Errors in photovoltaic module connections

[J. Esteban]

Good morning,

 

I am having problems connecting modules. I'm designing a 1.42 MWp photovoltaic plant, I am in the connection stage, and I have noticed the following issues:

 

1.- As you can see in the first image, I have used some surfaces to use panels from other areas in order to fully utilise the inverter's MPPT. Perhaps because it is a large system, the wiring plan options where I can use groupings, cable glands, etc. no longer appear, as shown in the second image. Why is this? I would like to place these items and have a breakdown of how much cable I am estimated to use, as shown in the third image

 

2.- The next new feature concerns the connection of photovoltaic modules. As you can see in the fourth and fifth image, I have used solar panels on both sides of a building, leaving the connection provided by the programme by default when I have two sides. However, if I try to modify that connection and go to the wiring plan, the programme completely distorts the connection and pretends that it is not using the panels on the other side of the building, as you can see in the sixth and seventh image. So I have made a connection that is not as viable as in the eighth image because of the error that appears, since if I modify the module connections when I use multiple areas, the connection is distorted; even those panels appear without a connection.

 

I would appreciate any support that would help me resolve these issues.

 

I look forward to your comments. Thank you.

[hotline_oh]

Dear J. Esteban,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Unfortunately, the cable plan is not available for elevated systems or polystring configurations. Alternatively, you can use the string diagram. However, cable lengths and diameters cannot be calculated automatically here; you must define them under Cables after exiting the 3D visualisation.

If you have already created a cable plan and subsequently make changes to the configuration, the cable/string diagram is not always updated. You must then delete the cable plan (press the ‘Delete all cables’ button), switch back to the Module configuration page and then back to the Cable plan page. Everything is then updated and the cables run in accordance with the configuration.

For large systems with complex string distribution we recommend that you manually define module areas for each string or MPPT (with the specified string or MPPT number) using the "Define module areas for configuration" function, as also explained here. First delete the existing inverter configuration. In the "Module Configuration" tab, select all modules for one string or MPPT by holding down the CTRL key and select "Add to "Define module areas" dialogue" with the right mouse button. Then click "Define module areas for Configuration". Rename the module areas (right-click --> Rename). Repeat this for all module areas belonging to the same inverter. Then click "configure" and configure inverter 1 (configure all selected Module Areas together and use Polystring Configuration). Repeat these steps for all inverters. The subsystems will then have a fixed inverter assignment. Direction, starting point and course of a string can be defined in the bottom left corner. The module sequence within a string must be changed manually if required.

You can also send your project file (*.pvprj) to hotline@valentin-software.com so that we can take a closer look at it.

[J. Esteban]

1 hour ago, hotline_oh said:

Estimado J. Esteban,

Gracias por su consulta.

Desafortunadamente, el plan de cable no está disponible para sistemas elevados o configuraciones de polistrings. Alternativamente, puede usar el diagrama de cadenas. Sin embargo, las longitudes y diámetros de los cables no se pueden calcular automáticamente aquí; debe definirlos en Cables después de salir de la visualización 3D.

Si ya ha creado un plan de cables y posteriormente realiza cambios en la configuración, el diagrama de cables/cuerdas no siempre se actualiza. A continuación, debe eliminar el plan de cables (presione el botón 'Eliminar todos los cables'), volver a la página de configuración del módulo y luego volver a la página del plan de cables. A continuación, todo se actualiza y los cables se ejecutan de acuerdo con la configuración.

Para sistemas grandes con distribución de cadenas compleja, le recomendamos que defina manualmente las áreas de módulo para cada cadena o MPPT (con la cadena o el número MPPT especificado) utilizando la función "Definir áreas de módulo para configuración", como también se explica aquí. Primero elimine la configuración del inversor existente. En la pestaña "Configuración del módulo", seleccione todos los módulos para una cadena o MPPT manteniendo presionada la tecla CTRL y seleccione "Agregar al cuadro de diálogo "Definir áreas de módulos" con el botón derecho del mouse. A continuación, haga clic en "Definir áreas de módulos para la configuración". Cambie el nombre de las áreas del módulo (haga clic con el botón derecho en --> Cambiar nombre). Repita esto para todas las áreas del módulo que pertenecen al mismo inversor. Luego haga clic en "configurar" y configure el inversor 1 (configure todas las áreas de módulo seleccionadas juntas y use la configuración de polistrings). Repita estos pasos para todos los inversores. Los subsistemas tendrán entonces una asignación de inversor fija. La dirección, el punto de partida y el curso de una cadena se pueden definir en la esquina inferior izquierda. La secuencia del módulo dentro de una cadena debe cambiarse manualmente si es necesario.

También puede enviar su archivo de proyecto (*.pvprj) a hotline@valentin-software.com para que podamos verlo más de cerca.

Good morning,

 

Now that the first point has been clarified, just yesterday I discovered that “trick” for fixing connections in multiple areas.

 

Regarding the second point, it's great that connections can be made that way! I'll try it again, making the connection that way and changing the names of the surfaces. I think it will be easier to modify connections by system so that there is not just one and to prevent all connections from being activated at the same time.

 

I will share the project with you by email. I have not yet completed the connections as I am still defining them to minimise losses due to voltage drops.

 

Thank you very much for your help!