Abstract: An energy storage system that comprises an energy reservoir and a system controller. The energy reservoir is charged by DC energy from a DC energy source while discharging DC energy to a DC/AC converter. A system controller regulates the DC energy discharged from the energy reservoir to the DC/AC converter to nearly balance the amount of DC energy charged into the energy reservoir. Because this charging and discharging is nearly balanced, the size of the energy reservoir can be made quite small relative to the amount of charging and discharging. This is advantageous where the flow of charge and discharge is high, as might be the case if the energy reservoir receives charge from all or a substantial portion of a power station, such as a solar power station. With such a controller, the use of an energy reservoir becomes technically feasible even with such large current flows.

Abstract: A single-phase Energy Utilization Tracker (EUT) inverter that comprises two DC/AC conversion modules. At any time, the two modules combined can sequentially extract and convert most the power provided by a DC energy source into two AC power (voltage) trains. The first AC power (voltage) train conforms to the power grid convention; while the second AC power train has a 90 degree phase difference to the specific power line pair. In according to the principle described herein, this single-phase EUT inverter further comprising a phase adjuster to adjust the phase of the second AC power (voltage) train by 90 degrees to become synchronous with the first AC power train; both AC power trains being then suitable to deliver into the same power line.

Abstract: A sequential extraction control device for use in a 3-phase DC/AC converter. The 3-phase converter has three single-phase DC/AC converters, each controlled by a respective PWM extractor. Duty factor adjustments are made depending on a current portion of an AC power cycle. A sequential regulator causes the PWM extractors to have non-overlapping duty cycles such that extractions of each of the single-phase DC/AC converters is performed in sequence, rather than concurrently. This improves the efficiency in extracting power from the DC power.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) power station includes at least one AC power production unit. The AC power production unit includes an energy reservoir that is supplied with DC energy from a DC power generator, such as PV panels. The energy reservoir is used as a buffer to store energy, and improve the efficiency of the PV power station. Whether or not an energy reservoir is used, decoupler devices may be used to prevent power annihilation that can decrease the amount of power delivered by the power station to the grid. In system integration for a PV power station, it is found that the declared rating of DC/AC converter in power grid convention should not be taken as the power conversion capability.

Abstract: Design solutions to mitigate the following four fatal flaws in the conventional pump system design; namely, (1) surprise pump-failure in single pump designs that can result in costly water damage; (2) the threat of fatal high voltage electrocution due to flooding; (3) grid power outage and no energy supply to support the needed pumping power that results in water damage; (4) foil odor from the standing water in the well after a period of low seeping rate with or without activated pumping. The principles described herein can completely mitigate the above four fatal design issues.

Abstract: When one operates an energy system at its maximum energy utilization point (MEUP) consistently, one can receive the most amount of energy benefit from the system. The practical MEUP tracking technologies operate a generator at a voltage for maximum power extraction and to produce near-maximum power; incorporate the invented surplus energy extraction devices to near-perfectly extract all power generated; temporarily store the surplus energy into designed energy reservoirs; add the invented supply devices to combined the energy from the extractor and from the reservoirs; prepare and deliver the right amount of power to exactly satisfy the instantaneous demand. Thus effectuates finding and tracking the MEUP of the energy system.

Abstract: A demand-side dimmable LED lamp operable on a direct current power source that powers a lighting subsystem. The dimming unit selects a power consumption level of the lighting system. Such selection changes the efficacy of the lighting subsystem such that a reduction in power consumption actually results in improved efficacy. The selecting might, for example, select a particular passive network that includes LEDs within the lighting subsystem. Each passive network may have different I-V characteristics, and result in different L-P characteristics, thereby effecting the improved efficacy at lower powers.

Abstract: This patent discloses designs of a controller for a solar powered LED lamp system. The control unit includes a controller that has a switching network and that selectively charges a battery from a solar panel, and selectively discharges the battery to power a lamp. The lamp itself includes a second part of the control unit that prevents over-charge and under-charge conditions of the battery. This may be accomplished using a low power passive network of LEDs and resistors, leaving the controller itself to only perform switching. Thus, the power consumed by the controller, and by the LED lamp system as a whole, may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: This patent discloses designs of a controller for a solar powered LED lamp system. The control unit includes a controller that has a switching network and that selectively charges a battery from a solar panel, and selectively discharges the battery to power a lamp. The lamp itself includes a second part of the control unit that prevents over-charge and under-charge conditions of the battery. This may be accomplished using a low power passive network of LEDs and resistors, leaving the controller itself to only perform switching. Thus, the power consumed by the controller, and by the LED lamp system as a whole, may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A device is designed for channeling electricity to a lamp, and adjusts downwards the amount of power channeled to the lamp as a function of available electrical energy in the source. In so doing, a reduction in the available energy in the source causes a less proportionate reduction in luminosity of the lamp. This might be accomplished by passing the electricity through a passive network of resistors and diodes on its way down to the lamp. In one example, the electrical energy source may be a battery that is powered by one or more solar panels. In that case, the device may also perform the function of protecting the battery from being overly charged. It channels downwards a greater daily lamp's energy consumption than that of daily electrical charging from the solar panels, when the available battery energy is near its full capacity.

Abstract: A demand-side dimmable LED lamp operable on a direct current power source that powers a lighting subsystem. The dimming unit selects a power consumption level of the lighting system. Such selection changes the efficacy of the lighting subsystem such that a reduction in power consumption actually results in improved efficacy. The selecting might, for example, select a particular passive network that includes LEDs within the lighting subsystem. Each passive network may have different I-V characteristics, and result in different L-P characteristics, thereby effecting the improved efficacy at lower powers.

Abstract: A device is designed for channeling electricity to a lamp, and adjusts downwards the amount of power channeled to the lamp as a function of available electrical energy in the source. In so doing, a reduction in the available energy in the source causes a less proportionate reduction in luminosity of the lamp. This might be accomplished by passing the electricity through a passive network of resistors and diodes on its way down to the lamp. In one example, the electrical energy source may be a battery that is powered by one or more solar panels. In that case, the device may also perform the function of protecting the battery from being overly charged. It channels downwards a greater daily lamp's energy consumption than that of daily electrical charging from the solar panels, when the available battery energy is near its full capacity.

Abstract: An energy efficient illumination device is provided in which energy consumption is reduced by using a pulse generating circuit which provides power to LEDs in short pulses, and in which the circuit has a lifespan which is comparable to that of an LED. The illumination device includes a pulse generator circuit employing only passive circuit components and which is used to generate a desired pulsed and positively DC biased output waveform. The pulse generator circuit receives alternating current power as an input, alters the power waveform, and supplies the power to LEDs for a very short time (0.2-15 ms) during each cycle of a 50-60 Hz input signal. This paradigm of pulsed light emission provides ambient lighting that is perceived by humans to be steady and continuous, and which also provides substantial energy savings since power is used in only a fraction of the power cycle.