PV Next - a new generation of combiner boxes. – New, scalable combiner box concept for the safe and efficient installation of PV systems. With PV Next, Weidmüller is offering a flexible new concept for combiner boxes that provides various system parts such as central inverters, string inverters, PV modules and monitoring units with optimal protection against surge voltages. Based on a standardised PCB design, PV Next allows for the quick integration of additional functions, making it a crucial component in the safe and simple connection of individual strings. Based on this self-explanatory construction-kit principle, there is no longer any need for special customisation, and projects are significantly shorter in duration. PV Next already covers approx. 75% of current standard requirements.
Photovoltaic systems on buildings and properties are part of the everyday landscape and an essential part of the energy revolution. Market expansion, particularly in China, Japan and the USA, is developing very quickly, and this is helping to establish photovoltaics as a global technology driver. Global photovoltaic output reached the one-gigawatt mark back in 2000, and the next level, the one-terrawatt mark, is already in sight.
In light of this, economic efficiency and safety during installation and operation are the central requirements of operators and equipment suppliers. In order to support this trend in the technical sphere as well, Weidmüller is developing increasingly efficient methods for the installation of roof and field systems. PV Next is the latest generation of standardised, highly scalable combiner boxes for private and commercial photovoltaic applications.
PV Next technology
Combiner boxes are required in order to provide various system parts such as central inverters, string inverters, PV modules and monitoring units with optimal protection against surge voltages. At the same time, combiner boxes also monitor values such as current, system voltage, interior temperature and surge, or the status of switches. With PV Next, Weidmüller is offering the world's first combiner box concept based on a standardised PCB design. The benefits of this innovative development include its simplicity, safety and reliability, as well as the time savings achieved as a result.
The optimal operating point for a solar cell depends on factors including the irradiance and the temperature at the panel, with the solar cell type also playing a crucial role. With the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) method, the electrical load of an individual solar cell, solar module or string is adapted such that the maximum possible output can be achieved from the cells. PV Next stands out thanks to its unique PCB design. It allows for the quick and easy integration of additional functions, such as the integration of a switch or a second MPPT system that is simply connected to the first PCB. The standardised PCB design concept of PV Next forms the essential foundation for quick, safe and simple string connection.
Standard-compliant surge protection
The VARITECTOR surge protection products in series VPU PV I (type I), VPU PV II (type II) and VPU PV III (type III), which are installed in PV Next, help to protect photovoltaic systems and their components from interference coupling that can occur from lightning and transient surge voltages, even significantly below the limits prescribed by insulation co-ordination in accordance with EN 60664-3 / DIN VDE 0110-3. This protects the infrastructure and inverter systems from surge voltage and increases system availability. The arresters are tested in accordance with product standard IEC 50539-11 / DIN EN 50539-11.
PV Next is offered in two different types with five different variants: combiner boxes with fuse for 1 to 2 MPPTs or combiner boxes without fuses for 1 to 3 MPPTs. Users can also choose from five different housing sizes depending on the application in question: the ready-wired box with WM4C plug-in connectors as a simple plug & play solution or the combiner boxes with cable glands for self-wiring with PUSH IN wire connection.
Installation is particularly easy and convenient thanks to the integrated PUSH IN connection system, as no special tools are required. This reduces work steps, avoids connection errors and significantly cuts assembly time. Even in harsh environmental conditions, all connections remain secure and are permanently maintenance-free. The risk of a screw connection with the wrong torque is eliminated. Non-professionally established connections are one of the main risks (main causes) of fire.
This self-explanatory construction-kit principle covers a wide range of current requirements regarding combiner boxes. There are forty variants that are simple to use and easily scalable and that offer a whole new level of flexibility. To extend the system, any box can simply be selected from the standard range and added on. There is no longer any need for special customisation, and projects are significantly shorter in duration. PV Next already covers approx. 75% of current standard requirements.
Tested in accordance with IEC 61439 -1/2
The PV Next combiner box is tested in accordance with IEC 61439 -1/2. This means that the following tests need to be passed: high-voltage test, dielectric strength of the overall construction and a test of the contact resistance before and after the vibration test in order to identify any weak spots. The vibration and shock test simulates transportation and incorrect handling. The self-heating test is an important factor when selecting the fuses in the device, as it helps to identify the maximum permissible power loss. The IP65 test regarding dust and moisture guarantees optimal operation in outdoor areas.
All standard tests are performed in the accredited independent Weidmüller laboratory. As a member of the CTDP, Weidmüller is regularly audited with regard to its testing methods, its quality management and its documentation.
Summary
Large voltaic systems are nowadays associated with high costs and risks for owners and operators. Their objective must be long-term investment security. This is why overall operating costs are a critical factor for success. Photovoltaic systems need to be operated in an efficient and economical manner with zero downtimes. Developments in the field of decentralisation, the IoT and data analysis will play an increasingly important role in the future. Weidmüller customers benefit from the company's long-standing experience going back over 11 years, as well as its comprehensive expertise, range of services and global presence. This is highlighted by the over 162,000 installed Weidmüller combiner boxes and the approximately 70 million connected panels with 14.2 GW.
