©
2017 Sensata Technologies
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Installation
Figure 2-1, Simpli
fi
ed PV System
2.2 PV System Components
A simple diagram of a typical stand-alone Photovoltaic (PV) system is illustrated in Figure 2-1.
This diagram will help identify the PV system components used with a standalone controller.
• PV Array - made up of PV modules and provides DC (solar) power to the PT-100 controller.
• PV Strings - an assembly of modules in series that generates DC power at system voltage.
• PV String Combiner - provides a connection point for multiple PV circuit conductors that need
to be connected. Also provides a convenient location for the required overcurrent protection.
• System Disconnects and OCP (Over-Current Protection) - used to safely isolate the system
equipment from sources of electricity for system maintenance/troubleshooting. The disconnect
can be a circuit breaker, which also provides the required overcurrent protection.
• MPPT Charge Controller (PT-100) - utilizes the available maximum power output from the array
to charge and maintain the battery bank.
• Battery Bank - energy storage to provide power at night or on overcast days when the PV array
cannot generate the power needed.
• Standalone inverter (with an internal battery charger) - converts DC power from the battery
bank to AC (Alternative Current) power, to allow downstream AC loads to be powered.
Note:
A standalone inverter is not a grid interactive (also known as utility-interactive) inverter
and it does not have the ability to export (or sell) power back to the utility grid.
Photovoltaic (PV)
Circuits
PV Array
Disconnect
PV String
Combiner
& OCP
External PV-GFP not required,
the PT-100 includes an internal
PV-GFP circuit
PT-100
Charge
Controller
Battery
Disconnect
& OCP
Battery
Bank
Battery
Disconnect
& OCP
Standalone
Inverter/
Charger
AC Loads
Disconnect
& OCP
AC
Generator
Inverter
AC Loads
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PV Array
PV
String
PV
String
PV
String