Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shutdown, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for local management units in a photovoltaic energy system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: attempting to communicate on a first active channel with a master management unit from a local management unit that controls a solar module; if communication with the master management unit on the first active channel has not been established, attempting to communicate on a second active channel with the master management unit.

Abstract: A method and system to provide a distributed local energy production system with high-voltage DC bus is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a management unit to be interconnected via a network bus to a set of link modules, each link module coupled to a separate local energy production unit, each link module to include a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) step-up converter and a parameter monitoring unit to produce parameter data for the respective local energy production unit, and the local energy production units to be coupled to a high voltage power line to deliver produced electrical energy to a consumer of the energy; and the management unit to receive measured parameters from the link modules, and to send control signals to link modules to provide individual operational control of the local energy production units, the management unit to be coupled to one or more separate computers to provide the computers with access to the parameter data and control of the local energy production units.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more strings of series-connected local management units (LMUs). Each LMU is parallel-connected to one of a plurality of solar modules. The strings are connected in parallel via a parallel bus. Local string management units (LSMUs) can increase or decrease an output voltage of the solar array by upconverting or downconverting string output voltages from each string. LSMUs can also operate in a bypass mode to increase overall power output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel, and supports transmission of AC communication signals. The power bus includes a high current power wire. A current transformer is coupled to the power bus adjacent the solar panel. A capacitor, coupled to the power bus, is connected in parallel with the solar panel, and connected between the solar panel and the current transformer.

Abstract: A solar panel system includes a plurality of the panels connected together in one or more panel strings. An embodiment includes a signal generator module connected to the photovoltaic panel strings injecting a multiple radio frequency signal onto each of the strings and a detector module analyzing a frequency response echo from the panel strings. The signal generator may include a string coupling module communicating with a controller. The detector module analyzes the echo to obtain an analog fingerprint for each panel string and determine whether the fingerprint for each panel string is within an acceptable range. The detector module initiates an alarm when one of the fingerprints is outside the acceptable range. During night time, when no current is being produced by the photovoltaic cells, a DC or AC source may be connected to the panel strings to inject a signal onto the strings for the same purpose.

Abstract: A low voltage/power ratio photovoltaic power generation panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein at least a subset of the cells are arranged in an array of “x” columns and “y” rows of cells connected in a two dimensional matrix configuration, wherein the cells in each row are connected in parallel and the cells in each column are connected in series. The cells in the panel are connected by arranging the plurality of cells in a plurality of columns, each column having a number of cells; arranging the plurality of columns in the number of rows; and connecting the plurality of cells together in a two dimensional matrix configuration by connecting the cells in each row together in parallel and the cells in each column in series.

Abstract: A method of and system for monitoring condition of a large capacitor connected across an output of a rectifier circuit in an operating electrical power transmission circuit in order to anticipate capacitor failure and facilitate appropriate corrective action is disclosed. The method includes measuring a ripple voltage on the capacitor and ripple current through the capacitor, determining from a representative signal whether the signal exceeds a predetermined threshold; and sending an output to a controller on a system operator if the signal exceeds the predetermined threshold. The ripple current and ripple voltage measurements may be provided as inputs to a digital to analog converter which produces and sends the representative signal to a microprocessor to generate the output to the controller.

Abstract: A solar cell having an open loop voltage that approaches a critical voltage range when exposed to light. A circuit, connected to the solar cell, is configured to load the solar cell when the open loop voltage of the solar cell reaches a threshold within a predetermined range of the critical voltage range.

Abstract: Systems and methods are herein disclosed for efficiently and cost-effectively balancing the voltages across batteries and/or cells in an energy storage system. A controller monitors the battery voltages and instructs regulator circuits to balance voltages between any batteries or sets of batteries having imbalanced voltages. Regulator circuits implementing a modified ?uk converter can be utilized. Regulator circuits can have two capacitive circuits, one inductive circuit, and two switches. Two capacitors, an inductor, and two field effect transistors can be used in each regulator circuit.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for configuring and managing the combination of strings of photovoltaic energy generators to improve the energy production performance of such generators. The strings of photovoltaic energy generators are connected to terminals in a combiner box having receptacles for receiving removable modular units of various types. Removable modular units with measurement capabilities are used in the combiner boxes to measure the direct current input provided by the strings; and in light of the measurements, the removable modular units can be selectively downgraded to simpler units that do not have measurement capabilities to reduce cost, and/or selectively upgraded to more sophisticated units that can adjust the output of the respective strings, such as upconverting the output voltage of the respective strings, to improve the performance of the strings.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configuring and managing solar panels to form strings of photovoltaic energy generators with improved performance and reduced cost. The photovoltaic energy generators are connected via one or more combined local management units (CLMUs), each having a plurality of direct current converters connected to and configured to receive direct current power from a respective solar panel. A controller unit shared by the CLMU's direct current converters is utilized to separately control the operation of each converter such that the power extracted from the solar panels is maximized. A communications unit coupled with the controller unit is utilized to facilitate communications between the controller unit and a system unit remote from the CLMU to report measurements and receive control signals.

Abstract: A method and system includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel. The power bus supports transmission of AC communication signals. A slave node, coupled to the power bus, transmits information regarding solar panel performance. A master node, remotely coupled to the slave node over the power bus, receives the information regarding solar panel performance from the slave node.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more strings of series-connected local management units (LMUs). Each LMU is parallel-connected to one of a plurality of solar modules. The strings are connected in parallel via a parallel bus. Local string management units (LSMUs) can increase or decrease an output voltage of the solar array by upconverting or downconverting string output voltages from each string. LSMUs can also operate in a bypass mode to increase overall power output.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for regulating or limiting the voltage output from solar modules connected in series such that the voltage on a string bus connecting those solar modules does not exceed regulatory or safety limitations. This can be accomplished via a controller, local management units (for downconverting solar module voltage output), or a combination of the two.

Abstract: Systems and methods for local and master management units in a photovoltaic energy system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes sending a first identification code from a local management unit to a master management unit. The first identification code is associated with the first local management unit, and the local management unit controls a solar module. An authentication of the first identification code is received from the master management unit. In response to receiving the authentication, active operation of the local management unit is continued (e.g., for a set time period).

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic panel is disclosed that includes a photovoltaic cell, a local management unit connected between the cell and a string bus, and a bypass device connected to the cell that is operable to bypass the local management unit when conducting a flash test. The panel preferably further includes a transient detector connected to the cell that is operable to sense an output from the cell having a predetermined transient rise time. The transient detector and the bypass device may be contained within a junction box integrated into the panel and may include the local management unit within the junction box. The transient detector may include a switch connected to a circuit that electrically bypasses the local management unit when the switch is turned on as a result of an output transient rise time less than the predetermined time, thus facilitating a flash test of the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for local and master management units in a photovoltaic energy system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes sending a first identification code from a local management unit to a master management unit. The first identification code is associated with the first local management unit, and the local management unit controls a solar module. An authentication of the first identification code is received from the master management unit. In response to receiving the authentication, active operation of the local management unit is continued (e.g., for a set time period).

Abstract: Systems and methods are herein disclosed for efficiently allowing current to bypass a group of solar cells having one or more malfunctioning or shaded solar cells without overwhelming a bypass diode. This can be done using a switch (e.g., a MOSFET) connected in parallel with the bypass diode. By turning the switch on and off, a majority of the bypass current can be routed through the switch, which is configured to handle larger currents than the bypass diode is designed for, leaving only a minority of the current to pass through the bypass diode.

Abstract: A system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter. In one form the system includes one or more solar generators wherein each solar generator has one to nine solar cells; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, each maximum power tracker including a buck type DC/DC converter without an output inductor, each maximum power tracker being operatively connected in series with each other; an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers; and means for providing electrical power from the inductor to load means, wherein each maximum power tracker is controlled so that the operatively associated solar generator operates at its maximum power point to extract maximum available power.