Abstract: Methods and systems for energy recycling are described. One example energy recycler includes an input to receive an input voltage, an output to couple to an inductor, a resonant tank, a switching circuit coupled between the input, the output, and the resonant tank, and a controller coupled to the switching circuit. The controller is configured to control the switching circuit to selectively couple the input voltage to the output, and couple an induced voltage from the inductor to the resonant tank when the input voltage is decoupled from the inductor.

Abstract: An electric device for controlling an energy generator connected to an energy supply grid includes a control device that controls the generator with respect to the energy generator operating state. The electric device, which is connected between the energy supply grid and the generator, enables comparably simple control of the generator. The control device monitors the voltage and/or frequency and generates a switch-on signal if the voltage and/or frequency falls below a lower threshold and generates a switch-off signal if the monitored voltage and/or frequency exceeds an upper threshold. If a switch-on signal is present, the energy generator is switched on or the electric power output is increased. If a switch-off signal is present, the energy generator is switched off or the electric power output is decreased. A related method provides for controlling an electric energy generator.

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.

Abstract: A system for switching between first and second voltage supply units, the system may include a first interface unit that is connected between a first voltage supply unit and an output unit, a second interface unit that is connected between a second voltage supply unit and the output unit; a controller that is arranged to select a selected voltage supply unit and to instruct the first and second interface units and the output unit to facilitate a provision of a selected supply voltage provided from the selected voltage supply unit to a load coupled to the output unit. Each interface unit may include a positive input port, a negative input port, a positive output port and a negative output port. The negative and positive output ports of the first interface unit are isolated from the negative and positive output ports of the second interface unit, respectively.

Abstract: In a plug-in operation, a first winding which functions as an armature winding for supplying an R-phase current of a three-phase rotary electric machine, a third winding, and a second winding are connected respectively to terminals for supplying R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase currents of a three-phase power source. Thus, the S-phase current and the T-phase current are interchanged as compared with in a normal operation. Thereby, reverse rotation of a field element is intentionally caused. A reverse-rotation prevention mechanism is provided in the field element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for creating and operating a Direct Current (DC) micro-grid. A DC micro-grid may include power generators, energy storage devices, and loads coupled to a common DC bus. Power electronics devices may couple the power generators, energy storage devices, and loads to the common DC bus and provide power transfer.

Abstract: A system for integrating a wind power generation with a wave power generation includes a wind power generation device, a wave power generation device and a power integration device. The wind power generation device generates a first voltage. The wave power generation device generates a second voltage. The power integration device integrates the first voltage with the second voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inverter having improved power conversion efficiency. The inverter (200) converts direct current power supplied from a plurality of direct current power supplies (V1, V2) having different voltages into alternating current power. The inverter (200) is provided with a control unit (20). The control unit (20) generates modified sine waves using a power supply voltage (E1) of the power supplied from the first direct current power supply (V1), a power supply voltage (E2) of the power supplied from the second direct current power supply (V2), and a potential difference (E1?E2) between the two power supply voltages. The control unit (20) generates the modified sine waves by controlling H bridge circuits provided for the direct current power supplies (V1, V2), respectively.

Abstract: A power supply unit includes: a relay that includes a first input terminal to which primary alternating-current power is input and a second input terminal to which secondary alternating-current power is input, and outputs one of the primary alternating-current power and the secondary alternating-current power; a first power conversion unit that is coupled to an output terminal of the relay, and converts alternating-current power output from the relay, into direct-current power; a second power conversion unit that is coupled to an output side of the first power conversion unit and converts output power of the first power conversion unit into direct-current power of a predetermined voltage; a power output terminal that outputs the direct-current power converted by the second power conversion unit; and a control unit that couples the first input terminal to the output terminal or couples the second input terminal to the output terminal.

Abstract: A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver including a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, a safety system for to provide protection with respect to an object that may become hot during operation of the first electromagnetic resonator. The safety system including a detection subsystem configured to detect the presence of the object in substantial proximity to at least one of the resonators, and a notification subsystem operatively coupled to the detection subsystem and configured to provide an indication of the object, wherein the second resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second resonator from the first resonator.

Abstract: Provided is a switching apparatus that switches a connection state between two terminals, comprising a switch that switches the connection state between the two terminals according to a control voltage supplied thereto; a driving section that provides the switch with the control voltage corresponding to a control signal supplied thereto; and a changing section that changes the control voltage output from the driving section, according to a designated switching time. The changing section may change power supplied as a power supply to the driving section, according to the designated switching time. The changing section may change the control voltage output from the driving section prior to switching of the switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods to balance currents among a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series. In aspect, a management unit is coupled between a photovoltaic energy production unit and a string of energy production units. The management unit has an energy storage element (e.g., a capacitor) connected to the photovoltaic energy production unit. The management unit further has a switch to selectively couple to the energy storage element and the photovoltaic energy production unit to the string. The management unit allows the current in the string to be larger than the current in the photovoltaic energy production unit.

Abstract: A power stage to generate an output voltage at one of a high reference voltage, an intermediate reference voltage and a low reference voltage, including a first switch stage connecting the output terminal to the high reference voltage, comprising a pair of transistors connected in series along their source-to-drain paths, a first transistor coupled to the output terminal and having its gate biased at the intermediate voltage, a second transistor having a gate that receives a first stage control signal that varies between the high reference voltage and the intermediate reference voltage, a second switch stage connecting the output terminal to the intermediate reference voltage, having a gate that receives a second stage control signal that varies among the high reference voltage, intermediate reference voltage and low reference voltage, a third switch stage connecting the output terminal to the low reference voltage, having a pair of transistors connected in series along their source-to-drain paths, a first tr

Abstract: A solar energy generation system a measurement module and a positioning method are disclosed herein. The positioning method is adaptable to a power generation system having AC generation modules. Each of the AC generation modules generates an output current and is electrically connected to each other in a power-supply network. The positioning method includes the following operations: (a) measuring AC currents or node voltages generated by the AC generation modules at different positions in the power-supply network to obtain current parameters or voltage parameters; and (b) determining a sequence of relative positions of the AC generation modules by calculating the current parameters or the voltage parameters.

Abstract: A DC power distribution system and method includes a solid state remote power controller that connects a switching power source to a DC bus when the DC bus is switching power sources thereby providing a nearly uninterrupted power supply to the DC bus.

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 after performance output to maximize the over all output of a solar panel or solar power generating system utilizing such panels.

Abstract: A PoE powered device and method of operation are provided. The device includes a first port unit configured to negotiate receipt of a level of PoE power from a power sourcing equipment. The power is received on a first pair of taps on a first communication port. A detection unit is configured to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load and to detect a presence of a second optional power load. A control circuit is configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of taps on the first communication port and a second powered device port unit in response to the detection unit detecting the first optional load, and further configured to establish connectivity between the second pair of taps and a third pair of taps on a pass-through communication port in response to the detection unit failing to detect the first load and detecting the second load.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided including a processor; a connection unit including a power supply terminal and an identification terminal; a first switch coupled to the power supply terminal and the processor; a second switch coupled to the identification terminal and the processor; and an interface control circuit configured to control an amount of current supplied to the processor by opening or closing each of the first switch and the second switch in accordance with voltage that is applied to at least one of the power supply terminal and the identification terminal by an external device connected to the connection unit.

Abstract: An operating control device for adjusting the power of a heating device has a rotary knob that has an off position in which said rotary knob is deactivated, and a working position into which said knob can be brought to adjust the power. The working position is predetermined by a lock-in position, and the rotary knob can be rotated over a working angle of a rotation range in at least one direction of rotation from the working position counter to a counterforce that rises as the angle of rotation increases. The operating control device can detect the angle of rotation and uses a control system of the operating control device for adjusting the power. The control system is configured in such a manner that the power is adjusted more rapidly as the angle of rotation increases.

Abstract: An energy storage system has a reduced number of capacitors for storing energy such as renewable energy, thereby reducing cost and improving stability of the system. The energy storage system is configured to store power from a power generating unit, and includes: a storage capacitor having a first end electrically coupled to one end of the power generating unit; a secondary battery having a first terminal electrically coupled to a second end of the storage capacitor, and a second terminal electrically coupled to another end of the power generating unit; and a first converter configured to selectively couple the storage capacitor and the secondary battery to a load.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes: a data output buffer that outputs a data signal; a first power-supply pad that supplies a first power-supply potential to the data output buffer; a power-supply wiring that is connected to the first power-supply pad; a strobe output buffer that outputs a strobe signal; and a second power-supply pad that supplies a second power-supply potential to the strobe output buffer. The power-supply wiring and the second power-supply pad are electrically independent of each other. Therefore, the power-supply noise associated with the switching of the data output buffer does not spread to the strobe output buffer. Thus, it is possible to improve the quality of the strobe signal.

Abstract: An output ripple voltage average amplitude of a switch mode DC-DC converter is dynamically maintained. The converter has a switch and an output filter. By varying a switching period (TPERIOD) of the switch, VRIPPLE is maintained at a substantially constant value over a first range of converter input voltages and a second range of switch duty cycles. Where the output filter includes an inductor having inductance (L) and a capacitor having capacitance (C) the average amplitude of VRIPPLE is dynamically maintained by varying TPERIOD with respect to switch duty cycle (D) and input voltage (VIN) so as to approximately satisfy the following relationship: TPERIOD=(VRIPPLE*8*L*C)0.5/(VIN*(D?D2)).5.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make the charging power as high as possible in a battery charging control system for selectively charging a plurality of batteries having different voltages with energy generated by an alternator. To achieve the object, the battery charging control system according to the invention includes an alternator having a variable generation voltage and a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages, wherein maximum generation power defined as the highest power that the alternator can generate and maximum charging power defined as the highest power that each battery can accept are obtained, and a battery for which the charging power is highest is selected to be charged based on a comparison of the maximum generation power and the maximum charging power.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to techniques and apparatus for generating power using multi-spectrum energy. An apparatus includes an electrical device and a power source, the power source comprising a multi-spectrum power generation system in electrical communication with the mobile electrical device, the multi-spectrum power generation system including a photovoltaic electrical power generator, and a microelectromechanical power generator; a primary power storage system in electrical communication with the electrical device; and a controller system in data communication with the multi-spectrum energy power generator systems to regulate electrical communication between the power storage system and the power generation system. In an alternative embodiment, the multi-spectrum power generation system may further a thermoelectric power generator.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing circuit, comprising: a first voltage source; a first switch, wherein the first voltage source charges a sensing capacitor to a first voltage when the first switch is conductive; a base capacitor; a second voltage source; a second switch, wherein the second voltage source charges the base capacitor to a second voltage when the second switch is conductive, where the first switch and the second switch are simultaneously conductive via a control signal; a first comparator, for outputting a first comparing result according to a voltage difference between a sensing voltage on the sensing capacitor and a base voltage on the base capacitor, and a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a voltage holding circuit, for keeping the base voltage at a reference voltage.

Abstract: A computer system and its power adapter with image projection function are provided. The computer system includes an electronic device and a power adapter. The power adapter includes a waveform-transforming module and an image-projecting module electrically connected to the waveform-transforming module. When the power adapter electrically connects to both a power source and the electronic device, the waveform-transforming module provides power to the electronic device and the image-projecting module, and the electronic device provides image signals to the image-projecting module.

Abstract: A power supply device includes a power supply unit, a switch unit, a discharge unit and a control unit. The power supply unit is for receiving a first power or a second power, for outputting a third power. The switch unit is coupled to the power supply unit, for receiving the first power and the second power and outputting one of them. The discharge unit is coupled to the power supply unit, for performing a discharge to the power supply unit based on a control signal. The control unit controls the switch unit for stopping outputting the first power to the power supply unit. The control unit generates the control signal so the discharge unit performs the discharge to the power supply unit for lowering the voltage of the power supply unit. The control unit controls the switch unit for outputting the second power to the power supply unit.

Abstract: Power monitoring circuitry. In some embodiments, comparator circuitry may be configured to receive a first voltage value and a second voltage value, and to identify the greater of the first and second voltage values. Selector circuitry coupled to the comparator circuitry may be configured to power one or more components within the comparator circuitry with a supply voltage corresponding to the greater voltage value. In other embodiments, a method may include identifying, via a comparator, the largest among a plurality of voltage values, and powering one or more logic components within the comparator with the identified voltage value.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for managing a plurality of battery modules are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system may include two or more battery modules with each battery module having a state of charge. The system may include at least one battery management system for monitoring the state of charge of each of the battery modules. The system may include a communications network in communication with the at least one battery management system whereby the at least one battery management system provides data regarding the state of charge for each battery module using the communication network.

Abstract: A variable capacitance circuit includes: a prescribed node, to which an alternate current signal with a reference potential as a center voltage is applied; a first capacitor connected to the prescribed node; a second capacitor connected between the first capacitor and the reference potential; a third capacitor and a transistor for controlling capacitance, provide between a first node between the second capacitor and the first capacitor, and the reference potential; and a bias circuit which applies a first bias voltage to a second node between the third capacitor and the transistor.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a bus that electrically couples an electrical load to redundant power feeds. The apparatus may also include at least one capacitive component electrically coupled between first and second rails of the bus via both a conductive path and a resistive path that has substantially greater resistance than the conductive path. In addition, the apparatus may include a switching mechanism electrically coupled between the first and second rails of the bus that causes the capacitive component to charge through the conductive path until a threshold voltage on the first rail of the bus is reached. When the threshold voltage on the first rail of the bus is reached, the switching mechanism may close the conductive path and force the capacitive component to charge through the resistive path. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid super-capacitor/battery system is disclosed (particularly under high pulsed power and low temperature conditions) which allows an existing battery system to ride through transient loading and provide excellent energy density and power density under practical loading conditions.

Abstract: A power flow regulator includes a plurality of bi-directional DC-DC converters, each of said converters comprising a first input, a second input, a first output and a second output; and a capacitor electrically connected between the first and second inputs of each of said converters. Either the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC source and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC load, or the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC load and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC source.

Abstract: A utility interconnection inverter device (7) includes an inverter circuit (21) that converts DC power generated by a solar panel (3) to AC power by switching a plurality of switching elements, and a controller (39) that controls the plurality of switching elements. Moreover, fans (43, 45) are provided for cooling the plurality of switching elements. Furthermore, a power supply circuit (a terminal 38, a transformer 40, and a power circuit 41) is provided, and supplies power from a control power supply (10) to the controller (39) and the fans (43, 45).

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a plurality of battery units; a plurality of thermistors detecting a temperature of the plurality of battery units; a multiplexer performing multiplexing on the plurality of thermistors, and connecting a thermistor selected from among the plurality of thermistors to a reference resistor; a power switch unit arranged between the reference resistor and a power voltage terminal; and a control signal input unit receiving a control signal applied to the multiplexer and the power switch unit, and receiving two or more control bits contained in the control signal. In the energy storage system, a temperature measurement operation is performed at a plurality of measurement positions, whereby a current state of a battery may be accurately detected, an entire circuit may be reduced and simplified, and low power consumption may be realized.

Abstract: A power supply circuit in an electronic device is provided. The power supply circuit includes a connector configured to receive external power and IDentifier (ID) data, a first switch disposed between the connector and a system of the electronic device, a second switch connected to the system, and a controller configured to control ON and OFF states of each of the first and second switches based on the ID data.

Abstract: A power transmission device has: a plurality of power transmission units which perform wireless power transmission of strong-coupling system; a communication unit which, when the plurality of power transmission units transmit power at different timings to a power reception device, receives from the power reception device a plurality of reception power values of power each received by the power reception device and posture information of the power reception device; and a control unit which calculates a plurality of efficiencies based on power values of power transmitted by the plurality of power transmission units and the received plurality of reception power values, obtains a plurality of equal efficiency surfaces with respect to the plurality of power transmission units based on the plurality of efficiencies and the received posture information, and estimates that the power reception device is present at a position where the plurality of equal efficiency surfaces intersect.

Abstract: A supply module for insertion into a module chain of functional modules mounted side by side along a concatenation axis and electrically connected to one another in a Z-linkage comprises includes a first coupling surface having a plurality of electric input terminals, and with a second coupling surface having a plurality of electric output terminals, wherein a specifiable assignment of the input terminals to the output terminals is provided, and wherein at least one input terminal is designed as a supply input for feeding in a supply voltage from an upstream functional module and at least one output terminal is designed as a supply output for transferring the supply voltage to a downstream functional module. An additional input for feeding in an additional supply voltage and an output terminal are provided for transferring the additional supply voltage to at least one functional module arranged downstream along the concatenation axis.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for providing power onto multiple power distribution paths. Power controller devices receive power from a power source device and are coupled to first and second multiplexer units. The multiplexer units receive power from the power source devices via the power controller devices for first and second power distribution paths. A multiplexer control unit controls the multiplexer units to output power from the first power distribution path, the second power distribution path or both of the paths. Power subsystems are provided comprising first and second power transistor units. The first transistor unit receives power from the first multiplexer unit over the first path and the second transistor unit receives power from the second multiplexer unit over the second path. Ports are provided and are coupled to a powered device. The multiplexer control unit controls the multiplexer units to supply power to the respective ports according to the type of powered device detected at a port.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit for providing a regulated output voltage is provided. The voltage regulator circuit includes an error amplifier configured to provide a control signal based on at least a portion of a fed-back output voltage and a reference voltage. A first output stage is configured to operate at a first supply voltage and provide the regulated output voltage based on the control signal. At least one second output stage configured to operate at a second supply voltage different from the first supply voltage and provide the regulated output voltage based on the control signal. A switch-over unit is configured to switch over the control signal between the first output stage and the second output stage.

Abstract: A module for connecting (or coupling) and disconnecting (or decoupling) a photovoltaic panel (PV) to and from other PV panels in a string of PV panels. The module may include first circuitry for detecting when a voltage output by the PV panel (Vpanel) collapses, and second circuitry for disconnecting the PV panel from the panel string while preventing a transistor switching device (e.g. a power MOSFET) performing the disconnecting (decoupling) operation from entering the linear operating region. The combination of low-voltage detection in the first circuitry, and latching-switching in the second circuitry ensures that the power MOSFET is either fully turned on, coupling the PV panel to the panel string, or fully turned off, decoupling the PV panel from the panel string. The PV panel may be recoupled to the PV string through a connection-check mechanism that reengages the PV panel once Vpanel has returned to normal operating levels.

Abstract: A method includes searching for a point of maximum power based on a systematic load variation, setting the point of maximum power as the operating point of the photovoltaic generator, and tracking the operating point based on a load variation with a narrow variation range. The method also includes analyzing operating variables of the photovoltaic generator to determine the level of probability that the operating point deviates from the point of maximum power, selectively interrupting the tracking and carrying out another search to determine the point of maximum power as a function of the analysis of the operating variables, and setting the point of maximum power as the operating point, and resuming the tracking. The method further takes into account previous searches carried out in the presence of comparable operating variables to determine the probability.

Abstract: To provide a power control system which evaluates an applied control pattern over a period of a certain length or more, so as to be used for the subsequent control with a configuration in which a discharge start time and output of an electric storage device are changed.

Abstract: A power storage system for supplying power to a load by coupling a power generation system, a battery, and a grid, the power storage system includes a battery management system (BMS) for controlling charging and discharging of the battery and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the BMS, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to supply external power to the BMS as an operating power of the BMS in a first state in which the external power is applied, and the power supply circuit is configured to supply power of the battery to the BMS as the operating power of the BMS in a second state in which the external power is not applied.

Abstract: A domestic appliance having a control device to control device components of the domestic appliance during execution of a program, wherein the device components have electrical loads. The domestic appliance also has a switch to at least partly de-energize the control device after the program has finished executing.

Abstract: A multiple-input DC-DC converter that is capable of power diversification among different energy sources with different voltage-current characteristics. The converter is capable of bidirectional operation in buck, boost and buck-boost modes and provides a positive output voltage without the need for a transformer.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to use a separate device between the analog and digital communications lines to convert the digital load sharing information from the digital communication line to the analog communication line and vice versa. The device does not generate power itself for the load sharing and therefore does not disturb the load sharing of the generators on the both sides of the device. The device can be seen as a gate between the digital communication line and the analog communication line.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a photovoltaic (PV) installation includes providing a string of multiple panel interface device enabled PV panels; operatively connecting an inverter to the string; operatively connecting at least one PV panel to the string; discharging an input capacitance of the inverter; comparing a current in the string to a predetermined current threshold value; and controlling connection of the at least one PV panel to the string based on the comparing of the current in the string to the predetermined current threshold value. A panel interface device may be used to discharge the input capacitance of the inverter.

Abstract: The power converter includes a first operation mode in which each of switching elements is controlled on or off independently so as to perform a power conversion between a load and both a first DC power source and a second DC power source and a second operation mode in which every two of the switching elements are controlled on or off concurrently so as to perform the power conversion between the load and the first DC power source or the second DC power source. A switching speed at which when each of the switching elements is turned on or turned off is controlled in accordance with the operation mode. Specifically, the switching speed in the second operation mode is higher than the switching speed in the first operation mode.

Abstract: A power tool operable to receive a first battery pack and a second battery pack. The power tool including a motor; a first switch; a second switch; and a controller. The controller operable to monitor a first voltage of the first battery pack and a second voltage of the second battery pack, close the first switch and the second switch when the first voltage and the second voltage are within a predetermined range, open the first switch when the first voltage is outside of the predetermined range of the second voltage and the second voltage is greater than the first voltage, and open the second switch when the second voltage is outside of the predetermined range of the first voltage and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage.