Atonometrics, Inc.

United States of America

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2025 (YTD) 1
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IPC Class
G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors 7
H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence 7
G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust 6
H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements 6
H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells 6
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Status
Pending 5
Registered / In Force 25
Found results for  patents

1.

PV Power Forecasting System

      
Application Number 19041970
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-01-30
First Publication Date 2025-07-31
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor Gostein, Michael

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is a system for forecasting output power of a PV power plant, comprising inputs for PV power measurements by in-situ IV measurement units, and a forecast model, wherein said forecast model forecasts future PV power generation based at least upon said PV power measurements by said in-situ IV measurement units. In another respect, disclosed is a system for forecasting output power of a PV power plant, comprising inputs for PV power measurements by in-situ IV measurement units, and a forecast model, wherein said forecast model forecasts future PV power generation, and wherein said forecast model is trained based at least upon said PV power measurements by said in-situ IV measurement units.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
  • H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers

2.

Solar Irradiance Sensor with Diffuse Isolator

      
Application Number 18653937
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-05-02
First Publication Date 2024-12-05
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Horst, Josh
  • Faullin, Stan

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is a device comprising an irradiance sensor and a diffuse isolator covering said irradiance sensor, wherein said diffuse isolator comprises a housing, baffles, aperture openings, and a window, and wherein said diffuse isolator is configured to block direct rays emanating from the sun, and wherein said diffuse isolator is configured to admit diffuse rays emanating from a region of the sky dome, and wherein said device is configured to measure diffuse solar irradiance at least from readings of said irradiance sensor. In another respect, disclosed is a device also comprising at least one additional irradiance sensor configured to view at least a substantial portion of the sky dome, and wherein said device is configured to measure diffuse solar irradiance at least from readings of said irradiance sensor and said at least one additional irradiance sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
  • G01J 1/04 - Optical or mechanical part

3.

PV System Tracker Angle Optimization Using I-V Measurement

      
Application Number 18514646
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-20
First Publication Date 2024-05-23
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is a system for optimizing the orientation of a tracking system for PV modules, comprising: a current-voltage (I-V) measurement device configured to measure I-V data of at least one module within or disposed nearby a PV module string; and a controller configured to vary said orientation of said tracking system by means of an actuator while acquiring I-V curve data from said I-V measurement device, analyze said I-V data and therefrom determine an optimal orientation, and set said actuator to achieve said optimal orientation. In another respect, disclosed is a method for optimizing the orientation of a tracking system for PV modules, comprising: varying an orientation of said tracking system by means of an actuator, acquiring I-V data from a PV module within or nearby a PV module string on said tracking system using an I-V measurement device, analyzing said I-V data versus said orientation to determine an optimal orientation, and controlling said actuator to achieve said optimal orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
  • H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells

4.

Device and System for I-V Measurement and Performance Analysis in a PV Array

      
Application Number 18130558
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-04
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is a device comprising terminals or connections configured to connect to a first associated PV module, I-V measurement circuitry coupled to said terminals or connections and configured to measure I-V data of said first associated PV module, communication circuitry configured to communicate with at least one external device, and a processor coupled to said I-V measurement circuitry and to said communication circuitry, wherein said processor is configured to receive external data via said communication circuitry from said at least one external device, and wherein said processor is configured to determine a relative performance metric based at least upon said I-V data of said first associated PV module and said external data. In another respect, disclosed is a system comprising a first device configured to measure first I-V data of a first associated PV module and a second device configured to measure second I-V data of a second associated PV module, wherein said first device may be configured to receive said second I-V data and to determine a relative performance metric based at least upon said second I-V data and said first I-V data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence

5.

In-situ I-V measurement of a module in a PV array

      
Application Number 17739823
Grant Number 11843349
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-09
First Publication Date 2022-11-10
Grant Date 2023-12-12
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is an in-situ current-voltage (I-V) measurement device for photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic array, comprising a variable load, wherein the variable load is configured to be connected in parallel with a module, wherein the module is connected in series with at least one other module in a string, such that the module supplies current simultaneously to the string and to the variable load, and wherein the variable load is controlled by a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to shift an I-V operating point of the module, based at least upon varying the variable load.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence
  • H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells
  • G01R 21/06 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by measuring current and voltage

6.

