Sungrow PVS-16MH User manual

PVS-16MH/PVS-18MH/PVS-20MH/PVS-
24MHPV Intelligent Combiner BoxUser
ManualPVS-16_18_20_24MH-UEN-
Ver64-202305M-H-002508
User Manual
PV Intelligent Combiner Box
PVS-16MH/PVS-18MH/PVS-20MH/PVS-24MH
PVS-16_18_20_24MH-UEN-Ver64-202305

I
Contents
1 About This Manual ...........................................................................................1
1.1 Validity...........................................................................................................1
1.2 Target Group..................................................................................................1
1.3 How to Use This Manual .................................................................................1
1.4 Symbol Explanations ......................................................................................2
1.5 Model Description...........................................................................................3
1.6 Other Precautions ..........................................................................................3
2 Safety Instructions ............................................................................................4
3 Product Description ..........................................................................................7
3.1 Product Introduction........................................................................................7
3.1.1 Overview..............................................................................................7
3.1.2 Main Features.......................................................................................7
3.1.3 Application Scenarios............................................................................7
3.2 External Structure...........................................................................................8
3.2.1 Appearance..........................................................................................8
3.2.2 External Dimensions .............................................................................9
3.3 Internal Structure............................................................................................9
4 Delivery and Storage .....................................................................................12
4.1 Scope of Delivery .........................................................................................12
4.2 Checking for Transport Damages...................................................................13
4.3 Storage........................................................................................................13
5 Transport and Installation ..............................................................................15
5.1 Transport .....................................................................................................15
5.2 Installation Environment Selection .................................................................15
5.3 Preparation Before Installation.......................................................................16
5.4 Installing PVS...............................................................................................17
5.4.1 Installing Hangers ...............................................................................17
5.4.2 Vertically Mounted Combiner Box.........................................................17
5.4.3 Horizontally Mounted Combiner Box.....................................................19
6 Electrical Connection .....................................................................................21

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6.1 Preparation before Electrical Connections ......................................................21
6.1.1 Opening Cabinet Door.........................................................................21
6.1.2 Power-off Preparation..........................................................................22
6.1.3 Cable Layout ......................................................................................22
6.1.4 Waterproof Terminal and Cable Specification ........................................23
6.2 Input Connections ........................................................................................24
6.2.1 Brief Introduction.................................................................................24
6.2.2 MC4 Connector...................................................................................25
6.2.3 PG Gland Terminal..............................................................................26
6.3 Output Connections......................................................................................28
6.4 Ground Connection ......................................................................................31
6.5 Communication Connection ..........................................................................33
6.5.1 Cable Connection ...............................................................................33
6.5.2 Communication Solution......................................................................34
6.6 Communication Settings ...............................................................................36
6.6.1 Setting Communication Address ..........................................................37
6.6.2 Setting String Access Status ................................................................38
6.7 Start/Stop ....................................................................................................38
7 Commissioning ...............................................................................................39
8 Routine Maintenance .....................................................................................40
8.1 Brief Introduction ..........................................................................................40
8.2 Maintenance Work........................................................................................40
8.3 Fuse Replacement .......................................................................................41
8.4 Sealing Strip Replacement ............................................................................42
9 Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................43
9.1 Before Troubleshooting.................................................................................43
9.2 Common Faults and Corrective Methods........................................................43
10 Appendix .......................................................................................................45
10.1 Technical Data............................................................................................45
10.2 Cable Requirements ...................................................................................47
10.3 Quality Assurance ......................................................................................47
10.4 Contact Information ....................................................................................48

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1About This Manual
1.1 Validity
This manual is valid for the following PV intelligent combiner boxes:
• PVS-16MH
• PVS-18MH
• PVS-20MH
• PVS-24MH
Unless otherwise specified, any of the above products is hereinafter referred to as "PVS".
1.2 Target Group
This manual is for technical personnel who are responsible for the transport, installation,
and operations of this product. Readers shall meet at least the following requirements:
• Know electronic, electrical wiring and mechanical expertise, and be familiar with
electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Be familiar with the composition and working principles of grid-connected PV power
generation system and the front- and rear-level equipment of the PVS.
• Have received professional training related to the installation and commissioning of
electrical equipment.
• Be familiar with the relevant standards and specifications of the country/region where the
project is located.
• Be familiar with the content of this manual.
Only personnel meeting the above requirements may perform installation, operation and
maintenance, overhaul, and other operations on the PVS. Unauthorized personnel must not
perform any operations on the PVS to avoid accidents.
1.3 How to Use This Manual
Read this manual carefully before transporting and installing the product. Please keep this
manual and other materials of components together, and ensure that relevant personnel can
easily access and use them.
All contents, pictures, marks, and symbols in the manual are owned by SUNGROW. No part
of this document may be reprinted by the non-internal staff of SUNGROW without written
authorization.

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In order to continuously improve customer satisfaction, products, and product manuals of
SUNGROW are always in the process of improvement and upgrade. If your manual is not in
accord with the product, it may due to the product version upgrade, and the actual product
shall prevail. For any questions, please contact Sungrow Customer Service.
1.4 Symbol Explanations
This manual contains important instructions, which are highlighted with relevant symbols, to
ensure personal and property safety during usage, or to help optimize the product
performance in an efficient way.
Symbols that may be used in this manual are listed below. Please read them carefully to
make better use of this manual.
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in death or
serious injury.
indicates a slightly hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.
indicates potential risks that, if not avoided, can lead to device malfunctions or
financial losses.
Indicates additional information in this manual. This information emphasizes or
supplements the content and may provide tips to better use the product, helping
you solve problems or save time.
Always note hazard warnings on the device enclosure.
1 About This Manual User Manual

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Marks Explanation
High voltage inside! Risk of electric shock by touching it!
Temperature beyond the acceptable range for the human
body. Do not touch it arbitrarily to avoid personal injury.
Protective ground terminal which needs to be firmly grounded
to ensure the safety of operators.
1.5 Model Description
Description of the PVS model is as follows:
Each letter means:
• A: Code of the PVS
• B: Max. number of PV strings in parallel
• C: With monitoring function
• D: High voltage, up to 1,500Vdc
1.6 Other Precautions
This manual takes the PVS-24MH with a wireless communication module as an example.
The installation instructions also apply to following models.
• PVS-16MH
• PVS-18MH
• PVS-20MH
The above models are the same as PVS-24MH in electrical structure, installation method,
and usage. But the number of PV inputs connected to each model varies.
If there is any question, please contact Sungrow.
User Manual 1 About This Manual

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2Safety Instructions
Please read this chapter carefully when installing and using the PVS. SUNGROW reserves
the right not to assume responsibility and quality assurance for any personal injury or device
damage due to failure to observe these safety precautions.
There is a high voltage in the PV string. Accidental contact may cause fatal electric
shock or severe burns. When wiring the PVS, observe the following safety
precautions:
• Before wiring, please disconnect the end of PV strings.
• Before wiring, do not use an ordinary multimeter to measure the DC voltage. A
multimeter with a withstand voltage of at least 1500V is recommended.
Otherwise, serious damage may follow.
• Please follow all safety instructions of the PV module manufacturer.
Damaged equipment or system failure may cause electric shock or fire!
• Before operation, visually check the equipment for damage or other dangerous
conditions.
• Check whether other external devices or circuit connections are in a safe state.
Make sure the device is in a safe state before operating.
Touching the internal terminals of the equipment may result in electric shock or
fire!
• Do not touch the terminals or conductors connected to the inverter or string.
• Pay attention to all instructions or safety documents regarding the connection
of PVS.
High voltage inside! Risk of electric shock!
• Note and observe the warnings on the product.
• Respect all safety precautions listed in this manual and other pertinent
documents.

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The grounding cable must be well connected to ground, otherwise:
• It may cause fatal electric shock to the operator in case of failure!
• The equipment may be damaged when struck by lightning!
Incorrect cable connection can cause damage to PV modules, the PVS, and
inverters. When wiring, observe the following precautions:
• Wire according to the wiring drawing.
• Measure the open circuit voltage of strings before wiring to ensure that the DC
input voltage range meets the requirements of the PVS.
• Distinguish the positive and negative polarity of strings before wiring, and
ensure that there is no ground fault.
• Only professional electricians or qualified personnel can operate and wire the
product.
• Operations and wiring must be done in accordance with relevant national and
local standards.
• Warning signs must be legible and should be replaced immediately if damaged.
Make sure that the fastening screws on terminals of the PVS are fastened in place.
If the copper core of the cable cannot be fully contacted with the wiring terminal
and pressed tightly, the terminal will be heated and burned after a prolonged
period. Use stranded copper core flame-retardant cables with the wire diameter
not less than the recommended value in the appendix.
Fasten the screw cap of the waterproof terminal in place, otherwise, it may cause
water leakage and damage to the PVS.
Disconnect loads before checking and replacing fuses! Install or take out fuses
when there is no load connected to avoid arc damage to the equipment and
personal injury.
User Manual 2 Safety Instructions

