Intelligent photovoltaic system and photovoltaic device

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic power generation, and provides an intelligent photovoltaic system and a photovoltaic device, which comprise multiple groups of cascaded photovoltaic assemblies, any photovoltaic assembly is configured with a photovoltaic panel and a shutdown controller, the shutdown controller is configured with four ports; the second output port of the shutdown controller is configured with an extension line, the second input port of the shutdown controller is connected with the extension line configured by the second output port of the previous stage shutdown controller, and the second output port of the shutdown controller is connected with the second input port of the next stage shutdown controller via the extension line; the shutdown controller is configured to connect or isolate a single photovoltaic panel with the system. The application has the advantages that no modification needs to be made to the photovoltaic panel side of the mainstream product in the market, no additional extension line needs to be added, and by means of the cascaded topology structure, only one cascaded port extension cable is reserved to completely have all the functions of the intelligent shutdown device, such as shutdown control, state data acquisition and fault isolation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation technology, and in particular to an intelligent photovoltaic system and photovoltaic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of photovoltaic power generation technology, the safety and ease of operation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems are receiving increasing attention. A photovoltaic system typically includes multiple photovoltaic panels, also known as solar cell modules or solar panels, which are composed of multiple cells connected in series and parallel in a sealed package. Their core function is to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

[0003] Photovoltaic panels typically have a three-part junction box on the back. Two cables extend from the left and right junction boxes, serving as the positive and negative output terminals of the photovoltaic panel, respectively. The ends of the cables are photovoltaic connectors. These connectors allow for quick and easy plugging and unplugging, enabling the connection of multiple photovoltaic panels in series or to module-level power electronics (MLPE) devices to form photovoltaic strings. The resulting series-connected photovoltaic strings can provide higher voltages to match grid voltage or meet the input requirements of inverters.

[0004] However, this traditional series structure has significant limitations: when a photovoltaic panel in the array fails (such as a hot spot or damage) or requires local maintenance, there is often a lack of means to independently electrically isolate individual components. This means that during maintenance or emergency shutdown, it may be necessary to disconnect the entire string or even the entire array, which not only affects the overall power generation efficiency of the system but also increases the complexity of operation and maintenance and the scope of power outages.

[0005] Furthermore, in actual photovoltaic system engineering, multiple photovoltaic panels typically operate in series. When installing module-level shutdown devices, each shutdown device often requires two input terminals and two output terminals (to connect the same-level photovoltaic panel and the adjacent shutdown controller, respectively). However, existing shutdown device products on the market generally require additional extension cables for connection at the input terminals. This not only increases the number of wiring nodes and material and labor costs, but also introduces reliability risks such as poor contact and loosening, which is detrimental to the long-term stable operation of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide an intelligent photovoltaic system and photovoltaic device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A smart photovoltaic system includes multiple sets of cascaded photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module being equipped with a photovoltaic panel and a shutdown controller, the shutdown controller being equipped with four ports; The first input port of the shutdown controller is connected to the first or second port of the same-level photovoltaic panel, and the first output port of the shutdown controller is connected to the first or second port of the next-level photovoltaic panel.

[0008] The second output port of the shutdown controller is equipped with an extension line. The second input port of the shutdown controller is connected to the extension line configured on the second output port of the previous stage shutdown controller. The second output port of the shutdown controller is connected to the second input port of the next stage shutdown controller via the extension line. The shutdown controller is configured to connect or isolate individual photovoltaic panels from the system via its internal switching structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the shutdown controller is equipped with a control board and a switch; the switch includes a terminal and at least two contact points. When the terminal is closed with the first contact point, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the system; when the terminal is closed with the second contact point, the photovoltaic panel is isolated from the system; the control board is used to control the terminal to switch between the first contact point and the second contact point.

[0010] Furthermore, the two ends of the control board are electrically connected to the first input port and the second input port of the shutdown controller, respectively. The first contact point is the first input port of the shutdown controller, and the second contact point is the second input port of the shutdown controller; the terminals are electrically connected to the first output port and the second output port of the shutdown controller, respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the power supply terminal of the control board is electrically connected to the first input port to power the control board with the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel.

