Devices and Methods for De-Energizing a Photovoltaic System

The 2017 changes to §690.12 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) require that all photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in or on buildings to include a ‘rapid shutdown’ mechanism which reduces the voltage within 1 inch of an installed module to less than 80V within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. Currently this requirement is challenging to achieve in a cost-effective manner. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has invented a prototype device which quickly and reliably de-energizes PV modules in compliance with §690. As part of this Technology Transfer Opportunity, we shall build on the work done by NREL to achieve a solution and product family that meets or exceeds the NEC 2017 §690.12 requirements. As part of the Phase I SBIR, InnoSys proposes to collaborate and partner with NREL and Christopher Alan, the inventor of the de-energizer technology and developer of the breadboard single de-energizer module prototype. In Phase I, InnoSys shall perform best practice to redesign and scale this benchtop prototype to larger system voltages (i.e., from less than 100 Volts up to 1000 Volts) and higher currents (i.e., up to 10 amps per PV module) and provide higher levels of detection, protection, operation, fault tolerance, communications for the modules/systems/networks. We shall construct a Phase I Proof-of-Concept and also perform comprehensive testing of the Phase I Proof- of-Concept 1000 Volt modules and laboratory scale system. We shall finalize the specifications and requirements for Phase II and provide a Phase I Final Report and a Phase II roadmap to subsequently commercialize and deliver products in Phase II that simplify compliance with the 2017 NEC.