GWPV-DCB 1000V/1500V Smart PV DC Combiner Box

Key Features

• 1,000 V DC and 1,500 V DC versions
  Compatible with mainstream PV modules and inverter DC input systems.
• 4 to 24 string inputs
  Combines multiple PV strings into a single DC output, reducing cabling requirements and simplifying installation.
• Comprehensive DC-side protection
  Each input circuit is protected by a gPV fuse-link. The output circuit incorporates a PV-rated DC output switching device—a DC circuit-breaker or DC switch-disconnector, as specified—and a PV DC Type 2 surge protective device.
• String-level monitoring
  Monitors individual string currents, DC bus voltage, enclosure temperature, SPD operating and fault status, and DC output switching-device position.
• Remote communication and alarms
  An RS-485 interface with Modbus RTU is provided for integration with PV SCADA systems, data loggers, communication gateways, and remote O&M platforms.
• Outdoor enclosure options
  IP54 and IP65 enclosures are available in powder-coated steel, 304 stainless steel, or 316 stainless steel.
• Modular internal layout
  Clearly separated functional sections and orderly wiring simplify installation, commissioning, inspection, and component replacement.

Model Designation and Selection

• Model Designation
  GWPV-DCB-[Number of Inputs]-[System Voltage]-[Configuration]
• Example:GWPV-DCB-16-1500-S

This model denotes a smart PV DC combiner box with 16 string inputs, one standard DC output, and a system voltage of 1,500 V DC.

Standard Models

For the basic version, replace the suffix S with B, for example:

GWPV-DCB-16-1500-B

• The table lists standard supply configurations. Other combinations of input quantity, system voltage, rated current, and monitoring functions are available to meet project-specific requirements.
• Model designation update: GWPV-DCB is the current standard designation. The former GWPV-DC/Box designation is retained only for identifying legacy products and documentation.

Indicative Output-Current Selection

• The rated output current shall not be lower than the calculated maximum combined current of all connected strings. Selection shall also take account of the applicable design factor, ambient-temperature derating, internal temperature rise, busbar capacity, conductor ampacity, and DC output switching-device rating.

• These values are indicative only. Final selection shall be based on the PV module data, string design, applicable standards, and project-specific operating conditions.

 Main Components and Functions

In this document, DC output switching device means either a PV-rated DC circuit-breaker or a PV-rated DC switch-disconnector, as specified in the order.

Monitoring and Alarm Functions

The smart version can provide:

• Individual PV string current monitoring;
• DC bus voltage monitoring;
• Internal enclosure temperature monitoring;
• SPD operating and fault status monitoring;
• DC output switching-device position monitoring;
• String undercurrent alarms;
• String open-circuit alarms;
• String current deviation alarms;
• DC bus overvoltage and undervoltage alarms;
• High enclosure temperature alarms;
• SPD failure alarms;
• Communication failure alarms.

The output power of each string can be calculated from the measured string current and DC bus voltage and transmitted to the PV monitoring or O&M platform.

Technical Specifications

System Ratings

Protection Devices

Monitoring and Communication

Mechanical and Environmental Data

Selection Notes

• The gPV fuse-link rating shall be selected according to the PV module short-circuit current, applicable design factors, and the maximum series fuse rating specified by the module manufacturer. The selected rating shall not exceed the rated current or current-carrying capacity of the associated input-circuit components.
• The SPD maximum continuous operating voltage, Ucpv, shall not be lower than the maximum PV string open-circuit voltage calculated at the minimum design temperature. SPD selection shall also take account of the system earthing arrangement, SPD connection configuration, discharge-current ratings, and required voltage protection level.

Enclosure Protection

• An IP54 enclosure is suitable for indoor locations or sheltered outdoor installations. An IP65 enclosure is suitable for outdoor locations exposed to higher levels of dust and rain.
• The IP rating does not, on its own, guarantee resistance to UV radiation, corrosion, or elevated temperatures. For long-term outdoor installation, an appropriately UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant enclosure should be selected, together with suitable measures for solar shading, heat dissipation, and condensation control.

 Standard and Optional Equipment

Standard Equipment

• PV gPV fuse-links;
• Positive and negative DC busbars;
• PV-rated DC output switching device;
• PV DC Type 2 surge protective device;
• String current monitoring module;
• DC bus voltage measurement module;
• Temperature and switching-status inputs;
• RS-485 communication interface;
• Watertight cable glands and protective earthing terminal;
• Outdoor enclosure and mounting accessories.

Optional Equipment

• 304 or 316 stainless-steel enclosure;
• IP65 outdoor enclosure;
• Blocking diodes;
• Local display;
• Anti-condensation heater and humidity controller;
• Smoke detection and door-position monitoring;
• Multiple output circuits;
• Ethernet or fibre-optic communication gateway;
• Designs for high-altitude, salt-mist, low-temperature, or other special environments.

Blocking diodes introduce a forward voltage drop, power losses, and additional heat. They should be selected according to the system topology, parallel-string arrangement, and project requirements and are therefore not included as standard in every configuration.

Applicable Standards

Where applicable, the combiner box is designed and verified as a low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly in accordance with the IEC 61439 series.

Depending on the project requirements and selected components, the following standards may apply:

• IEC 61439-1 — Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1: General rules;
• IEC 61439-2 — Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 2: Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies;
• IEC 60269-6 — Low-voltage fuses – Part 6: Supplementary requirements for fuse-links for the protection of solar photovoltaic energy systems;
• IEC 61643-31 — Low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 31: Requirements and test methods for SPDs for photovoltaic installations;
• IEC 60529 — Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code);
• GB/T 34936-2017 — Technical requirements for combiner boxes for photovoltaic power stations.

Compliance with GB/T 34936-2017 is primarily applicable to projects in the Chinese market.

The applicable standards, design-verification requirements, test scope, and certification status shall be defined in the project technical specification and final product documentation.

Applications

The GWPV-DCB Smart PV DC Combiner Box is suitable for:

• Commercial and industrial rooftop PV systems;
• Utility-scale ground-mounted PV power plants;
• Agrivoltaic power plants;
• Aquavoltaic (fishery-integrated) PV projects;
• Floating PV projects;
• Mountain and desert PV installations;
• PV-plus-energy-storage systems;
• Large off-grid PV power systems.