Glossary

A-D

Name	Definition	Architecture
AC sub-array cable	An AC string inverter cable is the cable between an AC combiner box and the corresponding PTS.	String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
Architecture	A site’s architecture refers to one of three possible configurations namely: Central Inverter, String Inverter, String Inverter with AC Combiner boxes	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
Central Inverter architecture	With this architecture the conversion from DC to AC occurs centrally in each block. The DC string cables from the individual strings in the PV field are first combined in a set of DC combiner boxes. These DC combiner boxes are then connected to the PCU via DC sub-array cables.	Central Inverter architecture central
Collector	See Junction Box
DC/AC ratio	There are mainly two DC/AC ratios that are considered for PV plants. The DC/AC ratio at the inverter and the DC/AC ratio at the PoC. Both are calculated as the installed DC capacity divided by the AC capacity available at the inverter or PoC respectively.	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
DC combiner box	For Central Inverter architecture the DC combiner box refers to the junction box that collects the string cables from the associated individual PV Array strings.	Central Inverter architecture central
DC sub-array cable	This cable connects the DC combiner boxes with the PCU.	Central Inverter architecture central

E-K

Name	Definition	Architecture
Junction box	A junction box is sometimes used as a generic term for String Inverters, DC Combiner Boxes, AC Combiner Boxes and sometimes PCUs and PTSs.	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+

L-O

Name	Definition	Architecture
LV	Low Voltage. This is typically refers to low voltage systems/components ranging from 0V - 1kV	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
Module	PV Module or PV Panel	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
MV	Medium Voltage. This is typically refers to a system/component rated in the 11 - 36 kV voltage range	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+

P-S

Name	Definition	Architecture
PCU	Power Conversion Unit. This refers to the central inverter and transformer of a discrete block within a facility responsible for the collection, DC to AC conversion and transformation of power from the array from LV to MV.	Central Inverter architecture central
PoC	Point of Connection. This typically refers to the point in a PV facility where the plant connects to the external grid. It is often the point where the metering for the project occurs.	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
PTS	Power Transformation Station. This refers to the central transformer of a discrete block within a facility responsible for the collection and transformation of power from the array from LV to MV.	string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+
String Inverter architecture	With this architecture the conversion from DC to AC occurs at the point where the individual strings in the PV field is collected via String Inverters . The String Inverters are connected directly to the PTS via LVAC cables.	string String Inverter architecture
String Inverter with AC combiner architecture	With this architecture the conversion from DC to AC occurs at the point where the individual strings in the PV field is collected via String Inverters . The String Inverters LVAC output cables are then collected in AC combiner boxes from where they are then connected to the PTS via AC sub-array cables.	String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+

T-Z

Name	Definition	Architecture
WKT format	Well-known text (WKT) is a text markup language for representing vector geometry objects. (Wikipedia )	Central Inverter architecture central string String Inverter architecture String Inverter with AC Combiner architecture string+