Abstract: A DC voltage power source, comprising: first electrochemical cells electrically connected in series; a DC/DC converter, the output of the converter being connected in series with said first electrochemical cells, a secondary DC voltage source applying its potential difference to the input of the converter.

Abstract: A power supply device (1) includes a parallel connection of a plurality of series circuits each including a secondary battery (11A, 11B) and a relay (12A, 12B) connected in series with the secondary battery. A control apparatus for controlling ON/OFF timings of the relays (12A, 12B) includes a control device (2) to set a time difference between the ON/OFF timings of the relays (12A, 12B) to control the supply of power at optimum timings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-source converter for a hybrid power supply. The converter includes a first power circuit, a second power circuit, an auxiliary circuit, an output circuit and a closed loop circuit. The first power circuit is electrically connected to the second power circuit in series for receiving two varied voltage sources. The auxiliary circuit is configured to achieve soft switching of all switches. The closed loop circuit is configured to control the duty cycles of the first power circuit, the second power circuit and the auxiliary circuit so as to improve the efficiency of the dual-source converter.

Abstract: A voltage drop of an output voltage of a DC-DC converter, caused by a wiring resistance, can properly be compensated at low cost. The DC-DC converter is connected to a low-voltage battery through an ignition switch and started up by the ignition switch. A transformation unit transforms a voltage inputted from a high-voltage battery and supplies the voltage to the low-voltage battery. A control circuit calculates a wiring resistance between the transformation unit and the low-voltage battery based on the voltage inputted from the low-voltage battery through the ignition switch in connecting the ignition switch and an output voltage and an output current of the transformation unit. The control circuit corrects a command value of the output voltage of the transformation unit based on the calculated wiring resistance to control the output voltage of the transformation unit. The invention can be applied to a DC-DC converter for electric-powered vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a DC link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the first energy storage system in a series connection. The first energy storage system comprises a high specific-energy storage device; the second energy storage system comprises a high specific-power storage device. The propulsion system also includes a bi-directional boost converter electrically coupled to the first and second energy storage systems such that a terminal of the first energy storage system is electrically coupled to a low voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter and a first terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled to a high voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter. The series connection bypasses the bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: A battery control device for a battery module includes a plurality of integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit includes: a constant voltage circuit that lowers a total voltage of a battery cell group corresponding to the integrated circuit to an integrated circuit internal voltage; a signal generation circuit that generates, based upon a first signal provided by a higher-order control circuit, a second signal assuming a wave height value different from a wave height value of the first signal and outputs the second signal; and a startup circuit that includes a first comparator assuming a first decision-making threshold value corresponding to the first signal and a second comparator assuming a second decision-making threshold value corresponding to the second signal, and starts up the constant voltage circuit in response to a change in an output from at least either the first comparator or the second comparator.

Abstract: A system for generating electric power includes a first DC source, a second DC source and a shared optimizer. The first DC source provides a first voltage across a first node and a second node, while the second DC source provides a second voltage across the second node and a third node. The shared optimizer is designed to provide a first programmable current source between the first node and the second node as well as a second programmable current source between the second node and the third node. In an embodiment, the first and second DC sources are solar panels, and the optimizer includes a DC-DC converter, which operates to maximize power output of the solar panels. The use of a single (shared) optimizer may obviate the need for separate optimizers for each solar panel, and thereby reduce system cost.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus includes a control unit, a plurality of power supply units for supplying the control unit with power, and a power supply fault detector unit for detecting a fault in the plurality of power supply units. The control unit operates in a normal mode on electric power supplied from the plurality of power supply units when none of the plurality of power supply units is faulty.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus is provided that has a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series, outputs a composite voltage of all of the secondary batteries, and outputs an output of a part of the secondary batteries as a partial voltage. The power supply apparatus includes a detecting unit that detects states of the secondary batteries, a changing unit that changes an order of series connection of the plurality of secondary batteries based on a detection result of the detecting unit in such a manner that the partial voltage is outputted from a secondary battery that is in a relatively good state.

Abstract: A method and module for monitoring a voltage of a power cell, sampling and holding a voltage of the power cell, and balancing a voltage of the power cell. In accordance with an embodiment, an interface circuit is capable of operation in a plurality of operating modes. In accordance with another embodiment, the interface circuit is coupled to a filter section.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a solar panel. The control system includes a plurality of control elements that are individually connected to a corresponding segment of the solar panel. The control system also includes control logic that is structured to individually signal each of the plurality of control elements in order to cause the signaled control element to either switch-off or alter performance output to maximize the over all output of a solar panel or solar power generating system utilizing such panels.

Abstract: What is described is a battery management architecture that eliminates previously described problems of the previous solutions and compensates for the extra cost of a cell-balancing circuit. These advantages are achieved by integrating the voltage step-up and balancing functions as well as charging functions inside a single converter topology. Instead of providing the entire output voltage and power, the converter in this configuration is merely assisting the battery by providing a portion of the power delivered to the load, rather than the entirety of the power delivered to the load. This portion of power is proportional to the difference between the output and the battery pack voltages.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for connection of field devices comprising a bus connection for connection to a bus, a field device connection for connection for a field device, a power supply path and a signal path, wherein the power supply path and the signal path are arranged in parallel with one another between the bus connection and the field device connection such that a supply voltage carried on the bus is isolated from a signal, which is likewise carried on the bus, by a first coupling unit arranged in the power supply path and a second coupling unit arranged in the signal path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for balancing an association in series of elements for generating and/or storing electrical energy, characterised in that it comprises: a plurality of full bridge inverters (OPC1, OPC2, OPCN), each consisting of two inverter arms connected in parallel between two end ports of the inverter, each inverter arm, in turn, consisting of two switches (Th1, Tb1; Th2, Tb2) connected in series by a so-called median point (P11, P12) of the arm; a plurality of connectors for connecting the two end ports of each full bridge inverter to a respective element (CA1, CA2, CAN, PV1, PV2, PVN) of said association in series; and a magnetic coupler (NM) formed by a magnetic core on which a plurality of windings (W?W2, WN) is formed, each winding being connected to the median points of the arms of one of said inverters. The invention also relates to an association in series of elements (CA1, CA2, CAN) for the electrochemical storage of electrical energy, provided with such a balancing system.

Abstract: The cellular phone 100 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of solar cell modules 110 arranged on different surfaces of a casing, a plurality of electric power control parts 132 connected to each of said plurality of solar cell modules 110, a mechanical form detection sensor 120 as a state detection part for detecting a state of said cellular phone 100, and an electric power selection part 134 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A multiple-output DC-DC converter has a first and a second DC-DC sub-converter, each DC-DC subconverter may be a buck, boost, or buck-boost converter having a primary energy-storage inductor. Each DC-DC subconverter drives a separate output of the multiple-output converter and typically has a separate feedback control circuit for controlling output voltage and/or current. The converter has a common timing circuit to maintain a phase offset between the first and DC-DC subconverters. The primary energy storage inductors of the first and second DC-DC converter are magnetically coupled to raise an effective ripple frequency of the converter and simplify output filtering.

Abstract: In a photovoltaic system including a plurality of strings, each includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules exclusively connected in series, bus lines to which the strings are connected in parallel, and a converter for feeding electric energy from the bus lines into a power grid. A system voltage drop between the bus lines can be adjusted by a controller of the converter, and a current sensor is provided for each string that at least determines whether a reverse current flows to the string and reports to the controller of the converter whether a reverse current flows to the string, and the controller of the converter reduces the system voltage present between the bus lines to stop the reverse current.

Abstract: Circuitry and a method for maximizing power from multiple serially coupled DC power sources. Electrodes provide for serial coupling of multiple DC power sources, capacitive circuitry couples to each one of the electrodes, switching circuitry couples among various ones of the electrodes, and inductive circuitry couples among various others of the electrodes and the switching circuitry.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising first and second JFETs, each comprising a gate, drain and source connection, the JFETs sources being operatively connected to each other to form a common-source connection and adapted to be connected to and operating to open an external circuit when the current flowing through the JFETs exceeds a predetermined threshold, the JFETs' gates, and common-source connection being operatively connected to a gate driver circuit which causes the JFETs to turn off when the predetermined threshold is exceeded; whereupon the current flows through the common-source connection into the second gate and into the gate driver circuit which causes the gate driver circuit to turn off the first and second JFETs and open the circuit breaker. Also claimed is a method of sensing an overloaded circuit comprising leading and trailing JFETs in a circuit that open the circuit and prevent current flow when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A device for supplying power to a load, requiring both a pre-determined supply of electrical power and high power for short durations of the operating cycle of the load, where the operating cycle is repeated. The power supply device includes a connection to an electrical grid, an AC voltage transformation circuit, a voltage rectification means and a plurality of DC/DC converters mounted in series to terminals of the load. Each of the DC/DC converters has a storage capacitor mounted in parallel to it and at least one of the DC/DC converters is supplied directly by the voltage rectification means. At least another one of the DC/DC converters is not supplied directly by the voltage rectification means. The power supply device may compensate for losses in the power supply device and load, and may substantially continually and uniformly balance voltages at terminals of the storage capacitors.

Abstract: An improved method of collecting DC power in solar photovoltaic systems is disclosed where series string overcurrent protection is provided at distributed series string terminus locations and a tap connection is made to higher current conductors carrying the combined currents of a number of series strings. A number of related string combiner methods and embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An envelope tracking power supply (ET PS) transmission line switch can be operable between an ET PS and a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA). The ET PS transmission line switch assembly can include a quarter wavelength (¼?) transmission line configured for high impedance at a specified low RF and a switch coupled to a specified point on the quarter wavelength transmission line to generate a high frequency quarter wavelength transmission line when the switch is toggled. The quarter wavelength transmission line is configured to be coupled to a voltage output of the ET PS and a RF output of the RF PA. The high frequency quarter wavelength transmission line is configured for high impedance at a specified high RF, and the specified high RF is higher than the specified low RF.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a circuit for equalizing voltages of energy storage cells, with less number of element and simpler circuit configuration than ever before. A plurality of field-effect transistors are arranged such that each of a plurality of parallel circuits formed, in one of connection states attained by switching of the switches, by connecting in parallel energy storage cells to perform mutual charging and discharging, includes a field-effect transistor adapted to avoid blocking a current having one of opposite polarities in the each of the plurality of parallel circuits, and a field-effect transistor adapted to avoid blocking a current having the other polarity in the each of the plurality of parallel circuits. This makes it possible to perform a voltage equalization operation using a small number of transistors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable power with available AC power comprises a power balance control circuit coupled to an output terminal of the chargeable lithium batteries, including a battery protection circuit coupled between a positive terminal of a lithium battery pack and a microcontroller, and a ?-type circuit coupled to an output terminal of the battery protection circuit and including an inductance, a first capacity and a second capacity, the inductance connected between the battery protection circuit and the AC supply unit in series, the first capacity and the second capacity respectively connected to both ends of the inductance and the ?-type circuit combined with the battery protection circuit for preventing an instant surge or high-current feedback which leads to the lithium battery damage. Moreover, the lithium battery pack is thin and light.

Abstract: A solar power system may include a combiner module, one or more rows of solar panels connected to the combiner module, and one or more wiring circuits connecting the one or more rows of solar panels to the combiner module. Each circuit may include an inter-module wiring arrangement that connects individual solar panels to each other in series, and a return wiring arrangement that connects the inter-module wiring arrangement to the combiner module. Each inter-module wiring arrangement may be arranged such that at least some solar panels are wired to other solar panels in the same row in a substantially alternating manner, such that non-adjacent solar panels in the same row are wired directly in series to each other. This arrangement may reduce the total length of harness wires needed to connect the one or more panel rows to the combiner box, as compared with conventional wiring schemes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power is disclosed. A variable direct current (DC) power source provides a variable DC voltage. A configurator dynamically converts the variable DC voltage to a selected DC voltage to provide the power. A set of switches combines the solar voltage with a substantially constant DC voltage. A control unit controls the set of switches and the configurator to provide the combined voltages at a selected voltage level.

Abstract: An electric storage system includes an electric storage apparatus, relays, a plurality of smoothing capacitors, and a current limiting resistance. The electric storage apparatus has a plurality of electric storage elements connected in series. Each of the electric storage elements includes a current breaker breaking an electric current path inside the electric storage element. The plurality of smoothing capacitors are connected in series between a positive electrode line and a negative electrode line which connect the electric storage apparatus to a load. Each of the relays is placed on the positive electrode line, the negative electrode line, and an intermediate line. The intermediate line connects a connecting point of two of the electric storage elements included in the electric storage apparatus and a connecting point of the plurality of smoothing capacitors. The current limiting resistance is also placed on the intermediate line.

Abstract: A stabilized high-voltage power supply is disclosed, having a general setup similar to a pulse-step modulator. The power supply comprises a plurality of DC power modules (40) having their outputs connected in a series configuration. Each power module comprises a DC voltage source (41), a DC-DC converter (42), and an output switching circuit (43). The total output voltage of the power supply is regulated by regulating the DC link voltage at the output of each power module. This is achieved by an appropriate feedback control circuit driving the DC-DC converter of each power module. In this manlier, low output ripple and a rapid response to changes in output current can be achieved. The power supply may be used, e.g., as the cathode power supply of a gyrotron.

Abstract: An inverter includes an inverter unit including at least one inverter arm having at least one high side switch and at least one low side switch connected to each other in series between a ground and an input power terminal providing input power having a preset voltage level, and switching the input power to output AC power; and a high voltage gate driving circuit unit including at least one high voltage gate driving unit having a plurality of high voltage gate drivers connected in series between an input terminal of an instruction signal requesting a switching control of the inverter unit and an output terminal of a control signal controlling switching of the inverter unit, such that switching of the high side switch is controlled, and voltage generated at the time of switching the high side switch is divided and applied to the plurality of high voltage gate drivers.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for serially coupling a plurality of inverters. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cable assembly for (i) coupling the plurality of inverters in series to form a string, and (ii) coupling AC power generated by the plurality of inverters to the AC grid, wherein the cable assembly comprises (A) a trunk cable comprising at least one phase conductor and a neutral conductor, wherein the neutral conductor is conductively continuous throughout the trunk cable; and (B) a plurality of junction boxes, positioned at locations along the trunk cable, for coupling the plurality of inverters to the trunk cable, wherein at each junction box of the plurality of junction boxes the at least one phase conductor is discontinuous for being coupled to a corresponding inverter of the plurality of inverters.

Abstract: A power generation control device is electrically connected to a photovoltaic panel for controlling an output voltage of the photovoltaic panel. The power generation control device includes a scanning unit, configured to perform a scanning process in which the output voltage of the photovoltaic panel is sequentially changed in a predetermined voltage range. The predetermined voltage range is changed in accordance with the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly is disclosed which comprises a string formed from a plurality of series-connected photovoltaic generators, and a hierarchical structure of power-exchange units, which each exchange power between neighboring photovoltaic generators or groups of photovoltaic generators. The photovoltaic generators may be individual solar cells or a plurality of series-connected solar cells arranged as a segment. To compensate for differences in output between segments for instance due to partial shading, power-exchange units, such as DC-DC converters, are arranged across neighboring segments, such that each power-exchange unit effectively sources or sinks current between neighboring segments to current-match the string. To avoid unnecessary “rippling” of power matching along many power-exchange units and the associated power loss due to many power-exchange units operating at less than 100% efficiency, the power-exchange units are arranged in a hierarchical structure.

Abstract: A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Abstract: A junction box connected to a plurality of solar cell panels connected in series and under control a control device, includes a plurality of diodes, two ports, a switch, and a communication module. The plurality of diodes is forwardly connected in series to form a diode string with two ends, and each of the plurality of diodes is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of solar cell panels in parallel. The two ports are respectively connected to the two ends of the diode string and the plurality of solar cell panels, and output DC power of the plurality of solar cell panels. The switch is connected between the diode string and the two ports. The communication module is connected to the switch, and receives control signals from the control device to turn on or off the switch to control output of the DC power of the solar cell panels from the two ports.

Abstract: Bypassing methods and apparatus are presented along with power cells and sub cells for multilevel inverters in which DC current flow into a DC link capacitance is interrupted and a bypass switch is closed across a power cell or sub cell output to selectively bypass a power stage of a multilevel inverter.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power plant with photovoltaic modules (1) for generating electric power. The modules (1) are connected together into a plurality of strands (2). A first central converter (5) for converting electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic modules into electrical energy with a voltage having a voltage waveform that corresponds to a voltage waveform of a voltage in a utility grid, and with an output for feeding the converted current into the utility grid, wherein the first central converter (5) has at least one electric motor (51) and a synchronous generator (52) whose shafts are coupled to one another.

Abstract: Storage device for a high voltage electrical power including at least two modules connected in series, each module including at least one dc power-source in a container with positive and negative terminals. The device including positive and negative poles, first and second conductors arranged to form a current path between the poles, the first conductor including a plurality of conductor parts connected to the terminals of the modules to provide a series connection, a first module of the series being connected to one of the poles, and the second conductor is connected between a last module in the series and the other pole, wherein the conductors are arranged to pass through the containers in parallel such that a current flows through the first conductor in a first direction and through the second conductor in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: An energy storage control system and method is disclosed. The energy storage control system can include a controller, a circuit defining a plurality of electrical current paths between an input and an output, and a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device electrically coupled in series to one another between the input and output. The control system can also include a first switch device electrically coupled in parallel to the first energy storage device and a second switch device electrically coupled in parallel to the second energy storage device. The controller can be in electrical communication with the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device. The first switch device and second switch device can be operably controlled by the controller.

Abstract: Circuitry and method for maximizing power from multiple DC power sources mutually coupled in series and providing unequal DC currents. Current related to the difference between the unequal DC currents is diverted from the serially coupled sources, captured as magnetic field energy and then added to the DC current provided by the serially coupled sources.

Abstract: An energy converter for outputting electrical energy includes at least one first converter cell module and at least one second converter cell module, which each comprise at least one converter cell and one coupling unit. The at least one converter cell is connected between a first input and a second input of the coupling unit. The coupling unit is configured to connect the at least one converter cell between a first terminal of the converter cell module and a second terminal of the converter cell module in response to a first control signal, and to connect the first terminal to the second terminal in response to a second control signal. The at least one converter cell of the first converter cell module is connected in a first polarity between the first input and the second input of the coupling unit of the at least one first converter cell module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of photovoltaic units having respective pairs of first and second power terminals connected in series. Each photovoltaic unit in the series includes a bypass switch connected in parallel with the photovoltaic current source of the photovoltaic unit. The bypass switch is configured to provide a bypass of the photovoltaic current source in response to a respective switch control signal. A control circuit determines electrical characteristics of the one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic units by operating the bypass switches of one or more of the photovoltaic units in an open state and operating the bypass switches of the other ones of the photovoltaic units in a closed state. Electrical characteristics exhibited by the series connection of the plurality of photovoltaic units are measured using a detection circuit.

Abstract: A communication system provided with a battery assembly obtained by connecting in series a plurality of battery packs having at least one rechargeable battery cell; a battery management unit for managing the battery packs; and an optical line used for transmitting from the battery packs to the battery management unit, along with battery data, an emergency stop signal for cutting off the connection between the battery assembly and a power conversion system when unsafe conditions are detected by the battery packs.

Abstract: In a solar panel array that includes a string of series-connected panels, the load current flowing through the string is measured. The peak current (Ipp) of a panel in the string is determined. A current equal to the difference of the load current and the peak current (Ipp) is generated in a current source connected across the output terminals of the panel. The panel is thereby operated at its maximum power point (MPP). To determine the peak current (Ipp) of the panel, the magnitude of current flowing through the panel is iteratively changed and the corresponding power generated by the panel is computed. The change in the current through the panel and the measurement of the corresponding power are repeated until a maximum power is determined as being generated by the panel. The maximum power corresponds to the maximum power point (MPP) and the peak current (Ipp) of the panel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array system includes multiple strings of series coupled photovoltaic modules to provide current at a voltage dependent on the number of modules in each string and their operating efficiency. Each string is coupled to a DC-to-DC converter to convert the current from each string for output to a DC bus. An inverter is coupled to DC bus to convert the current from the strings of series coupled photovoltaic modules to AC current at a grid-compatible voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods to operate a power supply. A power supply has an inductor and a capacitor coupled in a substantially series connection. The power supply has a first selectably conductive path that selectably couples a first power pack to the series reactive circuit and a second selectably conductive path that selectably couples the series reactive circuit to a substantially series combination of the first power pack and a second power pack. When the first power pack output voltage is above the threshold, the first selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the first power pack to the series reactive circuit. Otherwise, the second selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the series combination and the series reactive circuit. The controller further transfers charge from the second power pack to the first power pack.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power system includes a plurality of generation modules and a main communication apparatus. Each generation module has a photovoltaic panel assembly, a switch integrated apparatus, and a junction apparatus. The photovoltaic panel assembly has a plurality of photovoltaic panels electrically connected in series. The switch integrated apparatus has a control unit and a switch unit. The junction apparatus is electrically connected between the photovoltaic panel assembly and the switch integrated apparatus to collect electricity generated from the photovoltaic panels and deliver collected electricity to output terminals of the photovoltaic power generation module. The main communication apparatus is connected to the switch integrated apparatuses to turn on or turn off the switch unit according to magnitude of the output voltage, thus controlling continuously delivering electricity or discontinuously delivering electricity generated from the photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: An electric storage system includes an electric storage apparatus, relays, a plurality of smoothing capacitors, and a current limiting resistance. The electric storage apparatus has a plurality of electric storage elements connected in series. Each of the electric storage elements includes a current breaker breaking an electric current path inside the electric storage element. The plurality of smoothing capacitors are connected in series between a positive electrode line and a negative electrode line which connect the electric storage apparatus to a load. Each of the relays is placed on the positive electrode line, the negative electrode line, and an intermediate line. The intermediate line connects a connecting point of two of the electric storage elements included in the electric storage apparatus and a connecting point of the plurality of smoothing capacitors. The current limiting resistance is also placed on the intermediate line.

Abstract: An electric storage device system includes an electric storage device module including at least one electric storage device, a communication path, a capacitor connected to the electric storage device module at one end thereof and connected to the communication path at another end thereof, and an electric storage device monitor. The capacitor and at least a part of the electric storage device module configure a current path. The electric storage device monitor is configured to communicate by using the communication path and the current path.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a single-pole switching unit for limiting the energy flow in a series circuit having photovoltaic modules by a pulsating control signal present on at least one DC line is provided. The switching unit may include: a switching element, which is designed to reduce the current flow in the at least one DC line of the photovoltaic modules; a transmission element, which is designed to couple out an electrical control signal present on the DC line and to control the switching element merely with the energy of the coupled-out control signal; and a coupling element, which is arranged in parallel with the switching element and which conducts the control signal through the switching unit when the switching element is nonconducting.

Abstract: A power converter having a noise component and a modulator configured to vary a frequency of the noise component of the power converter on the basis of a digital signal to be transmitted.