Measuring Direct, Diffuse, Global, and/or Ground-Reflected Solar Irradiance Using an Array of Irradiance Sensors

      
Application Number 17547293
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-12-10
First Publication Date 2022-03-31
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is a device or system for solar irradiance measurement comprising at least two irradiance sensors deployed outdoors at substantially different angles, such that, by analysis of readings from said irradiance sensors, a direct irradiance, a diffuse irradiance, a global irradiance, and/or a ground-reflected irradiance are determined. In some embodiments the disclosed device or system is stationary and has no moving parts.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
  • H01L 31/04 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices

7.

Measuring direct, diffuse, or global solar irradiance using multiple irradiance sensors

      
Application Number 16912273
Grant Number 11650103
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-25
First Publication Date 2020-12-31
Grant Date 2023-05-16
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

In one respect, disclosed is a device or system for solar irradiance measurement comprising at least two irradiance sensors deployed outdoors at substantially different angles, such that, by analysis of readings from said irradiance sensors, direct irradiance, diffuse irradiance, and/or global irradiance are determined. In another respect, the disclosed device or system may additionally determine ground-reflected irradiance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
  • G01J 5/03 - Arrangements for indicating or recording specially adapted for radiation pyrometers
  • G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details

8.

Measuring soiling and non-uniform soiling of PV modules without a clean reference device

      
Application Number 16895356
Grant Number 10886876
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-08
First Publication Date 2020-09-24
Grant Date 2021-01-05
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A device or system to measure a soiling level and/or soiling level non-uniformity, or power loss arising from soiling including soiling non-uniformity, representative of a PV module. In one respect, a device comprising at least a first transparent window and at least two sensors, wherein said sensors comprise a soiling sensor, an irradiance sensor, or a photovoltaic device, and wherein at least two of said sensors are configured to measure separate regions of said first transparent window and at least one of said sensors is a soiling sensor configured to measure a soiling level of said first transparent window or of a second transparent window substantially close to said first transparent window, and wherein from said measurements of said sensors said device determines a soiling level and/or a non-uniformity of said soiling level of said first transparent window. In another respect, a device or system configured to determine from said measurements an equivalent power loss of a photovoltaic module having said soiling level with said non-uniformity. In another respect, a device or system comprising a photovoltaic module or an input for a photovoltaic module and configured to determine a power loss of said photovoltaic module due to soiling, including non-uniform soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
  • H02S 50/00 - Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification
  • G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
  • G01N 21/59 - Transmissivity

9.

Measuring soiling and non-uniform soiling of PV modules without a clean reference device

      
Application Number 16289779
Grant Number 10715081
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-01
First Publication Date 2019-09-05
Grant Date 2020-07-14
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William
  • Faullin, Stan

Abstract

A device or system to measure a soiling level and/or soiling level non-uniformity, or power loss arising from soiling including soiling non-uniformity, representative of a PV module. In one respect, a device comprising at least a first transparent window and at least two sensors, wherein said sensors comprise a soiling sensor, an irradiance sensor, or a photovoltaic device, and wherein at least two of said sensors are configured to measure separate regions of said first transparent window and at least one of said sensors is a soiling sensor configured to measure a soiling level of said first transparent window or of a second transparent window substantially close to said first transparent window, and wherein from said measurements of said sensors said device determines a soiling level and/or a non-uniformity of said soiling level of said first transparent window. In another respect, a device or system configured to determine from said measurements an equivalent power loss of a photovoltaic module having said soiling level with said non-uniformity. In another respect, a device or system comprising a photovoltaic module or an input for a photovoltaic module and configured to determine a power loss of said photovoltaic module due to soiling, including non-uniform soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
  • H02S 50/00 - Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification
  • G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
  • G01N 21/59 - Transmissivity

10.

