Patent ID: 8508071
Filing Date: 2013-08-13
Classification: H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a plurality of solar power arrays, including at least a first solar power array and a second solar power array; and a combiner element coupled to each of the solar power arrays and configured to receive and combine current from the solar power arrays thereby providing a combined current signal that is based on current from each of the solar power arrays, the combiner element having a first current sensing element coupled to the first solar power array, the first current sensing element configured to receive current from the first solar power array and having a sensor configured to sense a magnetic flux induced by the current from the first solar power array, the first current sensing element configured to transmit data indicative of the sensed magnetic flux and having a magnetic core and a conductive coil for carrying the current from the first solar power array, the magnetic core having a plurality of segments, wherein the conductive coil passes around at least one of the segments and wherein the sensor is positioned within a gap between at least two of the segments.