Weidmuller Develops New Models of PV DC Combiner Boxes to Increase Efficiency in Solar Energy Applications
July 31, 2023
Recently, Weidmuller USA was pleased to announce new models of Photovoltaic (PV) DC Combiner Boxes designed to operate large-scale PV systems more efficiently:
PV DC Combiner Boxes Monitored and Unmonitored
- Weidmuller’s innovative solution bundles, protects, and combines PV strings more efficiently. The PV DC Combiner Boxes offer users the ability to integrate short-circuit and overvoltage protection, as well as string monitoring solutions (I,V,T and SPD and switch isolator status) for PV systems using central inverters with PV panels in trackers and fix tilt systems. The DC Combiner Boxes with monitoring can receive up to 16 inputs and the unmonitored version can handle up to 32 inputs.
Highlights include:
Optimized design – By using advanced 3D software, the product variants have been designed and tested to operate at the maximum mechanical and thermal efficiency in the most compact housing site.
All technical data is available online with one click – Weidmuller offers user-friendly web tools to support the model that you select as being the best for your application.
Cost-optimized variants – The new product line features cost-optimized models with special accessories designed to cover the most common applications in PV power plants.
Longer lifetime – DC engineering expertise is implemented in designs to allow longer lifetime and higher performance under extreme climate conditions.
Better LCDE and ROI – The proven track record of Weidmuller solutions can greatly simplify product due-diligence and insurance contracts, and can even increase the value of the asset in case it is sold in the future.
PV DC Combiner Boxes for High Power Panels
- Weidmuller’s new PV DC Combiner Boxes for High Power Panels feature bifacial solar panels with solar cells on both the front and back of the panel. This allows the solar energy to be collected on the back of the panel and increases the energy yield of the solar energy system. Four new PV-DC combination boxes for bifacial half-cell modules also allow a higher current consumption due to the fuse holders used. These combiner boxes are compact and durable solutions for bifacial half-cell modules.
Highlights include:
Standard options in stock that are ready-to-order – A wide range of these PV DC Combiner Boxes for High Power Panels are available to fit into the installation concepts with many brands of PV modules. They feature variants from 4 up to 8 inputs with fuse protection in (+/-) poles and with gPV fuses of 22×65 format.
Overvoltage protection – With several configurations, Weidmuller offers the VPU surge protection series for 1500 V DC systems with SPD Type I+II or Type II variants.
Optimized design – Through the use of advanced 3D simulation software, the product variants have been designed and tested to operate with maximum mechanical and thermal efficiency in the most compact enclosure possible.
Special fuse protection – Fuses and fuse holders UL Listed have been specially developed for this new architecture. Overcurrent protection from 40 up to 75 Amps enables the connection of one or more strings per input.
With the planned expansion of the Weidmuller facility in Richmond, all of these models and more renewable energy solutions will soon be produced in the USA.
“As a globally-recognized solution provider for electrical connectivity, engineered enclosures, and communication infrastructure, our PV DC Combiner Boxes for Standard and High Power Panels are specially designed to offer exceptional performance, reliability, and flexibility for solar power applications in all industries,” said Pete Tecos, Head of Global Key Account Management.
