Patent ID: 8952715
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: G01R,H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A solar power diagnostic tool for acquiring current-voltage (IV) curve traces of a solar power generation device under test comprising: a processor for controlling the process, dataflow and timing of the solar power diagnostic tool; a resistive load; a backup power source for storing energy to emulate a solar power generation device under test and for providing power to subsequent solar power generation devices when the IV curve of the solar power generation device under test is being swept; a switch electrically connected to the solar power generation device and the backup power source; a voltage measurement device electrically connected to the resistive load; a current measurement device electrically connected to the resistive load; an accelerometer; a communications device; wherein the accelerometer measures the orientation of the solar power diagnostic tool; wherein the backup power source stores energy to emulate the solar power generation device and provides power to subsequent solar power generation devices when the IV curve of the solar power generation device under test is being swept; wherein once the backup power source is charged, the microcontroller switches the backup power source into the resistive load, and then switches the solar power generation device under test out of the resistive load; wherein the solar power diagnostic tool is fully automated and provides continuous power supply to the resistive load while the solar power generation device is under test; and wherein the communications device transports data from the solar power diagnostic tool.