Cables Ground Mount

This article outlines the key steps for creating trench paths and routing cables for your project, whether done manually or automatically. We will also cover how to calculate your DC cables and the expected outcomes.

Before you begin placing your cables, ensure that your project has been properly stringed.

More info on the stringing process can be found here

 

We will explore the following key topics:

• DC and AC Trench paths
• Place Devices (Transformer, LV Cabinet, Inverters, ect)
• Cable Routing
• DC Cable Calculations
• Results

DC/AC Trench paths, Cable Routing and DC Cable Calculations can be completed by navigating to the Cables section within the dropdown menu of the Inverter Configurator.

DC/AC Trench paths

Choose the cable you wish to draw the trench for example: Input DC or Low Voltage AC

You have the option to either Draw cable path to create a new trench directly on your drawing, or if you already have a polyline that outlines the desired path, you can select the Convert to path option and choose the polyline to transform it into a trench.

 

Tips on Trench Placement to Ensure Successful Cable Routing:

• Make sure to draw your DC and AC trenches.
• Ensure that your DC trench path is positioned in front of all rows or crosses them at right angles. Proper trench path placement is essential for establishing the necessary connections.
• To enable automatic cable routing, ensure that all your polylines for the trench paths are interconnected, resembling a spider web. This connection is crucial for the system to effectively recognize and utilize the paths during the routing process.

Place Devices (Transformer, LV Cabinet, Inverters, etc.)

You will be able to place Inverters, Transformers, LV Cabinets, Combiner Boxes and Y-connecters.

To complete this process:

Open the Cables feature and select the Insert Devices option.

Select the device to place, adjust its orientation as needed, and click the desired location in your drawing to position it. Then, specify the height above the surface at which you want the device to be positioned.

If you are placing multiple devices of the same type simultaneously, you will also need to enter the spacing between the devices being installed.

Insert Inverters, Combiner Boxes and Y-connectors Automatically

You will be able to place these devices not only manually but also automatically saving you a considerable amount of time. To be able to do this step your trenches must be already placed.

In the Insert Devices window, select the automatic placement option. Specify the desired height above the surface for the devices. You can choose to position the inverters either based on their polarity or in alignment with the location of the trays. Additionally, input the minimum spacing required between the devices to ensure proper installation.

Devices will be positioned based on the parameters provided, ensuring optimal placement to minimize cable usage.

Cable Routing

To initiate cable routing you need to have your devices placed and your DC and AC trenches drawn.

In the Cables window choose the option Route Cables. Here you will find two methods to complete your cable routing: Manual and Automatic.

Automatic Cable Routing

Select Automatic trench or cable tray detection. 

Click on Calculate. All strings identified by Virto.CAD that can be linked to your drawn trenches will be listed in the strings section of this window.

Finish by clicking on Close. Cable routing will appear on your drawing.

Manual Cable Routing

Select Manual trench/tray allocation. 

Then click on Allocate and begin by selecting the strings you want to assign to a trench and press enter. Next, choose the trench to which these strings will be routed. You can continue selecting additional strings for different trenches as needed. Once you have finished selecting the strings you wish to route, press enter again to return to the Route Cables window.

Continue by clicking on Calculate. All strings identified by Virto.CAD that can be linked to your drawn trenches will be listed in the Strings section of this window.

Finish by choosing Close. Cable routing will appear on your drawing.

Tip to Visualize Cable Routing

• Select one of your routed cables
• Click Right
• Select Select similar
• Type Isolate in the command bar and press enter.
• Go to an angle view.

Cables take in to account the different slopes of your terrain and the different heights of your racks and devices providing accurate data when calculating lengths.

DC Cable Calculations

To initiate DC Cable Calculations make sure to have your cable routing done, then in the Cables window choose the option Cable Sizing.

In the newly opened window, input the maximum allowable voltage drop for your cables. Next, select your preferred cable sizing standard from the options available: IEC 60228 or NEC. After that, select all the cables you plan to include in your design. Finally, click on Calculate DC Cables to initiate the calculation process.

 

Results

Results can be accessed by navigating to the Summary and the Bill of Materials sections within the dropdown menu of the Summary.

Summary Palettes

Upon completing the DC Cable Calculations, the Summary Palettes will display key details for each cable, including the string number, total connected modules, cable length, and voltage drop in volts and percentage, along with other relevant data.

 

BOM - Bill Of Materials

To obtain the total lengths required for each type of cable in your design—whether for purchasing, generating quotes, or other purposes—you can find this information in the Bill of Materials (BOM).