22/03/2024
Continuing from the previous article on solar power
----------------------------------------------------
2. *****Selection of AC Cables***********
To reduce system costs, PV systems nowadays rarely configure modules and inverters at a 1:1 ratio. Instead, they design a certain amount of oversizing based on sunlight conditions, project requirements, etc. For example, for a 110KW module, a 100KW inverter is selected, calculated with a 1.1 times oversizing on the inverter's AC side, resulting in a maximum AC output current of approximately 158A. AC cables are selected based on the maximum output current of the inverter. Regardless of how much the modules are oversized, the AC input current of the inverter will never exceed the maximum output current of the inverter.
Commonly used PV system AC copper cables include copper-core PVC-insulated flexible telecommunications cables and cross-linked polyethylene insulated cables. When selecting, pay attention to the voltage level, temperature rating, and choose flame-retardant types. Cable specifications are represented by core numbers, nominal cross-section, and voltage level. For example, for single-core branch cables: 1nominal cross-section, such as 125mm 0.6/1kV, indicating a single 25-square cable. For multi-core twisted branch cables: number of cables in the same circuit * nominal cross-section, such as 350+225mm 0.6/1KV, indicating three 50-square phase wires, one 25-square neutral wire, and one 25-square ground wire.
Wiring Techniques for PV Systems:
The wiring of PV systems is divided into DC and AC parts, which need to be wired separately. The DC part is connected to the modules, while the AC part is connected to the grid. In medium to large-scale power stations, there are many DC cables. To facilitate future maintenance, the line numbers of each cable should be securely affixed. Strong and weak electric wires should be separated. If there are signal wires, such as 485 communication, they should be routed separately to avoid interference. Prepare conduit and cable trays for wiring, and try to avoid exposing wires. It's visually appealing when the wires are laid flat and straight. Avoid having cable joints inside conduits and trays as they make maintenance difficult. If there are scenarios where aluminum wires replace copper wires, reliable copper-aluminum transition terminals must be used.
In the entire PV system, cables are a crucial component, with an increasing proportion of costs. When designing a power station, it's important to save system costs while ensuring reliable operation. Therefore, the design and selection of AC/DC cables for PV systems are particularly important.