Safety device for photovoltaic power generation, connector for photovoltaic power generation, terminal box for photovoltaic power generation, and photovoltaic power generation system

The safety device disconnects power from solar panels to cables during disasters, addressing secondary risks and facilitating safer recovery by ensuring power remains off until manual reset, enhancing system safety and promoting widespread adoption.

JP2025178021APending Publication Date: 2025-12-05株式会社常陸
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024093337
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-22
Publication Date
2025-12-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Solar power generation systems face risks of secondary disasters such as fires and electric shocks due to undamaged panels continuing to generate electricity after damage or disaster, which current safety measures fail to adequately address, especially during firefighting efforts.

Method used

A safety device with a sensor unit, locking mechanism, and manual reset system that disconnects power supply from solar panels to cables in the event of a disaster, ensuring mechanical locks maintain disconnection even during aftershocks, and allows manual reset after confirmation of safety.

Benefits of technology

Significantly reduces the risk of secondary disasters by preventing power supply to undamaged panels, enabling safer firefighting and quicker recovery by ensuring power remains disconnected until manual reset, thus enhancing system safety and promoting widespread adoption.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025178021000001_ABST
    Figure 2025178021000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a safety device for photovoltaic power generation, a connector for photovoltaic power generation, a terminal box for photovoltaic power generation, and a photovoltaic power generation system to cut off a power supply generated by the photovoltaic power generation panels to photovoltaic power generation cables in the event of a disaster.SOLUTION: A photovoltaic power generation system 1 includes: a photovoltaic power generation module 10; a terminal box 20 for photovoltaic power generation; a safety device 30 for photovoltaic power generation; a power conditioner 50; a storage battery 51; a commercial power switching unit 52; a sensor unit 60; and a reset signal unit 70. The safety device 30 includes an input unit 31, an output unit 32, a sensor receiving unit 33, a reset receiving unit 34 that receives, an open / close unit 40, and a lock unit 45. When an abnormal signal is received by the sensor receiving unit 33, the electrical connection between the input unit 31 and the output unit 32 is disconnected, the disconnection is maintained by the lock unit 45, and the electrical connection is restored by the reset signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety device for solar power generation, a connector for solar power generation, a terminal box for solar power generation, and a solar power generation system, which are provided in a solar power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Solar power generation is a widely known method of generating electricity using natural energy, and has been installed at a rapid pace in recent years. It is known that there is a potential risk of electric shock and other dangers when solar panels are used in the event of a disaster (Patent Document 1), and it is known that fire detection devices are provided to prevent the spread of fire (Patent Document 2), and that solar power generation panels are separated from each other to prevent electric shock and other dangers in the event of a fire or water discharge (Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-503846 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-184355 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3189106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Solar power generation utilizes sunlight to generate electricity using arrays of multiple panels or modules that integrate multiple panels, arranged horizontally and vertically. However, even if panels are destroyed or damaged by external impact, some panels stop functioning due to poor maintenance, or some panels are damaged or flooded due to an earthquake, the undamaged panels continue to generate electricity when exposed to sunlight during the day. This can result in the risk of fire or electric shock, which takes time to extinguish. For example, the Noto Peninsula earthquake caused damage and collapse of solar power generation facilities, and similar incidents occurred in ordinary private homes, leading to warnings of the risk of fire. Furthermore, when fires break out, it takes several hours to extinguish them due to the need to prevent electric shock from water spraying (for example, at a mega solar power plant in Sendai City on April 15, 2024).

