Abstract: A coordinated multiple power management system provides an efficient and unique means of controlling the power usage of devices attached to a personal energy platform. Power control in an abundant power situation (i.e. commercial power is available) saves money. Power control in a constrained power situation (i.e. commercial power is unavailable e.g. “power failure”) provides more availability of needed computing services (for example, emergency activities, enable longer communication periods, longer video streaming, security monitoring, internet access and communications, or critical healthcare device usage etc.). The power supplied to the devices can be determined automatically and is under program control, which allows the complete management and distribution of power to any, and all, devices attached to the personal energy platform.

Abstract: A coordinated multiple power management system provides an efficient and unique means of controlling the power usage of devices attached to a personal energy platform. Power control in an abundant power situation (i.e. commercial power is available) saves money. Power control in a constrained power situation (i.e. commercial power is unavailable e.g. “power failure”) provides more availability of needed computing services (for example, emergency activities, enable longer communication periods, longer video streaming, security monitoring, internet access and communications, or critical healthcare device usage etc.). The power supplied to the devices can be determined automatically and is under program control, which allows the complete management and distribution of power to any, and all, devices attached to the personal energy platform.

Abstract: Photovoltaic power system inverter detection apparatus and methods are disclosed. Electrical continuity between an inverter in a PV power system and a PV panel disconnect switch, which switchably couples one or more DC PV panels to the PV power system, is tested while the PV panel disconnect switch is open. A state of the electrical continuity is determined based on measurements of an electrical parameter after the test signal is applied. The PV panel disconnect switch is maintained open on determining no electrical continuity, and closed on determining that there is electrical continuity between the PV panel disconnect switch and the inverter. A shutdown device that implements inverter detection may be located and/or adapted to meet safety conditions, by being located less than 10 feet from the PV panel array and/or adapted to limit a test signal to a maximum of 30V and 240VA.

Abstract: A method for determining continuity in a PV panel string by calculating a discharge ratio includes operatively coupling a PV panel to a PV panel string; measuring a first voltage between points of coupling of the PV panel to the PV panel string; disconnecting the PV panel from the PV panel string; waiting for a discharge period to expire; measuring a second voltage at an expiration of the discharge period; calculating a discharge ratio of the second voltage to the first voltage; and comparing the discharge ratio to a predetermined threshold ratio. An apparatus for determining continuity in a PV panel string includes a discharge resistance serially connected in the PV panel string; a capacitance parallel connected to the discharge resistance; a voltage sensor parallel connected to the discharge resistance; and a first switch parallel connected to the discharge resistance.

Abstract: Photovoltaic power system inverter detection apparatus and methods are disclosed. Electrical continuity between an inverter in a PV power system and a PV panel disconnect switch, which switchably couples one or more DC PV panels to the PV power system, is tested while the PV panel disconnect switch is open. A state of the electrical continuity is determined based on measurements of an electrical parameter after the test signal is applied. The PV panel disconnect switch is maintained open on determining no electrical continuity, and closed on determining that there is electrical continuity between the PV panel disconnect switch and the inverter. A shutdown device that implements inverter detection may be located and/or adapted to meet safety conditions, by being located less than 10 feet from the PV panel array and/or adapted to limit a test signal to a maximum of 30V and 240VA.

Abstract: A method for determining continuity in a PV panel string by calculating a discharge ratio includes operatively coupling a PV panel to a PV panel string; measuring a first voltage between points of coupling of the PV panel to the PV panel string; disconnecting the PV panel from the PV panel string; waiting for a discharge period to expire; measuring a second voltage at an expiration of the discharge period; calculating a discharge ratio of the second voltage to the first voltage; and comparing the discharge ratio to a predetermined threshold ratio. An apparatus for determining continuity in a PV panel string includes a discharge resistance serially connected in the PV panel string; a capacitance parallel connected to the discharge resistance; a voltage sensor parallel connected to the discharge resistance; and a first switch parallel connected to the discharge resistance.