IP Library Granted Patent US 11,496,209
Granted Patent B2
US 11,496,209 · App. 17/606,444 · Granted Nov 8, 2022

System and method for solar cell array communication

Inventors: Nader Michael Lotfy (Pasadena, CA); Eric James Aagaard (Los Angeles, CA)
Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
H04B7/18513H02S40/38
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,496,209
App. No.
17/606,444
Granted
Nov 8, 2022
Kind
B2
Abstract

In one implementation, a method for a solar cell array is provided, the method includes 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. In one embodiment a solar cell array circuit is provided including a solar string comprising a plurality of solar cells coupled together, a charge storage device coupled to a power bus, and a bidirectional boost-buck converter having a first and second pair of MOSFETs connected in series between positive and negative rails of the power bus with an inductor coupled from between the first and second paired MOSFETs to a charging output of the solar string.

Claims (7)

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 emitting the communication message comprises displaying a visual display message on the solar cell array, and wherein emitting the communication message comprises displaying the visual display on a wearable solar cell array.

2. 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 reverse biasing the solar cell array comprises modulating MOSFET switches coupled via an inductor to at least one solar cell within the solar cell array.

3. A method for communicating a message with a solar cell array in a high altitude long endurance aircraft, the method comprising:

a) displaying a message on a solar cell array on the high altitude long endurance aircraft;

b) detecting the message using a satellite;

c) relaying the detected message from the satellite to a platform below the high altitude long endurance aircraft; and

d) wherein displaying a message comprises modulating MOSFET switches coupled via an inductor to at least one solar cell within the solar cell array.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 4, 2024
From: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 069113/0683 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 25, 2021
From: LOTFY, NADER MICHAEL; AAGAARD, ERIC JAMES
To: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
Reel/Frame 057906/0235 →