Diverse Or Unlike Electrical Characteristics Patents (Class 307/72)
  • Patent number: 11901807
    Abstract: A bypass circuit of an embodiment includes a switch that shorts-circuit between a first power conversion apparatus and a power storage apparatus. The switch is connected in parallel to a second power conversion apparatus. The first power conversion apparatus converts power generated from natural energy and outputs the converted power to a power distribution grid. The second power conversion apparatus converts surplus power that has not been converted by the first power conversion apparatus and charges the power storage apparatus with the converted power; or converts power discharged from the power storage apparatus and supplies the converted power to the first power conversion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kanekiyo, Qiang Lin, Hiroshi Uno, Tetsu Shijo
  • Patent number: 11870268
    Abstract: A power management server comprises a controller configured to select, from a plurality of facilities having storage battery apparatuses, two or more first facilities applying first processing configured to suppress a discharge amount of the storage battery apparatuses. The controller is configured to apply, to the two or more first facilities, a same condition as a suppression condition of the discharge amount of the storage battery apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenta Okino
  • Patent number: 11804771
    Abstract: A customizable power conversion system (1000) is configured to operate with multiple alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power sources (1001,1003) and supplies multiple AC and DC loads (1018,1020,1022,1024). The customizable power conversion system is also configured to be assembled from a plurality of customizable power converters (1004,1006,1008,1010,1012), each of which is configured to function as a building block of the customizable power conversion system. More particularly, each customizable power converter may be configured as any DC/DC, DC/AC, AC/DC, or AC/AC converter, such as any of i) an inverter, ii) a DC/DC converter for use with a photovoltaic (PV) array (or string of PV arrays), and iii) a DC/DC converter for use with an energy storage element (e.g., a battery or battery string).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zheyu Zhang, Ramanujam Ramabhadran, Douglas Carl Hofer, Ahmed Elasser
  • Patent number: 11777323
    Abstract: The battery pack of an EV is partitioned into multiple removeable and replaceable batteries to mitigate challenges associated with the power charging of battery in an EV. A set of control switches are linked in a control chain to control an orderly discharge of energy from the batteries disposed in the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Entrantech Inc.
    Inventor: Kong-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 11621667
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise two or more distinct solar power systems associated with a single residence or building that together form an aggregate solar power system. Advantageously, high draw appliances can be distributed among the different systems such that the high current draw of one appliance on a first system will not negatively impact the high current draw of another high draw appliance on a second system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Allen
  • Patent number: 11518538
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes a load configured to generate propulsion based on power received from a bus via a power converter. The system also includes a controller configured to determine that a voltage magnitude on the bus is not less than a threshold level in a first instance and cause the power converter to deliver a first magnitude of power to the load in response to determining that the voltage magnitude is not less than the threshold level in the first instance. The controller is also configured to determine that the voltage magnitude on the bus is less than the threshold level in a second instance and cause the power converter to deliver a second magnitude of power to the load in response to determining that the voltage magnitude is less than the threshold level in the second instance, the second magnitude being less than the first magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte. Ltd., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Souvik Dasgupta, Gabriel Ooi, Chandana Jayampathi Gajanayake, Suvajit Mukherjee, Michael P. Dougherty, Stephen Andrew Long
  • Patent number: 11520362
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes an energy storage device configured to deliver power to a bus or receive power from a bus via a power converter. The system also includes a controller configured to determine that a voltage magnitude on the bus is less than a first threshold level in a first instance and cause the energy storage device to deliver power to the bus in response to determining that the voltage magnitude is less than the first threshold level. The controller is also configured to determine that the voltage magnitude on the bus is greater than a second threshold level in the second instance, wherein the second threshold level is greater than a first threshold level and cause the energy storage device to receive power from the bus in response to determining that the voltage magnitude is greater than the second threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte. Ltd., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Souvik Dasgupta, Gabriel Ooi, Chandana Jayampathi Gajanayake, Suvajit Mukherjee, Michael P. Dougherty, Stephen Andrew Long
  • Patent number: 11277008
    Abstract: The energy storage system according to one embodiment comprises a first converter connected between the system and the DC distribution network, and converting an AC voltage of the system into a DC voltage and transmitting the DC voltage to the DC distribution network; a second converter connected to the DC distribution network and controlling the voltage of the DC distribution network; a battery connected to the second converter and of which the charging and discharging are controlled by the second converter; a third converter connected to the DC distribution network; and a first load connected to the third converter and of which the voltage is controlled by means of the third converter, wherein the first converter generates a power control instruction for controlling at least one of the battery and the first load on the basis of SOC information of the battery and power consumption information of the first load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji-Heon Lee, Dong-Jin Yun, Yun-Jae Lee, Min-Jae Kim, Ji-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 11271419
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply device includes a switch, a power converter, and another power converter. The switch includes a first electrode that receives AC power from an AC power supply and a second electrode connected to a load via an AC bus, and is turned on during a normal operation and turned off during a power failure. The power converter converts DC power from a DC power supply into AC power and outputs it to the AC bus during a power failure. The other power converter converts the AC power received from the AC bus into DC power and stores it in a lithium-ion battery when the load is performing regeneration running, and converts the DC power of the lithium-ion battery into AC power and supplies it to the AC bus when the load is performing power running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru Toyoda
  • Patent number: 11190013
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and control method of all-DC power supply and storage for a building. The system includes a renewable energy power generation apparatus, a mains grid system, a first DC/DC conversion apparatus, an AC/DC conversion apparatus, a first voltage DC bus, a first energy storage apparatus, and a first charge-discharge conversion apparatus. The first DC/DC conversion apparatus is configured to convert DC voltage generated by the renewable energy power generation apparatus to voltage of the first voltage DC bus. The AC/DC conversion apparatus is configured to convert AC power from the mains grid system to DC power. The first charge-discharge conversion apparatus is configured to control charge/discharge of the first energy storage apparatus. The first voltage DC bus is connected to a first electrical device and configured to power the first electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Fulin Wang, Yi Jiang
  • Patent number: 11183851
    Abstract: Existing AC power distribution infrastructure in a building is leveraged for the DC power distribution, where one or more DC powers are delivered over an existing power distribution circuit and existing AC power sockets. A DC power attachment is coupled to an existing AC power socket to provide various DC voltages, including a high DC voltage for high power DC devices and a low DC voltage for low power DC devices. Transition from the AC centric environment to a DC environment is thus simplified thereby improving energy usage efficiency and making DC power readily available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Entrantech Inc.
    Inventor: Kong-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 11128147
    Abstract: A system and method of provided power to one or more electrical loads of an electrical load module is provided. The electrical load module includes an alternating current (AC) power input port, a direct current (DC) power input port, a power distribution device, a first power supply device, a second power supply device, and a first electrical load component. The power distribution device is electrically coupled to the AC power input port via a first connector and the DC power input port via a second connection. The first electrical load component is coupled to the first power supply device and the second power supply device. The first power supply device and the second power supply device are configured to provide power to the first electrical load component and a feed from an alternative power source system is directly connected to the DC power input port of the electrical load module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arne Ballantine, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Rajesh Gopinath, Carl Cottuli
  • Patent number: 11070057
    Abstract: A method for starting a farm grid of a wind farm is provided. The energy generation grid has at least one grid connection point connected to an electrical supply grid and the energy generation grid, in a normal operating mode, exchanges electrical power with the electrical supply grid via the grid connection point. The method includes selecting an establishment mode, different than the normal operating mode, if the electrical supply grid has a voltage drop or the energy generation grid is isolated from the electrical supply grid and operating the energy generation grid in the establishment mode. The establishment mode at least one voltage-influencing wind power installation for providing a wind farm grid voltage and at least one current-influencing wind power installation that synchronizes to the energy generation grid voltage. The wind power installations in total provide an electrical power at the level of an inherent need of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Brombach, Ingo Mackensen, Kai Busker
  • Patent number: 10958254
    Abstract: An electrical machine includes as part of its stator XRAM windings for multiplying current output of the machine. The XRAM windings are coupled to switching elements that are configured to produce current multiplication for output to an external load. The XRAM windings may be in slots in the stator, or may be elsewhere in the stator, operatively coupled to other windings in the stator. The stator may be operatively coupled to a rotor and hence to an inertial energy source, such as a flywheel on the same shaft as the elements of the electrical machine. Short circuiting of select windings of the machine can advantageously cause a shifting and concentration of a machine airgap flux of the machine over other windings, and increasing their magnetic storage energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Stephen Kuznetsov
  • Patent number: 10886750
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing energy input is provided. The apparatus has a container with an interior that houses an energy ranking system, an energy management system and a storage device. The container has at least two power input connections and a power output connection. Each of the at least two power input connections is connectable to a power generation system. The power output is connectable to a load. The energy ranking system has at least two power inputs in communication with the at least two power input connections and a power output. The energy ranking system selects at least one of the at least two power generation systems for providing power to an energy management system. The energy ranking system selects at least one of the power generation systems based upon a predetermined set of parameters. The energy management system has a power input in communication with the power output of the energy ranking system and a power output in communication with the power output connection of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: WATT RENEWABLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oluwole Eweje, Akinsola Eweje, Sherisse Alexander, Parveen Sandi
  • Patent number: 10855081
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage system includes a battery configured to store and discharge electric power to an energy grid, a power inverter configured to use battery power setpoints to control an amount of the electric power stored or discharged from the battery, the battery power setpoints comprising at least one of frequency regulation power setpoints and ramp rate control power setpoints, and a controller. The controller is configured to use a battery life model to generate the battery power setpoints for the power inverter. The battery life model includes one or more variables that depend on the battery power setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Con Edison Battery Storage LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Wenzel, Brett M. Lenhardt, Kirk H. Drees
  • Patent number: 10822116
    Abstract: A power distribution system, includes a first current loop connected with a set of low voltage electrical loads, a second current loop connected with a set of high voltage electrical loads, at least two generator systems having respective power outputs, and a controller module configured to selectively connect the respective power outputs to at least one of the first or second current loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Vorwerk Radun, Manish Ashvinkumar Dalal
  • Patent number: 10745293
    Abstract: Various implementations of a system that addresses the need for clean drinking water, improved solid fuel combustion and convection of the heat resulting from the combustion, exhausting of gases and air-borne particulates resulting from combustion, and provides electricity for lighting and charging of battery-operated devices are described herein. The system may include at least one solar panel, a battery, a fan assisted exhaust hood, a fan assisted cooking device, and a water purification device. Such a device could not only save millions of lives, but the quality of life for millions of people living in impoverished areas or refugee camps could be improved dramatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Paul O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10454281
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the creation of a centrally controlled DC and AC power rail system within a structure. The rails utilize a centralized controller along with a plurality of distributed controllers to allow for power in the rails to be selectively distributed or not distributed to outlets attached to the rails. This allows for power to be distributed without the need for users to utilize hardwired switches, but to instead utilize generally wireless switch modules, which may be implemented in hardware and/or software to control the outlets. It also allows for devices designed to utilize DC power to be directly supplied with such power from the DC power rail without the need to include onboard AC-DC converters with each device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ivani, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Wootton, John Wootton, Justin McKinney, Lloyd Herbert King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10454277
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling power flow in a hybrid power system includes a controller in communication with the hybrid power system. The controller is also in communication with at least one knowledge system to receive information related to power generation or power consumption within the hybrid power system. The controller generates a control command for each of the power converters in the hybrid power system and maintains a log of power flow to and from each device in the hybrid power system. The controller is also in communication with a provider of the utility grid and may generate the control commands for each of the power converters in response to commands provided from the provider of the utility grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Faith Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Koeppe, Joel L. Haynie, Kevin Dennis
  • Patent number: 10355620
    Abstract: This conversion device converts DC powers from a plurality of DC power supplies, to AC power and supplies the AC power to a load. The conversion device includes: a filter circuit including an AC reactor and a first capacitor; a DC/AC inverter connected to the load via the filter circuit; DC/DC converters provided between the respective plurality of DC power supplies and the DC/AC inverter; a second capacitor provided between the DC/AC inverter and the DC/DC converters; and a control unit configured to set a current target value for each of the DC/DC converters to thereby be synchronized with current of the AC power, based on voltage of the AC power, voltage variation due to current flowing through the AC reactor and an impedance thereof, reactive currents respectively flowing through the first capacitor and the second capacitor, and voltage of each DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Ayai, Toshiaki Okumura, Tetsuo Akita, Kenji Abiru
  • Patent number: 10348097
    Abstract: A generator system, including first and second generators, a connection circuit connecting output lines of the first and second generators to each other and connecting neutral lines of the first and second generators to the ground, a switch command unit outputting commands to switch a connection mode of the first and second generators between parallel and series connection modes, a circuit switch switching a connection mode of the connection circuit in response to the commands, a data acquiring unit acquiring a waveform data of the first generator when the second generator is operated after the first generator is operated, and a control unit controlling the second generator to synchronize frequency and phase of waveforms of the first and second generators in the parallel connection mode and controlling the second generator to synchronize frequency and shift phase by 180 degree in the series connection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Shibata, Tetsuya Matsuhisa, Wataru Matsuyama, Minoru Maedako
  • Patent number: 10222427
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage system includes a battery configured to store and discharge electric power to an energy grid, a power inverter configured to use battery power setpoints to control an amount of the electric power stored or discharged from the battery, and a controller. The controller is configured to generate optimal values for the battery power setpoints as a function of both an estimated amount of battery degradation and an estimated amount of frequency response revenue that will result from the battery power setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Con Edison Battery Storage, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Wenzel, Brett M. Lenhardt, Kirk H. Drees
  • Patent number: 10144294
    Abstract: An auxiliary power supply system for an electric motor of an electric vehicle, comprising supercapacitors to generate a first auxiliary power supply, batteries to generate a second auxiliary power supply, one single common bidirectional converter and a control logic, which is configured for: (i) supplying power to the electric motor by means of network power supply voltage and through the energy stored in the supercapacitors during the acceleration of the electric vehicle; (ii) charging the supercapacitors during the braking of the electric vehicle, harvesting kinetic energy; (iii) supplying power to the electric motor through the sole energy of the batteries in the absence of the network power supply voltage; and (iv) charging the batteries during the running at constant speed and the parking of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI RAIL ITALY S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Fratelli, Vincenzo Improta
  • Patent number: 10141886
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of energetic, more particularly to generation of photovoltaic direct current followed by its transformation into alternating -AC- or direct -DC- currents. The invention is applicable to photovoltaic power plants and setups connected either to local AC electrical power distribution systems or to energy storage systems, which apply the known from the prior art devices. According to the claimed method selection electricity from photovoltaic module (1) by which the energy of solar radiation is converted to an electrical signal, pre-store energy electrical signal by using capacitor (2) not less than 0.15 Farad, charged to the maximum power voltage photovoltaic module that determined from the current-voltage characteristics, normalized voltage electrical signal using a DC/DC converter and accumulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Techinvest-Eco, Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Ihor Kostiantynovych Chernilevskyy, Viktor Serhiyovych Tokarev, Stanislav Viktorovych Tokarev, Oleksandr Mikhailovich Selezniov, Pavlo Germanovich Menshenin, Hryhoriy Arhypovych Ilchuk, Roman Yuriyovych Petrus, Viktor Oleksandrovich Rudak, Serhiy Vasyliovych Loboyko, Dmytro Mykolayovych Ianushevskyi
  • Patent number: 10090673
    Abstract: A direct current electrical power system having AC grid power attached to the bus through AC/DC converter, PV panel attached to the bus through DC/DC pre-conditioner, a first direct current load attached directly to the bus, and a second direct current load attached to the bus through a DC/DC converter. The function of the AC grid and AC/DC converter is to create and regulate the DC bus voltage. The function of the PV power is to provide as much power as required to the DC loads. Since the conversion efficiency of the DC/DC pre-conditioner is much higher than that of the AC/DC converter, the conversion loss is greatly reduced if the load is mainly powered from PV instead of AC grid. In addition, a battery can be attached to the bus through a battery charger/controller, which is a bi-directional DC/DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ENLIGHTEN LUMINAIRES
    Inventors: Andrew Peck, Yang Ye
  • Patent number: 10026134
    Abstract: A charging and discharging scheduling method for electric vehicles in microgrid under time-of-use price includes: determining the system structure of the microgrid and the characters of each unit; establishing the optimal scheduling objective function of the microgrid considering the depreciation cost of the electric vehicle (EV) battery under time-of-use price; determining the constraints of each distributed generator and EV battery, and forming an optimal scheduling model of the microgrid together with the optimal scheduling objective function of the microgrid; determining the amount, starting and ending time, starting and ending charge state, and other basic calculating data of the EV accessing the microgrid under time-of-use price; determining the charge and discharge power of the EV when accessing the grid, by solving the optimal scheduling model of the microgrid with a particle swarm optimization algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Kaile Zhou, Xinhui Lu, Shanlin Yang, Li Sun, Chi Zhang, Zhen Shao
  • Patent number: 9935431
    Abstract: Provided is a power supply identification apparatus including circuitry including a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal which outputs a driving voltage to an electric device, and a power supply identification section which (i) determines from which of a first power supply and the second power supply a power is being input based on a relationship between an input timing of a first voltage to the first input terminal and a second voltage to the second input terminal, and (ii) switches the driving voltage output from the output terminal according to the power supply the power is being input from to control an initial ON/OFF state of the electric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haruka Onishi
  • Patent number: 9935465
    Abstract: In the case of performing self-sustained operation, when power conversion devices supply power to loads, all DC/AC conversion circuits of the power conversion devices are operated in a voltage control mode, and effective voltage (amplitude) of reference AC voltage as a control target for AC power outputted from each DC/AC conversion circuit under voltage control is adjusted in accordance with the power generation amount of a solar panel as a DC power supply, and the state of charge of a storage battery, thereby the amount of power supplied to the loads is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Sadayuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 9887594
    Abstract: An electronic device for performing a charging is provided. The electronic device includes a charging module configured to receive power to perform a charging, a communication module configured to communicate with at least one other electronic device, and a processor configured to determine power to be received, based on a signal quality of a communication signal that is received in the communication module, and control the charging module to receive the determined power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Min Kim, Kyeong-Jun Kim, Young-Jin Kim, Min-Kwon Jeong, Kyong-Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 9865221
    Abstract: A voltage regulation circuit is provided, including a reverse processing module for processing a first initial voltage of a common voltage generating module so as to obtain a reverse voltage of AC voltage; and an integration module for regulating the first initial voltage according to the reverse voltage of the AC voltage so as to make a liquid crystal drive voltage equal to a preset value. The liquid crystal drive voltage is a difference value of between a second initial voltage and the first initial voltage which is regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Man Li, Xiaoping Tan, Zhenzhou Xing
  • Patent number: 9787175
    Abstract: A high voltage power converter has first, second, and third switches for receiving an alternating-current input. A control power factor correction (PFC) rail is connected to each of the first, second, and third switches. A slave PFC rail is connected to each of the first, second, and third switches for providing a substantially identical output compared to an output of the control PFC rail. The control PFC rail output and the slave PFC rail output are each connected to an output stage and the output stage is for connection to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: ASTEC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Vijay Gangadhar Phadke
  • Patent number: 9728973
    Abstract: A power source apparatus that combines power generated by a photovoltaic system and power generated from another power source by using a power combiner and transmits the combined power to a load side, wherein an output voltage of the photovoltaic system can be changed by changing a cell connection state of a plurality of solar cells of the photovoltaic system, and the highest efficiency of the photovoltaic system can be obtained by adding the output voltage of the photovoltaic system to an output voltage of the another power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SION ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Murano, Suminobu Akiba, Shin Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 9698596
    Abstract: A power converter module includes: a DC input terminal configured to receive an input voltage from a DC source; an intermediate circuit coupled directly to the DC input terminal; a DC output terminal configured to provide an output direct voltage; an AC output terminal configured to provide an output alternating voltage; a DC converter coupled between the intermediate circuit and the DC output terminal in order to receive an input voltage from the intermediate circuit; an inverter coupled between the intermediate circuit and the AC output terminal in order to draw an input voltage from the intermediate circuit; and a regulating device coupled to the DC converter and to the inverter, the regulating device being configured to regulate the input voltage of the inverter and of the DC converter to a maximum power drain from the DC source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Sauer, Werner Belschner, Rene Pohlemann
  • Patent number: 9680305
    Abstract: System and method for restricting output power from multiple serially coupled DC power sources, such as a solar cell array, controlled by power balancing circuitry, thereby enabling power restriction in the event of an emergency. Output bypass circuitry allows the output voltage to be selectively restricted, and though power for switching between states would be needed, use of bi-stable bypass circuitry would avoid a need for power to remain in a state of bypass operation. Additionally, with the serially coupled DC power sources controlled by power balancing circuitry, use of solid-state current switching elements ensures continued output power restriction due to the clamping action of the body diodes upon the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: HiQ Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre P. Willis
  • Patent number: 9667057
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for protecting a power converter of a renewable energy power system and/or a stand-alone energy storage system connected to a power grid during an adverse voltage event, such as a high voltage ride through (HVRT) event. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring, via a control system, a current-voltage parameter of the power converter, wherein the current-voltage parameter is indicative of an adverse voltage event occurring at the power grid. Another step includes transferring, via a switching power supply, energy from a DC link of the power converter to one or more energy storage devices of an energy storage system coupled to the power converter when the current-voltage parameter indicates that an adverse voltage event is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Roesner, Mathieu Giroux
  • Patent number: 9590428
    Abstract: An electric power receiving device in one aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure comprises an electric power receiving section and a converting section. The converting section comprises a compensation voltage generating section. The compensation voltage generating section generates a compensation voltage capable of canceling out a reactance component in the electric power receiving section, and applies the compensation voltage to the electric power receiving section. The compensation voltage generating section comprises a phase changing section, a physical quantity detecting section, and a searching section. The searching section searches a target phase of the compensation voltage that brings the electric power receiving device into a substantially resonant state, based on a physical quantity detected by the physical quantity detecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Yuki Kashiwagi, Toshiaki Murai, Yoshiyasu Hagiwara, Tadashi Sawada
  • Patent number: 9438129
    Abstract: Input/output power and signal transfer and power and signal isolator device using pulsed, alternating or high frequency signal current having a capacitive structure which provides power and signal limiting control, unidirectional power and signal transfer and input/output decoupling and transceiver-receiver isolation barrier. The device includes at least two decoupled input electrodes arranged in parallel to each other, and at least two decoupled output electrodes arranged in parallel to each other. Each electrode is connected to at least one terminal. Each electrode has a surface that which is opposed to another electrode surface with at least one layer of dielectric material therebetween. The input electrodes are decoupled from the output electrodes by dielectric material and are disposed such that two output electrodes are separately disposed external to the two input electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Cesar Ladron de Guevara, Leonard Davidson
  • Patent number: 9197134
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Farhad Berton, Josef Braun
  • Patent number: 9190988
    Abstract: A power management system for an integrated circuit (IC) includes low and full-power bandgap generators, first and second multiplexers, first circuitry, and a full-power regulator. When the IC is powered on, the first multiplexer selects the full-power bandgap generator as a reference voltage source for the first circuitry. After the low-power bandgap generator has been trimmed, the first multiplexer selects the low-power bandgap generator as the reference voltage source for the first circuitry. When the IC transitions from low power mode to high power mode, the second multiplexer selects the low-power bandgap generator as the reference voltage source for the full-power regulator. When the full-power bandgap generator is powered on, the second multiplexer selects the full-power bandgap generator as the reference voltage source for the full-power regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Sunny Gupta
  • Patent number: 9160125
    Abstract: A battery adapter can include a plurality of machine-side-connecting sections capable of being connected to a plurality of battery-connecting ports provided on an electric machine, and a battery-side-connecting section(s) to which a battery or batteries can be connected. The number of the machine-side-connecting sections is preferably configured to be larger than the number of the battery-side-connecting section(s). Further, the electric machine is preferably connected to the machine-side-connecting sections of the battery adapter through its battery-connecting ports. The electric machine can be driven by the battery or batteries connected to the battery-side-connecting section(s) of the battery adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ota, Hitoshi Suzuki, Yukio Kobayashi, Shingo Umemura
  • Patent number: 9043065
    Abstract: A vehicle is supplied by a first electrical energy storage unit on board the vehicle, and a ground electrical network providing an energy supply by application of a supply voltage through electrical distribution. The first energy storage unit is controllable under a generator regime or a receiver regime. The supply voltage is adjusted, in the generator regime, by applying an algebraically additive supply voltage originating from the first electrical storage unit to the distribution, to maintain a supply voltage above a minimum threshold. In the receiver regime, if a surplus of supply voltage originating at least partially from a second storage unit in the generator regime is detected above the minimum threshold, this surplus is channeled energetically to the first energy storage unit of the vehicle if it is required for operating the vehicle and enables maintaining the supply voltage below a maximum threshold and above the minimum threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens S.A.S.
    Inventors: Xavier Bavard, Eric Chattot, Jean-Noël Verhille
  • Patent number: 9035497
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing an electrical energy system. A specific embodiment can incorporate at least one energy harvesting module (H-module), at least one energy storage module (S-module), and at least one power electronic circuit module (C-module). The various modules can be integrated into a standard battery configuration. Specific embodiments pertain to a reconfigurable energy system with modules that can be disconnected and reconnected into different shapes and configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Zawoy, David Patrick Arnold
  • Publication number: 20150130280
    Abstract: A system includes a first power source and a variable neutral impedance circuit configured to vary a neutral impedance of the first power source based on presence and absence of a parallel coupling of the first power source with a second power source. The variable neutral impedance circuit may be configured to reduce a neutral current of the first power source when the first power source is operating in parallel with the second power source. The variable neutral impedance circuit may include an impedance coupled in series with the first power source, a bypass switch configured to bypass the impedance and a control circuit configured to control the bypass switch. The impedance may include a resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick O'Reilly, David Doyle Shipp
  • Publication number: 20150123476
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting energy in connection with a sheave system in a hoisting apparatus provided with a sheave system. The apparatus includes at least one generator including a rotor and at least one stator. The rotor is connected rigidly to a sheave of the sheave system, and the at least one stator is connected rigidly to the sheave system such that when the load of the hoisting apparatus is rising or lowering, said at least one sheave rotates, whereby the rotor rotates simultaneously but the stator does not rotate, whereby electric energy is induced in the stator. The apparatus further includes electric energy storage, a device for modifying induced electric energy and storing it in energy storage; and a device for supplying energy from the energy storage to at least one consumption device. The consumption device may be, for example, a working lamp, sensor, measuring device, communications device, signal device, charging plug or a combination of these mounted in connection with the sheave system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: KONECRANES PLC
    Inventors: Heikki Mesiä, Lasse Eriksson, Hannu Lindfors, Kim Schlesier, Timo Vuorela, Mika Inkinen, Manu Myry, Pekka Ruuskanen, Mikko Jääskeläinen, Martti Paju
  • Patent number: 9000617
    Abstract: A circuit for combining direct current (DC) power including multiple direct current (DC) voltage inputs; multiple inductive elements connected in a series circuit having first and second end terminals and intermediate terminals. The inductive elements are adapted for operatively connecting respectively to the DC voltage inputs at the first and second end terminals and intermediate terminals. Multiple switches connect respectively with the inductive elements. A controller is configured to switch the switches periodically so that direct currents flowing through the inductive elements are substantially zero. A direct current voltage output is connected across one of the DC voltage inputs and a common reference to both the inputs and the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Gazit, Tzachi Glovinsky
  • 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: 20150069844
    Abstract: A power storage module and a power storage device are disclosed. The power storage module and the power storage device include a DC/AC converter, a first power storage element, a second power storage element and at least one DC/DC converter. The first power storage element is coupled to the DC side of the DC/AC converter to form a first power storage branch. The second power storage element is coupled to the DC side of the DC/AC converter to form a second power storage branch. The DC/DC converter is disposed on the first power storage branch or the second power storage branch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Yang WU, Xiao LI, Wen-Tao ZHAN
  • Publication number: 20150069837
    Abstract: A system comprises a fixture and a controller that is configured to power the fixture from an alternating current (AC) source and a direct current (DC) source. The controller is configured to automatically switch from powering the fixture from the DC source to powering the fixture from the AC source in response to a time of day. Related systems, methods and computer program products are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Covaro, Dave Leonard
  • Publication number: 20150069843
    Abstract: A power regulation system for an electrical grid has a store of electrical energy connected through a first switch to a source of electrical energy. The response time of the store is faster than that of the source. A second switch is connected to the store at one side with the opposite side for connection to the grid. A first controller monitors energy stored in the store and energy available from source and selectively controls the first switch to close to transfer energy from the source to the store. A second controller monitors energy stored in said store and, on receiving an indication that additional energy is needed in the grid, if the energy stored in the store exceeds a supply threshold, controls the second switch to close to transfer energy from the store to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allan Veltri