[0005] Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose a method of installing a switch between the panel and the power conditioner and electrically disconnecting the power with the switch in response to a signal indicating a fire or the like, but the wired cables cannot be completely disconnected. Undamaged panels generate electricity when exposed to sunlight, and various devices are electrically disconnected, but it is known that current flows through the wired solar power generation cables, posing a risk of electric shock, especially during firefighting efforts. As solar power generation becomes more widespread in the future, there will be a demand, as much as possible, for solar power generation systems that prevent secondary disasters.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a solar power generation safety device, a solar power generation connector, a solar power generation terminal box, and a solar power generation system that cut off the supply of electricity generated by a solar power generation panel to a solar power generation cable in the event of a disaster. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] a sensor receiving unit that receives a plurality of abnormality signals; a reset receiving unit that receives a reset signal; and a locking unit that locks the opening and closing unit in an open state, wherein the input unit receives power generated by a solar power generation panel or a solar power generation module, and the output unit supplies power to a solar power generation cable; when the sensor receiving unit receives any one of the abnormality signals, the opening and closing unit opens to electrically disconnect the input unit and the output unit, and the locking unit locks in the open state; and when the reset receiving unit receives a reset signal, the locking unit unlocks and the opening and closing unit closes to electrically connect the input unit and the output unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Electricity generated by solar panels or modules is supplied to solar power cables via a safety device, which can shut off the power supply in the event of a disaster. Even if some panels in a solar panel or module are damaged in a disaster, the remaining panels continue to generate electricity, leading to secondary disasters such as fires and electric shocks. However, the safety device shuts off the power supply, significantly reducing the risk of secondary disasters. The locking mechanism ensures that the input and output sections remain disconnected, even in the event of aftershocks or other seismic events, or signal inputs. Furthermore, the ability to spray water in a rod-like fashion and get close to the fire site significantly reduces the time required to extinguish a fire, limits the spread of damage, and expedites post-disaster recovery efforts, providing significant industrial benefits.

[0009] Other aspects and effects will be described below in order.

[0010] (2) The locking portion is provided on the opening / closing portion and mechanically locks the solar power generation safety device in the open state, thereby making the lock more reliable and stronger.

[0011] (3) The opening / closing unit has a fixed contact, a movable contact, a coil, and a movable iron piece, and the locking unit has a latch unit and an auxiliary coil, and when the sensor receiving unit receives any one of the abnormal signals, the movable iron piece moves to separate the contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact, and the latch unit locks the rotation of the movable iron piece, and the lock is released only when the reset receiving unit receives a reset signal. As a result, even if a signal other than a reset signal is input, the armature will not rotate and will remain locked. Even if the power supply to the coil is cut off and the armature tries to return to its normal position, the lock will prevent the armature from moving and the fixed contact and the moving contact will not come into contact. The lock ensures double and triple safety.

[0012] (4) The reset signal is a safety device for solar power generation that can only be sent manually. This allows for the safest recovery by manually sending the reset signal after confirming that all recovery has been completed.

[0013] (5) A solar power generation connector comprising the solar power generation safety device, a first connector, and a second connector, wherein the first connector is electrically connected to the input section, the second connector is electrically connected to the output section, the first connector is electrically connected directly to a terminal box attached to the back of a solar power generation panel or a solar power generation module, and the second connector is electrically connected directly to the solar power generation cable. This means that a safety device is integrated into the solar power generation connector, so that even if solar panels or modules generate electricity after a disaster, power will not be supplied from the solar power generation connector, improving safety in the event of secondary disasters and firefighting activities.

[0014] (6) A solar power generation terminal box comprising the solar power generation safety device, an output cable that outputs current from a solar power generation panel or a solar power generation module, and a box connector, wherein the output cable is electrically connected to the input section, and the box connector is electrically connected to the output section. This allows the safety device to be integrated into the solar power generation terminal box, reducing installation work. After a disaster, even if the solar power generation panels or modules generate power, power will not be supplied from the solar power generation connector box, improving safety in the event of secondary disasters or firefighting activities.

[0015] (7) A solar power generation system comprising a solar power generation panel, a solar power generation module, a sensor unit having a plurality of sensors, a reset signal unit, a power conditioner, and the solar power generation connector or the solar power generation terminal box described above, wherein the power conditioner is electrically connected to the solar power generation connector or the solar power generation terminal box. This will significantly reduce secondary damage caused by solar power generation after a disaster, improve the safety of solar power generation, and promote its widespread use. This will increase the contribution to industrial development.

[0016] (8) A solar power generation system in which the sensor unit is equipped with a fire sensor, a ground fault sensor, and an earthquake sensor, and the opening / closing unit opens when an abnormal signal is detected from any one of the sensors. This covers all abnormal signals during a disaster, further increasing the safety of solar power generation.

[0017] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a solar power generation system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a detailed configuration diagram illustrating the relationship between the solar power generation safety device according to the present invention and the solar power generation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the solar power generation safety device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a locking section of a safety device according to the present invention, in which (a) shows the state when the solar power generation system is installed and in normal operation, and (b) shows the state when a disaster occurs and before recovery. [Figure 5]FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second embodiment of a solar power generation system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a detailed configuration diagram illustrating the relationship between the solar power generation safety device according to the present invention and the solar power generation system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of the safety device for solar power generation shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10 is another embodiment of a solar power generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a solar power generation safety device and a solar power generation system including the solar power generation safety device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a solar power generation system according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram illustrating the relationship between the solar power generation safety device according to the present invention and the solar power generation system in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the solar power generation safety device in Fig. 2. The solar power generation safety device and the solar power generation system of the present invention will be described in detail based on the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0021] The solar power generation system 1 of this embodiment includes a solar power generation module 10, a solar power generation terminal box (hereinafter referred to as terminal box) 20 installed on the back of the solar power generation module 10, a solar power generation safety device (hereinafter referred to as safety device) 30, a power conditioner 50 that converts power from the solar power generation module 10 into AC, a storage battery 51, a commercial power switching unit 52, a sensor unit 60, and a reset signal unit 70, and a battery 80 is provided in relation to the safety device 30. Furthermore, a solar power generation cable 100 and a solar power generation control cable 101 are provided.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the safety device 30 is provided in the connector 2, and in the second embodiment, the safety device 30 is provided in the terminal box 20.

[0023] A photovoltaic power generation module 10 is formed by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic power generation panels 11 vertically and horizontally and bundling and integrating wires protruding from each panel 11. The photovoltaic power generation modules 10 are arranged vertically and horizontally to complete a photovoltaic power generation array 12, which generates a predetermined amount of power required for solar power generation. In this embodiment, the terminal box 20 is provided on the back surface of the photovoltaic power generation module 10, but the terminal box 20 may also be provided on the photovoltaic power generation panel 11.

[0024] The terminal box 20 is installed on the rear surface of the solar panel 11 opposite to the surface that receives sunlight, and serves to supply the power generated by the solar panel 11 to the outside.

[0025] The safety device 30 includes an input unit 31, an output unit 32, a sensor receiving unit 33 that receives a signal from the sensor unit 60, a reset receiving unit 34 that receives a signal from the reset signal unit 70, an opening / closing unit 40, and a locking unit 45 that locks the opening / closing unit 40 in the open state (OFF state in which the circuit is interrupted). In this embodiment, the locking unit 45 is provided inside the opening / closing unit 40.

[0026] The input unit 31 receives the power generated by the solar power generation panel 11 or the solar power generation module 10, and the output unit 32 supplies the power to the solar power generation cable 100. That is, the generated power is supplied to the solar power generation cable 100 via the safety device 30.

[0027] The safety device 30 is basically placed in a housing that is isolated from the outside, and the input unit 31 and the output unit 32 are in the form of connectors, and for example, the input unit 31 is electrically connected to the connector of the solar power generation panel 11 or the solar power generation module 10, and the output unit 32 is electrically connected to the connector of the solar power generation cable. In other words, only the input unit 31 and the output unit 32 are exposed and waterproofed to be connected to the outside, but the other components of the safety device 30 are electrically and structurally isolated from the outside.

[0028] The power conditioner 50, the storage battery 51, and the commercial power switching unit 52 are common devices in the photovoltaic power generation system 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] Basically, the power conditioner 50, storage battery 51, and commercial power switching unit 52 are wired together with a solar power generation cable 100, and the sensor unit 60, reset signal unit 70, and battery 80 are wired together with a control cable 101. The solar power generation control cable 101 may be wired together with the solar power generation cable 100, or may be electrically connected to the safety device 30 separately from the output unit 32.

