Patents by Inventor Holger Behrends
Holger Behrends 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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Publication number: 20230015899Abstract: The invention relates to a device for interrupting or closing an electrical circuit. The invention further relates to a method of interrupting or closing an electrical circuit. An inventive circuit interruption device for interrupting an electrical circuit contains a contact piece comprising a ceramic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Stefan GEISSENDÖRFER, Holger BEHRENDS, Gerrit BREMER
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Patent number: 10436821Abstract: A device for detecting alternating-current components iAC of an electric current iACDC flowing in a direct-current circuit includes an inductor arranged in the direct-current circuit, and an AC path arranged electrically in parallel with the inductor, wherein the AC path comprises a series circuit made up of a capacitor and a primary winding of a transformer. The device further includes a voltage measuring device, wherein a secondary winding of the transformer is connected to the voltage measuring device via a low-pass filter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Gary Orbita
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Patent number: 9831916Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for transmitting data via direct current lines for energy transmission from a first communication unit to a second communication unit. The method includes generating a high-frequency test signal having a predefined voltage amplitude by the first or the second communication unit and coupling the high-frequency test signal onto the direct current lines. The method further includes determining a current level caused by the high-frequency test signal on the direct current lines by the first communication unit, and determining a voltage amplitude for a high-frequency signal based on the current level caused by the test signal. The method also includes coupling a high-frequency signal having the predetermined voltage amplitude onto the direct current lines by the first communication unit. The disclosure also relates to a system for transmitting data via direct current lines for energy transmission and to a photovoltaic installation having such a system.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Holger Behrends
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Patent number: 9819180Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for sequentially disconnecting at least two electrical current sources from a common load or for sequentially connecting the current sources to a load, wherein the current sources are each connected to the common load via a switching unit, each comprising a parallel circuit comprising an electromechanically actuated switch and an associated semiconductor switch. In the two methods, first semiconductor switches are closed if they are still not closed and the relevant electromechanical switches are opened. In the method for sequential disconnection, then at least two of the semiconductor switches that were actuated or that were already closed are opened sequentially. In the method for sequential connection, a plurality of the semiconductor switches are first opened, of which then at least two are closed sequentially. The disclosure also relates to a photovoltaic system comprising an apparatus that is suitable for implementing the method.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 9709623Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring a photovoltaic system includes an incoupling circuit configured to couple an AC voltage test signal into the photovoltaic system, and an outcoupling circuit configured to outcouple a response signal, which is associated with the test signal, from the photovoltaic system, and an evaluation device, which is connected to the outcoupling circuit. The evaluation device is configured to identify events which adversely affect correct operation of the photovoltaic system. The apparatus is distinguished in that the outcoupling circuit includes a first transformer and a second transformer, each having a respective primary winding and each having a respective secondary winding which is connected to the evaluation device, with the primary windings of the first and second transformers being arranged in different electrical lines between a generator and an inverter in the photovoltaic system. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method for monitoring a photovoltaic system.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Marcel Kratochvil, Sebastian Bieniek, Holger Behrends, Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 9625516Abstract: A device and corresponding method for monitoring a photovoltaic system to detect an occurrence of events impairing normal operation of the photovoltaic system is provide. The photovoltaic system includes a photovoltaic generator including a first group of photovoltaic modules and a second group of photovoltaic modules being different from the first group. The device includes a first and a second pair of coupling means, both pairs including signal coupling-in means for coupling a test signal into the photovoltaic generator, and a signal coupling-out means for coupling out a response signal from the photovoltaic generator, the first pair of coupling means configured to selectively detect the occurrence of the events in the first group of photovoltaic modules, and the second pair of coupling means configured to selectively detect the occurrence of the events in the second group of photovoltaic modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Markus Hopf, Holger Behrends, Gerd Bettenwort, Sebastian Bieniek, Marcel Kratochvil
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Patent number: 9535104Abstract: A method of detecting an arc fault in a power circuit includes injecting an AC-signal into the power circuit and measuring a response signal that is related to the injected AC-signal in the power circuit. The method further includes determining a frequency response of the power circuit from the response signal, analyzing the frequency response, and identifying a preferred frequency. A signal related to AC-current flowing in the power circuit within the preferred frequency range is measured and an occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit is signaled depending on the measured signal. A system for detecting an arc fault is designed to perform a method as described before.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Markus Hopf, Sebastian Bieniek
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Patent number: 9478675Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for localizing and quenching an arc in a PV generator of a PV system, wherein the PV generator includes at least two PV subgenerators. An arc quenching circuit is associated with each PV subgenerator. The method includes detecting an arc in the PV generator. Then, a probability value is determined for each of the PV subgenerators, wherein the probability value is correlated with a probability that the arc is located in the corresponding PV subgenerator. A sequence for activating the arc quenching circuits is then determined that is dependent on the determined probability values. Then, the arc quenching circuits are activated successively in the order of the determined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 9435845Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for detecting an arc in a DC circuit. The method includes measuring and analyzing an AC component (IAC) of a current (I) flowing in the circuit and determining at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC). The level of a DC component (IDC) of the current (I) is varied and a degree of correlation between the level of the DC component (IDC) of the current (I) flowing in the DC circuit and the at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC) is determined. An arc is detected and selectively signaled based on the degree of the determined correlation. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to an inverter comprising such an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Johannes Lang, Thomas Wegener, Marcel Kratochvil, Holger Behrends, Michael Viotto
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Publication number: 20160146857Abstract: A device for detecting alternating-current components iAC of an electric current iACDC flowing in a direct-current circuit includes an inductor arranged in the direct-current circuit, and an AC path arranged electrically in parallel with the inductor, wherein the AC path comprises a series circuit made up of a capacitor and a primary winding of a transformer. The device further includes a voltage measuring device, wherein a secondary winding of the transformer is connected to the voltage measuring device via a low-pass filter circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Gary Orbita
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Publication number: 20160087679Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for transmitting data via direct current lines for energy transmission from a first communication unit to a second communication unit. The method includes generating a high-frequency test signal having a predefined voltage amplitude by the first or the second communication unit and coupling the high-frequency test signal onto the direct current lines. The method further includes determining a current level caused by the high-frequency test signal on the direct current lines by the first communication unit, and determining a voltage amplitude for a high-frequency signal based on the current level caused by the test signal. The method also includes coupling a high-frequency signal having the predetermined voltage amplitude onto the direct current lines by the first communication unit. The disclosure also relates to a system for transmitting data via direct current lines for energy transmission and to a photovoltaic installation having such a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventor: Holger Behrends
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Patent number: 9046588Abstract: A method for detecting an arc fault in a photovoltaic power circuit includes operating a photovoltaic generator at a first working point. A first signal related to a DC-current and/or a DC-voltage in the power circuit is determined. The first signal is analyzed and it is determined whether the signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit. If so, the photovoltaic generator is operated at a second working point and a second signal related to the DC-current and/or the DC-voltage is determined. The first and second signals are then compared; and the occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit is selectively signaled based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Sebastian Bieniek, Thorsten Buelo, Markus Hopf, Gerd Bettenwort, Marcel Kratochvil, Christopher Merz, Oliver Prior
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Publication number: 20150077884Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for localizing and quenching an arc in a PV generator of a PV system, wherein the PV generator includes at least two PV subgenerators. An arc quenching circuit is associated with each PV subgenerator. The method includes detecting an arc in the PV generator. Then, a probability value is determined for each of the PV subgenerators, wherein the probability value is correlated with a probability that the arc is located in the corresponding PV subgenerator. A sequence for activating the arc quenching circuits is then determined that is dependent on the determined probability values. Then, the arc quenching circuits are activated successively in the order of the determined sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Markus Hopf
