Plural Inverters Patents (Class 363/71)
  • Patent number: 10205403
    Abstract: A cascaded H-bridge inverter and a method for handling a fault thereof are provided. An output voltage or an output power of each of N solar panels is detected by a controller. In a case that the output voltage of at least one of the N solar panels is lower than a preset voltage, or that the output power of at least one of the N solar panels is lower than a preset power, the controller controls a corresponding switching device to be switched off, and changes a set value of a voltage across a capacitor in the direct current side. Then, the controller controls a corresponding H-bridge module to perform inverting by taking the set value of the voltage across the capacitor in the direct current side as an input value, so that a total output modulation voltage of the cascaded H-bridge inverter meets a preset condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Xu, Yilei Gu
  • Patent number: 10139800
    Abstract: Decentralized methods for computing optimal real and reactive power setpoints for residential photovoltaic (PV) inverters are described. Optimal power flow techniques are described that select which inverters will provide ancillary services and compute their optimal real and reactive power setpoints according to specified performance criteria and economic objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Sairaj Dhople, Georgios B. Giannakis, Emiliano Dall'Anese
  • Patent number: 10116234
    Abstract: A DC/AC converter is provided with a new control device and method for managing inrush current transients during operation without requiring additional external devices or emergency operating modes forcing the DC/AC converter to shut down. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, aimed at grid connected DC/AC, converters, often subject to inrush current phenomena due to perturbations in the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Pietro Raboni, David Martini, Silvia Mastellone, Stefan Almer
  • Patent number: 10075057
    Abstract: A hybrid topology power converter includes a three-level circuit module and a cascaded H-bridge circuit module. A control method includes the following steps. Firstly, a zero sequence component is injected into a total modulation wave, thereby generating a compensated total modulation wave. Then, a first voltage signal is generated according to the compensated total modulation wave. An H-bridge modulation wave is generated according to the compensated total modulation wave and the first voltage signal. A three-level driving signal is generated according to the first voltage signal, and an H-bridge driving signal is generated according to the H-bridge modulation wave. A duty cycle of at least one switch element of the three-level circuit module is adjusted according to the three-level driving signal. A duty cycle of at least one switch elements of the cascaded H-bridge circuit module is adjusted according to the H-bridge driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dingkun Shen, Jianfei Zheng, Wei Xu, Jianping Ying, Lan Wei, Zhiming Hu
  • Patent number: 10050552
    Abstract: A high-frequency isolation alternating/direct current conversion circuit and a control method thereof are disclosed. The conversion circuit includes an alternating current source, a direct current source, a resonant capacitor, a high-voltage energy-storage filter, a high-frequency inverter bridge, a drive circuit, a resonant inductor, a high-frequency isolation transformer, a direct current side synchronous switch, a control circuit, and the like. The conversion circuit is made to be switched between two working modes, a rectification mode and an inversion mode by using a preset direct current source reference voltage as a reference, according to an external voltage reference, and by using different turn-on working modes of the high-frequency inverter bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN BOYN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lunquan Li, Jiajian Liu, Sha Yan
  • Patent number: 9985523
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes first and second converters. The first converter generates a first power voltage based on a power voltage from an input terminal, and outputs the first power voltage to a first output terminal. The second converter generates a second power voltage based on the input power voltage, and outputs the second power voltage to a second output terminal. The second converter includes a plurality of inverting converters and a controller. The inverting converters generate a check current to check a connection state of an inductor when the inductor is connected. The second power voltage is generated by converting the input power voltage in response to a PWM signal. The controller generates a driving control signal based on the check current to operate a predetermined number of the inverting converters connected to the inductor, and to control the inverting converters based on the driving control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Chun Park
  • Patent number: 9954393
    Abstract: A power distribution system is described. The system includes a main ac busbar and an emergency ac busbar. A hybrid drive system includes an induction electrical machine and a prime mover, the rotor of the electrical machine and the driving end of the prime mover being mechanically coupled to a load by means of a mechanical linkage such as a gearbox. The system includes a first active rectifier/inverter having ac input terminals electrically connected to the main ac busbar, and dc output terminals. The system includes a second active rectifier/inverter having dc input terminals electrically connected to the dc output of the first active rectifier/inverter by a dc link, and ac output terminals electrically connected to the induction electrical machine. A blackout restart system includes a rectifier having ac input terminals selectively electrically connectable to the emergency ac busbar and dc output terminals selectively electrically connectable to the dc link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Teng Long, Stephen Wood, Ushindibaba Mupambireyi
