Systems and methods for an enhanced watchdog in solar module installations
US8933321B2 · kind B2 · utility
191Cited by
49References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.