AU2010100671A4 - Solar (PV) array cable management solution - Google Patents

Description

LASZLO CSANYI 28/06/2010 SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION SOLAR (PV) ARRAY CABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION This invention relates to improvements in currently available devices for installing the solar array cables of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. List of terms: Solar PV system is a system that includes any solar photovoltaic technology capable of converting light into electricity via the photovoltaic effect. PV cell is a basic PV device which can generate electricity when exposed to light such as solar radiation. PV module is the smallest completely environmentally protected assembly of interconnected PV cells. PV string is a circuit in which PV modules are connected in series. PV array is the mechanically and electrically integrated assembly of PV modules, and other necessary components PV module junction box is the box on the backside of most PV modules PV module cables are the cables usually pre-fitted to each PV module junction box by the manufacturer PV string cables are all the cables connecting PV modules to form a PV string. These include the PV module cables and other cables usually referred to as field cables and return cables. These field cables and return cables are the extensions of the PV module cables and running in pairs (positive and negative) in a close proximity to the PV modules of the given string Solar (PV) array cables are all the PV string cables of a given PV array The Problems: The management of the solar array cables in many residential and small commercial solar PV system installations is a much overlooked issue especially in countries like Australia where certain government incentives encourage the fast roll-out of cheap systems without clear installation guidelines. The main problems are: 1. In many residential installations, where PV modules are mounted flush to a tilted roof, cables are left dangling and touching the roof surface. This can help the build-up of leafs and twigs under the panels which can cause the overheating of the PV module junction box resulting in a potential fire risk. 2. The basic and cheapest surge protection measure is to keep the positive and negative cables of the same string close to each other, preferably bundled together. Many installers cut corners to reduce the amount of cable needed or simply not aware of this. SOLAR (PV) ARRAY CABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION LASZLO CSANYI 28/06/2010 3. There is not a single product on the market that would offer a uniform solution to the installers for the above issues. Available Solutions: Some PV installers rely on simple devices to address the above issues: 1. Metal clips: Installers / designers specify metal clips over plastic clips for the required strength of supporting cables. However these clips usually scratch the anodised aluminium frame of the PV module and the sharp edges can even damage the insulation of the PV array cables, leading to short circuits and possibly fires. There are no dedicated fixing points for cable ties on the frame of the most common PV modules. 1. Cable ties can be used to tie the return cables to the framing fixed to the roof and supporting the modules. However, generally this has to be carried out before the panels are installed which requires careful planning. The Invention: All the above problems are overcome by the present invention, which provides a Solar (PV) Array Cable Management Solution (SACMS). The cable management of each PV module in a PV array requires two of the present invention, where one of the inventions is the exact mirror image of the original; thus the original part will be referred to as "invention". The invention comprising of three (3) main plastic parts to provide an overall solution: 1. PV module cable guide: slightly resilient cable guide being adapted to guide and hold the PV module cables in place and ensure a more-than-required bending radius of the cables 2. PV array cable support: slightly flexible platform being adapted to gently squeeze the PV array cables between the frame and the SACMS and/or to provide a platform where other cables (e.g. data, earth etc.) can be easily fixed as well by cable ties. 3. PV module clip: Slightly flexible toothed clip being adapted to fasten the SACMS to the solar PV module by gripping to the flanges (vary in thickness based on the manufacturer) SOLAR (PV) ARRAY CABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION