Solar Grid Current Isolation Between Panel and Inverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power grids lack an effective system to detect abnormalities and prevent further damage when components become non-functional, such as short-circuiting or fire hazards.
Innovation Solution
An abnormality detecting system is installed between solar power modules and power inverters, comprising a circuit protecting unit with a power switch controlled by a processor to prevent electrical current flow when abnormalities are detected, and includes a temperature sensor for hazardous situation detection and a manual kill switch for emergency shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power system protection mechanisms are used in the power distribution module, then power grid stability is improved, but the solar power grid still lacks protection between solar panels and inverters leading to potential short-circuiting and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into multiple independent components: current detectors are placed at specific locations in the circuit to monitor current flow, a control module processes detector signals independently, and a power switch module separately executes protection actions. This segmentation allows targeted protection between solar panels and inverters without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the current detectors and the power switch module. It receives signals from detectors, processes the information, and generates appropriate control signals to activate the power switch for protection. This intermediary structure enables intelligent decision-making for protection actions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an abnormality detecting system with real-time monitoring is implemented, then safety against short-circuiting and fires is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is extracted as a separate, dedicated module between the solar panels and inverters. Rather than integrating protection into existing complex components, the system uses standalone current detectors, a separate control module, and an independent power switch module. This extraction simplifies the overall system architecture by making the protection function modular and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is designed to autonomously detect abnormalities through current detectors and automatically execute protection actions through the power switch module without requiring external intervention. The control module self-manages the entire protection process from detection to execution, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If current detectors and control modules are added to detect and respond to abnormalities, then protection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a signal processor for abnormality detection and as a control unit for activating the power switch. The current detectors are positioned to monitor multiple potential failure points in the circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
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
Prevents adverse effects like short-circuiting and fires by stopping electrical current flow to non-functional components, and facilitates troubleshooting and repair by identifying non-functional parts.
Implementation Method 1
the solar panel modules 11 are configured to convert sunlight into electricity
Implementation Method 2
The power inverter 12 is configured to receive the DC signal from the solar panel modules 11, and to convert the DC signal to a converted power signal in the form of an alternating current (AC) signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system is provided to be disposed between a solar power module (91) and a power inverter (92) . The solar power module (91) outputs a solar power signal to the power inverter (92) . The system includes a circuit protecting unit (2) and a processor (3) . The processor (3) obtains an amount of electrical current outputted by the power inverter (92) and an amount of electrical current flowing through a current detector (23) of the circuit protecting unit (2) . When it is determined that the amount of electrical current outputted by the power inverter (92) is zero and the amount of the electrical current flowing through the current detector (23) is non-zero, the processor (3) controls a power switch (24) of the circuit protecting unit (2) to switch to an open circuit state.