[0030] In the sensor unit 60 of this embodiment, a fire sensor 61, a ground fault sensor 62, and an earthquake sensor 63 are arranged. The fire sensor 61 is a fire alarm that detects a fire in the solar power generation system 1 and generates a fire signal. The ground fault sensor 62 is a ground fault circuit interrupter that detects a ground fault in the solar power generation system 1 and generates a ground fault signal. The earthquake sensor 63 is a seismoscope that detects an earthquake and generates an earthquake signal. In this embodiment, the fire signal, ground fault signal, and earthquake signal are collectively referred to as abnormality signals. Although three sensors have been described in the sensor unit 60, two sensors may be used, or other sensors may be included. Note that the relative positions of the sensors 61, 62, and 63 are not precise and are merely arranged to make the explanation easier to understand.

[0031] The safety device 30 of this embodiment is exemplified by a mechanical switch, and FIG. 2 shows the device in a normal state. The opening / closing unit 40 includes multiple fixed contacts 41, multiple movable contacts 42, a coil 43, and a locking unit 45. One fixed contact 41a and one movable contact 42a electrically connect the input unit 31 and the output unit 32, and the other fixed contact 41b and the other movable contact 42b operate in accordance with the movement of the one fixed contact 41a and the one movable contact 42a. The coil 43 moves the movable contact 42 using power from a battery 80. The locking unit 45 maintains the fixed contact 41 and the movable contact 42 separated from each other when an abnormality signal is received. In this embodiment, the movement of the movable contact 42 is locked by mechanical action.

[0032] When the sensor receiving unit 33 receives an abnormality signal, it sends a signal to the coil 43. Based on the sent signal, the movable contact 42 moves and is separated from the fixed contact 41, thereby opening the opening / closing unit 40 and cutting off electrical continuity between the input unit 31 and the output unit 32.

[0033] At the same time, the locking unit 45 operates to lock the movement of the movable contact 42. The locking unit 45 permanently prevents the movement of the movable contact 42 unless a reset signal is received. The locking is maintained even in the event of strong vibrations due to an earthquake or vibrations while the photovoltaic power generation module 100 is being moved during cleanup after a disaster. The locking is particularly reliable when it is mechanical.

[0034] The reset receiving unit 34 receives a reset signal from the reset signal unit 70. The received signal is sent to the coil 43 and auxiliary coil 47, which move the coil 43 and auxiliary coil 47, driving the locking unit 45 to unlock the movable contact 42 and restore electrical continuity between the input unit 31 and the output unit 32. The locking unit 45 remains locked unless a reset signal is sent.

[0035] The reset signal unit 70 sends a reset signal, and it is most desirable that the reset signal unit 70 be operated manually. It can also be done by communication, but there is a risk of malfunction. After a disaster, once all the devices in the solar power generation system 1 have been installed and safety has been confirmed manually, it is safest for a person to send the reset signal last.

[0036] The battery 80 is a power source for the coil 43 of the opening / closing unit 40, and outputs, for example, 12 VDC. The battery 80 is charged by power supplied from the storage battery 51.

[0037] An example of the locking portion 45 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0038] The opening / closing unit 40 includes a fixed contact 41, a movable contact 42, a coil 43, a movable iron piece 44 that rotates due to the magnetic force of the coil 43, and a locking unit 45. The locking unit 45 has a latching unit 46 that latches the tip of the movable iron piece 44, and an auxiliary coil 47 that rotates the latching unit 46.

[0039] A pressing portion 44a that presses the movable contact 42 is fixed to the lower portion of the movable iron piece 44, and a spring 44b is provided. The movable iron piece 44 rotates around a fulcrum 44c due to the magnetic force of the coil 43 and the expansion and contraction action of the spring 44b.

[0040] The latch portion 46 has a hook portion 46a extending downward, and rotates about a fulcrum 46c due to the magnetic force of the auxiliary coil 47 and the expansion and contraction action of the spring 46b. The auxiliary coil 47 exerts a magnetic force upon receiving a reset signal.

[0041] In the initial state when the safety device 30 is attached, the movable iron piece 44 is pulled by the spring 44b, and the movable iron piece 44 rotates around the fulcrum portion 44c, separating the tip of the coil 43 from the side of the movable iron piece 44. At the same time, the tip of the pressing portion 44a separates from the movable contact 42, and the fixed contact 41 and the movable contact 42 come into contact so that the input portion 31 and the output portion 32 are electrically connected (see Figure 4(a)).

