Patent ID: 8264195
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: F24S,G05B,H04L,Y04S

Abstract:
1. A network topology for monitoring and controlling a plurality of solar panels, comprising an intelligent node comprising: an intelligent node input terminal for receiving current and voltage output from a photovoltaic module on another intelligent node; a bypass relay comprising a first switched terminal, a second switched terminal, and an output terminal; a PV module having an input electrically connected to said intelligent node input terminal and an output electrically connected to said first switched terminal on said bypass relay; an intelligent node output terminal electrically connected to said output terminal on said bypass relay; at least two redundant means of communication configured for exchanging data and commands between at least two of said intelligent node in a communications network; a bypass bus electrically connected to said intelligent node input terminal and to said bypass relay second switched terminal; and a node controller comprising: wherein said node controller autonomously selects one of said two redundant means of communication when the other of said two redundant means of communication is not available for communication, said bypass relay selects said bypass bus when said node controller receives a bypass command from either of said two redundant means of communication, thereby electrically disconnecting said PV module output from said intelligent node output terminal and routing signals received at said intelligent node input terminal to said intelligent node output terminal.