Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules. Also, for a protection method in the distributed power system, when the inverter stops production of the output power, each of the power modules is shut down and thereby the power input to the inverter is ceased.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a backup system. The configuration of the backup system in terms of number of load groups, power sources, and/or total power limit may be altered. An interface enclosure of the backup system may include a housing for electric circuitry, where the housing may be a clam-shell design including a base plate and a backup interface module. The base plate may comprise a frame, one or more detachable hinges, and/or two or more multi-terminals. The base plate may include a plurality of multi-terminals. The multi-terminals may be arranged to connect to one or more load groups, power sources, power devices, other multi-terminals, etc. Each load group that is connected to the multi-terminals may be disconnected from the utility grid and connected to the one or more sources of backup power in the case of a utility grid shutdown.

Abstract: Mounting an agent on a cover of on an enclosure of an electronic device such that changing a physical location of the cover changes a location of the agent. In response to a change in the physical location of the cover, detecting a change in location of the agent with a sensor. Reading a transmitted signal from the sensor by a controller and changing a status of the electronic device according to instructions from the controller, the instructions being configured according to the transmitted signal of the sensor.

Abstract: A system, a device, a method, a communication protocol, and/or the like, for energy management in a fragment, heterogeneous, electrical grid. The grid may include multiple types of power generation systems, electrical energy storage systems, electrical loads, and efficiently managing these systems may require elements that will bridge the technology gap of these systems, as well as provide best-effort power generation and consumption in order to stabilize the grid. These techniques are especially important in differentiated electric energy networks, such as micro-grids, island grids, virtual power plants, and/or the like.

Abstract: A vehicle traction device having at least one energy storage component; at least one traction component; at least one acceleration sensor including a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, an accelerometer, and/or a piezoelectric sensor; and at least one deceleration sensor including a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, an accelerometer, and/or a piezoelectric sensor. The at least one acceleration/deceleration sensor is responsive to an operator input, and when the operator input is applied to the at least one acceleration/deceleration sensor, the energy traction device is signaled to transfer energy from the at least one energy storage component to the forward propulsion of the vehicle, or vice versa, using the at least one traction component. The vehicle traction device may be incorporated into, for example, a wheel, a motor, and/or a transmission.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a method for detecting, by a device, an increase in temperature at certain parts of an electrical system, and taking appropriate responsive action. The method may include measuring temperatures at certain locations within the system and estimating temperatures at other locations based on the measurements. Some embodiments disclosed herein include an integrated cable combining electrical conduction and heat-detection capabilities, or an integrated cable or connector combining electrical conduction with a thermal fuse.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an input stage comprising a first input, a second input, a first AC coupler, and a second AC coupler. The first AC coupler is coupled between the first input and a third input. The second AC coupler is coupled between the second input and a fourth input. A comparator coupled to the third input, the fourth input, and an output. The comparator provides an output signal at the output based on a comparison between a level of a first voltage at the third input, and a level of a second voltage at the fourth input. A feedback circuit, coupled to the output, the third input, and the fourth input. The feedback circuit receives the output signal, and provides, based on the output signal, a first feedback voltage to the third input.

Abstract: A method of signaling between a photovoltaic module and an inverter module. The inverter module is connected to the photovoltaic module. In an initial mode of operation an initial code is modulated thereby producing an initial signal. The initial signal is transmitted from the inverter module to the photovoltaic module. The initial signal is received by the photovoltaic module. The operating mode is then changed to a normal mode of power conversion, and during the normal mode of operation a control signal is transmitted from the inverter to the photovoltaic module. A control code is demodulated and received from the control signal. The control code is compared with the initial code producing a comparison. The control command of the control signal is validated as a valid control command from the inverter module with the control command only acted upon when the comparison is a positive comparison.

Abstract: A system for providing power from a direct current (DC) source and/or alternative current (AC) source to a battery is described. The system may include DC power source terminals configured to connect to a DC power source, AC power source terminals configured to connect to an AC power source, a DC-DC converter configured to charge a battery from the DC power source terminals, an AC-DC converter configured to charge the battery from the AC power source terminals, a first switch connected between the AC power source terminals and the AC-D C converter, a second switch connected between the DC power source terminals and the DC-DC converter, and a controller configured to connect the battery to the DC power source terminals based on an absence of the AC power source, and connect the battery to the AC power source terminals based on an availability of the AC power source.

