Solar module control device, solar module management device and control method

Abstract

An apparatus according to one aspect includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with an external apparatus; a turn-off unit configured to perform a fast turn-off of the photovoltaic module; and a processor connected to the communication unit and the turn-off unit, in which the processor may be configured to identify a type of a signal received through the communication unit, and to control the turn-off unit to perform quick turn-off of the photovoltaic module if the identified type of the signal is a quick turn-off signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a photovoltaic module control device, a photovoltaic module management apparatus, and a method of controlling the device and the apparatus, which are applied to a photovoltaic power generation system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A photovoltaic power generation system is a system that converts solar energy into electric energy and supplies the electric energy, including a photovoltaic panel that generates electricity by solar energy, an inverter that converts direct current generated by the photovoltaic panel into alternating current, a battery that stores electric energy generated by the photovoltaic panel, and the like.

[0003] Meanwhile, in order to minimize damage to the photovoltaic power generation system due to abnormal situations such as fire, a combiner box is installed. In the combiner box, various sensors, protectors, circuit breakers are installed to detect abnormal situations and prevent the spread of damage when the abnormal situation occurs. Since various devices are installed in the combiner box, the installation cost of the photovoltaic power generation system increases.

[0004] In addition, when the power from the photovoltaic panel is cut off at the combiner box due to an abnormal situation, monitoring of the photovoltaic module cannot be performed.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a method of more quickly and easily controlling the photovoltaic module when an abnormal situation such as fire occurs. In addition, there is a need for a method of monitoring the photovoltaic module even when an abnormal situation occurs. SUMMARY

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM The present disclosure provides a photovoltaic module control device, a photovoltaic module management apparatus, and a method of controlling the device and the apparatus.

[0007] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM According to one aspect, a device includes a communication unit configured to communicate with an external apparatus, a shutdown unit configured to perform a quick shutdown of a photovoltaic module, and a processor connected to the communication unit and the shutdown unit, wherein the processor can be configured to identify a type of a signal received through the communication unit, and in a case where the type of the signal is a quick shutdown signal, control the shutdown unit to perform the quick shutdown of the photovoltaic module.

[0008] According to another aspect, an apparatus for managing photovoltaic module control devices includes: a first communication unit configured to communicate with an external device; a second communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of photovoltaic module control devices; and a processor connected to the first and second communication units, wherein the processor can be configured to: generate a monitoring request signal according to a preset period and send the monitoring request signal through the second communication unit; and, upon receiving a warning signal through the first communication unit, stop generating and sending the monitoring request signal, generate a fast shutdown signal, and send the fast shutdown signal through the second communication unit.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method for controlling a photovoltaic module management device may include: generating a monitoring request signal according to a preset period and sending the monitoring request signal to multiple photovoltaic module control devices; stopping the generation and sending of the monitoring request signal and generating a fast shutdown signal when a warning signal is received from an external device; and sending the fast shutdown signal to multiple photovoltaic module control devices. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figures 2 to 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the communication process of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photovoltaic module management device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a photovoltaic module management device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photovoltaic module control device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figures 9 to 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a photovoltaic module control device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 12 This is a view showing an example of the power supply structure of a building equipped with photovoltaic modules according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device; a shutdown unit configured to perform a rapid shutdown of a photovoltaic module; and a processor connected to the communication unit and the shutdown unit, wherein the processor can be configured to identify the type of a signal received through the communication unit, and, if the type of the signal is a rapid shutdown signal, control the shutdown unit to perform a rapid shutdown of the photovoltaic module.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention The terminology used in the embodiments is selected as much as possible from currently widely used general terms; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in specific cases, terms arbitrarily chosen by the applicant of this disclosure may be used. In such cases, the meanings of these terms may be described in detail in the corresponding descriptive sections of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the terms used herein should be interpreted based on their actual meaning and the entirety of this specification, rather than simply on their names.

[0019] Throughout this specification, when an element is referred to as "including" other elements, it should not be construed as excluding other elements unless otherwise specified, and the element may also include other elements.

[0020] The terms including ordinal numbers (such as "first" or "second") used herein may be used to describe various components or embodiments, but the components or embodiments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one component or embodiment from another.

[0021] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to merely represent embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented. For the purpose of clearly describing the present disclosure in the drawings, unnecessary parts unrelated to the description may be omitted, and the same reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts throughout the specification.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 A photovoltaic power generation system may include: a device 100 for managing photovoltaic modules 300 (hereinafter referred to as module management device), a device 200 for controlling photovoltaic modules 300 (hereinafter referred to as module control device), and photovoltaic modules 300. In addition to Figure 1 In addition to the components shown, a photovoltaic power generation system may also have various other components, or some of the aforementioned components may be omitted.

[0024] The module management device 100 can be a device for managing module control devices 200 included in a photovoltaic power generation system. The module management device 100 can communicate with each module control device 200 to send and receive various data required for managing the module control devices 200. The module management device 100 can be a master unit for managing the module control devices 200.

[0025] For example, the module management device 100 can communicate with the module control device 200 via power line communication (PLC). However, the communication method between the module management device 100 and the module control device 200 is not limited to PLC.

[0026] The module management device 100 can send monitoring request signals to the module control device 200. In this regard, the monitoring request signal may include a command requesting information related to the photovoltaic module 300. For example, the module management device 100 may periodically generate monitoring request signals. For example, the module management device 100 may determine the target (e.g., the object to be monitored) of the monitoring request signal from the photovoltaic module 300 according to a preset order.

[0027] The module management device 100 can receive monitoring signals sent from the module control device 200 in response to monitoring request signals. The module management device 100 can collect and store the monitoring signals. In this regard, the monitoring signals may include information related to the photovoltaic module 300 detected by the module control device 200.

[0028] For example, information related to photovoltaic module 300 may include at least one of the current, voltage, and temperature information of each photovoltaic module 300. However, information related to photovoltaic module 300 is not limited to the above. Information related to photovoltaic module 300 may include various information that affects the power generation performance of photovoltaic module 300. For example, monitoring signals can be used to manage the photovoltaic power generation system.

[0029] The module management device 100 can send a Fast Shutdown (RSD) signal to the module control device 200. In this regard, the RSD signal can include a command to quickly shut down at least one photovoltaic module in the photovoltaic modules 300. For example, the RSD signal can include a command to operate (disconnect) a circuit breaker connected to each photovoltaic module 300. The commands included in the RSD signal are not limited to those described above. For example, the RSD signal can include various commands to meet the RSD requirements for photovoltaic power generation systems specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

[0030] The module management device 100 can receive warning signals sent from the external device 10. The module management device 100 can generate an RSD signal upon receiving a warning signal. In this regard, the external device 10 may include at least one of a power control system (PCS) 11 and an input device 12.

[0031] PCS 11 can be a device configured to control an inverter connected to the photovoltaic module 300. For example, PCS 11 can also be configured to generate a warning signal based on the state of the inverter.

[0032] The input device 12 can be an emergency switch (e.g., a button) capable of receiving user input. For example, the input device 12 can be configured to generate a warning signal upon receiving user input. However, the external device 10 is not limited to the above and can include various means capable of determining abnormalities in the photovoltaic module 300. For example, the module management device 100 can receive warning signals sent from the external device 10 via wired or wireless communication.

[0033] The module management device 100 can receive a warning stop signal sent from the external device 10. In some embodiments, the module management device 100 can generate an RSD release signal upon receiving a warning stop signal.

[0034] For example, PCS 11 can also be configured to generate a warning stop signal based on the inverter's state. In some embodiments, input device 12 can be configured to generate a warning stop signal upon receiving user input.

[0035] For example, the module management device 100 may send an RSD release signal to at least one module control device in the module control device 200. In this regard, the RSD release signal may include a command to release an RSD applied to at least one photovoltaic module in the photovoltaic module 300. For example, the RSD release signal may include a command to stop the operation of a circuit breaker connected to each photovoltaic module 300 (a command to activate the circuit breaker). However, the commands included in the RSD release signal are not limited to those described above.

[0036] The module control device 200 can be a device for managing the photovoltaic module 300. The module control device 200 can be a slave unit managed by the module management device 100. For example, the module control device 200 can perform functions related to RSD (Real-Time Optimization), monitoring, and power generation efficiency optimization. The module control device 200 can also be referred to as a monitoring device, RSD device, power generation efficiency optimization device, module-level power electronic device (MLPE), etc.

[0037] For example, an MLPE can also be a DC optimizer or a micro-inverter.

