Mersen and Northeastern University get Smart Power Protection Grant from NSF
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant to the team of Mersen USA Newburyport-LLC and Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, to fund continued research in the development of smart power protection devices for photovoltaic installations. This grant is the second sponsorship by the National Science Foundation to help support the partnership between Mersen and Northeastern University.
The research project is guided by Professor Brad Lehman, PhD., E.E. Northeastern University; Jean François de Palma, PhD, VP, Mersen; and Roy Ball, MBA, VP R&D, Mersen. Northeastern University graduate student Ye Zhao is focusing on translating smart fault detection methods for photovoltaic installations to fill the technology gap of identifying and protecting against dangerous electrical faults in solar PV installations.
This research effort is expected to result in an extension and enhancement of Marsen’s HelioProtection® program. Mersen recently completed its existing HelioProtection® program with 2 new and innovative products lines of string monitoring systems: standalone monitoring electronic cards or complete junction boxes embedding the monitoring system customized for the targeted installation. This joint research project is expected to continue over an 18-month period. Mersen has created a partnership of innovation with Northeastern that is expected to accelerate advancements in technology research that work toward continued safety and reliability in electrical protection.
