Patents by Inventor Brent Earle Harris
Brent Earle Harris has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8026639Abstract: A step wave power converter includes a plurality of transformers each configured to receive a Direct Current (DC) voltage from one or more independently generated power sources. Each transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding. A plurality of bridge circuits control different DC voltage inputs from one of the multiple independently generated power sources into the primary windings. One or more processors are configured to use a Phase-Shifted Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (PSCPWM) scheme to operate the bridge circuits in order to produce steps for a step wave Alternating Current (AC) output from the secondary windings.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Sustainable Energy TechnologiesInventors: Rishi Sachdeva, Russell Jack Morash, Dubravko Bosnjak, Brent Earle Harris
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Patent number: 7808125Abstract: A step wave power converter includes a plurality of transformers each configured to receive a Direct Current (DC) voltage from one or more independently generated power sources. Each transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding. A plurality of bridge circuits control different DC voltage inputs from one of the multiple independently generated power sources into the primary windings. One or more processors are configured to use a Phase-Shifted Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (PSCPWM) scheme to operate the bridge circuits in order to produce steps for a step wave Alternating Current (AC) output from the secondary windings.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Sustainable Energy TechnologiesInventors: Rishi Sachdeva, Russell Jack Morash, Dubravko Bosnjak, Brent Earle Harris
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Patent number: 7087332Abstract: A simple feedback control loop, in conjunction with an improved maximum power point tracking intermediate controller, can be used ensure efficient operation of a power generator. The improved maximum power point tracking controller operates the generator at its maximum allowable power point. A power output of the generator is measured and compared to a power output setpoint. Operating characteristics of the generator are then adjusted to cause the maximum allowable power point and measured power output to approximate the power output setpoint. Although applicable to all types of generators, this is particularly beneficial in fuel cell generator systems and other systems where damage to generator components can occur if operated above a maximum allowable power output level. In other systems, the maximum allowable power output may approach or equal a maximum power point (or maximum possible power point).Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Sustainable Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Brent Earle Harris
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Patent number: 6979916Abstract: A single- or multi-phase step wave power converter includes multiple transformers configured to receive DC voltage from one or more power sources. Each of the transformers includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformers are each configured to supply a step for a step wave AC output. Bridge circuits are supplied for controlling input of DC voltage into the primary windings of the transformers. Steps for the step wave AC output are output from the secondary windings based upon the input provided to the primary windings. DC source management circuitry manages which DC power source(s) supplies DC voltage input to each of the bridge circuits. The management circuitry provides seamless power switching between the plurality of DC power sources based on each power source's performance characteristics. A pulse-width modulator can also be provided to the step wave power converter to modulate the input into a selected primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: International Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Gerald W. Droppo, Matthew K. Donnelly, Brent Earle Harris
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Patent number: 6882063Abstract: A DC to DC Converter includes an electrical circuit that allows batteries and other electrical energy storage devices to be charged from or to discharge to a variable voltage DC bus. This electrical circuit also enables seamless integration with other energy storage devices and/or DC power sources, such as fuel cells, to provide DC power for a Power Management System. A Power Management System preferably provides both full power source management and power conditioning. The Power Management System is able to manage power flow to and from multiple, isolated power sources and energy storage devices to deliver high quality alternating current (“AC”) power to a load.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: International Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gerald W. Droppo, Lawrence A. Schienbein, Brent Earle Harris, Donald J. Hammerstrom
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Patent number: 6738692Abstract: A power conversion and energy management system preferably includes a controller, one or more standard modules, and a custom (or semi-custom) backplane. The backplane preferably accommodates one or more modules and uses the modules to control power quality and/or flow to one or more input and/or output connections. The standard modules are preferably power modules such as an inverter module, converter module, or grid connect module. In addition to accommodating the modules, the backplane can include system components other than power electronics. The backplane can, for example, include external connectors, disconnects, fusing, and so forth, for a given application. The backplane can further include internal DC and AC buses to interconnect the modules. The backplane can also include a communications module, a user interface, a socket for control firmware, and slots for accommodating the standard modules.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Sustainable Energy TechnologiesInventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Gerald W. Droppo, Brent Earle Harris
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Publication number: 20040021445Abstract: A simple feedback control loop, in conjunction with an improved maximum power point tracking intermediate controller, can be used ensure efficient operation of a power generator. The improved maximum power point tracking controller operates the generator at its maximum allowable power point. A power output of the generator is measured and compared to a power output setpoint. Operating characteristics of the generator are then adjusted to cause the maximum allowable power point and measured power output to approximate the power output setpoint. Although applicable to all types of generators, this is particularly beneficial in fuel cell generator systems and other systems where damage to generator components can occur if operated above a maximum allowable power output level. In other systems, the maximum allowable power output may approach or equal a maximum power point (or maximum possible power point).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Brent Earle Harris
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Publication number: 20040004403Abstract: A single- or multi-phase step wave power converter includes multiple transformers configured to receive DC voltage from one or more power sources. Each of the transformers includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformers are each configured to supply a step for a step wave AC output. Bridge circuits are supplied for controlling input of DC voltage into the primary windings of the transformers. Steps for the step wave AC output are output from the secondary windings based upon the input provided to the primary windings. DC source management circuitry manages which DC power source(s) supplies DC voltage input to each of the bridge circuits. The management circuitry provides seamless power switching between the plurality of DC power sources based on each power source's performance characteristics. A pulse-width modulator can also be provided to the step wave power converter to modulate the input into a selected primary winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: International Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Gerald W. Droppo, Matthew K. Donnelly, Brent Earle Harris
