Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: A method of controlling a solar array including receiving current and voltage data from a plurality of solar modules of the solar array, calculating a diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, mapping the diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, generating a digital image of light conditions in the solar array based on the mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, defining zones within the array based on the light conditions in the digital image, determining a zone-specific solar tracker angle for each zone based on mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, transmitting the zone-specific solar tracker angle to a computing device associated with each solar tracker in the solar array, and driving the solar trackers of each zone such that the solar trackers that make up each zone are oriented to substantially the same angle.

Abstract: An illustrative energy storage system includes an energy storage device, a processor coupled to the energy storage device, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions adapted for execution by the processor to control and monitor operation of the energy storage device. The instructions are arranged into functional modules. Each functional module is associated with a memory cache in the memory. Control processes depending on the functional module read last known values from the associated memory cache. Reading last known values from the associated memory enables changes to the functional modules without shutting down the energy storage device.

Abstract: Split-cell and multi-panel photovoltaic backtracking control systems and methods allow for increased total power generation during low sun elevation conditions by shading a percentage of panel modules, thereby allowing for a lower angle of incidence on unshaded modules. The control systems and methods involve determining a sun elevation angle, a traditional backtracking angle, a split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle, a single-cell or single-panel relative light transmission (RLT) based on the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle, and a split-cell or multi-panel RLT based on the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle. If twice the single-cell or single-panel RLT is greater than the split-cell or multi-panel RLT, the split-cell or multi-panel backtracking angle is used; otherwise, the single-cell or single-panel backtracking angle is used.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system comprises a rotor having a rotational axis about which the rotor spins in operation and comprising a ferrous material and a housing enclosing the rotor and having an interior subject to a vacuum. The system further comprises a vacuum pump configured to provide the vacuum of the interior of the housing, an electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic field and lift the rotor vertically along the rotational axis of the rotor, and at least one bearing provided between the rotor and the housing, and a controller in operative communication with the electromagnet and the vacuum pump. The rotor applies a force against the at least one bearing.

Abstract: An illustrative energy storage system includes an energy storage device, a processor coupled to the energy storage device, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions adapted for execution by the processor to control and monitor operation of the energy storage device. The instructions are arranged into functional modules. Each functional module is associated with a memory cache in the memory. Control processes depending on the functional module read last known values from the associated memory cache. Reading last known values from the associated memory enables changes to the functional modules without shutting down the energy storage device.

Abstract: An illustrative energy storage system includes an energy storage device, a processor coupled to the energy storage device, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions adapted for execution by the processor to control and monitor operation of the energy storage device. The instructions are arranged into functional modules. Each functional module is associated with a memory cache in the memory. Control processes depending on the functional module read last known values from the associated memory cache. Reading last known values from the associated memory enables changes to the functional modules without shutting down the energy storage device.

Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system comprises a rotor having a rotational axis about which the rotor spins in operation and comprising a ferrous material and a housing enclosing the rotor and having an interior subject to a vacuum. The system further comprises a vacuum pump configured to provide the vacuum of the interior of the housing, an electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic field and lift the rotor vertically along the rotational axis of the rotor, and at least one bearing provided between the rotor and the housing, and a controller in operative communication with the electromagnet and the vacuum pump. The rotor applies a force against the at least one bearing.

Abstract: An illustrative energy storage system includes an energy storage device, a processor coupled to the energy storage device, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store instructions adapted for execution by the processor to control and monitor operation of the energy storage device. The instructions are arranged into functional modules. Each functional module is associated with a memory cache in the memory. Control processes depending on the functional module read last known values from the associated memory cache. Reading last known values from the associated memory enables changes to the functional modules without shutting down the energy storage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating device comprising a casing, at least one heat storage block in a refractory material, fitted with at least one electric resistor and positioned inside the casing and means for supplying the electric resistor with electricity, characterized in that it further comprises at least one heat diffuser in a heat conducting material which is placed inside the casing in contact with the storage block and which is conformed in order to define, in association with the casing, at least one air flow channel in order to provide diffusion of heat by convection and which has a surface area larger than that of one of the main faces of the storage block, in order to provide diffusion of heat by radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying network services over fiber optic cable to a particular building includes a gas service pipe. The service pipe conveys gas between a gas main and a gas meter for the particular building. A flexible tube is disposed inside the service pipe. The tube is sealed at each end to an outside surface of the service pipe at a pressure fitting for providing access to the inside of the tube. A fiber optic cable is disposed through the inside of the flexible tube, with each end of the fiber optic cable outside the service pipe. Using techniques of the present invention, service pipes are employed to connect network cable to buildings across a paved street. The techniques avoid the costs and inconvenience associated with standard practices that involve cutting trenches across the streets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electronic appliance including a device for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals integrated in the appliance, the device having an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving the radio signals, the antenna being in register with at least one portion of an outside face of said appliance that is for holding by a user. According to the invention the appliance includes means for creating a different touch sensation corresponding to said portion so as to hinder the user in holding said portion, thus freeing antenna radiation from disturbance due to the presence of a user's hand over said portion. The invention is particularly applicable to telephones, personal digital assistants, pocket computers, and domestic appliances.