DE202010017867U1 - Device for safely switching off an energy source, in particular a solar module - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for safely switching off an energy source, in particular a solar module (1) consisting of at least one solar cell, with at least a first connection pole (5) and a second connection pole (3), the device having a disconnecting device (7), characterized in that the Separating device (7) is designed mechanically, by means of which at least the first connection pole (5) of the energy source can be safely separated and the device is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the first connection pole (5), so that it also connects this connection pole (5) in the disconnected state covers by means of a housing (9) in an insulating manner and shields them from the outside and the separating device (7) has a thermal release which takes place automatically from a predefined temperature.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for switching off a power source.

Such devices are used for example in the field of photovoltaics, in which by means of a so-called busbar or a solar string, which usually leads from the roof into the basement of a house, a high voltage (possibly in the kV range) is supplied to an inverter.

For safety reasons, it is desirable, for example, during assembly, maintenance, repair or even a fire to switch the busbar de-energized, so that no dangerous contact voltages occur in the solar system.

This is in the DE 10 2008 052 037 B3 proposed to arrange a mechanical switching contact parallel to the series-connected solar cells of a solar module, which causes, if necessary or in case of damage, the number of solar cells and thus the solar module is short-circuited.

As a result, no voltages occur in the case of a functioning system on the solar modules, so that the solar system can be safely touched.

If, however, faults occur, such as line fire, mechanical influences, etc., which interrupt this intended short circuit, there is danger to life, for example for the fire department when extinguishing or cooling a house with a photovoltaic system installed on the roof.

In addition, the short-circuiting of relatively high DC voltages involves the risk of arcing, which in turn can even cause a fire.

Furthermore, the amount of short-circuit current is not negligible, so that in particular with powerful solar modules flow several amps short-circuit current and cause heating of the solar cells and lines.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for safe shutdown of an energy source, in particular a consisting of at least one solar cell solar module, which overcomes the above disadvantages and safely avoids hazards from Berührspannung in the case of mechanical and thermal effects.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

By disconnecting at least one terminal pole of a solar module directly to its connection and insulation from the environment, it can be avoided in any case that there is a risk of electric shock or dangerous touch voltage even if the other pole possibly exposed is touched.

Especially with a DC voltage source, such as a solar module, already the safe separation and shielding of a terminal pole is sufficient to avoid dangerous contact voltages.

Advantageously, by safe separation of a single solar module with respect to disconnecting the connection of a photovoltaic system, so the busbar from the inverter, as in the DE 10 2005 018 173 B4 proposed, the occurrence of arcs (disconnecting a DC voltage of 1000 kV or more) and touch voltages in the area between solar modules and shutdown (usually in the vicinity of the inverter) are avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separating device is designed as a biased by spring slide, which, for example, in the case of shutdown by a trigger mechanism of its preloaded normal position merges into its final position in which it separates them electrically insulating by an insulating introduction between live contacts. The triggering mechanism may be, for example, a mechanically releasable hook, lever, retaining pin, etc., which is actuated by any actuator.

The release of the separator can be done electrically and or by radio in a further embodiment of the invention, so that a remote release via an emergency switch in or on the house or from the outside is possible.

In order to ensure a safe shutdown or disconnection of the solar modules in the event of a fire, also a thermal trip can be provided, which ensures in each case the triggering of the separator, so for example, the release of the biased slide from a predefined temperature. For example, for this purpose, the triggering mechanism itself be designed as thermally destructible or at least its holding function losierendes element, so that in case of fire and at the high temperatures generated by this triggering and thus shutdown occurs automatically, even if an active shutdown would not be possible due to an error.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the separator can be reset at least after an electrical release or by radio (possibly even after a thermally induced triggering) in the starting position. Such a reset could be done for example via an already existing for electrical triggering or triggering by radio actuator or an additional via an external signal (electrically, by radio) controllable actuator.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the separating device is designed as a structurally integrated component of an energy source, in particular of a solar module. As a result, advantageously, the production costs can be minimized. Of course, it is also conceivable to design the separation device as a retrofittable component in such a way that it can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of at least one connection pole of the energy source, for example in an already existing connection box.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the separator receives an electrical trip signal on the already existing current path between the power source and the consumer via a preferably manually operated emergency switch. In this way, it is advantageously possible without additional connection effort, for example via a modulated signal, to switch off or safely disconnect each individual energy source or cell of a complete system, ie, for example, each individual solar module of a rooftop photovoltaic system.

