Split PV Module Shutdown Circuit to Cut Cable Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic systems face safety risks due to high voltages and require additional cables and terminals for shutdown apparatuses, increasing cable length and costs.

Innovation Solution

A shutdown apparatus for photovoltaic modules is designed with two independent parts, each with input and output terminals, connected via a cable, allowing flexible placement and reducing the need for extension cables, thus shortening total cable length and installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shutdown apparatus is arranged in the photovoltaic system, then safety is improved, but cable length and cable costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcable length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shutdown apparatus is divided into two independent parts: a first part connected to the photovoltaic module output terminals, and a second part connected to the inverter input terminals. These parts are positioned close to their respective connection points, eliminating the need for long extension cables while maintaining the shutdown function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cable connects the first part and second part of the shutdown apparatus, serving as an intermediary element that allows each part to be positioned optimally near its connection point without requiring long external cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a shutdown apparatus is arranged in the photovoltaic system, then safety is improved, but cable costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcable costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the shutdown apparatus into two parts positioned near their respective connection points, the total cable length required is minimized, directly reducing cable material costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shutdown apparatus is positioned in the spatial dimension between the photovoltaic module and inverter, allowing short cables to connect each part to its nearest connection point, thereby reducing overall cable quantity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If additional extension cables and terminals are required for connecting shutdown apparatus, then shutdown function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutdown functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutdown apparatus integrates the shutdown function and cable connections into a unified two-part structure, eliminating the need for separate extension cables and additional terminals, thus reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each part of the shutdown apparatus serves multiple functions: the first part provides shutdown control and connects to the photovoltaic module, while the second part provides shutdown control and connects to the inverter, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4633034A1Shutdown apparatus for photovoltaic module, and photovoltaic system
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
  • EP4633034A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4633034A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4633034A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present application discloses a shutdown apparatus for a photovoltaic module, and a photovoltaic system. The shutdown apparatus comprises: a first part and a second part; the first part or the second part comprises a shutdown circuit; and the first part and the second part are connected via a cable; the first part comprises a negative input terminal and a negative output terminal, and the second part comprises a positive input terminal and a positive output terminal; the negative input terminal and the positive input terminal are respectively used for connecting to a negative electrode and a positive electrode of a corresponding photovoltaic module; and the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal are respectively used for being connected in series to different shutdown apparatuses. Because the two parts are independent, the distance between the two parts can be set according to requirements, the two parts can be set at positions convenient for connecting to a photovoltaic module, and the two parts are connected to an interface via a cable. The shutdown apparatus does not require additional extension wires. The invention reduces total cable length, decreases installation time, reduces the total losses of the cable, and improves the reliability of the photovoltaic system.