Abstract: A plurality of semiconductor relays is provided between a power source and loads. The semiconductor relays have a function of a current detection for detecting a current passing through themselves. The loads are connected to output terminals respectively. A switching unit arbitrarily selects and switches a connecting destination of the semiconductor relays from among the plurality of output terminals. A microcomputer controls the switching unit on the basis of the detection results of a current flowing through the semiconductor relays, and adjusts the number of the semiconductor relays connected to the same load and connected to each other in parallel.

Abstract: A solar power inverter includes a number of photovoltaic (PV) inputs for connecting PV modules, a DC-DC converter at each of the PV inputs and a DC-AC inverter for converting the outputs of the DC-DC converters to an AC output power that may be fed into a power grid. The invention provides a method of controlling such a solar power inverter including the steps of identifying a PV input by assigning a priority value to the PV inputs and identifying the PV input with the highest assigned priority value, calculating a set value for the DC-DC converter at the identified PV input that is equal or below a maximum power capacity of the PV module connected to the identified PV input, and applying the set value for the DC-DC converter at the identified PV input.

Abstract: A system for charging an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle, the system comprising: a low power grid interface comprising an AC pole and a DC pole, the AC pole being electrically connected to an electrical power grid; a battery buffer electrically connected to the DC pole of the low power grid interface; and a DC-DC converter having an input DC pole and an output DC pole, the input DC pole being connected to the battery buffer and the output DC pole being connected to an electric vehicle, wherein the connection between the battery buffer and the DC-DC converter is a DC electrical connection.

Abstract: A storage battery control apparatus is provided with which a system capable of charging a storage battery using power from an electric power system and also charging the storage battery using power from a power generation system is inexpensively built. A storage battery control apparatus includes a switching control unit and a switch for connecting a CT to a current sensor connecting portion in a power generation system during a period during which a storage battery is charged using power from an electric power system, and for connecting a CT to the current sensor connecting portion during a period during which the storage battery is charged using power from the power generation system.

Abstract: Basic circuit of U phase includes first to fourth semiconductor elements (SU1.1 to SU1.4) connected between positive and negative ends of DC voltage source (DCC1), fifth semiconductor element (SU1.5) connected to a common connection point of the first and second semiconductor elements (SU1.1, SU1.2), and sixth semiconductor element (SU1.6) connected to a common connection point of the third and fourth semiconductor elements (SU1.3, SU1.4). Flying capacitor (FC1) is inserted between the fifth semiconductor element (SU1.5) and the sixth semiconductor element (SU1.6). Voltage selection circuits have the common connection points of the second and third semiconductor elements (SU1.2, SU1.3) of the respective basic circuits as input terminals, and includes semiconductor elements (SU1 to SU4) between the input terminals and output terminals (U, V, W).

Abstract: The invention relates to an attenuation circuit for an energy storage device having one or more energy storage modules which are connected in series in one or more energy supply lines and have at least one energy storage cell and a coupling device which has a multiplicity of coupling elements and is designed to selectively switch or bridge the energy storage cell in the respective energy supply line.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a voltage-dividing resistor circuit including first and second resistors connected in series between a power supply potential and a reference potential and outputting a potential at a point of connection between the first and second resistors; a transient response detection circuit including a third resistor having a first end connected to the power supply potential and a capacitor connected between a second end of the third resistor and the reference potential, and outputting a potential at a point of connection between the third resistor and the capacitor; an AND circuit ANDing an output signal of the voltage-dividing resistor circuit and an output signal of the transient response detection circuit; and an output circuit, wherein switching of the output circuit is controlled by an output signal of the AND circuit.

Abstract: In the case that an auxiliary such as the air conditioner is operated with electric power from the commercial power supply by controlling the charger prior to the system startup and the inter-terminal voltage of the battery is more than or equal to the threshold value Vref that is a voltage where there is a possibility of overcharging the battery when the battery is charged, the supply voltage of the electric power supplied from the charger is set to the voltage that is a little smaller than the threshold value, and the auxiliary is operated with the electric power from the battery and the electric power from the charger. This arrangement enables to prevent overcharging the battery and to operate the auxiliary in the case that an auxiliary such as the air conditioner is operated with electric power from the commercial power supply by controlling the charger prior to the system startup.

Abstract: A control device of an electric power supply apparatus controls a voltage applied to an inverter to fall within a voltage range between a first voltage that is the voltage of one of a first electric power supply and a second electric power supply and a second voltage that is the sum of the voltage of the first electric power supply and the voltage of the second electric power supply, by alternately switching between a series state in which a current loop that connects the first electric power supply, the second electric power supply, and a reactor in series with the inverter is formed, and a parallel state in which the first electric power supply and the second electric power supply are connected in parallel with the inverter as an electric load.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a photovoltaic system for feeding a medium-voltage grid, wherein the photovoltaic system has a photovoltaic generator including a plurality of photovoltaic modules, at least one inverter and at least one medium-voltage transformer. The medium-voltage transformer is connected on the primary side directly to a low-voltage AC output of the inverter, the inverter is connected to the photovoltaic generator via a DC input, and the inverter permits reverse currents from the low-voltage AC output to the DC input. The method is characterized by the fact that in the event that there is insufficient generation of electric power for the feed by the photovoltaic modules, the inverter remains connected on the AC side to the medium-voltage grid via the medium-voltage transformer, and remains connected on the DC side to the photovoltaic generator.

Abstract: A power conversion device able to supply a constant load voltage even when the voltage of a 3-phase alternating current power supply fluctuates. A series circuit formed of switching element Q1 and switching element Q2 and a series circuit formed of switching element Q3 and switching element Q4 are connected to both ends of direct current power supply series circuit 3 formed of direct current power supply Psp and direct current power supply Psn, a bidirectional switch element S1 is connected between alternating current output terminals U and R, a bidirectional switch element S2 is connected between alternating current output terminal U and neutral terminal O, a bidirectional switch element S3 is connected between alternating current output terminal W and neutral terminal O, a bidirectional switch element S4 is connected between alternating current output terminal W and terminal T, and alternating current output terminals V and terminal S are connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device comprising a power supply module connected to a converter system, wherein said power supply module comprises a plurality of elements for producing electricity from renewable energy connected in series and said elements for producing electricity from renewable energy are assembled in groups, characterised in that the converter system comprises a plurality of regulator circuits, each regulator circuit being connected to a group of elements for producing electricity from renewable energy so that each group of elements for producing electricity from renewable energy can be controlled separately.

Abstract: A smart photovoltaic (PV) module includes a PV laminate configured to receive solar energy and provide a direct current (DC) power output, and a DC power manager (DCPM) electrically connected to the PV laminate to receive the DC power output of the PV laminate. The DCPM includes a DC/DC power converter configured to receive the DC power output from the PV laminate and provide a module DC power output, and a controller operatively connected to the DC/DC power converter. The controller is configured to control operation of the DC/DC power converter to produce the module DC power output at substantially the maximum power point of the PV laminate.

Abstract: A power supply system comprising a power source apparatus connected at a junction point P1 to a system power source line L0 provided between a system power source and a load device, and a power source apparatus connected at a junction point P2 to the system power source line L0. The power supply system includes a current sensor CT2-1 provided on the system power source line (L0) between the system power source and the junction point P1, a current sensor CT2-2 provided on the power source apparatus power source line L1 between the power source apparatus and the junction point P1, and a current sensor CT2-3 provided on the system power source line L0 between the junction point P1 and the junction point P2. The power source apparatus controls the output of power from the power source apparatus, on the basis of the outputs from current sensors CT2-1, CT2-2, CT2-3.

Abstract: A multilevel power converter circuit driven by two direct current power supplies in series includes a first semiconductor switch series circuit that combines a series circuit of 2n IGBTs connected between positive and negative electrodes with a capacitor, a second semiconductor switch series circuit that combines a series circuit of 2n-2 IGBTs connected between the emitter of a first IGBT of the first semiconductor switch series circuit and the collector of a 2nth IGBT with a capacitor, and a bidirectional switch connected between an intermediate point of the second semiconductor switch series circuit and an intermediate point of the direct current power supply, to reduce a voltage change in the alternating current output when semiconductor switches are switching.

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.

Abstract: Various techniques are employed alone or in combination, to reduce the levelized cost of energy imposed by a power plant system. Solar energy concentrators in the form of inflated reflectors, focus light onto photovoltaic receivers. Multiple concentrators are grouped into a series-connected cluster that shares control circuitry and support structure. Individual concentrators are maintained at their maximum power point via balance controllers that control the flow of current that shunts this series connection. DC current from clusters is transmitted moderate distances to a centralized inverter. The inductance of transmission lines is maximized using an air-spaced twisted pair, enhancing the performance of boost-type three phase inverters. Cluster outputs are separate from individual inverters in massively interleaved arrays co-located at a central location.

Abstract: A system to collect energy from generation systems such as, for example, wind farms or solar farms with widely distributed energy-generation equipment. In some cases, static inverters are used to feed the energy directly into the power grid. In some other cases, back-to-back static inverters are used create a high-voltage DC transmission line to collect power from multiple generation sites into one feed-in site.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system, having a photovoltaic panel, which has a direct current (DC) output and a micro-inverter with input terminals and output terminals. The input terminals are adapted for connection to the DC output. The micro-inverter is configured for converting an input DC power received at the input terminals to an output alternating current (AC) power at the output terminals. A bypass current path between the output terminals may be adapted for passing current produced externally to the micro-inverter. The micro-inverter is configured to output an alternating current voltage significantly less than a grid voltage.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for diverting current from a Photovoltaic (PV) module. In particular embodiments, the PV module can be part of a series connection (or string) of PV modules. The series connection provides a primary current path through which generated current flows. Current diversion circuit(s) can be used in connection with one or more PV modules. The current diversion circuit detects when the current through the primary current path is less than the desired current level for a corresponding PV module (e.g., the maximum power point). In response to this detection, the current diversion circuit can provide an alternate pathway for current from the corresponding PV module. This results in an overall increase in the current from the PV module and a corresponding increase in efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and devices for pre-regulating power are disclosed herein. The method may include sectioning at least a portion of a photovoltaic array into two array subsections and applying power from the two array subsections to a power conversion component. A voltage that is applied by each of the two subsections varies with environmental conditions affecting the two array sections. A connection between the two array subsections is alternated from a series arrangement and a parallel arrangement to regulate a voltage level of the power that is applied by both of the two subsections to the power conversion component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery system (10), comprising a battery module (11), which comprises a first high-voltage connection (12a), a second high-voltage connection (12b) and a multiplicity of battery cell modules (11a, . . . , 11n) which are connected in series between the first and second high-voltage connections, and a switching matrix (13). The switching matrix comprises a large number of switching rails (14), which are each connected to one of the nodes between in each case two of the battery cell modules which are connected in series, a multiplicity of first switching devices (15a), which are designed to connect in each case one of the switching rails (14) to a first low-voltage connection (13a) of the switching matrix (13), and a multiplicity of second switching devices (15b), which are designed to connect in each case one of the switching rails (14) to a second low-voltage connection (13b) of the switching matrix. In this case, a first total voltage (HV) of all of the battery cell modules (11a, .

Abstract: A method for safely detecting in two redundantly-configured output modules a possible wire break of a load, wherein during a switch-off test of a first module, a current test is performed in the respective other module and a binary test is performed in the switched-off module. The binary test determines whether the voltage switched off through the respective other module is also reaching the module with the binary tests over corresponding connection paths.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed which include a string of units including at least two electrical energy producing units connected in series and providing string current. Each of the units is adapted to provide the electrical energy via output terminals. The apparatus further comprising a current equalization unit. The current equalization unit is adapted to individually control the magnitude and direction of current via that current equalization unit so that the algebraic sum of the current produced by its respective electrical energy producing unit when operated at a defined operational point and the current flowing via said current equalization unit equals to said string current. The operation of the apparatus enables transfer of energy from units with high production capacity to units with low production capacity without having to use a dedicated bus for that. The energy is transferred via the cabling of the string.

Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.

Abstract: A balancing circuit for a plurality of series connected cells or substrings of cells is provided. In one implementation, the balancing circuit includes a plurality of primary ports; an isolated secondary port; and one or more DC-DC converters connected between the primary ports and the isolated secondary port. Each DC-DC converter includes at least one power switch. The DC-DC converters are configured to adjust a primary port current received at one or more of the plurality of primary ports based upon a difference between a voltage at the one of the primary ports and a reference voltage. Also provided are an electrical power system including such as balancing circuit and a method of balancing a plurality of electric cell substrings using such a balancing circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a power generation control apparatus including a measurement part measuring a voltage and a current of a photoelectric transducer, a regulation part regulating a current flowing through the photoelectric transducer, and a control part analyzing a shape of a current-voltage curve from the voltage and the current measured by the measurement part, and controlling the regulation part based on a result of the analysis to regulate the current flowing through the photoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A damping circuit for an energy storage device. The damping circuit comprises a current detection device designed to detect an output current of energy supply strings or the energy storage device and to generate an output current signal dependent on the output current. The damping circuit also includes a closed-loop control circuit coupled to the current detection device. The closed-loop control circuit designed to adjust the output current signal to a setpoint current signal and to output a corresponding current control signal. A first winding of a transformer is coupled to an output connection of the energy storage device. A second winding is galvanically isolated from the first winding. A compensation current generation device is coupled to the closed-loop control circuit, and is designed to feed a compensation current into the second winding of the transformer depending on the current control signal.

Abstract: A converter apparatus and method for operating the converter apparatus are provided for producing a plurality of output voltages or a plurality of output voltage potentials at corresponding outputs. The converter apparatus includes a plurality of setting units, which are each associated with one of a plurality of input voltage sources, Each of the setting units is configured to vary an input voltage which is produced by the associated input voltage source, and to provide an intermediate voltage. The converter apparatus also includes a plurality of selection elements to which intermediate voltage potentials are each applied. The intermediate voltage potentials are defined by the intermediate voltages. Each selection element is configured to select one of the intermediate voltage potentials for outputting as the respective output voltage potential.

Abstract: A circuit for an energy collection system is provided that includes one or more strings that are configured to couple to an electrical load. Each of the one or more strings comprises one or more string members that are coupled to each other in series. Each of the one or more string members comprises (i) a connection to receive an output from an energy output device, and (ii) an inverter configured to convert the output of the energy output device into alternating current (AC) energy. The circuit includes a controller that controls the output that is provided by the one or more strings by controlling the individual string member.

Abstract: The DC-AC inversion of solar power in systems having high voltage, highly varying photovoltaic power sources may be provided to optimize input into a high voltage, high power photovoltaic DC-AC inverter. The inverter may coordinate the conversion of solar power in photovoltaic DC-DC power converters to achieve a desired inverter operating condition. Desired inverter operating conditions may include singular voltage inputs, optimal voltage inputs, inverter sweet spot voltage inputs, and the like. The converters may be coordinated to convert output to optimal input characteristics of the inverter, to control a posterior photovoltaic operating condition, to control the converter for inverter operating conditions, and the like. Output from the inverter may be transferred to a power grid at high power levels with coordinated control possible for various elements.

Abstract: In a solar panel array, each solar panel in a series-connected string has a current source connected across its output terminals. The current source generates a programmable output current equal to the difference of the load current drawn from the panel and the current corresponding to the maximum power point (MPP) of the panel. As a result, each of the panels in the string is operated at its MPP. When the array contains multiple strings connected in parallel, a voltage source is additionally connected in series with each string. The voltage sources are programmable to generate corresponding output voltages to enable operation of each panel in each of the multiple strings at its MPP. Respective control blocks providing the current sources and voltage sources automatically determine the MPP of the corresponding panels. In an embodiment, the control blocks are implemented as DC-DC converters in conjunction with measurement and communication units.

Abstract: Techniques for DC-to-AC conversion are disclosed, and may be embodied in a solar inverter device that can operatively couple to a power grid. The device includes a photovoltaic (PV) stack including series-connected PV modules. Each PV module is associated with a capacitor for storing output of that PV module. A positive terminator circuit switches a negative end of the PV stack to ground during positive half of grid cycle, and a negative terminator switches a positive end of the PV stack to ground during negative half of grid cycle. A connecting branch couples each PV module output to a common bus, each branch including control circuitry configured to selectively couple the corresponding PV module output to bus. During a first half of grid cycle, some of the capacitors discharge to the grid while a balance of the capacitors charge in preparation for discharge during a second half of grid cycle.

Abstract: A solar power system is provided for maximizing solar power conversion. The solar power system includes n power units connected in series and n-1 DC-DC converting units, and each of the n-1 DC-DC converting units is coupled to at least one of n solar power units. Each of the n-1 DC-DC converting units is configured to control the correspondingly connected solar power units to operate at a target current generation. The solar power system further includes a controlling unit coupled to the n-1 DC-DC converting units. The controlling unit monitors and compares the n currents generated by the n solar power units. Based on the current comparison, the controlling unit determines a series current and controls the n solar power units so that each of the generated photovoltaic currents is substantially equal to the determined series current.

Abstract: A method for safely detecting in two redundantly-configured output modules a possible wire break of a load, wherein during a switch-off test of a first module, a current test is performed in the respective other module and a binary test is performed in the switched-off module. The binary test determines whether the voltage switched off through the respective other module is also reaching the module with the binary tests over corresponding connection paths.

Abstract: The DC-AC inversion of solar power in systems having high voltage, highly varying photovoltaic power sources may be provided to optimize input into a high voltage, high power photovoltaic DC-AC inverter. The inverter may coordinate the conversion of solar power in photovoltaic DC-DC power converters to achieve a desired inverter operating condition. Desired inverter operating conditions may include singular voltage inputs, optimal voltage inputs, inverter sweet spot voltage inputs, and the like. The converters may be coordinated to convert output to optimal input characteristics of the inverter, to control a posterior photovoltaic operating condition, to control the converter for inverter operating conditions, and the like. Output from the inverter may be transferred to a power grid at high power levels with coordinated control possible for various elements.

Abstract: Techniques for DC-to-AC conversion are disclosed, and may be embodied in a solar inverter device that can operatively couple to a power grid. The device includes a photovoltaic (PV) stack including series-connected PV modules. Each PV module is associated with a capacitor for storing output of that PV module. A positive terminator circuit switches a negative end of the PV stack to ground during positive half of grid cycle, and a negative terminator switches a positive end of the PV stack to ground during negative half of grid cycle. A connecting branch couples each PV module output to a common bus, each branch including control circuitry configured to selectively couple the corresponding PV module output to bus. During a first half of grid cycle, some of the capacitors discharge to the grid while a balance of the capacitors charge in preparation for discharge during a second half of grid cycle.

Abstract: Different systems to achieve solar power conversion are provided in at least three different general aspects, with circuitry that can be used to harvest maximum power from a solar source (1) or strings of panels (11) for DC or AC use, perhaps for transfer to a power grid (10) three aspects can exist perhaps independently and relate to: 1) electrical power conversion in a multimodal manner, 2) alternating between differing processes such as by an alternative mode photovoltaic power converter functionality control (27), and 3) systems that can achieve efficiencies in conversion that are extraordinarily high compared to traditional through substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic DC-DC power conversion capability that can achieve 99.2% efficiency or even only wire transmission losses. Switchmode impedance conversion circuits may have pairs of photovoltaic power series switch elements (24) and pairs of photovoltaic power shunt switch elements (25).

Abstract: In large PV power plants, grounding of individual PV modules may lead to problems. The present invention overcomes such problems. The basis for the invention is a PV power plant comprising one or more PV generators, each comprising a PV string and an inverter with a DC input and an AC output. The PV string comprises at least one PV module and is electrically connected to the DC input of the inverter. The inverter comprises means for controlling the DC potential at the DC input depending on the DC potential at the AC output. The AC outputs of the inverters are coupled in parallel. The novel feature of the invention is that the PV power plant further comprises an offset voltage source, which controls the DC potential at the AC outputs. Thereby, the DC potential at the DC input will be indirectly controlled, and it is thus possible to ensure that the potentials with respect to ground at the terminals of the PV modules are all non-negative or all non-positive without grounding the PV modules.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and devices for a control system to regulate the output voltage of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) in an image forming device. In one embodiment, the HVPS comprises at least two voltage sources connected in series. A print engine controller is configured to disable at least one of the voltage sources when a voltage draw of a load exceeds a maximum differential voltage of the at least two voltage sources.

Abstract: There is described a peripheral module which in addition to the connection terminals for the process data supply has connection terminals for the supply of voltage. Furthermore, the peripheral module has a changeover switching device to disconnect the peripheral module from an upstream load group. The peripheral module can assume the function of a supply group or a power module when a supply voltage is applied to the terminals. In a peripheral system made of several peripheral modules the voltage within a load group is supplied via an internal self-constructing voltage bus.

Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple (DC) batteries each DC battery with positive and negative poles. Multiple power converters are coupled respectively to the DC batteries. Each power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is adapted for coupling to the positive pole. The second terminal is adapted for coupling to the negative pole. The power converter includes: (i) a control loop adapted for setting the voltage between or current through the first and second terminals, and (ii) a power conversion portion adapted to selectively either: convert power from said first and second terminals to said third and fourth terminals to discharge the battery connected thereto, or to convert power from the third and fourth terminals to the first and second terminals to charge the battery connected thereto.

Abstract: An electric discharge machining device that performs processing by applying a voltage pulse to space between the processing electrode and the workpiece and suitably switching the polarity of the voltage pulse attains both desired processing accuracy and desired controllability. The electric discharge machining device is provided with the first to fourth switching elements. The controlling unit that controls these switching elements, when setting a period time in which the first switching element is turned on, a period of time in which the fourth switching element is in an on-state in the same period, and, when setting a period time in which the second switching element is turned on, a period of time in which the third switching element is in an on-state in the same period so that a desired voltage pulse is applied to the space between the processing electrode and the workpiece.

Abstract: A DC voltage converting device is on the output side connected to a DC voltage source and, on the output side, supplies a converted DC voltage to at least one electrical consumer via a cable connection. To improve such a DC voltage converting device in that also with high DC voltages on the input side, a conversion into another DC voltage is possible without any special constructional efforts and high costs while complicated cooling means or the like, are avoided at the same time, the Dc voltage converting device comprises a plurality of DC voltage converting units of which each is serially connected to the DC voltage source on the input side and connected in parallel with the cable connection on the output side for supplying the converted DC voltage.

Abstract: A power control system is described that reuses current from segregated circuits of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the segregated circuits (or “sections”) can be “stacked” in series (with respect to the power supply) such that power is more efficiently used. The power can be more efficiently used by arranging a first section to reuse current that supplies power to a second section. A power control unit can be used to control regulators.

Abstract: A system includes a rechargeable battery backup for a barrier movement operator. A barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator has a head unit to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit is supplied power by a power source. A battery charging station is in electrical communication with at least one rechargeable battery and in electrical communication with the head unit to supply power to the at least one rechargeable battery. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station to supply power from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit. The system also includes electrically powered equipment comprising an apparatus for receiving the at least one rechargeable battery. The electrically powered equipment is adapted to be powered by the at least one rechargeable battery to perform a predetermined function.

Abstract: A power converting device includes a single-phase multiplex converter used as an active filter and a control device. The single-phase multiplex converter includes multiple single-phase inverters connected in series at AC output sides. Each of the single-phase inverters converts DC power fed from a DC power supply into AC power. The control device includes hysteresis comparators and controls output voltage of the single-phase multiplex converter by gradational output voltage control, based on the sum of selectively combined output voltages of the multiple single-phase inverters. The control device controls the single-phase multiplex converter so that an output current follows a harmonic compensation reference current, canceling harmonics leaking from a load to which the power converting device is connected.

Abstract: A power supply for at least one predominantly inductive load is provided. The power supply includes at least one controllable voltage source powered with a supply voltage, the at least one controllable voltage source supplying a controlled output voltage which powers the inductive load. The supply voltage of the voltage source is variable and the supply voltage is operable to be controlled as a function of the current flowing through the predominantly inductive load.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric vehicle power system that uses multiple permanent magnet motor/generators connected in series or parallel and multiple battery step switching. Motor, torque and speed are controlled by steps in series connection and then in parallel connection. Smooth acceleration, regeneration and current control are provided by delaying stepping from one battery step to the next until the next step is fully engaged. Transients are limited to the effect of one battery step by using rectifier shunt switching. Multiple motors provide acceleration torque at low speed in series connections and at cruising speeds in parallel connection. Regenerative deceleration is provided in the opposite manner. Battery depletion is averaged by flipping ends of a battery bank. Controls are provided with normal foot controls and a speed setter. A separate deceleration pedal or lever may be used.

Abstract: A power supply in an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of dc—dc switching power converters, each of which has its input isolated from its output. The power converters are arranged with their respective inputs being series connected and their respective outputs being parallel connected in an embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment of the inputs are parallel connected and the outputs series connected. Each power converter includes an input filter in each of said dc—dc switching power converters and an output filter. Each power converter includes a sensorless current mode control circuit controlling its switching duty ratio.