Further advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

In the drawing show:

1 a schematic cross section through a solar module with a device according to the invention for safe shutdown;

2 a schematic three-dimensional representation of a separator of a device according to the invention for safe shutdown after 1 and

3 a schematic partial view of a house with one of several solar modules after 1 ,

As in 1 is located at the bottom of a solar module 1 , that is to say for solar radiation (see oblique arrows in 1 ) opposite side in the immediate vicinity of a terminal pole, for example, the anode 5 , a separator 7 ,

The separator 7 shields, as shown, the internal terminal pole 5 relative to the environment by means of an insulating, completely enclosed housing 9 electrically safe. For this purpose, the housing 9 For example, be made of appropriate material, such as plastic or ceramic, which does not lose its insulating protective effect against mechanical or thermal influences.

As in 1 schematically executed as an equivalent circuit diagram, located inside the housing 9 a circuit breaker or slide 11 , which has an outward-led connection 15 in the illustrated state with the anode 5 combines. Furthermore, the connection is from the cathode 3 of the solar module to the separator 7 and a connection out there 13 prepared via a preferably correspondingly well insulated compound.

Of course it is also conceivable, not only, as in 1 schematically represented the connection 15 to the anode, but also the connection 13 to the cathode within the separator 7 by means of a circuit breaker or slide 11 train interruptible.

As in 2 shown, the actual separator or the circuit breaker 11 as a cutting disc or insulating plate displaceable in direction Y in an XY plane 19 be formed, which along their displacement Y in the direction of contacts 21 . 25 by means of springs 29 . 31 and 35 is biased. In the illustrated state, the insulating is 19 by means of a locking lever 37 trained holding device against the applied spring force held in this position, wherein the lever 37 is pivotable about its axis of rotation A perpendicular to the XY plane and at its other end by means of hooks 38 the pin 40 holds the insulating or engages in this. As a level XY, for example, a housing inner surface of the housing 9 Serve so that the locking lever on its axis of rotation A and the preloaded springs 29 . 31 and 35 are fixedly attached to this housing inside.

When triggered, the lever 37 through an actor 39 or 41 loaded with a force and swung to the right, leaving the hook 38 the pin 40 releases and the insulating plate 19 in the plane XY, for example, on the inside of the housing 9 sliding in the direction of Y from the springs 29 . 31 and 35 is pulled. In this case, the insulating plate slides between a respective contact pair 21 and 23 respectively. 25 and 27 , where the as contact springs 21 and 25 trained contacts from the contact surfaces 23 and 27 be lifted off. For this purpose, the insulating plate, as in 2 shown, be chamfered in the direction of Y, so that with this slope 33 the lifting of the contact springs 25 and 21 is relieved, so that in an end position with relaxed springs 29 . 31 and 35 the insulation plate in full thickness between the respective contact pairs 21 . 23 and 25 . 27 located.

As shown, the contact surface 23 with the anode 5 connected to the solar module and the contact spring 21 with the connection 15 , Likewise, the contact surface 27 with the cathode 3 of the solar module 1 connected and the contact spring 25 with the connection 13 , Consequently, by the in 2 Separator shown or the circuit breaker not only the anode from the terminal 15 but also the cathode 3 of the solar module from the terminal 13 separable. The arrangement of the springs 29 . 31 and 35 is advantageously redundant form, so that even when the release of the spring action of a spring, the spring action or bias of the remaining spring or springs sufficient to secure separation of the contact pairs 21 . 23 and 25 . 27 to ensure.

The actors 39 and 41 stand schematically for different triggering cases, such as actuator 39 for a thermal tripping, which triggers in the event of exceeding a predefined temperature, for example, the standard temperature of a solar cell or a solar module. As such tripping devices, for example, materials in question, which as a result of the thermal influence another state of aggregation, for example, transition from solid to liquid, assume and correspondingly via a bias by means of spring or pressure pivotal movement of the lever 37 trigger.

Of course, it is also conceivable to provide the holding mechanism itself with a thermal fuse, for example by means of a material which loses its holding effect under thermal action.

