3. Core Functions and Advantages

• Energy Autonomy: Completely eliminates dependence on the public power grid, ideal for remote areas with no electricity, insufficient supply, or poor grid quality.
• High-Reliability Design: All components are engineered for harsh outdoor conditions such as wide temperature ranges, high humidity, and salt spray. Protection rating is typically not lower than IP65, ensuring long-term stable operation.
• Economic and Environmentally Friendly: Zero electricity cost and zero carbon emissions during operation. Compared with long-distance grid extension or diesel generators, the overall life-cycle cost is often significantly more advantageous.
• Function of Constant Potential Instrument
• High Precision Adaptive Control
• Built-in control algorithm automatically regulates output voltage and current for stable cathodic protection.
• Built in protections: over current (110% current limit), lightning (20 kA surge withstand),and over temperature auto shutdown.
• All Environment Reliability
• Oil /air cooling plus lP65 enclosure for -30 'C to +70 °C
• Circuit breaker
• Rectifying elements
• Digital instrument

4. Typical Application Scenarios

• Cathodic protection for long-distance oil, gas, and water pipelines
• Cathodic protection for storage tanks and stations in remote areas
• Cathodic protection for offshore oil platforms and port steel piles
• Supplementary protection for urban pipeline networks where grid access is difficult