Abstract: A system and method for installing solar panels are provided. The method includes obtaining images of solar panels an installation structure during installation. The method also includes pre-processing the images by compensating for camera intrinsics or distortions, rectifying the images, and/or determining depth information. The method also includes detecting the solar panels by inputting the images into neural networks. The method also includes a first post-processing to compute a first panel pose based on an output of the neural networks. The method also includes generating control signals, based on the first panel pose, for operating a robotic controller for installing the solar panels. In some embodiments, the method also includes homography transforms to obtain a second panel pose, based on the first panel pose and visual patterns or fiducials on a solar panel, and generating the control signals further based on the second panel pose.

Abstract: A system and method for installing solar panels are provided. The method obtains an image of a solar panel during an in-progress solar installation and estimates features of the solar panel based on a first image using distance simulation, geometric correction, and/or angular adjustment. The method also generates control signals, based on the estimated features, for operating a robotic controller for picking the solar panel. The method also obtains a second image of the solar panel when the solar panel is in a perspective view and detects placement of the solar panel based on the image by determining if the solar panel is co-planar with and at a predetermined offset from a fixed solar panel. Based on the detected placement, control signals are generated for operating a second robotic controller for aligning the solar panel with the fixed solar panel.

Abstract: A system and method for installing solar panels are provided. The method includes obtaining an image of an in-progress solar installation. The image includes an image of one or more solar panels and one or more torque tubes. The method also includes detecting solar panel segments by inputting the image to a trained neural network that is trained to detect solar panels in poor lighting conditions. The method also includes estimating panel poses for the one or more solar panels, based on the solar panel segments, using a computer vision pipeline. The method also includes generating control signals, based on the estimated panel poses, for operating a robotic controller for installing the one or more solar panels.

Abstract: Devices and methods for non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensing are disclosed. In one aspect, a non-dispersive infrared sensor is disclosed which, in one embodiment includes a nanophotonic infrared emitting metamaterial (NIREM) emitter configured to selectively emit radiation corresponding to a respective vibrational resonance frequency for each of a plurality of different analytes of interest. The broadband detector can be configured to detect photons associated with vibrational resonance of each of the plurality of analytes of interest in response to the emitted radiation from the NIREM emitter, in order to determine properties of one or more of the analytes of interest.

Abstract: A system for installing a solar panel may include a first end-of-arm assembly tool coupled to a first robotic arm and part of a first assembly robot and a second end-of-arm assembly tool coupled to a second robotic arm and part of a second assembly robot. The first and the second end-of-arm assembly tools have different tooling and perform different functions to assembly solar panels to support structure. The first assembly robot and the second assembly robot may be located on autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles and the various components can be operated by a control system based on operation instructions received from a neural network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for inspection of a workpiece, such as a honeycomb body. The methods and systems include collecting a plurality of images of the honeycomb body, extracting measurement data from each of the plurality of images, converting the measurement data extracted from each image into a common frame of reference, and combining the measurement data together.

Abstract: A system for installing a solar panel may include an end of arm assembly tool and a linear guide assembly coupled to the end of arm assembly tool. The end of arm assembly tool includes a frame and plurality of attachment devices, such as suction cups, coupled to the frame. The linear guide assembly includes a linearly moveable clamping tool including an engagement member configured to engage a clamp assembly slidably coupled to an installation structure, and a force torque transducer configured to move the clamping tool along the installation structure. A controller configured to control the force torque transducer and the plurality of attachment devices. The end of arm assembly tool is coupled to a robotic arm and is part of an assembly robot that includes autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles. The various components can be operated by a control system based on operation instructions received from a neural network.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate having a pattern of surface features on a surface thereof, and a layer including a material having an Epsilon-Near-Zero (ENZ) condition for a wavelength range. The layer extends on the surface of the substrate and along the pattern of surface features. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for improving cash management system operation. In one implementation, a method for improving cash management system operation includes detecting an intervention event in connection with user activity of a user involving a cash management system. The method determines whether the intervention event meets an intervention threshold. A customized intervention particular to the intervention event and a the user is generated when the intervention event meets the intervention threshold. The customized intervention is output for presentation to the user. The customized intervention improves the user activity involving the cash management system.

Abstract: Approaches for managing and maintaining a state of charge of an energy storage device by adjusting (biasing) responses to electrical grid operator commands to perform ancillary services are disclosed. In embodiments, methods and systems regulate a set point regulation in an energy system. In an embodiment, a method determines when the set point needs to be changed, calculates a new set point, and moves the output of the system from an old set point to the new set point at a defined ramp rate. The method then incorporates, as part of a set point algorithm, the capability to restore the energy storage device to a desirable state of charge (SOC). Embodiments implement Dynamic Bias, SOC and Signal Bias Range Maintaining, Operational Limits, and Fixed Signal Bias algorithms and perform Intelligent Algorithm Selection to manage and maintain the SOC of an energy storage device by biasing responses to grid operator commands.

Abstract: A method of managing energy service for a plurality of assets of different types connected to a plurality of grid connection points includes determining, by a respective asset, a quantity of the energy service to be realized by the respective asset during a connection event; responsive to the respective asset being of a first type; detecting a grid connection point identifier that identifies an associated grid connection point associated with the respective asset of the first type used for the connection event; and sending, by the respective asset, connection event information, wherein the connection event information includes at least one of: the determined quantity of the energy service and an asset identifier, responsive to the respective asset not being of the first type; or the determined quantity of the energy service and the detected grid connection point identifier, responsive to the respective asset being of the first type.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal oxide includes providing a reactive deposition atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of greater than about 20 percent in a chamber including a substrate therein. A pulsed DC signal is applied to a sputtering target comprising a metal, to sputter metal particles therefrom. A doping element may be supplied from a doping source (such as an alloyed metal target) in the reaction chamber. An electrically conductive metal oxide film comprising an oxide of the metal is deposited on the substrate responsive to a reaction between the metal particles and the reactive deposition atmosphere. Related devices are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing energy services are disclosed. One method includes determining a quantity of the energy service realized during the connection event; identifying an account associated with the grid connection point; and adjusting the identified account based on the quantity determined. Another method includes receiving an indicator indicating an asset identifier or a grid connection point identifier; determining a location of the asset on the grid based on the indicator; determining operating conditions for realizing the energy service based on the determined location; sending the conditions; identifying an account associated with the point based on the indicator; and adjusting the account based on a quantity of energy services realized by the asset in accordance with the conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for the management of one or more power sources when connected to one or more batteries, in particular on a boat, comprises a first power source such as an engine alternator 11 connected to a first source charge manager 26 and a second power source such as a solar panel 13,14 connected to a second source charge manager 26. The first and second source charge managers 26 are connected to a rail 5 maintained over a predetermined range of voltage. The rail 5 is connected to a battery charge manager 33, which manager is connected to a battery such that the battery can be charged from at least one of the first and second power sources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing at least one renewable energy source for supply of power via an electric grid are disclosed. A method supplies power to mobile devices from the renewable energy source and balances power realized by the mobile devices with the supply of power from the renewable energy source by controlling the supply of power realized by the mobile devices. An apparatus includes a processor for monitoring power from the renewable energy source and sending signals to mobile devices connected to the electric grid to balance monitored power from the renewable energy source with power realized by the mobile devices. Another method identifies a fixed account associated with a grid connection point used by a plug-in electric vehicle for realizing power during a connection event; determines a quantity of energy realized during the event; and adjusts the account based on energy realized by the vehicle during the event.

Abstract: Polaritonic hot electron infrared photodetector that detect infrared radiation. In one implementation, the polaritonic hot electron infrared photodetector includes a first contact layer, a second contact layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a conductor layer. The first dielectric layer is coupled between the first contact layer and the second contact layer. The second dielectric layer is coupled between the first dielectric layer and the second contact layer. The conductor layer is coupled between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. Infrared radiation incident upon the conductor layer is operable to create hot carriers that are injected from a conduction band of the conductor layer to a conduction band of the second contact layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal oxide includes providing a reactive deposition atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of greater than about 20 percent in a chamber including a substrate therein. A pulsed DC signal is applied to a sputtering target comprising a metal, to sputter metal particles therefrom. A doping element may be supplied from a doping source (such as an alloyed metal target) in the reaction chamber. An electrically conductive metal oxide film comprising an oxide of the metal is deposited on the substrate responsive to a reaction between the metal particles and the reactive deposition atmosphere. Related devices are also discussed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a thin film stack including a substrate, a metal layer, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer comprises a blend of zinc oxide and tin oxide, and the adhesive layer is adhered between the substrate and the metal layer.

Abstract: Polaritonic hot electron infrared photodetector that detect infrared radiation. In one implementation, the polaritonic hot electron infrared photodetector includes a first contact layer, a second contact layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a conductor layer. The first dielectric layer is coupled between the first contact layer and the second contact layer. The second dielectric layer is coupled between the first dielectric layer and the second contact layer. The conductor layer is coupled between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. Infrared radiation incident upon the conductor layer is operable to create hot carriers that are injected from a conduction band of the conductor layer to a conduction band of the second contact layer.

Abstract: Approaches for controlling power supplied to an electric grid are disclosed. In embodiments, methods and systems control power supplied to an electric grid using an energy storage device. In an embodiment, a method receives an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid, generates power from a power generator and adjusts, using the generated power, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication. In another embodiment, a system comprises a grid indication receiver for receiving an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid; a power generator connected to the grid; an energy storage device coupled to the power generator; and a controller for adjusting, using the generated power from the generator, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication.