KR102648297B1 - Apparatus for blocking arc of solar module string - Google Patents

Abstract

An arc blocking device for solar module strings is disclosed. The arc blocking device of the solar module string is an arc detection sensor that detects the arc occurring in the solar module string, and is connected to the middle of the solar module string and performs switching between the two divided parts of the solar module string. 1 switch, connected to one end of the solar module string to perform switching between the solar module string and an external device, a second switch connected to the other end of the solar module string to perform switching between the solar module string and an external device When the third switch and the occurrence of an arc are detected, the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are all turned off to block the connection between the plurality of solar modules in the solar module string, and the solar module It includes a control unit that blocks the connection between the string and external devices.

Description

Apparatus for blocking arc of solar module string}

The present invention relates to an arc blocking device for solar module strings.

In general, solar power generation systems are being actively researched and developed in developed countries as a solution to global environmental problems and diversification of future energy sources, thanks to the pollution-free and infinite nature of solar energy. Depending on how the generated power is used, these solar power generation systems are either an independent power generation system that stores the generated power in a storage battery and supplies power at the required time, or a grid-connected power generation system that supplies the generated power to the load and supplies surplus power to the grid. Divided into systems. Recently, the distribution of grid-connected power generation systems has been spreading due to the minimization of the impact of distributed power on the system, system protection technology for accidents, and improvement of inverter control technology.

Meanwhile, as the supply of solar power generation systems has recently rapidly increased, the introduction of remote management systems to remotely measure and monitor the operating status of the entire solar power generation system is being actively implemented. However, since the monitoring method of the conventional solar power generation system is to monitor the total power generation voltage and current of the solar cell array unit or the power generation voltage and current of each solar cell string, each solar module within the solar cell string It was not possible to identify detailed abnormalities and abnormal parts such as ground faults and electric leaks, and as a result, a problem occurred in which a lot of time and money were required to maintain the solar cell array unit. In addition, if an abnormality occurs on the line installed in the connection panel to connect the solar array unit and the inverter, considerable effort and time are spent to check and repair the fault, resulting in a decrease in power generation efficiency. This is happening.

For example, the power generation efficiency of a typical solar module may deteriorate due to various obstacles or the module may be damaged, and in some cases, damage may spread to adjacent modules or the entire system. . In solar modules that are damaged or have a reduced power generation area, the power generation capacity is reduced. If damage to a specific module located within a string or a decrease in power generation due to external factors occurs, it will have a negative impact on the adjacent modules that make up the string through serial connection with the module, causing a decrease in power generation for the entire string.

If the power of a specific string decreases in a connection panel where multiple strings are connected, a load will be generated on the reverse current prevention diode configured to prevent reverse current flow in the connection panel due to the difference from the normal string power generation, and this load will be Since it is radiated as heat, it can cause damage to devices as well as fires and electric shocks, which has a significant negative impact on safety and power generation efficiency. In addition, overcurrent and ground fault current due to short circuit of the solar module inlet cable, continuous leakage current due to cracks in the solar module, poor connection in the solar module, and occurrence of series arc due to incorrect wiring inlet cable termination, etc. Fires can also occur for any reason.

Meanwhile, as the solar power generation environment becomes larger and more farm-oriented, the number of solar power modules installed in one location is rapidly increasing, and since one management center monitors the status of solar power generation devices in multiple regions, one management center is possible. The number of modules to be managed by the center is reaching thousands or tens of thousands. In particular, the management center integrates and manages the set relationship between modules and strings, information on each module, and aging information, which can vary depending on the status and situation of each module, and it is difficult to respond to abnormal situations in each module. It is difficult to respond when the load is too large and problems occur due to network conditions or information input errors.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-1887992 (2018.08.07)

The present invention is to provide an arc blocking device for a solar module string that detects an arc occurring in a solar module string and blocks the solar module string according to the detection of the arc.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an arc blocking device for a solar module string is disclosed.

An arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an arc detection sensor that detects an arc occurring in the solar module string, and is connected to the middle of the solar module string to divide the solar module string. A first switch that performs switching between the two parts, a second switch that is connected to one end of the solar module string and performs switching between the solar module string and an external device, and a second switch that is connected to the other end of the solar module string. a third switch that performs switching between the solar module string and an external device, and when the occurrence of the arc is detected, the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are all turned off, It includes a control unit that blocks a connection between a plurality of solar modules in an optical module string and blocks a connection between the solar module string and the external device.

The arc blocking device of the solar module string is installed in the junction box of the solar power generation system.

The arc detection sensor is connected to one end of the solar module string and detects an arc occurring in the solar module string using a current flowing in the solar module string.

The arc blocking device of the solar module string further includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the junction box, wherein the control unit, when the measured temperature inside the junction box exceeds a preset threshold temperature, It is determined that an electrical fire has occurred in the connection box, and the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are all turned off to block the connection between the plurality of solar modules in the solar module string. , blocks the connection between the solar module string and the external device.

The arc blocking device for the solar module string further includes an emergency stop button for receiving an emergency stop command for the solar module string, wherein the control unit, when the emergency stop command is input through the emergency stop button, The first switch, the second switch, and the third switch are all turned off to block the connection between the plurality of solar modules in the solar module string, and the connection between the solar module string and the external device is blocked. Block the connection.

The arc blocking device of the solar module string further includes a communication unit that communicates with an external monitoring device through a wired or wireless communication network. Monitoring information on operation or status is received and output, or control commands are input from the manager of the solar power generation system and transmitted to the arc blocking device of the solar module string.

The arc blocking device for solar module strings according to an embodiment of the present invention detects arcs occurring in solar module strings and blocks the solar module strings according to the arc detection, thereby preventing the spread of accidents to commercial power sources and fire. It can prevent the spread of accidents such as proliferation and electric shock.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a solar power generation system.
Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a solar power generation system to which an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
Figure 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an operation method of an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “consists of” or “comprises” should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and some of the components or steps may be included in the specification. It may not be included, or it should be interpreted as including additional components or steps. In addition, terms such as "... unit" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. .

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a solar power generation system, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a solar power generation system to which an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, referring to FIG. 1, a solar power generation system may be configured to include a plurality of solar module strings 10, a junction box 20, an inverter 30, and a monitoring device 40.

The plurality of solar module strings 10 may be composed of a plurality of solar modules 11 connected in series, as shown in FIG. 2 . Here, wiring may be made between the plurality of solar modules 11 so that the plurality of solar modules 11 are connected in series.

The junction box 20 can merge and output direct current power output from a plurality of solar module strings 10. For example, a fuse, a backflow prevention diode, a current transformer, etc. may be installed in the junction box 20 to improve power distribution efficiency and safety functions.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the junction box 20 may include an arc blocking device 100 for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The inverter 30 can convert direct current power output from the junction box 20 into alternating current power and supply it to a load or commercial system.

The monitoring device 40 is a solar power generation system (e.g., a plurality of solar module strings 10, an inverter 30, etc.) from the arc blocking device 100 of the solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention. It receives and outputs various monitoring information about the operation or status of the solar power generation system, or receives control commands from the manager of the solar power generation system and transmits them to the arc blocking device 100 of the solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can be done.

The arc blocking device 100 and the monitoring device 40 of the solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention may be connected to communication through a wired or wireless communication network. For example, the arc blocking device 100 and the monitoring device 40 are connected to a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 5G network, a World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) network, and the Internet. ), LAN (Local Area Network), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth network, satellite broadcasting network, analog broadcasting network , communication can be connected through a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) network, etc.

Here, the monitoring device 40 includes, for example, a smartphone, a SmartPad, a tablet PC, a PCS (Personal Communication System), a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet) ) It may be a wireless communication device such as a terminal.

2 and 3, the arc blocking device 100 of the solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an arc detection sensor 110, a temperature sensor 120, a first switch 130, and a second It may be configured to include a switch 140, a third switch 150, an emergency stop button 160, a communication unit 170, and a control unit 180.

