PV Safety Guardian: Introduction to QC Solar's High-Power Dual-Channel Module-Level Rapid Shutdown Device

In photovoltaic systems, there are two major safety hazards: "DC high-voltage risk" and "rescue risk". In traditional string-type systems, the voltage can reach up to 1500V. Phenomena such as loose connections, poor contact at the joints of photovoltaic modules, damp wires, and insulation breakdown can cause DC arcing and lead to fires. In the event of a fire accident due to arcing or external causes, firefighting work is extremely dangerous. Firefighters are unable to carry out on-site rescue and can only control the fire from a distance. The US NEC2014 690.1 clearly requires that all photovoltaic systems on buildings should be equipped with rapid shutdown devices, and the voltage of the photovoltaic system needs to drop below 30V within 30 seconds.

I. Module-Level Solution

QC Solar (301278.sz) has launched a new generation of module-level dual-channel rapid shutdown device, Smarttrack05, which complies with the UL1741 standard. In emergency situations, through this device, the connection between photovoltaic modules can be manually and rapidly shut down, thereby eliminating the DC high voltage existing in the photovoltaic system array, reducing the risk of electric shock and solving the rescue risk. The QC Solar module-level dual-channel rapid shutdown device Smarttrack05 has many advantages such as high safety, reliability and high efficiency. With dual-channel DC input, it reduces installation costs; it complies with the requirements of the US NEC2017 & 2020 (690.12), is small in size and light in weight, and can be directly clamped onto the module frame.

II. Double Efficiency

Smarttrack05 not only realizes module-level rapid shutdown but also has the powerful function of connecting two photovoltaic modules simultaneously, doubling the efficiency and being easy to operate.

III. Design Supporting High Current

Smarttrack05 is equipped with a dedicated integrated chip, power semiconductor devices with low temperature rise and high temperature tolerance. The input current can support up to 30A, ensuring the stable operation of the product in long-term extreme environments. It supports the full voltage range without derating and also supports 1.13 times current redundancy. It can be widely used on residential rooftops and industrial and commercial rooftops.
Currently, the new generation of module-level dual-channel rapid shutdown device Smarttrack05 independently developed by QC Solar complies with the electrical safety and regulatory standards requirements of UL1741, NEC-2017/NEC-2020/NEC-2023, and conforms to the SunSpec communication protocol, providing more guarantees for the household, industrial and commercial photovoltaic fields.