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Be sure to lock the door after operation.
Do not open the door cover of the PVS frequently to avoid affecting its waterproof
performance.
Touching the PCB or other static sensitive components may cause damage to
components.
• Do not touch other parts inside the cabinet except the terminals during
installation.
• Observe the regulations to protect against electrostatic and wear an anti-static
wrist strap.
2 Safety Instructions User Manual

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3Product Description
3.1 Product Introduction
3.1.1 Overview
For large-scale grid-connected PV power generation systems, it is generally necessary to
add a DC combiner device between PV modules and inverters to minimize cable
connections, facilitate maintenance, and improve reliability.
The PVS independently developed and produced by SUNGROW is an outdoor combiner
box. It is designed for meeting these requirements and provides a Turnkey solution for PV
systems together with SUNGROW's PV inverters.
3.1.2 Main Features
• Meets outdoor installation requirements;
• Can be connected with multiple PV inputs, each is equipped with a fuse (can be replaced
with a fuse of other degrees);
• Equipped with special PV high-voltage SPD, lightening protection for positive and
negative polarities;
• Contains a current detector, which monitors the current of each string. The monitoring
information can be viewed on the LED screen and uploaded through RS485 or DC PLC
communication;
• Monitors the bus voltage, and the monitoring information can be viewed on the LED
screen and uploaded through RS485 or DC PLC communication.
3.1.3 Application Scenarios
The PVS in line with outdoor standards developed and produced by SUNGROW is mainly
used in large and medium-sized PV plants. It adopts a modular design to achieve fast
installation and to ensure a long-term, reliable, and safe grid-connected operation of the PV
plant.
A PV power generation system with the PVS is shown in below.

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figure 3-1 Composition of grid-connected PV generation system
table 3-1 Device description
No. Device
A PV array
B PVS
C Inverter
D Public power grid
E Logger / Smart monitoring unit
3.2 External Structure
3.2.1 Appearance
Taking PVS-24MH as an example, the appearance of the PVS is shown in the figure below.
3 Product Description User Manual

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No. Name Description
A Clasp -
B Mounting
hanger
Used to fix the PVS
C Door lock -
3.2.2 External Dimensions
Taking PVS-24MH as an example, the dimensions of the PVS is shown in the figure below.
figure 3-2 Dimensions
3.3 Internal Structure
Taking PVS-24MH as an example, the internal structure of the PVS is shown in the figures
below.
figure 3-3 Negative fuse version
User Manual 3 Product Description

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figure 3-4 Negative fuseless version
* Figures are for reference only. The product received may differ.
No. Description
A DC fuse holder and fuse
B Grounding point, for equipotential connection
C RS485 communication terminal
D Monitoring panel
E Load switch/ Circuit breaker
F SPD
G DC output wiring terminal
H Copper bar and wiring hole
I*DC PLC communication module
* is optional
Monitoring Panel
The monitoring panel monitors the current of each string and uploads the current data to the
host computer through RS485 or DC PLC communication. Users can judge whether
modules are faulty by comparing the actual current value with the set value.
3 Product Description User Manual

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No. Description
J Indicators. From left to right:
• RX: Indicator of receiving communication data signal;
• TX: Indicator of sending communication data signal;
• RUN: Operating status indicator of monitoring unit;
• SPD: SPD failure indicator;
• CB: Switch status indicator;
• POWER: Power status indicator of monitoring unit.
K Key buttons K1 and K2 (for switching parameters between current,
communication, etc.)
L LED screen (for displaying the current, communication baud rate,
communication address, cabinet temperature, etc. of each string)
DC PLC communication module
No. Description
MIndicators. From top to bottom:
• LED1: Power indicator;
• LED4-PLC: Indicator of receiving communication data signal;
• LED5-PLC:Indicator of sending communication data signal;
• LED6-PLC: Running indicator;
SPD (Surge Protection Device)
The PVS is equipped with built-in SPD to prevent transient over-voltage caused by lightning.
The SPD failure signal can be sent to the PC through the RS485 or DC PLC.
Grounding
There is a grounding copper bar inside the PVS for equipotential connection.
User Manual 3 Product Description

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4Delivery and Storage
4.1 Scope of Delivery
No. Name Description Quantity
A PVS -1
B Related
documents
Including certificate,
warranty card, factory
inspection report, user
manual, etc.
1
C Key To open the cabinet door
of the PVS
1
D Bolt assembly M8 x 16 4

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No. Name Description Quantity
E Mounting
hangers
To fix the PVS to the
installation plane
4
F* MC4
connector
To connect the PV input 16 pairs a) /
18 pairs b) /
20 pairs c) /
24 pairs d)
G Limit rod To support the cabinet
door when it is open
1
Note1: * means optional.
Note 2: Parameters noted with a) apply to PVS-16MH; Parameters noted with b) apply to
PVS-18MH; Parameters noted with c) apply to PVS-20MH; Parameters noted with d) apply
to PVS-24MH.
4.2 Checking for Transport Damages
The PVS has been strictly inspected and firmly packed before delivery. Despite robust
packaging, the PVS may be damaged during transport.
For this reason, please conduct a thorough inspection after receiving the PVS. Verify at
least the following items:
• Check the scope of delivery for completeness according to the packing list.
• Confirm that the model of the PVS and internal equipment received is consistent with
your order.
• Check the internal and external components to see if any damage has occurred during
transportation.
Contact the forwarding company or SUNGROW in case of any damage or incompleteness.
Only intact and undamaged PVS can be installed and started for commissioning.
Ensure the following items before installation:
• The PVS is in good condition, without any damage.
• All internal and external equipment is in good condition, without any damage.
4.3 Storage
If the PVS is not put into use immediately, store it under specific environmental conditions:
• Store the PVS with outer package in a ventilated, dry, and tidy indoor environment with
desiccant retained.
User Manual 4 Delivery and Storage

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• The storage carrier should be solid enough to bear the weight of the PVS and its outer
package.
• The number of stacking layers of PVSs cannot exceed the "stacking layer limit" marked
on the outer box.
• The packing box cannot be tilted or turned upside down.
• Ensure that the storage environment is well ventilated and free of moisture and water.
• The storage environment should be at the temperature of -40 ℃~ +70 ℃and the
relative humidity of 0 ~ 95%, and free of condensation.
• Pay attention to possible hazards in the surrounding environment, such as sudden
temperature changes or collisions, to prevent any damage to the PVS.
• If the PVS has been stored for more than half a year, comprehensive inspection and
testing by professionals are required before it can be put into operation
• Conduct regular inspection, generally not less than once a week. Check that the
packaging is not damaged in any way and prevent any damage that may be caused by
pests and animals. Replace the packaging immediately if it is damaged.
Storage without packaging is strictly prohibited!
Storage outdoors or in direct sunlight is strictly prohibited!
Tilting the PVS or placing it upside down is strictly prohibited!
After long-term storage, a thorough inspection should be carried out to determine
whether the PVS is intact before installation. If necessary, request professionals
for testing before installation.
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5Transport and Installation
5.1 Transport
Outer Package Dimensions
Six PVSs are transported as a group. Two PVSs on each layer and three layers in total, as
shown in Figure 5-1.
figure 5-1 Outer package dimensions
Width (W) Height (H) Depth (D)
1740 mm 1240 mm 1100 mm
At most two groups can be stacked up and transported as a whole, that is, two
PVSs on each layer and six layers in total.
5.2 Installation Environment Selection
The PVS can be installed outdoors or indoors. The following requirements should be met:
• Dimensions and weight of the PVS shall be fully considered when choosing the
installation position ("10.1 Technical Data"). Try to install the PVS near PV modules for
better work performance and less cable usage.
• The ambient temperature of the installation site should be between -40℃~ +60℃, and
the relative humidity should be between 0~95%. It should be installed in a dry, well-
ventilated, and dust-proof place.

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• For large-scale utility plant projects, the PVS should be vertically installed in a dark place
on mounting brackets of PV modules. Reserve sufficient space around the PVS for
better heat dissipation and easier daily maintenance.
Moisture during the installation process will cause damage to the PVS. Do not
install the PVS in rainy days or when the air humidity is high.
After installation, the waterproof terminal must be tightened to prevent water vapor
from entering. After wiring, the unused terminals must be blocked.
5.3 Preparation Before Installation
Tools
General Tools
Marker pen Tape
Level ruler
Tool knife
Multimeter
Range: ≥1500Vdc
Anti-static wrist
strap
Protective gloves
—
Dust mask Sound insulation
earplugs Goggles Insulated shoes
Vacuum cleaner
Heat-shrink tube Heat gun
—
Installation Tools
5 Transport and Installation User Manual