[0038] In some embodiments, where the MLPE is a DC optimizer, a single DC optimizer can be connected to a single photovoltaic module 300. In other embodiments, the DC optimizer can be connected to an inverter. In this regard, the DC optimizer can be configured to optimize the power output of the photovoltaic module 300 and output the power to an inverter (e.g., a string inverter). The current converted by the inverter (e.g., DC-to-AC conversion) can be output to a load or the power grid.

[0039] In other embodiments, where the MLPE is a microinverter, a single microinverter can be connected to a single photovoltaic module 300. In this respect, the microinverter can convert the power generated by the photovoltaic module 300, and the converted current can be output to a load or the power grid.

[0040] The module control device 200 can receive monitoring request signals sent from the module management device 100. For example, upon receiving a monitoring request signal, the module control device 200 can be configured to detect information related to the photovoltaic module 300 and send the detected information to the module management device 100.

[0041] For example, the module control device 200 can be configured to receive an RSD signal sent from the module management device 100. Upon receiving an RSD release signal, the module control device 200 can perform RSD on at least one of the photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic module 300.

[0042] For example, the module control device 200 can activate the circuit breaker connected to each photovoltaic module 300 to disconnect the power to the photovoltaic module 300, thereby performing RSD. However, the RSD methods are not limited to those already described. The module control device 200 can perform RSD on the photovoltaic modules 300 using various methods to meet the RSD requirements for photovoltaic power generation systems specified in NEC standards.

[0043] For example, the module control device 200 can receive an RSD release signal sent from the module management device 100. Upon receiving the RSD release signal, the module control device 200 can release the RSD being applied to any of the photovoltaic modules 300. For example, the module control device 200 can disconnect the circuit breaker connected to each photovoltaic module 300 to restore power to the photovoltaic modules 300, thereby releasing the RSD.

[0044] Figures 2 to 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the communication process of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a first flowchart illustrating the communication process of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 This describes the process by which the photovoltaic power generation system monitors the photovoltaic module 300.

[0047] The module management device 100 can generate monitoring request signals. For example, the module management device 100 can periodically generate monitoring request signals (S201).

[0048] The module management device 100 can also send a monitoring request signal to each module control device 200 (S203).

[0049] The module control device 200 can generate a monitoring signal in response to receiving a monitoring request signal (S205). For example, the module control device 200 can generate a monitoring signal based on the monitoring results of the photovoltaic module 300.

[0050] Subsequently, the module control device 200 can send the monitoring signal to the module management device 100 (S207).

[0051] Figure 3 This is a second flowchart illustrating the communication process of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 Describe the process by which the photovoltaic power generation system performs RSD on the photovoltaic module 300.

[0053] External device 10 may also generate a warning signal (S301). In one embodiment, external device 10 may also generate a warning signal when an inverter malfunctions. In other embodiments, external device 10 may generate a warning signal upon receiving user input.

[0054] External device 10 can also send a warning signal to module management device 100 (S303).

[0055] The module management device 100 can generate an RSD signal in response to the receipt of a warning signal (S305). For example, upon receiving a warning signal, the module management device 100 can determine that at least one photovoltaic module in the photovoltaic module 300 needs to be subjected to RSD and generate an RSD signal.

[0056] The module management device 100 can also send RSD signals to each module control device 200 (S307).

[0057] The module management device 100 can execute RSD (S309) in response to the receipt of the RSD signal. For example, the module control device 200 can activate the circuit breaker connected to the photovoltaic module 300 to disconnect the power to the photovoltaic module 300, thereby executing RSD.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a third flowchart illustrating the communication process of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 Describe the process of removing the RSD from the photovoltaic module in a photovoltaic power generation system.

[0060] External device 10 can generate a warning stop signal (S401). In one embodiment, external device 10 can generate a warning stop signal when an anomaly occurring in the inverter is resolved. In other embodiments, external device 10 can generate a warning stop signal upon receiving user input.

[0061] External device 10 can also send a warning stop signal (S403) to module management device 100.

[0062] The module management device 100 can generate an RSD release signal (S405) in response to the receipt of a warning stop signal. For example, upon receiving a warning stop signal, the module management device 100 can determine that the RSD of the photovoltaic module 300 needs to be executed and generate an RSD release signal.

[0063] The module management device 100 can also send an RSD release signal to each module control device 200 (S407).