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Publication number: 20030201674Abstract: A DC to DC Converter includes an electrical circuit that allows batteries and other electrical energy storage devices to be charged from or to discharge to a variable voltage DC bus. This electrical circuit also enables seamless integration with other energy storage devices and/or DC power sources, such as fuel cells, to provide DC power for a Power Management System. A Power Management System preferably provides both full power source management and power conditioning. The Power Management System is able to manage power flow to and from multiple, isolated power sources and energy storage devices to deliver high quality alternating current (“AC”) power to a load.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: International Power System, Inc.Inventors: Gerald W. Droppo, Lawrence A. Schienbein, Brent Earle Harris, Donald J. Hammerstrom
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Patent number: 6628011Abstract: A DC to DC Converter includes an electrical circuit that allows batteries and other electrical energy storage devices to be charged from or to discharge to a variable voltage DC bus. This electrical circuit also enables seamless integration with other energy storage devices and/or DC power sources, such as fuel cells, to provide DC power for a Power Management System. A Power Management System preferably provides both full power source management and power conditioning. The Power Management System is able to manage power flow to and from multiple, isolated power sources and energy storage devices to deliver high quality alternating current (“AC”) power to a load.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: International Power System, Inc.Inventors: Gerald W. Droppo, Lawrence A. Schienbein, Brent Earle Harris, Donald J. Hammerstrom
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Patent number: 6608404Abstract: A single- or multi-phase step wave power converter includes multiple transformers configured to receive DC voltage from one or more power sources. Each of the transformers includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformers are each configured to supply a step for a step wave AC output. Bridge circuits are supplied for controlling input of DC voltage into the primary windings of the transformers. Steps for the step wave AC output are output from the secondary windings based upon the input provided to the primary windings. DC source management circuitry manages which DC power source(s) supplies DC voltage input to each of the bridge circuits. The management circuitry provides seamless power switching between the plurality of DC power sources based on each power source's performance characteristics. A pulse-width modulator can also be provided to the step wave power converter to modulate the input into a selected primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: International Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Gerald W. Droppo, Matthew K. Donnelly, Brent Earle Harris
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Publication number: 20030036806Abstract: A power conversion and energy management system preferably includes a controller, one or more standard modules, and a custom (or semi-custom) backplane. The backplane preferably accommodates one or more modules and uses the modules to control power quality and/or flow to one or more input and/or output connections. The standard modules are preferably power modules such as an inverter module, converter module, or grid connect module. In addition to accommodating the modules, the backplane can include system components other than power electronics. The backplane can, for example, include external connectors, disconnects, fusing, and so forth, for a given application. The backplane can further include internal DC and AC buses to interconnect the modules. The backplane can also include a communications module, a user interface, a socket for control firmware, and slots for accommodating the standard modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Gerald W. Droppo, Brent Earle Harris
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Publication number: 20020047309Abstract: A DC to DC Converter includes an electrical circuit that allows batteries and other electrical energy storage devices to be charged from or to discharge to a variable voltage DC bus. This electrical circuit also enables seamless integration with other energy storage devices and/or DC power sources, such as fuel cells, to provide DC power for a Power Management System. A Power Management System preferably provides both full power source management and power conditioning. The Power Management System is able to manage power flow to and from multiple, isolated power sources and energy storage devices to deliver high quality alternating current (“AC”) power to a load.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Gerald W. Droppo, Lawrence A. Schienbein, Brent Earle Harris, Donald J. Hammerstrom
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Publication number: 20010004170Abstract: A single- or multi-phase step wave power converter includes multiple transformers configured to receive DC voltage from one or more power sources. Each of the transformers includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformers are each configured to supply a step for a step wave AC output. Bridge circuits are supplied for controlling input of DC voltage into the primary windings of the transformers. Steps for the step wave AC output are output from the secondary windings based upon the input provided to the primary windings. DC source management circuitry manages which DC power source(s) supplies DC voltage input to each of the bridge circuits. The management circuitry provides seamless power switching between the plurality of DC power sources based on each power source's performance characteristics. A pulse-width modulator can also be provided to the step wave power converter to modulate the input into a selected primary winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2000Publication date: June 21, 2001Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Gerald W. Droppo, Matthew K. Donnelly, Brent Earle Harris
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Patent number: 6198178Abstract: A single- or multi-phase step wave power converter includes multiple transformers configured to receive DC voltage from one or more power sources. Each of the transformers includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformers are each configured to supply a step for a step wave AC output. Bridge circuits are supplied for controlling input of DC voltage into the primary windings of the transformers. Steps for the step wave AC output are output from the secondary windings based upon the input provided to the primary windings. DC source management circuitry manages which DC power source(s) supplies DC voltage input to each of the bridge circuits. The management circuitry provides seamless power switching between the plurality of DC power sources based on each power source's performance characteristics. A pulse-width modulator can also be provided to the step wave power converter to modulate the input into a selected primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: International Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence A. Schienbein, Gerald W. Droppo, Matthew K. Donnelly, Brent Earle Harris