By Voltage Regulation Patents (Class 700/298)
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Patent number: 8606425Abstract: An uninterruptable power supply (UPS) designed to switch power inputs between an alternating current mode and a battery mode by adjusting the amplitude and/or frequency windows of the input voltage so that the uninterruptible power supply accepts the unstable voltage and/or frequency. This prevents the uninterruptible power supply to switch back to the battery mode during a transfer time between the battery mode and the AC mode. The uninterruptable power supply includes a control circuit. The control circuit modifies the monitored value and/or actual amplitude and/or the frequency window when unstable amplitude and/or an unstable frequency are detected at the input terminal of the input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Toshiba International CorporationInventors: Yoichi Morishima, David M. Westmoreland
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Publication number: 20130310995Abstract: A power generation system is provided that includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational mechanical energy. A generator is configured to receive the rotational mechanical energy and generate electrical power in response to the rotational mechanical energy. A fluid medium is provided to the internal combustion engine and to the generator for removing thermal energy from the internal combustion engine and from the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: PowerSys, LLCInventors: Douglas Alan Koeneman, Edward J. Woods
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Patent number: 8588993Abstract: A voltage regulation optimization (VRO) system receives inputs from a DCS or other distribution network control/monitoring system. The VRO then calculates optimized control commands for various network devices including the controllable taps of voltage regulating transformers.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Xiaoming Feng, Fang Yang
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Patent number: 8572004Abstract: A statistical approach can be used to efficiently supply an initial population that provides a good global description of a design space. The SI based simulation can then find a global best design within a reduced number of simulations. The statistical approach can be utilized to determine a plurality of potential best and worst case designs from a design space. The plurality of potential best and worst case designs from the design space seed or prime a SI based simulation. The best case designs are based on design parameters than can be controlled. The worst case designs are based on design parameters than cannot be controlled due. SI based simulations can then be run on the best case designs with respect to the worst case designs to determine probability of failure of the best case design.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Moises Cases, Jinwoo Choi, Bhyrav M. Mutnury, Navraj Singh
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Publication number: 20130282197Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for controlling a voltage profile delivered to a load in an electric power system. According to various embodiments, an electric power system may include an electric power line, a variable tap transformer, and a capacitor bank. The variable tap transformer may include a plurality of tap positions. A tap change controller may be coupled with the variable tap transformer and may control the tap positions of the variable tap transformer. A capacitor bank controller may be coupled with the capacitor bank and may selectively couple the capacitor bank to the electric power line. The tap change controller and the capacitor bank controller may share system information related to the voltage profile along the electric power line and to change the voltage profile along the line using the variable tap transformer and the capacitor bank depending on the system information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Casper A. Labuschagne, Jeffrey G. Pope
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Patent number: 8560140Abstract: A home appliance includes an electronic controller with a trigger port which starts an operating cycle for the home appliance in response to a signal received on the trigger port that indicates availability of an alternative resource.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: BSH Home Appliances CorporationInventors: Ralf Winkler, Christian Wolf
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Patent number: 8553791Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying data that is designated for wireless transmission to a remote computing device. A digital signal that encodes the data for transmission across a band of radio frequency channels is generated. Multiple radio frequency channels in the band that are available are determined. The digital signal is filtered to substantially reduce a power level of the digital signal at frequencies that correspond to channels in the band that have not been determined to be available. The filtered digital signal is converted to an analog signal. The analog signal is provided to an analog transmitter that isolates the band of channels to generate an isolated analog signal and that wirelessly transmits the isolated analog signal over the multiple available channels using one or more antennas.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: E. Daniel McCloskey, C. Philip Gossett
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Patent number: 8554388Abstract: A power intervening and management panel has a low voltage power supply electrically coupled to a low voltage circuit, a power module array having a plurality of power contactor modules where each has a power contactor with a power load input and a power load output switchable between a closed and an open position and a low voltage switch operably connected thereto for switching between the closed and the open position, a low voltage signal relay module for transmitting a low voltage output signal to one of a direct digital controller and a digital timer, and an enclosure containing the low voltage power supply, the power module array and the low voltage signal relay module.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Jeffrey Kibbie
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Patent number: 8543251Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for controlling electricity to a device. A sensor is associated with a device that is independently coupled to an electricity distribution network. The sensor senses electricity usage for the device. Based on the sensed electricity usage for the device, an electricity usage pattern is identified for the device. This electricity usage pattern is used to identify a classification of the device. Based on this device classification the supply of electricity to the device can be controlled as needed by the provider.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Laurence J. Plant
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Patent number: 8543248Abstract: According to one embodiment, an energy management system is provided, which has the DSM function of controlling energy loads. The system has a database and a load adjustment range prediction unit. The unit predicts a load adjustment range by using the history data stored in the database and outputs the load adjustment range thus predicted.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yutaka Iino, Yasuhiro Taguchi
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Patent number: 8531173Abstract: A method of operating a tap changer of a transformer or a voltage regulator in a power grid includes obtaining a load forecast for a time period. An average voltage profile is determined for the time period based on the load forecast. The method further includes estimating tap positions of the tap changer for leveling the average voltage profile during the time period. Switching signal commands are provided to the tap changer based on the estimated tap positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Joseph Krok, Sahika Genc
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Patent number: 8506674Abstract: A method of cleaning a dust filter includes applying a negative electrical potential to a first electrode in a first area of a dust filter and applying a positive electrical potential to a second electrode disposed in a second area of the dust filter, wherein a voltage differential between the first and second electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from the first area to the second area. Then, the method further includes applying a negative electrical potential to the second electrode and applying a positive electrical potential to a third electrode disposed in a third area of the dust filter, wherein a voltage differential between the second and third electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from the second area to the third area, and wherein the first, second and third areas are generally linearly arranged.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kathy L. Brown-Fitzpatrick, Gary D. Cudak, Christopher J. Hardee, James R. Lee, John Lloyd, William E. Lohmeyer, Jr., Andrew H. Wray
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Patent number: 8494684Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a substation automatic control system. An automatic power adjusting apparatus activates an automatic voltage adjusting apparatus when a phase tap is controlled. The automatic voltage adjusting apparatus activates the automatic power adjusting apparatus when a voltage tap is controlled. The automatic power adjusting apparatus suppresses the effective power on a transmission line to the value smaller than the prescribed value while the automatic voltage adjusting apparatus is performing an automatic control, thereby maintaining transmission-side system voltage within a tolerant system voltage range.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Wataru Yamamori, Hirotoshi Saotome, Koichi Tomaru
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Publication number: 20130184894Abstract: An electric power grid control system is provided with: distributed generators connected to an electric power grid; and voltage measurement units that measure voltage at connection points of the distributed generators to the electric power grid. When voltage at a connection point to the electric power grid deviates from a predetermined acceptable range, a centralized control device equally allocates a voltage adjustment amount for returning the voltage to the acceptable range to all distributed generators belonging to a predetermined group that was set in advance. Distribution processing devices cause the distributed generators to adjust voltage at the connection points in accordance with the voltage adjustment amount allocated from the centralized control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Hisato Sakuma, Koji Kudo, Hitoshi Yano
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Patent number: 8489249Abstract: An intelligent power saving system, disposed between a Utility Power Supply and at least a load, comprising: at least an energy storage device; at least a power supply line, connected to said Utility Power Supply and said load; at least an energy-storage-device-parallel-connection circuit, connecting said energy storage device electrically to said power supply line; and a power monitor, connected electrically to said Utility Power Supply, said energy storage device, and said energy-storage-device-parallel-connection circuit, thus determining whether said energy storage device is required to join in providing power to said load through said energy-storage-device-parallel-connection circuit, thus regulating percentage of total power supplied by said Utility Power Supply, preventing overload of said Utility Power Supply, hereby saving expense of the electric utility bills.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Phoenix Silicon International CorporationInventor: Chin-Chou Chen
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Publication number: 20130144456Abstract: A method for starting an application smartly and power-efficiently is applicable to a portable electronic device installed with an application and hardware. The portable electronic device receives a voltage generated from a power supply, such as an internal battery power or an external power. After the portable electronic device has started, a connection between the application and the hardware is created. Upon detection that the voltage originates from the external power, the application is executed based on a preset schedule to start the hardware corresponding to the application until it is detected that the source of the voltage has been switched to the internal battery power. Upon the detection that the source of the voltage has been switched to the internal battery power, a user determines whether to change the state of use of the hardware, thereby rendering the portable electronic device smart and power-efficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: CHANG-WEN CHENG, CHING-FENG HSIEH
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Patent number: 8456145Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a single board energy-saving device, which includes: a power calculation module, configured to detect the input current of the single board, and calculate the real-time power of the single board according to the detected input current and a previously measured and obtained input voltage of the single board; a single board energy-saving control module, configured to determine the load condition of the single board according to the real-time power of the single board and send a voltage adjustment command according to the load condition; a power supply adjustment module, configured to receive the voltage adjustment command and adjust the bus voltage of the single board according to the voltage adjustment command. The corresponding embodiments of the present invention also disclose a single board energy-saving method and a single board. Through the foregoing technical solutions, energy-saving is realized for the single board.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qingyin Fang
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Publication number: 20130138259Abstract: A power generation apparatus includes a power calculation unit configured to receive voltage information and temperature information from a power generation module, and calculate power generation information of the power generation module based on the received voltage information and temperature information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Sony Corporation
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Publication number: 20130138260Abstract: Systems and methods for switch-controlled VAR sources coupled to a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network coupled to a first switch-controlled VAR source. The first switch-controlled VAR source may comprise a processor, a voltage compensation component, and a switch. The first switch-controlled VAR source may be configured to obtain a first delay value, monitor a first proximate voltage, initiate a first delay duration based on the comparison of the first proximate voltage to at least one set point, the first delay duration being based on the first delay value, determine, with the processor, after the first delay duration, whether to connect the voltage compensation component based on the monitored voltage, and control, based on the determination, the switch to connect the voltage compensation component to adjust a network voltage or a network voltage component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: VARENTEC, INC.Inventor: Varentec, Inc.
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Patent number: 8427131Abstract: Regulation of a remote load center voltage from a local location of a voltage regulator and a voltage regulator control using voltage measurements from the remote load center obtained using a metering device at the load center in communication with the voltage regulator control. The metering device may obtain remote voltage information at the load center and communicate such to the voltage regulator control using a direct communications line, a wide area network, or the like. The communications may include electrical (e.g. copper cable), light (e.g. infrared over fiber optics), radio frequency, or the like. The voltage regulator control may be configured to use local measurements and a line drop compensation algorithm in the event that the remote voltage information becomes unavailable.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories IncInventors: Michael B. Bryson, David E. Whitehead
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Publication number: 20130088081Abstract: A multisource power system utilizing output isolated DC-DC converters in a serial input, parallel output arrangement provides uniform input voltage distribution and selective maximum power tracking wherein embodiments include maximum power tracking (“MPT”) with a single MPT controller, a battery dominated output voltage bus, and a regulated output voltage bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventor: Kasemsan Siri
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Publication number: 20130079945Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a power generation and delivery system while increasing a power output of the power generation and delivery system is described. The method includes, monitoring an output parameter of the power generation and delivery system and determining a rate of change of the output parameter as a function of time. A reactive current command signal is generated a as a function of the determined rate of change of the output parameter. Operation of a power converter is controlled based at least partially on the reactive current command signal to facilitate maintaining a substantially constant terminal voltage as the power output of the power generation and delivery system is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Alfredo Sebastian Achilles, Einar Vaughn Larsen
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Publication number: 20130073109Abstract: A droop control system for grid-connected synchronization connects to a plurality of distributed power generation modules and a utility grid system. The droop control system includes a detection processing module and a plurality of regulation control modules corresponding to the distributed power generation modules. The detection processing module is coupled with the distributed power generation modules and utility grid system in parallel to obtain a voltage difference, a phase angle difference and a frequency difference. The regulation control modules perform droop control of real power-frequency variety and reactive power-voltage variety and phase angle compensation. Through reactive power-voltage variety droop control approach, impact of impedance alterations in the power system can be eliminated and voltage fluctuations can also be minimized to achieve stable effect. Hence electric power of the utility grid system and distributed power generation modules can be regulated synchronously.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Po-Tai CHENG, Chia-Tse Lee
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Publication number: 20130073108Abstract: A real-time distributed wide area monitoring system is presented. The real-time distributed wide area monitoring system includes a plurality of phasor measurement units that measure respective synchronized phasor data of voltages and currents. The real-time distributed wide area monitoring system further includes a plurality of processing subsystems distributed in a power system, wherein at least one of the plurality of processing subsystems is configured to receive a subset of the respective synchronized phasor data, process the received subset of the respective synchronized phasor data to determine respective system parameters, wherein the plurality of processing subsystems are time synchronized.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Amol Rajaram Kolwalkar
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Patent number: 8400120Abstract: A control function formula which provides a relationship between an output voltage signal Vo and an output differential value with, for example, a negative linear function is defined in a calculation means. The calculation means samples an input voltage signal, an output voltage signal and an output differential signal at time instants in synchronization with a cycle of switching of a main switching element, and calculates subsequent ON and OFF durations of the main switching elements such that the control function formula might be satisfied. A drive pulse generation means generates a drive pulse with which the main switching element is turned on and off based on the ON and OFF durations determined by the calculation means. The output differential signal is generated by, for example, a capacitor current detection means or an observer device which detect a current of a smoothing capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Cosel Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Usuda, Yoshiki Matsuo, Takeshi Takayanagi, Yasuhiro Masuya
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Patent number: 8396609Abstract: A power management apparatus for a hybridized energy device includes a hybridized energy device including a plurality of units. The units include electrical energy storage and/or gathering cells, in series or in parallel to form a module. A plurality of the modules in series or in parallel form a pack. The power management apparatus also includes a central management apparatus (CMA) interconnecting a plurality of module management apparatus (MMAs) by means of either wired or wireless connections and a plurality of MMAs. Each MMA interconnects with a plurality of unit management apparatuses by means of either wireless or wired communication circuits. The power management apparatus further includes a plurality of units management apparatuses (UMAs), each wired, connected with, or deposited on a unit. Furthermore, the power management apparatus includes a rechargeable battery power source for a CMA, a plurality of MMAs, and a plurality of UMAs.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Sakti3, Inc.Inventors: Chia Wei Wang, Ann Marie Sastry, Fabio Albano
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Publication number: 20130046416Abstract: Disclosed is a solar photovoltaic power generator system that includes a solar cell panel and a power conditioner that controls a voltage or a current of generated power output from the solar cell panel as an operating value in accordance with a characteristic of the solar cell panel to search a maximum output point of the generated power so as to be supplied to a power system. The power conditioner includes a data memory module that stores a plurality of operating values and a plurality of patterns of the generated powers from the solar cell panel based on the operating values, and a maximum power point tracking module that adds a new operating value based on the pattern of the generated power in the past to calculate the operating values for the next search, and sets the maximum value through an algorithm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Osako, Yoshiaki Sato
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Patent number: 8368344Abstract: A refrigerator and a method of operating the same are disclosed. In the refrigerator and the method of operating the same, a voltage of an electric power input is measured and rectified through the half wave rectification or the full wave rectification in correspondence with the measured voltage, so that the refrigerator can be used without a voltage converting device when a voltage of the input power is changed. Therefore, the change or the modification of the circuit is not needed in order to use the refrigerator in other regions. Since components are compatible and utility of the components is improved, manufacturing costs can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Yoo Yoo, Chang Oh Kim
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Publication number: 20130030597Abstract: Devices and methods for the decentralized, coordinated control of the power factor on an electrical distribution system are provided. For example, a controller may include a network interface and data processing circuitry. The network interface may receive first measurements associated with a segment of an electrical distribution system and transmit a control signal configured to control equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system. The data processing circuitry may run simulations of the segment of the electrical distribution system in various equipment configurations, selecting from among the various equipment configurations an equipment configuration that is expected to cause the power factor to approach a desired value. The data processing circuitry then may generate the control signal, which may cause the equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system to conform to the equipment configuration and thereby control the power factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Borka Milosevic, Willem Hendrik Du Toit, Aleksandar Vukojevic
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Publication number: 20130030598Abstract: Devices and methods for the decentralized, coordinated control of the voltage and active power losses of an electrical distribution system in light of one another are provided. For example, a controller may include a network interface and data processing circuitry. The network interface may receive first measurements associated with a segment of an electrical distribution system and transmit a control signal configured to control equipment of the segment of the electrical distribution system. The data processing circuitry may run simulations of the segment of the electrical distribution system in various equipment configurations, selecting from among the various configurations one that is expected to cause the voltage deviation and the active power losses of the segment to approach desired values while keeping power factor within a desired range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Borka Milosevic, Willem Hendrik Du Toit, Aleksandar Vukojevic
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Publication number: 20130030599Abstract: Devices and methods for decentralized coordinated Volt/VAR control are provided. Such a device may allow, for example, an operational parameter such as voltage, power losses, a combination of these, and/or power factor to be optimized on a segment of an electrical distribution system under certain conditions. For example, a controller may include a network interface to receive measurements and data processing circuitry to optimize a voltage deviation, active power losses, or a combination thereof, based at least in part on the total load on the segment of the electrical distribution system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Borka Milosevic, Willem Hendrik Du Toit, Aleksandar Vukojevic
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Publication number: 20130013125Abstract: Determining the number of loads associated with each phase in a three-phase electric power system. The loads can be associated with the consumption of electric power at a node, such as a metering device located at a facility. In one implementation, a central device that is connected to such nodes via a smart grid and a radio frequency mesh network can be leveraged to determine a phase in real time. For example, the central device can include a processor that executes one or more computer program modules which can cause a load tap changer having access to a distribution feeder in the smart grid to vary a voltage level supplied across each phase of the power system. Additionally, the central device can communicate with nodes in the mesh network to cause the nodes to perform voltage measurements and collect information related to such measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: CELLNET INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventor: Derek Edward Booth
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Patent number: 8350417Abstract: In one embodiment, an improved circuit breaker module is installed in an electrical panel of a customer structure that receives power from a solar cell module and a utility company. The circuit breaker module may include a current sensor for sensing electrical current drawn by the customer structure from the utility company. The circuit breaker module may further include a current processing unit for capturing sensed electrical current values to generate energy consumption data and a data transmitter for transmitting energy consumption data to a remotely located data collection computer. The circuit breaker module may transmit energy consumption data over a wired or wireless data link. The circuit breaker module advantageously allows for relatively low cost and easy installation, encouraging installation of solar cell modules even in existing customer structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Michael J. Dooley, Mark Mrohs
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Patent number: 8346404Abstract: A Substation Automation (SA) system in high or medium voltage power networks is provided for determining a bus bar voltage at a first node. The disclosure replaces a ‘real’ voltage transformer with an intelligent electronic device (IED) and/or a ‘virtual’ voltage transformer (VT), which determines the bus bar voltage at the first node from a first bay connected to the first node. The IED receives network message from a second IED of the SA system, indicating the bay voltage of the first bay connected to the first node. The IED also receives switch status of the switching device arranged between the first bay and the first node, from a third IED. Depending upon the switch status, the IED establishes the bay voltage as the bus bar voltage at the first node.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventor: Wolfgang Wimmer
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Publication number: 20120323399Abstract: A system according to various embodiments of the disclosure includes a bus and a plurality of devices coupled to the bus, the devices configured to communicate with each other via the bus. The system further includes a power supply coupled to the bus, the power supply for supplying power to the plurality of devices via the bus. The power supply is configured to detect an event, and in response to the event, alternately supply power to the plurality of devices via the bus at a first current level or at a second current level, the second current level less than the first current level. Among other things, embodiments in this disclosure help allow additional devices to be used on a bus, even where the total power consumption of the devices would normally exceed a maximum defined by a bus architecture.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Marc Hoffknecht, Javier Orlando Rojas, Liam John O'Hagan
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Publication number: 20120323388Abstract: A power distribution system includes a plurality of node devices and a computer communicatively coupled to the node devices. The computer includes a memory area configured to store at least one operating parameter of each of the node devices, and a processor that is programmed to determine a desired operating limitation of the power distribution system to be optimized, calculate an effect on the operating limitation based on a modification of the operating parameter of at least one of the node devices, and transmit a command to the node device to cause the node device to modify the operating parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Nathan Bowman Littrell, James Joseph Schmid
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Publication number: 20120310438Abstract: A method for initializing a power inverter of a photovoltaic system includes: opening an AC mains switch and a DC switch to disconnect the power inverter from an electrical grid and to disconnect a capacitor bank associated with the inverter from a solar cell array; closing the AC mains switch to allow power to flow from an electrical grid to the DC capacitor bank to charge the DC capacitor bank; monitoring the DC capacitor bank until a desired voltage is reached; initiating the operation of the power inverter; stabilizing the DC voltage received from the DC capacitor bank at a predetermined power up voltage for the power inverter; waiting for an inverter initialization period to elapse; and adjusting DC voltage received by the power inverter to a voltage associated with a maximum power output level of the solar cell array.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Karl Kaiser
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Publication number: 20120303175Abstract: A system and method is provided for calculating a power output and coordinating the reduction of voltage and wire speed; if the computed power output does exceed the power supply capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Thermal Dynamics CorporationInventors: Roger H. Lambert, Geoffrey H. Putnam
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Publication number: 20120296491Abstract: A method for reducing effects of a demand/response event in a power distribution network can include identifying a load profile in the power distribution network, in response to detecting a peak in the load profile, decreasing voltage in the power distribution network and in response to a detecting a trough in the load profile, increasing the voltage in the power distribution network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: James Joseph Schmid
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Patent number: 8315742Abstract: A method of performing loadflow computations for controlling voltages and power flow in a power network by reading on-line data of given/specified/scheduled/set network variables/parameters and using control means, so that no component of the power network is overloaded as well as there is no over/under voltage at any nodes in the network following a small or large disturbances. A loadflow computation method could be any method including invented Patel Decoupled Loadflow (PDL) method, and Decoupled Gauss-Seidel-Patel Loadflow (DGSPL) method. The invented Patel Decoupled Loadflow (PDL) calculation method is characterized in 1) the use of the same coefficient matrix [GB] for both the p-f and q-e sub-problems of the loadflow computation; 2) almost no effort in the modified mismatch calculations in the iteration process; and 3) all the nodes in both the sub-problems being active, no refactorization of [GB] required for implementation of Q-limit violations.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventor: Sureshchandra Patel
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Publication number: 20120290145Abstract: The present invention proposes a method and a system for generating a bidirectional power flow between a DC component and an AC grid for a distributed power generation system using solar panels. The system includes an inverter that further includes a DC component for generating DC power and a single-stage DC-AC converter for converting the DC power into AC power by operating in one or more pre-defined modes. The AC power includes a reactive power component and an active power component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Madhuwanti Joshi, Hussam Alatrash, Bruce Modick, Ronald Decker, Johan Enslin
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Publication number: 20120277931Abstract: The present invention is to disclose a micro control unit for an electric device. It includes a charge pump regulator, connected to an external DC power source, for boosting and regulating voltage outputted from the DC power source; and a controller, switched between the external DC power source while a current of the DC power source is stable and the charge pump regulator while the current is unstable, for outputting a stable voltage to the electric device, thereby eliminating damage to the electric device caused by input surge current.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: HYCON TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: Po-Yin Chao, Ean-Sue Lee, Shui-Chu Lee, Shu-Lan Xie
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Patent number: 8301314Abstract: A system, device and method for regulating the voltage at a customer premises that is supplied power via a first medium voltage power line is provided. In one embodiment, the method of using a computer system comprises determining medium voltage (MV) data comprising data of the voltage supplied to the first medium voltage power line at a plurality of times, storing the MV data for each of the plurality of times in a memory, determining current data comprising data of a current supplied to the medium voltage power line at the plurality of times, storing the current data at each of the plurality of times in memory in association with the voltage data of the same time.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Brian J. Deaver, Sr., Melvin L. Barnes, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120271479Abstract: A power distribution system includes at least one power distribution device and a computer coupled to the power distribution device, wherein the computer includes a memory area configured to store a hierarchy of the power distribution device. The computer is configured to adjust a first voltage level of a first power distribution device, wherein the first power distribution device is a first tier of the hierarchy, and adjust at least a second voltage level of at least a second power distribution device, wherein the second power distribution device is a second tier of the hierarchy. The computer is also configured to generate a switch plan for the power distribution device based on the adjusted first voltage level and the adjusted at least a second voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: James Joseph Schmid, Hua Fan
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Publication number: 20120255591Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more string buses of series-connected solar modules. The current outputs from the solar modules on each string bus can be balanced along with the voltage output from the string buses. Local management units coupled between the solar modules and the string buses are configured to control the voltage output from each solar module. When the solar modules on each string are balanced, and when the string buses are balanced (or before the solar modules and string buses are balanced), an inverter or other device connected to the solar array can find the array's maximum power point via a maximum power point tracking algorithm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: TIGO ENERGYInventors: Shmuel Arditi, Maxym Makhota
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Publication number: 20120253541Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more strings of series-connected local management units (LMUs). Each LMU is parallel-connected to one of a plurality of solar modules. The strings are connected in parallel via a parallel bus. Local string management units (LSMUs) can increase or decrease an output voltage of the solar array by upconverting or downconverting string output voltages from each string. LSMUs can also operate in a bypass mode to increase overall power output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: TIGO ENERGYInventors: Shmuel ARDITI, Ron HADAR, Maxym MAKHOTA, Mordechay AVRUTSKY
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Patent number: 8271146Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) includes a plurality of UPS modules. Each of the UPS modules has a battery that provides power to a protected load in the event of a utility power failure. A plurality of controllers control how much power each of the batteries deliver to the protected load, and a communication bus allows the controllers to exchange information about the battery voltages. One of the controllers calculates the average battery voltage of the plurality of batteries and adjusts the amount of energy provided by an individual battery such that the battery voltage is about equal to the average battery voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventors: Brian P Heber, Kevin Eschhofen, Mohammad Nanda Marwali, Terry D Bush
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Patent number: 8271148Abstract: Provided are a novel distribution automation system and its voltage control method, which can supply a stable voltage to a user by properly adjusting the settings of a control device so as to compensate for reactive power at each load terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Korea Electric Power CorporationInventors: Sung-Woo Lee, Bok-Nam Ha, Chang-Hoon Shin, Min-Ho Park, So-Young Park
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Patent number: 8261230Abstract: A system for optimizing a current overload protection circuit includes an input device, a data storage device, a central processing device, and a display. The central processing device includes a storage module, a control module, and a calculation module. The storage module stores a VI application therein. The control module receives instructions from the input device and selects virtual electronic components of the current overload protection circuit from the data storage device and connection of the selected electronic components. The current overload protection circuit is completed and run in the VI application; electronic components significantly affecting the maximum protection current are labeled. The calculation module calculates normal distribution samples of the current overload protection circuit based on the labeled electronic components. The display shows whether the current overload protection circuit meets a process capability standard.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsung-Sheng Huang, Chun-Jen Chen, Duen-Yi Ho, Wei-Chieh Chou
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Patent number: 8260468Abstract: The invention broadly encompasses a system including a database to store demand response data, the demand response data including demand response agreement parameters, demand response load and energy demand characteristics of one or more demand response customers, the demand response load characteristics including power consumption capacity of each of one or more demand response loads, an aggregator to aggregate the demand response loads based on the demand response data and forecast data into a demand response portfolio, a monitor to monitor power demand of one or more demand response customers and one or more power grids, and a dispatcher to notify the one or more demand response customers of the demand response portfolio and to notify a utility of a response from the one or more demand response customers whether to control the demand response load to return the power consumption capacity of the demand response load back to the one or more power grids.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Versify Solutions, Inc.Inventors: David Ippolito, Peter Cona