Abstract: A photovoltaic energy conversion system, apparatus, and method for controlling DC sub-arrays of a photovoltaic array are disclosed. The method may include coupling each of N homerun branches from N sub-arrays to an inverter via N switches and monitoring current through each of the N homerun branches. A forward current through each of the N homerun branches is compared with a forward current threshold, and any backfeed current through any of the N homerun branches is compared with a backfeed current threshold. One or more of the N switches are opened in response to either the forward current exceeding the forward current threshold or the backfeed current exceeding a backfeed current threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and recording conditions inside a chamber containing cloth items and fluid is provided. The method involves placement of contact sensors inside a wash chamber that can detect contact with a target cloth. The method also involves placement of rotation sensors for determining the position of rotating components within the washer. The method also involves installation of friction sensors that can measure forces between cloth items and the surfaces of the wash chamber. The method also involves installation of a fluid flow sensing system to determine the direction of fluid flow in the washer. All or some of the aforementioned signals are communicated from instruments within the washer to an external computer and may be converted to spatial locations for the impeller, target cloth and basket. Video may be recorded and combined with the sensor data to develop a more complete picture of cloth motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and recording conditions inside a chamber containing cloth items and fluid is provided. The method involves placement of contact sensors inside a wash chamber that can detect contact with a target cloth. The method also involves placement of rotation sensors for determining the position of rotating components within the washer. The method also involves installation of friction sensors that can measure forces between cloth items and the surfaces of the wash chamber. The method also involves installation of a fluid flow sensing system to determine the direction of fluid flow in the washer. All or some of the aforementioned signals are communicated from instruments within the washer to an external computer and may be converted to spatial locations for the impeller, target cloth and basket. Video may be recorded and combined with the sensor data to develop a more complete picture of cloth motion.