Patent Description:
Chinese Application Publication <CIT> describes a method for testing the long-term weather resistance performance of photovoltaic modules involving the reverse biasing of solar cells. European Patent Application Publication <CIT> describes methods and apparatuses for disconnecting elements in photovoltaic electrical systems.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method that can be used in the aforementioned situations, as well as others. This and other objects are achieved by the subject-matter as claimed in claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Advantageous further embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

In one possible implementation in accordance with the present invention, it is useful to communicate using a solar array as a communication device. To achieve this, selected parts, or all of the solar array may be made to emit radiation instead of its normal function of absorbing sunlight and converting it to electrical power. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to bias solar cells to cause them to emit radiation, during times when they are not absorbing it and cause them to emit radiation for communication purposes.

In some implementations, the emitted radiation may be in one or more of the visible light, the infrared, or other spectrum, depending on the solar cell device characteristics. Thus, the solar cells would be selected to perform both normal solar energy conversion, and for its desired communication spectrum. Further, it is envisioned that the solar cells could be tailored to emit certain frequencies for such communication purposes, when not being utilized for solar collection purposes.

Typically, solar cells are used in an array to absorb radiation, and generate electrical power therefrom for use in a system, or for storage for later use. Since solar power use is becoming more widespread. Implementations, in accordance with the present invention provide a new application for solar cells, as communication devices. This can be applied not only to conventional fixed terrestrial applications, but also to other applications of solar cells.

In a particular implementation, solar arrays are utilized in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aircraft with no onboard pilot, which may fly autonomously, or be remotely piloted. In high altitude long endurance aircraft, a solar cell array may be used as source of power, which the batteries, engines, and other aircraft systems use.

In high altitude long endurance aircraft, for example, the solar cell array is typically positioned on upper surfaces of the aircraft, such as on the upper surfaces of the wings, or on the upper surface of the fuselage, or both. High altitude long endurance aircraft are typically light weight aircraft with large wingspans, sometimes a long as <NUM> meters or more. Further, they can have high lift wings and can be made to fly relatively slow. The large wingspan of the high altitude long endurance aircraft covered with a solar array provides large surface area for visual viewing during communications. An advantage of using the solar array for communication is that because the array is on the top surface of the wing, the communication is directed upward and not viewable from terrestrial or lower aircraft. It is, however, viewable by satellite detectors, such as optical, infrared, or other frequencies. Thus, the solar array may be utilized for directional communications.

In other applications, solar arrays may be portable, or even wearable. Solar cells, or panels, can be made relatively flexible, so can be affixed to textiles, such as articles of clothing, or to other wearable articles. The wearable solar panel is then be used to charge portable batteries, or battery equipped/powered equipment or devices while being part of a garment or accessory. In such applications, the solar array is further utilized for nearby or distance communications.

The solar array may be configured to operate to radiate in a display mode for communication in the near visible light, visible light, or other detectable spectrum to convey messages. For example, in a wearable article of clothing, the wearer could cause messages to emit in visible light from the article of clothing to communicate line of sight messages. Similarly, in solar assisted/powered automobiles, solar cells, or arrays, could be used to indicated position or to communicate driver intention (as blinker or other indicator/communication light), or to flash messages.

In the case of an aircraft, the direction of communications may be adjusted by adjusting the aircraft orientation, which changes the orientation of the solar array. Similarly, the orientation of satellites, or of actuatable terrestrial solar panels, could be adjusted to change the communication direction. In the case of portable devices, including wearable solar arrays, the orientation of the portable device, or the wearable device may be adjusted to direct communications.

