Integrated PV Module Electronics for Safe Emergency Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic systems face challenges in providing a reliable and cost-effective power supply to electronics for activating and deactivating photovoltaic modules, particularly in emergency situations, due to high voltage risks and complex circuit requirements.
Innovation Solution
Integrating electronics within photovoltaic modules that can generate a supply voltage from panel strings, allowing for safe disconnection and reconnection without the need for external boosters or additional cabling, using controllable switches and a polarity reversal protection diode to ensure safe operation and simple circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional lines are connected to an external energy source to supply power to electronics, then the electronics can be reliably powered, but additional cabling costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and control function into a single integrated module. The electronics are powered directly from the photovoltaic module's own output through a integrated power supply circuit, eliminating the need for separate external power lines and reducing cabling complexity while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy, provides power supply to control electronics, and enables emergency disconnection. The same module structure that produces power also contains the power supply circuit for electronics, making the system more compact and less complex.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If module string cables are disconnected to stop current flow in emergency situations, then current flow is stopped, but arcing risks and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controllable switches as intermediary components between the photovoltaic module and the output. These switches can be activated by the integrated electronics to open the circuit and stop current flow without direct cable disconnection, reducing arcing risks. The switches act as a safe mediator for circuit interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module contains integrated electronics that can autonomously detect emergency conditions and activate the controllable switches to disconnect the circuit. The system serves itself by using its own generated power to control its own disconnection, eliminating the need for external communication rings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage drop across bypass diodes is used to supply electronics, then power can be provided during shading, but the voltage is generally too small and requires additional DC/DC booster circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using the main output voltage of the photovoltaic module (under normal operating conditions) to power the electronics, rather than relying on the small voltage drop across bypass diodes. This eliminates the need for DC/DC booster circuits while ensuring sufficient voltage is available even during partial shading conditions.
4Reliability
If the photovoltaic module is short-circuited to ensure safe state, then safety is improved, but the internal voltage supply for electronics is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit into different functional parts: the main power-generating panel strings that can be short-circuited for safety, and a separate powered supply circuit that draws power from the module's output during normal operation. The electronics control the switching between these modes, allowing the safety function and power supply function to operate independently in different states.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a safe and cost-effective power supply for electronics, preventing hazards during emergencies and simplifying the system's structure by maintaining power integrity and avoiding arcing risks, while allowing for centralized control of the photovoltaic system's activation and deactivation.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic systems usually contain a number of photovoltaic modules made up of solar cells which are connected to one another to form so-called panel strings
Implementation Method 2
The first panel string (12) is connected to inputs of the electronics (5) via a polarity reversal protection diode (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system has an integrated electronic device (5) utilized for deactivation of photovoltaic modules, whose power supply voltage (U) is generated by one of the photovoltaic modules (1b). The photovoltaic module comprises electrically bridgeable panel strings (12, 12') that include solar cells. Controllable switches (3, 4, 4 ') are attached to the panel strings. One of the switches (3) is controlled by the electronic device such that series connection of the photovoltaic modules within a module strand is interrupted.