Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for increasing the lifetime of converter switches in a system having an energy source connected to a DC bus and a DC-to-DC converter having the converter switches. The method includes determining a system state in which electrical power of the energy source is available for which no transmission via the DC-to-DC converter and no output to further participants of the DC bus is provided, and operating the DC-to-DC converter during the determined system state such that power dissipation is generated in the DC-to-DC converter without power being transmitted via the DC-to-DC converter. A system having an energy source and a DC-to-DC converter having the converter switches is disclosed, as well as an energy-generating system having such a system.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically disconnecting a first part from a second part of a photovoltaic string, which parts can be connected to a first terminal and a second terminal of the apparatus, respectively. The apparatus includes a switch coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal; and an actuation apparatus configured to open the switch when a voltage applied to at least one of the first and second terminals relative to a potential applied to a reference terminal is outside of a prescribed value range.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting the voltage of a photovoltaic string divided into a first section and a second section of a series circuit of solar modules, includes a first terminal for connection to a first end of the first section, a second terminal for connection to a first end of the second section and a third terminal for connection to a second end of the second section. The circuit also includes a bypass switch, which is connected at one end to the first terminal and at the other end to the third terminal and a disconnect switch, which is connected at one end to the first terminal and at the other end to the second terminal. The circuit has a controller for actuating the bypass switch and the disconnect switch, wherein the controller is configured to determine a first threshold value UUL and a second, lower threshold value ULL depending on a switch voltage UOC dropped across the disconnect switch in an open state and taking into account the number of solar modules in the first section and in the second section.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically disconnecting a first part from a second part of a photovoltaic string, which parts can be connected to a first terminal and a second terminal of the apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: An inverter has an inverter bridge connected between two DC busbars on the input side and connected to an AC output on the output side. The two DC busbars run, in a manner overlapping one another, in planes which are parallel to one another. The inverter bridge has a subcircuit having a plurality of semiconductor switches between the AC output and each DC busbar. Semiconductor modules which form the two subcircuits are connected, in a manner arranged beside one another, to the two DC busbars and to the AC output via connections. A connection element which leads to the AC output begins on that side of the DC busbar which faces the semiconductor modules in a region overlapped by the DC busbars and connects the semiconductor modules of the two subcircuits to one another there.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining insulation resistance at a PV generator includes a first unit configured to shift a generator potential at an output terminal of the PV generator, and a second unit. The second unit is configured to determine the insulation resistance by: connecting a measurement voltage to the output terminal of the PV generator, measuring a first current value and a first voltage value at the output terminal of the PV generator before the measurement voltage is connected, measuring a second current value and a second voltage value at the output terminal of the PV generator after the measurement voltage is connected, and determining the insulation resistance of the PV generator based on the measured first and second current values and the measured first and second voltage values. The first and second units are connected in series.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting the voltage of a photovoltaic string divided into a first section and a second section of a series circuit of solar modules, includes a first terminal for connection to a first end of the first section, a second terminal for connection to a first end of the second section and a third terminal for connection to a second end of the second section. The circuit also includes a bypass switch, which is connected at one end to the first terminal and at the other end to the third terminal and a disconnect switch, which is connected at one end to the first terminal and at the other end to the second terminal. The circuit has a controller for actuating the bypass switch and the disconnect switch, wherein the controller is configured to determine a first threshold value UUL and a second, lower threshold value ULL depending on a switch voltage UOC dropped across the disconnect switch in an open state and taking into account the number of solar modules in the first section and in the second section.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining insulation resistance at a PV generator includes a first unit configured to shift a generator potential at an output terminal of the PV generator, and a second unit. The second unit is configured to determine the insulation resistance by: connecting a measurement voltage to the output terminal of the PV generator, measuring a first current value and a first voltage value at the output terminal of the PV generator before the measurement voltage is connected, measuring a second current value and a second voltage value at the output terminal of the PV generator after the measurement voltage is connected, and determining the insulation resistance of the PV generator based on the measured first and second current values and the measured first and second voltage values. The first and second units are connected in series.

Abstract: An inverter has an inverter bridge connected between two DC busbars on the input side and connected to an AC output on the output side. The two DC busbars run, in a manner overlapping one another, in planes which are parallel to one another. The inverter bridge has a subcircuit having a plurality of semiconductor switches between the AC output and each DC busbar. Semiconductor modules which form the two subcircuits are connected, in a manner arranged beside one another, to the two DC busbars and to the AC output via connections. A connection element which leads to the AC output begins on that side of the DC busbar which faces the semiconductor modules in a region overlapped by the DC busbars and connects the semiconductor modules of the two subcircuits to one another there.

Abstract: A radar sensor including an antenna array having multiple antenna elements situated next to one another and at least one feeding point at an outer antenna element. The antenna elements are connected in series via delay lines. The radar sensor has at least two transmitting and receiving units which are each suitable for generating and evaluating a radar signal at a predefined frequency. The at least two transmitting and receiving units are connected to a feeding point of the antenna array. The frequencies of the radar signals of the at least two transmitting and receiving units are predefinable independently of one another.

Abstract: A transmitting device for electromagnetic radiation includes a waveguide having an input for coupling an electromagnetic wave into the waveguide, and multiple openings in the waveguide for emitting the electromagnetic wave. A controllable closure element is provided for selectively closing at least one of the openings with respect to the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A radar sensor including an antenna array having multiple antenna elements situated next to one another and at least one feeding point at an outer antenna element. The antenna elements are connected in series via delay lines. The radar sensor has at least two transmitting and receiving units which are each suitable for generating and evaluating a radar signal at a predefined frequency. The at least two transmitting and receiving units are connected to a feeding point of the antenna array. The frequencies of the radar signals of the at least two transmitting and receiving units are predefinable independently of one another.