Photovoltaic panel monitoring apparatus
US8410950B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A photovoltaic (PV) panel monitoring apparatus includes a monitoring module for measuring parameter values related to PV panel output, comparing measured values against minimum and maximum values saved in the monitoring module, and outputting an alarm signal when a measured value is outside a range defined by the minimum and maximum values. An alarm signal causes a visual indicator to activate and an audible indicator to sound, thereby assisting maintenance personnel in locating a PV panel with an out-of-range parameter value. The monitoring module further includes a PV panel identification memory for saving an identification code for each PV panel in a PV array. The identification code is transmitted with time, date, and parameter data when the monitoring module detects an out-of-range parameter value. Data may optionally be transmitted from the monitoring module through a communications input/output port or through a wireless transmitter to an external monitoring and control system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.