Imaging-based optical soiling measurement device with self calibration features

      
Application Number 16194101
Grant Number 10937139
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-11-16
First Publication Date 2019-04-18
Grant Date 2021-03-02
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Schneider, Jason
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A device comprising a transparent window, an imaging unit, and a computing element coupled to said imaging unit, wherein said device is configured to allow soiling particles to accumulate on a surface of said transparent window, said imaging unit is configured to capture an image of said surface, and said computing element is configured to perform analysis of said image to determine a soiling level of said transparent window, wherein a surface of said transparent window may include reference marks enabling calibration of said image during said analysis. Additionally, a method of performing said analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • G06T 7/90 - Determination of colour characteristics
  • G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
  • G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits
  • H04N 5/225 - Television cameras
  • G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
  • H04N 17/00 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details

11.

OPTICAL SOILING MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS

      
Application Number US2018031983
Publication Number 2018/209033
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-05-10
Publication Date 2018-11-15
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A device comprising a transparent window, a photoemitter, a photodetector, and a measurement unit, wherein said photoemitter is configured to illuminate soiling particles accumulating on a surface of said transparent window, said photodetector is configured to generate a signal based on detection of light that passes through said transparent window and reflects and/or scatters from said soiling particles, and said measurement unit determines a soiling level of said transparent window based upon a measurement of said signal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
  • G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
  • G01N 21/958 - Inspecting transparent materials

12.

SOILING MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS EMPLOYING MICROSCOPIC IMAGING

      
Application Number US2018031990
Publication Number 2018/209036
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-05-10
Publication Date 2018-11-15
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A device comprising a transparent window, an imaging unit, and a computing element coupled to said imaging unit, wherein said device is configured to allow soiling particles to accumulate on a surface of said transparent window, said imaging unit is configured to capture an image of said surface, and said computing element is configured to perform analysis of said image to determine a soiling level of said transparent window. Additionally, a method of performing said analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence
  • G01N 21/64 - FluorescencePhosphorescence
  • G01R 31/40 - Testing power supplies
  • H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells

13.

Optical soiling measurement device for photovoltaic arrays

      
Application Number 15877207
Grant Number 10312859
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-22
First Publication Date 2018-11-15
Grant Date 2019-06-04
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A device comprising a transparent window, a photoemitter, a photodetector, and a measurement unit, wherein said photoemitter is configured to illuminate soiling particles accumulating on a surface of said transparent window, said photodetector is configured to generate a signal based on detection of light that passes through said transparent window and reflects and/or scatters from said soiling particles, and said measurement unit determines a soiling level of said transparent window based upon a measurement of said signal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence
  • H02S 50/00 - Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification
  • G01N 21/47 - Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
  • H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements
  • G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
  • G01N 15/06 - Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
  • H02S 40/30 - Electrical components
  • G01N 21/552 - Attenuated total reflection
  • G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
  • G01N 15/00 - Investigating characteristics of particlesInvestigating permeability, pore-volume or surface-area of porous materials

14.

Soiling measurement device for photovoltaic arrays employing microscopic imaging

      
Application Number 15877351
Grant Number 10171029
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-22
First Publication Date 2018-11-15
Grant Date 2019-01-01
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A device comprising a transparent window, an imaging unit, and a computing element coupled to said imaging unit, wherein said device is configured to allow soiling particles to accumulate on a surface of said transparent window, said imaging unit is configured to capture an image of said surface, and said computing element is configured to perform analysis of said image to determine a soiling level of said transparent window. Additionally, a method of performing said analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence
  • G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
  • H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements

15.

Soiling measurement system for photovoltaic arrays

      
Application Number 15989587
Grant Number 10284139
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-05-25
First Publication Date 2018-09-27
Grant Date 2019-05-07
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A system for measuring the power or energy loss in a photovoltaic array due to soiling, which is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and/or other contaminants on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules, comprising: a pair of photovoltaic reference devices placed within or near the photovoltaic array and co-planar to the modules comprising the array, wherein one reference device is a module or cell similar to those of the array and is allowed to accumulate soiling at the natural rate, and wherein the second reference device is a module or a cell and is maintained clean; and a measurement and control unit which measures and compares the electrical outputs of the soiled reference device and the clean reference device in order to determine the fraction of power lost by the soiled reference module due to soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements
  • H02S 50/00 - Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification

16.

