Fire extinguishing device for solar panels

Abstract

To provide a fire extinguishing device used for a solar panel that can be attached to an existing solar panel, being low cost, excellent in power generation efficiency and fire extinguishing efficiency, and being highly safe.SOLUTION: A fire extinguishing device used for a solar panel includes: a substrate 2 that is attached to a solar panel A and has a flow passage through which a refrigerant flows; panel temperature detection means 3 for detecting temperature of the solar panel A; a control unit 5; discharge means 6 for discharging the refrigerant from the flow passage to the solar panel A; and power disconnection means 7 for electrically disconnecting an output line of power generated by the solar panel A. The control unit 5 performs fire occurrence detection for detecting fire occurrence based on temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means 3 to operate the discharge means 6 and the power disconnection means 7 based on the fire occurrence detection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel used for photovoltaic power generation. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there is an increasing demand for solar panels for photovoltaic power generation in order to obtain sustainable energy. Solar panels are installed in locations exposed to sunlight, and their surface temperatures can exceed 70°C during the day in summer.

[0003] If the temperature rises in this way, there is a risk of fire occurring due to deterioration of the solar panel components, etc. In particular, if the solar panels are installed on the roof of a building, there is a risk of a fire accident in which the building also catches fire. In addition, when the temperature of the solar panel rises and significantly exceeds 25°C, the temperature at which power generation is most efficient, the amount of power generated drops significantly, and it is said that the output of the solar panel drops by 0.45% for every 1°C rise from 25°C.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a solar panel device in which a cooling water circulation passage is provided between a solar panel and a mounting plate laminated on the back surface of the solar panel, a fire detection unit is provided on the solar panel, heat accumulated in the solar panel is cooled by water in the water circulation passage, the water is circulated so as to control the temperature at which the solar panel's power generation efficiency is high, the heated water is stored in an EcoCute tank, and when the fire detection unit determines that a fire has occurred based on the detected panel temperature and amount of smoke, the water in the water circulation passage is sprayed onto the surface of the solar panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6895490 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Solar panel devices such as that described in Patent Document 1 can automatically extinguish a fire by spraying water on it in the event of a fire. However, because they continue to generate electricity while absorbing sunlight, there is a risk of people receiving electric shock when water is sprayed to extinguish a fire.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fire extinguishing device for use with solar panels that can be attached to existing solar panels, is low-cost, has good power generation efficiency and fire extinguishing efficiency, and is highly safe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention according to claim 1 comprises a substrate attached to a solar panel used for photovoltaic power generation and having a flow path through which a coolant flows, a panel temperature detection means provided on the back side of the surface opposite to the front side having a light receiving surface of the solar panel and detecting the temperature of the solar panel, a control unit, and a release means for releasing the coolant from the flow path to the back side of the solar panel, the solar panel has a power output section on a rear surface thereof for outputting generated power to an output line; The control unit performs fire detection to detect the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means, and is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel that releases the refrigerant in the flow path from the release means to the back surface of the solar panel based on the fire detection. The invention according to claim 2 is a fire extinguisher for use with a solar panel as described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means. The invention according to claim 3 is as follows: before The panel temperature detection means includes a power output unit temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the surface of the power output unit, and the control unit performs the fire occurrence detection based on the temperature detected by the power output unit temperature detection means.This is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel as described in claim 1 or claim 2. The invention according to claim 4 comprises a substrate attached to a solar panel used for photovoltaic power generation and having a flow path through which a coolant flows, a coolant temperature detection means provided on the back side of the surface opposite to the front side having a light receiving surface of the solar panel and detecting the temperature of the coolant flowing through the flow path, a control unit, and a release means for releasing the coolant from the flow path to the back side of the solar panel, the solar panel has a power output section on a rear surface thereof for outputting generated power to an output line; The control unit performs fire detection to detect the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the refrigerant temperature detection means, and based on the fire detection, the release means releases the refrigerant from the flow path to the back surface of the solar panel.This is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel. The invention according to claim 5 is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel as described in claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the refrigerant temperature detection means. The invention of claim 6 is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel as described in claim 4 or claim 5, which includes an upstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting an upstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing upstream in the flow path, and a downstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting a downstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing downstream in the flow path, and the control unit controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path based on the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature. The invention of claim 7 is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel as described in claim 4 or claim 5, which comprises an upstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting an upstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing upstream in the flow path, and a downstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting a downstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing downstream in the flow path, and the control unit detects a fire based on the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature. The invention of claim 8 is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel described in any one of claims 1 to 7, which is equipped with a power disconnecting means for electrically disconnecting the output line of the electricity generated by the solar panel, and the control unit, based on the detection of a fire, releases the refrigerant in the flow path from the release means to the back surface of the solar panel, and electrically disconnects the output line of the electricity generated by the solar panel using the power disconnecting means. The following may also be considered as another invention. Means 1 is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel, which is attached to a solar panel used for solar power generation and includes a substrate having a flow path through which a refrigerant flows, a panel temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the solar panel, a control unit, a release means for releasing the refrigerant from the flow path to the solar panel, and a power disconnection means for electrically cutting off the output line of the power generated by the solar panel, wherein the control unit performs fire detection to detect the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means, and based on the fire detection, causes the refrigerant in the flow path to be released from the release means to the solar panel, and causes the power disconnection means to electrically cut off the output line of the power generated by the solar panel.

