Abstract: A method for scheduling cleaning of a photovoltaic (“PV”) system is implemented by a soiling monitoring computer system. The method includes determining a soiling level and a soiling rate for a photovoltaic (PV) system, calculating a cost associated with cleaning the PV system at each of a plurality of possible cleaning times, determining an expected energy output gain associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible times based on the soiling level and the soiling rate, calculating an expected benefit associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible cleaning times based on the expected energy output gain associated with each possible cleaning time, determining a first time of the plurality of possible times when the expected benefit exceeds the cost, and scheduling a cleaning time based on at least the determined first time.

Abstract: A method for performance ratio-based scheduling of solar system maintenance is implemented by a monitoring computing device. The monitoring computer device includes a processor in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving a plurality of production data associated with a solar system, determining at least one performance ratio based upon at least a portion of the plurality of production data wherein each performance ratio is associated with a range of expected performance values, validating the at least one performance ratio, determining that the at least one performance ratio is outside the range of expected performance values, and adjusting a maintenance schedule associated with the solar system based upon the at least one performance ratio.

Abstract: A method for scheduling cleaning of a photovoltaic (“PV”) system is implemented by a soiling monitoring computer system. The method includes determining a soiling level and a soiling rate for a photovoltaic (PV) system, calculating a cost associated with cleaning the PV system at each of a plurality of possible cleaning times, determining an expected energy output gain associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible times based on the soiling level and the soiling rate, calculating an expected benefit associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible cleaning times based on the expected energy output gain associated with each possible cleaning time, determining a first time of the plurality of possible times when the expected benefit exceeds the cost, and scheduling a cleaning time based on at least the determined first time.

Abstract: A method for performance ratio-based scheduling of solar system maintenance is implemented by a monitoring computing device. The monitoring computer device includes a processor in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving a plurality of production data associated with a solar system, determining at least one performance ratio based upon at least a portion of the plurality of production data wherein each performance ratio is associated with a range of expected performance values, validating the at least one performance ratio, determining that the at least one performance ratio is outside the range of expected performance values, and adjusting a maintenance schedule associated with the solar system based upon the at least one performance ratio.

Abstract: A method for calibrating irradiance sensors is performed by an irradiance analysis computing device in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving an irradiance estimate representing an expected amount of irradiance, receiving a first irradiance value associated with at least one irradiance sensor, processing the irradiance estimate and the first irradiance value to generate at least one irradiance metric, and determining a condition of said irradiance sensor based at least in part on the at least one irradiance metric.

Abstract: An apparatus controls a temperature of a device by circulating a fluid through a heat sink in thermal contact with the device. The apparatus includes an adjustable cold input, which inputs a cold portion of the fluid having a first temperature, and an adjustable hot input, which inputs a hot portion of the fluid having a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The apparatus further includes a chamber, connected to the cold input and hot input, in which the cold and hot portions of the fluid mix in a combined fluid portion that impinges on the heat sink. The combined fluid portion has a combined temperature that directly affects a temperature of the heat sink. The cold input and hot input are adjusted to dynamically control the combined temperature, enabling the heat sink temperature to compensate for changes in the device temperature, substantially maintaining a set point temperature of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus controls a temperature of a device by circulating a fluid through a heat sink in thermal contact with the device. The apparatus includes an adjustable cold input, which inputs a cold portion of the fluid having a first temperature, and an adjustable hot input, which inputs a hot portion of the fluid having a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The apparatus further includes a chamber, connected to the cold input and hot input, in which the cold and hot portions of the fluid mix in a combined fluid portion that impinges on the heat sink. The combined fluid portion has a combined temperature that directly affects a temperature of the heat sink. The cold input and hot input are adjusted to dynamically control the combined temperature, enabling the heat sink temperature to compensate for changes in the device temperature, substantially maintaining a set point temperature of the device.

Abstract: A sensor embedded in a high temperature metal is incorporated into a sensing system for measuring temperature, strain, or other properties of a metal structure. An optical system transmits light to and receives output signals from the sensor for analysis. With rotating structures, an optical fiber lead transmits light between the sensor and external surface of the structure along its rotational axis, allowing the lead to remain fixed with respect to the optical system as the structure rotates at high speeds.

Abstract: A method for embedding fiber optic sensors in a high melting temperature metal structure produces embedded sensors that are uniformly and closely bonded with the metal and do not slip upon metal expansion and contraction. The structure is built in layers onto the sensor. On top of a first thin sputter-coated metallic layer, approximately 1-3 ?m thick, is electroplated a second thin layer, approximately 0.25-2 mm thick. Finally, a metal structure is built around the thin metallic layers by laser cladding, casting, welding, or other method.

Abstract: A sensor embedded in a high temperature metal is incorporated into a sensing system for measuring temperature, strain, or other properties of a metal structure. An optical system transmits light to and receives output signals from the sensor for analysis. With rotating structures, an optical fiber lead transmits light between the sensor and external surface of the structure along its rotational axis, allowing the lead to remain fixed with respect to the optical system as the structure rotates at high speeds.