Cabling Constraints in PV Array Architecture: Design, Mathematical Model and Cost Analysis

In this article, cabling constraints of different photovoltaic (PV) configurations is addressed in three steps: 1) a cable selection criterion is developed in accordance with metric system defined by American Wire Gauge (AWG); 2) a mathematical model is designed, which estimates the cable length for any array size; and 3) cost functions are devised owing to estimate the cables capital expenditure. The aforementioned steps are developed for Series (S), Parallel (P), Series-Parallel (SP), Total-cross-tied (TCT), Bridge-Link (BL) and Honey-Comb (HC). A comprehensive mathematical model is developed for each of the above mentioned architectures in the context of cabling cost versus energy payback time. This cost analysis provides a clear snapshot to the designers of PV plant about the capital investments of cabling system of specific architecture and its potential energy payback time. At the end, a design example for each configuration is presented against an array size of 10 × 2 PV panels.