Load Current Control Patents (Class 307/52)
  • Patent number: 11916397
    Abstract: A combined electric power generations' supply system includes an AC power generator that supplies power by off grid independent operation, a DC power supply device, an inverter that converts DC power output by the DC power supply device into AC power. The rotation calculation unit calculates a value relating to a rotation of a rotor when driving the virtual power generator according to an active power command based on a rotor model calculates a value relating to the rotation of the rotor of the virtual power generator and the active power command. The output determination unit determines values relating to an active power and a reactive power to be output to the inverter based on the calculated value relating to the rotation. The modulation control unit performs control of a pulse width modulation of the inverter based on the determined value relating to the active power and reactive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Nakakita, Masayuki Tanaka, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Hirotaka Uehara, Masato Mitsuhashi, Fujio Eguchi
  • Patent number: 11875972
    Abstract: Methods and devices for generating a voltage waveform at an output may include providing four DC voltages of different magnitudes. The first (V1) magnitude is higher than the third (V3) and fourth (V4) magnitude. The fourth DC voltage is coupled to the output followed by coupling the first DC voltage to the output, to bring an output voltage (VP) at the output to a high level. The first DC voltage is decoupled from the output, followed by coupling the third DC voltage to the output, to obtain a drop of the output voltage (VP). A ground potential (V0) is coupled to the output following coupling the third DC voltage and the second DC current (I2) is coupled to the output following coupling the ground potential, wherein the second DC current ramps down the output voltage (VP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: PRODRIVE TECHNOLOGIES INNOVATION SERVICES B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Wilhelmus Hendricus Johannes Driessen
  • Patent number: 11824363
    Abstract: A solar energy system comprising a photovoltaic array, an inverter, and an energy storage device is operated according to the following steps: (a) accessing irradiance data for a past time period; (b) acquiring an irradiance forecast for a future time period having a length of not more than 15 minutes and having a cumulative irradiance forecast of between 20% and 80% of clear-sky irradiance; (c) calculating a smoothed energy target-value for an imminent time step within the future time period, using the irradiance data for the past time period and the forecasted irradiance for the future time period; and (d) during the time step, delivering a quantity of energy to the inverter based on the calculated smoothed energy target-value. The energy storage device stores energy when more is produced than delivered, and discharges energy when more is delivered than is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Solargik Ltd
    Inventors: Gil Kroyzer, Israel Kroizer
  • Patent number: 11784608
    Abstract: A microelectronic device includes: a photovoltaic module configured to convert a light energy into an electric energy; a converter configured to convert a voltage output from the photovoltaic module into a predetermined voltage; a capacitor configured to store an electric energy transferred from the converter; and a controller configured to predict an available current of a next time slot based on the electric energy stored in the capacitor, and determine a consumed current of a load system of the next time slot based on the predicted available current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chisung Bae
  • Patent number: 11743997
    Abstract: A multiple location dimming system may include a smart dimmer (e.g., a main load control device) and one or more remote dimmers (e.g., accessory devices) for controlling the amount of power delivered to a lighting load. The multiple location dimming system may be installed in place of a multiple location switch system (e.g., having three, four, or more multi-way switches), and may not require a neutral connection at any of the control devices of the multiple location dimming system. The main load control device and the accessory devices of the multiple location dimming system may be configured to display a present intensity level of a lighting load on one or more visual indicators. The accessory devices may have the same or different user interfaces as the main load control device, and may provide additional functionality over that which the main load control device offers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. Raneri
  • Patent number: 11728724
    Abstract: A method for a power system having a string of a plurality of power sources connected across a power device includes connecting a plurality of safe voltage units having safety switches connected respectively across each of the power sources. The method includes sensing a plurality of parameters of the power sources, and monitoring for a signal transmitted from the power device. Each of the safety switches is activated to be OFF responsive to detecting the signal within a predetermined time period. Upon not detecting the signal from the power device within the predetermined time period, a safe mode of operation of the power system is entered in which the voltages of each of the power sources is reduced to a voltage level less than a predetermined voltage level by turning the safety switches ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: David Braginsky, Ilan Yoscovich, Tzachi Glovinsky
  • Patent number: 11725408
    Abstract: A hybrid solar load controller. The controller determines values to carry out what is referred to herein as “best effort” pumping during sun hours, understand its progress, and then “finish the job” with AC power after sun hours have concluded, while taking fullest advantage of pump affinity when on paid-power pump. In embodiments, the pump can be a water pump for a pool, and a goal can be set as a total volumetric goal. The goal can also be a fill level for a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Patent number: 11722003
    Abstract: A power converter with an inverter that is configured to transform electrical power between a DC-side of the power converter and an AC-side of the power converter, includes a first port operatively connected to an AC-grid, a second port operatively connected to an AC-load, a third port connected to an external power source, and a fourth port operatively connected to a rechargeable DC-power storage. The power converter includes a DC/DC-converter between the third port and the inverter, to transfer electrical power provided by the external power source from the third port to the inverter. The inverter is configured to be grid forming and provide electrical power to the second port upon a power supply outage at the first port, the power converter includes a control unit to monitor the third port and detect parameters of the electrical power provided via the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Claus Allert, Aleksandra-Sasa Bukvic-Schaefer, Harald Christian Benz, Patrick Blair Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11682920
    Abstract: A method of operating a static transfer switch is provided. The method includes monitoring a voltage waveform for each phase of first and second power sources, and calculating flux for each phase of the power sources. The method also includes determining (i) a first flux difference between the respective flux of the first phases of the first and second power sources, (ii) a second flux difference between the respective flux of the second phases of the first and second power sources, and (iii) a third flux difference between the respective flux of the third phases of the first and second power sources. The method further includes turning off a third solid-state switch to disconnect the third phase of the first power source from a load, in response to the controller determining that the third flux difference is greater the first and second flux differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Yuzhi Zhang, Yu Du, Xiaoqing Song, Harish Suryanarayana, Veerakumar Bose, Thomas Anthony Kendzia, III, Harshang Shah, Christopher Alan Belcastro
  • Patent number: 11594879
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first power supply, a second power supply, and a controller. The first power supply supplies a first input voltage to power a first input of a load over a first circuit path. The second power supply supplies a second input voltage to power a second input of the load over a second circuit path. The controller controls connectivity of the first circuit path to the second circuit path as a function of the first input voltage and the second input voltage during at least ramp up or ramp down of either or both of the first input voltage and the second input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Jayadevan Radhakrishnan, Jens A. Ejury
  • Patent number: 11460488
    Abstract: An electrical measurement device for monitoring the current and power taken by a plurality of electrical loads that may be powered by a selected one of multiple AC power sources comprises sampling the voltage of said sources and the current taken by said loads at a integral number of samples per cycle at sample times determined by an independent processor clock. The integral number of samples of each measured parameter for each cycle are processed to determine a complex number for each parameter representative of the amplitude and the phase relative to the independent processor clock. The phase drift of the substantially constant source voltages may be determined as a measure of frequency of the sources, and may be used to cancel drift of the current measurement to enable averaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: KOOLBRIDGE SOLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Wilkinson Dent
  • Patent number: 11451063
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a distributed power supply, an opening/closing switch, an impedance element, a system abnormality detection part, and a switch control part. The distributed power supply is connected to a power line for supplying power to an important load from a commercial power system. The opening/closing switch is provided on a commercial power system side of the distributed power supply. The impedance element is connected in parallel to the opening/closing switch. The system abnormality detection part detects an abnormality of the commercial power system. The switch control part opens the opening/closing switch and connects the distributed power supply and the commercial power system via the impedance element when an abnormality of the commercial rower system is detected. When the distributed power supply and the commercial power system are connected via the impedance element, the distributed power supply continues an operation including a reverse power flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: NISSIN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hironori Kashihara
  • Patent number: 11353900
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, where the apparatus includes a first domain including first one or more circuitries, and a second domain including second one or more circuitries. The apparatus may further include a first voltage regulator (VR) to supply power to the first domain from a power bus, a second VR to supply power to the second domain from the power bus, and a third VR coupled between the first and second domains. The third VR may at least one of: transmit power to at least one of the first or second domains, or receive power from at least one of the first or second domains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Beomseok Choi, Siddharth Kulasekaran, Krishna Bharath
  • Patent number: 11336171
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a converter with cold start-up and a cold start-up method for modular power converters that allows converter operation tests to be carried out without a connection to the AC grid. For that purpose, the control module powers the power converter modules, disconnects the power converter from the AC grid, selects a power converter module as the AC-source module and configures a voltage and a frequency for the AC-source module, selects the power for the other power converter modules and sets starting conditions. Previously, the control module is powered by an AC source that can be internal or external, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a DC source (photovoltaic field), via a DC-AC transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Power Electronics España, S.L.
    Inventors: Antonio Poveda Lerma, Abelardo Salvo Lillo, David Salvo Lillo
  • Patent number: 11318322
    Abstract: Several defibrillators, defibrillator architectures, defibrillator components and methods of operating defibrillators are described. In one aspect, a defibrillator (as for example an automated external defibrillator) that can be powered by a mobile communication device such as a smart cellular phone or a tablet computer is described. Utilizing a phone (or other mobile communication device) as the power supply for an external defibrillator allows the external defibrillator to be smaller and, in some circumstance, removes the need for a battery that stores sufficient energy for shock delivery—which would need to be checked and/or replaced on a regular basis. Additionally, when desired, certain control functionality, computation, data processing, and user instructions can be handled/presented by the mobile communications device thereby further simplifying the defibrillator design and improving the user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Avive Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Rory M. Beyer, Charles Stonewall Montgomery
  • Patent number: 11289792
    Abstract: A communication device can be used for communicating between a power equipment controller and power equipment devices of a high-voltage power electronics system. The communication device includes a controller interface communicatively coupled with the power equipment controller, an RF module coupled to the controller interface, and an antenna port coupled to the RF module. A mounting structure is configured to attach the communication device to a valve hall containing the power equipment devices. The mounting structure is permeable for RF signal communication between the communication device and power equipment devices in the valve hall. The mounting structure has a low voltage side to enable placement of the controller interface, the RF module and the antenna port so as to be shielded from disturbances due to high voltages inside the valve hall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Zhibo Pang, Nan Chen, Mikael Davidsson, Michele Luvisotto
  • Patent number: 11258263
    Abstract: An apparatus of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is provided. The SOFCs generate power and are grid-tied. The apparatus comprises a power-generating side; and a grid-connecting side using an elementary household power management. The apparatus solves problems like low voltage, high current, voltage oscillation, voltage dips, long generator-starting time, etc. The apparatus is not only used as a stable power supply (base load), but also helps adjust the regional peak electricity demands. The features include the following: 1. A grid is tied, where output power does not pass through a direct-current boost converter and, thus, has no loss from it. 2. Injures, including voltage oscillation and sudden unloading after dumping, are reduced for avoiding further damages to cell sheets. 3. With the coordination of elementary power management and the integration of grid, the limitation of long-awaiting generator-starting time is crossed out and convenience of immediate power use is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Fang-Tzu Chuang, Chen-Min Chan, Ruey-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 11223210
    Abstract: An integrated metering device allows a resource provider to control the output of a distributed generation device onto a resource distribution network or grid. The integrated metering device may include a communications module, a metrology module, an inverter and regulator device, and a transfer switch. A resource provider may communicate with the integrated metering device via the communications module and may control the inverter and regulator device or the transfer switch. The metrology module may monitor the energy provided by the distributed generation device to the grid and may send information about the generated energy to the resource provider via the communications module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven John Schamber, Prasanna Venkatesan
  • Patent number: 11205964
    Abstract: A dimmer is provided for controlling power to a load, the dimmer having a ground leakage power supply deriving power from a connection of the dimmer to ground. The power supply may be a switching-mode power supply that can be the sole or primary power supply to power operation of the dimmer, including operation of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Levan Papismedov, Alfred Lombardi, Michael Ostrovsky, Ozgur Keser
  • Patent number: 11205956
    Abstract: A power converter with a common DC power source includes a DC power source and at least two power modules. Each of the power modules is coupled with each other and coupled to the DC power source. Each of the power module includes a coupled inductive component coupled to the DC power source, a DC output conversion unit coupled to the coupled inductive component, and a capacitor group having a coupling point. By using the coupled inductive component, it is to solve the problem of return current between the power modules caused by coupling multiple coupling points to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hung-Chieh Lin, Chao-Li Kao, Yi-Ping Hsieh, Jin-Zhong Huang, Po-Hsin Tseng, Chih-Hsien Li, Hung-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 11196257
    Abstract: An embodiment provides system for managing a distribution network, the system including: a plurality of energy routers configured to control the amount of router power flowing between the distribution network and internal resources; and a distribution network management apparatus configured to transmit a command value for the amount of router power, which is produced according to variability of the distribution network, to the energy router while adjusting a communication cycle of the command value depending on a control success rate of the energy router for the command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Sea-Seung Oh, Hak-Geun Jeong, Jongbok Baek, Soo-Bin Han, Sukin Park, Su-Yong Chae
  • Patent number: 11190025
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a control apparatus capable of optimum power interchange in the whole of a community including a plurality of customers. [Solution] There is provided a control apparatus including: an acquisition section configured to acquire information regarding consumption of power from a plurality of nodes that store and consume power; and a control section configured to use the information regarding consumption of power to generate data regarding target power storage in each of the nodes, the data being provided to the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawamoto, Tadashi Morita, Mario Tokoro
  • Patent number: 11177664
    Abstract: A system and method for variable frequency voltage regulation is presented. The system includes a variable frequency bus and a variable frequency load directly connected to the variable frequency bus. A plurality of variable frequency gensets are directly connected to the variable frequency bus. Each variable frequency genset includes a genset controller configured to select set points based on a selected frequency response curve of the variable frequency bus. A variable frequency voltage regulator is configured to regulate an electrical output of the variable frequency generator based on the selected set points. The system includes a voltage regulation controller configured to determine a desired bus frequency based on the variable frequency load, and determine an optimal frequency response curve based on the desired bus frequency and a frequency response model of each VFG. The selected frequency response curve is updated based on the determined optimal frequency response curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Converse, Per Ole Sorensen, Mike Snopko, David Miller
  • Patent number: 11146073
    Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a frequency of plurality of variable frequency generators with a variable frequency load over a variable frequency bus independent of a frequency conversion stage. A synchronization controller is configured to determine an optimal bus frequency of the variable frequency bus based on at least one power demand requirement of the variable frequency load operatively connected to the variable frequency bus. With the optimal frequency, an available power range supplied by the plurality of variable frequency gensets at the optimal bus frequency can be determined. The synchronization controller then asymmetrically loads the variable frequency load to the plurality variable frequency gensets at the optimal bus frequency based on the operating range of each variable frequency genset and recursively updates the optimal bus frequency based on operational statistics of the asymmetrically loaded variable frequency gensets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Snopko, Perry Converse, David Miller, Alexander Smith
  • Patent number: 11124138
    Abstract: A device and related method for supplying power to a vehicle-control-unit, including: a first-connection (FC) for a first power-supply-path (PSP), a second-connection (SC) for a second PSP and a neutral-point for connecting the first- and second-PSPs; a first-switch having a first-contact connected to the FC and a second-contact connected to the neutral-point, and a second-switch having a first-contact connected to the SC and a second-contact connected to the neutral-point; first and second-measuring-contacts for capturing first- and second-measured-values representing voltage-potentials of the first-PSP and the second-PSP; a control-device to keep one of the switches open and the other of the switches closed in response to a test-state; and a monitoring-device providing a monitoring-signal using the first and second measured-values for the test-state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Feucht, Wolfgang Gscheidle
  • Patent number: 11121552
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling an electrical system using setpoints. Some embodiments include control methods that monitor an adjusted net power associated with the electrical system and adjust the setpoint based on a comparison of the adjusted demand to the setpoint. If the adjusted demand has not exceeded the demand setpoint, the setpoint is reduced. If the adjusted demand has exceeded the demand setpoint, the setpoint is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Enel X North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Fife
  • Patent number: 11101770
    Abstract: Disclosed are a photovoltaic power plant and a primary frequency modulation control method therefor. The photovoltaic power plant comprises a photovoltaic power plant and an active power control system. The photovoltaic power plant comprises a photovoltaic array and a photovoltaic inverter, the photovoltaic inverter converting direct current electric energy generated by the photovoltaic array into alternating current electric energy. The active power control system is used for determining the variable quantity of active power of a single machine according to an operating state of the photovoltaic inverter when frequency values of grid connection points of the photovoltaic power plant meet a pre-set primary frequency modulation triggering condition, and regulating the active power output by the photovoltaic inverter. According to the disclosed photovoltaic power, the response speed and accuracy of primary frequency modulation of a generator set can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING GOLD WIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Yuan Qiao, Xianwen Bao
  • Patent number: 11100034
    Abstract: A dual-integrated gate-driver with reverse current protection (RCP) fault protection is described. A Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) controller includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a dual-gate driver. The dual-gate driver drives a first power field effect transistor (FET) coupled to the first terminal and a second power FET coupled to the second terminal. The first power FET and the second power FET are connected in series between a voltage bus (VBUS_C) terminal of a USB Type-C connector and a voltage supply to deliver power to the VBUS_C terminal. A breakdown voltage of each of the first power FET and the second power FET is less than 20 volts. The dual-gate driver controls the first power FET and the second power FET in response to at least one of a short circuit event or a reverse current event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Hemant P. Vispute, Ramakrishna Venigalla, V. M. Saravanan
  • Patent number: 11070054
    Abstract: A power controller includes: a plurality of switching elements provided in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of power supplies, and each of which switches on or off to switch between supplying and stopping supplying a load with electric power from a corresponding one of the plurality of power supplies; a processing unit which computes an operation amount for adjusting an amount of the electric power supplied to the load; and a signal generator which determines, for each control, a switching-element count indicating a total number of switching elements to be turned on among the plurality of switching elements, and a duty ratio of the switching-element count, based on the operation amount, and generates a drive signal for driving the plurality of switching elements successively, based on the switching-element count and the duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Ojika, Tomokazu Sakashita, Toshio Okamura, Shinichiro Oikawa
  • Patent number: 11031791
    Abstract: An electronic adjusting device (1) for an electric energy storing apparatus (100) of the type provided with batteries, said storing apparatus comprising a plurality of battery modules (10) electrically connectable with an electric load, said electronic adjusting device comprising a plurality of electronic adjusting units (2), each comprised in a corresponding battery module (10) to adjust the feeding current (IL) provided by the cells (11) of the said battery module to said electric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Genport S.R.L.
    Inventors: Walter Castagna, Paolo Barile, Stefano Limonta, Paolo Fracas
  • Patent number: 10996735
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for managing a power system are described. A power management system may include multiple interconnected power supply and control units that plug directly into a standard residential power outlet. A power management system may include multiple interconnected power supply and control units that plug directly into a standard residential power outlet. Together, the interconnected power supply and control units may provide a distributed power backup system in the form of a home energy nano-grid. The power management system may provide backup power, power sharing, and device inter-connectivity while enabling efficient scalability and the robustness of a distributed system. The power management system may also include a power usage monitoring unit, which may gather data and use it to improve the efficiency of power usage throughout the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Hygge Power Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb Tristan Scalf, David Pierre Delcourt, Maxwell Michael Lewin, Mark Richard Shamley, Mark Nickolas Mietus
  • Patent number: 10989169
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a wind farm. Accordingly, a demand signal is received from the electrical grid. The farm-level controller also receives a plurality of capability metrics from each wind turbines, which include, at least, a steady-state power availability, a transient power availability and a responsive capability of each wind turbine. The farm-level controller determines a power production capability profile for each wind turbine and determines the availability of each wind turbine to meet at least a portion of the demand signal based on the power production capability profiles. The farm-level controller also determines which portion of the demand signal to be satisfied by each wind turbine based on the availability and the power production capability for each wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Joseph Kosuth, Patrick Hammel Hart, Alina Fatima Moosvi, Enno Ubben, Christoph Schulten, Alev Akbulut
  • Patent number: 10958084
    Abstract: A charging device, for charging a battery pack, can be combined with other charging devices to form a multi-charger. The charging device has an input-side contact element for a power cable or an additional charging device connection. Internally, the charging device has conductors for the electrically conductive connection of the input-side contact element to an output-side contact element and for looping through a power supply voltage in contact with the input-side contact element. A charging device circuit of the charging device is internally connected to the looped-through supply voltage. The charging device circuit includes an input side voltage converter and a charging controller for charging a battery pack. The supply voltage can be converted by the voltage converter into a supply voltage for feeding the charging controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Björn Ehler, Achim Volmer, Martin Schulze, Jan Schöning
  • Patent number: 10936977
    Abstract: A method of determining the resource efficiency of a plant for the production of drinks containers, wherein the plant has at least one resource-consuming part, wherein the part of the plant is operated at least for a time in a first operative state (B1) in which a product is produced and the part of the plant has a first resource consumption (V1) in this operative state (B1), and wherein the part of the plant is operated at least for a time in a second operative state (B2) and has a second resource consumption (V1) in this second operative state (B2), wherein at least one first resource consumption (V1) capable of being allocated to the first operative state (B1) and at least one second resource consumption (V2) capable of being allocated to the second operative state (B2) determined and the resource consumption (V1, V2) is allocated to the operative states (B1, B2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Markus Zoelfl, Albert Link, Ulrich Buchhauser, Norbert Ottmann
  • Patent number: 10931116
    Abstract: Example electrical power systems include an output for supplying a DC output voltage to a load, a first power source connected with the output to supply DC power to the load, and a second power source connected with the output to supply DC power to the load. The electrical power system is configured to supply DC power to the load using only the first power source when a demand of the load is less than an output capacity of the first power source, and the second power source is configured to maintain an enabled on-state when only the first power source is supplying DC power to the load. Additional electrical power systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Astec International Limited
    Inventors: John Faustino Boqueo Begino, III, Nathaniel Franco Neri
  • Patent number: 10886843
    Abstract: An electric power supplying system includes a plurality of AC output converters connected in parallel to a bus configured to supply power to an AC load. Each of the AC output converters includes: an AC-DC converter; a DC-AC converter; a secondary battery connected in parallel to the DC-AC converter; a first switching circuit provided between the bus and the DC-AC converter; a bypass path, a second switching circuit provided between the bus and the bypass path; a switching control circuit configured to control the first and second switching circuits at the time of power failure and power restoration; and a control power supply circuit configured to receive a supply of the external AC voltage, the AC voltage converted by the DC-AC converter, a bypass voltage of the bypass path, and a voltage of the bus, to generate a control voltage for the switching control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Nishiura
  • Patent number: 10879700
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an assembly for load management of electrical components of a local electrical system connected to a superordinate grid via a common grid connection point. A superordinate server creates a schedule for the controlling electrical components and, if possible, transmits the schedule to a local control unit. The local control unit implements the schedule received or, if a current schedule is not available, implements a standard schedule. The grid connection point is monitored to ensure that the power does not exceed a specified power limit value. If this is the case, the schedule currently being used to control the components is modified according to a specified scheme. If the power limit value is not adhered to within a predetermined time, a monitoring device switches off the power connection of individual components in accordance with a specified scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: beegy GmbH
    Inventors: Johanna Schneider, Fabian Arlt
  • Patent number: 10845421
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a storage battery evaluation device includes a charging/discharging controller and a deterioration evaluator. The charging/discharging controller acquires a charging/discharging power command value, performs control to charge and discharge an energy storage device according to the charging/discharging power command value, sets a dead zone in which the charging and discharging is not performed when an absolute value of the charging/discharging power command value is equal to or smaller than a threshold, and performs control to stop the charging and discharging when the charging/discharging command value enters the dead zone. The deterioration evaluator measures a response characteristic of a voltage of the energy storage device at a time when the charging and discharging is stopped from a state in which the energy storage device is charged and discharged and evaluates a deterioration state of the energy storage device on a basis of the response characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamamoto, Takenori Kobayashi, Masatake Sakuma, Ryosuke Takeuchi, Takahisa Wada
  • Patent number: 10776531
    Abstract: One example includes a method for generating a solar farm design. Geographic map data defines geographic features and boundaries of a geographic region. A solar panel block library that stores virtual solar panel block types is accessed. Each of the virtual solar panel block types corresponds to a design of a respective solar panel block that includes solar panels, an inverter, and an access road, and each virtual solar panel block type includes predetermined dimensions and a predefined output power rating. An array of a virtual solar panel block type to fit within the geographic features and boundaries of the geographic region on the map is generated based on the dimensions of each of the virtual solar panel blocks in the array. The array is iteratively modified to optimize a criterion of the solar farm design, and the design is stored in a memory for subsequent solar farm installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: INVENTUS HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Cameron L. Bieganek, Taran Raj, Ryan R. Butterfield, Francisco J. Guzman, Jared R. Gommels, Justin R. Newcom, Nathan S. Donst, Stacy A. Fleenor
  • Patent number: 10770988
    Abstract: Aspects of non-linear droop control are described herein. In one embodiment, a system includes a first power converter or source configured to provide power to a bus, a second power converter or source configured to provide power to the bus, and a load electrically coupled to the bus. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a droop resistance associated with the first power source according to a continuous non-linear function based on an amount of current supplied to the load by the first power source. The system can also include a second controller configured to adjust a droop resistance associated with the second power source according to the continuous non-linear function (or another continuous non-linear function). The use of the continuous non-linear functions achieves tighter voltage regulation particularly at lower loads and better load sharing at higher loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Fang Chen, Rolando Burgos, Dushan Boroyevich
  • Patent number: 10770908
    Abstract: A configurable battery system may be arranged in such a way that two battery modules are connected in parallel to achieve a target maximum voltage for a load, or in series to achieve a high voltage of about double the target maximum voltage. Fast charging, at high voltage, may allow both battery modules to be charged at a charging current near a desired maximum current at the battery charger. A battery management module determines a switch configuration, coupling the battery modules in series or parallel. The battery management module applies the switch configuration to one or more switches to manage charging of the battery modules. The battery management module may receive charger capability information, local charging information, and fault information to aid in determining a switch configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Mason Verbridge
  • Patent number: 10742030
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to power distribution systems. A power distribution system may include a switching unit configured to receive power from a plurality of sources, each source of the plurality of sources configured to supply power at a phase offset from a phase of every other source. The power distribution system may also include a plurality of loads. Furthermore, the power distribution system may include at least one monitoring unit configured to selectively couple, via the switching unit, each load of the plurality of loads to a source of the plurality of sources based on at least one of a current power demand of the plurality of loads and a predicted demand of the plurality of loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: KATERRA INC.
    Inventor: Bahman Sharifipour
  • Patent number: 10741348
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a power delivery unit generating a power, a load unit receiving the power, a cable, at least a connector, at least a power switch, and a communication interface. The power delivery unit and the load unit is coupled by the connector and the cable, and the power is delivered through the cable and the connector. A voltage threshold is determined according to a delivery current of the power or a load current of the load unit. When a voltage difference between a delivery voltage of the power and a load voltage of the load unit is larger than the voltage threshold, the power switch is turned OFF, wherein information of one of the delivery voltage, the load voltage, the delivery current, and/or the load current is provided through the communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: RICHTEK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Hsu Chang, Ta-Yung Yang
  • Patent number: 10734988
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems to produce a protection voltage are disclosed. The apparatus includes circuitry to deliver a first supply voltage to a plurality of circuits, where the first supply voltage has a first magnitude, circuitry to deliver a second supply voltage to a part of the plurality of circuits, where the second supply voltage has a second magnitude, and circuitry to deliver a protection voltage to the part of the plurality of circuits when the second supply voltage is LOW and the first supply voltage is HIGH. The protection voltage has a magnitude that is a fraction of the magnitude of the first supply voltage. The apparatus includes circuitry that causes the delivery of the second supply voltage to the part of the plurality of circuits when the second supply voltage is turned HIGH subsequent to the second supply voltage being LOW when the first supply voltage is HIGH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventor: Dacheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 10705125
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a load circuit having multiple functional modules, a first voltage regulator configured to provide a supply voltage to the multiple functional modules, and a supply current monitoring circuit including a second voltage regulator and a current monitor, the second voltage regulator being configured to provide a test supply voltage. A switch matrix is interconnected between the first voltage regulator, the supply current monitoring circuit, and the functional modules. Each of the functional modules in successive order is a module under test, and the switch matrix is configured to disconnect the first voltage regulator from the module under test and connect the supply current monitoring circuit to the module under test such that the second voltage regulator provides the test supply voltage to the module under test and the current monitor measures a supply current of the module under test in response to the test supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Edwin Schapendonk, Marijn Nicolaas van Dongen, Maciej Skrobacki, Wouter van der Heijden, Petrus Antonius Thomas Marinus Vermeeren
  • Patent number: 10680550
    Abstract: Provided are a cascaded photovoltaic grid-connected inverter, a control method and a control device for the same. The method includes: determining whether at least one of inverter units of the cascaded photovoltaic grid-connected inverter is over-modulated; injecting a reactive current to a power grid to make a grid-connected current effective value greater than or equal to ?{square root over (2)}*idcmin, in a case that at least one of the inverter units is over-modulated; determining a voltage U0 required for grid connection for the cascaded photovoltaic grid-connected inverter corresponding to a current grid-connected current effective value; and adjusting an output active voltage of each of the inverter units according to Ujd=Pj/P0*U0d, and adjusting an output reactive voltage of each of the inverter units in a case that none of the inverter units is over-modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Xu, Tao Zhao, Yilei Gu
  • Patent number: 10637393
    Abstract: A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Adest
  • Patent number: 10627842
    Abstract: The subject disclosure includes paralleling of monolithic embedded low drop-out (LDO) linear regulator power rails to provide additional load current, while maintaining accurate current sharing and balancing between the paralleled LDOs without additional power consumption for different load current requirements. Lossless current sensing is used to sense the current for each channel. An offset generator compares the voltages for a master channel and one or more slave channels, and generates an offset voltage according to the sensed error. The offset voltage is added between an input reference voltage and an output regulated voltage to cancel the offset of each channel, so the current of each channel is substantially the same. The lossless current sensing can be realized with equivalent series resistance compensation or current limit sensing. The offset generator can be realized with a resistor and current mirror topology or an input pair added to an error amplifier input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global Unlimited Company
    Inventors: Danzhu Lu, Brandon Day, Yihui Chen, Jie He
  • Patent number: 10620857
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to combined backup power. For example, a system for combined backup power can include a combined backup power supply (CBPS) coupled to a node and a plurality of loads supported by the node. The CBPS can include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a backup power supply coupled to the UPS to act as redundancy for the UPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Hai Ngoc Nguyen, Han Wang, Patrick A. Raymond, Raghavan V. Venugopal
  • Patent number: 10608425
    Abstract: Provided is a method for performing AC optimal yield control within an inverter that includes a plurality of DC power sources configured to supply DC power, a plurality of converters to convert direct current power to alternating current power to be supplied to a load, a plurality of short-circuit protection devices connected to a DC interconnection bus at the DC power sources, and configured to provide short-circuit protection, a plurality of current sensors configured to sense circulation current at the short-circuit protection devices, and a controller. The controller controls the converters and monitors the circulation current sensed along the DC interconnection bus via the current sensors, and when power reduction occurs at one of the DC power sources, performs a closed-loop control current operation to controllably increase the circulation current along the DC interconnection bus to be greater than an impairment lower limit of the short-circuit protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Venkateswaran Mathurai, Datatreya Reddy Gollapudi, Britto Arputhanathan