A modular support system includes a central core and operation modules arranged radially around the central core. A first operation module is configured to receive water to be treated. A second operation module is disposed under the first operation module and is configured to receive the water and to perform a first type of water treatment. A third operation module is disposed under the second operation module and is configured to receive the water and to perform a second type of water treatment that is different from the first type of water treatment. A fourth operation module is disposed under the third operation module and is configured to receive and store the water for usage.

The present disclosure describes an energy device with a solar module having a form factor configured to be inserted into and to match an inner portion of a coin-type cell holder of an electronic device. The solar module includes one or more photovoltaic cells to capture energy from ambient light and a pair of electrodes. The energy device may be configured to provide, to the electronic device via contact with the coin-type cell holder, electric energy produced from the ambient light energy. The solar module may include a converter module to convert the ambient light energy into the electric energy. The energy device may also include an energy storage module and/or a power management module that are stackable below the solar module with electrical connectivity to the solar module, and that combined with the solar module have the appropriate form factor for the coin-type cell holder.

The present disclosure describes an energy device with a solar module having a form factor configured to be inserted into and to match an inner portion of a coin-type cell holder of an electronic device. The solar module includes one or more photovoltaic cells to capture energy from ambient light and a pair of electrodes. The energy device may be configured to provide, to the electronic device via contact with the coin-type cell holder, electric energy produced from the ambient light energy. The solar module may include a converter module to convert the ambient light energy into the electric energy. The energy device may also include an energy storage module and/or a power management module that are stackable below the solar module with electrical connectivity to the solar module, and that combined with the solar module have the appropriate form factor for the coin-type cell holder.

The shopping cart security system is configured for use with a hand propelled vehicle known as a shopping cart. The shopping cart security system is a wheeled structure that allows the hand propelled vehicle to roll over a supporting surface. The shopping cart security system: a) determines the GPS coordinates of the shopping cart security system; b) compares the GPS coordinates of the shopping cart security system with a previously determined set of GPS coordinates that determine an operating perimeter for the shopping cart security system; and, c) disables the rotation of the wheeled structure that forms the shopping cart security system when the shopping cart security system is determined to be outside of the region bounded by the previously determined operating perimeter.

A power converter includes an input circuit, an output circuit, and a configuration circuit. The input circuit is configured to receive an input voltage or current. The output circuit is electrically isolated from the input circuit and is configured to generate a combined output voltage or a combined output current in response to the input circuit. The output circuit includes a plurality of output stages that are each configured to generate a respective partial output voltage or current. The configuration circuit is coupled to the plurality of output stages to dynamically reconfigure a connection among the plurality of output stages to combine the respective partial output voltages or currents to adjust the combined output voltage, the combined output current, or a combined output impedance of the power converter.

A power converter includes an input circuit, an output circuit, and a configuration circuit. The input circuit is configured to receive an input voltage or current. The output circuit is electrically isolated from the input circuit and is configured to generate a combined output voltage or a combined output current in response to the input circuit. The output circuit includes a plurality of output stages that are each configured to generate a respective partial output voltage or current. The configuration circuit is coupled to the plurality of output stages to dynamically reconfigure a connection among the plurality of output stages to combine the respective partial output voltages or currents to adjust the combined output voltage, the combined output current, or a combined output impedance of the power converter.

In an embodiment, a portable solar system includes a solar panel assembly and a case. The solar panel assembly includes a frame at least partially surrounding the solar panel assembly. The case includes a case front and a case back. The case back is movably attached to the case front at a first hinge. The frame of the solar panel assembly is attached to the case back on an interior side of the case. The case back includes a storage pocket that is accessible from an exterior side of the case.

In an embodiment, a portable solar system includes a solar panel assembly and a case. The solar panel assembly includes a frame at least partially surrounding the solar panel assembly. The case includes a case front and a case back. The case back is movably attached to the case front at a first hinge. The frame of the solar panel assembly is attached to the case back on an interior side of the case. The case back includes a storage pocket that is accessible from an exterior side of the case.

A rapid shutdown system includes a PV (photovoltaic) generator. It further includes a DC (Direct Current)-DC converter receiving power from the PV generator and outputting power. The DC-DC converter outputs power at a high voltage state or a low voltage state. It further includes a DC bus coupled to the DC-DC converter to receive the power outputted by the DC-DC converter. The DC bus is coupled to a system comprising a load. The DC-DC converter transitions from the high voltage state to the low voltage state based at least in part on an output current of the DC-DC converter transitioning below a threshold.

A rapid shutdown system includes a PV (photovoltaic) generator. It further includes a DC (Direct Current)-DC converter receiving power from the PV generator and outputting power. The DC-DC converter outputs power at a high voltage state or a low voltage state. It further includes a DC bus coupled to the DC-DC converter to receive the power outputted by the DC-DC converter. The DC bus is coupled to a system comprising a load. The DC-DC converter transitions from the high voltage state to the low voltage state based at least in part on an output current of the DC-DC converter transitioning below a threshold.