Patents by Inventor Carl J. S. Lenox
Carl J. S. Lenox has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10749349Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Patent number: 10069300Abstract: Demand of a facility load for electrical energy is monitored and compared to a demand cap for a demand period. A demand cap may be set for peak periods, another demand cap may be set for part-peak periods, and yet another demand cap may be set for off-peak periods. Dispatch of electrical energy from the energy storage system is based on the demand of the facility load relative to the demand cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Patent number: 9512620Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Christine Concho, Michael Crockett, Carl J. S. Lenox
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Publication number: 20160105027Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a photovoltaic module configured to receive and convert solar energy to DC power. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect a future change in solar energy to be received by the photovoltaic module. The system further includes a power conditioning unit coupled with the photovoltaic module and the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Robert Johnson, Adrianne Kimber, Carl J.S. Lenox, Matt Campbell
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Patent number: 9257847Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a photovoltaic module configured to receive and convert solar energy to DC power. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect a future change in solar energy to be received by the photovoltaic module. The system further includes a power conditioning unit coupled with the photovoltaic module and the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Robert Johnson, Adrianne Kimber, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matt Campbell
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Patent number: 9225285Abstract: A PV installation comprises a PV array, an electrical interface connecting a utility power source to an electrical load, and a DC to AC inverter. A first set of wiring electrically connects the PV array to the inverter through a disconnect device and a second set of wiring electrically connects the inverter to the electrical interface. A control mechanism connects the disconnect device to the electrical interface so that when power from the electrical interface is removed, the PV array is electrically disconnected from the inverter. The disconnect device may be a remote disconnect device located at a position at or near the PV array, such as in the space beneath a roof supporting the PV array. A method electrically disconnects a PV array from electrical wiring at a site.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: John Peurach, Carl J. S. Lenox, Jawid Arghestani
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Publication number: 20150214744Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Patent number: 9020653Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Patent number: 8904717Abstract: A fire resistant PV shingle assembly includes a PV assembly, including PV body, a fire shield and a connection member connecting the fire shield below the PV body, and a support and inter-engagement assembly. The support and inter-engagement assembly is mounted to the PV assembly and comprises a vertical support element, supporting the PV assembly above a support surface, an upper interlock element, positioned towards the upper PV edge, and a lower interlock element, positioned towards the lower PV edge. The upper interlock element of one PV shingle assembly is inter-engageable with the lower interlock element of an adjacent PV shingle assembly. In some embodiments the PV shingle assembly may comprise a ventilation path below the PV body. The PV body may be slidably mounted to the connection member to facilitate removal of the PV body.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Publication number: 20140311054Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Christine Concho, Michael Crockett, Carl J.S. Lenox
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Patent number: 8763316Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Sunpower CorporationInventors: Christine Concho, Michael Crockett, Carl J. S. Lenox
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Patent number: 8661753Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Publication number: 20140000187Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
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Publication number: 20140005850Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Publication number: 20130255167Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Christine Concho, Michael Crockett, Carl J.S. Lenox
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Patent number: 8548637Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. For example, a method of providing power from a renewable resource includes receiving a signal including an output capability value for a renewable variable power generation module. An input power demand value is calculated for a load demand module based on the output capability value of the received signal. A customer load is controlled on a power transmission and distribution grid based on the calculated input power demand value.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
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Patent number: 8516754Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
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Publication number: 20130190939Abstract: Demand of a facility load for electrical energy is monitored and compared to a demand cap for a demand period. A demand cap may be set for peak periods, another demand cap may be set for part-peak periods, and yet another demand cap may be set for off-peak periods. Dispatch of electrical energy from the energy storage system is based on the demand of the facility load relative to the demand cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventor: Carl J. S. LENOX
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Patent number: 8424255Abstract: A method for mounting PV modules to a deck includes selecting PV module layout pattern so that adjacent PV module edges are spaced apart. PV mounting and support assemblies are secured to the deck according to the layout pattern using fasteners extending into the deck. The PV modules are placed on the PV mounting and support assemblies. Retaining elements are located over and secured against the upper peripheral edge surfaces of the PV modules so to secure them to the deck with the peripheral edges of the PV modules spaced apart from the deck. In some examples a PV module mounting assembly, for use on a shingled deck, comprises flashing, a base mountable on the flashing, a deck-penetrating fastener engageable with the base and securable to the deck so to secure the flashing and the base to the shingled deck, and PV module mounting hardware securable to the base.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Carl J. S. Lenox, Kurt M. Johnson
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Patent number: 8294022Abstract: A photovoltaic array including a plurality of photovoltaic assemblies and a plurality of mounting units. The mounting units each include an elongate rail and a plurality of leg assemblies. The rail is sized and configured to maintain a portion of at least two of the photovoltaic assemblies, with the leg assemblies extending from the rail in a spaced-apart fashion and terminating in a foot for placement against a rooftop structure for minimally penetration installation. Further, at least one of the leg assemblies can include a retractable leg. When the photovoltaic array is installed to a rooftop structure including a membrane intermittently secured to a rooftop deck, the retractable leg accommodates upward billowing of the membrane under windy conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Carl J. S. Lenox