Solar Power Network Shut-off Unit with Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar power generation network shut-off systems require multiple circuit breakers for each module, leading to increased installation time and cost, as well as safety concerns during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A solar power generation network shut-off unit with a first circuit breaker and multiple second circuit breakers, where the first circuit breaker shuts off power to the power conditioner and transmits an emergency signal, and the second circuit breakers, located upstream of the first circuit breaker, shut off power to the solar modules and transmit completion signals, using wired or wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one circuit breaker is provided for each solar power generation module, then safety is ensured during emergencies, but installation time increases and installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple circuit breaker functions into a single network shut-off unit that can control multiple solar power generation modules. The unit includes a first circuit breaker for main disconnection and multiple second circuit breakers for individual module groups, all integrated into one device. This consolidation maintains safety by ensuring all modules can be disconnected simultaneously while reducing installation time and cost compared to installing separate circuit breakers for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network shut-off unit performs multiple functions: it acts as a main disconnect switch, provides individual module group disconnection, transmits emergency shut-off signals, and confirms complete shut-off status. By integrating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate circuit breakers while maintaining comprehensive safety control across all solar modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If one circuit breaker is provided for each solar power generation module, then safety is ensured during emergencies, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple circuit breaker functions into a single network shut-off unit that can control multiple solar power generation modules. The unit includes a first circuit breaker for main disconnection and multiple second circuit breakers for individual module groups, all integrated into one device. This consolidation maintains safety by ensuring all modules can be disconnected simultaneously while reducing installation time and cost compared to installing separate circuit breakers for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network shut-off unit performs multiple functions: it acts as a main disconnect switch, provides individual module group disconnection, transmits emergency shut-off signals, and confirms complete shut-off status. By integrating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate circuit breakers while maintaining comprehensive safety control across all solar modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the first circuit breaker shuts off power to the power conditioner, then power supply is interrupted, but confirmation of complete shut-off at second circuit breakers is required for safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply interruption speedVSAvoidshut-off confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where second circuit breakers transmit shut-off completion signals back to the first circuit breaker. This feedback loop ensures that the first circuit breaker can confirm all downstream circuit breakers have successfully disconnected before considering the emergency shut-off complete. The feedback system maintains rapid power interruption while verifying complete disconnection across all modules for enhanced safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The first circuit breaker performs preliminary disconnection of power to the power conditioner immediately upon receiving an emergency shut-off signal, interrupting the main power flow. Subsequently, second circuit breakers execute their disconnection actions and report completion status. This preliminary action ensures rapid initial power cutoff while subsequent confirmation steps verify complete system shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration reduces installation costs and enhances safety by ensuring high-voltage power is disconnected during emergencies, even if second circuit breakers are fused, and allows for confirmation of complete shut-off before allowing workers to proceed.

Implementation Method 1

DC voltage is generated by photoelectric conversion in a solar power generation module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11689016B2Solar power generation network shut-off unit and a solar power generation network shut-off system provided with same
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 OMRON CORP
  • US11689016B2 patent drawing
  • US11689016B2 patent drawing
  • US11689016B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solar power generation network shut-off unit includes a first circuit breaker and second circuit breakers. The first circuit breaker is provided to a power line connecting a plurality of solar power generation modules and a power conditioner in series, and shut-off the supply of power from the solar power generation modules through the power line and transmits an emergency shut-off signal when an emergency shut-off button is pressed. The second circuit breakers are provided to each of a plurality of solar power generation modules, and shut-off the supply of power from the plurality of solar power generation modules through the power line and transmit a shut-off completion signal to the first circuit breaker when an emergency shut-off signal is received from the first circuit breaker.