[0064] The module control device 200 can stop the executing RSD (S409) in response to receiving an RSD release signal. For example, the module control device 200 can disconnect the circuit breaker connected to the photovoltaic module 300 to restore power to the photovoltaic module 300, thereby stopping the executing RSD.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photovoltaic module management device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0066] refer to Figure 5 The module management device 100 may include a first communication unit 110, a second communication unit 120, a memory 130, and a processor 140. For example, the various components included in the module management device 100 can be connected to each other via a common bus, or they can be connected to each other via various interfaces or buses centered around the processor 140. Besides... Figure 5 In addition to the components shown, the module management device 100 according to the embodiment may also include various components, or some of the above-described components may be omitted. In some embodiments, the first communication unit 110 and the second communication unit 120 may be a single communication module.

[0067] The first communication unit 110 may be a device configured to communicate with an external device 10. For example, the first communication unit 110 may be configured to communicate with the external device 10 according to various types of communication methods. The first communication unit 110 may include a communication modem configured to support wired or wireless communication with the external device 10.

[0068] The second communication unit 120 may be a device configured to communicate with a module control device 200 connected to the photovoltaic module 300. For example, the second communication unit 120 may be configured to communicate with at least one of the module control devices 200 according to various types of communication methods. The second communication unit 120 may include a communication modem configured to support a PLC.

[0069] Various information required during the operation of processor 140 can be stored in memory 130. Furthermore, various information generated during the operation of processor 140 can be stored in memory 130.

[0070] Processor 140 can be connected to first communication unit 110, second communication unit 120, and memory 130. For example, processor 140 can also be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), or system-on-a-chip (SoC). In some embodiments, processor 140 can be configured to run an operating system or application to control multiple hardware or software connected to processor 140. In some embodiments, processor 140 can be configured to perform various data processing and calculations. In some embodiments, processor 140 can be configured to execute at least one of the commands stored in memory 130, and store the data generated as a result of the execution in memory 130.

[0071] For example, processor 140 can be configured to generate monitoring request signals according to a preset period and send the monitoring request signals through the second communication unit 120. In some embodiments, processor 140 can receive warning signals received from external device 10 through the first communication unit 110. In some embodiments, upon receiving a warning signal through the first communication unit 110, processor 140 can stop generating and sending monitoring request signals and then generate an RSD signal.

[0072] For example, processor 140 can be configured to transmit an RSD signal to module control device 200 via second communication unit 120. Processor 140 can also be configured to transmit the RSD signal to module control device 200 using a broadcast method. The broadcast method described herein can refer to a method of simultaneously transmitting data to all module control devices 200 connected to a shared transmission medium (e.g., a power line) of a photovoltaic power generation system.

[0073] For example, after the RSD signal transmission is completed, the processor 140 can resume the generation and transmission of the monitoring request signal that has been stopped.

[0074] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a photovoltaic module management device according to an embodiment.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a first flowchart illustrating a method for a control module to manage a device according to an embodiment.

[0076] Reference Figure 6 A method for controlling a module to manage device 100 is described. However, Figure 6 Some of the operations shown can be used with Figure 6 The order shown may vary and may be omitted.

[0077] Processor 140 can determine whether a signal has been received through the first communication unit 110 (S601). In operation S601, processor 140 can check whether a warning signal or a warning cancellation signal has been received from external device 10. For example, processor 140 can execute operation S601 according to a preset time period.

[0078] If no signal is received through the first communication unit 110, the processor 140 can determine the target photovoltaic modules according to a preset order (S603). In other words, the processor 140 can determine the objects to be monitored from the photovoltaic modules 300. For example, the determination order of the target photovoltaic modules can be preset by considering the location, connection structure, etc. of the photovoltaic modules 300.

[0079] The processor 140 can identify the identification information (e.g., identification number) of the module control device connected to the target photovoltaic module (S605). For example, the identification information of the module control device and the relationship information about the matching photovoltaic module can be pre-stored in the memory 130. Therefore, the processor 140 can detect the identification information of the module control device corresponding to the target photovoltaic module from the memory 130.

[0080] The processor 140 can generate a monitoring request signal (S607) that includes identification information of the module control device.

[0081] The processor 140 can send a monitoring request signal through the second communication unit 120 (S609).

[0082] Upon receiving a signal through the first communication unit 110, the processor 140 can determine whether the received signal is a warning signal (S611). In operation S611, the processor 140 can check whether the signal received through the first communication unit 110 is a warning signal.

