Abstract: A system and method uses solar generated DC electricity to power an AC component in parallel with an AC grid via a variable frequency motor drive (VFD). During operation of the DC solar array a DC grid voltage is adjusted via a signal to a first rectifier to maintain the DC grid voltage below a DC array voltage such that power for operation of the AC component is preferentially sourced from the DC solar array. The system and method maintain the use of renewable energy to augment or largely replace expensive grid connected energy.

Abstract: A heated insulating glass panel, with a fitting, is provided. The heated insulating glass panel is formed from two dielectric sheets that are separated by a spacer, which has a spacer layer at the spacer edge. The fitting, which is made of a fitting base portion and a fitting tubular portion, is attached to the spacer layer at the spacer edge by way of, for example, two screws. Thus, the fitting provides a pathway for routing wires into and away from the heated insulating glass panel. If necessary, an elbow may be provided which attaches to the fitting tubular portion for changing the direction of the routing of the wires. In addition, conduit may be attached to the fitting to route the wiring to and from the heated insulating glass panel.

Abstract: Heated architectural panel temperature control systems and methods are provided for heating windows that are formed from heated architectural panels. The control system comprises the heated architectural panel that produces heat when connected to external AC power, a panel frame disposed around the panel periphery, and a temperature control circuit that is electrically connected to the window. The temperature control circuit, which may be disposed in the panel frame, controls the temperature of the panel by utilizing a Hall effect sensor and the panel temperature coefficient of resistance ?. The panel may comprise insulated glass panels, laminated structures, or combinations thereof, where the window is disposed in an opening of a building.

Abstract: A cloth heater and method for using the heater are provided. The heater utilizes a horizontally disposed surface, a heated glass panel, and support members. The horizontally disposed surface may comprise the top edge or surface of the heated glass panel, or a surface on a separate rack that is above and vertically inline with the top edge of the heated glass panel. The heated glass panel also has two opposing major surfaces. The support members physically support the heated glass panel and have electrical leads that communicate electrical power to the heated glass panel, thus heating the heated glass panel. When a cloth is placed across the horizontally disposed surface, the horizontally disposed surface supports the cloth, and the cloth makes contact with the two opposing major surfaces of the heated glass panel, thus heating the cloth at both opposing major surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for forming electrically conductive heated dielectric panels are provided. The panels are utilized for warming objects and/or insuring unobstructed viewing through the panels by removing moisture. The methods include depositing electrically conductive metal bus bars onto the dielectric panel, onto which panel a conductive coating has previously been disposed. The conductive metal bus bars are deposited onto the coated dielectric panel through the use of a circularly rotating or an inline heating head and mask apparatus, in combination with an oxyacetylene or a plasma device. A metallic tab, which extends from the panel peripheral edge, is brought into electrical contact with each conductive metal bus bar for external electrical connectivity.