  • Patent number: 9941800
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that operates switched-mode power supplies, such as flyback converters. The power supplies may comprise isolated or non-isolated power converters. During operation, the system senses an on-time of a primary switch in the power converter. Upon detecting that the on-time does not exceed an on-time threshold within a first pre-specified period that spans one or more switching cycles, the system extends the on-time during a subsequent switching cycle to at least meet the on-time threshold. The system may then measure the voltage on one or more reference windings of the power converter during the on-time of the subsequent switching cycle, wherein the reference winding may comprise, e.g., an auxiliary winding of the primary winding of the power converter or a secondary winding of the power converter (e.g., in the case of isolated power converters utilizing a transformer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Pastrana, Manisha P. Pandya, Sameer G. Kelkar, Nicholas A. Sims
  • Patent number: 9923446
    Abstract: A method of controlling a multilevel converter, a computer program and a controller for a converter is provided. The method includes determining a transition voltage from a control period to a following control period, analyzing the switching cells of each phase leg, selecting capacitors to provide the transition voltage and synthesize the output voltage for the following control period, and connecting the selected capacitors during the following control period. The analyzing of each switching cell includes analyzing a first switching leg and a second switching leg of the switching cell. The method includes determining whether a change of state of the first switching leg would contribute to the direction of the transition voltage, and determining whether a change of state of the second switching leg would contribute to the direction of the transition voltage, and determining the internal conditions of each of the first and the second switching leg that are determined as contributing to the transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Christopher Townsend, Hector Zelaya De La Parra
  • Patent number: 9893528
    Abstract: A method of controlling voltage balancing of a modular multi-level converter is provided. The method includes receiving state information on each of n sub modules in an arm module, grouping the n sub modules into m sub module groups, receiving first state information on each of sub modules in a first one of the m sub module groups, among the state information on each of the n sum modules, receiving second state information on each of sub modules not included in the first sub module group, among state information on each of the n sum modules previously stored in a memory, controlling switching of a sub module by using the first state information and the second state information, and updating the memory with the first state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Gum Tae Son
  • Patent number: 9887666
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a junction box for a solar cell. The junction box includes a box body, wherein the box body is provided with a plurality of conducting pieces for connecting solar cell pieces; two adjacent conducting pieces are connected by a diode; the conducting pieces at both ends are connected to the outside parts via a guide line respectively; and the forward dissipation power of the diode in the middle is less than that of the diodes at both sides. According to the invention, the diode with lower forward dissipation power is employed in parts where the temperature rise is easily produced to reduce the temperature rise; while the diode with higher forward dissipation power is employed in parts where the temperature rise is not easily produced to control cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG RENHE PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lijun Duan
  • Patent number: 9866098
    Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system, having a photovoltaic panel, which has a direct current (DC) output and a micro-inverter with input terminals and output terminals. The input terminals are adapted for connection to the DC output. The micro-inverter is configured for converting an input DC power received at the input terminals to an output alternating current (AC) power at the output terminals. A bypass current path between the output terminals may be adapted for passing current produced externally to the micro-inverter. The micro-inverter is configured to output an alternating current voltage significantly less than a grid voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Yoscovich, Meir Gazit, Tzachi Glovinsky, Yoav Galin
  • Patent number: 9853574
    Abstract: A voltage source converter including a DC terminal for connection to a DC electrical network, and a converter limb operatively connected to the DC terminal. The converter limb including at least one limb portion operatively connected to an AC terminal. The limb portion including a valve, the valve including at least one module, the module including at least one switching element and at least one energy storage device, the switching element and each energy storage device in the module combining to selectively provide a voltage source. A controller including a valve voltage demand sub-controller. The controller being configured to provide AC and DC output voltage demands to the valve voltage demand sub-controller. And, a switching control unit configured to control switching of the switching element in the module so as to generate a voltage across the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Colin Donald Murray Oates
  • Patent number: 9853571
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a secondary control method and apparatus of parallel inverters in a micro grid, comprising: generating frequency and amplitude of fundamental voltage in the voltage instruction of inverter by droop control according to output voltage and output current of inverter to obtain a fundamental voltage instruction value; extracting voltage values and current values of a first and second AC signals from output voltage and output current of inverter, generating frequency instruction values of the first and second AC signals by droop control to obtain voltage instruction values of the first and second AC signals; regulating the output voltage of inverter according to the voltage instruction value of the first AC signal, the voltage instruction value of the second AC signal and the fundamental voltage instruction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinjun Liu, Teng Wu, Zeng Liu, Shike Wang, Baojin Liu, Yong Tao
  • Patent number: 9847751
    Abstract: Techniques for optimizing power production from photo-voltaic systems using, e.g., inductive coupling, are provided. In one aspect, a method of optimizing photo-voltaic generated power from a string of photo-voltaic devices is provided. The method includes the step of: providing corrective power to at least one photovoltaic device in the string of photo-voltaic devices to boost performance of the at least one photovoltaic device and thereby increase overall the photo-voltaic generated power from the string of photo-voltaic devices, wherein the corrective power is from about 1% to about 5%, and ranges therebetween, of the photo-voltaic generated power from the string of photo-voltaic devices. A system for optimizing photo-voltaic generated power from a string of photo-voltaic devices and a method for use thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Kirchner, Yves C. Martin, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 9843272
    Abstract: A power converter includes 2n charge storage elements connected in series in this order, n being a natural number of 2 or more, a first switch element and a first diode connected in series in this order between terminals of a first charge storage element, a second diode and a second switch element connected in series in this order between terminals of a 2nth charge storage element, a third diode and a fourth diode connected in series in this order between terminals of each of the second charge storage element to a 2n?1th charge storage element, 2n leads each connected to a node between the first switch element and the first diode, a node between the third diode and the fourth diode, and a node between the second diode and the second switch element, and 2n?1 switch circuits for selecting one of outputs output to the 2n leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinzo Tamai
  • Patent number: 9843274
    Abstract: A three-level photovoltaic inverter pulse width modulation method and a three-level photovoltaic inverter pulse width modulator. The method includes: when it is detected that potential safety hazards exist in a three-level photovoltaic inverter, switching the pulse width modulation mode of the three-level photovoltaic inverter into a 13-vector space vector pulse width modulation mode, to solve the fault or abnormal problems in the three-level photovoltaic inverter such as midpoint potential offset or excessively large common mode leakage current formed when the ground stray capacitance of a photovoltaic assembly is large, wherein according to the 13-vector SVPWM mode, 12 short vectors in 27 on-off state vectors of the three-level photovoltaic inverter are abandoned, and only six long vectors, six middle vectors and three zero vectors are reserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Li, Zhiqiang Han, Haoyuan Li, Xiaodong Mei, Benhe Yang, Kai Shen
  • Patent number: 9819279
    Abstract: An AC voltage regulator that regulates the output AC voltage level regardless of the varying AC input voltage utilizing high frequency series inductors that only process a proportion of the total output power and uses unipolar semiconductor low loss switches in series with one or more rectifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: EDGE ELECTRONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Neal George Stewart, Wing Ling Cheng
  • Patent number: 9809118
    Abstract: A system and a method for parallel power supply control for auxiliary converters of a motor train unit in the presence of interconnecting lines. The system comprises multiple three-phase inverter modules. The multiple three-phase inverter modules are in parallel connection with each other. Any two-phase circuit of a three-phase inverter module is separately in parallel connection with a corresponding two-phase circuit of a three-phase inverter module adjacent to the three-phase inverter module by using a connecting line module. The connecting line module is connected to a control system. The three-phase inverter modules are also connected to the control system. The three-phase lines of the three-phase inverter modules are all provided with switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG ROLLING STOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dongjun Yang, Bo Li, Junlei Wei, Bo Zhang, Zhaoping Li, Xiaoming Zhang, Zheng Xie, Yang Zhou, Lijun Zhang, Yanfang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9807863