[0009] Means 2 The control unit controls the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means. Means 1 2 is a fire extinguishing device for use with the solar panel described in the above.

[0010] Means 3 The solar panel has a power output unit that outputs generated power to the output line, the panel temperature detection means includes a power output unit temperature detection means that detects a temperature of a surface of the power output unit, and the control unit performs the fire occurrence detection based on the temperature detected by the power output unit temperature detection means. Means 1 or Means 2 2 is a fire extinguishing device for use with the solar panel described in the above.

[0011] Means 4is a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel that is attached to a solar panel used for photovoltaic power generation and comprises a substrate having a flow path through which a refrigerant flows, a refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path, a control unit, and a release means for releasing the refrigerant from the flow path to the solar panel, wherein the control unit performs fire detection to detect the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the refrigerant temperature detection means, and causes the release means to release the refrigerant from the flow path to the solar panel based on the fire detection.

[0012] Means 5 the control unit detects the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the refrigerant temperature detection unit, and causes the discharge unit to discharge the refrigerant from the flow path to the solar panel based on the fire occurrence detection, and causes the power disconnection unit to electrically disconnect the output line of the power generated by the solar panel. Means 4 2 is a fire extinguishing device for use with the solar panel described in the above.

[0013] Means 6 The control unit controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the refrigerant temperature detection means. Means 4 or Means 5 2 is a fire extinguishing device for use with the solar panel described in the above.

[0014] Means 7 the control unit controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path based on the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature. Means 4 ~ Means 6 1. A fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0015] Means 8 The system includes an upstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting an upstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing upstream in the flow path, and a downstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting a downstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing downstream in the flow path, and the control unit performs fire occurrence detection based on the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature. Means 4 ~ Means 6 1. A fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Effect of the Invention

[0016] A fire is detected based on the temperature of the solar panel or the temperature of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant is released from the flow path to the solar panel based on the detection of a fire, so that a fire can be automatically extinguished when it occurs, and serious fire accidents can be prevented.

[0017] Upon detection of a fire, the power output line generated by the solar panel is electrically disconnected by the power disconnecting means, thereby preventing personal injury from electric shock when refrigerant is released from the flow path, thereby providing a high level of safety.

[0018] Since a substrate having a flow path through which a coolant flows is attached to the solar panel, the fire extinguishing device can be easily installed on an existing solar panel.

[0019] When fire detection is not performed, the decrease in power generation efficiency caused by a rise in the temperature of the solar panel can be suppressed by controlling the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means.

[0020] Fire detection based on the upstream and downstream refrigerant temperatures is more accurate than fire detection based on the refrigerant temperature at a single location. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a wiring and piping diagram of the fire extinguishing device provided on the solar panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of a power output section of the solar panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fire extinguishing device used for a solar panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a fire extinguishing process of a solar panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a front view of a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement example 1 of a fire extinguishing device of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of arrangement of the fire extinguishing device of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an arrangement example 3 of the fire extinguishing device of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an arrangement example 4 of the fire extinguishing device of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an arrangement example 5 of the fire extinguishing device of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 shows a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front view of a substrate, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the substrate taken along line XX. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0023] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel in accordance with the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel in accordance with the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a wiring and piping diagram of the fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel in accordance with the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a schematic wiring diagram of the power output portion of a solar panel in accordance with the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a fire extinguishing device used on a solar panel in accordance with the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the fire extinguishing process of a solar panel in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the fire extinguishing device 1 is used in a solar panel A used for solar power generation, and includes a substrate 2, a panel temperature detection means 3, a refrigerant temperature detection means 4, a control unit 5, a release means 6, and a power cutting means 7.

