Abstract: A capacity control device including: a storage unit for storing information representing a first energy amount and a second energy amount of an amount of energy accumulated in a power source for driving mounted on a vehicle, the first energy amount being available for power transmission and reception between the power source for driving and a power grid without an instruction from a user of the vehicle, and the second energy amount being available to the user in response to an instruction from the user; a updating unit for updating the second energy amount without updating the first energy amount, and updating the first energy amount without updating the second energy amount; and a control unit for presenting information representing the second energy amount that has been updated by the updating unit to the user.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus which comprises a wireless power transmission system. This system comprises features which allow it to transfer more power wirelessly to multiple devices simultaneously, each at extended distances than other systems operating in the same frequency range. The system including heat dissipation features, allowing the system to operate effectively in elevated-temperature environments and to transfer power at higher levels and/or greater distances than a typical power-transfer system. The system also may include design features to withstand mechanical shocks, stresses, and impacts for use in a rugged environment. The system may include features to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or specially shaped components with magnetic/ferrimagnetic properties that enhance performance.

Abstract: A bicycle electric power assist device includes: an electric motor connected in a torque transmitting relationship to a crank arm or a crankshaft driven by a pedal force; a battery; a control unit configured to control operation of the electric motor; a rotation angle sensor configured to detect a crank rotation angle position of the crankshaft; and a current sensor configured to detect a motor current, wherein the control unit includes: a pedal force estimation/calculation unit configured to estimate the pedal force of the pedals from a difference between the motor current in a first crank rotation angle position and the motor current in a second crank rotation angle position which is different from the first crank rotation angle position; and a motor drive control unit configured to control a drive current of the electric motor according to the pedal force estimated by the pedal force estimation/calculation unit.

Abstract: An electric power generation system is disclosed to produce electrical energy. The electric power generation system includes a solar awning that is ideally carried by a vehicle that is operable under its own power or towed behind a lead vehicle. The solar awning has a solar base attached to the roof of the vehicle and a pair of solar arms that are hingedly connected to respective opposite sides of the solar base. Each of the solar base and the pair of solar arms has an array of solar panels that convert solar energy to electrical energy. The solar awning is folded from an open configuration for maximum exposure to the sun at which the solar arms lie side-by-side the solar base to a closed configuration for minimum exposure to the sun at which the solar arms rotate downwardly from the solar base to lie alongside the vehicle.

Abstract: A microgrid system controller includes a regulated bus, a variable-frequency drive (VFD) inverter, a generator coupled to a rotatable flywheel, a resistive load; and a plurality of actuatable switches. The microgrid system controller may also include a battery and charge controller or a battery storage device. The plurality of actuatable switches couple some of the various components.

Abstract: In a vehicle power supply system mounted on an electric vehicle, a vehicle controller switches a discharge power limit to a motor during travel of the electric vehicle according to degradation information of a battery module to which a plurality of cells are connected, the degradation information being calculated in advance before the travel of the electric vehicle. For example, the vehicle controller switches a limit of a maximum acceleration and/or maximum speed of the electric vehicle as the switching of the discharge power limit.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a coupling device including a power conversion device, and one or more power supply units. Each of the power supply units includes a distributed power supply, a first interface outputting DC power to the power conversion device, an individual converter converting the DC power to AC power, and a second interface outputting the AC power output from the individual converter. The power conversion device includes a coupling side converter that converts the direct current power output from the power supply units to AC power, and an interface for outputting the AC power output from the coupling side converter. The power supply system includes a controller for controlling at least one of a corresponding one of the power supply units or the power conversion device based on communication information obtained by communication between the corresponding one of the power supply units or the power conversion device.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that create a capacitive link based on a rotating cylinder capacitor. A cylindrical rotor rotates around a shaft and maintains an air gap between the cylindrical rotor and the shaft and to create one or more air gap capacitors. A first subsystem, comprising a light detection and ranging components, is coupled to the rotor. A second sub-subsystem, comprising data analysis functions, is coupled to the shaft. The first subsystem and the second subsystem are coupled via capacitive links created by the air gap capacitors. The communication signaling utilized on the capacitive links may be bi-directional and differential signaling. The first subsystem and the second subsystem may comprise a LIDAR light detection and ranging system. The second subsystem may power the first subsystem via inductive coupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing AC power to a power grid using renewable energy sources as well as energy storage devices. A control system controls multiple DC/DC converters that are coupled to renewable energy sources as well as to one or more energy storage devices. The control system also controls the charge/discharge of the energy storage devices. Each DC/DC converter control block in the control system automatically detects whether to perform MPPT on the renewable energy source or to control the discharge of the energy storage devices. Each DC/DC converter control block ensures that power from the renewable energy source or from the energy storage device is converted and provided to the power grid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power system includes a power panel operable to distribute alternating current (AC) power and pulse power to a plurality of power outlets and having an AC circuit breaker and a pulse power circuit breaker, the pulse power comprising a sequence of pulses alternating between a low direct current (DC) voltage state and a high DC voltage state, a power inverter and converter coupled to the power panel through an AC power connection and a pulse power connection and including a DC power input for receiving DC power from a renewable energy source, an AC power input for receiving AC power, and a connection to an energy storage device, and a power controller in communication with the power inverter and converter and operable to balance power load and allocate power received at the DC power input and the AC power input to the power panel.

Abstract: Provided is a power supply apparatus that can be disposed below a floor panel of a vehicle, including: a wiring structural body that is disposed below the floor panel, and is routed such that a first high-voltage wire harness, a second high-voltage wire harness, and a low-voltage wire harness extend along the wiring structural body; a high-voltage electricity storage device disposed below the wiring structural body; a first low-voltage electricity storage device and a second low-voltage electricity storage device that are disposed below the wiring structural body; and a 100-V charger, a first DC/DC converter, and a second DC/DC converter that are disposed below the wiring structural body.

Abstract: A method for controlling a preparation function for an operation of a motor vehicle includes determining an expected time of use of the motor vehicle based on a previous journey of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a time switch configured to control the preparation function. The method also includes outputting the specified time of use and detecting a confirmation of the time of use. The method also includes setting the time switch to prepare the motor vehicle at the confirmed time of use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adaptable DC-AC inverter system and its operation. The system includes multiple DC input sources as input to provide a stable operation under various conditions. DC input sources may be added to the system or removed from the system without impacting the functionality of the system. The disclosed system is suited for solar energy harvesting in grid-connected or off-grid modes of operation.

Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.

Abstract: A lawn mower or stand-on powered drivable machine has an electrical port that receives current from an alternator powered by the engine or motor. The port receives a plug from a garment worn by the lawn mower operator. The garment includes one or more thermo-electric elements that are powered from current extending through the port. The thermo-electric (TEC) elements may be resistive heaters to warm the operator or TEC coolers to cool the operator. Furthermore, the garment may include a rechargeable battery that powers the thermo-electric elements when the plug is disconnected from the port.

Abstract: An electrical energy distribution system for a vessel or platform includes a plurality of DC buses, each DC bus coupled to a corresponding energy storage bus; each energy storage bus being coupled to a neighboring energy storage bus of the system through a first DC/DC converter. The plurality of energy storage buses are connected together to form a ring. Each energy storage bus is further coupled to an energy store through a second DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A modular inverter is disclosed that provides users flexibility in which devices can be installed in their system by supporting a plurality of different types of DC-to-DC converters, where each DC-to-DC converter corresponds to one of a plurality of loads. The modular inverter houses the plurality of different types of DC-to-DC converters in a plurality of bays, which couples each DC-to-DC converter to a DC rail to either receive or deliver DC power.

Abstract: An example energy storage system and a related method are disclosed. In the energy storage system, a controller obtains information about user equipment, and then controls a converter and a battery group based on the information about the user equipment, to supply electric energy to an electric device or receive electric energy from a power sourcing device. In this way, the energy storage system can provide reasonable power scheduling, thereby improving utilization of the energy storage system.

Abstract: Methods and system include power harvesting with process and device monitoring. A power management system including a solar cell can be integrated with a display panel into a common housing. A capacitor and a rechargeable battery connected to the power management system can receive power from the solar cell and provide electrical power, first from the capacitor and then second from the rechargeable battery, to electronic components including the display engaged in monitoring processes and devices deployed in isolated locations. Electronics can include a microprocessor programmed to provide collected data display on the display panel and wireless transmission to a remote monitoring station. A rotatable stem operated by a step-motor and connected to the common housing can orient the integrated display and solar cell towards sunlight according to an internal time clock synchronizing movement of the display panel via a step motor and thereby maximize harvesting of electrical energy.

Abstract: A system employing a modular containerized energy-storage systems (ESS) and power cabinet control system allows for long duration uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capabilities for battery and electrochemical storage devices. modular containerized ESS and power cabinet control system. Long duration uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capabilities for battery and electrochemical storage devices may be realized. Embodiments of a modularized energy storage system can comprise a first power cabinet configured to function as a primary power and load balancing appliance. The first power cabinet can comprises power electronics including a DC-AC inverter, transformer, and frequency regulator; a set of one or more energy storage systems, which may be battery-based.