[0042] When an abnormality signal is received, the magnetic force of the coil 43 attracts the movable iron piece 44 to the coil 43, and the tip of the pressing portion 44a presses the side of the movable contact 42, causing the movable contact 42 to rotate around the fulcrum 42d, disengaging the electrical connection between the movable contact 42 and the fixed contact 41, and the opening / closing unit 40 enters the open state. The tip of the movable iron piece 44 also climbs over the hook portion 46a of the latch portion 46, and the side of the hook portion 46a comes into contact with the side of the tip of the movable iron piece 44, locking the rotation of the movable iron piece 44. This locks the movement of the movable contact 42. The pressing force of the spring 46b prevents the latch portion 46 from rotating (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0043] In this locked state, the movable iron arm 44 is completely prevented from rotating, and no matter what signal is input to the safety device 30, the movable iron arm 44 will not rotate unless a reset signal is input. Furthermore, the movable iron arm 44 will not rotate even if vibrations caused by aftershocks or the like are applied. Furthermore, even if the battery 80 stops functioning in a disaster, the movable iron arm 44 remains locked, so the input section 31 and output section 32 will remain open. The safety device 30 ensures double and triple safety.

[0044] When a reset signal is received, the magnetic force of the auxiliary coil 47 causes the latch portion 46 to rotate around the fulcrum 46c, and the hook portion 46a rotates in a direction that unlocks the movable iron piece 44. At the same time, the magnetic force of the coil 43 is released, and the movable iron piece 44 rotates around the fulcrum 44c as pulled by the spring 44b, causing the tip of the pressing portion 44a to release the pressure on the movable contact 42, and the movable contact 42 and the fixed contact 41 come into contact and become electrically conductive.

[0045] Although a mechanical locking unit 45 has been described, a structure that prevents contact between the fixed contact 41 and the movable contact 42 may also be used. For example, an insulator may be inserted between the fixed contact 41 and the movable contact 42 in the event of a disaster, and after recovery, the insulator may be moved to bring the two contacts into contact. The locking unit 45 is a locking means that maintains the normal switching unit 40 in a closed state and locks the emergency switching unit 40 in an open state.

[0046] Although the mechanical safety device 30 has been described above, it may be formed from a semiconductor.

[0047] In this embodiment, the sensor receiving unit 33 and the reset receiving unit 34 are shown as wires, but they may be configured to be processed by software.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the above-mentioned safety device 30 is provided in a solar power generation connector (hereinafter referred to as connector) 2. That is, the connector 2 is an integrated connector with the safety device 30. The connector 2 includes a first connector 3 and a second connector 4. The first connector 3 is electrically connected to an input unit 31, and the second connector 4 is electrically connected to an output unit 32. It is desirable that the input unit 31 and the first connector 3, and the output unit 32 and the second connector 4 are integrated.

[0049] The first connector 3 of the connector 2 is electrically connected directly to the terminal box 20. In other words, the safety device 30 is electrically connected directly to the terminal box 20. The terminal box 20 is provided with a connector (not shown), and the connection to the terminal box 20 is completed by inserting the first connector 3 into this connector. The second connector 4 is electrically connected to the solar power generation cable 100. Specifically, the second connector 4 is connected to a connector provided at the end of the solar power generation cable 100. Generally, the terminal box 20 and the solar power generation cable 100 are connected, but in this embodiment, the solar power generation cable 100 is electrically connected to the terminal box 20 via the connector 2. In other words, the solar power generation cable 100 is electrically connected to the solar power generation module 10 via the safety device 30, and receives power generated by the solar power generation panel 11 directly from the safety device 30.