[0026] Solar panel A is roughly rectangular, and has a large number of crystalline silicon semiconductors installed on its surface, which absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. A junction box B, which serves as the power output section, is provided on the back surface of the solar panel A, and the power generated by the solar panel A is sent from the junction box B via an output line C to the outside.

[0027] The substrate 2 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy, and is a plate-like body that is slightly smaller than the solar panel A when viewed from the front. It is attached to the back surface of the solar panel A as shown in Figure 2 using a fastener such as a heat-resistant adhesive tape (not shown). A plurality of solar panels A are often installed side by side on a roof or on the ground, and each of these solar panels A has a substrate 2 attached thereto.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerant flow pipe 20 serving as a flow path for a refrigerant is disposed in a serpentine manner over almost the entire surface of the substrate 2. The coolant used may be a liquid such as an antifreeze liquid, a nonflammable liquid, or water.

[0029] The upstream end of the refrigerant flow pipe 20 is connected to the supply pipe 8 via a flexible pipe 20a and a manual opening and closing cock 80, and the downstream end of the refrigerant flow pipe 20 is connected to the discharge pipe 9 via a flexible pipe 20b and a manual opening and closing cock 90.

[0030] The supply pipe 8 and the discharge pipe 9 are shared by the multiple solar panels A installed, and the base end of the supply pipe 8 and the terminal end of the discharge pipe 9 are connected to a heat exchange tank 10. The manual opening and closing cocks 80, 90 are used to manually close and disconnect the refrigerant flow pipe 20 from the supply pipe 8 and the discharge pipe 9 when replacing the solar panel A. Since they are connected by flexible pipes 20a, 20b, it is easy to adjust the position when connecting them.

[0031] A circulation pump 11 is installed midway along the supply pipe 8 or the discharge pipe 9 . For example, an electric pump is used for the circulation pump 11, and when power is supplied from a power source AC to drive the circulation pump 11, the refrigerant is circulated through the heat exchange tank 10, the supply pipe 8, the refrigerant circulation pipe 20, and the discharge pipe 9 in that order. By changing the output of the circulation pump 11, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path inside the refrigerant circulation pipe 20 can be increased or decreased.

[0032] The refrigerant, whose temperature has been lowered by the heat exchange tank 10, flows from the supply pipe 8 into the refrigerant circulation pipe 20. While passing through the refrigerant circulation pipe 20, heat emitted from the solar panel A is transmitted via the substrate 2, causing the temperature of the refrigerant to rise, and the high-temperature refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant circulation pipe 20 to the discharge pipe 9. The refrigerant then flows from the discharge pipe 9 into the heat exchange tank 10, where its temperature is lowered.

[0033] A branch pipe 60 branches off from the refrigerant flow pipe 20, and the tip of the branch pipe 60 is connected to a fire extinguishing pipe 61. The branch pipe 60 may be made of a flexible material. A switching valve 62 is provided at the branch point of the refrigerant flow pipe 20 and the branch pipe 60. The switching valve 62 is an electromagnetic three-way valve that connects the inlet side and outlet side of the refrigerant flow pipe 20 to the branch pipe 60, respectively, and can switch between flowing the refrigerant that has flowed in from the upstream side of the refrigerant flow pipe 20 to the downstream side of the refrigerant flow pipe 20 or to the branch pipe 60.

[0034] The fire extinguishing pipe 61 is attached along the upper edge of the rear surface of the solar panel A, and a plurality of refrigerant discharge ports 610 are provided at appropriate intervals on the lower surface of the fire extinguishing pipe 61. The branch pipe 60, the fire extinguishing pipe 61 and the switching valve 62 constitute a discharging means 6 that discharges the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow pipe 20 from a refrigerant discharge port 610 toward the rear surface of the solar panel A.