Soiling measurement device for photovoltaic arrays

      
Application Number 15495275
Grant Number 10554171
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-04-24
First Publication Date 2017-11-23
Grant Date 2020-02-04
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A soiling measurement device for PV arrays, comprising a clean PV device and a soiled PV device, wherein the soiled PV device is exposed to accumulate soiling, and wherein the clean PV device is maintained clean by a movable cover which normally shields it from accumulation of soiling, and wherein the movable cover opens automatically at periodic intervals for measurement, after which it closes again, and wherein soiling is determined by comparison of measurements from the soiled PV device and the clean PV device. In one embodiment, incident irradiance is measured from the clean device, with or without the presence of the soiled PV device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements
  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence

17.

Soiling measurement system for photovoltaic arrays

      
Application Number 15482291
Grant Number 09800202
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-04-07
First Publication Date 2017-08-10
Grant Date 2017-10-24
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Dunn, Lawrence R.
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A system for measuring the power or energy loss in a photovoltaic array due to soiling, which is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and/or other contaminants on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules, comprising: a pair of photovoltaic reference devices placed within or near the photovoltaic array and co-planar to the modules comprising the array, wherein one reference device is a module similar to those of the array and is allowed to accumulate soiling at the natural rate, and wherein the second reference device is a module or a cell and is periodically cleaned; and a measurement and control unit which measures and compares the electrical outputs of the soiled reference device and the clean reference device in order to determine the fraction of power lost by the soiled reference module due to soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
  • G01R 29/24 - Arrangements for measuring quantities of charge
  • H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells
  • H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements

18.

Soiling measurement system for photovoltaic arrays

      
Application Number 15346495
Grant Number 10014821
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-11-08
First Publication Date 2017-04-13
Grant Date 2018-07-03
Owner Atonometrics, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Gostein, Michael

Abstract

A system for measuring the power or energy loss in a photovoltaic array due to soiling, which is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and/or other contaminants on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules, comprising: a pair of photovoltaic reference devices placed within or near the photovoltaic array and co-planar to the modules comprising the array, wherein one reference device is a module similar to those of the array and is allowed to accumulate soiling at the natural rate, and wherein the second reference device is a module or a cell and is periodically cleaned; and a measurement and control unit which measures and compares the electrical outputs of the soiled reference device and the clean reference device in order to determine the fraction of power lost by the soiled reference module due to soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 50/00 - Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification
  • H02S 40/10 - Cleaning arrangements

19.

System for field measurement and calibration of photovoltaic reference devices

      
Application Number 14114118
Grant Number 09347827
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-04-18
First Publication Date 2015-10-29
Grant Date 2016-05-24
Owner Atonometrics, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Stueve, William
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Dunn, Lawrence R.
  • Faullin, Stan

Abstract

A system for field measurement and calibration of photovoltaic reference devices, including a reference device electronics unit that measures the electrical output of a photovoltaic reference module and provides data to determine the solar irradiance received by the reference module as a function of its electrical output; and a calibrator unit that is used to routinely recalibrate the reference device electronics unit and the reference module, wherein the calibrator unit contains one or more calibrated photovoltaic reference cell(s).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/18 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value using electric radiation detectors using comparison with a reference electric value
  • H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells
  • G01J 1/32 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detector, e.g. by varying incidence angle using variation of intensity or distance of source using electric radiation detectors adapted for automatic variation of the measured or reference value
  • G01J 1/04 - Optical or mechanical part
  • G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors

20.

Soiling measurement system for photovoltaic arrays

      
Application Number 14381165
Grant Number 09564853
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-11-21
First Publication Date 2015-10-01
Grant Date 2017-02-07
Owner Atonometrics, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Dunn, Lawrence R.
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A system for measuring the power or energy loss in a photovoltaic array due to soiling, which is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and/or other contaminants on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules, comprising: a pair of photovoltaic reference devices placed within or near the photovoltaic array and co-planar to the modules comprising the array, wherein one reference device is a module similar to those of the array and is allowed to accumulate soiling at the natural rate, and wherein the second reference device is a module or a cell and is periodically cleaned; and a measurement and control unit which measures and compares the electrical outputs of the soiled reference device and the clean reference device in order to determine the fraction of power lost by the soiled reference module due to soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
  • H02S 50/15 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells using optical means, e.g. using electroluminescence
  • G01R 31/40 - Testing power supplies
  • G01N 21/94 - Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
  • G01R 29/24 - Arrangements for measuring quantities of charge

21.