[0050] The connector 2 is formed of a housing, and a safety device 30 is disposed inside the housing. Only the first connector 3 and the second connector 4 are exposed to the outside, and the safety device 30 is electrically and structurally isolated from the outside. The solar power generation cable 100 may be wired together with the solar power generation control cable 101, or multiple terminals may be disposed on the side of the connector 2 and the terminals may be electrically connected to the solar power generation control cable 101.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second embodiment of a solar power generation system according to the present invention. Fig. 6 is a detailed configuration diagram illustrating the relationship between the solar power generation safety device according to the present invention and the solar power generation system in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a simplified block diagram of the solar power generation safety device in Fig. 6. The second embodiment will be described based on Figs. 5 to 7.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the safety device 30 of this embodiment is disposed in a solar power generation terminal box 20. That is, the terminal box 20 is integrated with the safety device 30.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the safety device 30 is provided in a solar power generation terminal box 20. The terminal box 20 is provided with a box connector 21 and an output cable 22 that transmits output from the solar power generation panel 11 or the solar power generation module 10 to the outside. The output cable 22 is electrically connected to an input unit 31, and the box connector 21 is electrically connected to an output unit 32. The box connector 21 is also electrically connected to a solar power generation cable 100. In other words, power from the output cable 22 is supplied to the safety device 30, and the solar power generation cable 100 directly receives power from the solar power generation panel 11 or the solar power generation module 10 via the safety device 30. It is desirable that the input unit 31 and the output cable 22, and the output unit 32 and the box connector 21 are integrated together.

[0054] The terminal box 20 is formed of a housing, and the safety device 30 is arranged inside the housing. Only the box connector 21 is exposed to the outside, and the safety device 30 is electrically and structurally isolated from the outside. The solar power generation cable 100 and the solar power generation control cable 101 may be wired together, or multiple terminals may be arranged inside or on the side of the terminal box 20, and the terminals and the solar power generation control cable 101 may be electrically connected.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the photovoltaic power generation cable 1, in which a backflow prevention unit 102 consisting of a diode or the like is incorporated into the control cable 101. FIG. 1 is used as a representative example. The backflow prevention unit 102 prevents backflow within the control cable 101. Furthermore, fires have occurred due to reverse connection of output wiring by installers during wiring work associated with disaster recovery (Example of a fire accident at a photovoltaic power generation facility: Source: Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), but this can be prevented by the backflow prevention unit 102 of this embodiment. The same applies to a case in which the safety device 30 is integrated into the terminal box 20.

[0056] The safety device 30 of this embodiment has a waterproof structure, and is preferably completely waterproof. For example, O-rings may be placed on the connectors 31 and 32, or the inside of the housing may be waterproofed (e.g., molded). The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications hopes that waterproofing will be improved in the event of an accident involving a terminal box.

[0057] <Operation of this embodiment> In the event of a disaster (destruction by falling objects, improper maintenance, lightning strike, typhoon, flooding, fire, earthquake, etc.), the sensor unit 60 emits an abnormal signal (a leakage signal, a fire signal, an earthquake signal, etc.). The sensor receiving unit 33 receives the abnormal signal and the opening / closing unit 40 cuts off electrical continuity (opens). At the same time, the locking unit 45 is driven to maintain the open state. The sensor unit 60 may send a signal when it recovers, or an abnormal signal may be sent due to an aftershock, but the locking unit 45 locks the opening / closing unit 30 so that it will not open. The locking state is also maintained even during aftershocks. Power is never supplied to the outside of the safety device 30 or to the solar power cable 100 via the safety device 30. After a disaster, when all devices have been restored, the reset signal unit 70 can be manually operated to send a reset signal to the reset receiving unit 34, causing the opening / closing unit 30 to close, and power is supplied from the solar power array 12 to the solar power cable 100, restoring the normal state.

[0058] <Current Issues> (1) There have been frequent incidents of solar power plant fires that require time-consuming firefighting efforts (e.g., Hayashi Energy Systems in Oguchi-Ota, Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture, March 27, 2024; 20 hours required to extinguish the fire; Nishisendai Golf Course Mega Solar Power Plant in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, April 13, 2024; 22 hours required to extinguish the fire, etc.). (2) The Fire and Disaster Management Agency's Fire Research Center's "Photovoltaic Power Generation System Fires and Safety Measures for Firefighting Activities," published in March 2014, states, "When spraying water at live electrical equipment, etc., an electrical connection is made between the live electrical equipment and the fire hose, and current flows through the hose nozzle (hereinafter referred to as the nozzle). Some of the current flowing through the nozzle flows to the firefighter holding the hose, causing an electric shock. ...When spraying water in a rod-like manner onto a live 600V DC line, the distance is 6 to 10 meters" (p. 119). Problems arise such as being unable to get close to the fire site, or when it is not possible to spray water in a rod-like form, spraying water in droplets or mist form takes time to extinguish the fire.

