14626 results about "Solar power" patented technology

Solar power systems and structures are mountable to a power distribution structure, e.g. a power pole or tower, which supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. An exemplary power generation structure is fixedly attached to and extends from the power distribution structure, and comprises a mounting rack. A solar array, comprising at least one solar panel, is affixed to the mounting rack. A DC to AC invertor is connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines. The length of the solar array is generally in alignment with the power distribution structure, and the width of the solar array is greater than half the is circumference of the power distribution structure. The mounting rack and solar array may preferably be rotatable, such as based on any of location, time of day, or available light.

A solar cell assembly including a plurality of solar cells is formed on a common substrate, and a DC / DC converter which converts the output from the solar cell is connected to each solar cell to constitute a solar power generation apparatus. The output from the solar power generation apparatus is converted into an AC power by an inverter and supplied to a load or commercial AC power system. Since the arrangement is simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the influence of partial shade or a variation in characteristic decreases.

One or more outdoor lights may operate independently with sensing and control processes mainly on-pole, or may communicate as a networked array of poles, wherein a master / coordinating pole / node transmits signals from the networked array to a control station, and receive signals from the control station for the networked array, via call phone and / or satellite. Independent poles and / or the networked array of poles may be adapted for energy-saving processes; cooperation with the grid; renewable power production and storage by means of solar panels and associated batteries; and / or to provide Wi-Fi hot-spots, public safety alarms, information or data-analysis to the public or customers. An energy-saving active control system controls charging of the batteries and distribution of energy from the solar panel and / or the batteries, so that the batteries remain undamaged, and the light(s) remain operation even during the winter or other long periods of clouds and diffuse light. The active control of energy distribution by a load controller function may include dimming during the night, except when sensors detect motion, and, in extreme cloudy or diffuse-light periods, increasing increments of dimming and / or load shedding, to preserve the batteries and operability.

A landing pad receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy.

Embodiments of the present invention include a renewable energy system monitor. In one embodiment, information is received in a server from solar power stations across a network. The information includes operational data for each solar power station identified by a particular power station identification (ID). The information is stored in a database and grouped data groups corresponding different solar power stations. Data groups are processed using different models associated with different power stations to control the different power stations. Software or parameters may be sent to different devices in the different power stations to control the power stations.

A tracking solar power system is disclosed. The tracking solar power system includes: a solar power substructure and a platform having a first degree of freedom. The solar power substructure is mounted on the platform in a manner such that it has a second degree of freedom relative to the platform. The solar power substructure may include a solar collector and a receiver arranged to receive energy from the solar collector. The receiver may be mounted in a manner that avoids shading of the solar collector during operation. The solar collector may have an area focus at the receiver. The solar power substructure may include a non-concentrating solar power substructure.

The object is to reliably detect a ground fault of a solar battery. To detect a ground fault position to take an efficient measure against the ground fault, DC power input from a solar battery is converted into AC power and supplied to a system. In a system interconnection inverter (utility connected inverter) having non-insulated input and output, the input voltage of a converter circuit and / or the intermediate voltage between the converter circuit and an inverter circuit are varied to control the potential to ground at each portion of the solar battery to a value other than a value close to zero.

Reliability enhanced systems are shown where an short-lived electrolytic capacitor can be replaced by a much smaller, perhaps film type, longer-lived capacitor to be implemented in circuits for power factor correction, solar power conversion, or otherwise to achieve DC voltage smoothing with circuitry that has solar photovoltaic source (1) a DC photovoltaic input (2) internal to a device (3) and uses an enhanced DC-DC power converter (4) to provide a smoothed DC output (6) with capacitor substitution circuitry (14) that may include interim signal circuitry (28) that creates a large voltage variation for a replaced capacitor (16). Switchmode designs may include first and second switch elements (17) and (18) and an alternative path controller (21) that operates a boost controller (22) and a buck controller (23) perhaps with a switch duty cycle controller (32).

The solar energy and solar farms are used to generate energy and reduce dependence on oil (or for environmental purposes). The maintenance and repairs in big farms become very difficult, expensive, and inefficient, using human technicians. Thus, here, we teach using the robots with various functions and components, in various settings, for various purposes, to improve operations in big (or hard-to-access) farms, to automate, save money, reduce human mistakes, increase efficiency, or scale the solutions to very large scales or areas.