Abstract: When a power outage occurs, an uninterruptable power supplies may lose all grid connections including a neutral connection which may be connected to ground. To avoid the loss of a ground connection to the power circuits of the UPS, a switch unit may be used to selectively connect a neutral conductor of the circuit to a ground terminal. The switch unit may comprise a power relay, a fast switch device (FSD), and a controller. The power relay and FSD may be connected in series between the neutral conductor of the circuit and a ground terminal. The controller may be configured to: close the FSD when the voltage between ground and neutral (Vng) goes above a first threshold, open the FSD when the voltage between any grid connection and neutral (Vg) goes above a second threshold, and close the FSD when Vg is below the second threshold.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power combiner operable to interconnect multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings is disclosed. The DC power combiner may include a device adapted for disconnecting at least one photovoltaic string from the multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string connectible by a first and second DC power line. The device may include a differential current sensor adapted to measure differential current by comparing respective currents in the first and second DC power lines. A first switch is connected in series with the first DC power line. A control module is operatively attached to the differential current sensor and the first switch. The control module may be operable to open the first switch when the differential current sensor measures the differential current to be greater than a maximum allowed current differential, thereby disconnecting the photovoltaic string from the interconnected photovoltaic strings.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to systems, apparatuses and methods for operating stand-alone power systems. The systems may include power generators (e.g., photovoltaic generators and/or wind turbines), storage devices (e.g., batteries and/or flywheels), power modules (e.g., power converters) and loads. The methods may include various methods for monitoring, determining, controlling and/or predicting system power generation, system power storage and system power consumption.

Abstract: A system includes a central analysis station and a display. The central analysis station may be configured to receive a unique identifier and performance data from each of a plurality of solar panels. The central analysis station may detect a problem in at least one of the plurality of solar panels based on the performance data. A display may be configured to display a status of the at least one of the plurality of solar panels based on the detected problem.

Abstract: A fault identification may be triggered by a component of a power generation system (PGS), such as a hardware component, a controller of a hardware component, a device of the PGS, a computer connected to the PGS, a computer configured to monitor the PGS, and/or the like. The fault identification may be the result of a failure of a component of the PGS, a future failure of a component of the PGS, a routine maintenance of the PGS, and/or the like. The fault is converted to a notification on a user interface using a mapping of faults, root-causes, notification rules, and/or the like. The conversion may use one or more lookup tables and/or formulas for determining the impact of the fault on the PGS, and/or the like.

Abstract: A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for melting snow from a surface of a power source. The power source may be a photovoltaic (PV) module.

Abstract: A bobbin, which may comprise a hollow cylindrical shell, wherein the hollow cylindrical shell may define or otherwise comprise an inner cavity. The bobbin may comprise one or more flanges located near an end of the hollow cylindrical shell, wherein the flange(s) extends, at least in part, radially away from the inner cavity, wherein the flange(s) comprises a region of partial conductivity.

Abstract: A system and a method for a power system that includes a first string portion and a second string portion connected in series. The first string portion may have a first group of power sources connected in series. The second string portion may include a plurality of serially connected devices and a second group of power sources connected to the devices. Each device may be connected to a respective power source of the second group of power sources. By controlling switches that are includes the devices, one or more of the second group of power sources may be disconnected from the first group of power sources in a first mode of operation and/or connected to the first group of power sources in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A method to control storage into and depletion from multiple energy storage devices. The method enables an operative connection between the energy storage devices and respective power converters. The energy storage devices are connectable across respective first terminals of the power converters. At the second terminals of the power converter, a common reference is set which may be a current reference or a voltage reference. An energy storage fraction is determined respectively for the energy storage devices. A voltage conversion ratio is maintained individually based on the energy storage fraction. The energy storage devices are stored individually with multiple variable rates of energy storage through the first terminals. The energy storage is complete for the energy storage devices substantially at a common end time responsive to the common reference.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a first switch leg connected between a first input terminal and an output terminal, the first switch leg comprising a first switch. The apparatus may also include a second switch leg connected between a second input terminal and the output terminal, the second switch leg comprising a second switch. The apparatus may further include a third switch leg connected between an input voltage midpoint node and the output terminal. A control circuit may control the first switch leg, the second switch leg, and the third switch leg.