Active Bypass Diode Circuit and Solar Power Module with Arc Flash Mitigation Feature

摘要

An active bypass diode circuit that mitigates the hazard of arc flash events in a Photovoltaic (PV) solar power array, and a PV solar power module that utilizes a plurality of said active bypass circuits are disclosed The active bypass circuit comprises a diode, a switch in parallel with the diode, a control circuit for opening and closing the switch, a circuit for detecting arc flash events, a power management circuit, a power supply circuit, and a capacitor. When an arc flash event is detected, all the switches are closed concurrently, reducing the voltage produced by the PV string to a level that is too low the sustain the arc, and thereby terminating the arc.