Voltage Booster Sizing
Voltage Boosters are DC-DC boost converters that steps up array/string voltage but have current and power handling limits (exceeding it risks damaging the Booster module). In addition to this the Voltage Boosters also require a minimum input voltage for operation. In order to select the correct Voltage Booster size, please use the following guidelines to calculate the max Array/String Current and Power as well as the minimum/maximum Array/String Vmpp/Voc:
- Current Calculation: Ensure that the Booster Current Rating > Array/String Isc * 1.25
- Power Calculation: Ensure that the Booster kW Rating > Array/String kW (Mpp)
- Voltage Calculation: Ensure that the Array/String Vmpp > 200V (Array/String Voc must be less than 700V)
To ensure a Voltage Booster is sufficient for the specific load, please also ensure the Voltage Booster kW rating is high enough using the following guideline (when connecting multiple Voltage Boosterto a Solar Drive, use the total Voltage Booster kW value):
- Voltage Booster kW: Ensure that the Voltage Booster kW Rating > Motor kW * 1.5 (for single-phase motors, don’t use kW, use Volts * Max Amps)
Please Note
* A Voltage Booster can use a Single or Multiple Strings as Input. When using Multiple Strings as input, ensure all the strings are the same (Voc and Isc) and connect Diodes after each string before connecting it to the Voltage Booster (it is however advised to rather use a single Voltage Booster per string and not to connect multiple strings to a single Voltage Booster).
* Multiple Voltage Boosters can be connected to a Single Solar VSD as Input, but the Voltage Booster’s Output Voltages needs to be set exactly the same.