SOILING MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS

      
Application Number US2013071315
Publication Number 2014/081967
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-11-21
Publication Date 2014-05-30
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

A system for measuring the power or energy loss in a photovoltaic array due to soiling, which is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and/or other contaminants on the surfaces of photovoltaic modules, comprising: a pair of photovoltaic reference devices placed within or near the photovoltaic array and co-planar to the modules comprising the array, wherein one reference device is a module similar to those of the array and is allowed to accumulate soiling at the natural rate, and wherein the second reference device is a module or a cell and is periodically cleaned; and a measurement and control unit which measures and compares the electrical outputs of the soiled reference device and the clean reference device in order to determine the fraction of power lost by the soiled reference module due to soiling.

IPC Classes  ?

22.

SYSTEM FOR FIELD MEASUREMENT AND CALIBRATION OF PHOTOVOLTATIC REFERENCE DEVICES

      
Application Number US2013037120
Publication Number 2013/158847
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-04-18
Publication Date 2013-10-24
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Stueve, William
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.
  • Faullin, Stan

Abstract

A system for field measurement and calibration of photovoltaic reference devices, including a reference device electronics unit that measures the electrical output of a photovoltaic reference module and provides data to determine the solar irradiance received by the reference module as a function of its electrical output; and a calibrator unit that is used to routinely recalibrate the reference device electronics unit and the reference module, wherein the calibrator unit contains one or more calibrated photovoltaic reference cell(s).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)

23.

I-V measurement system for photovoltaic modules

      
Application Number 13511087
Grant Number 09413174
Status In Force
Filing Date 2010-11-30
First Publication Date 2013-07-18
Grant Date 2016-08-09
Owner Atonometrics, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Apfel, Russell
  • Dunn, Lawrence R.
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Gitnik, Naoum
  • Schneider, Jason

Abstract

An apparatus for measuring electrical characteristics of solar panels (photovoltaic modules) wherein the apparatus measures current versus voltage (“I-V”) relationships for both illuminated (“light I-V”) and/or non-illuminated (“dark I-V”) conditions; optionally provides single, dual, or four-quadrant source/sink capability; and measures one or more devices under test (DUTs). The apparatus comprises one or more source measurement units (SMUs), wherein each SMU is connected to one DUT, and optionally includes a positive high-voltage programmable power supply and/or a negative high-voltage programmable power supply. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller which controls the functions of the SMUs, the high-voltage supplies, and other components of the apparatus, wherein the controller communicates with the SMUs over a signal bus. Finally, the apparatus may include a computer to provide a user interface, communicate with the controller to initiate measurements and record results, analyze resulting data to determine measured parameters, and/or store the measured data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
  • H02S 50/10 - Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells
  • G05F 1/67 - Regulating electric power to the maximum power available from a generator, e.g. from solar cell
  • G01R 31/26 - Testing of individual semiconductor devices

24.

Light soaking system for photovoltaic modules

      
Application Number 13503704
Grant Number 08773021
Status In Force
Filing Date 2010-10-27
First Publication Date 2012-11-01
Grant Date 2014-07-08
Owner ATONOMETRICS (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Dunn, Lawrence R.

Abstract

An apparatus for exposing photovoltaic (PV) modules to simulated sunlight for testing purposes, comprising a chamber including a plurality of lamps disposed on a substantially vertical lamp plane, at least one substantially vertical target plane upon which are disposed one or more PV modules, at least one reflector for directing light from the lamps to the at least one target plane, and a cooling system to exhaust heat from the apparatus and maintain the temperature of the PV modules at a predetermined value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)
  • H01L 25/00 - Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid-state devices

25.