[0035] The solar panel A is provided with a panel temperature detection means 3 for detecting the temperature of the solar panel A. The panel temperature detection means 3 includes a panel body temperature detection means 3a that detects the temperature of the panel body from the temperature of the substrate 2 attached to the back surface of the solar panel A, and a power output section temperature detection means 3b that is provided in the power output section, which is the junction box B, which is the part most likely to ignite, and detects the surface temperature.

[0036] The refrigerant flow pipe 20 is provided with a refrigerant temperature detection means 4 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path. The refrigerant temperature detection means 4 includes upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4a and downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b.

[0037] The upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4a detects the upstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing upstream in the flow path, and the downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b detects the downstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing downstream in the flow path. The upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4a and the downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b are attached to the upstream end and the downstream end of the refrigerant flow pipe 20, respectively.

[0038] An output line C for the electric power generated by the solar panel A is provided with a power disconnecting means 7 for electrically disconnecting this output line C (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). The power disconnecting means 7 is, for example, a circuit breaker such as a wiring breaker, a no-fuse breaker, or a safety breaker.

[0039] The control unit 5 that controls the fire extinguisher 1 includes a panel side control unit 5a and a remote control unit 5b. The panel side controller 5a is installed on each solar panel A (FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the panel side control unit 5a is connected to a panel body temperature detection means 3a, a power output unit temperature detection means 3b, an upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4a, a downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b, a circulation pump 11, a switching valve 62 and a power cutting means 7, which are provided on the solar panel A.

[0041] The multiple panel-side controllers 5a are connected to a remote controller 5b, and the panel-side controllers 5a of each solar panel A are connected to each other. The connection between the panel side control unit 5a and the remote control unit 5b may be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0042] The remote control unit 5b is connected to the circulation pump 11, and is also connected to a user's mobile terminal 12 via an internet line or the like. The mobile terminal 12 may be a smartphone or a tablet, and is capable of monitoring and operating the fire extinguisher 1. The circulation pump 11 is connected to the panel side control unit 5a and the remote control unit 5b, but may be connected to only one of them.

[0043] Since the refrigerant flow pipe 20, the panel temperature detection means 3, the refrigerant temperature detection means 4, the panel side control unit 5a, the release means 6 and most of the power disconnection means 7 are provided on the substrate 2, by attaching the substrate 2 to the solar panel A, it can be easily installed on an existing solar panel A.

[0044] The fire extinguisher 1 operates, for example, according to the flow shown in FIG. In step S1, panel side controller 5a reads temperatures detected by panel body temperature detector 3a, power output unit temperature detector 3b, upstream refrigerant temperature detector 4a, and downstream refrigerant temperature detector 4b.

[0045] In step S2, the panel-side controller 5a obtains the difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature detected by the upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4a and the downstream refrigerant temperature detected by the downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b.

[0046] In step S3, it is determined whether the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. Here, the first predetermined value is the temperature difference at which the power generation efficiency of the solar panel A decreases.

[0047] This temperature difference is larger than the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature when solar panel A is in a normal power generation state, but is smaller than the temperature difference at the time of ignition. This temperature difference is set depending on the length of the refrigerant flow pipe 20, the season, etc.

[0048] If the temperature difference obtained in step S2 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the temperature of solar panel A may be rising, causing a decrease in power generation efficiency, so the process proceeds to step S4, where the rotation speed of the circulation pump 11 is increased to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow pipe 20 to cool the solar panel A, and the process returns to step S1.

[0049] If the temperature difference obtained in step S2 is less than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the panel side controller 5a judges whether the temperature detected by the panel body temperature detection means 3a has reached 75°C.

[0050] When the temperature of the panel body of solar panel A reaches 75°C, the power generation efficiency of the semiconductors installed on the surface decreases, so proceed to step S4 to increase the rotation speed of the circulation pump 11 to cool solar panel A, and then return to step S1.

[0051] In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the circulating pump 11 is set to the same speed from step S3 to step S4 as that from step S5 to step S4, but may be set to different speeds. For example, the rotation speed may be set to be higher from step S5 to step S4.

[0052] If the panel body temperature is less than 75° C. in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0053] In step S6, it is determined whether the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value is a temperature difference that is greater than the first predetermined value and that may cause the solar panel A to ignite, and is set according to the length of the refrigerant flow pipe 20, the season, and the like.

[0054] If the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, a fire occurrence detection is performed in step S7 to detect the occurrence of a fire, and the process proceeds to step S8.

[0055] In step S8, the release means 6 is activated based on the detection of a fire, the switching valve 62 is switched to flow the refrigerant into the branch pipe 60, the refrigerant is released from the fire extinguishing pipe 61 to the solar panel A, and the power disconnection means 7 is activated to disconnect the output line C, and the process is terminated.

[0056] If a fire is detected in even one of the solar panels A, the information is sent from the panel side control unit 5a of that solar panel A via the remote control unit 5b to the panel side control unit 5a of the other solar panels A, and the refrigerant of that other solar panel A is similarly released and the output line C is disconnected.

[0057] In step S6, if the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature is less than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the power output section temperature detection means 3b is 120° C. or higher.

[0058] In step S9, if the temperature detected by the power output section temperature detection means 3b is 120° C. or higher, there is a risk of fire from the junction box B, so the process proceeds to steps S7 and S8 described above. In step S9, if the temperature detected by the power output section temperature detection means 3b is less than 120° C., the process returns to step S1.

[0059] The panel side control unit 5a transmits the detected temperatures of the panel body temperature detection means 3a and the power output unit temperature detection means 3b, the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature, and the fire detection status to the mobile terminal 12 via the remote control unit 5b, and the user can know the status of the solar panel A even in a remote location by looking at the mobile terminal 12. This makes it possible to monitor the data transmitted from each solar panel A, and to detect deterioration, failure, or abnormalities in each solar panel A at an early stage in a power generation facility made up of multiple solar panels A, making inspections easy. This is particularly useful for inspecting large-scale mega solar power plants and power plants in remote locations, where aerial photography and drone infrared inspections are costly and time-consuming. It is also useful for inspecting solar power plants where manual inspection is dangerous, such as in pharmaceutical factories and flammable materials manufacturing plants.

[0060] In addition, the remote control unit 5b may be configured to identify a solar panel A that has a malfunction by comparing the temperature difference between the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature transmitted from each panel side control unit 5a, and notify the user.

[0061] The user can operate the mobile terminal 12 to change the rotation speed of the circulation pump 11 connected to the remote control unit 5b, and activate the release means 6 and power disconnection means 7 via each panel side control unit 5a.

[0062] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that a description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a front view of a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a fire extinguishing device used for a solar panel according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, no power disconnecting means is provided for electrically disconnecting the output line of the power generated by the solar panel.

[0064] When a fire is detected based on the temperatures detected by the panel temperature detection means 3 or the refrigerant temperature detection means 4, the refrigerant is discharged from the discharge means 6 to the solar panel A, but the power output line is not cut. This is adopted appropriately when it is expected that there is little risk of electric shock or when costs, etc. are taken into consideration. The operation of the fire extinguisher 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment, but in step S8, the output line is not electrically disconnected.

[0065] [Example of piping layout] A plurality of solar panels A are arranged in various configurations. The fire extinguisher 1 can be arranged according to the configuration. Arrangement examples (plan views) of the fire extinguisher 1 are shown in Figs. 9 to 13. Each solar panel A is provided with a fire extinguishing device similar to that in the first and second embodiments. In the drawings, only the substrate 2 is shown, with the rest omitted.

[0066] Fig. 9 shows Arrangement Example 1. The solar panels A are arranged in two tiers, upper and lower. In Arrangement Example 1, six panels are arranged horizontally on the upper tier, and eight panels are arranged horizontally on the lower tier. The supply pipe 8 and the discharge pipe 9 are branched and piped between the upper tier and the lower tier. There is only one circulation pump 11, but it may be provided in both the upper tier and the lower tier.

[0067] Fig. 10 shows Arrangement Example 2. Solar panels A are arranged in three vertical rows. In Arrangement Example 2, one panel is arranged in the upper row, three panels are arranged horizontally in the middle row, and five panels are arranged horizontally in the lower row. Supply pipe 8 and exhaust pipe 9 are branched and arranged to extend across the upper, middle, and lower rows. As shown by the dashed lines, a bypass may be provided by piping the end of the lower supply pipe 8 to the end of the middle supply pipe 8. Also, as shown by the dashed lines, a bypass may be provided by piping the end of the lower discharge pipe 9 to the end of the middle discharge pipe 9.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows Arrangement Example 3. Solar panels A are arranged in three vertical rows. In Arrangement Example 2, one panel is arranged in the upper row, three panels are arranged horizontally in the middle row, and five panels are arranged horizontally in the lower row. Supply pipe 8 and exhaust pipe 9 are arranged as a single pipe up to the lower row, branching in three directions, left and right and toward the middle row at the lower row, and the branch toward the middle row is further branched in three directions, left and right and toward the upper row at the middle row.

