Abstract: A method for visualizing luminance variance for an object may include receiving image data associated with a digital image of the object. An algorithm is applied to the image data to generate an enhanced image. The enhanced image includes connected pixel value lines representative of pixel value ranges from the input image to enable visualization of luminance variance of the object by the human eye.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and methods of design and revenue generation are disclosed. These systems comprise structures capable of supporting solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. These systems may be installed in confined spaces. These systems also comprise structures that are customizable, allowing an installation to be configured with a desired lighting and environmental effect. The methods discussed herein describe processes for achieving desired design effects based on natural elements. Moreover, the methods discussed herein describe processes for reducing the costs of generating solar energy and/or reducing the costs of providing a solar structure.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a solar energy system comprises: a solar energy structure comprising photovoltaic solar panels contiguously covering an area; a first inverter configured to receive power from a first string of photovoltaic solar panels, wherein the first inverter is configured to provide the power received at the first inverter to a first meter; and a second inverter configured to receive power from a second string of photovoltaic solar panels, wherein the second inverter is configured to provide the power received at the second inverter to a second meter.

Abstract: Systems that provide shade for agricultural environments are disclosed, including a shade system. The shade system provides a predicted amount of shade and sunshine to an area covered by the shade system. The shade system includes a plurality of elevated rectilinear shade structures, wherein each shade structure of the plurality of elevated rectilinear shade structures has a long side and a short side, the shade structures grouped together, oriented and aligned such that each shade structure of the plurality of elevated rectilinear shade structures has long sides generally oriented north to south and each shade structure of the plurality of elevated rectilinear shade structures has short sides generally oriented east to west.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar energy systems are disclosed. A solar energy system comprising a plurality of elevated rectilinear solar energy structures covering an area is disclosed. Each of the solar energy structures of the plurality of elevated rectilinear solar energy structures has a long side and a short side. The plurality of elevated rectilinear solar energy structures are grouped together, oriented and aligned such that the long side of each of the solar energy structures is generally parallel and at least one of the plurality of elevated rectilinear solar energy structures has a plurality of solar panels attached in a fixed manner forming a solar energy collection canopy.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

Abstract: A measuring a closed-loop fluid transfer system is provided that includes a measuring adapter having a first end and a second ends, and a chamber located there between and configured to hold a volume of fluid. The measuring adapter includes a first receiving valve assembly located at the first end of the measuring adapter. The first receiving valve assembly includes a receiving valve member, at least a portion of which is separable from a portion of the first receiving valve assembly. This creates an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber when a force is exerted on the receiving valve member of the first receiving valve assembly. A second valve assembly located at the second end of the measuring adapter includes a valve member. At least a portion of the valve member of the second valve assembly is separable from a portion of the second valve assembly to create an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber.

Abstract: An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and methods of design and revenue generation are disclosed. These systems comprise structures capable of supporting solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. These systems may be installed in confined spaces. These systems also comprise structures that are customizable, allowing an installation to be configured with a desired lighting and environmental effect. The methods discussed herein describe processes for achieving desired design effects based on natural elements. Moreover, the methods discussed herein describe processes for reducing the costs of generating solar energy and/or reducing the costs of providing a solar structure.

Abstract: An expanded flow rate receiver valve assembly attaches to a first fluid container and is in fluid communication with the first fluid container. The expanded flow rate receiver valve assembly includes a coupling section that selectively receives a closure valve attached to a second fluid container that selectively releases and restricts fluid contained in the second fluid container. The expanded flow rate receiver valve assembly also includes a valve chamber in fluid communication with the coupling section and located adjacent a coupling section opening. The valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first fluid container.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

Abstract: An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

Abstract: Solar energy shade structures and methods of designing and installing the same are disclosed. These structures are capable of supporting a contiguous planar solar panel support structure at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. The planar solar panel support structure may contiguously cover at least two areas of different area types, including parking spaces and driving aisles, and may be at least 64 feet long by 64 feet wide. The planar solar panel support structure may have a high panel density defined in that an arrangement of the plurality of solar panels that is uninterrupted by service or access lanes. The majority of the plurality of solar panels may be fixed at an angle that would be non-optimal for energy generation in each individual panel of the majority of the plurality of solar panels, but results in optimal power density for the entire solar energy shade structure.