    Abstract: A RF amplifier is provided that includes a plurality of switch modules connected in a cascade configuration and divided into disjoint sets in accordance with their corresponding distinct peak DC voltages or currents, each switch module including a plurality of switch devices connected in a half-bridge or full-bridge circuit and a DC voltage or current source electrically connected with the half-bridge or full-bridge circuit, and a control circuit configured to determine an output voltage or current of the RF amplifier at the next switching interval, examine the states of the switching devices in the respective switch modules to identify a combination of least-recently-switched switching devices within each set of switch modules that, when switched to an opposite state, will produce the determined output voltage or current, and switch to an opposite state, at the next switching interval, the switching devices in the identified combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Van Zyl
  • Patent number: 9762086
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of switchless power source redundancy in a power source transfer device providing power to one or more computing device(s). The power source transfer device includes a plurality of AC power converters configured to receive power from corresponding power sources. A first AC power converter provides DC power to a common DC bus of the power source transfer device. A second AC power converter provides DC power to the common DC bus in response to a change in a monitored level provided by the first AC power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter G. Ross, Richard A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9762141
    Abstract: A circuit for an electrical load comprises a passive transformer, the secondary of which is connected to power cells for each phase according to the transformer tappings. Each power cell comprises a low cost but efficient power factor correction circuit to produce lower harmonics on the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NIDEC CONTROL TECHNIQUES LIMITED
    Inventor: Frank Weiner Heerdt
  • Patent number: 9762146
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting parallel insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules is provided. A pair of switches selected from a plurality of the IGBT modules are assigned to a driver integrated circuit (IC). In the pair of switches, a master IGBT switch is selected, the other switch being a slave IGBT switch. A command signal from the driver IC is electrically coupled to both the master and slave IGBT switches. The master and slave IGBT switches both have protective circuits; however, the driver IC is electrically coupled to the protective circuits of the selected master IGBT switch only. The protective circuits include temperature and current sense circuits. The plurality of the IGBT modules may be formed by two hexpack power modules. The modules are configured such that only a single driver IC is needed for each pair of parallel IGBT switches, with equal current sharing of the paralleled modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FARADAY&FUTURE INC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti
  • Patent number: 9744875
    Abstract: A battery comprises a number n of battery module strings, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to two. The battery module strings have several battery modules, and one battery module has a coupling unit. The coupling unit is configured as a voltage transformer and couples the battery modules to each other. A method of controlling the battery includes supplying a load connected to the battery with a predefined and substantially constant total power. The total power corresponds to a sum of n individual powers of the n battery module strings. The method further includes setting n?1 string voltages, which are each present at the n?1 battery module strings, according to the total power, the load, and by defining a string voltage present at an nth battery module string with amplitude and phase position. At least two of the n individual powers are asymmetrical to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Schmidt, Dirk Hasenkopf, Stefan Butzmann, Holger Fink
  • Patent number: 9742319
    Abstract: A current controller for an electric machine that includes an input, an output, a threshold generator and a comparator. The threshold generator stores a scaling factor and includes a PWM module that operates on a reference voltage to generate a threshold voltage. The duty cycle of the PWM module is then defined by the scaling factor. The comparator compares a voltage at the input against the threshold voltage and causes an overcurrent signal to be generated at the output when the voltage at the input exceeds the threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: John Dunstan Marvelly, Seth Alan Yates
  • Patent number: 9722423
    Abstract: We describe a modular adjustable power factor renewable energy inverter system. The system comprises a plurality of inverter modules having a switched capacitor across its ac power output, a power measurement system coupled to a communication interface, and a power factor controller to control switching of the capacitor. A system controller receives power data from each inverter module, sums the net level of ac power from each inverter, determines a number of said capacitors to switch based on the sum, and sends control data to an appropriate number of the inverter modules to switch the determined number of capacitors into/out of said parallel connection across their respective ac power outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SOLARCITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Garrity, Aaron Michael Jungreis
  • Patent number: 9712084
    Abstract: An electric power conversion device includes a power conversion unit and a converter control unit. The power conversion unit includes three arms connected to an AC circuit. The converter control unit includes a phase DC voltage control unit, a negative sequence current command value calculation unit, an output current control unit, a circulating current control unit, a voltage command value calculation unit, and a gate signal generation unit, and imbalance of cell DC capacitor voltages among phases due to grid imbalance is controlled by circulating current and negative sequence current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Kikuchi, Kaho Mukunoki, Toshiyuki Fujii, Osamu Mori, Shinzo Tamai, Sadao Funahashi, Yasuhiko Hosokawa, Kotaro Higashi
  • Patent number: 9680390
    Abstract: A multi-source power supply for supplying power that includes a first rectifier configured to convert a first AC power signal from a first source to a first DC power signal, a second rectifier configured to convert a second AC power signal from a second source to a second DC power signal and a common bus operatively connected to the first rectifier and the second rectifier and configured to combine a the DC power signals into a combined DC power signal, where the common bus distributes the combined DC power signal to at least one server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Twitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rose, Paul Thies, Jennifer Fraser
  • Patent number: 9620993
    Abstract: An auto-synchronous isolated inlet power converter is disclosed that can be daisy-chained with other power converters and/or an alternating current (AC) power source. The power converter automatically generates output AC power that is in parallel with external input AC power coming into the power converter when the power converter senses the external input AC power so that the power converter operates as a slave in this state. The power converter automatically generates output AC power when the power converter fails to detect the external input AC power coming into the power converter where the power converter operates as a master in this state. The power converter generates the output AC power without any reliance on the external input AC power generated by a utility grid and/or other AC power sources external to the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Solpad, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Estes
  • Patent number: 9590489
    Abstract: The present invention provides a converter including a plurality of sub-modules connected in series to each other, wherein each of the sub-modules includes a first half-bridge unit including a first energy storage unit, and a plurality of first power semiconductors connected in parallel to the first energy storage unit and connected in series to each other; a second half-bridge unit including a second energy storage unit, and a plurality of second power semiconductors connected in parallel to the second energy storage unit and connected in series to each other; and an auxiliary circuit unit connecting the first half-bridge unit and the second half-bridge unit; wherein the auxiliary circuit unit includes a single third power semiconductor and a single diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HYOSUNG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hong Ju Jung, Tae Gyun Kim, Hang Jun Yang, Jong Yun Choi
  • Patent number: 9590495
    Abstract: An embodiment holdup time circuit of a bridgeless power factor correction circuit comprises a charge device, an energy storage apparatus and a discharge device. The charge device comprises a first terminal coupled to a bridgeless power factor correction circuit and a second terminal coupled to the energy storage apparatus. The discharge device comprises a first terminal coupled to the energy storage apparatus and a second terminal coupled to the bridgeless power factor correction circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dianbo Fu, Hengchun Mao, Bing Cai
  • Patent number: 9557393
    Abstract: A switched power converter unit has a DC voltage source with a positive output connection and a negative output connection; a series connection of two switching units; a first output clamp, coupled to a common point of the two switching units of a first parallel branch via a first inductive element; a diode arranged to allow current flow from the first output clamp to the DC voltage source; a diode arranged to allow current flow from the DC voltage source to the first output clamp; a capacitor coupled parallel to diode D1, and/or a capacitor coupled parallel to diode D2; a second output clamp, coupled to a common point of the two switching units of a second parallel branch via a second inductive element; a diode arranged to allow current flow from the second output clamp to the DC voltage source; a diode arranged to allow current flow from the DC voltage source to the second output clamp; a capacitor coupled parallel to diode D3, and/or a capacitor coupled parallel to diode D4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Prodrive Technologies B. V.
    Inventor: Antonius Wilhelmus Hendricus Johannes Driessen
  • Patent number: 9502904
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes a number of photovoltaic arrays, a number of inverters, a transformer, and processor. The processor is structured to control the number of inverters and operate the power conversion system to provide maximum efficiency of power conversion by the number of photovoltaic arrays, the number of inverters and the transformer, and to maximize power output from the number of photovoltaic arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vijay Bhavaraju, Richard P. Peplinski, Anish Prasai
  • Patent number: 9490704
    Abstract: Control methods for resonant converters offer improved performance in resonant converters that operate with a wide input-voltage range or a wide output-voltage range (or both) by substantially reducing the switching-frequency range. Reduction in the switching frequency range is achieved by controlling the output voltage with a combination of variable-frequency control and time-delay control. Variable-frequency control may be used to control the primary switches of an isolated resonant converter, while delay-time control may be used to control secondary-side rectifier switches provided in place of diode rectifiers. The secondary-side control may be implemented by sensing the secondary current or the primary current (or both) and by delaying the turning-off of the corresponding secondary switch with respect to the zero crossings in the secondary current or the primary current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yungtaek Jang, Milan M. Jovanović
  • Patent number: 9488995
    Abstract: A voltage converter includes a first converter stage including a unipolar transistor coupled to a first inductive storage element, where the first converter stage is configured to provide a first output power signal including a first output current. Also, the voltage converter includes a second converter stage including a bipolar transistor coupled to a second inductive storage element, where the second converter stage is configured to provide a second output power including a second output current, and where a third output current is a sum of the first output current and the second output current. Additionally, the voltage converter includes a control circuit configured to control a power converter including the first output current and the second output current, where the first output current is higher than the second output current when the third output current has a first range of output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventor: Gerald Deboy
  • Patent number: 9467063
    Abstract: An apparatus to deliver an alternating current (AC) power may include a controller having a processor and a memory. The apparatus may also include a plurality of power inverters in communication with the controller. Each power inverter may be configured to convert direct-current (DC) power into the (AC) power. Each of the plurality of power inverters may be configured to be controlled by the controller to generate AC power below at least one predetermined operating threshold. The plurality of power inverters may be configured to combine AC power generated by each of the plurality of power inverters, such that the combined AC power is delivered to a common AC load above the predetermined operating threshold. The apparatus may be arranged and operated according to a ratio of FMA=Fr/N, where Fr=fs/fl, fs is the switching frequency of the plurality of power inverters, fl is the frequency of the common AC load, and N is the number of power inverters of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Krein
  • Patent number: 9466449
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a drive circuit for n contactors, which circuit comprises a first input and a second input as well as n first connections and n second connections, wherein a first connection and a second connection in each case can be respectively connected to one of the two connections of a drive coil of one of the n contactors in each case. According to the disclosure, the drive circuit also comprises an adjustable holding voltage source, the first pole of which is connected to the second input and the second pole of which is connected to the first of the first connections. A method for driving n contactors is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dirk Hasenkopf
  • Patent number: 9461474
    Abstract: A power converter circuit includes output terminals configured to receive an external voltage. A series circuit with a number of converter units is connected between the output terminals of the power converter circuit. Each converter unit includes input terminals configured to be coupled to a DC power source and output terminals configured to provide an output current. At least one converter unit of the converter units includes a signal generator configured to receive a synchronization signal and to generate a continuous synchronization signal from the synchronization signal. The power converter circuit can be operated in a normal operation mode. In the normal operation mode, the at least one converter unit is configured to regulate generation of the output current such that a frequency and/or a phase of the output current are dependent on the continuous synchronization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Gerald Deboy, Yi Tang
  • Patent number: 9450479
    Abstract: Provided is an approach for active control of cross currents flowing among multiple paralleled converters. Control of cross currents is achieved by using at least one proportional-integral (PI) controller and at least one resonant controller to target several selected dominant harmonics with infinite gains to ensure elimination of targeted harmonic cross currents in steady state. The cross currents are decomposed by into (1) common mode and differential mode components or (2) current phase domain components and each component is suppressed to a value approximately near zero using the controller. Also provided is a device comprises instructions, that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations, which regulate and suppress cross current within a power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Duro Basic, Mathieu Giroux
  • Patent number: 9438115
    Abstract: A power source system (5) includes a direct current power source (10), a direct current power source (20), and a power converter (50) having a plurality of switching elements (S1-S4) and reactors (L1, L2). The power converter (50) performs a direct current voltage conversion between the direct current power sources (10, 20) and a power source line (PL) in parallel by controlling the switching elements (S1-S4). Each of the switching elements (S1-S4) is disposed to be included in both a power conversion path formed between the direct current power source (10) and the power source line (PL), and a power conversion path formed between the direct current power source (20) and the power source line (PL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Ishigaki, Shuji Tomura, Naoki Yanagizawa, Takaji Umeno, Masaki Okamura, Daigo Nobe
  • Patent number: 9407161
    Abstract: A distributed power system wherein a plurality of power converters are connected in parallel and share the power conversion load according to a prescribed function, but each power converter autonomously determines its share of power conversion. Each power converter operates according to its own power conversion formula/function, such that overall the parallel-connected converters share the power conversion load in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Gazit, Tzachi Glovinski, Yaron Binder
  • Patent number: 9385611
    Abstract: A power adapter to supply power at an output. The power adapter has a programmable gain compensation trim function. In some examples, the gain compensation trim function is a negative gain compensation trim function, and the output of plural power adapters are connected together to form a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Maxwell Scott DeHaven
  • Patent number: 9379566
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charge for a battery is provided. The apparatus includes an input unit that is configured to convert alternating current (AC) input power into direct current (DC) power. A first converter is configured to store or output the DC power and a circuit unit is configured to filter or boost output power based on a normal operation state or an instantaneous power failure state of the AC input power. In addition, a second converter is configured to convert the filtered or boosted power and supply the power to a high voltage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Woo-Young Lee, Jin-Young Yang, Byeong-Seob Song, Dae-Woo Lee, In-Yong Yeo
  • Patent number: 9379648
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a processor for controlling an emergency operation of a multiphase induction machine upon an interruption of a first phase current of a first phase of the induction machine. The processor is designed to determine a control current setting, corresponding to the emergency operation, for a second phase of the induction machine in a coordinate system fixed to the stator through a combination of a first target current setting, corresponding to a normal operation of the electric engine, for the first phase and a second target current setting for the second phase in a coordinate system fixed to the stator. This distinguishes a phase angle and an amplitude of the control current setting for the second phase from a phase angle and an amplitude of the second target current setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hassan Lamsahel
  • Patent number: 9374030
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a generator excitation apparatus including a plurality of first power converters and a second power converter. The plurality of first power converters are electrically connected to windings of respective phases of rotors of a wound rotor type induction generator in which the windings of the rotors of the respective phases are electrically independent, and are configured to bidirectionally convert DC and AC. The second power converter is configured to bidirectionally convert DC and AC between DC sides of the first power converters and a three-phase DC power supply. The DC sides of the first power converters are electrically connected together to a DC side of the second power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Inagaki, Kentaro Suzuki, Ryuta Hasegawa, Teruyuki Ishizuki, Kiyoshi Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 9344042
    Abstract: A device comprises a switch network having a plurality of switch cells connected in series, an output voltage at an output voltage port with an output capacitor, and an impedance network coupled between the switch network and an output voltage port with an output capacitor. Each switch cell has a plurality of input voltages and a plurality of switches, in which each switch is coupled to an input voltage, and a first input voltage coupled to a first switch has a different value from a second input voltage coupled to a second switch. The output voltage is configured to be a combination of the input voltages of the switch network in the form of: Vo=?1NKi×Vi, where Vo is the output voltage, N is the number of input voltages, Vi is the ith input voltage, and Ki is an integer equal to 0 or 1 depending on the ON/OFF status of the switches in the switch network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Hengchun Mao
  • Patent number: 9342137
    Abstract: A power excursion tolerant power system includes at least one powered component. A system capacitance and at least one power supply are coupled to the at least one powered component. The at least one power supply is operable as a voltage controlled current source to supply power to the at least one powered component when a system load is below a predetermined threshold. The at least one power supply is operable as a constant current source, and together with the system capacitance, to supply power to the at least one powered component when the system load is above the predetermined threshold. A load reduction mechanism is coupled to the at least one powered component and operable to perform at least one load reduction action when the system load is above the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Mark Muccini, Shawn Joel Dube
  • Patent number: 9337645
    Abstract: A method in a controller for protection of a voltage source converter including one or more phases, each phase including one or more series-connected converter cells. Each converter cell has a by-pass switch for enabling by-pass thereof. The method includes the steps of detecting an over-voltage condition, and controlling simultaneously the by-pass switches of each converter cell, so as to bypass the converter cells upon detection of such over-voltage condition. The invention also encompasses a controller, computer programs and computer program products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Hasler, Mauro Monge, Marcio De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 9329612
    Abstract: Methods and systems for mitigation of intermittent generation impact on electrical power system may be provided. A voltage of the power line may be monitored. A change in the voltage of the power line may be determined. A power output of an energy generation source connected to the power line may be altered based on the determined change in the voltage on the power line to compensate for the change in the voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Petra Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Hussam Alatrash
  • Patent number: 9303325
    Abstract: A system for distributing medium voltage DC electric power from a wind farm to electrolyzer modules requiring low voltage DC power. The system includes one or more of each of central step down DC-DC converters, DC buses, regulated DC-DC converters, respective electrolyzer module controllers, dispatch controllers, alternative loads, and alternative power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Hinatsu, Michael Stemp, Philipp Andres, William Stewart