Solar monitor for solar device
US8610425B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solar monitor measures electrical characteristics of a designated solar device within an array of solar devices that are coupled in series. The solar monitor includes a charge storage element and a charger coupled to the charge storage element to establish a positive voltage and/or a negative voltage on the charge storage element. A switch within the solar monitor is coupled in a shunt configuration with the designated solar device and with a subsequent device in the array. The switch selectively couples the charge storage element to the designated solar device to vary an operating current that flows between the designated solar device and the subsequent solar device. The solar monitor includes a current detector to measure the current of the designated solar device, and a voltage detector to measure the voltage of the designated solar device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.