METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURE ENERGY DELIVERY

摘要

A solar power conversion device embedded security module creates trusted metering data in relation to power generated and outputs it as metering data. The security module might be constructed as an IC card using semiconductor chip fabrication and assembly techniques integral with the solar power conversion device. The device might comprise more than one solar cell mounted on a panel to form an array. There may be a panel management module for collating data, e.g., from multiple cells, prior to transmission over a network via the metering output. The panel management module might comprise a subscriber identity module and the metering data output may provide associated mobile telephone endpoint technology so that the metering data can be transmitted over an air interface. Embodiments enable high value services to be hosted on a solar power conversion device with both strong physical and strong electronic security.

主权项

1. A solar power conversion device comprising a solar cell or panel for receiving solar radiation and converting it to an electrical output, the solar cell or panel being connected to at least one other such cell or panel and having embedded therein:
i) a current sensor; ii) a voltage sensor; iii) an analog to digital converter; and iv) a digital metering controller; wherein the current sensor and the voltage sensor are connected to deliver outputs to the analog to digital converter, and the analog to digital converter is configured to provide an output to the digital metering controller, to provide metering data comprising the amount of electrical power generated by the solar cell or panel; the solar cell or panel further having embedded therein: v) an information processing device configured to associate security information including a unique digital identity with the metering data to create trusted and identifiable metering data; and vi) a metering output for delivering the trusted and identifiable metering data from the solar cell or panel, and wherein the information processing device comprises a security module configured to associate the security information with the metering data to create the trusted and identifiable metering data for delivery by the metering output.