[0083] If the signal received through the first communication unit 110 is a warning signal, the processor 140 may generate an RSD signal (S613). For example, if a warning signal is received through the first communication unit 110, the processor 140 may determine that an RSD needs to be performed on at least one photovoltaic module in the photovoltaic module 300 and generate an RSD signal.

[0084] The processor 140 can transmit an RSD signal via the second communication unit 120 (S615). In operation S615, the processor 140 can broadcast the RSD signal to all module control devices 200 included in the photovoltaic power generation system. By using a broadcast method to send the RSD signal to all module control devices 200, the time required to propagate the RSD signal can be reduced. Therefore, RSD can be executed quickly on at least one photovoltaic module in the photovoltaic module 300.

[0085] If the signal received through the first communication unit 110 is not a warning signal, the processor 140 may generate an RSD cancellation signal (S617). For example, if the signal received through the first communication unit 110 is a warning cancellation signal, the processor 140 may generate an RSD cancellation signal.

[0086] The processor 140 can send an RSD release signal via the second communication unit 120 (S619). In operation S619, the processor 140 can broadcast the RSD release signal to all module control devices 200 included in the photovoltaic power generation system.

[0087] While the transmission of RSD signals or RSD release signals via broadcast methods has been described, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the module management device 100 may also transmit RSD signals or RSD release signals using unicast or multicast methods.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a second flowchart illustrating a method for a control module to manage a device according to an embodiment.

[0089] Reference Figure 7 A method for controlling a device 100 according to an embodiment is described. Figure 7 The processing shown can be performed after the RSD signal is sent. See below for reference. Figure 7 Some of the operations described can be used with Figure 7The order shown may vary and may be omitted.

[0090] The processor 140 can determine whether an RSD failure signal has been received via the second communication unit 120 (S701). For example, the RSD failure signal may be a signal generated by the module control device 200 in the event that the RSD of the photovoltaic module 300 has not been executed normally.

[0091] Upon receiving an RSD failure signal via the second communication unit 120, the processor 140 may generate a notification message (S703). For example, upon receiving an RSD failure signal, the processor 140 may generate a notification message to notify the administrator of this fact.

[0092] Processor 140 can send a notification message to a preset user terminal (S705). For example, processor 140 can notify an administrator of RSD failure by sending a notification message to the administrator's user terminal. In some embodiments, processor 140 can send the notification message to the user terminal via the first communication unit 110 or a separate communication device. Processor 140 can also output a warning signal to the surrounding environment via an output interface (e.g., speaker, display, LED, etc.) in response to receiving the RSD failure signal.

[0093] Although the sending of notification messages from module control device 200 to user terminal has been described, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, notification messages may also be sent to user terminal by PCS 11.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a photovoltaic module control device 200 according to an embodiment.

[0095] refer to Figure 8 The module control device 200 may include a communication unit 210, a sensor unit 220, a shutdown unit 230, a memory 240, and a processor 250. For example, the various components included in the module control device 200 may be connected to each other via a common bus, or they may be connected to each other via various interfaces or buses centered around the processor 250. In addition... Figure 8 In addition to the components shown, the module control device 200 may also include various other components, or these may be omitted. Figure 8 A portion of the components shown.

[0096] Communication unit 210 may be a device configured to communicate with module management device 100. Communication unit 210 may be configured to communicate with module management device 100 according to various types of communication methods. For example, communication unit 210 may include a communication modem configured to support PLC.

[0097] Sensor unit 220 may be a device configured to detect the state of photovoltaic module 300. Sensor unit 220 may include at least one sensor. For example, sensor unit 220 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor. However, the type of sensor included in sensor unit 220 is not limited to the types described above. Sensor unit 220 may be configured to detect various information affecting the power generation performance of photovoltaic module 300, such as the temperature, current, and voltage of photovoltaic module 300.

[0098] The shutdown unit 230 may be a device configured to perform RSD (Responsive Disruption Requirement). For example, the shutdown unit 230 may include a circuit breaker configured to disconnect power from the photovoltaic power generation system. The shutdown unit 230 may include various devices that meet the RSD requirements for photovoltaic power generation systems specified in NEC standards.

[0099] Various information required during the operation of processor 250 may be stored in memory 240. In some embodiments, various information acquired during the operation of processor 250 may be stored in memory 240.

[0100] Processor 250 can be connected to communication unit 210, sensor unit 220, shutdown unit 230, and memory 240. For example, processor 250 can also be implemented as a CPU, MCU, or SoC. In some embodiments, processor 250 can be configured to run an operating system or application to control multiple hardware or software connected to processor 250. In some embodiments, processor 250 can perform various data processing and calculations. In some embodiments, processor 250 can be configured to execute at least one of the commands stored in memory 240, and store the data generated as a result of the execution in memory 240.

[0101] For example, processor 250 may be configured to receive signals sent from module management device 100 via communication unit 210. In some embodiments, processor 250 may be configured to identify the type of received signal upon receiving a signal via communication unit 210. In some embodiments, upon receiving a monitoring request signal, processor 250 may detect the status of photovoltaic module 300 via sensor unit 220.

[0102] For example, processor 250 can generate monitoring signals based on the status of photovoltaic module 300. Processor 250 can be configured to send monitoring signals to module management device 100 via communication unit 210.

[0103] For example, when an RSD signal is received, the processor 250 can perform an RSD on the photovoltaic module 300 through the shutdown unit 230. In some embodiments, upon receiving an RSD release signal, the processor 250 can release the RSD already performed by the shutdown unit 230.

[0104] Processor 250 can be configured to generate a monitoring signal upon receiving a monitoring request signal, regardless of whether an RSD has already been performed on the photovoltaic module 300. Processor 250 can also be configured to generate and send the monitoring signal to the module management device 100 upon receiving a monitoring request signal, even while an RSD is being performed on the photovoltaic module 300. Therefore, the photovoltaic module 300 can be monitored even when an RSD is being performed on it.

[0105] For example, if no monitoring request signal is received again within a preset time period from the time the monitoring request signal sent from the module management device 100 is received via the communication unit 210, the processor 250 can perform an RSD on the photovoltaic module 300 via the shutdown unit 230. If no monitoring request signal is received again within a predetermined time period from the previous time point of receiving the monitoring request signal, the processor 250 can determine that there is an anomaly in the module management device 100 or the communication line, and perform an RSD on the photovoltaic module 300.

[0106] Figures 9 to 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a photovoltaic module control device according to an embodiment.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a first flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a control module according to an embodiment.

[0108] refer to Figure 9 The method for controlling the control module control device 200 will be described. However, Figure 9 Some of the operations shown can be used with Figure 9 The order shown may vary and may be omitted.

[0109] The processor 250 can receive signals through the communication unit 210 (S901).

[0110] Processor 250 can determine whether the signal received through communication unit 210 is a monitoring request signal (S903). In operation S903, processor 250 can check whether the signal received through communication unit 210 is a monitoring request signal.

[0111] When the signal received through the communication unit 210 is a monitoring request signal, the processor 250 can detect the identification information included in the monitoring request signal (S905). In operation S905, the processor 250 can check the identification information included in the monitoring request signal by analyzing the monitoring request signal.

[0112] Processor 250 can determine whether the identification information detected in operation S905 matches preset identification information (S907). In this regard, the preset identification information may be the identification information of the module control device 200. In operation S907, processor 250 can determine whether the identification information included in the monitoring request signal matches its own identification information. In operation S907, processor 250 can determine whether the monitoring request signal received through communication unit 210 is directed to the photovoltaic module 300 connected to processor 250.

[0113] If the identification information detected in operation S905 does not match the preset identification information, the processor 250 may terminate the process. On the other hand, if the identification information detected in operation S905 matches the preset identification information, the processor 250 may detect the status of the photovoltaic module 300 through the sensor unit 220 (S909).

[0114] The processor 250 can generate a monitoring signal (S911) that includes information about the status of the photovoltaic module 300. In operation S911, the processor 250 can generate the monitoring signal by including preset identification information (i.e., the identification information of the processor 250) together with information about the status of the photovoltaic module 300.

[0115] The processor 250 can send monitoring signals to the module management device 100 via the communication unit 210 (S913). In operation S913, the processor 250 can send the result of detecting the status of the photovoltaic module 300 to the module management device 100 via the sensor unit 220.

[0116] If the signal received through communication unit 210 is not a monitoring request signal, processor 250 can determine whether the signal received through communication unit 210 is an RSD signal (S915). In operation S915, processor 250 can check whether the signal received through communication unit 210 is an RSD signal.

[0117] When the signal received through the communication unit 210 is an RSD signal, the processor 250 can execute an RSD on the photovoltaic module 300 through the shutdown unit 230 (S917). In operation S917, the processor 250 can stop the photovoltaic module 300 from generating electricity by executing an RSD on the photovoltaic module 300 through the shutdown unit 230.

[0118] On the other hand, if the signal received through the communication unit 210 is not an RSD signal, the processor 250 can release the RSD that has been executed by the shutdown unit 230 (S919). For example, if the signal received through the communication unit 210 is an RSD release signal, the processor 250 can release the RSD of the photovoltaic module 300, thereby enabling the photovoltaic module 300 to generate electricity again.

[0119] Figure 10 This is a second flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a control module according to an embodiment.

[0120] refer to Figure 10 The method for controlling the control module control device 200 will be described. For example, Figure 10 The processing can be with Figure 9 The processing is performed in parallel. However, Figure 10 Some of the operations shown can be used with Figure 10 The order shown may vary and may be omitted.

[0121] The processor 250 can start timing in response to the receipt of a monitoring request signal (S1001). In operation S1001, the processor 250 can start timing based on the time point at which the monitoring request signal is received.

[0122] The processor 250 can determine whether a monitoring request signal is received again before a preset time has elapsed during the timing process (S1003). In operation S1003, the processor 250 can determine whether a monitoring request signal is received again within a preset time period from the time the monitoring request signal was received.

[0123] If a monitoring request signal is received again before the preset time has elapsed, the processor 250 may terminate the process. For example, if a monitoring request signal is received again before the preset time has elapsed, the processor 250 may determine that there is no abnormality in the module management device 100 and the communication line.

[0124] On the other hand, if no monitoring request signal is received again before the preset time has elapsed, the processor 250 can execute the RSD (S1005) on the photovoltaic module 300 through the shutdown unit 230. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the module management device 100 or the communication line (e.g., an abnormal situation such as a fire), damage caused by the failure of the RSD of the photovoltaic module 300 can be prevented.

[0125] Figure 11 This is a third flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a control module control device 200 according to an embodiment.

[0126] refer to Figure 11 The method for controlling the module control device 200 will be described. For example, it can be executed after the RSD of the photovoltaic module 300. Figure 11 The handling of this. However, Figure 11 Some of the operations shown can be compared with... Figure 11 The order shown may differ from the order in which the actions are performed, or the order may be omitted.

[0127] The processor 250 can detect the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 through the sensor unit 220 (S1101).

[0128] The processor 250 can determine whether the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage (S1103). For example, the processor 250 can use the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 to check whether the RSD is executed normally.

[0129] If the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 is less than the reference voltage, the processor 250 can determine that the RSD is being executed normally and terminate the process. On the other hand, if the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, the processor 250 can generate an RSD failure signal (S1105). For example, if the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, the processor 250 can determine that the RSD is not being executed normally and generate an RSD failure signal.

[0130] The processor 250 can send an RSD failure signal (S1107) to the module management device 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0131] As described above, if the photovoltaic module 300 fails to perform RSD properly, the module control device 200 can immediately notify the administrator. This allows the administrator to take rapid action in response to the situation.

[0132] While it has been described that the output voltage of the photovoltaic module 300 is used to check whether the photovoltaic module 300 is performing the RSD correctly, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the output current of the photovoltaic module 300 may be used instead of the output voltage. In other embodiments, the module control device 200 may also determine whether the photovoltaic module 300 is performing the RSD correctly by considering both the output voltage and the output current of the photovoltaic module 300.

[0133] Figure 12 This is a view showing an example of the power supply structure of a building equipped with photovoltaic modules according to an embodiment.

[0134] refer to Figure 12Multiple photovoltaic modules 2 can be installed to generate electricity. Multiple photovoltaic modules 2 can be connected to each other to form a photovoltaic module array.

[0135] Inverter 6 can be configured to convert the electricity generated from photovoltaic module 2 and supply the converted generated electricity to building 1.

[0136] In some embodiments, commercial electricity transmitted via power line 3 can be supplied to the building via transformer 4.

[0137] Multiple household appliances 7 can operate by selectively receiving at least one of the following: commercial electricity, or electricity generated by the photovoltaic module 2. The electricity meter 5 can be configured to measure the amount of electricity consumed by the building 1.

[0138] In some embodiments, where building 1 includes a separate energy storage system (ESS), the electricity generated from photovoltaic module 2 can be stored in the ESS.

