Stephen C Yang

US Patent:

20110066401, Mar 17, 2011

Filed:

Sep 9, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/878664

Inventors:

Stephen C. Yang - Los Altos CA, US
Robert M. Getsla - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

WATTMINDER, INC. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G06F 15/00
G01J 1/42

US Classification:

702184, 702183, 702185, 356222

Abstract:

Energy converters are monitored to ensure that they are operating at acceptable levels. An expected output is predicted using mathematical modeling and compared to the actual output generated by the energy converter. When the difference is above a predetermined threshold, the level of underperformance, along with other parameters, are used to determine a possible cause of underperformance and actions that can be taken to increase the output to acceptable levels. The cause and actions are transmitted to personnel, who are dispatched to service the underperforming energy converter. By centrally locating the mathematical modeling, monitoring, and dispatching, multiple PV modules can be managed from a remote location. When monitoring photovoltaic modules, an irradiation sensor employs multiple photosensors oriented to detect not only the normal components of sunlight but also directional, diffused components of sunlight, thereby increasing the accuracy of the mathematical modeling.