A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources

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

Monitoring of Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources

Method for distributed power harvesting using DC power sources

A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user, including services for creating playlists, communicating with others, accessing other features, etc. is provided. In some exemplary embodiments, after a user is recognized, the jukebox system allows users to access a special front-end via an Internet-enabled device or on an actual jukebox. Then, the user may, for example, create playlists, share songs with friends, send messages to friends, and access other value-added content. Such a system preferably learns about networks of friends, and enables managers to send similar messages to regular customers and/or others known to the system. In some exemplary embodiments, changes via a first user interface on a first device are reflected on second user interface on other properly-configured devices.

Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools

By doping an organic compound functioning as an electron donor (hereinafter referred to as donor molecules) into an organic compound layer contacting a cathode, donor levels can be formed between respective LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) levels between the cathode and the organic compound layer, and therefore electrons can be injected from the cathode, and transmission of the injected electrons can be performed with good efficiency. Further, there are no problems such as excessive energy loss, deterioration of the organic compound layer itself, and the like accompanying electron movement, and therefore an increase in the electron injecting characteristics and a decrease in the driver voltage can both be achieved without depending on the work function of the cathode material.

Light Emitting Device

A photovoltaic connection system for maximum current output and heat dissipation properties. The connection system includes a connection box with improved heat transfer capability to permit higher current output capacity. Diodes are surface-mounted on a printed circuit board inside of the connection box. An optional metal plate may be mounted inside the cover plate of the connection box as a heat sink for dissipating heat from the diodes. The metal in the plate has good thermal transfer characteristics, e.g., copper or aluminum.

Photovoltaic connection system

A universal mounting supports high intensity LEDs in a lighting fixture with heat removal and electrical connection facilities. A holder includes a peripheral sidewall defining a cavity for accepting a printed circuit board assembly. A support member supports the printed circuit board assembly along the peripheral sidewall. Electrical contact elements are provided the printed circuit board. A thermal conduction member is in thermal communication with the printed circuit board assembly. The receptacle portion removably engages with the holder portion. A plurality of contact sockets conductively engages the electrical contact elements of the holder portion to interconnect the contact elements to external wires. An aperture in the receptacle portion accepts the thermal conduction member, wherein the thermal conduction member passes through the aperture and into a space for dissipating heat from the printed circuit board.

Led connector assembly with heat sink

A connector system for photovoltaic roof tiles has a body and a plug assembly with latching means. The body portion has a latching member and a rib defining a recess for mating with the plug assembly. A pair of cavities extends inwardly from the recess. The latching member has a projection, and integral conductors are formed within the body portion. The plug assembly has an indentation for retentively receiving the projection, and an indentation for receiving the rib. A pair of protrusions extends from a peripheral end of the plug assembly and receives a cable terminal of the plug assembly. The protrusions engage with and seal off the cavities to form an electrically conductive path with the cable terminals when the body and the plug mate. The latching projection retentively engages the plug. The plug assembly disengages by manipulation of the latching member projection member.

Connector system for solar cell roofing tiles

A socket assembly includes a light emitting diode (LED) package having an LED printed circuit board (PCB) with an LED mounted thereto. The socket assembly also includes a clamp for holding the LED package to a support structure. The clamp includes a base that is configured to be mounted to the support structure such that the base engages the support structure. The clamp also includes a spring finger that extends from the base such that the base and the spring finger define a unitary body of the clamp. The spring finger is configured to engage the LED PCB of the LED package and apply a clamping force to the LED PCB that acts in a direction toward the support structure.

LED socket assembly

A lighting assembly for a light emitting diode (LED) package having an LED chip on the top of a mounting substrate with power leads on the top of the mounting substrate arranged proximate to a first edge of the mounting substrate, which is mounted to a base, includes power contacts defining separable interfaces for contacting the power leads on the mating substrate of the LED package and supplying power to the LED chip. The power contacts have compliant beams extending to the separable interfaces that are deflected when contacting the power leads such that the power contacts are biased against the power leads. The power contacts are terminated to corresponding power conductors opposite the separable interfaces. The lighting assembly also includes a dielectric housing holding the power contacts, with the housing having mounting features for securing the housing to the base independent of the LED package.

Christopher George Daily

Papers

Photovoltaic connection system

Led connector assembly with heat sink

Connector system for solar cell roofing tiles

LED socket assembly

Led lighting assemblies