PV stax—multi-function junction MF/J system

Abstract

A system to provide a multi-function connection capability to contain and provide for stacking, mounting self-registering Multi-Function Junction (MF/J) boxes that contain a multiplicity of control electronics and can be stacked, removed, replaced, and/or upgraded with a minimal of steps or connection processes in order to simplify methods and conserve on or add value, capabilities to materials and electrical/mechanical equipment. The system can be engaged or utilized by any EMS/First Responder/Service Technician, authorized personnel in any field, Contractor, manufacturer, BOS integrator and any assembler of systems that require a multiplicity of interfacing devices to be in proximity, connection or contact to each other.

Claims

1. A system for personnel at readily accessible locations comprising: one or more electrical, mechanical, transmitting and receiving devices, microprocessors and controllers configured to relay and/or switch on from a normally open configuration or off from a normally closed configuration, the source or line supply of all potentially hazardous equipment or energized/charged systems in a facility; a visible and/or audible indicator configured to allow a first responder or system maintenance crew to have definitive on or off status of the source or line supply; said system configured to require a lockout code sequence and/or mechanical lock out apparatus to re-energize the source or line supply; and wherein a modular main control panel enclosure containing a communications module is configured to: transmit and receive data to/from junction boxes/enclosures that are paired to the devices, and a processor board handling all front panel peripherals, displays, devices, and interaction, interfacing the main control box to external devices, and for supporting protocols for remote operation and telemetry, data logging for performance and forensic applications, and interaction with security and/or fire systems.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said main control panel enclosure monitors contact closures that are interfaced to devices to allow the devices to request a shutdown of a photovoltaic module or modules.

3. The system of claim 1 additionally comprising a power interrupting/reconnecting and status notification system for Solar photovoltaic or other Solar energy/heating power system or other electrical power source.

4. The system of claim 3 additionally comprising components for power interrupting/reconnecting on individual, multiple strings, or entire arrays of solar energy producing systems.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings FIGS. 1-5 in the attachment, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: 1. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Base 2. Locking Female Clip Receiver for Male clip (4) 3. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Cover 4. Locking Male Clip 5. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Cover with Outlet Receptacle 6. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Outlet Receptacle 7. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Micro-Inverter or DC to DC Converter 8. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Micro-Inverter AC Leads 9. DC Leads 10. PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Micro-Inverter or DC to DC Converter Male Plug

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Base depicting the MF/J base box 1, configured with Locking Female Clip Receiver 2.

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Cover 3, configured with Locking Male Clip 4.

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of an exploded assembly of multiple possible configurations of PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction MF/J System Components depicting a PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Cover 3, with DC Leads 9, MF/J Micro inverter or DC to DC Converter 7, a PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Cover 5, with MF/J Outlet Receptacle 6, and a MF/J Base 1.

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing depicting a PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction MF/J Cover 5, with a MF/J Outlet Receptacle 6.

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing depicting a PV Stax Multi-Function/Junction Micro-Inverter 7, with AC Leads 8, and MF/J Male Plug 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) As depicted in FIGS. 1-5 A system to provide a multi-function connection capability to contain and provide for stacking, mounting self-registering Multi-Function Junction (MF/J) boxes that contain a multiplicity of control electronics and can be stacked, removed, replaced, and/or upgraded with a minimal of steps or connection processes in order to simplify methods and conserve on or add value, capabilities to materials and electrical/mechanical equipment. The system can be engaged or utilized by any EMS/First Responder/ Service Technician, authorized personnel in any field, Contractor, manufacturer, Balance of Systems (BOS) integrator and any assembler of systems that require a multiplicity of interfacing devices to be in proximity, connection or contact to each other, including Standard Electrical Boxes and enclosures, DC to DC Converters, Micro-Inverters, Module Level Control Electronics, Safety Systems, Monitoring Systems, Rapid Shutdown Systems, Micro Processors and power Semi Conductors. The invention is further described in the documents attached hereto, PV Stax Multi-Function Junction (MF/J) box Drawings pages 1/3, 2/3, 3/3.

(8) Industrial, Residential and Commercial Applicability

(9) The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1

(10) Standard photovoltaic J box or MF/J Base box mounted on a photovoltaic module fitted with a MF/J box, containing Diodes, with stackable add on that contains Module Level Control Electronics.

EXAMPLE 2

(11) Standard MF/J Module Base J box mounted on a photovoltaic module fitted with a MF/J box add on that contains a DC to DC converter.

EXAMPLE 3

(12) Standard MF/J Module J box mounted on a photovoltaic module fitted with a MF/J box add on that contains a Micro Inverter.

EXAMPLE 4

(13) Standard MF/J Module Base J box mounted on a photovoltaic module fitted with a MF/J box add on fitted with connections, Diodes and DC leads.