Abstract: As the application range of solar power generation systems widens, a number of relatively compact and lightweight inverters must be installed outdoors. However, an inverter has no burglarproof function at all. A burglarproof device which switches the state of the burglarproof function upon receiving a burglarproof function state change signal, and outputs an alarm signal when the output signal output in the alarm state from a connection detection section indicates that the power supply or load is disconnected is added to the inverter.

Abstract: In a readily switchable multiple solar panel system, the individual solar panels are interconnected with a control or switching apparatus which allows the solar panels to be readily switched into various series, parallel, or series-parallel configurations. With a relay based switching apparatus, a relay is connected between a pair of solar panels, so that in a first state, the panels are in series where the total voltage is the sum of each individual panel's voltage. When the relay is switched to the second state, each solar panel is in parallel, where the total voltage is a single panel's voltage and the current is multiplied by the number of panels. Multiple panels can be connected in this manner, with a relay between each successive pair of panels. With each relay connected in a parallel arrangement, a simple control switch in series with the relay coils can control the panel switching. The coil of each relay can also be individually controlled.

Abstract: In a solar cell roof structure, a photovoltaic power generating apparatus, a building and a method of construction of a solar cell roof, in which a solar cell module is provided above a roof base of a building, an electrical wire for the solar cell module is provided in a space between the solar cell module and the roof base, and the electrical wire extends into a space at the back of the roof base through a through hole provided in the roof base. A base sealing member on the roof base is provided for covering the through hole and an exit is provided in the base sealing member through which the electrical wire extends into the space between the solar cell module and the roof base at a portion of the base sealing member other than a portion just over the through hole of the base sealing member. The base sealing member can include a heat-resisting or fire resistive material on the roof base for covering the through hole.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes an electrical parameter detection unit including an operating current detector unit for a solar cell element and a communication unit for communicating an output from the operating current detection unit, thereby providing a solar cell module capable of easily specifying a malfunctioning solar cell module.

Abstract: A load controller and method are provided for maximizing effective capacity of a non-controllable, renewable power supply coupled to a variable electrical load also coupled to a conventional power grid. Effective capacity is enhanced by monitoring power output of the renewable supply and loading, and comparing the loading against the power output and a load adjustment threshold determined from an expected peak loading. A value for a load adjustment parameter is calculated by subtracting the renewable supply output and the load adjustment parameter from the current load. This value is then employed to control the variable load in an amount proportional to the value of the load control parameter when the parameter is within a predefined range. By so controlling the load, the effective capacity of the non-controllable, renewable power supply is increased without any attempt at operational feedback control of the renewable supply.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for beaming power from one location to another are provided. Energy is used to power one or more lasers to provide a coherent, wide-aperture beam, which is directed to the receiving platform. Photovoltaic cells on the receiving platform convert energy of the laser beam into electrical energy. Receiving platforms are provided that take advantage of the higher energy density in the laser beam.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a photovoltaic generator, a load to which electric power is supplied from the photovoltaic generator, an electrical system for receiving a portion of the electric power generated by the photovoltaic generator and supplying electric power to the load, and a control unit for controlling the reception and the supply of the electrical power by the electrical system. To ensure that the photovoltaic generator generates electric power at an optimal operational point, the control unit is adapted to not operate when the maximum electric power Pmax generated by the photovoltaic generator and an electric power PL consumed in the load are equal to each other, and to be operated when Pmax>PL, thereby permitting the electrical system to receive a surplus electric power &Dgr;P1, and to be operated when Pmax<PL, thereby supplying a deficient electric power &Dgr;P2 from the electrical system to the load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic module comprising a photovoltaics and a signal generation means for generating a signal by application of a voltage, wherein the photovoltaics and the signal generating means are connected in parallel and the voltage is a voltage output by the photovoltaics which is connected in parallel with at least the signal generating means, thereby enabling detection of and detect a failed photovoltaic module, regardless of the structure of a photovoltaic module array or the failure mode of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A solar power sphere having solar cells arrays is used in combination with a main solar flat panel array of a spacecraft for respectively providing omnidirectional solar power collection by the power sphere and unidirectional solar power collection by the main flat panels. The power sphere effectively provides trickle charging power for charging backup batteries and for providing trickle power when the main flat panel solar array is edge wise incident to solar illuminations when the main flat panel solar array does not collect any power, so that the power sphere collects power sufficient to recover and operate the spacecraft until the main solar flat panels again collect sufficient energy.

Abstract: In a solar power generation apparatus, when power necessary for a control circuit and the like is supplied from the load side of an inverter, a period from when the input voltage becomes lower than a threshold voltage at which the inverter should be stopped to when the inverter is stopped after the elapse of a predetermined time includes a period when power consumed by the inverter become larger than power output from the inverter, i.e., power is wasted. To solve this problem, input power is integrated for a predetermined time to calculate integrated electric energy. The calculated integrated electric energy W1 is compared with a threshold value Y1. If W1<Y1, a gate block signal is output to stop the operation of the inverter. As the threshold value Y1, a value corresponding to the product of the non-load power of the inverter and the predetermined time T1 is set.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power to a light-powered transponder. In order to create a sufficient voltage differential, two different photovoltaic elements are used. The photovoltaic elements generate voltages of different polarities. Because the photovoltaic elements are used independently to generate voltages with different polarities, the present system can achieve a desired voltage differential despite the inherent difficulties presented by the use of a standard CMOS process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of portable emergency power supply for use when storage batteries of mobile appliances such as cellular telephones, radios, camcorders, laptops and mini cassette players are discharged or become unusable. In particular, by utilizing solar cells, the present invention can supply power to mobile phones, laptops and mini cassette players and other devices during the daytime when the sun shines. The present invention provides a portable multi-voltage power source device that is capable of generating various levels of power voltages for diverse appliances requiring different electric voltages. The present invention includes at least one solar cell plate formed of a plurality of solar cells connected to each other and a power source selection unit to select one of a plurality of voltages by coupling the positive and negative poles of the connected solar cells in selected fashions.

Abstract: A solar system for a motor vehicle, which is provided with a solar generator and a DC/DC converter unit, the solar system being switchable for supplying a power consuming device in the motor vehicle or for recharging of the motor vehicle battery. The DC/DC converter unit is made with two poles on the output side and functionally comprises a first and a second DC/DC converter which are respectively optimized with respect to the supply function of the power consuming device and the recharging function, there being a changeover unit which acquires the voltage at the output of the DC/DC converter unit and switches the output depending on the acquired voltage to either the first DC/DC converter or the second DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.

Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.

Abstract: A solar generation system includes a standard solar cell string and a substandard solar cell string. A DC voltage output from the substandard solar cell string is boosted by a booster unit to the level of the DC voltage output from the standard solar cell string, and the DC voltage from the standard solar cell string and the boosted DC voltage are applied to a DC/AC inverter, whereby an AC power is obtained, which is supplied to a utility power supply.

Abstract: A maximum power tracker maximizes the power deliverable from a power source, such as a solar array using increasing, decreasing and maintaining states controlled by a set point signal modulated by a dither signal for stabilized regular power tracking during under demand conditions and maximum power tracking during periods with over demand conditions of a load. For multiple power sources, respective multiple sets of parallel-connected converters and respectively maximum power trackers can be coupled in parallel using shared bus and control signals for fault tolerant equalized power conversion among the parallel-connected converters.

Abstract: A solar-powered device is adapted to be disposed on a battery unit of a mobile telephone handset so as to charge the battery unit. The solar-powered device includes a light sensor, a photoelectric converting circuit coupled operably to the light sensor so as to convert light that is sensed by the light sensor into a corresponding current signal, and a current processing circuit, coupled electrically to the photoelectric converting circuit, for receiving and processing the current signal so as to result in a charging current that is adapted to charge the battery unit of the mobile telephone handset.

Abstract: The supply of power from a battery to a load is controlled by the charging current output status of a solar cell, such that when the solar cell receives light, the load is cut off; and once the solar cell no longer receives light, the battery is charged to a preset saturation level and the solar cell no longer supplies charging current to the battery, or the charging current falls short of a predetermined level, the battery will revert to an output mode with suspension of the charging function.