Abstract: A measuring a closed-loop fluid transfer system is provided that includes a measuring adapter having a first end and a second ends, and a chamber located there between and configured to hold a volume of fluid. The measuring adapter includes a first receiving valve assembly located at the first end of the measuring adapter. The first receiving valve assembly includes a receiving valve member, at least a portion of which is separable from a portion of the first receiving valve assembly. This creates an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber when a force is exerted on the receiving valve member of the first receiving valve assembly. A second valve assembly located at the second end of the measuring adapter includes a valve member. At least a portion of the valve member of the second valve assembly is separable from a portion of the second valve assembly to create an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and methods of design and revenue generation are disclosed. These systems comprise structures capable of supporting solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. These systems may be installed in confined spaces. These systems also comprise structures that are customizable, allowing an installation to be configured with a desired lighting and environmental effect. The methods discussed herein describe processes for achieving desired design effects based on natural elements. Moreover, the methods discussed herein describe processes for reducing the costs of generating solar energy and/or reducing the costs of providing a solar structure.

Abstract: An example solar structure is disclosed for providing shade to a roof of a building having a building support structure. The solar structure may comprise: a plurality of vertical supports; a plurality of connecting beams; and a plurality of solar panels, wherein the plurality of vertical supports couple the load of the solar structure directly to the building support structure. Example methods are disclosed for keeping rooftop equipment cooler and operating more efficiently and longer, for specifying smaller AC units, for extending the life of a roof, for reducing the heat entering a building from sunshine, for reducing the heat re-radiated from solar panels onto a roof, and for specifying smaller structural roof support beams. An example solar structure comprises a movable portion configured to move from a first position to a second position to allow rooftop equipment to be lifted off the roof through the solar structure.

Abstract: A measuring a closed-loop fluid transfer system is provided that includes a measuring adapter having a first end and a second ends, and a chamber located there between and configured to hold a volume of fluid. The measuring adapter includes a first receiving valve assembly located at the first end of the measuring adapter. The first receiving valve assembly includes a receiving valve member, at least a portion of which is separable from a portion of the first receiving valve assembly. This creates an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber when a force is exerted on the receiving valve member of the first receiving valve assembly. A second valve assembly located at the second end of the measuring adapter includes a valve member. At least a portion of the valve member of the second valve assembly is separable from a portion of the second valve assembly to create an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber.

Abstract: A measuring a closed-loop fluid transfer system is provided that includes a measuring adapter having a first end and a second ends, and a chamber located there between and configured to hold a volume of fluid. The measuring adapter includes a first receiving valve assembly located at the first end of the measuring adapter. The first receiving valve assembly includes a receiving valve member, at least a portion of which is separable from a portion of the first receiving valve assembly. This creates an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber when a force is exerted on the receiving valve member of the first receiving valve assembly. A second valve assembly located at the second end of the measuring adapter includes a valve member. At least a portion of the valve member of the second valve assembly is separable from a portion of the second valve assembly to create an opening that provides fluid communication to the chamber.

Abstract: Solar energy shade structures and methods of designing and installing the same are disclosed. These structures are capable of supporting a contiguous planar solar panel support structure at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. The planar solar panel support structure may contiguously cover at least two areas of different area types, including parking spaces and driving aisles, and may be at least 64 feet long by 64 feet wide. The planar solar panel support structure may have a high panel density defined in that an arrangement of the plurality of solar panels that is uninterrupted by service or access lanes. The majority of the plurality of solar panels may be fixed at an angle that would be non-optimal for energy generation in each individual panel of the majority of the plurality of solar panels, but results in optimal power density for the entire solar energy shade structure.