One or more outdoor lights may operate independently with sensing and control processes mainly on-pole, or may communicate as a networked array of poles, wherein a master / coordinating pole / node transmits signals from the networked array to a control station, and receive signals from the control station for the networked array, via call phone and / or satellite. Independent poles and / or the networked array of poles may be adapted for energy-saving processes; cooperation with the grid; renewable power production and storage by means of solar panels and associated batteries; and / or to provide Wi-Fi hot-spots, public safety alarms, information or data-analysis to the public or customers. An energy-saving active control system controls charging of the batteries and distribution of energy from the solar panel and / or the batteries, so that the batteries remain undamaged, and the light(s) remain operation even during the winter or other long periods of clouds and diffuse light. The active control of energy distribution by a load controller function may include dimming during the night, except when sensors detect motion, and, in extreme cloudy or diffuse-light periods, increasing increments of dimming and / or load shedding, to preserve the batteries and operability.

A maximum power point tracking method, applied to a tracking device, employs a DC / DC converter connecting with a solar cell array, and including a controller actuating the DC / DC converter to perform an active resistance characteristic; a maximum power point tracking circuit adjusting the active resistance of the DC / DC converter; monitoring a change of an output power of the solar cell array in determining a direction for adjusting the active resistance of the DC / DC converter; and the maximum power point tracking circuit repeatedly adjusting the active resistance of the DC / DC converter. If the change of the output power of the solar cell array is positive, the active resistance of the DC / DC converter is adjusted in the same direction; but, conversely, if the change of the output power of the solar cell array is negative, the active resistance of the DC / DC converter is adjusted in an opposite direction.

Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for generating operating power for various desired applications using solar energy. A solar array is formed using a small number of solar cells connected in series to form a string of solar cells and then connecting multiple strings in parallel. Unlike conventional solar arrays, no bypass diodes are incorporated into the array. A power converter is coupled to the array to boost output voltage to a level sufficient to operate the desired application. The power converter may be operated independently or based on output levels of the array, the material from which the solar cells of the array are constructed and the operating temperature of the array or combinations thereof.

The present invention comprises a tracking solar power array that provides shelter to items disposed beneath the solar power array, particularly to vehicles.

Particular embodiments of the inventive technology disclosed herein seek to reduce or eliminate the risk of damage to components of photovoltaic power circuits such as solar arrays. Aspects of the inventive technology, in embodiments, utilize diode to prevent reverse current flow in the event of application of a voltage to a power supply string which would otherwise effect such flow. Prevention of such reverse current flow may preclude voltages that would otherwise damage reverse current sensitive devices such as switches that may form part of a voltage limiting DC to DC converter.

A solar cell assembly including a plurality of solar cells is formed on a common substrate, and a DC / DC converter which converts the output from the solar cell is connected to each solar cell to constitute a solar power generation apparatus. The output from the solar power generation apparatus is converted into an AC power by an inverter and supplied to a load or commercial AC power system. Since the arrangement is simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the influence of partial shade or a variation in characteristic decreases.

Methods and apparatus may provide for the adaptive operation of a solar power system (3). Solar energy sources (1) and photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2) may be interconnected in serial, parallel, or combined arrangements. DC photo-voltaic power conversion may be accomplished utilizing dynamically adjustable voltage output limits (8) of photovoltaic DC-DC power converters (2). A photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2) may include at least one external state data interface (7) receptive to at least one external state parameter of a solar power system (3). A dynamically adjustable voltage output limit control (12) may be used to relationally set a dynamically adjustable voltage output limit (8) of a photovoltaic DC-DC power converter (2). Dynamically adjusting voltage output limits (8) may be done in relation to external state parameter information to achieve desired system results.

A stored energy system is provided for delivering AC electrical power to a load. This system includes a single housing containing within a battery bank for storing DC power, and an inverter for receiving either DC power or AC power and converting DC power to AC power. The stored electrical system includes five circuit breakers mounted on the outside surface of the housing. Twist lock plugs are connected to each of the circuit breakers for removably connecting input power sources and output loads with the circuit breakers. A first circuit breaker is connected to a solar power source. A second circuit breaker is connected to a wind generator. A third circuit breaker is connected to a generator for generating AC power. A fourth circuit breaker is connected to a utility supplying AC power. A fifth circuit breaker is connected to the outside AC power load.

Solar panel theft protection system operable both during daytime and nighttime. Power is feed into a solar array system sufficient to operate local management units. The units monitor solar panels; in the event that a panel is disconnected, an alarm is set off.

A computer-implemented method of operating a wireless intelligent solar power reader (WISPR) module includes receiving a command from an external device, the command requesting an output power reading from a photovoltaic (PV) module and transmitting the output power request to the photovoltaic module. The WISPR Module receives the output power reading from the photovoltaic module and transmits the output power reading to the external device. In an embodiment of the invention, the command also requests meteorological information from a weather instrument located in proximity to the WISPR module and the WISPR modules transmit the meteorological request to the weather instrument. The WISPR module receives the meteorological reading from the weather instrument and transmits the meteorological reading to the external device.

