Opcondys is developing a light-controlled grid protection device to suppress destructive sudden and short-lived surges in energy on the grid caused by lightning and electromagnetic pulses. The proposed protection module improves upon current slower surge protection devices by using high-voltage photoconductive power electronics with nanosecond response times. If successful, any sudden and short-lived disruption through utility lines will auto-trigger the module, halting a disruption from traveling any further and protecting grid-connected equipment.