[0059] The above-mentioned problems can be solved as much as possible by the solar power generation safety device 30, the solar power generation connector 2, the solar power generation terminal box 20, and the solar power generation system 1 of the present invention. This improves the safety of solar power generation and promotes its widespread adoption, benefiting the industry. Even if the solar power generation panel 11 or solar power generation module 10 generates power after a disaster, the safety device 30 prevents power from being supplied to the outside (solar power generation cable 100) and reliably cuts off the flow of current, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock. In particular, during firefighting activities, water can be sprayed in a rod-like manner, allowing for closer access to the fire site and quicker fire extinguishing. It also makes it easy to remove flooded solar power generation modules 10, and the lack of current allows for safe repair of the solar power generation cable 100. After all equipment has been fully restored, a final reset signal is sent to close the safety device 30, allowing the solar power generation system 1 to resume operation.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Solar power generation system 2. Solar power generation connector 3 First Connector 4 Second Connector 10. Photovoltaic modules 20. Solar power generation terminal box 21 Box Connector 22 Output cable 30 Safety devices for solar power generation 31 Input section 32 Output section 33 Sensor receiver 34 Reset receiver 40 Opening and Closing Section 45 Rock Club 60 Sensor section 70 Reset signal section 80 Battery 100 Solar Power Cable

Claims

1. an input unit; an output unit; a switching unit that electrically switches between the input unit and the output unit; a sensor receiving unit that receives a plurality of abnormality signals; a reset receiving unit that receives a reset signal; a locking unit that locks the opening / closing unit in an open state, the input unit receives power generated by a solar power generation panel or a solar power generation module, The output unit supplies power to a photovoltaic power generation cable; When the sensor receiving unit receives any one of the abnormal signals, the opening / closing unit is opened to electrically disconnect the input unit and the output unit, and the locking unit is locked in the open state; When the reset receiving unit receives a reset signal, the lock unit is unlocked and the opening / closing unit is closed so that the input unit and the output unit are electrically connected. Safety device for solar power generation.

2. The locking portion is provided on the opening / closing portion and mechanically locks the opening / closing portion in the open state.

2. A safety device for solar power generation according to claim 1.

3. The opening / closing unit has a fixed contact, a movable contact, a coil, and a movable iron piece, the locking portion has a latch portion and an auxiliary coil, When the sensor receiving unit receives any one of the abnormal signals, the movable iron piece moves to separate the fixed contact from the movable contact, The latch portion locks the rotation of the movable iron side, The lock is released only when the reset receiving unit receives a reset signal. The safety device for solar power generation according to claim 2.

4. The reset signal is sent only manually. The safety device for photovoltaic power generation according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The solar power generation safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A first connector; a second connector, the first connector and the input unit are electrically connected; the second connector and the output section are electrically connected, the first connector is electrically connected directly to a terminal box attached to a rear surface of the solar power generation panel or the solar power generation module; The second connector is electrically connected directly to the photovoltaic power generation cable. Solar power generation connector.

6. The solar power generation safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an output cable for outputting current from the solar power generation panel or the solar power generation module; a box connector; the output cable is electrically connected to the input section; The box connector is electrically connected to the output section. Terminal box for solar power generation.

7. Solar panels and a solar power generation module; a sensor unit having a plurality of sensors; A reset signal unit; A power conditioner and The solar power generation connector according to claim 5 or the solar power generation terminal box according to claim 6, The power conditioner is electrically connected to the solar power generation connector or the solar power generation terminal box. Solar power generation system.

8. The sensor unit includes a fire sensor, a ground fault sensor, and an earthquake sensor. The opening and closing unit is opened when an abnormal signal is output from any one of the sensors. The solar power generation system according to claim 7.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Protecting device for photovoltaic power generation

    JP2001298851A

  • Solar power generation apparatus and connection controller

    JP2006216660A

  • Devices and methods for reducing safety risks associated with solar power generation systems

    JP2011503846A

  • Solar power generation system and temperature abnormality detection method of solar panel

    JP2017184355A

  • Solar power generation system

    JP3189106U