Intelligent safety disconnect switching
US11031905B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/56
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Intelligent safety disconnect switching methods and arrangements for PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels are disclosed. A switching device that is connected between a PV panel and a PV panel string detects a low current condition or an arc fault condition in the PV panel string. The switching device is automatically controlled to disconnect thePV panel from the PV panel string responsive to detection of the low current condition or the arc fault condition. Switching device control could also be responsive to a disconnect command. For example, such a command could be generated by a grid sensor responsive to determining that an inverter, to which the PV panel string is connected, is not connected to an electrical grid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.