[0069] Fig. 12 shows Arrangement Example 4. Solar panels A are arranged in six vertical rows. In Arrangement Example 4, four panels are arranged horizontally in each row. Supply pipes 8 branch off from the left side of each row in the horizontal direction, and exhaust pipes 9 branch off from the right side of each row in the horizontal direction, and are piped in opposite directions.

[0070] Fig. 13 shows Arrangement Example 5. Solar panels A are arranged in six vertical rows. In Arrangement Example 5, four panels are arranged horizontally on each row. Supply pipes 8 and exhaust pipes 9 branch off from the bottom of each row and are routed toward the top row.

[0071] Third embodiment Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that a description of the same parts as the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0072] FIG. 14 shows a substrate of a fire extinguishing device provided on a solar panel according to a third embodiment, in which FIG. 14(a) is a front view and FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of a main part along the line XX. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the structure for installing the coolant flow pipes 20 and the like on the substrate.

[0073] In the substrate 2 of the third embodiment, the groove 2a is formed and then the refrigerant flow tube 20 is provided. In this embodiment, the substrate 2 is, for example, an aluminum alloy, and the groove 2a is formed by cutting to match the arrangement shape of the refrigerant flow tube 20. In this embodiment, the thickness of the substrate 2 is about 120 mm, and the depth of the groove 2a is about 9.5 mm, and is formed so that the refrigerant flow tube 20 fits just right, as shown in FIG. 14(b). In order to improve heat exchange efficiency, the shape of the bottom surface of the groove 2a is formed in an arc shape so as to fit along the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant flow tube 20.

[0074] The groove 2a has widened portions formed by partially widening, and includes widened portion 2b1 where the upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4a is provided, widened portion 2b2 where the downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b is provided, and widened portion 2c where the switching valve 62 is provided. In addition, a groove portion 2d where the panel side control portion 5a is provided is provided, but it may not be a groove and may not be embedded.

[0075] [Other Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may also include the following, for example.

[0076] In this embodiment, at least one of the detection of a fire outbreak and the control of the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow path is performed based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means and the temperature detected by the coolant temperature detection means, but this is not limited to this. It may be performed based on either the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means or the temperature detected by the coolant temperature detection means.

[0077] A separate storage tank for storing the refrigerant may be provided to replenish the entire circulation path. If the refrigerant is water, a water pipe may be connected to the supply pipe. In these cases, it is preferable to provide the storage tank with a level gauge so that water can be automatically supplied to the supply pipe when the water level in the storage tank drops due to fire extinguishing water discharge, etc. The heat exchange tank may also have the function of a storage tank. Also, the supply pipe may be connected to a supplementary water suction pipe such as a water supply pipe, so that when the discharging means is activated, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 11 is increased to further increase the discharge amount.

[0078] In this embodiment, the panel side control unit controls the circulation pump and the discharging means and power cutting means of each solar panel, but the remote control unit may directly control the discharging means and power cutting means of each solar panel and also control the circulation pump. Also, any of the control units may control each device. Furthermore, any of the control units may detect temperature. The control unit may be one unit rather than being divided into multiple units.

[0079] In this embodiment, a single circulation pump is provided, but an appropriate number of pumps may be provided for each board of the fire extinguisher or for each group.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the panel body temperature detection means reaches 75°C, it is determined that the power generation efficiency of the solar panel is declining, and the rotation speed of the circulation pump is increased to cool the solar panel. However, the temperature used as the judgment standard may also be changed depending on the type of semiconductor arranged on the surface of the solar panel and the outside air temperature.

[0081] In this embodiment, the refrigerant is discharged from the extinguishing pipe to the back surface of the solar panel A, but this is not limited to the above. The extinguishing pipe may be arranged to discharge onto the front surface of the solar panel A. The extinguishing pipe may also be arranged to be provided on the substrate. In this case, it is preferable that the substrate is sized to reach the vicinity of the upper edge of the back surface of the solar panel A.