Abstract: A solar panel is operably connected to a power capacitor and associated circuitry which includes at least one diode for ensuring correct current flow direction. The power capacitor is inside a cartridge which is has exterior electrical contacts and overall dimensions enabling it to fit into the space intended for and replace at least one conventional battery. The exterior contacts, in conjunction with the power capacitor and associated electrical circuitry, enable provision of direct current (DC) electrical power of appropriate voltage and amperage to various electronic devices: cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact disc (CD) and digital video disc (DVD) players, infrared and radio remote controllers, and other low power consumption devices including radios, alarms and calculators, etc.

Abstract: A redundant AC power system has at least two AC power sources, each of which includes an AC voltage supply connected to the primary winding of a source transformer. The source transformers have secondary windings with two outputs and a grounded center tap. There is a steering diode in series with each output. The redundant AC power sources supply power to one or more load systems. The output sides of the respective diodes for the two AC power sources are connected to the respective inputs of the primary winding of a load transformer with a pair of load-transformer primary inputs and a load-transformer primary center tap connectable to ground. A switch controllably connects the center tap of the load transformer to ground. A load is connected to the secondary winding of the load transformer.

Abstract: A reconfigurable solar panel system having a plurality of solar cells arranged in a predefined pattern on a printed circuit board having a predefined pattern of interconnection paths to form at least one solar cell module. The solar panel being made of at least one solar cell module and having the capability to be configured and reconfigured by programming at least one integrated circuit that communicates with each and every solar cell on the solar module. The present invention is capable of monitoring, controlling, and protecting the solar panel, as well as being reconfigured before, during and after the panel is assembled. With the present invention it is also possible to reconfigure the solar panel after it has been employed in an application, such as a satellite that is in orbit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplementing electrical power production during peak demand power consumption is presented. A solar power conditioner converts DC electrical power provided by solar panels (or otherwise) to AC power and uses this to supplement main AC electrical power generated by a power utility (or otherwise) when needed. Both the DC power and the main AC power are digitalized by analog to digital (A/D) converters and continuously monitored by a central processor (CPU). The CPU aims to match the generated AC power of the inverter to that of the main AC power and, after tripping a breaker, supplements the main AC power with that of the converted power provided by the solar panels. In such a supplementary role, the solar power conditioner can be inserted into a utility's distributed power grid.

Abstract: Two types of solar cell modules having an equal output voltage and different sizes are used, and a plurality of solar cell modules of these two types are installed so that they are connected in parallel. The size of a solar cell module having two solar cell sub-modules is two times larger than the size of a solar cell module including one solar cell sub-module. By connecting two power generating regions of each of the solar cell sub-modules of the former solar cell module in parallel, connecting adjacent two solar cell sub-modules in series and connecting two power generating regions of the solar cell sub-module of the latter solar cell module in series, an equal output voltage is obtained from both of the solar cell modules.

Abstract: A solar cell module in which a plurality of photovoltaic elements are installed such that they are electrically connected with each other, wherein an overvoltage preventive element is electrically connected to each photovoltaic element in parallel connection, and the overvoltage preventive element exhibits a one-way continuity and has a minimum operating voltage which is smaller than an open-circuit voltage of the photovoltaic element and is greater than an optimum operating voltage of the photovoltaic element. A sunlight power generation system comprises the solar cell module and an inverter.

Abstract: A solar panel arrangement for capturing solar energy and supplying power for use in a building. Solar cells are embedded in a window pane and generate electrical direct current that is converted, by an electrical circuit permanently attached to the pane, to an oscillating current that is fed to a ferrite core mounted to the pane. An external ferrite core is mounted in close proximity to the core, so that the oscillating current can be picked up and supplied to a building. The arrangement allows window panes to be pre-formed or manufactured with certain built-in electrical components, and, without the need for skilled labor, to be easily connected to a power circuit external of the window pane.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable, self-contained CD player and radio 18 having a solar energy collection, conversion and storage system as a primary power source with a DC to AC to AC inverter 46 that provides the present invention with the capability of powering AC dependent devices. The solar energy is collected by a solar panel 12 that is pivotably attached to the topside of the device and can be adjusted to an angle sufficient to maximize the suns rays. To further increase the potential power output of the present invention 10 remote solar panel arrays 72 having a telescoping adjustable tripod 78 can be connected to the device. The solar panels 72 are pivotably and rotatably affixed to the tripod 78 to allow precise adjustment for effective solar energy collection.

Abstract: In a solar power generation apparatus using a solar battery having a relatively large ground capacitor and a power conditioner having a non-insulated input and output, a customer's ground fault interrupter may perform unwanted interruption due to a ground fault outside the customer's premises. To prevent this, when a ground fault is detected by a detector capable of detecting a ground fault within a shorter time than the customer's ground fault interrupter, the gate of inverter of the power conditioner is blocked, a switch is changed to an open state, and the input voltage of inverter is held at a voltage value higher than the peak value of the alternate current voltage of a power system until at least the switch changes to the open state.

Abstract: A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric car (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The PV assembly may include a monolithic PV panel (14) with a plurality of PV cells (20). The roof may define a storage region (32) accessible through a closable access opening (44). The roof may include a circumferential lip (24) which extends around and above the PV assembly to help prevent damage to the PV panel. The roof may include a protective, at least semi-transparent top layer (60), an at least semi-transparent bottom layer (62) and a semi-transparent PV layer (64) secured between and in contact with the top and bottom layers to create a roof which is itself semi-transparent. The ratio of PV cells to the number of battery cells may be chosen to create a self-regulating design.

Abstract: A solar cell module in which a plurality of photovoltaic elements are installed such that they are electrically connected with each other, wherein an overvoltage preventive element is electrically connected to each photovoltaic element in parallel connection, and said overvoltage preventive element exhibits a one-way continuity and has a minimum operating voltage which is smaller than an open-circuit voltage of said photovoltaic element and is greater than an optimum operating voltage of said photovoltaic element. A sunlight power generation system comprising said solar cell module and an inverter.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising one or more solar cells enclosed therein is characterized in that the solar cell module has a heat-sensitive circuit cut-off means or a heat-sensitive circuit cut-off means having a functionally divided structure comprising a heat-sensitive means and a circuit cut-off means, is disclosed. A solar cell array comprising a plurality of solar cell modules electrically connected with each other by means of an electric connection means is, characterized in that the solar cell array has a heat-sensitive circuit cut-off means or a heat-sensitive circuit cut-off means having a functionally divided structure comprising a heat-sensitive means and a circuit cut-off means, is also disclosed. A sunlight power generation apparatus comprises a solar cell array and at least an inverter.

Abstract: When a ground fault occurs in some solar battery string, this solar battery string may be disconnected and operation of a solar power generation system may be continued. If the open-circuit voltage of the solar battery string is high, a safety problem arises. If the open-circuit voltage is decreased, the conversion efficiency decreases. Therefore, an intermediate switch is provided midway along the solar battery string. When a ground fault occurs, this solar battery string where the ground fault has occurred is divided into substrings.

Abstract: The present invention prevents an increase in an overvoltage and increases an optimum operating voltage of a power inverter. A photovoltaic power generation device is provided with a solar cell device 1, a power inverter 2 for inverting output from the solar cell device 1 into AC power, a current path circuit 3 connected in parallel between the solar cell device 1 and the power inverter 2, and a current detection circuit 4 for detecting a current feeding back to the solar cell device 1. When a current detected by the current detection circuit 4 reaches beyond a predetermined current value, the current path circuit 3 is cut off.

Abstract: A maximum power tracker maximizes the power deliverable from a power source, such as a solar array using increasing, decreasing and maintaining states controlled by a set point signal modulated by a dither signal for stabilized regular power tracking during under demand conditions and maximum power tracking during periods with over demand conditions of a load. Multiple converters and respectively maximum power trackers can be coupled in parallel using shared bus control signal for fault tolerant equalized power conversion through the converters.

Abstract: The temperature correction coefficient in a formula for estimating the generated energy of a solar cell is corrected in the negative direction as the mean monthly ambient temperature increases. For an amorphous silicon solar cell, the generated energy is expected to be smaller than the actually generated energy. To prevent this, a correction coefficient which increases as the mean monthly ambient temperature becomes high is calculated on the basis of the mean monthly temperature at the solar cell installation site. The generated energy is estimated from the mean solar radiation at the installation site, the calculated correction coefficient, and the rated power of the solar cell. With this arrangement, the generated energy of an amorphous silicon solar cell or a photovoltaic power generation apparatus can be more accurately estimated on the basis of the installation site.

