Abstract: A string over-voltage protection system and method for arrays of photovoltaic panels. The system and method includes a device for use in a photovoltaic array power system. The device includes a voltage converter. The voltage converter is adapted to be coupled to a photovoltaic panel in a string of photovoltaic panels. The device also includes a string over-voltage protection circuit. The string over-voltage protection circuit is coupled to the voltage converter. The string over-voltage protection circuit senses a string voltage and determines if a string over-voltage condition exists. Additionally, the string over-voltage protection circuit is configured to disable the voltage converter in the event of a string over-voltage condition.

Abstract: A circuit for voltage regulation is provided. The circuit includes a variable output voltage regulator and an output capacitor circuit. The output capacitor circuit includes at least two output capacitors and at least one switch. The variable output voltage regulator is capable of providing a regulated DC output voltage at two or more different voltage levels. When the output voltage is changed to a lower output voltage level, one of the output capacitors in the output capacitor circuit is switched out of the circuit to conserve the charge stored on it. When the output voltage returns to the higher output voltage level, the output capacitor that was switched out is switched back in.

Abstract: A method for configuring computer by Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), a server and a computer are provided. The method comprising the steps of: setting up a connection to a server storing configuration information for the computer through a network; acquiring the configuration information for the computer from the server; and configuring the computer based on the configuration information. With the solutions according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is convenient in setting the configuration information, especially for the case where it is required to set the configuration information for a number of computers. In this way, the labor efficiency can be effectively improved and the security of the configuration information can be effectively enhanced.

Abstract: Voltage conversion and charging circuitry and method for converting an alternating current (AC) voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage for charging an energy storage element (e.g., battery or supercapacitor). An output capacitance, which is initially charged quickly for use in the slower charging of a battery, also maintains the charge on an input capacitance which provides power for the charging control circuitry during such charging process. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the DC charging current is substantially constant during a first time interval following which the DC charging power is substantially constant during a second time interval.

Abstract: A system for integrating local maximum power point tracking (MPPT) into an energy generating system having centralized MPPT is provided. The system includes a system control loop and a plurality of local control loops. The system control loop comprises a system operating frequency, and each local control loop comprises a corresponding local operating frequency. Each of the local operating frequencies is spaced apart from the system operating frequency by at least a predefined distance. For a particular embodiment, a settling time corresponding to the local operating frequency of each local control loop is at least five times faster than a time constant corresponding to the system operating frequency.

Abstract: A method for activating a local converter for one of a plurality of energy generating devices in an energy generating array is provided. The local converter includes a power stage and a local controller. The method includes comparing a device voltage for the energy generating device to a voltage activation level. The local converter is automatically activated when the device voltage exceeds the voltage activation level.

Abstract: A method for selecting between centralized and distributed maximum power point tracking in energy generating system is provided. The energy generating system includes a plurality of energy generating devices, each of which is coupled to a corresponding local converter. Each local converter includes a local controller for the corresponding energy generating device. The method includes determining whether the energy generating devices are operating under quasi-ideal conditions. The energy generating system is placed in a centralized maximum power point tracking (CMPPT) mode when the energy generating devices are operating under quasi-ideal conditions and is placed in a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) mode when the energy generating devices are not operating under quasi-ideal conditions.

Abstract: A method for providing a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) process for an energy generating device is provided. The method includes coupling a local converter to the energy generating device. A determination is made regarding whether the local converter is operating at or below a maximum acceptable temperature. A determination is made regarding whether at least one current associated with the local converter is acceptable. When the local converter is determined to be operating at or below the maximum acceptable temperature and when the at least one current associated with the local converter is determined to be acceptable, the MPPT process is enabled within the local converter.

Abstract: A method for providing maximum power point tracking for an energy generating device using a local buck-boost converter coupled to the device is provided. The method includes operating in a tracking mode, which includes initializing a conversion ratio for the buck-boost converter based on a previous optimum conversion ratio. A device power associated with the initialized conversion ratio is calculated. The conversion ratio is repeatedly modified and a device power associated with each of the modified conversion ratios is calculated. A current optimum conversion ratio for the buck-boost converter is identified based on the calculated device powers. The current optimum conversion ratio corresponds to one of a buck mode, a boost mode and a buck-boost mode for the buck-boost converter.

Abstract: A method for backing up and recovering data in a hard disk, used to back up data in the hard disk, including the following steps: partitioning a segment in the hard disk as a data backup area; backing up the partition status and at least one partition data needed to be backed to the data backup area; and locking the data backup area to forbid other application software or operation system to access it. The present invention can backup and recover the data in the hard disk safely and reliably and also can ensure the safety of the backup data.

Abstract: A method of computer start-up, using the configuration information of the internal and peripheral components of the computer system and information required for executing initialization of these components, and performing fast test and initialization of the components of the system. The information is pre-stored in the computer system. The present invention can perform fast start-up of the computer, significantly reduce the time needed to start up the computer, improve the efficiency of start-up of the computer, and save the waiting time for users.

Abstract: A method for backing up and recovering data in a hard disk, used to back up data in the hard disk, including the following steps: partitioning a segment in the hard disk as a data backup area; backing up the partition status and at least one partition data needed to be backed to the data backup area; and locking the data backup area to forbid other application software or operation system to access it. The present invention can backup and recover the data in the hard disk safely and reliably and also can ensure the safety of the backup data.

Abstract: A method of computer start-up, using the configuration information of the internal and peripheral components of the computer system and information required for executing initialization of these components, and performing fast test and initialization of the components of the system. Said information is pre-stored in the computer system. The present invention can perform fast start-up of the computer, significantly reduce the time needed to start up the computer, improve the efficiency of start-up of the computer, save the waiting time for users.