ALENCON CUBE-PV 1000 Volt Series User manual

Alencon Systems –Passionate About Power
COPYRIGHT © 2020 ALENCON LLC, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
CUBE –Compact Universal
Bi-directional Efficient
DC/DC Converter
A Compact High Power Density BOOST or BUCK Converter
Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual for use with the full
line of CUBE DCDC Converters

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Operation, and Maintenance Manual
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This Document is the confidential and proprietary information of Alencon Systems LLC. No
part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic, magnetic or otherwise, without
prior written permission. Alencon Systems LLC reserves the right to change details in this
publication without notice.
Copyright Information: Any product names listed in this manual that are not registered
trademarks of Alencon Systems LLC and/or organization names mentioned may be
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Publication Number: PM004 Revision 04
REVISION LOG:
Revision
ECO
Date
Author
Approval
Comment
00
8451
4/21/2021
O. Fishman
ZD
Original Release
01
8452
6/9/2021
O. Fishman
MM
Added W/C system
02
8453
4/1/2022
Z. Dereli
OSF
Additional changes on new version
03
8454
9/21/2022
O. Fishman
ZD
Added more information on
applications, N and I series
04
8455
2022
J. Faber
HF
Reformatting, operation
instructions, and commissioning
instructions.

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Disclaimer
Alencon LLC makes no representations, express or implied, with respect to this documentation
or any of the equipment and/or software it may describe, including (with no limitation) any
implied warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. All such
warranties are expressly disclaimed. Alencon LLC shall not be liable for any incidental, or
consequential damages under any circumstances.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made to make
this document complete, accurate and up to date. Readers are cautioned, however, that
Alencon LLC reserves the right to make changes without notice and shall not be responsible
for any damages, including indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, caused by reliance
on the material presented, including, but not limited to, omissions, typographical errors,
arithmetical errors or listing errors in the content material.

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Contents
Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................................................................2
1 Table of Figures ...............................................................................................................................................6
2General Information......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Product Warranty ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Warnings, Cautions and Notes...................................................................................................................8
2.4 Packing List ...............................................................................................................................................9
2.5 Ordering Information .............................................................................................................................. 10
3 Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 11
4 Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 13
5 CUBE Features............................................................................................................................................... 14
5.1 CUBE Hardware Modalities...................................................................................................................... 14
5.1.1 Non-Interleaved Modality –N-Series ............................................................................................... 14
5.1.2 Interleaved Modality –I-Series......................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Available Control Modes.......................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.1 STANDBY ........................................................................................................................................ 14
5.2.2 MANUAL ......................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.3 PV MPPT.......................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.4 PRIMARY VOLTAGE CONTROL ...................................................................................................... 14
5.2.5 SECONDARY VOLTAGE CONTROL................................................................................................. 14
5.2.6 PRIMARY CURRENT CONTROL ...................................................................................................... 14
5.2.7 SECONDARY CURRENT CONTROL................................................................................................. 14
5.2.8 PRIMARY POWER CONTROL .......................................................................................................... 14
5.2.9 SECONDARY POWER CONTROL .................................................................................................... 14
5.3 CUBE Protection Modes: ......................................................................................................................... 15
5.3.1 Primary/Secondary overvoltage (P-OVP, S-OVP) ............................................................................. 15
5.3.2 Primary/Secondary undervoltage (P-UVP, S-UVP) ........................................................................... 15
5.3.5 Primary/Secondary Overcurrent (P-OCP, S-OCP)............................................................................. 15
5.4 Environmental Protection........................................................................................................................ 15
5.4.7 Power Semiconductors Over temperature (S-OT)............................................................................ 15
5.4.8 Control PCB Overtemperature (C-OT) ............................................................................................. 15
5.4.9 MCU Overtemperature (M-OT)........................................................................................................ 15
6 CUBE Applications......................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 CUBE-PV: Photovoltaic Installations........................................................................................................ 16
6.1.1 CUBE-PV Applications ..................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.2 CUBE-PV in New PV Plants .............................................................................................................. 16

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6.1.3 CUBE-PV in PV Centric DC Coupled Solar + Storage:.........................................................................17
6.1.4 Grounding of PV panels ....................................................................................................................17
6.2 CUBE-ES: Battery Energy Storage Systems............................................................................................. 18
6.2.1 DC Coupled, Battery Centric Solar + Storage ................................................................................... 18
6.2.2 Standalone Battery Systems ........................................................................................................... 18
6.3 Fuel Cell Integration (FC) ......................................................................................................................... 18
6.4 Hydrogen Electrolyzing Installations (HEI)............................................................................................... 18
6.5 Fast Automobile Charging Technology (FACT). ....................................................................................... 19
7 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 20
7.1 Electrical Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 20
7.2 Mechanical Specifications........................................................................................................................ 21
8 CUBE Hardware............................................................................................................................................. 22
8.1 Electrical Compartment........................................................................................................................... 23
8.2 Inductor Enclosure................................................................................................................................... 23
8.2.1 Water-cooling System .......................................................................................................................... 24
9 Isolators and Disconnects .............................................................................................................................. 25
9.1 Built-in Disconnects................................................................................................................................. 25
9.2 Combiner Box and Third Party Disconnects ............................................................................................. 25
10 CUBE Installation .........................................................................................................................................26
10.1 Install criteria ......................................................................................................................................... 26
10.2 Install procedure ....................................................................................................................................26
10.3 System Layout Schematic and/or Installation Drawing .......................................................................... 27
10.4 Mechanical Install .................................................................................................................................. 28
10.4.1 Selecting Location ......................................................................................................................... 28
10.4.1 CUBE Placement............................................................................................................................ 29
10.5 CUBE Grounding Requirements ............................................................................................................. 30
10.6 Connecting the CUBE Primary and Secondary to Source/Load Cables ................................................... 31
10.7 Connecting Comms Cables between CUBE and a PODD ........................................................................ 32
11 Turning ON and OFF the CUBE .................................................................................................................... 33
11.1 Steps to turn ON the CUBE: ................................................................................................................... 33
11.2 Steps to turn OFF the CUBE: .................................................................................................................. 33
11.3 Commissioning your CUBE Device ......................................................................................................... 34
12 CUBE Operation........................................................................................................................................... 35
12.1 CUBE State Machine .............................................................................................................................. 36
12.1.1 States..............................................................................................................................................37
12.1.2 Commands..................................................................................................................................... 39
12.1.3 Conditions......................................................................................................................................40

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12.2 Running two CUBEs in series ................................................................................................................. 41
12.3 Modbus Definitions and Map ................................................................................................................. 41
13 CUBE Communication.................................................................................................................................. 42
13.1 PODD –Point of Data Distribution ......................................................................................................... 42
13.2 Alencon Communication Environment (ACE) - System Overview........................................................... 42
13.3 CUBE User Interface (via PODD) ............................................................................................................ 43
14 Maintenance and Servicing .......................................................................................................................... 44
14.1 General Maintenance............................................................................................................................. 44
14.2 Replacement of the air filter .................................................................................................................. 44
14.3 Replacement of Deionized water filter ................................................................................................... 45
14.4 Refilling the Coolant .............................................................................................................................. 45
14.5 Further Service and Repair..................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix A - Safety Precautions.......................................................................................................................46
A.1 Degree of Danger Symbols...................................................................................................................... 46
A.2 Electrical hazards .................................................................................................................................... 46
A.2.1 Electric shock from live voltage ....................................................................................................... 46
A.2.2 Danger due to Battery Voltage........................................................................................................ 47
A.2.3 Electric shock caused by ground fault .............................................................................................. 47
A.2.4 Electric shock due to damaged equipment ...................................................................................... 47
A.3 Environmental hazards ........................................................................................................................... 47
A.3.1 Danger to life due to blocked escape routes..................................................................................... 47
A.3.2 Damage to the equipment caused by dust or moisture penetration................................................. 48
A.3.3 Danger to life due to electric shock when the equipment is unlocked............................................... 48
Appendix B –Glossary ......................................................................................................................................49
Appendix C –Technical Support and Assistance ............................................................................................... 50

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1 Table of Figures
FIGURE 1: PICTURE OF A CUBE UNIT.............................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 2: THE GRAPHIC ABOVE INDICATES THAT THE CUBE IS A GROUNDING CONDUCTOR ................................................. 11
FIGURE 3: THE GRAPHIC ABOVE INDICATES THAT THE CUBE ACTS AS A DIRECT CURRENT SUPPLY.......................................... 11
FIGURE 4: DIAGRAM OF DEPLOYED CUBES IN A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED PV PLANT. .............................................................17
FIGURE 5: DIAGRAM OF A DC-COUPLED SOLAR +STORAGE SYSTEM USING THE CUBE........................................................17
FIGURE 6: MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS OF CUBE........................................................................................................... 21
FIGURE 7: CUBE –TWO SECTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 22
FIGURE 8: ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT ....................................................................................................................... 23
FIGURE 9: MAIN ENCLOSURE,LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 23
FIGURE 10: REFILING LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM............................................................................................................. 24
FIGURE 11: SAMPLE OF A SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM (SLD) INCLUDING CUBE....................................................................... 27
FIGURE 12: CUBE SN LABEL .................................................................................................................................... 27
FIGURE 13: MOVING THE CUBE.................................................................................................................................29
FIGURE 14 :CUBE ADJUSTABLE LEGS AND MOUNTING BRACKETS ...................................................................................29
FIGURE 15: CUBE GROUND LUG LOCATION EXAMPLE (IN ORANGE)............................................................................... 30
FIGURE 16: CUSTOMER SHOULD SUPPLY WATERTIGHT CONDUIT IN THE PROVIDED 2INCH KNOCKOUTS ................................ 31
FIGURE 17: HIGH VOLTAGE TERMINATIONS................................................................................................................. 31
FIGURE 18: COMMS PORTS ON THE CUBE TO CONNECT TO THE PODD OR EXTERNAL SCADA ........................................... 32
FIGURE 19: MULTIPLE CUBES CAN BE DAISY CHAINED TO A SINGLE PODD ...................................................................... 32
FIGURE 20: HIGH LEVEL CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF CUBE.................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 21: HIGH LEVEL STATE MACHINE DIAGRAM OF CUBE........................................................................................ 36
FIGURE 22: EXAMPLE OF CUBE CURTAILMENT............................................................................................................. 38
FIGURE 23: CONNECTING TWO CUBES IN SERIES,BACK-TO-BACK OPERATION ................................................................ 41
FIGURE 24: PODD .................................................................................................................................................. 42
FIGURE 25: CUBE DEVICE TELEMETRY ON THE PODD UI ............................................................................................. 43
FIGURE 26: CUBE FILTER REPLACEMENT .................................................................................................................... 44
FIGURE 27: DEIONIZED WATER FILTER........................................................................................................................ 45

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2General Information
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of material provided in this document at the
time of release. Items are subject to continuous development and improvements. All
specifications and descriptions are subject to change without notice.
2.1 Purpose
This manual provides information about installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting
the Alencon CUBE DCDC Converter.
Who Should Read this Manual?
This manual should be read by anyone who needs to:
•Understand the product
•Plan the installation
•Install the product
•Commission the product
•Operate the product
•Maintain the product, if necessary
2.2 Product Warranty
Alencon Systems warrants to you, the original purchaser, that each of its products will be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. Extended
warrantees of an additional five (5), ten (10) and twenty (20) years are also available for purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any products which have been repaired or altered by persons
other than repair personnel authorized by Alencon System, or which have been subject to
misuse, abuse, accident, or improper installation. This warranty does not cover the repair or
replacement of any goods which fail as a result of damage in transit, misuse, neglect, accident,
Act of God, abuse, improper handling, misapplication, modification, improper storage,
excessive stress, faulty or improper installation, testing or repair, negligent maintenance, or
failure to comply with the written instructions for installation, testing, use or maintenance (if
any) provided by Alencon Systems. Alencon Systems assumes no liability under the terms of this
warranty as a consequence of such events.
Because of Alencon Systems’ high quality-control standards and rigorous testing, most of our
customers never need to use our warranty service. If an Alencon Systems product is defective, it
will be repaired or replaced at no charge during the warranty period. For out-of-warranty repairs,
you will be billed according to the cost of replacement materials, service time and freight. Please
consult Alencon Systems for more details. If you think you have a defective product, follow these
steps:

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•Collect all the information about the problem encountered. (For example, issues you are
encountering in your PV array) Note anything abnormal when the problem occurs.
•Call Alencon Systems or your licensed Alencon Systems dealer and describe the
problem. Please have your manual, product, and any helpful information readily
available.
•If your product is diagnosed as defective, obtain an RMA (return merchandise
authorization) number from Alencon Systems. This allows us to process your return more
quickly.
•Carefully pack the defective product (preferably in the original packaging material it was
shipped in), a fully completed Repair and Replacement Order Card and a photocopy
proof of purchase date (such as your sales receipt) in a shippable container. A product
returned without proof of the purchase date is not eligible for warranty service.
2.3 Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Warning!
Warnings indicate conditions, which if not observed, can cause
personal injury!
Caution!
Cautions are included to help you avoid damaging hardware or
losing data.
Note!
Notes provide optional additional information.

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2.4 Packing List
The CUBE is assembled and fully tested at the Alencon factory. Before installation, please
ensure the following items have been shipped:
•Commensurate # of CUBE Units specified for your project
FIGURE 1: PICTURE OF A CUBE UNIT

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2.5 Ordering Information
Model Number Description
Max Rated
Voltage
Max Rated
Power
Application
(directionality)
Voltage Modality*
Model Number
1
1500 V
430 KW
Solar
(unidirectional)
Non-Interleaved
CUBE-15-PV-N
2
1000 V
470 KW
Solar
(unidirectional)
Non-Interleaved
CUBE-10-PV-N
3
1500 V
430 KW
Energy Storage
(bidirectional)
Non-Interleaved
CUBE-15-ES-N
4
1000 V
470 KW
Energy Storage
(bidirectional)
Non-Interleaved
CUBE-10-ES-N
5
1500 V
430 KW
Solar
(unidirectional)
Interleaved
CUBE-15-PV-I
6
1000 V
470 KW
Solar
(unidirectional)
Interleaved
CUBE-10-PV-I
7
1500 V
430 KW
Energy Storage
(bidirectional)
Interleaved
CUBE-15-ES-I
8
1000 V
470 KW
Energy Storage
(bidirectional)
Interleaved
CUBE-10-ES-I
*Voltage modality refers to the ability for Primary and Secondary voltage ranges to overlap.
Interleaved (overlapping) modality not available until 2023.

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3 Important Safety Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS–This manual contains important instructions for use
with the CUBE that shall be followed during installation and maintenance of these
devices.
FIGURE 2: THE GRAPHIC ABOVE INDICATES THAT THE CUBE IS A GROUNDING CONDUCTOR
WARNING!
Always ground the CUBE chassis before energizing the unit.
WARNING!
Battery can present a risk of electrical shock, burn from high short-
circuit current, fire or explosion from vented gases. Observe
proper precautions.
FIGURE 3: THE GRAPHIC ABOVE INDICATES THAT THE CUBE ACTS AS A DIRECT CURRENT SUPPLY
Installation of this equipment must be performed by an authorized electrician in
accordance with the local and NEC ANSI/NFPA 70 and OSHA requirements.
1. Before installing and using the CUBE, read all instructions presented in this manual and the
cautionary markings shown on the CUBE’s enclosure.
2. For service and maintenance of the CUBE contact Alencon Systems LLC or a certified
Alencon Systems service center. Opening the device or attempting to perform a non-
authorized repair will void the warranty.
3. During operation, hazardous voltages and currents may be present. Only authorized and
qualified personnel should perform servicing/installation.
4. Disconnect switches or contactors must be wired between the CUBE primary/secondary and
connected sources (PV array or otherwise).

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5. Do not disconnect output (direction dependent) contactors or switches while equipment is
operating. Shutdown the DCDC converter by sending “Shutdown” command using the
controller (see Section 11.2).
6. Always use input disconnect switch to shut down the CUBE before disconnecting the output.
This is conversion direction dependent when using bidirectional CUBE-ES.
7. Always close output disconnect switches before closing input switches. This is conversion
direction dependent when using bidirectional CUBE-ES.
8. The CUBE may require external fusing depending on the installation. Consult the NEC or
other relevant electrical code.
9. Exposed PV strings to sunlight represent a shock hazard at the wires and exposed terminals.
Disconnect CUBE primary and secondary switches or contactors performing any work on the
CUBE. Test any terminal for voltage before touching them.
10.Prior to disconnecting any inputs/outputs use an ammeter clamp to check for the absence of
current in the wires.
11. Only use accessories recommended or approved by the manufacturer.
12. Ensure that wiring is in good conditions and that all wiring is sized according to NEC 310-16
specifications. Ignoring to do so may result in a risk of fire.
13. PV modules produce electrical energy when exposed to light and thus can create an electrical
shock hazard. Wiring of the PV modules should only be performed by qualified personnel.
14. Always have CUBE manual on hand, for reference.

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4 Introduction
Alencon’s Combined Universal Buck-Boost Electronics (CUBE) for large scale DCDC power
conversion, is a unique and cost-effective solution for optimizing the performance of large-
scale PV plants, Battery energy storage systems (BESS), Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Electrolyzers and
Fast EV charging installations.
The CUBE series of DCDC converters is a highly compact DCDC conversion unit with 5X the
power density of other non-isolated DCDC conversion units. The CUBE achieves its unrivaled
power density by using a silicon-carbide based power train instead of bulky traditional silicon
insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBTs). The CUBE operates at much higher frequency than
the IGBT converters. This allows it to use a smaller water-cooled inductor.
The combined air/water cooling system facilitates high-power density allowing Alencon to
offer the CUBE at a very cost-effective price point, letting plant owners and project developers
more easily monetize the benefits the device offers and achieve higher project returns while
future proofing a PV plant over its lifetime.

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5 CUBE Features
5.1 CUBE Hardware Modalities
CUBE is a non-isolated Buck-Boost DCDC converter. The CUBE operates as a step-up or step-
down DCDC converter subject to certain product features. The CUBE is offered in two
modalities the N and I series, as described below:
5.1.1 Non-Interleaved Modality –N-Series
When purchased in the Non-Interleaved Modality (CUBE N series), the CUBE can boost the
voltage in one direction and buck into the other direction. Buck OR Boost DCDC converter is
applicable for cases when the voltage on one side of the converter is always less than voltage
on the other side of the converter.
5.1.2 Interleaved Modality –I-Series
In this configuration CUBE can Boost and Buck the voltage in both directions of the converter.
Buck OR Boost DCDC converter is applicable for cases when the voltage range on one side of
the converter overlaps with voltage range on the other side of the converter, i.e. the voltages
are interleaved. The CUBE I-series is slated for availability in the second half of 2023.
5.2 Available Control Modes
5.2.1 STANDBY
Standby is an idle control mode, used when no power conversion is desired.
5.2.2 MANUAL
Switching frequency is set directly through the controller. This control mode is used only for
testing and troubleshooting by Alencon Systems personnel.
5.2.3 PV MPPT
Autonomous control mode, where the DCDC maximizes power harvested from the connected
PV array by modifying the voltage level.
5.2.4 PRIMARY VOLTAGE CONTROL
CUBE maintains a specified voltage on the primary bus.
5.2.5 SECONDARY VOLTAGE CONTROL
CUBE maintains a specified voltage on the secondary bus.
5.2.6 PRIMARY CURRENT CONTROL
CUBE maintains a specified current as measured on the device primary side.
5.2.7 SECONDARY CURRENT CONTROL
CUBE maintains a specified current as measured on the device secondary side.
5.2.8 PRIMARY POWER CONTROL
CUBE maintains a specified power as measured on the device primary side.
5.2.9 SECONDARY POWER CONTROL
CUBE maintains a specified power as measured on the device secondary side.

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5.3 CUBE Protection Modes:
Protective functions as triggered by measurements on the primary or secondary side of the
DCDC converter. The trip conditions are configurable, project specific and pre-defined in the
CUBE memory, they can be modified to some degree, if necessary, during deployment.
5.3.1 Primary/Secondary overvoltage (P-OVP, S-OVP)
The primary/secondary voltage is too high for normal operation. CUBE will TRIP and enter
STANDBY mode.
5.3.2 Primary/Secondary undervoltage (P-UVP, S-UVP)
The primary/secondary voltage is too low for normal operation. CUBE will TRIP and enter
STANDBY mode.
5.3.5 Primary/Secondary Overcurrent (P-OCP, S-OCP)
Operational current magnitude is limited to protect from hardware damage. If limit is
exceeded, CUBE will TRIP and enter STANDBY mode.
5.4 Environmental Protection
The CUBE has software functions designed to protect it from extreme external conditions of
high temperature and moisture. The trip conditions are configurable, project specific and pre-
defined in the CUBE memory, though they can be modified as necessary during deployment.
5.4.7 Power Semiconductors Over temperature (S-OT)
Monitors the temperature of the Power Semiconductors. CUBE enters STANDBY mode if the
limit is exceeded.
5.4.8 Control PCB Overtemperature (C-OT)
Monitors the temperature on the PCB. CUBE enters STANDBY mode if the limit is exceeded.
5.4.9 MCU Overtemperature (M-OT)
Monitors the temperature on the Microcomputer. CUBE enters STANDBY mode if the limit is
exceeded, to prevent the DCDC converter from failure.

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6 CUBE Applications
The CUBE can be configured to serve two different broad use cases: CUBE PV and CUBE ES.
6.1 CUBE-PV: Photovoltaic Installations
In PV installations the CUBE balances the PV voltage with the inverter DC bus voltage. It helps
to harvest peak PV power by providing maximum power point tracking (MPPT). If PV voltage is
always lower or always higher than DC bus the N-series CUBE can be used. Otherwise, I-series
CUBE should be used.
The CUBE-PV –is a unique and cost-effective solution for optimizing the performance of large-
scale PV plants keeping PV array at MPPT. The CUBE-PV is a monolithic DCDC optimizer that
can accept the combined input of upwards of 75 PV strings depending on string voltage,
current rating, and desired level of power output. The CUBE-PV can also be used to repower
existing PV plants.
The flow of energy is unidirectional –from PV to DC bus. When at night the voltage on PV is
low, CUBE-PV shuts down at dusk and isolates the PV from the DC bus. At sunrise the CUBE-
PV automatically wakes-up and begins to supply harvested PV energy to the DC bus.
6.1.1 CUBE-PV Applications
•In new PV construction or in repowering to boost the PV voltage to a higher DC inverter
voltage or buck the PV voltage if DC inverter bus is lower than the PV voltage.
•In new PV construction or in repowering when a centralized inverter defines the DC bus
voltage, the CUBE provides distributed MPPT to maximize harvesting.
•In new construction when a centralized inverter shares the DC bus with a BESS and PV
system
•The N-series CUBE is used when the DC bus voltage is always higher than PV voltage or
when the DC bus voltage is always lower than PV voltage. If PV voltage is interleaved
with DC bus voltage I-series CUBE should be used.
6.1.2 CUBE-PV in New PV Plants
For new PV plants, including the CUBE into initial system design can reduce balance of system
(BoS) cost, by reducing cabling cost through higher voltage and lower current while at the same
time improving PV yield with distributed MPPTs and improved inverter efficiency.
The CUBE will provide a voltage determined by optimal input to central inverter or battery
connected to a common voltage DC bus.

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With one input switch
With input combiner box
FIGURE 4: DIAGRAM OF DEPLOYED CUBES IN A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED PV PLANT.
6.1.3 CUBE-PV in PV Centric DC Coupled Solar + Storage:
The CUBE is a unique solution for DC-coupling of PV and Storage. When deployed with battery
energy storage systems, the DC bus, in some implementations, may be shared with the storage
terminal as shown in Error! Reference source not found. 5. In this case the inverter operates in
a constant voltage mode. The CUBE will match the PV voltage to the battery voltage and provide
granular, distributed MPPT.
FIGURE 5: DIAGRAM OF A DC-COUPLED SOLAR +STORAGE SYSTEM USING THE CUBE
6.1.4 Grounding of PV panels
PV systems are negatively or positively grounded at the suggestion of the PV panel
manufacturer. Alternatively, The PV systems may be ungrounded or “floating”. The CUBE does
not provide galvanic isolation between primary and secondary; hence it has no impact on the
array’s grounding scheme.

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6.2 CUBE-ES: Battery Energy Storage Systems
In a BESS the CUBE is used to control charge and discharge of the batteries to a common DC
bus. If BESS voltage is always lower or always higher than DC bus the N-series CUBE can be
used. Otherwise, I-series CUBE should be used.
The CUBE-ES –is a unique and cost-effective solution for BESS, Fuel Cells, Hydrogen
Electrolyzers, or Fast EV charging. The CUBE-ES is a bi-directional DCDC converter and can
provide upwards of 500A controlled current in both directions depending on system voltages
and configuration.
6.2.1 DC Coupled, Battery Centric Solar + Storage
The CUBE-ES can be used for “battery centric” DC coupling applications where the CUBE is
installed between the battery and a DC bus.
In a DC Coupled Battery Centric Solar + Storage deployment, the PV may be connected to the
DC bus directly or by means of other DCDC converters. The role of the CUBE-ES is to control
the charge or discharge battery current according to the commands from the system
controller.
6.2.2 Standalone Battery Systems
The CUBE offers a unique solution for coupling lower voltage batteries to higher voltage
inverters. As battery energy storage technology evolves, many novel battery chemistries are
coming on the market that operate at voltages that may not be ideal for high voltage power
conversion systems (PCSs). Alternatively, there can be cases where higher voltage batteries
must be paired with lower voltage PCS.
6.3 Fuel Cell Integration (FC)
For Fuel Cell applications the CUBE is typically used to raise fuel cell voltage to a higher battery
or DC bus voltage. The CUBE controls the current rate from the fuel cell. Because the fuel cell
voltage is generally lower than the DC bus voltage, the N-series CUBE may be used.
The CUBE offers a unique solution for coupling lower voltage fuel cells into higher voltage
inverters. Fuel cells typically operate at lower voltages than most modern, grid connected
inverters. The CUBE can be an ideal solution for integrating fuel cells into grid scale applications
by stepping up their voltage.
6.4 Hydrogen Electrolyzing Installations (HEI)
In HEI the CUBE is used to supply the proper voltage to PEM electrolyzers. Modern and future
electrolyzers require tens of megawatts of regulated DC power. CUBE-ES may serve as
modules when paralleled together to control the needed level of DC power. The modular
structure will provide a higher reliability for the whole system.

Alencon CUBE: Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance Manual
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6.5 Fast Automobile Charging Technology (FACT)
In FACT the CUBE is used in conjunction with isolated DCDC converters to control charging of
the internal BESS and supply voltage to the automobile charge dispensers.
CUBE ES will serve the EV market DC Fast Charging stations and offer impressive cost
reduction. The power electronic equipment that will cut the cost of the hardware inside DC fast
charging stations while reducing the installation and operation cost by leveling the demand
from peaks defined by sporadic pattern of EVs driving in the charging stations.