<FIG> shows a simplified schematic of a bidirectional circuit <NUM> for a solar cell array. The solar cells may be arranged into solar strings <NUM> having several solar cells <NUM> coupled together. In this embodiment, the solar string <NUM> is coupled to the power bus <NUM> via a two quadrant bidirectional boost-buck converter <NUM>. Thus, the solar string <NUM> is coupled to the power bus <NUM> via inductor <NUM>, such as for example, about <NUM> to <NUM> micro Henries, between a MOSFET <NUM> and a MOSFET <NUM>. The MOSFET <NUM> and the MOSFET <NUM> are connected in series between the positive and negative rails of the power bus <NUM>. The control input gates of the MOSFETs <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to a microcontroller for modulating the control inputs so as to cause the converter <NUM> to supply current from the solar string <NUM> to the bus <NUM> in charging mode, or to draw current from the bus <NUM> to drive the solar string <NUM> to emit radiation in display mode. In the charging configuration, the MOSFET <NUM> is modulated, such as pulse width modulated, while MOSFET <NUM> is either modulated or just used as a diode to supply power to the bus <NUM> for charging. In display configuration, MOSFET <NUM> is modulated, while MOSFET <NUM> is open, or modulated.

The solar strings <NUM> may include several nearby solar panels, which could be linear, square, rectangular, or other geometric configuration of solar panels. Or, the solar panels in a string may be spaced so as to enable display of patterns, characters, letter, numbers, symbols, images, machine readable type linear or matrix bar coding, or the like, to allow communication, either by direct, coded, or even aesthetic communication. The display may be time variant or encoded messages, such as emission duration encoded, or frequency encoded messages, or even intensity encoded, or other known encoding method.

In one simplified example, the solar cell could emit messages by optical Morse code. Or, in another simplified example, a bar coded message, or character message could be statically displayed, or dynamically scrolled across the wingspan of a high altitude long duration unmanned aircraft. In one possible scenario, the displayed message could be in response to received messages when the aircraft is unable to otherwise transmit via normal communication channels, i.e. where the aircraft's transmitter is not functioning, or where general open transmission of the message is not desirable.

In another possible application, such as wearable, other mobile, or even fixed terrestrial applications, the solar cells could be selected to emit only an infrared spectrum signal, which could be detected only with infrared detection means, such as infrared/night vision goggles, portable infrared detectors, such as binoculars or other handheld infrared detection devices, and/or by aircraft forward or side looking infrared detectors, for example.

In still another useful application, a stranded, lost, or person not able to move from their position, could utilize the display mode on the solar device to transmit an SOS, another signal or message, or to merely illuminate, such as in the visual, or IR spectrum for identification or rescue at night using optical, or IR detection means, i.e. binoculars or IR imaging devices, such as IR goggles. As such, for use in communication the display emits a detectable amount of radiation such that it may be observed either directly unaided, or with the aid of an electronic detector capable of detecting in the displayed spectrum and converting it to an directly observable radiation, or by converting it to information, i.e. such as night or regular vision collection and/or amplification, conversion from one or more spectrum to another, detection and conversion for an information display, such as a handheld device display, projection display, a display monitor, a readable or textual display, a location identification display, a mapping display, or the like.

Some embodiments can display information generated by an aircraft where the inputs are detected by the aircraft onboard sensors. This display could be coordinated to display vehicle conditions, such as vehicle speed.

<FIG> are timing diagrams 200a and 200b showing operation of the bi-directional buck-boost converter in both the charging mode and in the display mode. The MOSFET <NUM> and the MOSFET <NUM> are operated by adjusting the duty cycle and pulse width of the MOSFETS <NUM> and <NUM> in a complementary fashion to provide the charge mode and the display mode. In the charge mode, the duty cycle of MOSFET <NUM> is increased with respect to the MOSFET <NUM>. In the display mode, the MOSFET <NUM> is increased with respect to the MOSFET <NUM>.

The timing diagrams 200a and 200b show example timing plots 200a and 200b illustrate how pulse width modulation of MOSFET <NUM> and the MOSFET <NUM>, respectively, will produce/allow the positive or negative current IL flow generated from of the solar string <NUM> during charging, or into the solar string <NUM> from the power bus <NUM> during display mode. Timing plot 200a shows how the positive voltage VL pulse train 270p, with respect to ground, applied to the battery <NUM> side of the inductor <NUM> produces a positive current IL, while the other plot 200b produces negative current IL. For each plot 200a and 200b, there is a voltage VL pulse train 270p and 270n above its resultant current IL plot <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The MOSFETS <NUM> and <NUM> pulsed to cause voltage VL square wave pulses 270p or 270n to produce positive <NUM> or negative <NUM> sawtooth current IL. The wider voltage pulses 270p contribute a positive current IL, while the narrower pulses 270n contribute a negative current IL. This will allow either normal charge mode charging operation of the solar string <NUM>, or display mode display operation of the solar string <NUM>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of a circuit <NUM> having a solar array. Typically, several independent solar arrays or strings 310a, 310b, and 310c connected in parallel to form a channel <NUM>. In some embodiments, a string may have a number of replaceable solar panels, for example. Each of the strings 310a, 310b, and 310c is provided with a serial connected blocking diode 315a, 315b, and 315c. The blocking diode 315a, 315b, and 315c are provided in case one of the strings 310a, 310b, and 310c shorts, to prevent one of the strings 310a, 310b, or 310c from causing shorting, or other failure, in the other non-shorted strings 310a, 310b, or 310c. Although the blocking diodes add an amount of loss to the system, they are required to reduce failures of associated the solar cells within the array, or other components within the system.

The blocking diodes are typically located within a power tracker <NUM>, which also has a boost stage <NUM> DC/DC converter. The boost stage <NUM> decouples the supplied voltage and the current from the high voltage power bus <NUM>, i.e. 270V-400V, that is connected to the battery <NUM>, and is configured so that proper voltage is supplied on the high voltage power bus regardless of the voltage and current supplied by the solar array. In one embodiment, the power tracker is a maximum power point tracker or MPPT controller configured to boost voltage from the solar array to the output and to adjust a boost ratio to get the maximum power from the solar array. Examples of MPPT controllers include Outback® FLEXmax <NUM>/<NUM> MPPT, Xantrex® MPPT Solar Charge Controller, and Blue Sky® Solar Charge Controller. Generally speaking, the MPPT controller is configured to maximize the available power going into the battery from the solar array. This is important in various high altitude long endurance aircraft applications where the maximum voltage is a function of the temperature and illumination of the solar array, both of which may vary throughout the day.

With the circuit of <FIG>, however, display mode is not possible because the diodes 315a, 315b, and 315c prevent reverse biasing of the solar strings 310a, 310b, or 310c. The embodiments of <FIG>, and <FIG>, discussed below, permit display mode because it is possible to reverse bias the solar cells <NUM>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of an improved circuit <NUM> for a solar array. In this embodiment, in place of the blocking diodes 315a, 315b, or 315c (<FIG>), a solar string control MOSFET <NUM> is used in the channel <NUM>. This configuration is more efficient than the circuit of <FIG> because it eliminates the voltage drop loss across a diode 315a, 315b, or 316c when the solar string control MOSFET <NUM> is turned on. This embodiment, however, when the solar string control MOSFET <NUM> is turned on, it does not inherently provide isolate between parallel connected solar strings in the event there is a short in a solar string <NUM>.

As such, in this embodiment, the voltage drop across the solar string control MOSFET <NUM> is detected and monitored so as to determine the magnitude and direction of the current in the solar string <NUM> to determine whether another solar string (not shown) has shorted. If it is determined, based on the monitoring of several parallel connected strings, that one of the solar strings has shorted, the solar string control MOSFET in line with the shorted solar string is opened so as not to damage the other parallel connected solar strings. With the solar string control MOSFET <NUM> open, it performs as a diode as in <FIG>, to block current through the shorted solar string.

Thus, the embodiment of <FIG> provides a more efficient power transfer, but requires monitoring of the current in the solar string <NUM> to determine if a short has occurred in the solar string <NUM>, or in any of the associated strings. Typically, the monitoring and control of the solar string control MOSFET <NUM> is conducted by a power tracker, or other associated electronics. The power tracker includes the solar string control MOSFET <NUM> and the boost stage <NUM>, which supplies power to the power bus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a simplified diagram of an improved circuit <NUM> for a solar array. In this embodiment, in place of the blocking diodes 315a, 315b, and 315c (<FIG>), MOSFET switches 515a, 515b, and 515c are utilized having back-to-back MOSFETS devices 515a<NUM> and 515a<NUM>. The MOSFET switch allows each string 510a, 510b, or 510c in the channel <NUM> to be individually completely disable or open, even though the output of multiple strings go into a single power stage, such as a boost stage <NUM> DC/DC converter, which supplies current to the power bus <NUM> for charging the battery <NUM>. The boost converter <NUM> controls the MOSFET switches 510a, 510b, or 510c and utilizes the detected string voltages to determine the health of the strings 510a, 510b, or 510c along with all the other strings (not show) and channels (not show) over the entire solar array. An advantage of this it that it allows the system to target each string 510a, 510b, or 510c and perform a lot of diagnostics in flight, such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, on a per string basis.

Replacing the protection diodes with MOSFET switches is undesirable in a terrestrial solar system because it increases the cost of the system. Using the MOSFET switches, however, is very desirable in high altitude long endurance aircraft, where it is significant and important to extract the maximum energy from the solar array. MOSFET switches can be selected to have lower power loss across the switch as compared to a protection diode. As, such it increases the efficiency of the charging system, and also allows you to predict (through trend analysis) and detect failures much easier. Imminent failures can be predicted and action taken before a failure becomes critical. This is important in high altitude long duration aircraft, so as to enable avoidance of a critical failure that could otherwise lead to a power off, or even a crash landing. Since strings can be individually tested, it provides much more "visibility" into the functionality and health of the solar array in flight.

Moreover, each string can be tested in flight to determine the optimal power output for each string individually according to its V-I and power output characteristic. As such, the string characteristics can be tested over time to determine the health of the string. This is particularly important during long duration flights, and during high altitude flights, so that the need for maintenance and/or remedial measures, such as solar panel replacement, can be anticipated and made when convenient.

In some embodiments, each string includes a number of solar panels grouped generally spanwise along the wing of the aircraft, for example four, five, or six smaller solar panels are grouped per string. The solar panels are grouped in this way so that the solar panels in a string experience similar environmental and operational conditions together. For example, the solar panels at the leading edge of the wing may be grouped together in a string, while solar panels near the trailing edge of the wing may be grouped together, possibly with one or more strings also extending spanwise or laterally along the span of the wing, between the leading and trailing edge strings.

In high altitude applications, the grouping of the solar panels into strings is significant. This is because the temperature can vary greatly from the leading to the trailing edge of the wing. Further, the orientation of the aircraft with respect to the sun, in elevation, azimuth, rotation, etc., as well as having a greater curvature from leading to trailing edges of the wing, can further exaggerate the temperature differential. In high altitude long endurance solar powered aircraft, the temperature can range across the wing from -<NUM> degrees Celsius on the leading edge to +<NUM> degrees Celsius on the trailing edge of the wing. As such, grouping solar panels into strings combined with being able to individually switch on or off individual strings based on the performance of a string allows for more efficient solar power generation.

Turning to <FIG>, shown is a simplified diagram of a string circuit <NUM>. In <FIG>, the string <NUM> typically has a bypass diode <NUM> in parallel with two or more solar cells 605a and 605b. The bypass diode <NUM> allows the other solar cells <NUM> to supply current around the solar cells 305a and 605b when one or more of the solar cells becomes non-functional or an open circuit, such as by being cracked, or broken.

With reference to <FIG>, in a further embodiment, the bypass diode <NUM> is replaced by a bypass MOSFET switch <NUM> as shown in the simplified diagram of a solar string circuit <NUM> of <FIG>. Such an embodiment, allows further efficiency over the diode when a solar cell 605a, 605b,. or <NUM> (<FIG>) fails, due to the lower power loss associated with a MOSFET switch <NUM> as compared to the bypass diode <NUM>. Furthermore, it allows for closer monitoring and predictive analysis of individual, or a small group of solar cells for better predictive analysis of the string. As the maximum allowable current for the string <NUM> is restricted by the restriction of the lowest individual solar cell, being able to bypass only one or several individual solar cells 705a and 705b, or others, can be used to optimize power output of the string <NUM>.

One advantage of various embodiments over string circuits using blocking diodes, is that the blocking diodes can contribute a loss of about <NUM>%, whereas MOSFET switches can reduce those losses. Though discussed above with respect to a MOSFET switch, other comparable type switch, i. e light weight, low loss switch, could be utilized in other embodiments. Furthermore, although shown in <FIG> with only three solar strings in a channel for illustration purposes, embodiments may contain two or more strings, and multiple channels.

Various embodiments enable, or expand the capability to run in-flight diagnostics. In high altitude long endurance solar power aircraft, factors such as turbulence, frequent and extreme thermal, motor vibrations can increase the possibility of failure. Various embodiments, provide performance tracking over time, with trend analysis, and can enable eminent failure detection, more flexible scheduling of service/periodic maintenance, and avoidance of lack of airborne network capability/coverage or surveillance capability/coverage in the coverage area. This is particularly important if the high altitude long endurance aircraft is being used as a cellular repeater or for other network communications in area that would otherwise be without coverage should the platform be missing from the network.

<FIG> is a plot <NUM> showing an example V-I curve <NUM> of voltage versus current for a typical solar array system. The power curve <NUM> for the solar array system is superimposed on the plot <NUM>. It is desirable to extract the maximum power from the solar array system. As such, it is desirable to operate along the V-I curve <NUM> where the power for the system is at its peak.

<FIG> is a plot <NUM> showing an example V-I curve <NUM> of voltage versus current for a solar array system for high performance solar cell utilized in high altitude long endurance aircraft implementations. In various high performance solar cell implementations which may be utilized in high altitude long endurance aircraft, the V-I curve <NUM> and the power curve (not shown) have a very steep slope as they approach the maximum current. Thus, the optimum operating point of the system lies with a narrow operating range. If the current is too great by even a slight amount, the voltage goes to zero or short circuits very easily. For example, the difference between optimum power output and short circuit can be as low as 100mA of current per channel <NUM> (<FIG>). Depending on solar cell and channel configuration, this could be even lower in some embodiments, such as <NUM> mA, <NUM> mA, 25mA, or less. To avoid this while achieving the highest power output, a voltage loop is utilized to monitor voltage while determining the peak power operating point, as well as monitoring the current and power. This is because the change in voltage is much bigger than either the power or the current near this point.

Thus, to find the optimum operating point of the system, the current is regulated, while monitoring the voltage as well as the power. The commanded current is varied by power point tracker circuitry, while monitoring power. Additionally, the voltage is also monitored to determine when the power output is maximized because the rate of change of the voltage is greater than the rate of change of the power at near the maximum power output operating point.

To achieve the most efficiency in some embodiments, the voltage is monitored at a faster rate than the current and power. In some embodiments, the voltage may be monitored ten time faster than the current or power. For example, the current and/or power may be monitored at <NUM> times a second, while the voltage is monitored at <NUM> time a second.

This enables various embodiments to extract the most amount of solar power from the solar panels in high altitude long endurance aircraft applications, without drawing too much current and sending the voltage to zero, thereby shorting the solar cell.

Claim 1:
A method for a solar cell array, the method comprising emitting a communication message from the solar cell array by reverse biasing the solar cell array so as to cause at least a portion of the solar array to emit a detectable amount of radiation corresponding to the communication message, wherein the method is adapted to communicate a message with the solar cell array in a high altitude long endurance aircraft, the method characterised by:
a) displaying a message on a solar cell array on the high altitude long endurance aircraft;
b) detecting the message using a satellite; and
c) relaying the detected message from the satellite to a platform below the high altitude long endurance aircraft.