Sources Distributed Along Load Circuit Patents (Class 307/69)
  • Patent number: 11884173
    Abstract: A network-based energy management system of managing electric vehicle (EV) charging network infrastructure is provided. The system comprises a gateway including one or more of an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a building automation system and any other independent controller. The gateway is configured for performing charging authorization, load management and/or demand response on an EVSE network using more than one communication channels including remote and/or local modes. The EVSE network includes two or more components from a group of components including a first EVSE, a controller, a second EVSE, the building automation system, a local server, a remote server and other energy management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Harry Price Haas, Sesha Devastate Yeruva, Celia Dayagi, Ravikumar Balasubramaniam, Steven Six
  • Patent number: 11859833
    Abstract: In a control device, an instruction acquirer acquires an instruction to suppress in a specified period supplying of generated power generated by power generator installed in a power-consuming area to a commercial electrical power system. Upon the instruction acquirer acquiring the instruction, a water heater controller commands a water heater installed in the power-consuming area to perform a water heat-up operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the specified period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Ogawa, Masaaki Yabe, Masayuki Komatsu, Satoshi Minezawa, Akihiro Toda, Takashi Arai
  • Patent number: 11799296
    Abstract: An islanding detection system and method for multiple inverters operating in parallel, wherein the multiple inverters at least comprises a first inverter and a second inverter connected in parallel. The islanding detection system comprises a current detection circuit arranged on a grid side or an AC side of the second inverter; and a controller connected to the current detection circuit and the first inverter. The controller determines whether to perform distributed islanding detection or centralized islanding detection on the first inverter and the second inverter according to a grid voltage signal and a current detection signal of the current detection circuit. By recognizing the islanding detection mode of the second inverter, matching it with typical islanding detection modes preset in a library, and determining to perform a distributed or centralized islanding detection according to matching results, the application improves the success ratio of islanding detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shen Chen, Feidong Xu, Xuancai Zhu
  • Patent number: 11764579
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing an AC backup power source utilizing energy stored in an electric or hybrid vehicle and one or more AC loads powered thereby. The method and apparatus is preferred to be used as a home backup power system comprising a battery contained within an electric or hybrid vehicle providing DC power which is converted to AC backup power, charging the battery, monitoring the amount of power supplied to one or more loads and controlling AC power provided thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: J. Carl Cooper
  • Patent number: 11519612
    Abstract: In a control device, an instruction acquirer acquires an instruction to suppress in a specified period supplying of generated power generated by power generator installed in a power-consuming area to a commercial electrical power system. Upon the instruction acquirer acquiring the instruction, a water heater controller commands a water heater installed in the power-consuming area to perform a water heat-up operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the specified period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Ogawa, Masaaki Yabe, Masayuki Komatsu, Satoshi Minezawa, Akihiro Toda, Takashi Arai
  • Patent number: 11355934
    Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for producing electric energy, including: a generator having plural winding sets; plural converters each connected to one of the winding sets; at least two transformers, each connected at a low voltage side to output terminal of at least one converter; and a control portion connected to control the converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventors: Paul Godridge, Matthew Robert Anthony Kilpin, Brian Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 11135942
    Abstract: A railway direct-current system according to the present invention is provided with: a feeding line that is connected to a plurality of electric power substations arranged along a railway; and a trolley line that is connected to the feeding line via feeding branch lines at an arbitrarily defined interval, wherein a superconductive feeding cable is connected to somewhere midway in each of railroad lines extending from the substations to the trolley line via the feeding lines, so as to be parallel with the railroad line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Railway Technical Research Institute
    Inventors: Masaru Tomita, Yusuke Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 10659155
    Abstract: A system comprises a trunk submarine cable, an offshore optical and power switching unit connected to the trunk submarine cable, and a plurality of feeder submarine cables connected to the offshore switching unit. The offshore switching unit is configured to dynamically connect data communication channels of a selected feeder submarine cable among the plurality of feeder submarine cables with data communication channels of the trunk submarine cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Gregory Grubb, Timothy Edward Stuch, Andrew James Palmer-Felgate
  • Patent number: 10367421
    Abstract: A method and system of controlling a power converter coupled between one of a motor drive inverter and a grid-tie inverter within an electric grid. The method comprises operating the power converter in a first PLL control mode that establishes a state of synchronization with the electric grid, detecting a grid disturbance voltage dip event; keeping the power converter synchronized and preserving charge of a set of dc-link capacitors, switching from the first PLL control mode to a second PLL control mode of operation of the power converter to obtain fast re-synchronization after dip period ends, and reverting to operation in the first PLL control mode upon re-establishing of the state of synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Emirates Steel Industries Co. PJSC
    Inventors: Hany Abdelmonem Hamed Ahmed, Ahmed Fathi Ahmed Abdou, Ehab Hassan Eid Bayoumi, Elwy Eissa Ahmed Elkholy
  • Patent number: 10141854
    Abstract: An isolated power supply system for an undersea communication cable includes one or more power converters each including input circuitry responsive to an input current from a communication cable power conductor and in series with the communication cable power conductor of the undersea communication cable. One or more outputs are electrically isolated from the communication cable power conductor. A controller is coupled to each of the one or more power converters. The controller is configured to control the operation of the one or more power converters to provide the one or more outputs coupled to an external load located on a branch off of the undersea communication cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Diversified Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Butler, Noah H. Silverman, Kevin Vaughan
  • Patent number: 9774187
    Abstract: A device for load flow control of a direct current in a branch of a direct current voltage network node having a longitudinal voltage source which has a coupling device for connection or disconnection of electrical power. The coupling device for connection and disconnection of electrical power are connected to a coupling device for connection and disconnection of electric power of a further load flow control device which is disposed in another branch of the same direct current voltage network node. Thus the device can be used economically and flexibly for control of a load flow on or in a network node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Hans-Guenter Eckel
  • Patent number: 9035495
    Abstract: In a catenary-based transportation system which is provided with integrated power supply equipment having an electricity storage unit which stores electricity regenerated by vehicles traveling by electricity received from a catenary and supplies electricity to the catenary and the other power supply system which is a power supply system different from the electricity storage unit concerned, the performance of a rectifier of the other power supply system is determined based on a power-supplying contribution ratio ? of the other power supply system so that the cost value of the integrated power supply equipment becomes lower than a target cost value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Kono, Katsuaki Morita, Kazuki Ozaki, Yasunari Nagaki
  • Patent number: 9030043
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of avoiding that wind turbine voltage levels within a wind power plant do not exceed predetermined overvoltage and/or undervoltage protection levels. In particular, the present invention relates to shifting of an output voltage level of a wind power plant in order to protect an internal power plant grid against overvoltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jorge Martinez Garcia
  • Patent number: 9000612
    Abstract: An energy storage system is disclosed. The system can supply DC power from a battery to a DC load or from the DC load to the battery without inverting an AC power to the DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jungjin Choi
  • Patent number: 8987939
    Abstract: A hybrid power system is disclosed. The hybrid power system may include a primary power source configured to provide a primary power, and an energy storage device coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device configured to store excess primary power provided by the primary power source. The hybrid power system may further include a variable speed genset, the variable speed genset including a secondary power source configured to operate at a variable rotor speed to provide a secondary power responsive to power requirements of a load. The hybrid power system may also include a central controller communicatively coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset, the central controller configured to control the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset based on the power requirements of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dachuan Yu, Michael Parry Liechty, Mahesh Sitaram Illindala, Matthew Thomas Muller
  • Publication number: 20140368044
    Abstract: An energy management system using renewable energy resources to power an electric railcar along a rail and to distribute and store energy along a rail system is disclosed. The energy management system includes a power supply structured to generate electricity from renewable energy resources. A rail tie assembly, with a rail tie member, is positioned to support the rail and encloses a battery therein. The battery is electrically connected to the power supply. The rail tie assembly also includes at least one electricity transmission line, which is electrically connected to the battery and a railcar power transmission assembly. More specifically, the energy management system is structured to conduct electricity between the power supply and the battery, and to distribute power to a battery of an adjoining rail tie assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: JEFFREY EDWARD JENSEN
  • Patent number: 8907524
    Abstract: Systems and methods of semi-centralized power storage and distributed power generation comprise at least one power storage facility at a first location, at least one distributed power generation facility at a second location different than the first location, and at least one mobile stored power transportation unit. The power storage facility includes a power storage medium comprising liquid air, nitrogen, oxygen, or a combination thereof. The mobile stored power transportation unit is configured to carry at least a portion of the power storage medium to the distributed power generation facility. In exemplary embodiments, the power storage facility is an air separation plant. The power storage facility may also function as an energy service company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Expansion Energy LLC
    Inventor: David Vandor
  • Publication number: 20140333139
    Abstract: Systems and methods of semi-centralized power storage and distributed power generation comprise at least one power storage facility at a first location, at least one distributed power generation facility at a second location different than the first location, and at least one mobile stored power transportation unit. The power storage facility includes a power storage medium comprising liquid air, nitrogen, oxygen, or a combination thereof. The mobile stored power transportation unit is configured to carry at least a portion of the power storage medium to the distributed power generation facility. In exemplary embodiments, the power storage facility is an air separation plant. The power storage facility may also function as an energy service company.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Expansion Energy, LLC
    Inventor: David Vandor
  • Patent number: 8878387
    Abstract: An integrated circuit supplied by a rail-to-rail power supply voltage includes a multi-level stack voltage generator configured to partition the rail-to-rail power supply voltage into one or more reduced supply voltages each having a voltage value between positive and negative power supply voltages of the rail-to-rail power supply. The reduced supply voltages and the positive and negative power supply voltages being configured in series to form a stack of circuit layers. The integrated circuit further includes a core circuit including core circuit units coupled in a circuit layer or coupled between two or more circuit layers. Each core circuit unit is coupled to at least one of the reduced supply voltages. The core circuit units are coupled in the stack of circuit layers to form a serial connection of core circuit units between the positive power supply voltage and the negative power supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Micrel, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wong, Gang Luo
  • Publication number: 20140265597
    Abstract: In one embodiment, power gathering system (PGS) circuits are connected as an electrical overlay system to a distribution substation of a conventional electric-power generation, transmission, and distribution system. Combined heat and power (CHP) generators generate (i) electric power provided to the PGS circuits and (ii) thermal energy provided to co-located thermal host facilities that also receive electric power from the PGS circuits. The CHP generators convert excess thermal energy not used by the thermal host facilities into additional electric power provided to PGS circuits. As the amount of thermal energy used by the thermal host facilities varies over time, the amount of additional electric power generated by CHP generators is inversely varied. In this way, the primary electric-power generators (e.g., gas turbine generators) of the CHP generators can be operated economically at optimal levels independent of the thermal energy demand of the thermal host facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Mondre Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140265596
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for unintentional islanding detection for grid tie converters in which the phase angle disturbance is introduced by modification of grid side converter switching control signals and a mismatch of reactive power between generation and the grid load is formed upon the occurrence of unintentional islanding, where the applied phase disturbance is determined according to two pre-defined curves to form an equivalent positive feedback at different frequencies to prevent the converter from forming an island at a new stable frequency after the grid is disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenhuan YUAN, Shaofeng ZHANG, Haihui LU, Lixiang WEI, Russel J. Kerkman, Richard Lukaszewski, Ahmed Mohamed Sayed Ahmed, Robert J. Breitzmann
  • Publication number: 20140225442
    Abstract: A distributed power generation system includes: an inverter connected to the first connection point; a first power generation device, a current sensor provided on the electric wire in a position between the utility power supply and the first connection point; and a controller wherein in a case where a current flowing in a direction from the first connection point to the power supply utility is a positive current, the controller determines that there is an abnormality in an installation state of the current sensor, or performs notification of the abnormality in the installation state of the current sensor, when an electric power difference obtained by subtracting electric power consumed in the power load from the electric power output from the inverter is greater than a first threshold which is greater than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichi Sato, Motomichi Katou, Hiroaki Kaku, Nin Kake, Hiroshi Nagasato
  • Patent number: 8796881
    Abstract: A system that enables power flow management for electrical devices, such as electric vehicles. Power flow managers can coordinate charging activities. Power flow decisions may be based on site-level information. Power flow management strategies may be optimized. Power spikes may be avoided by using safe failure modes. Generation stacks may be used for reducing cost. AGC commands are used to control power resources. Power regulation are apportioned to power resources, and power regulation ranges may be determined. Power flow strategies are implemented in response to changes in intermittent power flow. Locations of devices may be determined using network fingerprints. Power flow measurements are determined, and AC power flows are inferred from DC power flows. Network traffic consumption are minimized. Communication protocols are translated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GridPoint, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Davis
  • Publication number: 20130334886
    Abstract: A distributed power station system, comprising a remote control/management system (1), a plurality of individual power-generating units (21-2n) distributed in a freely-spaced manner, and a power line (3) connecting to all of the power-generating units and concentrating the electrical energy therefrom into the control/management system. Each power-generating unit comprises at least one set of power-source unit (211, 221, 231, 241) and one power-source-unit controller (212), each set consists of one power-source unit and one power-source-unit controller. Said power-source-unit controller is connected between the power line and the output end of the power-source unit, said output end facing the power line. Said power-source unit is an energy collection-and-conversion device comprising at least one of types of wind power, aerodynamic power, photovoltaic power, methane power, geothermal power, hydraulic power, and thermoelectric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Suzhou Gaia Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Lei Qu
  • Patent number: 8552582
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy. In some embodiments, the method may include generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location may be transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sunlight Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cyrus, Sergey V. Frolov
  • Patent number: 8520345
    Abstract: There is provided a protection circuit that protects a power converter connected to a secondary winding of a double-fed induction generator, the protection circuit including a rectifying unit connected to the secondary winding and configured to rectify an electric power coming through the secondary winding, a power consumption unit configured to consume the electric power rectified by the rectifying unit, and a switching unit connected to the power consumption unit in series and configured to switch to adjust the electric power flowing into the power consumption unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben Alexis Inzunza Figueroa, Junichi Nomura, Manabu Souda
  • Patent number: 8513928
    Abstract: A bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter is particularly well suited for applications where multiple bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converters are connected in parallel to a common battery. Multiple bidirectional DC-DC converters, as disclosed, may be connected in parallel to a common battery and, at least in boost mode, substantially no current circulates between the parallel connected bidirectional DC-DC converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Mikael Tötterman, Esa Kai Paatero
  • Patent number: 8497599
    Abstract: A local electrical system having an electrical generator is connected to an electrical generator network. The local electrical system has a controller to avoid the non-detection zone of loss-of-mains relays. The controller is arranged to monitor the real power flow from the electrical generator network to the local electrical system and to determine if the absolute value of the real power flow is below a first predetermined value to determine if there is a close match between the power requirements of the local electrical system and the electrical generator. If there is a close match, then the controller is arranged to monitor the reactive power flow the same way. If there is a close match also with the reactive power, then the controller is arranged to adjust the target reactive power output from the electrical generator of the local electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Roscoe
  • Patent number: 8466581
    Abstract: A system and method for providing grid connected utility pole distributed solar power generation is disclosed. The system includes a utility pole, an inverter and one or more solar panels. Each of the one or more solar panels is mounted on the utility pole. The method includes receiving solar energy at the one or more solar panels. The one or more solar panels convert the solar energy to direct current (DC) electrical energy. Further, the method includes transmitting the DC electrical energy to the inverter, which is mounted on the utility pole. The inverter can be integrated with one or more solar panels to form an alternating current photovoltaic (AC PV) module. Furthermore, the method includes converting the DC electrical energy to alternating current (AC) electrical energy by the inverter and transmitting the AC electrical energy to a grid for power distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: PetraSolar, Inc.
    Inventor: Shihab Kuran
  • Publication number: 20130119770
    Abstract: A network for managing distributed resources (DRs) is connected to an electric power system (EPS). The network includes a set of controllers, and multiple sets of the DRs, wherein each controller is connected to one of the sets of the DRs by a personal area network (PAN). A management system connects the EPS and the set of controllers by a wide area network (WAN). The EPS generates commands for selected DRs to take actions, the commands are routed to the selected DRs via the WAN and PANs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jianlin Guo
  • Publication number: 20130088085
    Abstract: In a catenary-based transportation system which is provided with integrated power supply equipment having an electricity storage unit which stores electricity regenerated by vehicles traveling by electricity received from a catenary and supplies electricity to the catenary and the other power supply system which is a power supply system different from the electricity storage unit concerned, the performance of a rectifier of the other power supply system is determined based on a power-supplying contribution ratio ? of the other power supply system so that the cost value of the integrated power supply equipment becomes lower than a target cost value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Takayuki Kono, Katsuaki Morita, Kazuki Ozaki, Yasunari Nagaki
  • Patent number: 8374012
    Abstract: A phase-controlled power supply is disclosed. The power supply includes a power conditioner with an input configured to connect to an external source of electrical power, the power conditioner being configured to provide conditioned power on its output. The power supply also includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a switching module coupled between the output of the power conditioner and to the primary winding of the transformer. The switching module has two modes of operation and a control signal input configured to accept a first control signal. The switching module includes a switching element configured to connect the power conditioner output to the primary winding of the transformer. The switching module operates in the first mode when the first control signal is in a first state, switching the first switching element at a first frequency and first duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Raptis, Jeff Gray, Dugan Joyce, Albert Dibelka, Alex Mueggenborg
  • Patent number: 8373307
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) power transmission system is described. The DC power transmission system includes a first plurality of series connected power collection systems and at least one superconducting DC conductor coupled to the plurality of series connected power collection systems and configured to transmit power generated by the plurality of power collection systems to a remote load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christof Martin Sihler, Robert Roesner, Kiruba Sivasubramaniam Haran, Sumit Bose
  • Patent number: 8358031
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes a photovoltaic source to generate direct current (DC) power; a direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC) single stage inverter to convert the direct current (DC) power from the photovoltaic source to alternating current (AC) power for delivery to a power grid, and a load balancing unit coupled to the single stage inverter. The power conversion system also includes a controller configured to determine a maximum power point for the power conversion system, regulate an output voltage of the single stage inverter, compute a power balance difference between a power demand from the power grid and an output power of the single stage inverter obtainable at the maximum power point and control in real-time the load balancing unit based on the power balance difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kathleen Ann O'Brien, Ralph Teichmann
  • Patent number: 8338986
    Abstract: A method for providing power to devices in a network and coordinating actions of multiple power supplies on the network is described. The method may include maintaining connectivity of communication signals and ground between upstream and downstream portions of the network relative to a power supply, while terminating power from an upstream power supply and taking over power supply functions for downstream devices. This may be achieved by including a logic feature within one or more of the multiple power supplies that monitors a power status of an upstream power supply and/or the power status of the associated power supply. When the logic feature detects a power cycle, it initiates a coordinated power cycle of the associated power supply and/or other networked power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Furukawa, Nicholas R. Goebel, Amy L. Stachowiak, Robert D. Law
  • Publication number: 20120302228
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microgenerator device adapted to retrofit into an existing utility power grid and provide a local means of power generation in remote locations, a relay communication means and a charging station for an electric car. Further disclosed is a method of use, wherein an electrical microgenerator is utilized to locally contribute power to an electrical grid, store power locally and supply users in remote areas with a means of communication and local power access. The microgenerator device comprises a direct current power generator assembly having a vertical axis wind turbine, a photovoltaic array, a micro-inverter, a telephonic communications relay capability, and energy storage unit, wherein the assembly is connectable to an existing power grid and utility pole. The device provides supplemental power to the grid, provides local power access and storage, while also providing a means of communication in remote locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Gray
  • Patent number: 8310099
    Abstract: An energy supply is provided along a route with at least one distribution station, wherein a first voltage is applied at the input and a second voltage at the output. The second voltage is lower or higher than the first voltage. A plurality of components are arranged along the route. A component, which is supplied with the second voltage, includes a power supply unit for transforming the second voltage into a third voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Engel, Robert Frankenberg, Harald Karl, Wolfgang Spaeth
  • Publication number: 20120280570
    Abstract: An electrical power transmission system where there are solar cells attached to a plurality of transmission poles. The cells are in panels wrapped around the poles to reduce windage loading and visual impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: David Smythe, Grant Behrendorff
  • Patent number: 8301312
    Abstract: A processing arrangement for the fault situation of a local electric power transmission grid comprises a generator-specific element arranged to monitor the fault situation of a data communication bus and the statuses of the switches of the electric power transmission network and to compare the status data concerning the same switch. In case of a fault situation the generators change into droop control only if there are no other possibilities to continue with the normal adjustment of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Wärtsilä Finland Oy
    Inventors: Ari Saikkonen, Tom Kaas
  • Patent number: 8275489
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generation and distribution of commercial wind power are provided. In one embodiment, a deployment method centers on the commercial deployment of small sized wind turbines that use existing power poles or similar structures to place the wind turbines high above the tree lines and in a clean air flow regime. This deployment can be free of any land needs, and can generate substantial electrical energy without any new poles in the sky line. Each wind turbine can provide power directly to the power grid at the point of generation for usage close to the point of generation. The power produced by each wind turbine can be metered at the wind turbine, or the point of generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Devine
  • Publication number: 20120223580
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for transmitting and distributing electricity in which a transmission tower is adapted to include a natural power device for converting wind or solar energy into electricity. The natural power device is electrically connected as a source to at least one or more transmission lines connected to the transmission tower, in order to supply the converted electricity to a distribution grid. A wind turbine and/or a solar panel may be implemented as the natural power device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Gordon PECK
  • Publication number: 20120126622
    Abstract: An autotransformer (AT) traction power supply system equipped with 2×27.5 kV outdoor modularized electric apparatus comprises a traction substation located beside an electrified railway, which connects with an up and a down line traction network at output terminal, a parallel apparatus located in the middle and the end of a feeder in the up and down line traction network, which functions as parallel power supply operation, and an over-zone apparatus located around a neutral section insulator between feeders of the up and down line traction network of two adjacent traction substations, which functions as over-zone power supply operation. The parallel apparatus connected with an AT equipment is a modularized electric apparatus which comprises four parallel power supply units. The AT equipment comprises four integrated AT substations which include the first AT, the second AT and an AT modularized electric apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Zhaorong Industry Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiahua Yu, Beidou Zhang
  • Patent number: 8174150
    Abstract: A power generating system includes an energy source coupled to a DC link through a first power converter and a second power converter to couple the DC link to a power grid. A first controller in the power generating system regulates voltage on the DC link and a second controller regulates a parameter of the energy source. A dynamic parsing controller coupled to the first power converter and the second power converter selectively parses the output signals of the first and second controllers and generates operating commands for the first and second power converters based at least in part on the parsed output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert William Delmerico, Einar Vaughn Larsen
  • Patent number: 8097980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind or geothermal energy. The method includes generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location is transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sunlight Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cyrus, Sergey Frolov
  • Patent number: 8093754
    Abstract: Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within a direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Array Converter, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Kernahan
  • Patent number: 8076797
    Abstract: An energy transfer circuit for connecting a load to multiple energy sources that can have different voltages. The energy transfer circuit connects the load and at least two energy sources, and has a control unit. The energy transfer circuit can transfer energy from at least one energy source to the load in response to the load's power demand; transfer energy from the load to at least one energy source in response to the load's charging current, and transfer energy between the energy sources. The energy transfer circuit also includes a first capacitor in parallel with the primary source and the load; a second capacitor in parallel with the secondary source, an inductor, a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor, a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor. The control unit opens and closes the first and second switches in response to the load and sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Indy Power Systems LLC
    Inventors: Quentin Wayne Kramer, Steve Tolen
  • Patent number: 8018091
    Abstract: A selectable backup power supply device for providing power to a real time clock (RTC) and a memory unit is disclosed. The device includes a backup battery, a first power outputting unit and a second power outputting unit, wherein the backup battery outputs a backup voltage, the first power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the RTC for receiving the backup voltage and outputting a first supply voltage to the RTC, and the second power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the memory unit, for receiving the backup voltage and, in accordance with a selection signal, outputting a second supply voltage to the memory unit or stopping the output of the second supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Universal Global Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huang-Chu Liu, Chun-Ta Wu
  • Publication number: 20110204721
    Abstract: An electricity generation system having a low frequency alternating heat and cold distribution system provided for alternately distributing heat and cold at low frequency; a heat-electricity conversion system operatively connected to the low frequency alternating heat and cold distribution system and provided for generating electricity in response to the alternately distributed heat and cold; an electric power delivery system operatively connected to the heat-electricity conversion system and provided for distributing the generated electricity; and a process control system operatively connected to the low frequency alternating heat and cold distribution system, to the heat-electricity conversion system, and to the electric power delivery system in order to control the operations thereof, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Mikael Dahlgren, Gunnar Russberg, Stefan Thorburn
  • Patent number: 7932637
    Abstract: A method includes operating a microsource in a grid mode in which the microsource is connected to a utility grid. The microsource is located in a microgrid and is configured to deliver a power P1 at a frequency ?1. During operation in the grid mode ?1 is a first frequency and P1 is a first power. The first frequency is an operating frequency of the utility grid. The microsource is transferred from the grid mode to an island mode, causing a frequency change such that ?1 changes to a second frequency and a power change such that P1 changes to a second power. The frequency change occurs at a first rate with respect to the power change while ?1 is less than a slope switch frequency. The frequency change occurs at a second rate with respect to the power change while ?1 is greater than the slope switch frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Lasseter, Paolo Piagi
  • Publication number: 20110068631
    Abstract: A local electrical system having an electrical generator is connected to an electrical generator network. The local electrical system has a controller to avoid the non-detection zone of loss-of-mains relays. The controller is arranged to monitor the real power flow from the electrical generator network to the local electrical system and to determine if the absolute value of the real power flow is below a first predetermined value to determine if there is a close match between the power requirements of the local electrical system and the electrical generator. If there is a close match, then the controller is arranged to monitor the reactive power flow the same way. If there is a close match also with the reactive power, then the controller is arranged to adjust the target reactive power output from the electrical generator of the local electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Andrew J. Roscoe