Method and Apparatus to Enable Communication and Control in a Power System

An apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of safety circuits, wherein each safety circuit of the plurality of safety circuits is connected to a serial string of a plurality of power modules, wherein the serial string of the plurality of power modules is connected between a first node and a second node and comprises a plurality of direct current (DC) power lines, and wherein the plurality of DC power lines comprise:
• a positive power line connecting the serial string to the first node, and
• a negative power line connecting the serial string to the second node;
• and
• a plurality of network devices comprising at least:
• a first network device comprising a first sensor, and wherein the first network device is inductively coupled to the positive power line of the plurality of DC power lines of the serial string, and
• a second network device comprising a second sensor, and wherein the second network device is inductively coupled to the negative power line of the plurality of DC power lines of the serial string,
• wherein the plurality of network devices are configured to:
• sense a first parameter and a second parameter by using the first sensor and the second sensor, respectively;
• and
• send, via at least one DC power line of the plurality of DC power lines, a signal comprising an indication of the first parameter and the second parameter, wherein the at least one DC power line of the plurality of DC power lines is configured to conduct the signal to a central controller, and wherein a differential between the first parameter and the second parameter indicates a presence of a current leakage in the serial string.