Abstract: An array of independently connected photovoltaic cells on a semi-insulating substrate contains reflective coatings between the cells to enhance efficiency. A uniform, flat top laser beam profile is illuminated upon the array to produce electrical current having high voltage. An essentially wireless system includes a laser energy source being fed through optic fiber and cast upon the photovoltaic cell array to prevent stray electrical signals prior to use of the current from the array. Direct bandgap, single crystal semiconductor materials, such as GaAs, are commonly used in the array. Useful applications of the system include locations where high voltages are provided to confined spaces such as in explosive detonation, accelerators, photo cathodes and medical appliances.

Abstract: A solar power generation apparatus includes solar battery arrays, each of which has solar battery modules, non-isolated inverters, each of which converts direct-current power generated by one of the solar battery arrays to alternating-current power and provides the alternating-current power to a commercial power system, an earth leakage circuit breaker arranged between the non-isolated inverters and the commercial power system and connected to outputs of the non-isolated inverters in parallel, and a controller for controlling operation of the non-isolated inverters. The controller controls start-timing of the operation of at least one inverter to be different from that of another inverter. This arrangement can prevent any undesirable operation of the earth leakage circuit breaker.

Abstract: A device for operating inverters according to the present invention can operate a plurality of inverters for converting DC output from a DC source such as a solar cell to AC output efficiently without relying on a particular inverter. The plurality of inverters are connected to the DC source through switches. DC output from a DC source is measured by a measuring device to determine the number of inverters to be operated on a basis of the output result from the measuring device. The inverters to be added or cut off are determined among the plurality of inverters at random on a basis of the random number and switches of the determined inverters are turned ON or OFF in order to select inverters to be operated.

Abstract: An improved string switching apparatus and method is provided for controllably connecting a plurality of solar array strings to an output power bus. The string switching apparatus can include a plurality of field effect transistors electrically connected in parallel with respective solar array strings and a digital controller for controllably switching the field effect transistors between on and off states to thereby control the power level of the output power bus. The field effect transistors can be switched between an on state in which the output of the respective solar array string is shunted and an off state in which the output of the respective solar array string is delivered to the output power bus. In addition to merely providing power to an output power bus, the string switching apparatus and method can controllably connect the plurality of solar array strings to either an output power bus or an auxiliary power bus, such as a battery charging power bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for power generation with solar cells (10 to 32). The solar cells are connected in series and in strings (34 to 44) each of several cells. A bypass diode (50 to 60) is connected in parallel to each string (34 to 44). Further diodes (64 to 70) are connected in parallel to two and/or more bypass diodes of series-connected strings. With this arrangement, the number of current-carrying diodes is considerably reduced when any strings are in shade.

Abstract: A satellite solar array performance optimizing system that isolates a subsection of a solar array to provide power during transfer orbit operation, then connects the subsection in series with an adjacent section to maintain maximum power output at the satellite operating bus voltage. The isolated subsection is provided on an outer panel populated with solar cells in series calculated according to the parameters of the satellite mission to provide maximum power output matching the operating bus voltage. The outer panel subsection of solar cells is connected directly to the operation bus by a passive diode or a mechanical switch such as a latching relay. An adjacent or intermediate panel has a section of solar cells that are connected in series with the subsection of the outer panel and connected through a blocking diode to the operating bus.

Abstract: A controller for a solar electric generator that permits the generator to produce power substantially at its maximum capacity while also providing efficient charging at three charging stages; i.e., bulk charging, acceptance charging and float charging. Power is transferred from the generator to a temporary electric storage device that is periodically partially drained of power to maintain the temporary electric storage device at a voltage corresponding to the voltage needed by the generator to provide maximum generator power. The electric power drained from the temporary storage device is used to charge conventional batteries. In a preferred embodiment, the temporary storage device is a capacitor that is part of a buck regulator operating at 50 kHz with duty factor control between 0% and 100%. This buck topology switching type regulator provides the periodic draining.