The actor 41 serves the schematic representation of an electrically induced release by an electrical signal generated by an operating switch or emergency button or by radio, which by means of a tripping electrics 43 is received and the actor 41 over the illustrated connection 42 and 44 controls.

3 schematically shows an arrangement of a solar system in the form of several solar modules 1 on a house roof 49 whose connections 13 . 15 each to a junction box 45 are guided, of which a busbar 47 or a solar string to an inverter located in the basement of the house 53 leads. The inverter is on the output side with the power grid 57 connected to the house and fed here a 230V AC voltage. About the busbar 47 On the other hand, a usually much higher system voltage of the solar system (up to 1000 V or even more) is input to the inverter on the input side 53 introduced.

As in 3 For example, in the living area of the house there is an emergency button 51 , Which, preferably via a DC bus of the bus modulated signal, a corresponding trigger signal to the respective separation devices 7 or the trip unit located therein 43 can given.

Moreover, in 3 another possibility of triggering, namely via a tripping device by radio 59 , which sends a radio signal to each in the separation devices 7 located tripping electrics 43 or a local receiving device sends and triggering the separation devices 7 by radio.

As in 2 shown, it is at least after an electrical release by means of an actuator 41 and possibly also for a thermal release by means of an actuator 39 readily possible, the separator again in their in 2 attributed initial situation and thus to allow a renewed triggering. For this purpose, it would be conceivable, for example, for the insulating plate by means of an actuator acting counter to the Y direction and against the spring force of the spring 29 . 31 and 35 to withdraw to their original position, so that the lever 37 again with his hook 38 in the cones 40 intervenes. A corresponding actuator could in turn here via an electrical system, as above for the tripping electrics 43 described, are addressed, so that the reset can also be done centrally in the house via a corresponding central reset switch or button, which also preferably, in order to avoid additional cabling, the corresponding signal modulated on the busbar to the separation devices 7 passes. Of course, this would also be a reset signal and resetting or resetting the separation devices 7 possible by radio, as described above for the triggering by radio.

By means of the device according to the invention, existing systems or existing solar modules can also be subsequently retrofitted with the device by attaching and connecting the connection poles of a respective solar module. For this purpose, the device according to the invention may preferably be on the underside of a solar module 1 be arranged for example with screw, clamp or adhesive connection to the solar module frame or within an existing connection housing.

Of course, it is also conceivable to equip solar modules already during production with a device according to the invention.

In any case, it is possible by the device according to the invention, a power source, in particular a preferably consisting of several solar panels solar system safely switch off in the event of danger, so that necessary work such as installation, repair, maintenance or fire fighting in case of fire without risk of contact voltages can be performed even sources of faults such as wire breaks due to mechanical influences, aging etc. can not lead to undesired hazards.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008052037 B3 [0004]
• DE 102005018173 B4 [0013]

Claims (7)

Device for safely disconnecting an energy source, in particular a solar module consisting of at least one solar cell ( 1 ), with at least one first connection pole ( 5 ) and a second terminal pole ( 3 ), the device having a separating device ( 7 ), characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) is mechanically formed, by means of which at least the first terminal pole ( 5 ) of the power source can be safely separated and the device in the immediate vicinity of the first terminal pole ( 5 ) is arranged so that they this pole ( 5 ) in the separated state by means of a housing ( 9 ) insulating and shielding from the outside inaccessible and the separating device ( 7 ) has a thermal tripping, which takes place automatically from a predefined temperature. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) as a spring biased slider ( 19 ) is formed, which in the case of shutdown by an insulating introduction between live contacts ( 21 . 23 ; 25 . 25 ) separates them from each other electrical insulating. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) can be additionally triggered electrically and / or by radio. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) can be reset after triggering in the starting position. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) is designed as a structurally integrated component of an energy source, in particular of a solar module (1). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) is designed as a retrofittable component of an energy source, in particular of a solar module (1), such that it is located in the immediate vicinity of at least one terminal pole ( 5 ) of the power source can be arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device ( 7 ) an electrical trigger signal over the already existing current path ( 47 ) between the energy source and the consumer via a preferably manually operable emergency switch ( 51 ) receives.

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