[0139] When multiple photovoltaic modules 2 are connected to each other, a photovoltaic module array can be formed. The photovoltaic module array, which is a component of multiple photovoltaic modules, may include a single output terminal.

[0140] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module 2 may include MLPE.

[0141] For example, the MLPE can be configured to monitor the status or power generation of the photovoltaic module 2 and transmit the data to an external device. In some embodiments, the MLPE can execute an RSD based on the degree of failure of the photovoltaic module 2 and stop the operation of the photovoltaic module 2.

[0142] In some embodiments, at least one of the photovoltaic module 2 and MLPE may include a communication module for the PLC.

[0143] The methods described above can be written as programs that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented on a general-purpose digital computer that operates the program using a computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the structure of the data used in the methods described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium in various ways. Computer-readable recording media include storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0144] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential features described above. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of this disclosure is set forth in the claims rather than in the foregoing description, and should be construed as including all differences falling within its equivalents. The embodiments described herein can be performed, for example, as a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even when discussed only in the context of a single implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), implementations of the features in question can be implemented in other forms (e.g., as an apparatus or program). The apparatus can be implemented with suitable hardware, software, firmware, etc. The method can be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices that facilitate information communication between end users.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: The communication unit is configured to communicate with external devices; The shutdown unit is configured to perform a rapid shutdown of the photovoltaic module; as well as The processor is connected to the communication unit and the shutdown unit. The processor is configured to identify the type of signal received through the communication unit, and, if the type of signal is a fast shutdown signal, control the shutdown unit to perform a fast shutdown of the photovoltaic module.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The sensor unit is configured to detect the state of the photovoltaic module. in, The processor is configured to generate a monitoring signal based on the state of the photovoltaic module detected by the sensor unit when the type of the signal is a monitoring request signal, and to send the monitoring signal through the communication unit.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The processor is configured to detect identification information included in the monitoring request signal, and to generate the monitoring signal if the detected identification information matches preset identification information.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The processor is configured to generate the monitoring signal in response to the monitoring request signal, regardless of whether a fast shutdown is performed on the photovoltaic module.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The processor is configured to control the shutdown unit to perform a rapid shutdown of the photovoltaic module if no monitoring request signal is received again within a preset time period from the time the monitoring request signal is received.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The photovoltaic module control device is a module-level power electronic device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The photovoltaic module control device includes a DC optimizer or a micro inverter.

8. An apparatus for managing a photovoltaic module control device, comprising: The first communication unit is configured to communicate with external devices; The second communication unit is configured to communicate with multiple photovoltaic module control devices; as well as The processor is connected to the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The processor is configured to: generate a monitoring request signal according to a preset period and send the monitoring request signal through the second communication unit; and, upon receiving a warning signal through the first communication unit, stop generating and sending the monitoring request signal, generate a fast shutdown signal, and send the fast shutdown signal through the second communication unit.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The external device includes at least one of a power control system and an input device, wherein the power control system is configured to control an inverter connected to the photovoltaic module, and the input device is configured to receive user input.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is configured to determine the target photovoltaic module according to a preset order and generate the monitoring request signal, the monitoring request signal including identification information corresponding to the target photovoltaic module.

11. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is configured to resume the generation and transmission of the monitoring request signal after the fast shutdown signal has been sent.

12. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is configured to send the fast shutdown signal using a broadcast method.

13. The device according to claim 8, wherein: Photovoltaic module control devices include module-level power electronic devices.

14. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The photovoltaic module control device includes a DC optimizer or a micro inverter.

15. A method for controlling a photovoltaic module management device, the method comprising: A monitoring request signal is generated according to a preset period, and the monitoring request signal is sent to the photovoltaic module control device; Upon receiving a warning signal from an external device, the generation and transmission of the monitoring request signal are stopped, and a rapid shutdown signal is generated; and The fast shutdown signal is sent to multiple photovoltaic module control devices.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The external device includes at least one of a power control system and an input device, wherein the power control system is configured to control an inverter connected to the photovoltaic module, and the input device is configured to receive user input.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein: Generating the monitoring request signal includes: The target photovoltaic module is determined according to a preset order; and The monitoring request signal is generated, and the monitoring request signal includes identification information corresponding to the target photovoltaic module.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein: After the rapid shutdown signal is sent, the generation and transmission of the monitoring request signal are resumed.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein: Sending the fast shutdown signal includes: The fast shutdown signal is transmitted via broadcast.

Images