Energy systems incorporating wireless optical communication systems

Abstract

A renewable energy system includes a plurality of renewable energy collectors configured to collect renewable energy from the natural environment, wherein each energy collector includes a collector computing device, and a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with the collector computing device. The wireless optical transceiver of each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors is configured to simultaneously establish a plurality of wireless optical links with more than one of the wireless optical transceivers of the remaining renewable energy collectors of the plurality of renewable energy collectors.

Description

ENERGY SYSTEMS INCORPORATING WIRELESS OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND

[0003] Optical communication systems offer key advantages over competitor technologies making optical communication systems desirable solutions in an array of applications, including commercial or industrial applications such as energy systems including renewable energy systems. For example, optical communication systems often prove higher bandwidth enabling the transmission of large volumes of data at high speeds; low attenuation such that signals may propagate across the optical communication system without significant signal loss; and have immunity to electromagnetic interference enhancing the reliability of the communication system.SUMMARY

[0004] An embodiment of a renewable energy system comprises a plurality of renewable energy collectors configured to collect renewable energy from the natural environment, wherein each energy collector comprises a collector computing device, and a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with the collector computing device, and wherein the wireless optical transceiver of each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors is configured to simultaneously establish a plurality of wireless optical links with more than one of the wireless optical transceivers of the remaining renewable energy collectors of the plurality of renewable energy collectors. In some embodiments, the renewable energy collectors each comprise a wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle coupled to the tower. In some embodiments, the renewable energy collectors each comprise a solar unit having a photovoltaic member configured to generate electrical powerin response to being exposed to sunlight. In certain embodiments, the wireless optical links collectively define a mesh communication network whereby at least some of the plurality of renewable energy collectors are configured to establish a wireless optical link between each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors within a predefined range of the wireless optical transceiver of the renewable energy collector. In certain embodiments, the wireless optical links collectively define a dynamic mesh communication network whereby at least some of the plurality of renewable energy collectors are configured to automatically switch from utilizing a first wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links to a second wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links in response to a parameter associated with the first wireless optical link achieving a predefined threshold. In some embodiments, the parameter comprises at least one of signal strength, latency, and packet loss. In some embodiments, the system comprises a network switch comprising a switch wireless optical transceiver in wireless optical signal communication with the wireless optical transceivers of the plurality of renewable energy collectors whereby optical signals are communicable wirelessly between the network switch and the plurality of renewable energy collectors. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a remote monitoring center in signal communication with one or more of the plurality of renewable energy collectors, wherein the remote monitoring center comprises an interface accessible by a user. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a sensor unit comprising a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with more than one of the plurality of renewable energy collectors.

[0005] An embodiment of a renewable energy system comprises a plurality of renewable energy collectors configured to collect renewable energy from the natural environment, wherein each energy collector comprises a collector computing device, and a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with the collector computing device, and wherein the wireless optical transceiver of each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors form a wireless optical communication system comprising a plurality of separate wireless optical links collectively defining a mesh structure whereby the wireless optical transceiver is configured to simultaneously establish a plurality of wireless optical links with more than one of the wireless optical transceivers of the remaining renewable energy collectors of the plurality of renewable energy collectors. In some embodiments, each ofthe plurality of wireless optical links comprise line-of-sight (LOS) wireless signals. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wireless optical links has a wavelength between 300 nanometers (nm) and 1 ,600 nm. In certain embodiments, the renewable energy collectors each comprise a wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle coupled to the tower. In certain embodiments, the renewable energy collectors each comprise a solar unit having a photovoltaic member configured to generate electrical power in response to being exposed to sunlight. In some embodiments, the wireless optical links collectively define a dynamic mesh communication network whereby at least some of the plurality of renewable energy collectors are configured to automatically switch from utilizing a first wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links to a second wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links in response to a parameter associated with the first wireless optical link achieving a predefined threshold. In some embodiments, the system comprises a network switch comprising a switch wireless optical transceiver in wireless optical signal communication with the wireless optical transceivers of the plurality of renewable energy collectors whereby optical signals are communicable wirelessly between the network switch and the plurality of renewable energy collectors. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a remote monitoring center in signal communication with one or more of the plurality of renewable energy collectors, wherein the remote monitoring center comprises an interface accessible by a user.

[0006] An embodiment of a method for operating a renewable energy system comprises (a) transmitting wirelessly a first optical signal from a first renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system to a second renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system along a first wireless optical signal pathway, wherein the first wireless optical signal pathway extends from the first renewable energy collector, through a third renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system, and to the second renewable energy collector, (b) transmitting wirelessly a second optical signal from the first renewable energy collector to the second renewable energy collector along a second wireless optical signal pathway, wherein the third renewable energy collector is not positioned along the second wireless optical signal pathway. In certain embodiments, the method comprises (c) transitioning from the first wireless optical signal pathway to the second wireless optical signal pathway in response to a parameter of the first wireless optical signal pathwayachieving a predefined threshold. In some embodiments, the parameter comprises at least one of signal strength, latency, and packet loss.

[0007] Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a detailed description of various exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wired optical communication system;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a renewable energy system in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a renewable energy collector in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a wireless optical transceiver in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a renewable energy system in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for initializing a dynamic mesh network in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for initializing a dynamic mesh network in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a flowchartofan embodiment of a method for operating a renewable energy system in accordance with principles disclosed herein; and

[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system in accordance with principles disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following discussion is directed to various exemplary embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment. Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0019] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to... .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection of the two devices, or through an indirect connection that is established via other devices, components, nodes, and connections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a particular axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to a particular axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the axis. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like mean within 10% (i.e., plus or minus 10%) of the recited value.Thus, for example, a recited angle of “about 80 degrees” refers to an angle ranging from 72 degrees to 88 degrees.

[0020] As described above, optical communication systems as compared to traditional electrical and wireless communication systems utilizing radio frequencies (RF), microwaves and the like, offer greater performance characteristics like higher bandwidth, lower latency, lesser signal degradation, and immunity to many forms of electromagnetic interference. However, while offering an assortment of performance advantages over alternative technologies, wired optical communication systems still suffer several key shortcomings as compared to wireless communication systems, including conventional RF communication systems. For example, wired optical communication systems require the installation of large lengths relatively expansive optical cable and associated hardware, increasing the infrastructure costs, infrastructure complexity, and environmental impact (e.g., the amount of carbon emitted) of the wired optical communication system. These limitations may in-turn limit the desirability of optical communication systems especially when in applications which aggravate such limitations such as applications covering large physical distances like commercial applications involving large industrial facilities.

[0021] Moreover, optical communication systems are in some ways more challenging to make wireless as compared to conventional electrical communications systems which typically transmit wirelessly via RF and microwave signals. For example, optical communication systems typically require a clear line-of-sight (LOS) between corresponding optical transmitters and receivers given that obstacles (e.g., buildings, trees, vehicles) will easily block optical signals whereas RF and microwave signals can typically penetrate such obstacles allowing for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication. As used herein, the term “optical signal” such as a “wireless optical signal” comprises an electromagnetic signal having a wavelength ranging approximately between 300 nanometers (nm) and 1 ,600 nm. For this reason, optical wireless communication systems are more sensitive to misalignment between corresponding transmitters and receivers to maintain optimal signal strength and to minimize interference. Achieving and maintaining said alignment can be challenging, especially in dynamic outdoor environments with moving objects and changing atmospheric conditions, sometimes requiring sophisticated tracking and beamforming techniques.

[0022] In addition, optical communication systems relying on optical signals, which have a shorter wavelength compared to RF signals and microwaves, are typically more prone to scattering and absorption by atmospheric particles and other particles, limiting their effective range in free-space wireless communication scenarios. Relatedly, optical signals are highly susceptible to weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow, and atmospheric turbulence, which can scatter or absorb light and degrade signal quality. In contrast, conventional RF and microwave signals are less affected by adverse weather conditions, allowing for more robust wireless communication links in challenging outdoor environments.

[0023] In view of the above, optical communication systems offer several important performance advantages over alternative technologies, but wired optical communication systems are still encumbered by the similar limitations (e.g., the required expensive and environmentally unfriendly infrastructure buildout) as conventional electrical communication systems. Moreover, the shorter wavelength of optical signals introduce several challenges in the realm of wireless communication not shared by alternative technologies like conventional RF and microwave communication systems.

[0024] Accordingly, embodiments of wireless optical communication systems and methods are disclosed herein which address at least some of the limitations outlined above. Particularly, embodiments of wireless optical communication systems disclosed herein leverage network architecture that is different from the network architecture commonly used in other communication systems both wired and wireless. For example, conventional communication systems often employ network architectures in which individual nodes of the network are connected together end-to-end in a ring, star, or bus configuration in which different messages are relayed along the single communication links provided at the ends of each node of the communication system. Typically, such conventional network architectures employ a centralized common structure in which a central node or hub of the communication system controls the fluid of information through the communication system.

[0025] To serve as an example, reference is briefly made to FIG. 1 which illustrates an energy system including a wired optical communication system 10. Wired optical communication system 10 includes a plurality of renewable energy collectors (e.g., electrical renewable energy collectors) in the form of wind turbines 12 (shown as windturbines 12A-12C in FIG. 1), a network switch 20 (e.g., an ethernet switch), and a sensor unit in the form of a measurement mast or met mast 30 configured to measure or otherwise monitor various parameters associated with the energy system shown in FIG. 1 such as, for example, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, barometric pressure, etc. In other examples, the renewable energy collectors of wired optical communication system 10 may vary. For instance, in another example, the renewable energy collectors may comprise solar units.

[0026] Each wind turbine 12 generally includes a turbine control system or controller 14, a tower 16, and a nacelle 18 sitting atop the tower 16. Particularly, nacelle 18 comprises a rotor having a plurality of blades and that is rotatable to generate electrical energy or power. The turbine controller 14 may control the operation of various components of wind turbine 12, including features of the nacelle 18. In addition, turbine controller 14 may measure or otherwise monitor various parameters of the wind turbine 12. Further, the turbine controller 14 of each wind turbine 12 is in signal communication with the met mast 30 through the network switch 20 whereby signals and / or data may be communicated between the met mast 30 and the different wind turbines 12.

[0027] Conventionally, signal communication is accomplished between wind turbines 12 and network switch 20 / met mast 30 via a plurality of wired signal conductors 40 of wired optical communication system 10. Particularly, wired signal conductors 40 comprise wired optical signal conductors in the form of fiber optic cable 40. In this configuration, wind turbines 12 are daisy chained by fiber optic cables 40 along a single or serial signal pathway 45 extending through fiber optic cables 40. Although serial signal pathway 45 is shown as rectilinear in FIG. 1 , in other examples, the shape of serial signal pathway 45 may vary. For instance, in another example, serial signal pathway 45 may be annular or ring shaped.

[0028] At least some of the wind turbines 12 are connected between the network switch 20 and at least one of the other wind turbines 12 along serial signal pathway 45. For example, wind turbines 12B and 12C are connected between wind turbine 12A and network switch 20. Similarly, wind turbine 12C is connected between network switch 20 and both wind turbines 12A and 12B. In this configuration, should the signal connection across wind turbine 12C along serial signal pathway 45 become severed for whatever reason, then signal connection along serial signal pathway 45 between network switch 20 and both windturbines 12A and 12B will become lost. Similarly, should the signal connection across wind turbine 12B along serial signal pathway 45 become severed for whatever reason, then signal connection along serial signal pathway 45 between network switch 20 and wind turbine 12A will become lost. Thus, a single signal break along the serial signal pathway 45 may result in the disconnection of one or more wind turbines 12 with the network switch 20 and met mast 30, preventing signals and / or data from being communicated between network switch 20 / met mast 30 and the disconnected wind turbines 12.

[0029] Accordingly, embodiments of wireless optical communication systems are disclosed herein in which a plurality of renewable energy collectors (e.g., electrical renewable energy collectors, renewable energy collectors) are connected together in signal communication by a plurality of wireless optical links extending between the different renewable energy collectors of the wireless optical communication system. In some embodiments, the wireless optical communication system includes a plurality of wireless optical links connecting together wirelessly a plurality of network nodes of the wireless optical communication system. The different wireless optical links define wireless signal pathways between different network nodes of the wireless optical communication system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the wireless optical communication system comprises a mesh network having an interconnected arrangement of network nodes where each network node can communicate simultaneously and directly with other network nodes within range of the wireless optical transceiver of the given network node. The mesh structure of wireless optical communication system creates a network topology resembling a mesh or web, where multiple paths exist between any given pair of network nodes. In some embodiments, the mesh network comprises a dynamic mesh network whereby network nodes of the wireless optical communication system are configured to selectably establish and release wireless optical links automatically and dynamically based on one or more predefined parameters such as, for example, signal strength, latency, packet loss, interference, and / or traffic load.

[0031] In some embodiments, embodiments of wireless optical communication systems described herein are incorporated into renewable energy systems configured for collecting or producing renewable energy from the natural environment. The renewable energy system comprises a plurality of renewable energy collectors defining the network nodes ofthe wireless optical communication system where each renewable energy collector includes a wireless optical transceiver for forming the wireless optical links between the network nodes. The renewable energy collectors may comprise wind turbines, solar units, and the like. In other embodiments, wireless optical communication systems leveraging mesh and dynamic mesh structures may be used to connect together equipment other than renewable energy collectors such as, for example, equipment of processing or industrial plants (e.g., hydrogen plants), electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, offshore or underwater communication systems (e.g., replacing offshore wired communication networks), and infrastructure associated with the Internet of Things (loT).

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of an energy system 100 for collecting or producing energy from the natural environment is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy captured by energy system 100 comprises renewable energy in the form of wind energy, and thus energy system 100 is also referred to herein as renewable energy system 100. However, in other embodiments, energy system 100 may comprise energy systems other than renewable energy systems such as systems configured for collecting, processing, transporting, distributing, and / or consuming hydrocarbons or other materials.

[0033] In this exemplary embodiment, renewable energy system 100 generally includes a plurality of renewable energy collectors 102 (shown as renewable energy collectors 102A- 102F in FIG. 2), a network switch 120, a sensor unit 130, and a remote monitoring center 150.

[0034] Renewable energy collectors 102 comprise wind turbines in this exemplary embodiment and thus may also be referred to herein as wind turbines 102. Although FIG. 2 illustrates energy system 100 as including six wind turbines 102, in other embodiments, renewable energy system 100 may include fewer or more than six wind turbines 102. In this exemplary embodiment, each wind turbine 102 generally includes a turbine control system or controller 104, a tower 106, and a nacelle 108 sitting atop the tower 106. Similar to the nacelle 18 of wind turbines 12 shown in FIG. 1 , nacelle 108 comprises a rotor having a plurality of blades and that is rotatable to generate electrical energy or power from wind blowing across the wind turbine 102. The turbine controller 104 may control the operation of various components of wind turbine 102, including features of the nacelle 108. In addition, turbine controller 104 may measure or otherwise monitor various parameters ofthe wind turbine 102. In this exemplary embodiment, each wind turbine 102 includes a wireless optical transceiver 110 in signal communication with the turbine controller 104 and configured to transmit and receive wireless optical signals. In this manner, the wireless optical transceiver 110 of wind turbine 102 permits the wind turbine 102 to communicate wirelessly via optical signals with other wind turbines 102 and other components of renewable energy system 100 such as network switch 120, sensor unit 130, and remote monitoring center 150. In some embodiments, the wireless optical transceiver 110 is located at or near a vertical upper end of the wind turbine 102 elevated above the ground to maximize the transmission range of wireless optical transceiver 110.

[0035] Although shown as separate from the turbine controller 104, in some embodiments, wireless optical transceiver 110 comprises a component or feature of the turbine controller 104. For example, and referring briefly to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a renewable energy collector 180 in the form of a wind turbine comprising tower 106, nacelle 108, and a turbine controller 182 that incorporates its own wireless optical transceiver 110 having functionality, in some embodiments, similar to that provided by wireless optical transceiver 110 shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 2, and as will be discussed further, network switch 120 is generally configured for routing network traffic of renewable energy system 100 and includes a wireless optical signal transceiver 122 for communicating with the transceivers 110 of wind turbines 102. Additionally, sensor unit 130, similar to sensor unit or met mast 30 shown in FIG. 1 , is in the form of a measurement mast or met mast 130 configured to measure or otherwise monitor various parameters associated with renewable energy system 100 such as, for example, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, barometric pressure, etc. Met mast 130 includes a wireless optical signal transceiver 132 for communicating with the transceivers 110 of wind turbines 102 and / or the transceiver 120 of network switch 120.

[0037] Further, remote monitoring center 150 allows for remote monitoring and / or control of renewable energy system 100 and may be located at a great distance from the location of wind turbines 102. In this exemplary embodiment, remote monitoring center 150 generally includes a remote network switch 160 including a wireless optical transceiver 162, a remote server 164, and a remote interface 166 accessible by a user 168 of the remote monitoring center 150. Using the remote monitoring center 150, the user 168 may monitorvarious parameters of renewable energy system 100, including parameters monitored by the turbine controllers 104 of wind turbines 102 and / or parameters monitored by the met mast 130. In addition, remote monitoring center 150 may permit user 168 to remotely control different parameters of the wind turbines 102, met mast 130, and / or other components of renewable energy system 100.

[0038] The wireless optical transceivers 110, 122, 132, and 162 of renewable energy system 100 may communicate with one another via the transmission of wireless optical signals to thereby form or define a wireless optical communication system or network 112 of system 100. Particularly, the wireless optical signals transmitted between wind turbines 102, network switch 120, met mast 130, and / or remote monitoring center 150 define wireless optical links 115 extending directly between these different components of renewable energy system 100. In some embodiments, wireless optical links 115 comprise line-of-sight (LOS) communication links which signally connect a pair of devices that are within the LOS of each other. In this manner, wind turbines 102, network switch 120, met mast 130, and remote monitoring center 150 each comprise network nodes of the optical communication system 112 where wireless optical links 115 are connected between the different network nodes of system 112. Although remote monitoring center 150 is shown in FIG. 2 as connected to network switch 120 via a wireless optical link 115, in other embodiments, remote monitoring center 150 may be connected to network switch 120 via other types of wireless links or connections such as a wireless radio or internet connection.

[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, wireless optical communication system 112 comprises a mesh network. In other words, the wireless optical links 115 forming wireless optical communication system 112 form a "mesh structure" having an interconnected arrangement of network nodes (e.g., wind turbines 102, network switch 120, met mast 130, remote monitoring center 150) where each network node can communicate directly with other network nodes within range of the wireless optical transceiver of the given network node. The mesh structure of wireless optical communication system 112 creates a network topology resembling a mesh or web, where multiple paths exist between any given pair of network nodes.

[0040] In other words, multiple wireless optical links 115 connect together any given pair of wind turbines 102. For instance, a wind turbine 102A may communicate with wind turbine102B via a wireless optical link 115 extending directly between turbines 102A and 102B. Alternatively, for instance, wind turbine 102A may communicate with wind turbine 102B through either the wind turbine 102D (e.g., via a first wireless optical link 115 connected between turbines 102A and 102D and a second link 115 connected between turbines 102D and 102B), or the wind turbine 102E (e.g., via a first wireless optical link 115 connected between turbines 102A and 102E and a second link 115 connected between turbines 102E and 102B)

[0041] The mesh network formed by wireless optical communication system 112 permits each network node in the network has the capability to communicate directly with neighboring network nodes within range of its wireless optical transceiver. This direct communication allows network nodes to exchange data without needing to rely on either centralized communication infrastructure or additional intermediate relay nodes. In addition, the mesh structure provides redundancy in communication paths along wireless optical communication system 112. Particularly, if a direct wireless optical link 115 between a pair of network nodes fails due to interference, obstruction, and / or node failure, data can be rerouted along wireless optical communication system 112 through alternative wireless optical links 115 within the mesh. This redundancy enhances the reliability and fault tolerance of wireless optical communication system 112, as data can still reach its destination even if one or more wireless optical links 115 or network nodes of wireless optical communication system 11 become unavailable for whatever reason.

[0042] In this exemplary embodiment, wireless optical communication system 112 comprises a dynamic mesh network whereby the network nodes of system 112 are configured to selectably establish and release wireless optical links 115 automatically and dynamically based on one or more predefined parameters such as, for example, signal strength (e.g., received signal strength), latency, packet loss, interference, and / or traffic load. This dynamic connectivity enables the network to adapt to changes in topology, node mobility, and environmental conditions, ensuring efficient and robust communication even in dynamic scenarios and environments. In addition, the redundant and dynamic nature of wireless optical communication system 112 facilitates self-healing capabilities. For example, if a network node (e.g., wind turbines 102, network switch 120, met mast 130, remote monitoring center 150) or a wireless optical link 115 fails, neighboring networknodes can automatically detect the failure and reconfigure their communication paths (e.g., select new network nodes and / or wireless optical links 115) to maintain connectivity. This self-healing capability helps the network recover from disruptions quickly and continue operating effectively. In some embodiments, this self-healing capability and other dynamic capabilities of wireless optical communication system 112 is at least partially implemented by turbine controllers 104 of renewable energy system 100.

[0043] Further, the mesh network formed by wireless optical communication system 112 can scale to accommodate a large number of network nodes while maintaining efficient communication. Particularly, new network nodes (e.g., newly constructed wind collectors 102) can join wireless optical communication system 112 quickly and conveniently, allowing for seamless integration of additional network nodes without requiring extensive reconfiguration or infrastructure changes. Overall, in this exemplary embodiment, the dynamic mesh structure of wireless optical communication system 112 provides flexibility, redundancy, and resilience, making system 112 well-suited for applications requiring reliable wireless communication in dynamic and challenging environments, such as rugged and expansive outdoor environments at which renewable energy systems (e.g., renewable energy system 100) may be located.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a wireless optical transceiver 200 is shown. In some embodiments, the wireless optical transceivers 110, 122, 132, and / or 162 of energy system 100 shown in FIG. 2 comprise or incorporate features of the wireless optical transceiver 200. In other embodiments, wireless optical transceivers 110, 122, 132, and / or 162 may not or include features in common with wireless optical transceiver 200.

[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, wireless optical transceiver 200 extends along a central or longitudinal axis 205 and generally includes a wireless signal generator 202, an optical member (e.g., a lens) 210, a detector 220, and a computing device or transceiver controller 230. The wireless signal generator 202 of wireless optical transceiver 200 is positioned along central axis 205 between lens 210 and detector 220. Signal generator 202 is responsible for generating optical signals containing data to be transmitted wirelessly. In some embodiments, signal generator 202 comprises a laser or light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light pulses encoding digital information. Particularly, signalgenerator 202 may convert electrical signals from the transceiver controller 230 into wireless optical signals 204 for wireless transmission via the lens 210.

[0046] Lens 210 of wireless optical transceiver 200 is positioned along central axis 205 at a front or distal end of the transceiver 200. Generally, lens 210 is used to focus and direct the transmitted signals 204 emitted by signal generator 202. Additionally, lens 210 may help collimate transmitted signals 204 and / or received wireless optical signals 206, ensuring signals 206 travel in the desired direction with minimal spreading or dispersion. Further, lens 210 may help shape transmitted signals 204 into a beam matching the requirements of an optical communication link formed between the wireless optical transceiver 200 and another wireless optical transceiver.

[0047] The detector 220 of wireless optical transceiver 200 is positioned along central axis 205 between signal generator 202 and transceiver controller 230 and may be in signal communication with signal generator 202 and transceiver controller 230. Generally, detector 220 detects received signals 206 and converts them into electrical signals that can be processed by the transceiver controller 230. In some embodiments, detector 220 comprises a photodiode or photodetector that absorbs light from the received signals 206 and generates a corresponding electrical current proportional to the intensity of the received signals 206.

[0048] The transceiver controller 230 of wireless optical transceiver 200 is in signal communication with signal generator 202 and detector 220 of transceiver 200. Generally, transceiver controller 230 serves as the control and processing unit of the wireless optical transceiver 200. For example, transceiver controller 230 may handle tasks such as encoding data into optical signals (e.g., transmitted signals 204) for transmission, decoding received optical signals (e.g., received signals 206) into usable data, otherwise managing the operation of transceiver 200, and / or interfacing with external devices or networks. In some embodiments, transceiver controller 230 includes a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for performing these functions.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an energy system 300 for collecting or producing energy from the natural environment is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy captured by energy system 300 comprises renewable energy in the form ofsolar energy, and thus energy system 300 is also referred to herein as renewable energy system 300. However, in other embodiments, energy system 300 may comprise energy systems other than renewable energy systems such as systems configured for collecting, processing, transporting, distributing, and / or consuming hydrocarbons or other materials. In addition, renewable energy system 300 includes features in common with renewable energy system 100 shown in FIG. 2, and shared features are labeled similarly.

[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, renewable energy system 300 generally includes a plurality of renewable energy collectors 301 (shown as renewable energy collectors 301 A- 301 G in FIG. 5), and the remote monitoring center 150. Renewable energy collectors 301 comprise solar units configured to produce electrical energy or power from sunlight in this exemplary embodiment and thus may also be referred to herein as solar units 301. Although FIG. 5 illustrates energy system 300 as including seven solar units 301 , in other embodiments, renewable energy system 300 may include fewer or more than seven solar units 301. In this exemplary embodiment, each solar unit 301 generally includes a photovoltaic (PV) member 302 (e.g., comprising a plurality of PV cells), a unit control system or controller 304, a power inverter 306, and a wireless optical transceiver 308. Power inverter 306 is electrically connected between the PV member 302 and wireless optical transceiver 308. Although shown as separate from the unit controller 304, in some embodiments, wireless optical transceiver 308 comprises a component or feature of the unit controller 304. The PV member 302 of each solar unit 301 is configured to generate electrical energy or power in response to being exposed to sunlight which may be harvested as renewable energy. The unit controller 304 may control the operation of various components of solar unit 301 . Alternatively, or in addition, unit controller 304 may measure or otherwise monitor various parameters of the solar unit 301 or other components of renewable energy system 300.

[0051] The wireless optical transceivers 162 and 308 of renewable energy system 300 may communicate with one another via the transmission of wireless optical signals to thereby form or define a wireless optical communication system or network 310 of system 300. Particularly, the wireless optical signals transmitted between solar units 301 and / or remote monitoring center 150 define wireless optical links 315 extending directly between these different components of renewable energy system 300. In some embodiments, wirelessoptical links 315 comprise LOS communication links which signally connect a pair of devices that are within the LOS of each other. In this manner, solar units 301 and remote monitoring center 150 each comprise network nodes of the wireless optical communication system 310 where wireless optical links 315 are connected between the different network nodes of system 310.

[0052] Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, wireless optical communication system 310 comprises a mesh network such as a dynamic mesh network whereby the network nodes of system 310 are configured to selectably establish and release wireless optical links 315 automatically and dynamically based on one or more predefined parameters such as, for example, signal strength (e.g., received signal strength), latency, data loss, interference, and / or traffic load. Further, although remote monitoring center 150 is shown in FIG. 4 as connected to solar units 301 via a wireless optical link 315, in other embodiments, remote monitoring center 150 may be connected to one or more of solar units 301 via other types of wireless links or connections such as wireless radio or internet connections.

[0053] As described above, dynamic mesh networks, which may be embodied by the wireless optical communication systems described herein (e.g., wireless optical communication systems 112 and / or 310 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively), allow for unique functionalities relative to other network architectures which include, for example, self-forming (network nodes automatically discover and connect with each other to form the dynamic mesh network), self-healing (the network automatically reconfigures itself to address node failures or other issues), dynamic routing (the network can dynamically determine optimal communication paths), fault tolerance (network traffic may be rerouted automatically in response to a node failure, for example), and scalability (supports the automatic addition of new network nodes without requiring a reconfiguration of the entire network).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method 350 for initializing a dynamic mesh network. In some embodiments, method 350 or methods that have features in common with method 350, may be utilized in initializing wireless optical communication systems 112 and / or 310 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively. Initially, method 350 begins at blocks 352 when a network node is “started,” “activated,” or “poweredon” such that the node is transitioned from an “off state” to an “on” or “powered” state. In some embodiments, the network node that is started at block 352 may comprise one of the network nodes of wireless optical communication system 112 or one of the network nodes of wireless optical communication system 310. In certain embodiments, block 352 comprises configuring one or more parameters of the network node such as a node identifier (ID) of the powered network node, and communication parameters such as, for example, channel frequencies, security keys, and communication protocols.

[0055] At block 354, method 350 comprises broadcasting by the activated network node an initial message such as a “hello” message to neighboring network nodes. At block 356, the initial message sent by the broadcasting network node is received by one or more neighboring network nodes that are within communication range of the broadcasting network node.

[0056] In certain embodiments, this initial message contains the ID of the broadcasting network node, status information of the broadcasting network node, capabilities of the broadcasting network node, communication parameters, and other information. Additionally, in some embodiments, the initial message contains a destination address (e.g., an internet protocol (IP) address) for the message along with instructions querying neighboring network nodes (within communication range of the broadcasting network node) if the neighboring network node is in possession of the requested destination address. For example, the neighboring network node may contain the requested destination address in, for example, a neighbor table of the neighboring network node which tracks the neighboring network nodes of a given network node that are within communication range of the neighboring network node.

[0057] In some instances, one of the neighboring network nodes may possess the requested destination address, which the given neighboring network node may relay back to the broadcasting node. Alternatively, none of the neighboring network nodes may possess the requested destination address, resulting in the neighboring network nodes broadcasting a similar initial message in an effort to obtain the destination address from a further network node neighboring the given neighboring network node. This process may be repeated until either the requested destination address is obtained and relayed back to the original broadcasting network node through one or more neighboring network nodes,or until the initial message is provided to each network node of the dynamic mesh network (or at least each network node located along a communication route between the broadcasting network node and the destination address) whereby the broadcasting network node may be provided with multiple alternative communication routes (defined by the different network nodes along which a given message is relayed across the dynamic mesh network) for broadcasting a message to the requested destination address.

[0058] At block 358, method 350 comprises updating by the broadcasting node the neighbor table of the broadcasting node to include each of the neighboring network nodes that responded to the initial message. At block 360, method 350 comprises establishing communication links between the initial (broadcasting) network node and each of its neighboring network nodes in communication range with the initial network node. In some embodiments, block 360 comprises broadcasting messages (e.g., periodically) by one or more sender network nodes (e.g., including the initial network node) to its neighboring network nodes containing the sender network node’s ID and network information.

[0059] At block 362, method 350 comprises one or more sender network nodes (e.g., the initial network node) selects one or more communication paths extending between the sender network node and different destination network nodes based on one or more predefined communication parameters or network parameters such as the length or duration of the given path, the amount of network congestion along the given path, and the signal strength (e.g., received signal strength (RSSI)) of the given path. The communication path may comprise only the destination network node if the destination network node is a neighboring network node of the sender network node, or one or more additional, intermediate network nodes located between the sender network node and the destination network node along the communication path. At block 364, method 350 comprises creating or initializing the communication path selected at block 362 whereby a communication route is determined for routing messages along the selected communication path (e.g., with respect to the ordering of the network nodes located along the selected communication path.

[0060] In some embodiments, a sender network node may track a plurality of separate communication paths extending between the sender network node and a selected destination network node with each of these separate communication paths ranked bypreference according to one or more of these network parameters. In certain embodiments, these listing or rankings of current communication paths may be updated (e.g., periodically, in response to an event such as an outage of a network node along one of the communication paths).

[0061] At block 366, method 350 comprises sending and receiving messages (e.g., in the form of “packets” or data packets) along the selected and created communication path. In certain embodiments, block 366 comprises the sender network node creating the data packet, determining a preferred communication route for the data packet, and broadcasting the data packet from the sender network node to the first network node along the determined communication route, with the data packet being handed off by each network node along the communication route until it is received by the destination network node. In certain embodiments, block 366 corresponds to the completion of the initialization of a dynamic mesh network comprising these different network nodes.

[0062] Method 350 may include one or more steps for maintaining the dynamic mesh network following the completion of its initialization. In this exemplary embodiment, at block 368, method 350 comprises monitoring (e.g., continuously, periodically, in response to an event) the communication links established between the various network nodes of the dynamic mesh network. In certain embodiments, block 368 comprises monitoring the quality (e.g., in terms of the network parameters described above) of the different communication links. At block 370, method 350 comprises handling or addressing failures of one or more communication links of the dynamic mesh network. In some embodiments, block 372 comprises detecting a failure of a communication link and automatically rerouting data packets along a different communication route in response to the detected link failure.

[0063] At block 372, method 370 comprises detecting the disconnection of one or more network nodes from the dynamic mesh network. In certain embodiments, block 372 comprises detecting by a first network node that a neighboring network node is no longer connected or linked to the first network node. For instance, the first network node may detect its own physical movement or the physical movement of one or more neighboring nodes whereby the neighboring nodes may fall out of communication range of the first network node. At block 374, method 350 comprises reestablishing one or more communication links of the dynamic mesh network. In some embodiments, block 374comprises reestablishing by a first network node a previous communication link with one or more other network nodes that had previously suffered a failure. The reestablishment of the communication link may be done periodically, or in response to an event or changing parameters or performance of the dynamic mesh network.

[0064] Method 350 may include one or more steps for optimizing the performance or capabilities of the dynamic mesh network over the course of its operational lifespan. In this exemplary embodiment, at block 376, method 350 comprises network load balancing between different communication links, paths, and / or routes of the dynamic mesh network. In some embodiments, block 376 may additionally include energy balancing so as to manage power usage (e.g., to maximize battery life) of the different network nodes of the dynamic mesh network. At block 378, method 350 comprises updating a topology of the dynamic mesh network (e.g., for each or at least some of the network nodes of the network). At block 380, method 350 comprises broadcasting by the network nodes of the dynamic mesh network “hello” messages as described above with respect to block 354 to monitor the performance of the dynamic mesh network.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a dynamic mesh network 350 for initializing a dynamic mesh network. In some embodiments, dynamic mesh network 400 may be embodied by the wireless optical communication systems described herein, including wireless optical communication systems 112 and / or 310 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively. In this exemplary embodiment, dynamic mesh network comprises a plurality of network nodes 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, and 412 connected by a plurality of corresponding established communication links 422 (e.g., wireless or optical communication links), only some of which are labeled in FIG. 7.

[0066] In this exemplary embodiment, network node 402 has network nodes 404, 408, and 410 as direct neighboring network nodes or “neighbors,” and network nodes 406 and 412 as indirect neighbors. Therefore, in this example, for network node 402 to communicate a message to network node 412, it may select between different communication routes (indicated by the thick lines 428 in FIG. 7) extending between network node 402 and network node 412. In some embodiments, network node 402 may broadcast a message (indicated by dashed lines 424 in FIG. 7) to the neighboring network nodes of dynamic mesh network 400 requesting a destination address for network node 412. In this example,the neighboring nodes (excluding network node 412) may broadcast reply messages (indicated by dashed lines 426 in FIG. 7) that are relayed back to network node 402 that include the requested destination address of network node 412. In some embodiments, from the reply messages 426, network node 402 may identify the three communication routes 428 extending from network node 402 to network node 412 as depicted in FIG. 7. In turn, network node 402 may select a single communication path among the three different identified communication routes 428 for broadcasting the message to the network node 412. This selection may be based on the shortest (geographical) communication path among the routes 428, load or energy balancing considerations, and / or signal strength considerations.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 8, a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method 450 for operating a renewable energy system (e.g., renewable energy system 100 shown in FIG. 2 or renewable energy system 300 shown in FIG. 5) is shown. Initially, block 452 of method 450 includes transmitting wirelessly a first optical signal from a first renewable energy collector (e.g., one or more of the renewable energy collectors 102 shown in FIG. 2 or one or more of the renewable energy collectors 301 shown in FIG. 5) of the renewable energy system to a second renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system along a first wireless optical signal pathway (e.g., comprising one or more of the wireless optical links 115 shown in FIG. 2 or one or more of the wireless optical links 315 shown in FIG. 5), wherein the first wireless optical signal pathway extends from the first renewable energy collector, through a third renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system, and to the second renewable energy collector.

[0068] At block 454, method 450 comprises transmitting wirelessly a second optical signal from the first renewable energy collector to the second renewable energy collector along a second wireless optical signal pathway, wherein the third renewable energy collector is not positioned along the second wireless optical signal pathway.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 9, a computer system 500 suitable for implementing one or more embodiments (e.g., method 450) disclosed herein is shown. Any of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be carried out (e.g., entirely or partially) on a computer or other device comprising a processor (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a server, a smartphone, or some combination thereof). The computer system 500includes a processor 502 (which may be referred to as a central processor unit or CPU) that is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage 504, read only memory (ROM) 506, random access memory (RAM) 508, input / output (I / O) devices 510, and network connectivity devices 512. The processor 502 may be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

[0070] It is understood that by programming and / or loading executable instructions onto the computer system 500, at least one of the CPUs 502, the RAM 508, and the ROM 506 are changed, transforming the computer system 500 in part into a particular machine or apparatus having the novel functionality taught by the present disclosure. Thus, the RAM 508 and / or the ROM 506 may comprise a non-transitory machine-readable (or computer- readable) medium that may include instructions (which may be referred to herein as machine-readable instructions) that are executable by CPU 502 to provide functionality to computer system 500. Thus, in some embodiments, machine-readable instructions stored on a memory may be executed on a processor, so as to configured the processor to carry out some or all of the features of the methods described herein (e.g., method 450).

[0071] Additionally, after the computer system 500 is turned on or booted, the CPU 502 may execute a computer program or application. For example, the CPU 502 may execute software or firmware stored in the ROM 506 or stored in the RAM 508. In some cases, on boot and / or when the application is initiated, the CPU 502 may copy the application or portions of the application from the secondary storage 504 to the RAM 508 or to memory space within the CPU 502 itself, and the CPU 502 may then execute instructions of which the application is comprised. In some cases, the CPU 502 may copy the application or portions of the application from memory accessed via the network connectivity devices 512 or via the I / O devices 510 to the RAM 508 or to memory space within the CPU 502, and the CPU 502 may then execute instructions of which the application is comprised. During execution, an application may load instructions into the CPU 502, for example load some of the instructions of the application into a cache of the CPU 502. In some contexts, an application that is executed may be said to configure the CPU 502 to do something, e.g., to configure the CPU 502 to perform the function or functions promoted by thesubject application. When the CPU 502 is configured in this way by the application, the CPU 502 becomes a specific purpose computer or a specific purpose machine.

[0072] The secondary storage 504 is typically comprised of one or more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAM 508 is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage 504 may be used to store programs which are loaded into RAM 508 when such programs are selected for execution. The ROM 506 is used to store instructions and perhaps data which are read during program execution. ROM 506 is a non-volatile memory device which typically has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity of secondary storage 504. The RAM 508 is used to store volatile data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROM 506 and RAM 508 is typically faster than secondary storage 504. The secondary storage 504, the RAM 508, and / or the ROM 506 may be referred to in some contexts as computer readable storage media and / or non-transitory computer readable media.

[0073] I / O devices 510 may include printers, video monitors, electronic displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, organic light emitting diode displays (OLED), touch sensitive displays, etc.), keyboards, keypads, switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices. The network connectivity devices 512 may take the form of modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, Omni-Path Architecture (OPA), InfiniBand (IB), universal serial bus (USB) interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber distributed data interface (FDD I) cards, wireless local area network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards that promote radio communications using protocols such as code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), near field communications (NFC), radio frequency identity (RFID), and / or other air interface protocol radio transceiver cards, and other well-known network devices. These network connectivity devices 512 may enable the processor 502 to communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets.

[0074] The processor 502 executes instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk, solid state drives (SSD) (thesevarious disk-based systems may all be considered secondary storage 504), flash drive, ROM 506, RAM 508, or the network connectivity devices 512. While only one processor 502 is shown, multiple processors may be present. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or multiple processors. Instructions, codes, computer programs, scripts, and / or data that may be accessed from the secondary storage 504, for example, hard drives, floppy disks, optical disks, and / or other device, the ROM 506, and / or the RAM 508 may be referred to in some contexts as non-transitory instructions and / or non-transitory information.

[0075] In an embodiment, the computer system 500 may comprise two or more computers in communication with each other that collaborate to perform a task such as implementing a method for operating a renewable energy system such as method 450 shown in FIG. 6. For example, computer system 500 may be embodied by the controllers 104 and 304 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively. In certain embodiments, computer system 500 may be embodied by or comprise a network gateway of a renewable energy system such as a network gateway of a dynamic mesh communication network.

[0076] In an embodiment, some or all of the functionality disclosed above may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may comprise one or more computer readable storage medium having computer usable program code embodied therein to implement the functionality disclosed above. The computer program product may comprise data structures, executable instructions, and other computer usable program code. The computer program product may be embodied in removable computer storage media and / or non-removable computer storage media. The removable computer readable storage medium may comprise, without limitation, a paper tape, a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid-state memory chip, for example analog magnetic tape, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital cards, multimedia cards, and others. The computer program product may be suitable for loading, by the computer system 500, at least portions of the contents of the computer program product to the secondary storage 504, to the ROM 506, to the RAM 508, and / or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer system 500. The processor 502 may process the executable instructions and / or datastructures in part by directly accessing the computer program product, for example by reading from a CD-ROM disk inserted into a disk drive peripheral of the computer system 500. Alternatively, the processor 502 may process the executable instructions and / or data structures by remotely accessing the computer program product, for example by downloading the executable instructions and / or data structures from a remote server through the network connectivity devices 512. The computer program product may comprise instructions that promote the loading and / or copying of data, data structures, files, and / or executable instructions to the secondary storage 504, to the ROM 506, to the RAM 508, and / or to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer system 500.

[0077] In some contexts, the secondary storage 504, the ROM 506, and the RAM 508 may be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium or a computer readable storage media. A dynamic RAM embodiment of the RAM 508, likewise, may be referred to as a non-transitory computer readable medium in that while the dynamic RAM receives electrical power and is operated in accordance with its design, for example during a period of time during which the computer system 500 is turned on and operational, the dynamic RAM stores information that is written to it. Similarly, the processor 502 may comprise an internal RAM, an internal ROM, a cache memory, and / or other internal non-transitory storage blocks, sections, or components that may be referred to in some contexts as non- transitory computer readable media or computer readable storage media.

[0078] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before steps in a methodclaim are not intended to and do not specify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplify subsequent reference to such steps.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A renewable energy system, the system comprising: a plurality of renewable energy collectors configured to collect renewable energy from the natural environment, wherein each energy collector comprises a collector computing device, and a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with the collector computing device; wherein the wireless optical transceiver of each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors is configured to simultaneously establish a plurality of wireless optical links with more than one of the wireless optical transceivers of the remaining renewable energy collectors of the plurality of renewable energy collectors; and wherein the wireless optical links collectively define a decentralized mesh communication network whereby at least some of the plurality of renewable energy collectors are configured to establish a wireless optical link between each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors within a predefined range of the wireless optical transceiver of the renewable energy collector.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the renewable energy collectors each comprise a wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle coupled to the tower.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the renewable energy collectors each comprise a solar unit having a photovoltaic member configured to generate electrical power in response to being exposed to sunlight.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless optical links collectively define a dynamic mesh communication network whereby at least some of the plurality of renewable energy collectors are configured to automatically switch from utilizing a first wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links to a second wireless optical link of the pluralityof wireless optical links in response to a parameter associated with the first wireless optical link achieving a predefined threshold.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of signal strength, latency, and packet loss.

6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a network switch in wireless optical signal communication with the wireless optical transceivers of the plurality of renewable energy collectors whereby optical signals are communicable wirelessly between the network switch and the plurality of renewable energy collectors.

7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a remote monitoring center in signal communication with one or more of the plurality of renewable energy collectors, wherein the remote monitoring center comprises an interface accessible by a user.

8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a sensor unit comprising a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with more than one of the plurality of renewable energy collectors.

9. A renewable energy system, the system comprising: a plurality of renewable energy collectors configured to collect renewable energy from the natural environment, wherein each energy collector comprises a collector computing device, and a wireless optical transceiver in signal communication with the collector computing device; and wherein the wireless optical transceiver of each of the plurality of renewable energy collectors form a wireless optical communication system comprising a plurality of separate wireless optical links collectively defining a decentralized mesh structure whereby the wireless optical transceiver is configured to simultaneously establish a plurality of wireless optical links with more than one of the wireless optical transceivers of the remaining renewable energy collectors of the plurality of renewable energy collectors.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of wireless optical links comprise line-of-sight (LOS) wireless signals.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of wireless optical links has a wavelength between 300 nanometers (nm) and 1 ,600 nm.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the renewable energy collectors each comprise a wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle coupled to the tower.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the renewable energy collectors each comprise a solar unit having a photovoltaic member configured to generate electrical power in response to being exposed to sunlight.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the wireless optical links collectively define a dynamic mesh communication network whereby at least some of the plurality of renewable energy collectors are configured to automatically switch from utilizing a first wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links to a second wireless optical link of the plurality of wireless optical links in response to a parameter associated with the first wireless optical link achieving a predefined threshold.

15. The system of claim 9, further comprising a network switch in wireless optical signal communication with the wireless optical transceivers of the plurality of renewable energy collectors whereby optical signals are communicable wirelessly between the network switch and the plurality of renewable energy collectors.

16. The system of claim 9, further comprising a remote monitoring center in signal communication with one or more of the plurality of renewable energy collectors, wherein the remote monitoring center comprises an interface accessible by a user.

17. A method for operating a renewable energy system, the method comprising:(a) transmitting wirelessly a first optical signal from a first renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system across a decentralized mesh communication network to a second renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system along a first wireless optical signal pathway of the mesh communication network, wherein the first wireless optical signal pathway extends from the first renewable energy collector, through a third renewable energy collector of the renewable energy system, and to the second renewable energy collector; and(b) transmitting wirelessly a second optical signal from the first renewable energy collector across the decentralized mesh communication network to the second renewable energy collector along a second wireless optical signal pathway of the mesh communication network, wherein the third renewable energy collector is not positioned along the second wireless optical signal pathway.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:(c) transitioning from the first wireless optical signal pathway to the second wireless optical signal pathway in response to a parameter of the first wireless optical signal pathway achieving a predefined threshold.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of signal strength, latency, and packet loss.

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