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Publication number: 20140210485Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for detecting an arc in a DC circuit. The method includes measuring and analyzing an AC component (IAC) of a current (I) flowing in the circuit and determining at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC). The level of a DC component (IDC) of the current (I) is varied and a degree of correlation between the level of the DC component (IDC) of the current (I) flowing in the DC circuit and the at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC) is determined. An arc is detected and selectively signaled based on the degree of the determined correlation. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to an inverter comprising such an apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Johannes Lang, Thomas Wegener, Marcel Kratochvil, Holger Behrends, Michael Viotto
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Publication number: 20140119072Abstract: A method for detecting an arc fault in a photovoltaic power circuit includes operating a photovoltaic generator at a first working point. A first signal related to a DC-current and/or a DC-voltage in the power circuit is determined. The first signal is analyzed and it is determined whether the signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit. If so, the photovoltaic generator is operated at a second working point and a second signal related to the DC-current and/or the DC-voltage is determined. The first and second signals are then compared; and the occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit is selectively signaled based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventors: Holger Behrends, Sebastian Bieniek, Thorsten Buelo, Markus Hopf, Gerd Bettenwort, Marcel Kratochvil, Christopher Merz, Oliver Prior
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Publication number: 20140062500Abstract: A method of detecting an arc fault in a power circuit includes injecting an AC-signal into the power circuit and measuring a response signal that is related to the injected AC-signal in the power circuit. The method further includes determining a frequency response of the power circuit from the response signal, analyzing the frequency response, and identifying a preferred frequency. A signal related to AC-current flowing in the power circuit within the preferred frequency range is measured and an occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit is signaled depending on the measured signal. A system for detecting an arc fault is designed to perform a method as described before.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Markus Hopf, Sebastian Bieniek
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Publication number: 20130307343Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for sequentially disconnecting at least two electrical current sources from a common load or for sequentially connecting the current sources to a load, wherein the current sources are each connected to the common load via a switching unit, each comprising a parallel circuit comprising an electromechanically actuated switch and an associated semiconductor switch. In the two methods, first semiconductor switches are closed if they are still not closed and the relevant electromechanical switches are opened. In the method for sequential disconnection, then at least two of the semiconductor switches that were actuated or that were already closed are opened sequentially. In the method for sequential connection, a plurality of the semiconductor switches are first opened, of which then at least two are closed sequentially. The disclosure also relates to a photovoltaic system comprising an apparatus that is suitable for implementing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Holger Behrends, Marcel Kratochvil, Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 7631554Abstract: Disclosed is a tire module for sensing tire condition variables with a spring element (2) clamped on one end and a converting unit (2, 3, 4, 6, 7), in which kinetic energy is converted into electric energy. The spring element (2) is a bar spring, torsion spring, or leaf spring, with a seismic mass (3) being arranged at the end of the spring element that is not clamped, and the spring element transmits acceleration jumps of the seismic mass (3) to the converting unit (2, 3, 4, 6, 7).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Continental Tevas AG & Co.Inventors: Holger Behrends, Thomas Koschnitzki, Carsten Reimann
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Publication number: 20080264537Abstract: Disclosed is a tire module for sensing tire condition variables with a spring element (2) clamped on one end and a converting unit (2, 3, 4, 6, 7), in which kinetic energy is converted into electric energy. The spring element (2) is a bar spring, torsion spring, or leaf spring, with a seismic mass (3) being arranged at the end of the spring element that is not clamped, and the spring element transmits acceleration jumps of the seismic mass (3) to the converting unit (2, 3, 4, 6, 7).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Holger Behrends, Thomas Koschnitzki, Carsten Reimann
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Patent number: 7203612Abstract: Disclosed are different processes for the determination of the internal pressure, particularly of the minimum pressure of the tire of a motor vehicle during driving operation, through an analysis of the characteristic vibration behavior of the wheel, whereby the standardized amplitude is determined from the vibration spectrum determined and the resonance frequency is observed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHGInventors: Andreas Köbe, Holger Behrends, Lennert Gootjes, Joachim Kohn, Ines Runge, Stefan Kluge, Alfred Duchow