Patents Assigned to Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140133203Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140029320Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130314096Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array, under some circumstances, by using a bidirectional power converter not only to convert the DC output of the array to output power under some conditions, but also, for diagnostic operations, applying a back-converted DC voltage to the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130307336Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
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Patent number: 8514601Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8471408Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array, under some circumstances, by using a bidirectional power converter not only to convert the DC output of the array to output power under some conditions, but also, for diagnostic operations, applying a back-converted DC voltage to the array.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bundschuh, William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8461718Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array, under some circumstances, by using a bidirectional power converter not only to convert the DC output of the array to output power under some conditions, but also, for diagnostic operations, applying a back-converted DC voltage to the array.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bundschuh, William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8451637Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8446043Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventors: Paul Bundschuh, William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8446042Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Bundschuh, William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8446745Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8441819Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20130114303Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array, under some circumstances, by using a bidirectional power converter not only to convert the DC output of the array to output power under some conditions, but also, for diagnostic operations, applying a back-converted DC voltage to the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: IDEAL POWER CONVERTERS, INC.Inventor: Ideal Power Converters, inc.
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Publication number: 20130114316Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20130114315Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20130114311Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8432711Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8406025Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Patent number: 8400800Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20130063994Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.Inventor: William C. Alexander