[0082] In this embodiment, the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature are detected by the refrigerant temperature detection means, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide one refrigerant temperature detection means to detect the refrigerant temperature and detect the temperature change over time to make a judgment. In addition, a refrigerant temperature detection means may be provided between the upstream refrigerant temperature detection means and the downstream refrigerant temperature detection means so that the refrigerant flow rate control and fire detection are determined based on the refrigerant temperature in that portion.

[0083] In this embodiment, when a fire is detected in even one of the solar panels, the coolant is discharged to all the other solar panels and the output lines are cut off, but this is not limited to the above. It is also possible to discharge the coolant and cut off the output lines only for the solar panel in which a fire has been detected, or only for the solar panels adjacent to the solar panel.

[0084] Each technical matter in any embodiment may be applied to another embodiment to serve as an example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] A. Solar Panel B Junction box C Output Line 1 Fire extinguishing equipment 2. Board 20 Refrigerant flow pipe 20a, 20b Flexible pipe 3. Panel temperature detection means 3a Panel body temperature detection means 3b Power output section temperature detection means 4. Refrigerant temperature detection means 4a Upstream refrigerant temperature detection means 4b Downstream refrigerant temperature detection means 5. Control section 5a Panel side control section 5b Remote control unit 6 Means of release 60 branch pipe 61 Fire pipe 610 Refrigerant discharge port 62 Switching valve 7 Power disconnection means 8 Supply pipe 80 Manual opening and closing cock 9 Discharge pipe 90 Manual opening and closing cock 10 Heat exchange tank 11 Circulation pump 12 Mobile devices

Claims

1. A substrate attached to a solar panel used for photovoltaic power generation and having a flow path through which a coolant flows; a panel temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the solar panel, the panel temperature detection means being provided on a rear surface of the solar panel opposite to a front surface having a light receiving surface; A control unit; and a discharge means for discharging the coolant from the flow path to a rear surface of the solar panel, the solar panel has a power output section on a rear surface thereof for outputting generated power to an output line; The control unit detects the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means, and based on the fire occurrence detection, causes the coolant in the flow path to be discharged from the discharge means to the rear surface of the solar panel. Fire extinguishing device for use with solar panels.

2. 2. The fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the panel temperature detection means.

3. The panel temperature detection means includes a power output unit temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of a surface of the power output unit, 3. The fire extinguisher for use with a solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the fire occurrence detection based on a temperature detected by the power output unit temperature detection means.

4. A substrate attached to a solar panel used for photovoltaic power generation and having a flow path through which a coolant flows; a refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path, the refrigerant temperature detection means being provided on the rear surface of the surface opposite to the surface having the light receiving surface of the solar panel; A control unit; a discharge means for discharging the coolant from the flow path to a rear surface of the solar panel; Equipped with the solar panel has a power output section on a rear surface thereof for outputting generated power to an output line; The control unit detects the occurrence of a fire based on the temperature detected by the refrigerant temperature detection means, and controls the release means to release the refrigerant from the flow path to a rear surface of the solar panel based on the fire occurrence detection. Fire extinguishing device for use with solar panels.

5. 5. The fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow path based on the temperature detected by the coolant temperature detection means.

6. an upstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting an upstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing upstream in the flow path; a downstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting a downstream refrigerant temperature, which is a temperature of the refrigerant flowing downstream in the flow path; 6. The fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit controls a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path based on the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature.

7. an upstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting an upstream refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing upstream in the flow path; a downstream refrigerant temperature detection means for detecting a downstream refrigerant temperature, which is a temperature of the refrigerant flowing downstream in the flow path; 6. The fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel according to claim 4, wherein the control unit detects the occurrence of a fire based on the upstream refrigerant temperature and the downstream refrigerant temperature.

8. a power disconnecting means for electrically disconnecting an output line of the power generated by the solar panel, A fire extinguishing device for use with a solar panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit, based on the detection of a fire, causes the release means to release the refrigerant in the flow path to the back surface of the solar panel, and causes the power disconnecting means to electrically disconnect the output line of the electricity generated by the solar panel.

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