Patents by Inventor Markus Hopf
Markus Hopf 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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Patent number: 11888439Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for determining a characteristic curve for a photovoltaic (PV) string of a photovoltaic system having an inverter which is connected to the photovoltaic string and to a power supply network. The photovoltaic string includes a series connection of a plurality of photovoltaic modules, in which series connection at least one of the photovoltaic modules is integrated into the series connection of the photovoltaic modules via a DC/DC converter. The at least one DC/DC converter operates the photovoltaic module assigned thereto in a first operating mode M1 at a maximum power point by varying, over time, a conversion ratio of output voltage (UOut) to input voltage (UIn), and operates the photovoltaic module in a second operating mode M2 with a conversion ratio of output voltage (UOut) to input voltage (UIn) that is constant over time.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Michael Viotto, Markus Hopf, Bernhard Schropp
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Publication number: 20230018650Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for supplying a consumer device with electrical energy from an industrial DC network. The method having includes establishing a connection between an energy storage and the industrial DC network and transferring electrical energy from the DC network to the energy storage. When the connection is established between the energy storage and the industrial DC network, a connection between the energy storage and the consumer device is disconnected and the consumer remains galvanically isolated from the industrial DC network. The method also includes establishing a connection between the consumer device and the energy storage and transferring electrical energy from the storage energy storage to the consumer device. When the connection is established between the consumer device and the energy storage, a connection between the energy storage and the industrial DC network is disconnected and the consumer device remains galvanically isolated from the industrial DC network.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventor: Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 11404999Abstract: A method for detecting a contact fault in a photovoltaic system is disclosed. The photovoltaic system includes an inverter and a photovoltaic generator connected to the inverter via DC current lines. The inverter includes a transmitter for coupling a first AC voltage signal having communication frequencies in a first frequency range between 125 kHz and 150 kHz into the DC current lines. A receiver is configured to couple out the first AC voltage signal and is arranged at the photovoltaic generator. A decoupling circuit is configured to decouple the impedance of the photovoltaic generator is arranged between the inverter and the photovoltaic generator, such that the photovoltaic generator is AC decoupled from a transmission path between the inverter and the decoupling circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Markus Hopf
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Publication number: 20220109401Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for determining a characteristic curve for a photovoltaic (PV) string of a photovoltaic system having an inverter which is connected to the photovoltaic string and to a power supply network. The photovoltaic string includes a series connection of a plurality of photovoltaic modules, in which series connection at least one of the photovoltaic modules is integrated into the series connection of the photovoltaic modules via a DC/DC converter. The at least one DC/DC converter operates the photovoltaic module assigned thereto in a first operating mode M1 at a maximum power point by varying, over time, a conversion ratio of output voltage (UOut) to input voltage (UIn), and operates the photovoltaic module in a second operating mode M2 with a conversion ratio of output voltage (UOut) to input voltage (UIn) that is constant over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Michael Viotto, Markus Hopf, Bernhard Schropp
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Patent number: 11276786Abstract: A solar module includes a safety circuit, and a series circuit of bypass diodes, which is arranged between solar module connections, wherein the bypass diodes have bypass connections at both ends and all connecting points of the series circuit of bypass diodes. The solar module also includes a series circuit of solar partial modules having partial module terminals at both ends and all connecting points of the series circuit of solar partial modules, wherein each bypass diode is associated with precisely one solar partial module, and a plurality of semiconductor switches configured to disconnect the solar module connections from voltage at an associated partial module terminal when a disconnection signal is received by the safety circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Markus Hopf, Burkard Mueller, Oliver Prior
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Patent number: 10825937Abstract: The disclosure relates to a protective circuit for a photovoltaic (PV) module that includes an input having two input terminals for connecting the PV module, an output having two output terminals for connecting further PV modules of a series circuit comprising PV modules, a first switch for connecting one of the input terminals to one of the output terminals, and a controller configured to control the first switch, wherein the protective circuit further includes a series circuit including a first diode and an energy store, wherein the series circuit is arranged in parallel with the input of the protective circuit. The protective circuit also includes a second diode, which connects an output terminal of the protective circuit to a midpoint of the series circuit including the first diode and the energy store, and wherein a series circuit including the second diode and the energy store is connected in parallel with the first switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Markus Hopf, Burkard Mueller
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Patent number: 10666043Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for disconnecting a connection between solar modules of a photovoltaic string. A circuit breaker, a band-stop filter and a supply circuit are arranged in a series circuit between a first and second terminal. The series circuit is configured to conduct a current that includes a DC string current flowing through the photovoltaic string and a high-frequency control signal modulated onto the DC string current. The supply circuit is configured to generate energy to power the apparatus from the DC string current. An AC bypass circuit bridges the circuit breaker in parallel and is configured to conduct the high-frequency control signal. A control unit is configured to operate the apparatus based on the high-frequency control signal. A reverse current diode oppositely polarized relative to an operating current flow is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker or the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Markus Hopf
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Publication number: 20200099334Abstract: A method for detecting a contact fault in a photovoltaic system is disclosed. The photovoltaic system includes an inverter and a photovoltaic generator connected to the inverter via DC current lines. The inverter includes a transmitter for coupling a first AC voltage signal having communication frequencies in a first frequency range between 125 kHz and 150 kHz into the DC current lines. A receiver is configured to couple out the first AC voltage signal and is arranged at the photovoltaic generator. A decoupling circuit is configured to decouple the impedance of the photovoltaic generator is arranged between the inverter and the photovoltaic generator, such that the photovoltaic generator is AC decoupled from a transmission path between the inverter and the decoupling circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventor: Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 10541646Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for disconnecting an electrical connection between solar modules of a photovoltaic string, the apparatus including a first and a second terminal for a respectively assigned solar module of the photovoltaic string, also a circuit breaker, a band-stop filter and a supply circuit for supplying energy to the apparatus, which are arranged in a series circuit with respect to one another between the first and second terminals. A bandpass filter for coupling out a high-frequency control signal from the electrical connection bridges the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter in parallel. In this case, a reverse current diode that is oppositely polarized relative to an operating current flow direction is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker or the partial series circuit comprising the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Markus Hopf
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Publication number: 20190214511Abstract: A solar module includes a safety circuit, and a series circuit of bypass diodes, which is arranged between solar module connections, wherein the bypass diodes have bypass connections at both ends and all connecting points of the series circuit of bypass diodes. The solar module also includes a series circuit of solar partial modules having partial module terminals at both ends and all connecting points of the series circuit of solar partial modules, wherein each bypass diode is associated with precisely one solar partial module, and a plurality of semiconductor switches configured to disconnect the solar module connections from voltage at an associated partial module terminal when a disconnection signal is received by the safety circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Markus Hopf, Burkard Mueller, Oliver Prior
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Publication number: 20190089148Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for disconnecting a connection between solar modules of a photovoltaic string. A circuit breaker, a band-stop filter and a supply circuit are arranged in a series circuit between a first and second terminal. The series circuit is configured to conduct a current that includes a DC string current flowing through the photovoltaic string and a high-frequency control signal modulated onto the DC string current. The supply circuit is configured to generate energy to power the apparatus from the DC string current. An AC bypass circuit bridges the circuit breaker in parallel and is configured to conduct the high-frequency control signal. A control unit is configured to operate the apparatus based on the high-frequency control signal. A reverse current diode oppositely polarized relative to an operating current flow is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker or the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventor: Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 10199831Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for in-line supply of voltage to an electrical or electronic apparatus located in the region of a DC line, a parallel circuit of two diodes oriented in anti-parallel is arranged in the line. When a direct current is flowing between terminals of the circuit arrangement, the anti-parallel diodes permit a small voltage drop between the terminals, irrespective of the direction of flow of the current, which voltage drop is limited to the forward voltage of the diode that is currently forward biased. The voltage drop across the anti-parallel diodes is tapped by a supply subcircuit. A semiconductor switch can be connected in parallel with the anti-parallel diodes, which switch is controlled by a voltage-reduction subcircuit to minimize the power dissipation of the circuit arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Markus Hopf
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Publication number: 20180351015Abstract: The disclosure relates to a protective circuit for a photovoltaic (PV) module that includes an input having two input terminals for connecting the PV module, an output having two output terminals for connecting further PV modules of a series circuit comprising PV modules, a first switch for connecting one of the input terminals to one of the output terminals, and a controller configured to control the first switch, wherein the protective circuit further includes a series circuit including a first diode and an energy store, wherein the series circuit is arranged in parallel with the input of the protective circuit. The protective circuit also includes a second diode, which connects an output terminal of the protective circuit to a midpoint of the series circuit including the first diode and the energy store, and wherein a series circuit including the second diode and the energy store is connected in parallel with the first switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Markus Hopf, Burkard Mueller
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Publication number: 20180316308Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for disconnecting an electrical connection between solar modules of a photovoltaic string, the apparatus including a first and a second terminal for a respectively assigned solar module of the photovoltaic string, also a circuit breaker, a band-stop filter and a supply circuit for supplying energy to the apparatus, which are arranged in a series circuit with respect to one another between the first and second terminals. A bandpass filter for coupling out a high-frequency control signal from the electrical connection bridges the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter in parallel. In this case, a reverse current diode that is oppositely polarized relative to an operating current flow direction is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker or the partial series circuit comprising the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventor: Markus Hopf
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Patent number: 10027247Abstract: The invention relates to an inverter with at least one DC input for connecting to an energy producing device and/or an energy store and with a multiphase AC output for connecting to a local energy distribution network, which is coupled to a likewise multiphase master energy supply network via a switching device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: SMA Solar TechnologyInventors: Claus Allert, Thorsten Buleo, Markus Hopf
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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: 9780550Abstract: A protective device for a photovoltaic system includes at least one input for connection to a photovoltaic generator and at least one output for delivery of an electric power supplied from the photovoltaic generator. The protective device includes a detection device for a signal applied via the at least one output, and is configured to provide a low level-limited voltage at the at least one output if an applied signal does not meet a predetermined criteria, and is further configured to connect the at least one output with low resistance to the at least one input via a switching device if the applied signal meets the predetermined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Markus Hopf, Matthias Victor, Frank Greizer, Gerd Bettenwort, Jens Friebe
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Patent number: 9768610Abstract: A method for leakage current compensation in a photovoltaic system includes determining a reference current flowing from at least one current-carrying line under voltage via a capacitor to earth, and generating a compensation current, having a phase and a frequency of the reference current, and having an amplitude adjusted by a negative scaling factor based on the reference current. The method further includes determining a current sum using a differential current sensor for at least a portion thereof, wherein the addends of the current sum are the currents through a complete set of current-carrying lines and the compensation current, minimizing the determined current sum by adjusting the scaling factor, and routing the compensation current through at least one other differential current sensor, such that the compensation current compensates a leakage current component of a differential current monitored by the other differential current sensor. A related device and system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventors: Sebastian Bieniek, 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