A generating facility is provided for generating electricity from both solar and non-solar energy sources. The solar generating portion of the facility includes capability to directly generate electricity from solar insolation, or to store the solar energy in a tangible medium, including stored heat, or solar generating fuel. The generating facility is configured to generate electricity simultaneously from both solar and non-solar sources, as well a solely from immediate solar insolation and from solar energy stored in a tangible medium. Additionally, the solar generating capacity may be segregated; such that separate spectra of solar insolation are used to capture heat for steam turbine based electrical generation, capture light energy for photovoltaic based electrical generation, and to grow biomass to generate a solar fuel.

A system and method for providing grid connected utility pole distributed solar power generation is disclosed. The system includes a utility pole, an inverter and one or more solar panels. Each of the one or more solar panels is mounted on the utility pole. The method includes receiving solar energy at the one or more solar panels. The one or more solar panels convert the solar energy to direct current (DC) electrical energy. Further, the method includes transmitting the DC electrical energy to the inverter, which is mounted on the utility pole. The inverter can be integrated with one or more solar panels to form an alternating current photovoltaic (AC PV) module. Furthermore, the method includes converting the DC electrical energy to alternating current (AC) electrical energy by the inverter and transmitting the AC electrical energy to a grid for power distribution.

An electronic device case (10) for storing and protecting a portable electronic device (108). The case (10) has two design configurations. The first configuration comprises a device cover (12) with a first section (14) and a second section (30). The two sections (12,14) interface at a living hinge (46). The electronic device (108) is placed within the first section (14), which can be folded onto the second section (30) during travel or storage. The second configuration comprises a single, unitary device cover (70) into which the electronic device (108) is placed. Both configurations include a keyboard (110) that is located within a keyboard cavity (52 or 88), a first pocket (54 or 90) that holds a USB cable (112) for interfacing the keyboard to the electronic device, and a second pocket (56 or 92) that holds a power cable (114) for supplying power to the electronic device. Additionally, both configurations have at least one photovoltaic cell (60 or 98) that absorbs solar power which is then converted into a DC voltage for powering the electronic device (108).

A wireless power and communication unit for field devices is configured to connect to a field device and provide operating power and wired digital communication between the unit and the field device. RF circuitry in the unit is configured for radio frequency communication. In one embodiment, power supply circuitry in the unit includes one or more solar power cells that convert solar energy into electricity to power both the unit and the field device. The unit interacts with the field device in accordance with a standard industry communication protocol. The unit communicates wirelessly with an external device, such as a control room, based upon the interaction with the field device.

The invention provides a method and system for operating a solar farm inverter as a Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device—a STATCOM—for voltage control. The solar farm inverter can provide voltage regulation, damping enhancement, stability improvement and other benefits provided by FACTS devices. In one embodiment, the solar farm operating as a STATCOM at night is employed to increase the connectivity of neighbouring wind farms that produce peak power at night due to high winds, but are unable to connect due to voltage regulation issues. The present invention can also operate during the day because there remains inverter capacity after real power export by the solar farm. Additional auxiliary controllers are incorporated in the solar farm inverter to enhance damping and stability, and provide other benefits provided by FACTS devices.

The solar cell board anti-theft device is jointed with a solar power supply system controller, which comprises a alarming-signal generation unit to detect position conditions of the solar cell board and generate a alarming-signal to the solar power-supply system controller while detecting the cell board far away from safety range, an alarming unit for receiving the instruction signals sent from the solar power-supply system controller to conduct local photo-acoustic alarming.

A system to collect energy from generation systems such as, for example, wind farms or solar farms with distributed energy-generation equipment. The energy is collected and transmitted to a feed-in site. At the feed-in site, static inverters alone or in combination with pulse width modulation inverters may be used to feed the energy to a power grid. In some other cases, back-to-back static inverters create a high-voltage direct current to feed a transmission line.

A planar concentrator solar power module has a planar base, an aligned array of linear photovoltaic cell circuits on the base and an array of linear Fresnel lenses or linear mirrors for directing focused solar radiation on the aligned array of linear photovoltaic cell circuits. The cell circuits are mounted on a back panel which may be a metal back plate. The cell circuit area is less than a total area of the module. Each linear lens or linear mirror has a length greater than a length of the adjacent cell circuit. The cell circuit may have cells mounted in shingle fashion to form a shingled-cell circuit. In an alternative module, linear extrusions on the circuit element have faces for mounting the linear mirrors for deflecting sun rays impinging on each mirror onto the shingled-cells. The linear extrusions are side-wall and inner extrusions with triangular cross-sections. The circuit backplate is encapsulated by lamination for weather protection. The planar module is generally rectangular with alternating rows of linear cell circuits and linear lenses or linear mirrors.