Abstract: One variation of a system for regulating power output of multiple solar substrings includes: a set of solar substrings and a power regulator. The power regulator includes: a power supply; an adder; a modulation signal generator; a de-modulator; and an integrator. The power supply is configured to receive an input voltage from the set of solar substrings. The adder is configured to modify a voltage gain of the input voltage at the power supply. The modulation signal generator is coupled to the adder and configured to generate an oscillating power signal at the power supply. The de-modulator is configured to de-modulate the oscillating power signal output from the power supply. The first integrator: is coupled to the de-modulator and the adder; and configured to define voltage gain step at the power supply based on a DC signal component output from the de-modulator.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting device is disclosed having a vertical stand and a curved rigid housing disposed about a top of the stand coupled to a power source, wherein the curved housing has a curved planar surface having a radius of curvature. The curved housing has an outside side and an inner side, the inner side having a curved COB LED assembly with a radius of curvature that is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the housing. A gear is coupled to the stand and the curved housing and is configured to permit the curved housing to be rotated 360 degrees radially with respect to the stand and 90 degrees vertically with respect to the stand.

Abstract: A controller of a power generation system provides, in response to a request or a determination to initiate a heating mode for a photovoltaic (PV) array, a first instruction to an inverter coupled between the PV array and a power grid to apply an initial backfeed voltage on PV modules of the PV array. The PV array comprises a plurality of strings of PV modules coupled in parallel, and a first subset of the strings of PV modules are online and a second subset of the strings of PV modules are offline. The controller monitors current data from a set of current sensors that each measure current provided from a corresponding set of strings of PV modules of the plurality of strings of PV modules of the PV array. The controller also provides a second command to the inverter to adjust the backfeed voltage.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for melting snow from a surface of a power source. The power source may be a photovoltaic (PV) module.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an energy management system that allows leveraging DC energy at user premises. The system allows for use of local or remote DC energy generated by photovoltaic modules or a battery pack. The system comprises a premises electricity network interface arranged to deliver and draw energy to and from a premises electricity network; a premises energy measurement module arranged to measure the amount of energy required by the premises electricity network; a DC energy input arranged to receive energy from one or more DC energy sources; and an energy analytics module arranged to receive data from the energy measurement module and, based on the received data, calculate an amount of energy to be delivered to the premises electricity network via the premises electricity network interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rapid shutdown device for a photovoltaic system, which is connected between a photovoltaic power generation module and a photovoltaic inverter and comprises an input port and an output port. The rapid shutdown device further comprises: a first switch and a second switch; a third switch and a fourth switch; a controller coupled to control terminals of the first switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch, and configured to control on and off of the first switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch, so that the rapid shutdown device operates in a normal state, a bypass state or a shutdown state.

Abstract: A photovoltaic string combiner box with protection functions includes: a plurality of input connections for connecting a plurality of photovoltaic strings to the combiner box, the plurality of input connections respectively including a first input terminal and a second input terminal; an output connection for connecting an inverter to the combiner box; a plurality of current lines, a respective one of the current lines being connected to a respective one of the input connections; a plurality of controllable switches being connected to the plurality of input connections for short-circuiting a respective one of the first and second input terminals; a plurality of disconnectors; a common current line connected to the output connection and having an input node connected to each of the plurality of current lines by a respective one of the disconnectors; and a controllable network arranged in the common current line between the output connection and input node.

Abstract: A portable illuminated sign with solar panels for outdoors and indoors use comprising a front and rear frame for receiving and securing a LED light panel, placed between both frames to emit light in order to display illuminated signs consisting of text or a logo, immediately in the front and immediately behind the LED light panel, solar panels, mounted on the front and rear side of the sign at an angle ranging from 40 to 50 degrees to a horizontal line coming through a top of the base, to absorb sunlight as a source of energy, to generate electricity stored in a battery, a base, openings for a means holding together the front frame, the rear frame and the LED light panel.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is an autonomous vehicle (1), which comprises an housing (21), an driving module mounted on the housing (21), an borderline detecting module mounted on the housing for detecting the distance between the autonomous vehicle (1) and the borderline (3), an energy module mounted on the housing for providing energy for the autonomous vehicle, and an control module electrically connected with the driving module and the borderline detecting module.

Abstract: A lighting device is described having a diffuser having an aperture and generally enclosing a chamber. An electrical light source is positioned to direct light through at least a portion of the diffuser via the chamber. A circuit controls power to electrical light source. There is at least one solar cell. A base portion attaches to a portion of the diffuser proximate the aperture. The base portion includes a base housing, a substantially tubular neck portion extending below the base housing, and a battery compartment at least partially disposed in the neck portion providing a cavity to removably receive and support a rechargeable battery; and wherein the battery compartment is integrally formed with the neck portion. A support member is included to elevate the rechargeable battery above a substrate, the support member comprising an axial conduit running through the length of the center of rotational symmetry of the support member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrolysis systems and methods. The teachings thereof may be embodied in methods and systems for the utilization of carbon dioxide and production of carbon monoxide. For example, a method may include: passing an electrolyte and carbon dioxide in front of a cathode through a cathode chamber; and removing electrolysis byproducts from an electrolyte/electrolysis product mixture using a catalytic filter system. The cathode may include material to reduce carbon dioxide. The process may generate a hydrocarbon compound or carbon monoxide as the electrolysis product and a formate as an electrolysis byproduct. The filter system may include a functionalized complex or a functionalized support material which catalyzes a cleavage reaction of formates (a) to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, or (b) to water and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A navigation aid light-signaling device includes a main body inserted in an upper extremity of a dolphin. The light-signaling device includes: fasteners for the attachment of said light-signaling device to the upper extremity of a small dolphin; at least one light source generating a directional and fixed light beam, said light beam being directed toward a second light-signaling device located at a given distance from the light-signaling device on a second dolphin, and a power supply supplying said light-signaling device.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a flexible substrate having a surface comprising one or more active regions, each of the active regions having disposed thereon an electrochemically active film comprising a plurality of 1T phase 2D MoS2 nanosheets which impart a first force upon the flexible substrate in response to electrochemical charging of ions in the 2D MoS2 nanosheets and impart a second force upon the flexible substrate in response to electrochemical discharging of ions in the 2D MoS2 nanosheets, wherein the first and second forces imparted to the flexible substrate each being sufficient to displace the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate may comprise a polymer substrate and the electrochemically active film may comprise a conductive layer having disposed thereon the plurality of 1T phase 2D MoS2 nanosheets.

Abstract: An earbud includes a housing that includes a driver assembly positioned within the housing forming a front volume in front of the driver and a back volume behind the driver. An acoustic insert is positioned behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that it forms a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a vent in the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for providing automotive type transient protection of a solar charge source. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a load and a solar charge source for providing DC power to the load. The solar charge source including a solar charge controller including an automotive type transient suppression module configured to provide automotive type transient protection for the solar charge source from an automotive type transient.

Abstract: An electronic stylus device includes a stylus tip element having a stylus tip end and an opposing end. The stylus tip element is positioned at an end of the electronic stylus device and aligned along the long center axis of the electronic stylus device. A nutation collar is positioned about the stylus tip element and the long center axis. The nutation collar provides one or more bearing surfaces around the stylus tip element between the stylus tip end and the opposing end of the stylus tip element. The one or more bearing surfaces permit the stylus tip element to nutate within the nutation collar. A deflection sensor is positioned proximate to the opposing end of the stylus tip element on the long center axis and detects lateral deflection of the opposing end of the stylus tip element relative to the long center axis of the electronic stylus device.

Abstract: A lighting device is described having a diffuser having an aperture and generally enclosing a chamber. An electrical light source is positioned to direct light through at least a portion of the diffuser via the chamber. A circuit controls power to electrical light source. There is at least one solar cell. A base portion attaches to a portion of the diffuser proximate the aperture. The base portion includes a base housing, a substantially tubular neck portion extending below the base housing, and a battery compartment at least partially disposed in the neck portion providing a cavity to removably receive and support a rechargeable battery; and wherein the battery compartment is integrally formed with the neck portion. A support member is included to elevate the rechargeable battery above a substrate, the support member comprising an axial conduit running through the length of the center of rotational symmetry of the support member.

Abstract: A ground-plug LED lamp holder is provided, including a socket, a ground-plug portion, and at least one tube portion insertedly connected between the socket and the ground-plug portion, wherein the socket includes a core shaft configured to insertedly connect to a lamp, a mounting opening configured to mount a lamp cover to the socket, and a drainage hole configured to discharge liquid inside the socket via the tube portion. By means of the design according to the present disclosure, the lamp holder can be stably installed outdoors for use and has a quick adjustment of installation height, a reasonable distribution of wires and a drainage function, which meets a requirement for using outdoors.

Abstract: A portable case for storing and charging hearing assistance devices is described. The portable case includes at least one retention structure configured to retain at least part of a hearing assistance device, an energy storage device, a charging circuitry electrically coupled to the energy storage device. The at least one processor is configured to detect when the at least one retention structure retains the at least part of the hearing assistance device, and responsive to detecting the at least one retention structure retaining the at least part of the hearing assistance device, cause the charging circuitry to charge, via an electrical connection shared by the at least part of the hearing assistance device and the charging circuitry, a power source of the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: A tap for gas cylinder, comprising a body with an inlet, an outlet and a passage connecting the inlet with the outlet; an electronic indicator of the status of the tap and/or cylinder, the indicator being mounted on the body; a pressure sensor electrically connected to the electronic indicator and providing to the indicator the gas pressure at the inlet. The pressure sensor is mounted on the body at a location that is distinct from the mounting location of the electronic indicator. The invention is also directed to a tap assembly comprising the above tap and a cover housing the tap.

Abstract: A quick-installation lamp comprises a lamp body assembly, a mount base and a wall panel connected in sequence. The lamp body assembly comprises a lamp body and a lampholder fixedly connected with the lamp body and the mount base respectively. The mount base comprises a base shell having a concave cavity, a mount support integrally formed outside the base shell, a sensing head threadedly connected to the bottom of the mount support, and, a PCB board, a PCB cover, a rubber pad for pins, a terminal block, and a rear cap for the mount base, which are overlappedly mounted in the cavity of the base shell in sequence, and, further comprises pins protruding from the PCB board and respectively passing through through-holes of the PCB cover, through-holes of rubber pad for pins, and through-holes of terminal block. The wall panel comprises two bolts and one linear wall panel.

Abstract: A multi-purpose solar lamp includes an illumination lamp powered by solar power, a positioning board detachably fixed onto a wall or any plane, and a plug-in part pluggable into the ground. The positioning board and the plug-in part can be simultaneously or alternately combined to the back of the illumination lamp to allow users to conveniently fix the illumination lamp to the wall or a wooden or concrete ground or plug the plug-in part into the ground/soil as needed to achieve a multi-purpose effect.

Abstract: A system includes light processing elements, arranged in a respective installation area and combined with a respective construction, at least partially above and/or next to an occupational or passage space, whereby said light processing elements or respective constructions produce a general light distribution over said occupational or passage space, that is more favorable in terms of visual performance and comfort, and that may assist and adjust to activities requiring different levels thereof. The system is used for energy and/or information conversion and distribution, as part of one construction or clusters of constructions, for example disposed along traffic ways.

Abstract: The illumination system includes at least one solar panel, a charge controller, a rechargeable battery, an illumination unit connected to the battery through the controller, and a base frame supporting the solar panel and illumination unit at a top portion thereof, with the battery provided in a bottom portion of the base frame.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to reduce the wake-up time of a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) used in a data communication link. For example, in one aspect, a method for optical communications includes, in an optical communication device including a light-emitting device, applying a bias current to the light-emitting device and transmitting a pulse to the light-emitting device before transmitting a preamble signal or data signal to the light-emitting device, wherein the pulse has a voltage greater than a highest voltage of the preamble signal or data signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photochemical reaction device includes: a solar cell; an electrolytic tank having a first tank storing a first solution including an oxidant and/or reductant of a redox medium and a second tank storing a second solution including water and/or proton; a first electrode set in the first tank, connected to a positive electrode of the solar cell through a first switching element, and connected to a negative electrode of the solar cell through a second switching element; and a second electrode set in the second tank, connected to the positive electrode of the solar cell through a third switching element, and connected to the negative electrode of the solar cell through a fourth switching element.

