Monitoring of distributed power harvesting systems using DC power sources
US8473250B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/126
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system. A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source. The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis. Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source. Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel. Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.