Abstract: A charging control device for use with a spacecraft solar array employs a field emitter array including a cathode and an anode; a first resistor coupled between the cathode of the field emitter array and a solar array common; and a second resistor coupled between the anode of the field emitter array and a solar array positive.

Abstract: A device for operating inverters according to the present invention can operate a plurality of inverters for converting DC output from a DC source such as a solar cell to AC output efficiently without relying on a particular inverter. The plurality of inverters are connected to the DC source through switches. DC output from a DC source is measured by a measuring device to determine the number of inverters to be operated on a basis of the output result from the measuring device. The inverters to be added or cut off are determined among the plurality of inverters at random on a basis of the random number and switches of the determined inverters are turned ON or OFF in order to select inverters to be operated.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation apparatus having a plurality of power converters, respectively connected to a plurality of solar battery arrays, for converting direct-current power generated by the solar battery arrays to alternating-current power so as to provide the alternating-current power to a commercial power system. The photovoltaic power generation apparatus is so constructed that the plurality of power converters do not simultaneously suspend operation when an abnormal state is detected, in order to prevent generation of an electrical stress or reduction of the power generation amount caused by simultaneous operation suspension of the power converters or repeated operation suspension and operation resume. When the power generation amount of each solar battery array is different, a power converter connected to the solar battery array of the smallest power generation amount is set in the first-to-suspend condition.

Abstract: A battery charging system that may advantageously be used to directly charge a battery of a spacecraft, for example. The battery charging system permits charging of the battery without the use of power conditioners or dedicated charging arrays. Primary and secondary solar array strings are coupled by way of a shunt regulator circuit to a power bus, such as a power bus of the spacecraft. A shunt regulator circuit is coupled to the secondary solar array string and to the power bus. Charge control relays are coupled between the secondary solar array string and the battery. A computer is coupled to the shunt regulator circuit and to the charge control relays. Current from the secondary solar array string is used to charge the battery when the charge control relays are closed. If the computer determines that the battery is fully charged, the charge control relays are commanded open and current flows to the power bus unless shunted by the shunt regulator circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an automated process for fabricating a micro-solar assembly (66) consist of using printed circuit board manufacturing and etching techniques to provide first (8) and opposing (10) charge pathways. Printed circuit board techniques and its connection methodologies when applied to the fabrication of a micro-solar assembly (66) allows the solar chip (54) and diode (42) to be picked, placed and electrically and structurally bonded mechanically onto a printed circuit board (2), then covered with a polymer sealant (12) sprayed for impact resistance and electrical insulation, and additionally covered with a plastic lens cover (18) to focus light and facilitate automated insertion.

Abstract: A power sphere has a curved surface upon which are mounted individual indivisible solar cells receiving differing amounts of solar illumination without solar tracking and pointing while providing respective differing amounts of solar power coupled through respective regulators onto a regulated bus for powering a connected load. The respective regulators continue to provide sufficient coupled power onto the bus even in the event of a failure of one or more of the solar cells thereby enabling graceful degradation of power delivery to the load for improved reliability of power delivery, particularly useful in space satellite systems.

Abstract: A controller for a solar electric generator that permits the generator to produce power substantially at its maximum capacity. Power is transferred from the generator to a temporary electric storage device that is periodically partially drained of power to maintain the temporary electric storage device at a voltage corresponding to the voltage needed by the generator to provide maximum generator power. The electric power drained from the temporary storage device is used to charge conventional batteries. In a preferred embodiment, the temporary storage device is a capacitor that is part of a buck regulator operating at 50 kHz with duty factor control between 0% and 100%. This buck topology switching type regulator provides the periodic draining. In the preferred embodiment control of the duty factor of the buck regulator is utilized to limit current, to prevent battery over charging, to test for the voltage corresponding to maximum power, and to operate the solar generator at is maximum power voltage.

Abstract: To reduce the capacity required for an external DC power source which supplies power for snow-melting and to prevent the problems associated with defective strings, the present invention comprises individually switchable current ON/OFF means provided for each string and a control unit for individually controlling the ON/OFF of said current ON/OFF means, thus enabling the sequential application of current to each single string.