The arc detection sensor 110 detects the arc occurring in the solar module string 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, a short-circuit arc occurs between the wiring of neighboring solar modules 11 in the solar module string 10 formed in a zigzag shape, or an arc occurs from the wiring of the solar module 11 to the ground. Isolated arcing may occur. Here, the short-circuit arc occurs when an arc generated in one wire is transmitted to another wire, thereby short-circuiting the solar module string 10. At this time, the arc detection sensor 110 can detect the arc by monitoring the wiring portion of the solar module string 10.

For example, the arc detection sensor 110 detects the arc by detecting light emitted from the generated arc, detects the arc by detecting radio waves emitted from the generated arc, or detects the solar module string ( 10) An arc can be detected by detecting harmonic signals from the current flowing through the arc. The arc detection sensor 110 may include an optical fiber sensor that detects an arc through light. When an arc occurs, a flash occurs, and an optical fiber sensor can detect the flash caused by the arc and generate a signal accordingly. And, when an arc occurs, radio waves with a frequency of 20 to 200 MHz are generated. The arc detection sensor 110 uses a band-pass filter to receive radio waves with a frequency of between 20 and 200 MHz, and the received Arcs can be detected by adjusting the intensity of radio waves. And, when an arc occurs, a current signal with a high frequency component appears in addition to the direct current supplied from the solar module 11, and the arc detection sensor 110 can detect the arc by detecting harmonic current caused by the arc.

In particular, the arc detection sensor 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed in the junction box 20 and is connected to one end of the solar module string 10 to detect the current flowing in the solar module string 10. Using this, the arc occurring in the solar module string 10 can be detected.

The temperature sensor 120 is installed in the junction box 20 and measures the temperature inside the junction box 20. For example, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 120 exceeds a preset threshold temperature, it may be determined that there is an electrical fire in the junction box 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first switch 130 is connected to the middle of the solar module string 10 and performs switching between the two divided parts of the solar module string 10. That is, the first switch 130 may be installed to switch between two parts divided into a preset number of solar modules 11 included in the solar module string 10.

The second switch 140 is installed in the junction box 20 and is connected to one end of the solar module string 10 to be used between the solar module string 10 and an external device (e.g., inverter 30). Perform switching.

The third switch 150 is installed in the junction box 20 and is connected to the other end of the solar module string 10 to be used between the solar module string 10 and an external device (e.g., inverter 30). Perform switching.

Referring to FIG. 2, a first fuse 141 and a second fuse 151 may be connected to one end and the other end of the solar module string 10, respectively. For example, the first fuse 141 and the second fuse 151 may be configured to be cut when a current greater than a preset size flows through the solar module string 10.

The emergency stop button 160 receives an emergency stop command for the power generation operation of the solar module string 10 from the user. For example, for maintenance and repair of the solar module string 10, the user may input an emergency stop command to the arc blocking device 100 using the emergency stop button 160.

The communication unit 170 communicates with the monitoring device 40. For example, as described above, the communication unit 170 may communicate with the monitoring device 40 through various wired and wireless communication networks.

The control unit 180 controls the overall operation of the arc blocking device 100 of the solar module string according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, when an arc is detected in the solar module string 10 by the arc detection sensor 110, the control unit 180 operates the first switch 130, the second switch 140, and the third switch 150. By turning them all OFF, the connection between the plurality of solar modules 11 in the solar module string 10 can be blocked, and the connection between the solar module string 10 and an external device can be blocked.

Through this, not only a single arc occurring from a wiring to the ground, but also a short-circuiting arc that short-circuits the solar module string 10 when an arc generated in one wiring is transmitted to another wiring can be blocked. That is, the second switch 140 and the third switch 150 connected to one end and the other end of the solar module string 10, respectively, are turned off under the control of the controller 180 when a single arc occurs in the wiring. Thus, a single arc can be blocked. In addition, when a short-circuit arc occurs, the first switch 130 connected to the middle of the solar module string 10 is turned off under the control of the controller 180 to block the short-circuit arc.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 determines that an electrical fire has occurred in the junction box 20 when the temperature inside the junction box 20 measured by the temperature sensor 120 exceeds the preset threshold temperature, and the first The switch 130, the second switch 140, and the third switch 150 are all turned OFF to block the connection between the plurality of solar modules 11 in the solar module string 10, and The connection between the optical module string 10 and an external device can be blocked.