Ultraviolet light exposure chamber for photovoltaic modules

      
Application Number 13124146
Grant Number 08440979
Status In Force
Filing Date 2009-10-16
First Publication Date 2011-08-18
Grant Date 2013-05-14
Owner Atonometrics, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

An apparatus for performing UV light exposure testing of solar panels, also known as PV modules, with superior exposure uniformity, equipment throughput, and floor space requirements, consisting of a chamber including a plurality of UV lamps in a lamp array, at least one target plane, and reflective panels positioned within the chamber to redirect UV light to the target plane(s).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors

26.

I-V MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

      
Application Number US2010058382
Publication Number 2011/066554
Status In Force
Filing Date 2010-11-30
Publication Date 2011-06-03
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Apfel, Russell
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Gitnik, Naoum
  • Schneider, Jason

Abstract

An apparatus for measuring electrical characteristics of solar panels (photovoltaic modules) wherein the apparatus measures current versus voltage ("I-V") relationships for both illuminated ("light I-V") and/or non-illuminated ("dark I-V") conditions; optionally provides single, dual, or four-quadrant source/sink capability; and measures one or more devices under test (DUTs). The apparatus comprises one or more source measurement units (SMUs), wherein each SMU is connected to one DUT, and optionally includes a positive high-voltage programmable power supply and/or a negative high-voltage programmable power supply. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller which controls the functions of the SMUs, the high- voltage supplies, and other components of the apparatus, wherein the controller communicates with the SMUs over a signal bus. Finally, the apparatus may include a computer to provide a user interface, communicate with the controller to initiate measurements and record results, analyze resulting data to determine measured parameters, and/or store the measured data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof

27.

LIGHT SOAKING SYSTEM FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

      
Application Number US2010054330
Publication Number 2011/056672
Status In Force
Filing Date 2010-10-27
Publication Date 2011-05-12
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Faullin, Stan
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.

Abstract

An apparatus for exposing photovoltaic (PV) modules to simulated sunlight for testing purposes, comprising a chamber including a plurality of lamps disposed on a substantially vertical lamp plane, at least one substantially vertical target plane upon which are disposed one or more PV modules, at least one reflector for directing light from the lamps to the at least one target plane, and a cooling system to exhaust heat from the apparatus and maintain the temperature of the PV modules at a predetermined value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)

28.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY SHUTOFF SYSTEM AND DEVICES FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

      
Application Number US2009069658
Publication Number 2010/078303
Status In Force
Filing Date 2009-12-29
Publication Date 2010-07-08
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Apfel, Russell
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.
  • Stueve, William

Abstract

An electrical safety shutoff system and devices for disabling electrical power output from individual photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic array, including one or more shutoff circuits, each of which can disable electrical power output from an associated module; and at least one enable signal generator that transmits a signal to the shutoff circuits to enable power output; wherein module power output is disabled in the absence of the enable signal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 9/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection

29.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT EXPOSURE CHAMBER FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES

      
Application Number US2009060967
Publication Number 2010/045534
Status In Force
Filing Date 2009-10-16
Publication Date 2010-04-22
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.

Abstract

An apparatus for performing UV light exposure testing of solar panels, also known as PV modules, with superior exposure uniformity, equipment throughput, and floor space requirements, consisting of a chamber including a plurality of UV lamps in a lamp array, at least one target plane, and reflective panels positioned within the chamber to redirect UV light to the target plane(s).

IPC Classes  ?

30.

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEM AND DEVICES

      
Application Number US2009059716
Publication Number 2010/042533
Status In Force
Filing Date 2009-10-06
Publication Date 2010-04-15
Owner ATONOMETRICS, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gostein, Michael
  • Stueve, William
  • Dunn, Lawrence, R.
  • Apfel, Russell

Abstract

A photovoltaic module performance monitoring system and associated devices, for monitoring the electrical output of individual modules in a photovoltaic array. The system includes one or more module monitors, each of which monitors electrical parameters of an associated module and transmits signals encoded with the measured data; at least one transponder that receives signals from the module monitors and communicates the data to at least one computer which receives and analyzes the data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells