Now that you have completed your Mechanical Layout onto the project site, it’s time to select the electrical equipment and define how the system components will be electrically connected. The Electrical Layout tab in PVCAD includes all tools needed to complete the electrical design: selecting and placing inverters, stringing modules, connecting conductors, and generating a Single-Line Diagram (SLD) with all supporting electrical calculations.
Inverters and Electrical Equipment
Begin by selecting the inverter manufacturer and model from PVCAD’s database. If your inverter is not listed, you may add it using the DATABASE tool or email the specifications to PVCAD support (support@pvcomplete.com). Once selected, click INSERT and place the inverter within your model space. Depending on your inverter type, PVCAD will prompt you to select compatible equipment for the following equipment
- Optimizer
- Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPE)
- Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD)
Batteries
PVCAD currently supports DC-Coupled Batteries, with AC-Coupled Batteries coming soon. You can select a battery from the preloaded options or request to add a custom battery. Batteries can be selected and inserted under the in the section beneath the inverter and optimizers.
Module Stringing
To string modules, first select the number of modules you want to have in each string. After you defined you string length, PVCAD provides three methods for stringing modules, select this from the drop down and then click DRAW:
- Directional – Strings modules in the direction you specify but will not complete strings that must change direction.
- Auto Stringing – Automatically creates strings across the layout using your specified string size.
- Manual – Type
FENCEin the command line, then draw a line in the desired direction. Press Enter on your keyboard to complete each string.
Additionally you can use the String Method drop down to toggle between various wiring method, use either Chain or Leap Frog:
Combiner Boxes and AC Panels
To add a combiner box, click INSERT in the Combiner Box section and place it where needed in the model space. Similarly, insert AC and main service panels below by clicking the AC PANELS or MAIN SERVICE PANEL buttons and clicking in model space.
Drawing Conductors
PVCAD includes multiple conductor tools after you have completed stringing your modules under the Electrical Layout tab. The type and dimensions of each conductor can always be adjusted on the Version Settings tab. Use the following buttons to connect your module strings to power conversion:
SOURCE CIRCUIT CONDUCTOR– Connect module strings directly to an inverter or combiner box.OUTPUT CIRCUIT CONDUCTOR– Used to connect a combiner box to the inverter.BATTERY CIRCUIT CONDUCTOR– Connect DC batteries to inverters.AC CIRCUIT CONDUCTOR– Connect inverters to the AC Panel or Main Service Panel.
All connections are made by clicking on the origin component, then intermediate routing points, and finally the destination component.
Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
After completing all electrical connections:
- Ensure the system is connected to one AC Panel only (required).
- Save the project
- Click
SINGLE-LINE DIAGRAMin the PVCAD Ribbon.
PVCAD will generate a labeled diagram in model space below your project layout, including:
- Extensive electrical tables and calculations including voltage drop and current calculations
- Dynamic Blocks for easy editing to change any element of the base SLD we have created
You can turn off the background map for clarity, use the MOVE command to reposition the diagram, or click the block triangle to change configurations. The PVCAD Block Library also includes generators, transformers, and battery banks for more complex systems.