[0012] Furthermore, the switch also includes a third contact point, which indicates that the photovoltaic module is in the off state when the terminal is closed with the third contact point.

[0013] Furthermore, the switch is a combination of multiple MOSFETs or a three-terminal relay.

[0014] The present invention also provides an intelligent photovoltaic system, comprising: Multiple photovoltaic panels, each photovoltaic panel having a first port and a second port; Multiple shutdown controllers, each shutdown controller having a first input port, a first output port, a second input port, and a second output port; Among them, there are at least three consecutive units: a first shutdown controller, a first photovoltaic panel, and a second shutdown controller; The first output port of the first shutdown controller is electrically connected to the first port of the first photovoltaic panel; the second port of the first photovoltaic panel is electrically connected to the first input port of the second shutdown controller. The second output port of the first shutdown controller is equipped with an extension line, and the second output port of the first shutdown controller is connected to the second input port of the second shutdown controller via the extension line. The shutdown controller is configured to connect or isolate individual photovoltaic panels from the system.

[0015] Furthermore, the shutdown controller is equipped with a control board and a switch; the switch includes a terminal and at least two contact points. When the terminal is closed with the first contact point, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the system; when the terminal is closed with the second contact point, the photovoltaic panel is isolated from the system; the control board is used to control the terminal to switch between the first contact point and the second contact point.

[0016] Furthermore, the two ends of the control board are electrically connected to the first input port and the second input port of the shutdown controller, respectively. The first contact point is the first input port of the shutdown controller, and the second contact point is the second input port of the shutdown controller; the terminals are electrically connected to the first output port and the second output port of the shutdown controller, respectively.

[0017] The present invention also provides a photovoltaic device, including a bracket, an inverter, and the aforementioned intelligent photovoltaic system. The shutdown controller in the intelligent photovoltaic system is mounted on the bracket, and the DC input terminal of the inverter is electrically connected to the output terminal of the intelligent photovoltaic system.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: (1) By adopting a cascaded structure of a four-port shutdown controller and a photovoltaic panel, the second input / output port is used to realize cascaded communication between controllers, and the first input / output port is connected to the same level photovoltaic panel. This allows the system to perform independent connection or isolation operations on any single photovoltaic panel without relying on centralized switching equipment, avoiding the problem of the entire array failing due to a single point of failure, and significantly enhancing the fault tolerance and ease of operation and maintenance of the system. (2) No modifications are needed to the existing mainstream photovoltaic panel side, nor is it necessary to add an extra extension line. With the cascade topology, only one cascade port extension cable is needed to fully realize the functions of the intelligent shutdown device, including shutdown control, status data acquisition and fault isolation. (3) The shutdown controller integrates a switch structure with terminals and three contact points. In addition to the conventional connected and isolated states, a floating contact is also provided for the shutdown state. When the terminal and the third contact point are closed, both the photovoltaic module and the system are in shutdown mode, ensuring that the system can quickly disconnect the electrical connection in the default shutdown, maintenance or emergency shutdown scenarios, effectively preventing the risk of electric arc and ensuring personnel safety; (4) The power supply terminal of the control board is directly connected to the first input port, using the power generated by the photovoltaic panel connected to it to power the control logic and switch drive circuit. This self-sustaining operation mode eliminates the need for additional power wiring or energy storage components, reduces system complexity and cost, and ensures that even if the external power supply is interrupted, the controller can still maintain basic functions by relying on the residual voltage of the photovoltaic panel, fundamentally eliminating the hidden danger of being unable to execute the safety shutdown command due to power failure; (5) The entire intelligent photovoltaic system achieves decentralized single-board level status management through cascaded topology, which can complete autonomous security protection without complex external intervention or additional communication bus. This not only reduces the difficulty of installation and maintenance, but also improves the system's adaptability and stability in complex environments, enabling the photovoltaic device to have a higher level of intelligence and long-term operational reliability. (6) Electrical connection and data communication between shutdown controllers are achieved simultaneously through a single cable. Compared with the traditional solution of laying power lines and communication lines separately, the number of cables is reduced by more than half, which significantly reduces the cost of wiring and installation time. At the same time, it reduces the number of wiring nodes and reduces the probability of failure due to poor contact. The control board can complete the acquisition and uploading of power generation status data such as photovoltaic panel voltage, current, and temperature through this single cable, realizing the integrated control of shutdown and status monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent photovoltaic system provided in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal architecture of the shutdown controller provided in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, and the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an intelligent photovoltaic system that achieves independent connection or isolation control of individual photovoltaic panels through the coordinated cooperation of cascaded shutdown controllers and photovoltaic panels, thereby improving the overall safety and reliability of the system while ensuring its flexible adjustment capabilities.

[0023] The system includes multiple cascaded photovoltaic modules, each of which contains a photovoltaic panel (PV) and a shutdown controller (B).

[0024] Each shutdown controller B is equipped with four ports: a first input port A1, a first output port A2, a second input port A3, and a second output port A4. The photovoltaic panel is equipped with two ports.

[0025] Among them, the shutdown controller B n The first input port is connected to the same level photovoltaic panel PV n Connect to the first or second port, and turn off controller B. n The first output port is connected to the next stage photovoltaic panel PV n+1 Connect to either the first or second port.

[0026] Shutdown Controller B n The second input port A3 is connected to the previous stage shutdown controller B. n-1 Connect the second output port A4 and turn off controller B. n The second output port A4 is connected to the next stage shutdown controller B. n+1 Connect to the second input port A3; The second input port A3 and the second output port A4 are used to realize the cascading connection between the front and rear shutdown controllers, while the first input port A1 and the second output port A2 are used to connect the photovoltaic panels of the same level, so that each photovoltaic panel can be independently connected to or disconnected from the system loop through the corresponding shutdown controller.

[0027] Preferably, the second input / output ports between the shutdown controllers are electrically connected via a single cable, which carries both data communication signals and electrical connections. Specifically, the second input port A3 of shutdown controller Bn is connected to the preceding shutdown controller B. n-1 The second output port A4 is electrically connected via a single cable, which transmits both cascaded electrical signals and data communication signals. The control board has a built-in communication module that interacts with adjacent shutdown controllers via this single cable, including the acquisition and uploading of photovoltaic panel power generation status data (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) and the transmission of shutdown commands. The single cable is preferably a twisted-pair cable, and the data communication signals can use power line carrier communication (PLC), RS485 communication, or Modbus communication protocols. This design eliminates the need for separate power and communication lines between shutdown controllers, reducing the number of cables by more than half and significantly lowering wiring costs and installation time.

[0028] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an intelligent photovoltaic system, including: Multiple photovoltaic panels PV, each PV having a first port and a second port; multiple shutdown controllers B, each shutdown controller B having a first input port A1, a first output port A2, a second input port A3, and a second output port A4.

[0029] The system contains at least three consecutively arranged units: the first shutdown controller B. n First photovoltaic panel PV n and the second shutdown controller B n+1 .

[0030] First shutdown controller B n The first output port A2 is electrically connected to the first photovoltaic panel PV. n First port; first photovoltaic panel (PV) n The second port is electrically connected to the second shutdown controller B. n+1 First input port A1. First shutdown controller B. n The second output port A4 is equipped with an extension line, thereby enabling the first shutdown controller B to... n The second output port A4 is electrically connected to the second shutdown controller B via an extension cable. n+1 The second input port is A3.

[0031] This structural design enables the system to achieve precise control of any single photovoltaic panel without relying on centralized switching equipment. This simplifies the system architecture and avoids the risk of the entire array failing due to a single point of failure, significantly enhancing the system's fault tolerance and ease of operation and maintenance.

[0032] Furthermore, the photovoltaic module is equipped with a junction box. The junction box is directly connected to the first input port and the first output port of the shutdown controller through its own inherent first and second ports. There is no need to lay additional input extension cables or port extension cables between the junction box and the shutdown controller, so that the junction box of each photovoltaic module can achieve shutdown control and status monitoring with the minimum extension lines.

[0033] The shutdown controller eliminates the need for an external independent input extension cable through the above cascaded topology. It still fully possesses the intelligent shutdown function of shutdown control, status data acquisition, and fault isolation with only one port extension cable. Compared with conventional shutdown devices that require an external 24V power supply cable and an independent communication line, this solution can achieve integrated shutdown control and status monitoring with the fewest extension cables, reducing installation complexity and wiring costs.

[0034] The shutdown controller only requires a single port extension cable to achieve the above shutdown control and data acquisition functions. Moreover, the connection of this single port extension cable is an inevitable result of the cascaded topology. The power path, shutdown control path, and data upload path are all completed through the inherent port of the shutdown controller body, directly connected to the same-level photovoltaic panel and adjacent shutdown controllers.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the specific circuit implementation, the shutdown controller integrates a control board and a switch. The switch switches the working mode of the photovoltaic panel by the closed state of the terminal and different contact points.

[0036] The switch includes a terminal D and three contacts (L, M, N). When terminal D is closed with the first contact L, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the system circuit. When terminal D is closed with the second contact M, the photovoltaic panel is isolated from the system circuit.

[0037] Preferably, the third contact point N is a floating contact point. When the terminal D is closed with the third contact point N, both the photovoltaic module and the system are in a shutdown state.

[0038] The specific working process is as follows: First, when the system is not started, that is, in the power-off state, which is the default state of the system, when the instruction is sent to the control board, the control board controls the terminal D of the switch to contact and close with the third contact point N, forming a connection relationship in the power-off state.

[0039] Then, when the system is turned on automatically or manually, the control board receives a command to make terminal D contact and close the first contact point L, so that the first input port, first output port and second output port of the shutdown controller are connected, thereby enabling the photovoltaic panel to be connected to the system to work and realize normal power generation function.

[0040] During normal system operation, the control board collects the power generation status of the same-level photovoltaic panels in real time through the first input port. When it is determined that the photovoltaic panel is in a power generation failure state, it needs to be isolated from the overall system loop.

[0041] Meanwhile, the built-in communication module of the control board uploads the collected power generation status data (including voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to the next-level shutdown controller or host computer via a single cable, achieving integrated shutdown control and status monitoring. When the host computer or system determines that a photovoltaic panel needs to be shut down, the shutdown command is also sent to the corresponding shutdown controller's control board via the same single cable, and the control board then drives the switch to perform the isolation action. The entire data interaction process shares the same cable as the electrical connection, eliminating the need for additional communication lines.

[0042] At this time, terminal D and the second contact point M are in contact and closed, so that the first input port, the first output port and the second output port of the shutdown controller are in a shutdown state.

[0043] Therefore, when terminal D is closed with the second contact point, the photovoltaic panel is isolated from the main circuit of the system and is in a bypass or disconnected state. This allows the electrical connection of the photovoltaic panel to be quickly cut off in maintenance, fault, or emergency shutdown scenarios, effectively preventing the risk of electric arc and ensuring personnel safety.

[0044] The switch structure is directly driven by the control board, which is fast and reliable. It ensures that the connection, isolation or shutdown commands can be executed accurately under various operating conditions, thereby ensuring the efficient power generation of the system while meeting the strict requirements of photovoltaic systems for rapid shutdown and safety protection.

[0045] Preferably, the switching structure is a combination of multiple MOSFETs or a three-terminal relay to achieve the above functions.

[0046] Furthermore, the power supply terminal of the shutdown controller's control board is directly connected to the first input port, utilizing the electrical energy generated by the connected photovoltaic panel itself to power the control logic and switch drive circuit, achieving a fully self-sufficient operation. This self-powered design not only eliminates the need for additional power wiring or energy storage components, reducing system complexity and cost, but also ensures that even in the event of an external power outage, the shutdown controller can still maintain basic functions by relying on the residual voltage of its own photovoltaic panel. In particular, it will not lose control capability due to power failure during emergency shutdown, fundamentally eliminating safety hazards caused by control power failure.

[0047] The entire intelligent photovoltaic system can autonomously complete single-board-level status management and security protection without external intervention, which not only improves the system's intelligence level but also enhances its adaptability and stability in complex environments.

[0048] The present invention also provides a photovoltaic device, including a bracket, an inverter, and the aforementioned intelligent photovoltaic system. The shutdown controller in the intelligent photovoltaic system is mounted on the bracket, and the DC input terminal of the inverter is electrically connected to the output terminal of the intelligent photovoltaic system.

[0049] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0050] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving terms such as "first," "second," and "a" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0052] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart photovoltaic system, characterized in that, It includes multiple sets of cascaded photovoltaic modules, each of which is equipped with a photovoltaic panel and a shutdown controller, and the shutdown controller is equipped with four ports; The first input port of the shutdown controller is connected to the first or second port of the same-level photovoltaic panel, and the first output port of the shutdown controller is connected to the first or second port of the next-level photovoltaic panel. The second output port of the shutdown controller is configured with an extension line, the second input port of the shutdown controller is connected to the extension line configured on the second output port of the previous stage shutdown controller, and the second output port of the shutdown controller is connected to the second input port of the next stage shutdown controller via the extension line. The shutdown controller is configured to connect or isolate an individual photovoltaic panel from the system via its internal switching structure.

2. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shutdown controller is equipped with a control board and a switch; the switch includes a terminal and at least two contact points. When the terminal is closed with the first contact point, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the system; when the terminal is closed with the second contact point, the photovoltaic panel is isolated from the system; the control board is used to control the terminal to switch between the first contact point and the second contact point.

3. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two ends of the control board are electrically connected to the first input port and the second input port of the shutdown controller, respectively. The first contact point is the first input port of the shutdown controller, and the second contact point is the second input port of the shutdown controller. The terminals are electrically connected to the first output port and the second output port of the shutdown controller, respectively.

4. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply terminal of the control board is electrically connected to the first input port so as to power the control board with the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel.

5. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The switch also includes a third contact point, and when the terminal is closed with the third contact point, the photovoltaic module indicates that it is in a power-off state.

6. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch is a combination of multiple MOSFETs or a three-terminal relay.

7. A smart photovoltaic system, characterized in that, include: Multiple photovoltaic panels, each of which has a first port and a second port; Multiple shutdown controllers, each of the shutdown controllers having a first input port, a first output port, a second input port, and a second output port; Among them, there are at least three consecutive units: a first shutdown controller, a first photovoltaic panel, and a second shutdown controller; The first output port of the first shutdown controller is electrically connected to the first port of the first photovoltaic panel; the second port of the first photovoltaic panel is electrically connected to the first input port of the second shutdown controller. The second output port of the first shutdown controller is equipped with an extension line, and the second output port of the first shutdown controller is connected to the second input port of the second shutdown controller via the extension line; The shutdown controller is configured to connect or isolate a single photovoltaic panel from the system.

8. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shutdown controller is equipped with a control board and a switch; the switch includes a terminal and at least two contact points. When the terminal is closed with the first contact point, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the system; when the terminal is closed with the second contact point, the photovoltaic panel is isolated from the system; the control board is used to control the terminal to switch between the first contact point and the second contact point.

9. The intelligent photovoltaic system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The two ends of the control board are electrically connected to the first input port and the second input port of the shutdown controller, respectively. The first contact point is the first input port of the shutdown controller, and the second contact point is the second input port of the shutdown controller. The terminals are electrically connected to the first output port and the second output port of the shutdown controller, respectively.

10. A photovoltaic device, characterized in that, The system includes a bracket, an inverter, and a smart photovoltaic system as described in claim 1 or 7, wherein a shutdown controller in the smart photovoltaic system is mounted on the bracket, and the DC input terminal of the inverter is electrically connected to the output terminal of the smart photovoltaic system.

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