Meanwhile, when an emergency stop command is input from the user through the emergency stop button 160, the control unit 180 turns off all the first switch 130, the second switch 140, and the third switch 150. Thus, the connection between the plurality of solar modules 11 in the solar module string 10 can be blocked, and the connection between the solar module string 10 and an external device can be blocked. Here, the user can use the emergency stop button 160 for maintenance and repair of the solar module string 10.

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an arc blocking device for a solar module string according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S410, the arc blocking device 100 determines whether an arc occurring in the solar module string 10 is detected.

Here, the arc blocking device 100 detects a harmonic signal from the current flowing in the solar module string 10 using the arc detection sensor 110 connected to one end of the solar module string 10 to detect the harmonic signal in the solar module string ( The arc occurring in 10) can be detected.

In step S420, the arc blocking device 100 determines whether an electrical fire is detected in the junction box 20 using the temperature inside the junction box 20 measured by the temperature sensor 120.

Here, the arc blocking device 100 may determine that an electrical fire has occurred in the junction box 20 when the measured temperature inside the junction box 20 exceeds a preset critical temperature.

In step S430, the arc blocking device 100 determines whether an emergency stop command is input from the user through the emergency stop button 160.

In step S440, the arc blocking device 100 switches the first switch 130 when an arc is detected in the solar module string 10, an electrical fire is detected in the connection box 20, or an emergency stop command is input. ), both the second switch 140 and the third switch 150 are turned off.

Through this, the arc blocking device 100 can block the connection between the plurality of solar modules 11 in the solar module string 10 and the connection between the solar module string 10 and the outside.

Meanwhile, the components of the above-described embodiment can be easily understood from a process perspective. In other words, each component can be understood as a separate process. Additionally, the processes of the above-described embodiments can be easily understood from the perspective of the components of the device.

Additionally, the technical contents described above may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiments or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -Includes optical media (magneto-optical media) and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. A hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions will be possible. should be regarded as falling within the scope of the patent claims below.

10: Multiple solar module strings
11: Solar module
20: Connected
30: inverter
40: monitoring device
100: Arc blocking device of solar module string
110: Arc detection sensor
120: temperature sensor
130: first switch
140: second switch
141: first fuse
150: third switch
151: second fuse
160: Emergency stop button
170: Department of Communications
180: control unit

Claims (6)

In the arc blocking device of the solar module string, which is installed in the junction box of the solar power generation system and is formed by dividing a plurality of solar modules connected in series into two parts and arranging the two divided parts in parallel,
An arc detection sensor that detects an arc occurring in the solar module string;
a first switch connected between the two divided parts to perform switching between the two divided parts;
a second switch connected to one end of the solar module string to perform switching between the solar module string and an external device;
a third switch connected to the other end of the solar module string to perform switching between the solar module string and an external device;
a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the junction box;
An emergency stop button that receives an emergency stop command for the solar module string;
When the occurrence of the arc is detected, when the measured temperature inside the junction box exceeds a preset threshold temperature, or when the emergency stop command is input through the emergency stop button, the first switch and the second switch And a control unit that turns off all of the third switches to block the connection between the plurality of solar modules in the solar module string, and blocks the connection between the solar module string and the external device,
The arc detection sensor is connected to one end of the solar module string and detects a short-circuit arc or a single arc occurring in the solar module string using a current flowing in the solar module string,
The short-circuit arc occurs between the wiring of a neighboring solar module in the solar module string,
The single arc occurs from the wiring of solar modules of the solar module string to the ground,
The first switch is turned off by the control unit and serves to block the short-circuit arc,
The second switch and the third switch are turned off by the control unit and serve to block the single arc.
delete delete delete delete According to paragraph 1,
The arc blocking device of the solar module string is,
It further includes a communication unit that communicates with an external monitoring device through a wired or wireless communication network,
The monitoring device is,
Monitoring information on the operation or status of the solar power generation system is received and output from the arc blocking device of the solar module string, or a control command is input from the manager of the solar power generation system and the arc blocking device of the solar module string is received. An arc blocking device for solar module strings, characterized in that the transmission to.

Images