Abstract: An electronic control unit provided in a boost converter apparatus switches a switching element of each of plural boost converters in accordance with each target timing. The electronic control unit stores a table in which a plurality of superimposition prohibition regions are defined. The electronic control unit sets the target timing for each of the plural boost converters in a manner not to be superimposed on any of the plurality of superimposition prohibition regions defined in the table, and updates the table by using a superimposition prohibition region based on the set target timing.

Abstract: A voltage control device includes a fluctuation calculating unit that calculates voltage tolerance, which is a difference between a voltage measured by a voltage control apparatus and a proper voltage upper limit value or a proper voltage lower limit value, and voltage sensitivity, which is a ratio of a fluctuation amount of active power and a fluctuation amount of the voltage, a change-request-information generating unit that generates information for requesting a change of a limit value of a control target range of other voltage control devices, a change processing unit that performs a change of a limit value of a control target range of the voltage control device according to content of the change request information, and a communication processing unit that transmits the change request information to the voltage control devices other than the voltage control device. The change request information includes information indicating voltage tolerance and voltage sensitivity.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) compatible photovoltaic powered cathodic protection (CP) probe can measure voltage potential of subsea structures. In an embodiment, the CP's meter is integrated and able to send CP data topside. The CP meter's compact display module also houses the telemetry board to send CP readings, via an ROV serial, topside. The CP probe does not require a battery and can be used standalone or connected through an ROV to topside logging and display. Further, the CP probe can monitor a plurality of CP voltages and other conditions such as an electrical field gradient.

Abstract: A multi-stage electric voltage converter is disclosed. The converter comprises a voltage source and multiple stages. Each stage of the multiple stages comprises a first and a second and a third switch, and a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is coupled to the voltage source by the first and the second switches and each stage is coupled to a different stage or to an output of the multi-stage electric voltage converter by the third switch so as to allow the capacitor to be charged by the voltage source when the first and the second switches are closed and the third switch is open, and to allow the capacitor to be connected to the output of the multi-stage electric voltage converter when the first and the second switches are open and the third switch is closed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to reduce the wake-up time of a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) used in a data communication link. For example, in one aspect, a method for optical communications includes, in an optical communication device including a light-emitting device, applying a bias current to the light-emitting device and transmitting a pulse to the light-emitting device before transmitting a preamble signal or data signal to the light-emitting device, wherein the pulse has a voltage greater than a highest voltage of the preamble signal or data signal.

Abstract: A system for providing access to a wireless communication network can include a plurality of renewable energy structures. Each renewable energy structure can include an electricity generation assembly, a telescoping support pole positioned to support the electricity generation assembly, and a wireless communication device configured to relay wireless communication signals between a host signal source and a client device. The electricity generation assembly can include a wind turbine assembly and/or a solar power structure. The wireless communication device can include a cellular telephone signal repeater and/or wireless internet equipment. Each structure can include a display, such as an advertisement, one or more benches, and/or a container. Each structure can optionally include a water purification system, one or more cameras, one or more lights, and/or one or more motion or voice sensors for activating or deactivating various components of the system. Each structure may be permanently installed or mobile.

Abstract: A proposed electronic apparatus is capable of charging a secondary battery and performing data communication using a solar cell while suppressing effects of ambient light even when the intensity of light radiated to the solar cell is low. The electronic apparatus includes a control circuit 202 and a resistance 205. The control circuit 202 receives data based on an output voltage of a solar cell 201. The resistance 205 is connected between electrodes of the solar cell 201. The control circuit 202 controls a resistance value of the resistance 205 based on whether during an operation of receiving data or not.

Abstract: A mailbox system includes a mailbox body for receiving and storing mail items. One or more receiver units are disposed along an outside facing surface of the mailbox body and function to receive at least one address indicator having a plurality of lighted elements along a front facing surface thereof. An internal controller having a power unit is positioned within the mailbox body. The power unit includes at least one battery and at least one solar cell for supplying the necessary electrical information to the receiver unit and the address indicators. Physical markings are disposed along the address indicator and form address information. When activated, the plurality of lighted elements display address information.

Abstract: A nanofiber yarn that includes a plurality of nanofibers twisted into a yarn along an alignment axis. The nanofibers of the plurality of nanofibers have a ratio of nanofiber length to nanofiber circumference of at least 50. The yarn has a helix angle measured relative to the alignment axis of from 5° to 30°. The yarn has tensile strength of at least 280 MPa. A nanofiber fabric that includes a first sheet of multiwalled nanotubes and a second sheet of multiwalled nanotubes on the first sheet of multiwalled nanotubes. The multiwalled nanotubes of the first sheet are aligned in a first direction. The multiwalled nanotubes of the second sheet are aligned in the first direction. The first sheet and the second sheet are aligned so that the multiwalled nanotubes of the first sheet and the second sheet are both aligned in the first direction.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof assembly including a roof outer panel having an outer facing surface and a sensor housing recess that extends below the outer facing surface. The sensor housing recess extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction between a front windshield and a rear windshield. A roof sensor housing assembly is mounted to the roof outer panel and extends along a length of the sensor housing recess. The roof sensor housing assembly includes a sensor housing structure that is mounted to the roof outer panel forming a sensor housing volume therebetween. The sensor housing structure extends at least partially above the outer facing surface of the outer roof panel. The sensor housing structure includes a transmission region that has increased transmittance therethrough compared to surrounding regions of the sensor housing structure.

Abstract: A current transformer system according to the present invention includes: a sensor CT detachably attached to an electric power transmission/distribution line for detecting the current flowing through the power line by means of electromagnetic induction; a generator CT detachably attached to an electric power transmission/distribution line for generating power by means of electromagnetic induction; and a microprocessor for controlling the sensor CT and the generator CT. According to the present invention, the generator CT is used as the main power source so as to perform independently power supply and facilitate the construction of an additional source in need of additional power.

Abstract: Modular solar devices and kits of various components for assembling such devices are described. The kit may include a lighting component, one or more lights, a power storage component, and/or a solar component. The lighting component may include a control circuit and at least one light connector operably coupled to the first control circuit, wherein the light(s) may be configured to electrically connect to the light connector(s). The power storage component may include a control circuit and at least one rechargeable battery operably coupled to the control circuit. The solar component may include a solar panel, e.g., the solar component being configured to supply electricity generated by the solar panel to the power storage component and/or the lighting component to illuminate the light(s).

Abstract: The invention comprises a submersible solar lighting source, which incorporates photovoltaic panels, batteries, a lighting system and control in one and the same sealed, thin planar unit that allows illumination of the swimming pool during the night, and which has a slim design such that it can be adhered or fastened to the wall, steps or bottom of the swimming pool, allowing convenient wiring-free installation that does not interfere with the use of the pool.

Abstract: A rescue torch apparatus utilizes coherent and incoherent light sources to help firefighters navigate through smoke and fire filled environments. The rescue torch apparatus includes a coherent-light emitter, an incoherent-light emitter, an elongated body, a rotatable-activation mechanism, a portable power unit, and an inductive receiver. The incoherent-light emitter emits continuous light for general illumination or short bursts of light to activate photo-luminescent display panels worn by firefighters. The coherent-light emitter emits beams of coherent light that penetrate through smoke filled environments and outline obstacles. The elongated body houses and protects the coherent-light emitter and the incoherent-light emitter. The rotatable-activation mechanism allows for hands-free operation of the light sources. Power is provided by a portable power unit mated to an inductive receiver for wireless recharging.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for measuring airflow. In one example, an airflow monitor includes an ion generator positioned in a controlled space, an ion detector positioned in the controlled space and spaced from the ion generator, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the ion detector, to measure a time between emission of ions from the ion generator and detection of ions at the ion detector, and to calculate a speed of airflow between the ion generator and the ion detector based on the measured time.

Abstract: A solar battery controller is provided which includes a solar battery module that is mounted on a moving object, a control unit that calculates a maximum power point of the solar battery module, and a speed detecting unit that detects a speed of the moving object. The control unit controls a maximum power point calculating timing depending on the speed of the moving object.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus and methods for power enhancement of self-biased distributed amplifiers with gate bias networks. By sampling output power a gate bias network with a filter network can adjust gate bias so as to improve the P1 dB compression point and the Psat saturation power level of a self-biased distributed amplifier. Advantageously the filter network can be derived using passive components thereby making it an easy to implement and cost effective approach to improve linearity and output power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently controlling energy sources are disclosed. In one example, a system for processing and storing energy may include a plurality of cells that store energy and a plurality of power switches coupled to the cells. The system may also include an inductor coupled to the power switches and a controller, wherein the controller controls the power switches to transfer the energy to a load.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a holding apparatus for holding a card. The holding apparatus comprises at least two proximity sensors, a control unit and a motor. Each of the at least two proximity sensors are configured to determine orientation of the card when the card is present in the holding apparatus. The control unit is configured to determine status of each of the at least two proximity sensors in order to determine a position of the holding apparatus. The status of the at least two proximity sensors is at least one of open and close. The control unit is further configured to transmit a control signal to the motor based on the determined status. The motor rotates the card upon receiving the control signal, thereby orienting the card with respect to a viewer of the card.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes: a photovoltaic generator comprising strings that each includes one or more photovoltaic cells; a power converter; switches; and a controller. The power converter is configured to convert direct current (DC) power provided by the photovoltaic generator into alternating current (AC) power, and to output the AC power. Each switch is associated with one of the strings and is configured to connect the associated string to the power converter when set to a first setting, such that power generated by the first string can flow to the power converter. Each switch is also configured to disconnect the string from the power converter when set to a second setting. The controller is configured to control the power provided by the photovoltaic generator by selectively connecting the strings of the photovoltaic generator to the power converter by controlling the settings of the switches.

Abstract: A device for forming a dynamic image on an aircraft sign includes a plurality of light sources, an input power line, a first timer and a second timer both connected to an enable input and a plurality of delay circuits each connected to a different one of the light sources. The system also includes a counter having a plurality of counter outputs, the counter receiving a counting pulse from the first timer in a dynamic mode of operation and disable signal from the second timer after expiration of a preset time, the expiration of the preset time causing the device to transfer from the dynamic mode to a static mode where each of the plurality of light sources are simultaneously illuminated.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the housing, wherein a first subset of the plurality of lighting elements is powered by a solar power source and a second subset of the plurality of lighting elements is powered by a low-voltage electrical power source, and a switch for selectively switching between operation of the first subset and the second subset.

Abstract: A security sensor system is provided which allows the stopping of the device due to the end of a battery life to be postponed by suppressing battery power consumption, which is caused due to an object detection operation of the security sensor system, after a low battery state is detected. The security sensor system is powered by a battery. When a low battery detector detects a reduction in the voltage of the battery, an object detection operation of the security sensor system is switched from a normal mode to a suppression mode. Consumption of the battery in the suppression mode is suppressed.

Abstract: In various embodiments an improved binder composition, electrolyte composition and a separator film composition using discrete carbon nanotubes. Their methods of production and utility for energy storage and collection devices, like batteries, capacitors and photovoltaics, is described. The binder, electrolyte, or separator composition can further comprise polymers. The discrete carbon nanotubes further comprise at least a portion of the tubes being open ended and/or functionalized. The utility of the binder, electrolyte or separator film composition includes improved capacity, power or durability in energy storage and collection devices. The utility of the electrolyte and or separator film compositions includes improved ion transport in energy storage and collection devices.