Abstract: A battery module includes features to optimize cooling while providing electrical isolation and cell gas-venting channels. The battery module can include the integration of a heatsink in order to improve thermal performance. Thermally conductive pads can be provided to create an electrically isolated interface between a plurality of series-connected battery-cell lead plates, at different potentials, and the heatsink. Optimization, by stacking thin and thick thermally conductive pads, allows for creation of gas-venting channels along the positive cell terminal locations. In some arrangements, a plurality of fluid paths are disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the battery module to provide heat convective airflow through the battery module.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A battery module includes features to optimize cooling while providing electrical isolation and cell gas-venting channels. The battery module can include the integration of a heatsink in order to improve thermal performance. Thermally conductive pads can be provided to create an electrically isolated interface between a plurality of series-connected battery-cell lead plates, at different potentials, and the heatsink. Optimization, by stacking thin and thick thermally conductive pads, allows for creation of gas-venting channels along the positive cell terminal locations. In some arrangements, a plurality of fluid paths are disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the battery module to provide heat convective airflow through the battery module.

Abstract: A battery module includes a battery and an outer case surrounding the battery. The outer case has two ends, each end including a case feature for mating with retention features in a multiple battery module enclosure. Each end also includes an electrical terminal electrically coupled to the respective case feature. At least one end including a ramp feature for engaging at least one of the retention features in response to inserting the case into the multiple battery module enclosure.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: An electrical circuit includes a switch, an energy harvesting circuit coupled to the switch to collect power from the voltage drop across the switch, and a control circuit coupled to the energy harvesting circuit to maintain the switch in an ‘on’ state in response to current flow through the switch and to turn off the switch in response to no current flow through the switch.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array system includes multiple strings of series coupled photovoltaic modules to provide current at a voltage dependent on the number of modules in each string and their operating efficiency. Each string is coupled to a DC-to-DC converter to convert the current from each string for output to a DC bus. An inverter is coupled to DC bus to convert the current from the strings of series coupled photovoltaic modules to AC current at a grid-compatible voltage.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array system includes multiple strings of series coupled photovoltaic modules to provide current at a voltage dependent on the number of modules in each string and their operating efficiency. Each string is coupled to a DC-to-DC converter to convert the current from each string for output to a DC bus. An inverter is coupled to DC bus to convert the current from the strings of series coupled photovoltaic modules to AC current at a grid-compatible voltage.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A centrifugally triggered brake mechanism is used to halt a rotating assembly. The brake mechanism includes a braking surface, a brake shoe, and a rotating centrifugal trigger. Upon attaining a selected rotational speed the trigger releases the brake pad to engage the drum. The mechanism may be useful for instance in providing backup overspeed protection for wind turbines.

Abstract: An optimally-shaped single part molded wind turbine blade is provided for small wind turbines. Two mold bodies are brought together to form a cavity, and a third retractable mold body is inserted into the cavity. A flowable material such as filled thermoplastic resin is introduced into the space between the mold bodies and solidified. The retractable mold body is retracted and the mold is opened to reveal a single-part wind turbine blade with a hollow root region.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A centrifugally triggered brake mechanism is used to halt a rotating assembly. The brake mechanism includes a braking surface, a brake shoe, and a rotating centrifugal trigger. Upon attaining a selected rotational speed the trigger releases the brake pad to engage the drum. The mechanism may be useful for instance in providing backup overspeed protection for wind turbines.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.