System and method for synchronized rapid shutdown of electrical devices
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a plurality of circuits, each circuit comprising;
an electrical device, anda control circuit configured to turn the electrical device on and off, each control circuit comprising a current transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the secondary winding operably coupled to the electrical device;
an alternating current (AC) constant current source providing a substantially constant control current, the AC constant current source not being a step down transformer directly connected to an AC mains panel;
a switching device configured to switch on and off; and
conductors connecting the primary winding of each of the current transformers of the plurality of circuits, the AC constant current source, and the switching device in series to form a current loop, the current loop transmitting the substantially constant control current;
wherein when the switching device is switched from on to off, the current transformers of the plurality of circuits stop receiving the control current, thereby causing the electrical devices of the plurality of circuits to shut off simultaneously.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one embodiment, the invention can be a system for simultaneously shutting down electrical device, the system including a plurality of circuits, each circuit including an electrical device, and a control circuit configured to turn the electrical device on and off, each control circuit comprising an isolation transformer; an electrical source providing a control current; a switching device configured to switch on and off; and conductors configured to connect the isolation transformers of the plurality of circuits, the electrical source, and the switching device in series to form a current loop, the current loop transmitting the control current; wherein when the switching device is switched from on to off, the isolation transformers of the plurality of circuits stop receiving the control current, thereby causing the electrical devices of the plurality of circuits to shut off simultaneously.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a plurality of circuits, each circuit comprising; an electrical device, and a control circuit configured to turn the electrical device on and off, each control circuit comprising a current transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the secondary winding operably coupled to the electrical device; an alternating current (AC) constant current source providing a substantially constant control current, the AC constant current source not being a step down transformer directly connected to an AC mains panel; a switching device configured to switch on and off; and conductors connecting the primary winding of each of the current transformers of the plurality of circuits, the AC constant current source, and the switching device in series to form a current loop, the current loop transmitting the substantially constant control current; wherein when the switching device is switched from on to off, the current transformers of the plurality of circuits stop receiving the control current, thereby causing the electrical devices of the plurality of circuits to shut off simultaneously. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of shutting down a plurality of solar modules simultaneously, the method comprising:
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providing a plurality of circuits, each circuit comprising; a solar photovoltaic module, and a control circuit configured to turn the solar photovoltaic module on and off, each control circuit comprising a current transformer; providing an AC constant current source configured to provide a substantially constant control current, the AC constant current source not being a step down transformer directly connected to an AC mains panel; providing a switching device configured to switch on and off; and electrically connecting the current transformers, the AC constant current source, and the switching device in series to form a current loop, the current loop transmitting the substantially constant control current; and switching the switching device from on to off to stop the transmission of the control current in the current loop. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification