Abstract: The wireless management system for energy storage systems includes a plurality of smart cells arranged into a two-dimensional array and a plurality of distributed management units. The smart cells and management units communicate with each other wirelessly via capacitive coupling (not radio). The communication links have extremely short range (typically under 3 mm), are relatively directional, and are electronically-steerable in the plane of the array. The smart cells may also include at least one power resistor and switch for passive cell balancing. The circuitry in the smart cells is typically incorporated into a flexible sheet that wraps around the energy storage device like a label. This system is extremely reliable because it is massively redundant, fault tolerant, and eliminates the wires used in conventional monitoring systems.

Abstract: A method of managing an energy storage system that includes a plurality of smart energy storage cells, and a related method of operation for said smart cells. The cells are arranged into a two-dimensional array, and at least one management unit for controlling and monitoring the smart cells is coupled to the array. The smart cells and management units engage in wireless communication that has relatively short range and is relatively directional, with the direction being electronically-steerable in the plane of the array. The management method assigns direction codes to each smart cell which the cells utilize to steer the directions of their communication links, thereby organizing the smart cells into a plurality of serially-linked communication networks. The methods include steps for automatically determining the size and arrangement of the array, including the orientation of each smart cell.

Abstract: A method of managing an energy storage system that includes a plurality of smart energy storage cells, and a related method of operation for said smart cells. The cells are arranged into a two-dimensional array, and at least one management unit for controlling and monitoring the smart cells is coupled to the array. The smart cells and management units engage in wireless communication that has relatively short range and is relatively directional, with the direction being electronically-steerable in the plane of the array. The management method assigns direction codes to each smart cell which the cells utilize to steer the directions of their communication links, thereby organizing the smart cells into a plurality of serially-linked communication networks. The methods include steps for automatically determining the size and arrangement of the array, including the orientation of each smart cell.

Abstract: The wireless management system for energy storage systems includes a plurality of smart cells arranged into a two-dimensional array and a plurality of distributed management units. The smart cells and management units communicate with each other wirelessly via capacitive coupling (not radio). The communication links have extremely short range (typically under 3 mm), are relatively directional, and are electronically-steerable in the plane of the array. The smart cells may also include at least one power resistor and switch for passive cell balancing. The circuitry in the smart cells is typically incorporated into a flexible sheet that wraps around the energy storage device like a label. This system is extremely reliable because it is massively redundant, fault tolerant, and eliminates the wires used in conventional monitoring systems.

Abstract: A smart junction box for a photovoltaic solar power module, and related method of operation. The junction box includes a plurality of active bypass circuits for protecting the solar cells from reverse bias, a novel power supply circuit in several embodiments that can operate with input voltages of either positive or negative polarity, a capacitor for storing and supplying energy, and a master control circuit. The master control circuit is able to enable/disable the power supply, force the bypass switches to open, and modulate the on-resistance of the bypass switches. The master control circuit performs these functions in a coordinated way to maintain the voltage across the capacitor within predetermined limits, thereby ensuring the internal circuitry is powered under all operating conditions including: full sunlight, partial shading, full shading, and safe mode for reducing the risk of electrical shock to firefighters.

Abstract: The invention comprises: a smart junction box with a safe mode for photovoltaic solar power modules; and the related method of operation. Power MOSFETs are used as active bypass diodes during the normal operation of the smart junction box, but in safe mode the power MOSFETs are turned on continuously, thereby reducing the output voltage to a safe level of approximately 200 mV. A Non Volatile Memory (NVM) keeps the module in the safe mode after power from the PV cells is interrupted by momentary shading or night. The smart junction box includes transmitter and receiver circuits for wirelessly communicating with other smart junction boxes. The smart junction box enters safe mode in response to receiving a shut-down signal, and exits safe mode in response to receiving a restart signal. The smart junction box acts as a signal repeater, thereby ensuring that the shut-down and restart signals propagate to all junction boxes in the solar array.

Abstract: A smart junction box for a photovoltaic solar power module, and related method of operation. The junction box includes a plurality of active bypass circuits for protecting the solar cells from reverse bias, a novel power supply circuit in several embodiments that can operate with input voltages of either positive or negative polarity, a capacitor for storing and supplying energy, and a master control circuit. The master control circuit is able to enable/disable the power supply, force the bypass switches to open, and modulate the on-resistance of the bypass switches. The master control circuit performs these functions in a coordinated way to maintain the voltage across the capacitor within predetermined limits, thereby ensuring the internal circuitry is powered under all operating conditions including: full sunlight, partial shading, full shading, and safe mode for reducing the risk of electrical shock to firefighters.

Abstract: The invention comprises: a smart junction box with a safe mode for photovoltaic solar power modules; and the related method of operation. Power MOSFETs are used as active bypass diodes during the normal operation of the smart junction box, but in safe mode the power MOSFETs are turned on continuously, thereby reducing the output voltage to a safe level of approximately 200 mV. A Non Volatile Memory (NVM) keeps the module in the safe mode after power from the PV cells is interrupted by momentary shading or night. The smart junction box includes transmitter and receiver circuits for wirelessly communicating with other smart junction boxes. The smart junction box enters safe mode in response to receiving a shut-down signal, and exits safe mode in response to receiving a restart signal. The smart junction box acts as a signal repeater, thereby ensuring that the shut-down and restart signals propagate to all junction boxes in the solar array.

