DC Distribution And Charging Inputs Explained
DC distribution scenarios need a different set of assumptions from AC inverter scenarios. The key questions are the main DC bus voltage, which loads sit directly on that bus, which loads need converter paths, and how the battery is recharged from a DC source.
Where these inputs appear
These inputs appear when the scenario type includes DC distribution. That includes DC - Battery + Distribution, DC - Solar + Battery + Distribution, AC/DC - Battery + Distribution, and AC/DC - Solar + Battery + Distribution.
AC-only scenarios use the inverter and AC charging fields instead. Mixed AC/DC scenarios can use both the AC inverter path and the DC distribution path.
Main DC bus voltage
Main DC bus voltage is the nominal voltage of the main DC distribution bus. If it differs from the battery bank voltage, GridGap identifies whether a battery-to-main-bus converter is required.
This is not the same as the voltage of every DC appliance. Some DC loads may sit directly on the main bus. Others may need converter paths to a different voltage class.
Distribution preview fields
The editor can show direct bus loads, converter bus loads, converter paths, and downstream distribution boards. These values are driven by the DC appliance voltage groups in the scenario.
Treat these fields as a sanity check. They help you see whether the chosen main bus voltage is creating a simple distribution shape or forcing several converter paths.
Converter efficiency
Converter efficiency (%) tells GridGap how much power is retained through each appliance-voltage converter path. The default is a practical starting assumption. Technical users can override it when they know the converter performance.
Lower converter efficiency increases the battery-side demand for loads served through converter paths.
DC charging fields
DC charger voltage class should match the battery bank voltage class, because the DC charger charges the battery bank rather than the downstream appliance bus.
DC charge hours is the time available to recharge the battery from a DC source, such as a vehicle alternator or another DC supply.
DC charger efficiency (%) is the share of DC charging power that reaches the battery bank. Lower efficiency pushes the required charger size upward.
Installation and planning fields
If you enable Installation & Protection, DC distribution scenarios can also include DC output cable length, DC cable material, DC cable type, voltage drop, installation environment, and DC protection preference.
These fields support advisory installation guidance. They do not replace final DC distribution design, protection selection, or compliance checking.