Load Current Control Patents (Class 307/52)
  • Publication number: 20150035366
    Abstract: In a method for synchronizing a feed voltage with a network voltage of an electrical energy supply network, a property of the feed voltage can be determined on the basis of a static characteristic curve. The static characteristic curve is compared to the property of the feed voltage of a feed power received by the electrical energy supply network at the applied feed voltage. The property of the feed voltage is adjusted to a specified value when a limit current of the feed power is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Norbert Benesch, Lutz Namyslo
  • Patent number: 8946929
    Abstract: A method for effectively utilizing energy storage components within a microgrid may include the steps of connecting a first plurality of energy storage components to a DC bus through switches, connecting a second plurality of energy storage components to an AC bus through inverters, connecting controllers to the energy storage components, connecting a first plurality of the controllers to the DC bus to regulate bidirectional flow of energy between the DC bus and the first plurality of energy storage components and connecting a second plurality of the controllers to the AC bus to regulate bidirectional flow of energy between the AC bus and the second plurality of energy storage components. The controllers may be interconnected with a local energy storage system bus and controlled via a master microgrid controller connected to the local energy storage system bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Harmohan N. Singh, Cristian Anghel
  • Publication number: 20150028676
    Abstract: A voltage output circuit includes a first power supply terminal, a second power supply terminal, an output terminal, a switch circuit present in a supply path of a voltage from the second power supply terminal to the output terminal and configured to supply the voltage from the second power supply terminal to the output terminal when the switch circuit is in a closed state and interrupt the supply of the voltage from the second power supply terminal to the output terminal when the switch circuit is in an open state, a switch control circuit configured to fix the switch circuit in the open state on the basis of the voltage at the second power supply terminal, and a switch control circuit configured to release the fixing of the open state of the switch circuit on the basis of the voltage at the first power supply terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Hiroshi KIYA
  • Publication number: 20150028678
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for an edge rate driver for a power converter switch. In an example, the driver can include an input node configured to receive a pulse width modulated signal, a first switch configured to couple a control node of the power converter switch to a supply voltage during a first state, a second switch configured to couple the control node of the power converter switch to a reference voltage during a second state, and a first current source configured to supply charge current to the first switch when the power converter switch transitions from the second state to the first state, the charge current configured to charge a parasitic capacitance of the power converter switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael David Mulligan, Timothy Alan Dhuyvetter
  • Publication number: 20150028677
    Abstract: In a control device configured to control power to be supplied to a specific load from at least one of a converter that has a power generator and a storage battery, and a commercial power supply, the control device determines whether the commercial power supply is in a power failure state or a power distribution state, in which: when determining that the commercial power supply is in a power distribution state, the control device causes both of the converter and the commercial power supply to be connected to the specific load; and when determining that the commercial power supply has made a transition from a power distribution state to a power failure state, the control device causes the commercial power supply to be disconnected from the specific load while maintaining the connection between the converter and the specific load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Toshiya Iwasaki, Ryuzo Hagihara, Mamoru Kubo, Yasuo Okuda, Yasuhiro Oue
  • Patent number: 8941264
    Abstract: A plurality of modules each including at least a pair of series connected power MOSFETs are configured between a plurality of DC voltage sources, and a plurality output terminals for connection to respective loads, are controlled for selectively applying power to the loads via time delay switching incorporating forward biased intrinsic diodes of the MOSFETs in a given current path during initial application of power to a load, whereby a predetermined period of time after turning on one of the series connected MOSFETs, the associated other MOSFET is turned on to shunt its intrinsic diode for reducing the resistance in the current path to maximize current flow. The configuration of the plurality of power MOSFETs is also controlled for selectively providing bi-directional current flow between said plurality of DC voltage sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Scruggs, Serdar T. Sozusen
  • Publication number: 20150021999
    Abstract: A system for storage and communication of electrical power generated at local renewable energy generations sites, for subsequent communication to the local power grid is disclosed. Employing electrical energy monitors and storage, locally generated electrical power is always communicated to the local grid within threshold parameters for sale and payment. Using timing components and software, the local generated energy can also be stored and communicated to the grid during determined times of day to yield the highest payment price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: John A. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20150022000
    Abstract: A reactor includes an annular iron core and four coils separately wound around the iron core. The four coils have first electrodes connected to output terminals of four choppers, respectively, and second electrodes each connected to a load. Therefore, the four choppers can be connected in parallel to the load by one reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHIT-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20150022056
    Abstract: A driver system comprises a direct current (DC) voltage source and a first bi-directional DC-to-DC converter having a primary side coupled to the DC voltage source and a secondary side and configured to convert a first voltage on the primary side to a second voltage on the secondary. The driver system also comprises a second bi-directional DC-to-DC converter having a primary side coupled to the DC voltage source and a secondary side coupled to the secondary side of the first bi-directional DC-to-DC converter and configured to convert the first voltage on the primary side to a third voltage on the secondary. The first and second bi-directional DC-to-DC converters are capable of boosting the first voltage, and the second control signal is a complement of the first control signal. A voltage difference between the second and third voltages comprises an output voltage that comprises an amplification of the first control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: John Stanley Glaser, Ramanujam Ramabhadran
  • Patent number: 8937403
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for current limited DC-to-DC converters having multiple power sources have been disclosed. One of multiple power sources is activated by a multiplexer. A current sensing unit, deployed close to the multiplexer, detects if an input current to the DC-to-DC converter has reached a current limit. In case the current limit is reached a signal is sent to the DC-to-DC converter to reduce the current drawn the DC-to-DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Stefano Scaldaferri, Christian Wolf, Eric Marschalkowski
  • Publication number: 20150015072
    Abstract: A power converter circuit includes a converter series circuit that includes a number of converter units. The converter series circuit is configured to output a series circuit output current. A synchronization circuit is configured to generate at least one synchronization signal. At least one of the converter units is configured to generate an output current such that at least one of a frequency or a phase of the output current is dependent on the synchronization signal, and includes a converter stage with an inverting buck boost topology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gerald Deboy, Alex Connaughton, Kennith Kin Leong
  • Publication number: 20150008743
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises: a second electric power converter that converts power discharged by electric power storage means to AC power and that converts charging power to the electric power storage means to DC power; a second current detector that detects the current that is output from the second electric power converter; an electric characteristic computation section that calculates the output current IGref and the electrical output torque Te of a virtual power generator, based on the voltage VT, angular frequency ? and voltage set value Vref of a first electric power converter and the second electric power converter, and their connection point (point a) with the power system; a rotor speed computation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Misao Kimura, Yasuhiro Noro, Hideki Hayashi, Yoshiaki Hasegawa, Yoshio Ebata
  • Publication number: 20150001937
    Abstract: An adjustable electrical-power outlet strip (AEOS) that allows a selected quantity of electrical receptacles to be connected on a single power strip. In addition to the electrical receptacles there is also a USB port that can be connected via a USB cable to charge an electronic component such as a cell phone. The AEOS is also designed to allow each of the connected power receptacles to be rotated to an optimum usable angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Calvin Wang
  • Publication number: 20150001929
    Abstract: A power transformation system for powering a device indirectly through an electrical load connected to a power source. The transfer of energy from the power source via the load may go undetected. The system may store energy from the load in an ultra or super capacitor. This energy may be used to power Wi-Fi and various thermostat applications, among other things, associated with HVAC and building automation and management systems. Energy from the load may be supplemented or substituted with energy from a battery and/or a buck converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Robert D. Juntunen, Devin Diedrich, Milan Krkoska
  • Publication number: 20150001940
    Abstract: A high voltage controller configured to drive a high voltage generator. The high voltage controller includes a voltage select input and a current select input, an actual voltage input and an actual current input. First circuitry is configured to generate an alternating current (AC) drive signal. Second circuitry configured to generate a direct current (DC) drive signal. Closed loop control circuitry is configured to adjust the DC drive signal based on at least one of the voltage select and current select inputs and at least one of the actual voltage and actual current inputs. The first circuitry may include a push-pull circuit. The second circuitry may include a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller. A high voltage generator may be coupled to the AC and DC drive signals. The high voltage generator may include a high voltage transformer having a pair of primary windings and center tap. The AC drive signal may be coupled to the primary windings and the DC drive signal may be coupled to the center tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Farhad Berton, Josef Braun
  • Publication number: 20150001938
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a functional circuit in series with at least one first current source between two terminals of application of a power supply voltage. The first current source is controllable between an operating mode where it delivers a fixed current, independent from the power consumption of said functional circuit, and an operating mode where it delivers a variable current, depending on the power consumption of the functional circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Jimmy Fort
  • Publication number: 20150001939
    Abstract: A technique with which a change in power frequency can be suppressed. A power system stabilizer issues a control command to a first storage battery among a plurality of first power generators and the first storage battery that are connected to an isolated island system via a first tie-line. The power system stabilizer includes a parameter determination unit and a control block unit. The parameter determination unit obtains, on the basis of operation information, a rate-of-change limit value that indicates a limit to be imposed on a total value of changes in the overall output of first power generators in operation. The control block unit generates a command value to be given to the first storage battery on the basis of an interconnection point power flow value measured on the first tie-line and the rate-of-change limit value obtained by the parameter determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Yusuke Takaguchi, Masanobu Koshio, Marta Marmiroli
  • Publication number: 20140375130
    Abstract: A circuit, use, and method for operating a circuit is provided that includes a regulated first voltage source for providing a supply voltage at an output of the first voltage source for a subcircuit, an adjustable second voltage source for providing an output voltage to supply the subcircuit, and an evaluation circuit, which is connected to an output of the second voltage source and to a control input of the second voltage source and to the output of the first voltage source. Wherein the evaluation circuit is formed to adjust the output voltage of the second voltage source by means of a control signal at the control input of the second voltage source with evaluation of the supply voltage at the output of the first voltage source, and wherein the evaluation circuit and/or the second voltage source have a memory for storing values of the adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sven Jochmann, Lutz Dathe
  • Publication number: 20140375131
    Abstract: The systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide single phase inverters that may be cooperatively controlled to provide one, two, or three phase unipolar electricity. In an embodiment, a solar panel may be connected to a DC to DC converter and a unipolar power converter. In an embodiment, the unipolar power converter output may be a single phase signal approximating a desired voltage waveform and frequency, offset from the ground electrical potential such that the voltage output signal may be always positive, thus “unipolar”. In an embodiment, the unipolar power output of each string of solar panels may be connected to a dedicated, predetermined phase of a load, such as a three phase grid system. In an embodiment, the DC output of a DC to DC converter may be connected in parallel with other DC to DC converters and other unipolar converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sorin Spanoche, Mika Nuotio, David Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140370940
    Abstract: A plurality of battery cells (100) are connected in series to each other. A temperature measurement unit (300) measures temperatures of two or more battery cells (100). A battery control unit (400) controls charge and discharge of the battery cells (100) on the basis of the temperatures measured by the temperature measurement unit (300). In addition, when the charge of the battery cells (100) is performed or the discharge of the battery cells (100) is performed, the battery control unit (400) specifies a lowest temperature cell having the lowest temperature and a highest temperature cell having the highest temperature, on the basis of the temperatures measured by the temperature measurement unit (300). In addition, the battery control unit (400) continues the charge or discharge, as it is, when a first condition in which a temperature difference ?T between the highest temperature cell and the lowest temperature cell is equal to or greater than a reference value T1 is not satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: NEC ENERGY DEVICES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tadahiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140368041
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to a reconfigurable energy storage system. In one embodiment, the reconfigurable energy storage system comprises a first energy storage system, a second energy storage system and a power converter. The power converter determines a first power level, a second power level and a load coupled to the power converter and manipulates the power transfer between the energy storage systems based on the first power level, the second power level and the load. In another embodiment, the reconfigurable energy storage system also comprises a third energy storage system. In this embodiment, the power converter determines a third power level corresponding to the third energy storage system and manipulates the power transfer between the energy storage systems based also on the third power level. The third power level may correspond to a state of charge of the third energy storage element or amount of power generated by the third energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: McMaster Universtiy
    Inventors: Chia-Hao Tu, Ali Emadi
  • Publication number: 20140368040
    Abstract: A voltage-stacked system includes a first voltage source, at least one second voltage source, a master monitoring circuit and at least one slave monitoring circuit. The first voltage source and the at least one second voltage source are coupled in series. The master monitoring circuit is coupled to the first voltage source, and arranged for monitoring and controlling the first voltage source and transmitting a monitoring signal. The at least one slave monitoring circuit is respectively coupled to the at least one second voltage source and the master monitoring circuit for monitoring and controlling the at least one second voltage source, and accordingly sending a response signal to the master monitoring circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: POWERFLASH TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun-Ming Chen, Chang-Fu Hsia, Sheng-An Yang, Yuan-Chi Ho
  • Publication number: 20140361617
    Abstract: When a control device simultaneously drives first and second direct-current power converter circuits, the control device can arbitrarily control a first voltage and a second voltage, and a load voltage by changing at least one of first and second duties. The control device generates a loop current, which discharges a first power source and charges a second power source, or a loop current, which charges the first power source and discharges the second power source, in a loop circuit where a first reactor and a second reactor are connected in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasumichi Ohnuki, Satoshi Hashino
  • Publication number: 20140362617
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing vector control of grid-connected power electronic converters using a neural network are described herein. Optionally, the grid-connected power electronic converters can be used in renewable and electric power system applications. In order to improve performance and stability under disturbance conditions, integrals of error signals can be introduced as inputs to the neural network. Alternatively or additionally, grid disturbance voltage can be introduced to an output of a trained neural network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama
    Inventor: Shuhui Li
  • Publication number: 20140361622
    Abstract: A control device controls first and second direct-current power converter circuits so that a switching operation for at least one of a pair of first and second switching devices included in the first direct-current power converter circuit and a pair of first and third switching devices included in the second direct-current power converter circuit is performed. The control device controls a switching operation of the first switching device and the second switching device included in the first direct-current power converter circuit based on a first duty. In the switching operation, the first switching device and the second switching device are inverted and the alternative close and open (ON/OFF) switching operations of each first and second switching device are performed. The control device controls a switching operation of the first switching device and the third switching device included in the second direct-current power converter circuit based on a second duty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasumichi Ohnuki
  • Publication number: 20140354056
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply system including a rectification circuit, a power calibrating conversion circuit, an inverting conversion circuit, an LC circuit, a first output switch, a second output switch and a relay switch is disclosed. The rectification circuit couples to the main electricity. The power calibrating conversion circuit couples to the rectification circuit, and includes an independent drive unit and a switch unit. The inverting conversion circuit couples to the power calibrating conversion circuit. The LC circuit couples between output neutral terminal and output ground terminal. The first output switch couples between the LC circuit and the inverting conversion circuit. The second output switch couples between the inverting conversion circuit and output live terminal. The relay switch couples between the input neutral terminal and the LC circuit. When the relay switch turns on, the input neutral terminal connects with the output neutral terminal through the LC circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: MING-HSIEN CHEN, JUOR-MING HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20140354049
    Abstract: A power controller controls power to a load and includes a primary current sensor, a controller and a current source. The primary current sensor includes a primary conductor and an auxiliary conductor. The primary conductor carries a primary current to the load and the auxiliary conductor carries an auxiliary current in the opposite direction of the primary current to provide partial flux cancellation. The primary current sensor provides an output voltage based upon a magnetic field generated by the primary current and auxiliary current. The controller determines the primary current based upon the output voltage and the auxiliary current. The current source provides the auxiliary current. The controller controls the current source to provide the auxiliary current to the auxiliary conductor if the primary current is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss, Jacek F. Gieras
  • Publication number: 20140354047
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rechargeable battery, a circuitry, and a controller. The circuitry is operable to receive power from a power source and to provide power to the rechargeable battery and to other electrical components of the apparatus. The controller is configured to monitor power requirements of the apparatus. Moreover, the controller is further configured to provide power from the rechargeable battery in addition to power supplied from the power source during a peak power event of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Felix Markhovsky, Ashutosh Razdan, Philip Yin
  • Publication number: 20140354058
    Abstract: A power converter includes a DC/DC converting circuit and a first energy storage element. The DC/DC converting circuit includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The first energy storage element includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first output terminal of the DC/DC converting circuit is electrically connected to one terminal of an external load. The first terminal of the first energy storage element is electrically connected to the second output terminal of the DC/DC converting circuit. The second terminal of the first energy storage element is electrically connected to the other terminal of the external load. The DC/DC converting circuit is configured to provide a variable electric power. The power converter provides the power supply according to the DC/DC converting circuit and the first energy storage element, and the variable electric power is less than the power required by the external load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Xing-Kuan GUO, Li-Tao XIA
  • Publication number: 20140354057
    Abstract: A resonant converter apparatus includes a first pre-regulator, a first resonant converter, a second pre-regulator, a second resonant converter and a controller. The first pre-regulator receives a first input voltage and generates a first output voltage. The first resonant converter receives the first output voltage and generates a supply voltage. The second pre-regulator receives a second input voltage and generates a second output voltage. The second resonant converter receives the second output voltage and generates the supply voltage, in which an output of the second resonant converter is electrically connected in parallel with an output of the first resonant converter. The controller controls the first pre-regulator and the second pre-regulator such that the first resonant converter and the second resonant converter generate identical output currents in accordance with controlled operations of the first pre-regulator and the second pre-regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yun-Hui Chen, Zhi-Jiang Deng, Guo-Dong Yin, Zhong-Wei Ke
  • Patent number: 8901411
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) control system generates a power output rate control signal based on a monitored rate of change of collective power output generated via a plurality of PV subsystems and a desired collective output power change rate for the plurality of PV subsystems and communicates the power output rate control signal to the plurality of PV subsystems to control a rate of change of one or more operating parameters of individual PV subsystems in order to control a rate of change of collective output power of the plurality of solar PV subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yan Liu, Luis Jose Garces, Sumit Bose
  • Publication number: 20140346878
    Abstract: The present invention is made to not only reduce voltage drop when a power supply circuit makes a selection between a power supply voltage from a main power supply and a backup power supply voltage from an auxiliary power supply, but also reduce the power consumption of the auxiliary power supply. The power supply circuit, which is in a semiconductor integrated circuit, includes a measurement circuit, a switch control circuit, and a switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a first switch element and a second switch element. The first switch element is coupled between an output terminal and a first input terminal. The second switch element is coupled between the output terminal and a second input terminal. The measurement circuit operates on the main power supply voltage at the first input terminal and compares the main power supply voltage with the auxiliary power supply voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiko Umeyama
  • Publication number: 20140346881
    Abstract: A circuit includes a power-on control circuit and a voltage generating circuit. The power-on control circuit is configured to cause a power-on control signal to follow a voltage level of a first supply voltage during a first time period that a voltage level of a second supply voltage is less than a threshold value, and to set the power-on control signal to have a voltage level of a reference voltage during a second time period that the voltage level of the second supply voltage is greater than the threshold value. The voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a voltage signal responsive to the power-on control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Han WANG
  • Publication number: 20140346879
    Abstract: A power module (10) includes at least one power supply unit (110) and a power distribution board (130) separately located on different circuit boards to prevent any cross-influencing in voltage conversion. The power supply unit (110) includes an AC to DC converter (113) configured to receive an external alternating current (AC), and convert the AC into a first direct current (DC) having a voltage value within a first voltage range. The power distribution board (130) includes at least one voltage converter configured to receive the first DC and convert the first DC into at least one second DC to power the components of a server (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YU-CHI TSAI
  • Publication number: 20140346880
    Abstract: When a snubber capacitor is charged to at least a predetermined voltage, a protection circuit renders conductive a clamp diode provided on current paths to complete the charging of the snubber capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20140339898
    Abstract: A circuitry arrangement includes two-pole connectors for connecting a battery and a further voltage source. The plus pole of one connector and the minus pole of the other connector are directly connected to a plus pole and a minus pole of a DC voltage link. The plus and minus poles of the one connector are connected via a first parallel circuit of a switch and a diode and a first choke connected in series. The minus and plus poles of the other connector are connected via a second parallel circuit of a switch and a diode and a second choke connected in series. A connection between choke ends of the two parallel circuits is electrically conductive at least for alternating currents. The two chokes are magnetically coupled in that their winding senses on a common magnetic core are equal as viewed from the connection between the two parallel circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Burkard Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140339316
    Abstract: Techniques for providing ancillary services to a power grid using customer premises such as commercial buildings. The techniques may involve receiving a regulation signal from a grid operator that is specific to a commercial building and modifying power consumption by at least one power consumption component in the building based on the regulation signal. The power consumption component may be a fan of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Conducted experiments demonstrate that up to 15% of fan power capacity may be deployed for regulation purposes while maintaining indoor temperature deviation to no more than 0.2° C. The regulation signal may be tracked in a frequency band from about 4 seconds to 10 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Prabir Barooah, Sean Meyn
  • Publication number: 20140339897
    Abstract: A switched capacitor circuit including two or more capacitors arranged in a switched capacitor circuit configuration with a comparator comparing a node whose potential varies with the charging of one or more of the switched capacitors. The switched capacitor circuit also has two or more current sources scaled relative to one another coupled to the capacitors and to the comparator, where the current from one current source charges at least two of the capacitors in series during the charge portion of the cycle, and the other current source charges at least one of but at least one fewer of the capacitor(s) during the charge portion of the cycle, and where the current sources are enabled at the beginning of the charge portion of the cycle, but where the comparator disables the current sources once the node reaches a reference potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: DAVID SCHIE
  • Publication number: 20140339894
    Abstract: An embodiment of a pre-emphasis circuit, an embodiment of a method for pre-emphasizing complementary single-ended signals, an embodiment of a transmitter, and an embodiment of a communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: ManoharRaju K.S.V., Hiten ADVANI
  • Publication number: 20140327313
    Abstract: A cascading regulation system connected to a number of serially connected power sources and uses multiple regulators having different cutoff voltages to provide an output for the local power consumption unit. Each of the regulators is connected to a subset of serially connected power sources and so configured that if the voltage generated at the lowest tap is no longer sufficient for a stable supply to the local power consumption unit, the next higher regulator takes over, and the output voltage drops in small steps reflective of that takeover of the next higher tap. When the voltage generated across a subsection grows, a lower connected tap may take over again, producing a slightly higher output voltage for the local power consumption unit. The cutover steps are chosen such that the output voltage range matches the range given as the acceptable input range for the local power consumption unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: SHMUEL ARDITI, DANIEL EIZIPS, MORDECHAY AVRUTSKY
  • Publication number: 20140318410
    Abstract: A locomotive includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels being connected to one of said axles. The locomotive also includes a plurality of traction motors, each traction motor operably attached to at least one of the axles. The locomotive includes a power system including at least one power module, the power system being configured to provide power to the traction motors. The locomotive includes a controller configured to receive a control signal indicative of a locomotive powering mode and determine a number of power modules operably connected to the power system and, based on the number of power modules operably connected to the power system and the control signal, send a command signal to the power system for operating the power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Franklin Kral, Jeffrey Holt Wright, Sidarta Fornari Beltramin, Luis Roberto van den Berg
  • Publication number: 20140319915
    Abstract: A power adapter with proportional current sharing is provided to supply power for a mobile electronic device. The power adapter includes a plurality of power modules. Each power module has a power unit, a current-sharing integrated circuit, and a shunt resistor. The power unit receives an external power source and provides an output power. The current-sharing integrated circuit is electrically connected to the power unit. The shunt resistor is electrically connected between a power output terminal of the power unit and the current-sharing integrated circuit. When the power modules are electrically connected in parallel to each other, each power units provides a connection signal to the mobile electronic device via the corresponding shunt resistor. In addition, the current-sharing integrated circuits are used to distribute output power of the corresponding power unit according to the required of the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chun LEE, Sen-Chi LIN, Fu-Sung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140307521
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus in comprising a transformer, a first power source and a second power source, an ultrasound transducer, a processor, and a driving part. The transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first power source and the second power source are connected to the primary winding. The ultrasound transducer is driven by the voltage induced to the secondary winding, and transmits ultrasound waves to a subject, and receives reflected waves reflected by the subject to output the received signal. The processor implements processing on the received signal to generate ultrasound wave images. The driving part drives to change the voltage among a first level voltage based on the first power source, a second level voltage based on the second power source, and a third level voltage between the first level voltage and the second level voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Kameishi, Hiroyuki Shibanuma, Shuta Fujiwara, Satoshi Kamiyama, Takayuki Shiina, Masaaki Ishitsuka, Tomohiro Fujita
  • Publication number: 20140306533
    Abstract: A gateway controller allows a plurality of individual power generation units coupled to an electrical distribution grid to be controlled in a coordinated fashion. The gateway controller allows control of the plurality of individual power generation units as a single power generation unit. The gateway controller may determine required control parameters of the power generation units that will provide a desired combined behavior, such as combined alternating current injected into the grid, and issues commands to the power generation units based on the determined control parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SOLANTRO SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Antoine Marc Joseph Richard PAQUIN, Edward Patrick KEYES, Raymond Kenneth ORR, Peter Giles PRESTON-THOMAS, Olivier Anne Jean-Yves CHAPEL
  • Publication number: 20140306536
    Abstract: Power supply circuit comprises an under voltage protection module and a voltage conversion module electrically connected to the under voltage protection module. The under voltage protection module is electrically connected to a first power supply and a second power supply. The voltage conversion module is connected to the first power supply. When a voltage of the first power supply is in a normal range, the under voltage protection module offers the second power supply to power the voltage conversion module. The voltage conversion module converts the voltage of the first power supply into an operational voltage, and outputs the operational voltage. When the voltage of the first power supply is less than a threshold voltage, the under voltage protection module does not offer the second power supply to the voltage conversion module, and the voltage conversion module does not operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HAI-QING ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20140306534
    Abstract: A method for voltage regulation of a power distribution grid includes integrating a photovoltaic (PV) system with a distributed energy storage system (ESS); monitoring voltage and current phasors at a point of common coupling (PCC) to establish a real-time Thevenin equivalent of the distribution grid; and adaptively dispatching the ESS in response to network fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: NEC Laboratories America, Inc.
    Inventors: Di Shi, Ratnesh Sharma
  • Publication number: 20140306535
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises: a displacement unit provided to an electronic apparatus main body; a first power source provided to the main body and supplying power to a load provided to the displacement unit; a first connecting unit that opens and closes a first supply path supplying an electric current from the first power source to the load in response to displacement of the displacement unit; a limiting unit provided on the first supply path and limiting an electric current flowing through the first supply path for a predetermined time from when an electric current is supplied from a second power source; and a second connecting unit that opens and closes a second supply path supplying an electric current from the second power source to the limiting unit in response to the displacement, wherein the first connecting unit opens and closes the second supply path in response to the displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Hamano
  • Patent number: 8860248
    Abstract: A demand response unit (DRU) interposed between a utility's electrical power line (PL) and at least one load (L1-Ln) to which power is supplied by the utility over the line. A detector (Fdet or Vdet) measures a characteristic (frequency F, voltage V) of an electrical waveform (W) by which power is transmitted by the utility to the load. The detector determines both when the measured frequency or voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold for a first predetermined period of time; and, if the threshold is exceeded, when the frequency or voltage exceeds the second predetermined threshold for a second predetermined period of time. For this purpose, the detector processes a predetermined number of intervals of the waveform and produces an average value of the characteristic which is compared to the threshold. This is done to reduce the effect of extraneous events which may temporarily change the value of the frequency or voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aclara Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Christopher K. Fleck
  • Patent number: 8853888
    Abstract: A multiple-input DC-DC converter that is capable of power diversification among different energy sources with different voltage-current characteristics. The converter is capable of bidirectional operation in buck, boost and buck-boost modes and provides a positive output voltage without the need for a transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Alireza Khaligh
  • Publication number: 20140292084
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a hybrid continuous current supply, the current supply including a fuel cell stack, a battery, and a DC/DC converter including an input and an output, the converter input being connected to the fuel cell stack output and the output being connected to a variable load in parallel with the battery, the fuel cell stack being formed of a plurality of electrochemical cells configured to produce electricity from a fuel and an oxidizing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Belenos Clean Power Holding AG
    Inventor: Donald Corson