Abstract: An active bypass diode circuit that mitigates the hazard of arc flash events in a Photovoltaic (PV) solar power array, and a PV solar power module that utilizes a plurality of said active bypass circuits are disclosed The active bypass circuit comprises a diode, a switch in parallel with the diode, a control circuit for opening and closing the switch, a circuit for detecting arc flash events, a power management circuit, a power supply circuit, and a capacitor. When an arc flash event is detected, all the switches are closed concurrently, reducing the voltage produced by the PV string to a level that is too low the sustain the arc, and thereby terminating the arc.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting arc faults in photovoltaic solar power arrays. A plurality of short range communications links between the modules in the array are utilized as a distributed arc detection system. The communication links between adjacent pairs of modules in the array form a network with a matrix topology. The links are implemented with modulated magnetic fields. By monitoring the level of noise in each communication link, the signature of an arc fault is detected, and the general location of the arc can often be determined.

Abstract: A solar power module, and related method of operation, that protects the bypass diodes in the solar power module from overheating due to partial shading, and also protects firefighters and installer personnel from electrical shock hazard. The solar power module includes active bypass switches, and isolation switches that disconnect the PV cells from the bypass switches when all the bypass switches are closed concurrently, thereby allowing the PV cells to continue supplying power to the control circuitry. The isolation switches are also used to maintain the solar power module in a safe state during installation, or in case of fire.

Abstract: A protection circuit for metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) that are used as active bypass diodes in photovoltaic solar power systems is disclosed. The protection circuit comprises, a detection circuit for detecting the start of a surge event, a switch disposed to connect the MOSFET's drain to it's gate in response to the start of the surge, a diode in series with the switch, a bistable circuit for keeping the switch closed during the surge, and a means of resetting the bistable circuit after the surge.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and locating an arc fault in a photovoltaic solar power array. A plurality of capacitors divide strings of photovoltaic cells into a series of magnetic loops. When an arc fault occurs within one of the loops, a time-varying magnetic field is produced, with flux lines emanating from the area enclosed by the loop. At least three magnetic field sensors arranged at locations in or around the solar power array detect the spectral signature of the arc fault, and send related data to a computer via a communication network. The computer analyzes the data from the sensors to determine the location of the arc fault.

Abstract: A protection circuit for metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) that are used as active bypass diodes in photovoltaic solar power systems is disclosed. The protection circuit comprises, a detection circuit for detecting the start of a surge event, a switch disposed to connect the MOSFET's drain to it's gate in response to the start of the surge, a diode in series with the switch, a bistable circuit for keeping the switch closed during the surge, and a means of resetting the bistable circuit after the surge.

Abstract: An active bypass diode circuit that mitigates the hazard of arc flash events in a Photovoltaic (PV) solar power array, and a PV solar power module that utilizes a plurality of said active bypass circuits are disclosed The active bypass circuit comprises a diode, a switch in parallel with the diode, a control circuit for opening and closing the switch, a circuit for detecting arc flash events, a power management circuit, a power supply circuit, and a capacitor. When an arc flash event is detected, all the switches are closed concurrently, reducing the voltage produced by the PV string to a level that is too low the sustain the arc, and thereby terminating the arc.

Abstract: A solar power system with a communications network for reporting the performance status of each solar module in the array. The network includes short range peer-to-peer wireless links between adjacent solar modules along the rows and columns of the array, resulting in a matrix network topology. The wireless links are implemented with modulated magnetic fields.

Abstract: The active rectifier circuit and related method of operation disclosed herein is self-powered and improves the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic solar power systems by replacing the conventional bypass and blocking rectifiers used in such systems. The circuit includes a power MOSFET used as a switch between the anode and cathode terminals, and control circuitry that turns on the MOSFET when the anode voltage is greater than the cathode voltage. The method of operation utilizes resonance to produce a large periodic voltage waveform from the small anode-to-cathode dc voltage drop, and then converts the period voltage waveform to a dc voltage to drive the gate of the power MOSFET.

Abstract: A solar power module, and related method of operation, that protects the bypass diodes in the solar power module from overheating due to partial shading, and also protects firefighters and installer personnel from electrical shock hazard. The solar power module includes active bypass switches, and isolation switches that disconnect the PV cells from the bypass switches when all the bypass switches are closed concurrently, thereby allowing the PV cells to continue supplying power to the control circuitry. The isolation switches are also used to maintain the solar power module in a safe state during installation, or in case of fire.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and locating an arc fault in a photovoltaic solar power array. A plurality of capacitors divide strings of photovoltaic cells into a series of magnetic loops. When an arc fault occurs within one of the loops, a time-varying magnetic field is produced, with flux lines emanating from the area enclosed by the loop. At least three magnetic field sensors arranged at locations in or around the solar power array detect the spectral signature of the arc fault, and send related data to a computer via a communication network. The computer analyzes the data from the sensors to determine the location of the arc fault.

Abstract: A solar power system with a communications network for reporting the performance status of each solar module in the array. The network includes short range peer-to-peer wireless links between adjacent solar modules along the rows and columns of the array, resulting in a matrix network topology. The wireless links are implemented with modulated magnetic fields.