With Intervening Converter Patents (Class 307/45)
  • Patent number: 7847432
    Abstract: Transfer functions of control have duty commands as inputs and battery current values as outputs, provided corresponding to respected converters. Control gains are determined such that certain transfer functions substantially match with each other, with respect to delay elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7839018
    Abstract: A method of hybrid power management is provided in the present invention, comprising steps of: providing a hybrid power output device being coupled to a load and comprising a fuel cell module and a secondary cell module; determining a plurality of threshold values, each representing one of output power modes of the hybrid power output device respectively; and monitoring a characteristic value output from the fuel cell module and comparing the characteristic value with the threshold values to determine one of the output power modes to supply power to the load. Moreover, the present invention further provides a system of hybrid power management using the foregoing method to control switches to select from the output power modes such as supplying power from the fuel cell module only, from both the fuel cell module and the secondary battery, or cutting off power supply to the load according to the power state of the fuel cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Charn-Ying Chen, Chi-Yuan Chang, Wei-Wei Lin, Chih-Lin Huang, Yeong-Der Lin
  • Patent number: 7830687
    Abstract: An adaptive hybrid energy system is provided. The system includes a first DC energy source that generates a first DC output by converting a first type of energy into an electrical output. Additionally, the system includes at least a second DC energy source that generates a second DC electrical output by converting a second type of energy into an electrical output. The system further includes a cascaded multilevel converter electrically connected to the first and second DC energy sources to convert a DC electrical output into a sinusoidal electrical output when at least one of the first and second DC energy sources is operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhong Du, Hui Li
  • Patent number: 7821157
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for injecting current during a mains supply voltage dip. The inventive method consists in permanently monitoring the magnitude and phase of the mains supply voltage and, upon detection of a voltage dip, injecting reactive current in the affected main supply phase(s) in a manner that can vary over the duration of the voltage dip, at very short intervals, proportionally to the magnitude of the dip, thereby absorbing the necessary active current. The device comprises a voltage measurement switch, a transformer (low voltage/medium voltage), a DC/AC inverter, a capacitor, a voltage dip detection circuit, and a control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Gamesa Innovation and Technology S.L.
    Inventors: Jose Ignacio Llorente Gonzelez, Manuel Visiers Guixot
  • Patent number: 7804193
    Abstract: An energy recycle system for use with an AC current power supply, for example, an electronic ballast, is presented. The energy recycle system includes an energy recycle load connected to an output terminal of the AC current power supply, in which the energy recycle load includes a rectifier for rectifying the output AC current of the AC current power supply into a rectified DC current and a filter connected to the rectifier for removing the high-frequency harmonics from the rectified DC current. Also, the energy recycle system further includes a DC-AC converter connected to the energy recycle load for receiving the DC current outputted from the energy recycle load, which is in turn delivered to the utility grid to achieve energy recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao Yan, Chongfeng Zheng, Zhiqiang Zhan, Jianhong Zeng, Jianping Ying
  • Patent number: 7800247
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage system for maximizing the utilization of renewable energy. In the system an inverter connected to at least one battery module is integrated with a grid power source and home or office electrical devices. Additionally, a renewable energy source can be included in the system. A controller is used to control the components for reducing demands on the grid power source during peak demand periods and for maximizing the utilization of the renewable energy source connected to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Chun-Chieh Chang, Olivia Pei-Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 7795757
    Abstract: A system for managing electrical power has a plurality of storage devices. A plurality of DC-DC power converters are provided wherein one DC-DC power converter is coupled to each of the plurality of storage devices. Outputs of the plurality of DC-DC power converters are coupled in parallel to form a distribution bus. A plurality of sensors is coupled to the outputs of the plurality of DC-DC power converters for power monitoring of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kurt M. Lorhammer, Porter J. Hill, Arthur E. Brockschmidt, Sridhar K. Iya, Shengyi Liu, George M. Roe
  • Patent number: 7795753
    Abstract: To control the receiving power, this invention uses a secondary battery to cut peaks of the receiving power. Further, this invention calculates the load power from the detected receiving power value and command values of the secondary battery in the controller and the power generating facility, and filters the load power to create command values of the fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Ichinose, Kenji Takeda, Motoo Futami, Masahiro Komachiya, Kenji Kubo
  • Patent number: 7764044
    Abstract: DC/DC converter is connected directly to a main battery with no system relays intervening therebetween. The DC/DC converter drops and then supplies the voltage of a power supplied from the high voltage main battery to a subsidiary battery. A DC/DC converter control circuit receives a supply of the power from the main battery to control the dropping operation of the DC/DC converter. Even when the subsidiary battery goes dead, the DC/DC converter is responsive to a control signal outputted from the DC/DC converter control circuit using, as its power supply, the main battery, to perform a boosting operation, thereby quickly charging the subsidiary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Ishikawa, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7761198
    Abstract: Methods and systems for energy management system for a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first power source configured for cranking an engine wherein the first power source includes a switch configured to electrically couple the first power source to a starter for the engine and wherein the first power source is electrically isolated from auxiliary onboard loads. The system further includes a second power source configured for supplying auxiliary on board loads, a charging subsystem electrically coupled to the first and the second power sources. The charging subsystem is configured to supply charging current to the first and the second power sources. The system further includes a controller configured to maintain the first power source in a substantially fully charged condition and supply the auxiliary loads from the second power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Chandra Bhardwaj
  • Patent number: 7759827
    Abstract: A DC voltage converting device is on the output side connected to a DC voltage source and, on the output side, supplies a converted DC voltage to at least one electrical consumer via a cable connection. To improve such a DC voltage converting device in that also with high DC voltages on the input side, a conversion into another DC voltage is possible without any special constructional efforts and high costs while complicated cooling means or the like, are avoided at the same time, the Dc voltage converting device comprises a plurality of DC voltage converting units of which each is serially connected to the DC voltage source on the input side and connected in parallel with the cable connection on the output side for supplying the converted DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Kunow, Klaus Biester
  • Patent number: 7750501
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing over voltages in a power system coupled to an electric machine are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising detecting an operating voltage on a high voltage direct current (HVDC) bus, determining if at least one component of the power system is operational, communicating a signal to a power converter of the power system when the detected operating voltage is greater than a threshold voltage and when the component is not operational, and shorting together a plurality of terminals of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Fengtai Huang
  • Publication number: 20100136379
    Abstract: A drive circuit comprising a DC bus configured to supply power to a load, a first fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a first power output to the DC bus, and a second fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a second power output to the DC bus supplemental to the first fuel cell. The drive circuit further includes an energy storage device coupled to the DC bus and configured to receive energy from the DC bus when a combined output of the first and second fuel cells is greater than a power demand from a load, and provide energy to the DC bus when the combined output of the first and second fuel cells is less than the power demand from the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Timothy Gerard Richter
  • Patent number: 7723865
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a bidirectional buck boost DC-DC converter can be obtained, in which power can flow bidirectionally from a primary side to a secondary side and from the secondary side to the primary side, regardless of a magnitude relation between a secondary-side voltage and a primary-side voltage in a state where different DC voltage sources are connected to the primary side and the secondary side in the DC-DC converter. A direction and a magnitude of the power can be automatically controlled to a desired value continuously on instantaneous value basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Kitanaka
  • Patent number: 7714463
    Abstract: A device for controlling a single-phase power conditioner for a renewable energy system is disclosed. The device comprises: a power system, providing alternating current (AC) utility power; a renewable energy system, using a natural resource so as to generate direct current (DC) power; a DC-to-DC converter, accepting the DC power generated by the renewable energy system so as to convert an input DC voltage of the DC power to an output DC voltage at a voltage level different from the DC input voltage; a grid-tied power conditioner, transforming voltage levels of the AC power and DC power; a controller, issuing a control signal for controlling the grid-tied power conditioner; and a load, consuming electricity by way of the grid-tied power conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wei-Te Su, Pao-Chuan Lin, Yi-Shuo Huang, Yoshihiro Konishi
  • Publication number: 20100096926
    Abstract: A traction inverter circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter coupled to the first energy storage device, and a first electromechanical device. The first electromechanical device includes a first plurality of conductors coupled to the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter, a second plurality of conductors coupled together, and a plurality of windings coupled between the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors. The traction converter circuit also includes a charge bus comprising a first conductor coupled to the second plurality of conductors of the first electromechanical device, the charge bus configured to transmit a charging current to or receive a charging current from the first electromechanical device to charge the first energy storage device via the first electromechanical device and the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Robert L. Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 7701081
    Abstract: A system and method for providing direct-current power is described. In one embodiment a direct current voltage is converted into at least two regulated DC voltages, and a first of the at least two regulated DC voltages is applied across a first and second outputs and a second of the at least two regulated DC voltages is applied across the second output and a third output. And when a first impedance across the first and second outputs is less than a second impedance across the second and third outputs, current is received via the second output while delivering power to the first and second impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Seymour
  • Patent number: 7701082
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating voltage and aerospace electrical power systems are implemented. A multi-functional apparatus for regulating voltage, according to one embodiment, comprises: a DC to DC converter (315), wherein the DC to DC converter (315) is controlled to operate in a first direction to receive a DC voltage from a first bus (329) and to output a first regulated DC voltage adjusted to charge a battery (307), wherein the first bus (329) receives power from a second bus (201), and is controlled to operate in a second direction to receive a battery DC voltage from the battery (307) and to output a second regulated DC voltage to the first bus (329) to power a load (231) independently or in combination with the second bus (201).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Lazarovich, Srinivasa R. Dangeti, Ileana Rusan
  • Patent number: 7692330
    Abstract: Electronic equipment is provided in which a bi-directional voltage converter is connected between a fuel cell and a secondary battery, and a load apparatus is connected in parallel to the fuel cell. Further, if a plurality of voltage converters are provided, when each output voltage is closer to an output voltage of the secondary battery than an output voltage of the fuel cell, they are classified into a first voltage-converter group, while being closer to the output voltage of the fuel cell than the output voltage of the secondary battery, they are sorted out as a second voltage-converter group. Then, the secondary battery is connected in parallel to the first voltage-converter group and the fuel cell is connected in parallel to the second voltage-converter group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Takada, Toshihiko Ichinose, Takeshi Shimamoto, Junko Shimamoto, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7687935
    Abstract: An electrical power control system for use with a recreational vehicle or similar load to selectively control power thereto from either a utility power source or a generator power source comprising a power control stage coupled to the utility power source and the generator power source by a power supply stage to operate the electrical power control system and a utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively direct the power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle and wherein the power control stage monitors polarity, phase and voltage levels and controls the utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively feed power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle under a predetermined plurality of operating parameters or conditions and fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: David Bailey
  • Patent number: 7679219
    Abstract: Power supply devices for vehicle electrical systems in particular, including two voltage systems, i.e., vehicle electrical systems, each having its own generator. The first generator and the battery belong to the same voltage system, and the second generator belongs to the second voltage system. If the two voltage systems were decoupled, the second generator would not have the excitation current required for starting, so means are consequently provided here to connect the second generator to a charge storage device after actuation of the ignition switch, thereby generating an excitation current; this charge storage device may also be the battery of the first voltage system and the connection is kept conductive until the second generator starts and is generating an output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Labitzke, Andre Micko
  • Publication number: 20100052424
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a sensor to provide a sensor output, an integrated circuit module formed at least partially on a substrate to receive the sensor output and provide an IC output signal, an output circuit having a voltage input to receive a voltage supply signal via a switch element and a signal input to receive the IC output signal and an output to provide a voltage output signal, and an integrated power storage element coupled to the voltage input of the output circuit to provide power during an interruption of the voltage supply signal, wherein the power storage element includes at least one layer generally parallel to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: William P. Taylor, P. Karl Scheller, Andrea Foletto
  • Patent number: 7622912
    Abstract: Power consumption at a site is monitored. An electrical load is connected to a power source by an electrical conductor. A fuel-less energy producing device is electrically connected to a junction along the electrical conductor. A current sensor is electromagnetically coupled to the electrical conductor at a sensing position between the power source and the junction to create a current sensor signal. Sensed current and voltage signals are produced from the current sensor signal. A sensed phase relationship between the sensed signals is determined and compared to a baseline phase relationship to determine the direction of current flow through the conductor. A power source signal, based on the current flowing through the conductor at the sensing position, is created. With some examples a Rogowski type differential current sensor is used. In some examples a single current sensor is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Adams, David L. Klein
  • Patent number: 7615887
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a power converter having an electrical component and a switch coupled to a voltage source are provided. A signal is received that is representative of a desired current flow through the electrical component. A signal is generated that is representative of a difference between the desired current flow and an actual current flow through the electrical component. A duty cycle for the switch is calculated based on the signal representative of the difference and a voltage generated by the voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantin C. Stancu, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Robert T. Dawsey
  • Patent number: 7605492
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided that can operate with energy storage units of varying voltages and temperatures, that can correct voltage and temperature deviations, and that can continue to provide power when an energy storage unit is inoperable. A power supply system is also provided that can recondition an energy storage unit during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Elder, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 7605497
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a two-source inverter. The systems and methods combines operation of a first voltage source powering a conventional single source inverter with second voltage source powering a novel switch configuration to power a load. The switch configuration is controlled by a plurality of control signals generated by controller based on a variety of control modes, and feedback signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Gallegos-Lopez, James M. Nagashima, Silva Hiti
  • Patent number: 7592715
    Abstract: A system comprises a first power supply, a second power supply, and a load coupled to the first and second power supplies via separate power connectors. The load receives separate operating power from each of the first and second power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel Hong
  • Patent number: 7576449
    Abstract: A method of converting a direct voltage generated by a decentralized power supply system into three-phase alternating voltage by means of a plurality of single-phase inverters (WR1-WR3), said alternating voltage being provided for supplying an electric mains, is intended to avoid inadmissible load unbalances using single-phase inverters. This is achieved in that, upon failure of one inverter (WR1-WR3), an asymmetrical power supply distribution is reduced by limiting the output of the other inverters. The method makes it possible to simplify three-phase voltage monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Holger Becker, GĂ¼nther Cramer, Sven Bremicker, Thorsten Dingel, Bernd Engel, Wilfried Groote, Frank Greizer, Ralf Joachim Laschinski, Matthias Victor, Torben Westphal
  • Publication number: 20090200994
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating on-demand power. The method comprises receiving a peak reactive current request, generating a control signal based on the peak reactive current request, and utilizing the control signal to drive a DC/AC inverter to generate reactive power commensurate with the peak reactive current request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Fornage
  • Patent number: 7550954
    Abstract: A versatile voltage regulator accommodates either an Alkaline or Lithium-Ion battery main battery and provides low-current power for a real time clock module and for charging a backup battery. Depending upon the battery power source that is used, the present invention provides a best circuit configuration for efficient power conversion. If the power converter according to the present invention provides a regulated output voltage that is greater than the main battery voltage of an Alkaline battery, a low drop-out-voltage (LDO) voltage regulator is used in feedback loop with a charge pump. Otherwise, for a Lithium-Ion battery, only a LDO voltage regulator is used. The voltage regulator includes a series low drop-out-voltage (LDO) voltage regulator that is coupled between the main external battery and the vout load terminal, when the voltage at the vout load terminal is less than the voltage of the main external battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Fabrizio De Nisi, Gian Marco Bo
  • Patent number: 7535119
    Abstract: A power control apparatus of a complex terminal is disclosed that includes a DC/DC converter for outputting an auxiliary power supplied from an auxiliary battery after adjusting a level of voltage of the auxiliary power to a required input voltage level of the complex terminal; a second voltage sensor for measuring voltage of a main power outputted from a main battery, and controlling the auxiliary power of the auxiliary battery to be inputted to the DC/DC converter before the measured voltage of the main power becomes lower than a predetermined voltage; and a first voltage sensor for interrupting supply of the main power from the main battery to the complex terminal and controlling the auxiliary power outputted from the DC/DC converter to be supplied to the complex terminal, when the measured voltage of the main power becomes lower than the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ho-Soo Seo
  • Patent number: 7506184
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for current detection for microelectronic devices using source-switched sensors. An embodiment of a current detector for a microelectronic device includes a first voltage sensor and a second voltage sensor. The first voltage sensor is to measure a first voltage of the microelectronic device during a first time period and a second voltage of the microelectronic device during a second time period. The second voltage sensor is to measure the second voltage during the first time period and the first voltage during the second time period. A voltage value is equal to the sum of the first voltage measured by the first sensor plus the first voltage measured by the second sensor, minus the sum of the second voltage measured by the first sensor plus the second voltage measured by the second sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Burton, Robert Greiner, Anant Deval, Doug Huard, Dave Perchlik
  • Patent number: 7498691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency converter for an immersion vibrator, comprising a mobile converter housing, and a converter circuit disposed in said converter housing and adapted to convert an electrical supply voltage to a special voltage. The converter is further provided with a feed line that is mechanically linked with the converter housing and electrically connected to the converter circuit. At the end of said feed line facing away from the converter housing a plug part is disposed. The converter circuit feeds a connector with the special voltage, a plug part of the immersion vibrator being insertable into said connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 7482709
    Abstract: A system for powering and controlling electrical equipment of an aircraft engine or of its environment, includes at least one DC voltage power supply bus, a set of power supply modules associated with an electrical equipment group, each module including a voltage converter and a selector circuit inserted between the outputs from the modules of the set of modules and the pieces of equipment of the equipment group. The modules and the selector circuit are controlled to activate each piece of equipment of the equipment group by connecting it to at least one of the modules, with an emergency module being put into operation in the event of one of the other modules failing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza
    Inventor: Serge Berenger
  • Patent number: 7474016
    Abstract: A system and method for responding to abrupt load changes on a power system transfers an initial amount of power from an external power source to the AC power system through a secondary converter module; senses an abrupt load change occurring-on the AC power system; and transfers auxiliary direct current (DC) power to the secondary converter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Kon-King M. Wang, Kent M. Harmon, Glenn R. Kowalske
  • Publication number: 20080315685
    Abstract: A distributed generation system is connected to an AC power line that provides AC electrical power from a source to a load. The distributed generation system includes a DC electrical power source, a capacitor for storing DC electrical power, a converter for converting electrical power stored in the DC electrical power source at a first voltage to a second, greater voltage for storage in the capacitor. The system includes an inverter for inverting the electrical power stored in the capacitor at the second voltage into AC electrical power having a peak voltage less than the second voltage. A controller is provided and operative for controlling the operation of the converter and the inverter to deliver electrical power stored in the DC electrical power source to the capacitor for delivery as AC electrical power to the AC power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: MESTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: John N. Mandalakas, David J. Shero
  • Publication number: 20080315684
    Abstract: The present invention relates a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) system and methods for addressing voltage dips. The instant DVR incorporates high frequency technology, such as a high frequency transformer, to generate a square wave voltage from a storage device, such square wave being modulated prior to being delivered to a load. The generation of the square wave and modulation thereto creates a voltage that reacts fast to voltage dips, while addressing wide ranging harmonics usually present in square waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Eric Ka Wai Cheng, Siu Lau Ho, Kit Po Wong
  • Patent number: 7462952
    Abstract: An electrical power control system for use with a recreational vehicle or similar load to selectively control power thereto from either a utility power source or a generator power source comprising a power control stage coupled to the utility power source and the generator power source by a power supply stage to operate the electrical power control system and a utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively direct the power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle wherein the power control stage monitors polarity, phase and voltage levels, and controls the utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively feed power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle under a predetermined plurality of operating parameters or conditions and fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Bailey
  • Patent number: 7463500
    Abstract: An electrical DC-to-AC power conversion apparatus is disclosed that is primarily intended for use with solar photovoltaic sources in electric utility grid-interactive applications. The invention improves the conversion efficiency and lowers the cost of DC-to-AC inverters. The enabling technology is a novel inverter circuit topology, where throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed a maximum of 1½ times instead of 2 times as in prior-art inverters. The AC inverter output configuration can be either single-phase, split-phase or poly-phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Xantrex Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick West
  • Publication number: 20080246337
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system and a method of implementation are provided. The electrical power distribution system includes: a first AC power source; a second AC power source; a first DC bus; a first AC to DC rectifier; a second AC to DC rectifier; and an electrical load management control unit. The first AC power source is connected to the first DC bus via the first AC to DC rectifier. The second AC power source is connected to the first DC bus via the second AC to DC rectifier. The electrical load management control unit shifts power extraction between the first and second AC power sources by changing an AC voltage output of one of the first and second AC power sources relative to an AC voltage output of the other of the first and second AC power sources, thereby changing an DC voltage output to the first DC bus from one of the first and second AC to DC rectifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Rodney G. Michalko
  • Patent number: 7405494
    Abstract: Paralleled uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) including respective pulse-width modulation (PWM) power converter circuits coupled in common to an AC load bus have PWM cycles that are synchronized. In particular, sampling of control inputs of the PWM power converter circuits may be synchronized, such that, for example, sampling of control inputs to the PWM power converter circuits occurs at substantially the same time for each of the PWM power converter circuits. A common phase reference corresponding to an AC voltage phase for the AC load bus may be provided, and the PWM cycles of each of the power converter circuits may synchronized, e.g., phase locked, to the common phase reference. More particularly, the respective PWM cycles of the UPSs may be phase locked to phase locked sinusoidal reference signals generated at each of the UPSs. Sampling for other control functions may also be synchronized to the PWM cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick Tassitino, Jr., Hans-Erik Pfitzer, Jason S. Anderson, Michael Westerfield
  • Publication number: 20080157598
    Abstract: A power converting apparatus used as an uninterruptible power supply connected between an AC power supply and a load includes first and second power converters, a power supply voltage sensor, an output voltage sensor and a controller. The controller calculates rms voltage values of positive and negative half-cycles of an AC output voltage detected by the output voltage sensor, generates a target voltage command based on calculation results and a given reference voltage command, and controls the first power converter based on an output voltage command which is equivalent to a voltage difference between the AC power supply voltage detected by the power supply voltage sensor and the target voltage command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP.
    Inventors: Takashi Kuitani, Mutsumi Ishii, Morishige Akagi
  • Patent number: 7394168
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of supplying DC power to equipment using proton exchange membranes (PEMs). PEMs run on hydrogen to produce DC electrical power. In the disclosed embodiment these PEMs are used as an alternative source of power to AC sources. One of these other sources is generated by an array of gas turbines. Another source is provided by a commercial utility. AC from these sources is converted using rectifiers. Capacitors are used to bridge when switching between energy sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Larry L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7368833
    Abstract: An apparatus which has a first stage with an input circuit with an inductive element (1), a second stage with a number of output circuits with loads (3, 4, 5) and a switching means (S1, S2, S3) for controlling the currents from the input circuit to the output circuits is used in order to produce a number of independent DC output voltages (V1, V2, V3) from a DC input voltage (Vin). The apparatus according to the invention can be operated in various modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Christian Kranz
  • Patent number: 7362601
    Abstract: A power supply device includes two input ports, two output ports, a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a switch device, and a controller. The switch device includes a switching element connected in series with the primary winding, and a capacitor. The controller switches the switching element to energize the transformer and charge the capacitor. When an AC power failure such as instantaneous interruption occurs, energy stored in the capacitor is discharged to flow through the primary winding. Accordingly, the transformer is energized to maintain generating an output power from the power supply device for a certain time period. The capacitor is provided on a primary side of the transformer, generally higher voltage side, in the power supply device, so that a smaller capacitance of the capacitor can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Uematsu
  • Patent number: 7345379
    Abstract: A power converter includes a steady-state controller for outputting a first voltage command such that a detected power value matches a power command, a transient controller for outputting a second voltage command such that a voltage detected before the occurrence of a fault is maintained when the fault occurs, and a voltage command selector for switching the voltage command in such a way that the first voltage command is output when no power fault is detected and the sum of the first and second voltage commands is output when any power fault is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Okayama, Toshiyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 7346462
    Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for determining parameter values associated with an electrical grid in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The electrical grid has a point of interconnection where the electrical grid is electrically coupled to a power source. The method includes measuring real power at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of real power values. The method further includes measuring reactive power at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of reactive power values. The method further includes measuring a voltage at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of voltage values. The method further includes estimating at least one parameter value associated with the electrical grid utilizing the plurality of real power values, the plurality of reactive power values, and the plurality of voltage values, and a mathematical estimation technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Delmerico
  • Patent number: 7317301
    Abstract: An auxiliary power supply equipment for a high voltage installation includes a power source at ground potential, a load circuit at high potential, and a transmission link for coupling the power source to the load circuit. The power source includes a high frequency voltage generator, and the transmission link comprises a first and a second current path. Each path is closed by capacitive coupling to provide insulation between the ground potential and the high potential, and each current path has a reactive compensation means for series compensation of reactive power generated by the capacitive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Lennart Ă„ngquist
  • Publication number: 20070296274
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power converter, which includes a first switching voltage regulator, some linear voltage regulators, and a second switching voltage regulator. The first switching voltage regulator is electrically connected between input ports and an output terminal. One ends of the linear voltage regulators are respectively electrically connected to the input ports. The second switching voltage regulator is respectively electrically connected between another ends of the linear voltage regulators and the output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Chun-Ching Wang, Chen-Chia Huang, Yu-Hau Hsu
  • Publication number: 20070273211
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling power flow between power sources and a load in a power system are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method for transferring power from a plurality of power sources to an AC system through an IPC module. The IPC module receives a first amount of power from a first power source that is external to the IPC module, receives a second amount of power from a second power source that is external to the IPC module, controls at least a first amount of direct current (DC) power through a first primary converter module coupled to a DC bus, receives a second amount of DC power from a second primary converter module coupled to the DC bus, converts the first and the second amounts of DC power into AC power, and transfers the AC power to the AC power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Kon-King M. Wang, Kent M. Harmon