Solar Panel Wireline Disconnect for Rapid Shutdown Reactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panel systems pose safety risks due to the potential for electric shock and energy hazards, particularly for emergency personnel, as existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms for rapid shutdown and controlled reactivation of electrical connectivity to the power grid.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system incorporating an inverter, solar panels, electrical wiring, and a transmitter that uses a multibit wireline messaging protocol to selectively connect or disconnect electrical power, employing Keep-Alive signals for continuous communication and safety actuation, ensuring timely shutdown and reactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panel systems are installed to generate electrical power, then energy production and cost-effectiveness are improved, but safety hazards such as electric shock and energy risks for emergency personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring system state and pre-positioning disconnect mechanisms ready to activate. When emergency personnel approach or abnormal conditions are detected, the system proactively disconnects the solar panels from the grid before personnel can be exposed to hazards, rather than waiting for actual contact or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that mediates between the solar panel array and the power grid. This intermediary includes intelligent disconnect switches and monitoring devices that act as a buffer, allowing the system to control power flow and isolate hazards without requiring direct manual intervention from personnel working near the panels.
2Loss of time
If rapid shutdown mechanisms are implemented to improve safety, then response time to emergencies is reduced, but system complexity and device components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The monitoring system, communication interface, and disconnect control are combined into unified control units that can detect emergencies and execute shutdown sequences without requiring separate independent systems. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic monitoring and self-actuating disconnect mechanisms. Sensors continuously monitor voltage, current, and environmental conditions, and the control system automatically triggers shutdown without human intervention. This eliminates the need for complex manual override mechanisms and reduces the complexity of safety systems while ensuring rapid response.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring and communication systems are added to enable controlled reactivation, then safety and reliability are improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates using periodic action rather than continuous high-power consumption. The system uses periodic sampling of electrical parameters and intermittent communication bursts to maintain system awareness. During normal operation, monitoring occurs at reduced power levels, and full communication only activates when events or reactivation sequences are initiated, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic system with an inverter, at least one solar panel for providing electrical power, and electrical wiring for coupling electrical power from the at least one solar panel to the inverter. Also included is a transmitter for transmitting a messaging protocol along the electrical wiring, where the protocol includes a multibit wireline signal. Also included is circuitry for selectively connecting the electrical power from the at least one solar panel along the electrical wiring to the inverter in response to the messaging protocol.