Remote PV Shutdown Control for First Responder Electrocution Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
First responders face electrocution and other hazards when responding to emergencies involving solar PV modules and other charged equipment, as these systems remain energized even in emergency situations, posing risks during firefighting and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control panel and wireless control personality modules that can remotely shut down solar PV systems by locking switches or relays, using transmitters and receivers, allowing for safe operation by first responders and technicians, with visible and audible indicators for status feedback and secure re-energization mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar PV systems remain energized during emergencies, then power supply continuity is maintained, but electrocution hazard to first responders increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary shutdown action by detecting emergency conditions (fire, smoke, heat) and automatically activating disconnect mechanisms before first responders arrive, removing harmful electrical energy in advance to prevent electrocution while maintaining power during normal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary emergency shutdown system that mediates between the solar PV power system and first responders, using sensors, control circuits, and disconnect switches to automatically isolate electrical hazards during emergencies while allowing normal power supply continuity under regular conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rapid shutdown capability is added to solar PV systems, then safety of first responders is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown system is segmented into independent functional modules: fire detection sensors, control circuits, and disconnect switches distributed at various locations within the solar PV system, allowing the safety function to be added without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting emergency conditions through integrated sensors and triggering shutdown sequences without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual shutdown switches are installed in solar PV systems, then safety control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lockout requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time status information about system shutdown state, allowing first responders to verify safety conditions before entry, and enabling automatic reversal of shutdown when normal conditions are restored, simplifying the operational process
4Ease of operation
If wireless control modules are used for remote shutdown, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless control modules are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as remote shutdown interfaces for first responders and as components of the automatic fire detection and shutdown system, reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into single devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A system to interrupt the line or supply side power or charged system of any building, appliance, process, and the like, so as to render the system without charge or current output outside of the junction box/enclosure or equipment load supply connection so that emergency first responders or solar/any technician, authorized personnel in any field, system maintenance crew may avoid electrocution, chemical or machine/appliance hazard in the presence of fire, explosion, structural failure/compromise, moisture, flammables, caustics, hazmat, water stream, mist, fogging, physical damage or servicing of the system. The system can be engaged for any anticipated disaster such as fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, and the like.