Patents by Inventor Eric Bryant Cummings
Eric Bryant Cummings 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: 12231083Abstract: An electrical supply system has a carport appliance with a framework supporting a plurality of PV panels and a system controller having a PV inverter coupled to the PV panels of the carport appliance. The PV inverter is adapted to provide current to charge electrically powered vehicles, and has a regulated bus coupled to electrical apparatus providing surge capacity for the supply system. In one instance the system controller has an AC output to input of a distribution apparatus for a residence or a business.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Inventors: Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt, Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20240343145Abstract: A vehicular electricity generating canopy appliance includes a rectangular framework forming a vehicular chassis with solar panels, support apparatus for repositioning panels, auxiliary wheels, a trailer dolly for towing, and an electrical system connected to an inverter supporting optional Vehicle to Grid (V2G) operations. The vehicular canopy is designed to be movable and storable to protect the panels during adverse weather conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Inventors: Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt, Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 11949374Abstract: The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventors: Eric Bryant Cummings, Kirsten Kaye Pace
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Publication number: 20230370017Abstract: An electrical supply system has a carport appliance with a framework supporting a plurality of PV panels and a system controller having a PV inverter coupled to the PV panels of the carport appliance. The PV inverter is adapted to provide current to charge electrically powered vehicles, and has a regulated bus coupled to electrical apparatus providing surge capacity for the supply system. In one instance the system controller has an AC output to input of a distribution apparatus for a residence or a business.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, Achim Ginsberg-Klemmt, Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 11791635Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20230198462Abstract: The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventors: Eric Bryant Cummings, Kirsten Kaye Pace
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Publication number: 20230048641Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 11545931Abstract: The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventors: Eric Bryant Cummings, Kirsten Kaye Pace
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Patent number: 11515708Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20210376613Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20210143774Abstract: The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicant: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventors: Eric Bryant Cummings, Kirsten Kaye Pace
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Patent number: 10833599Abstract: This specification discloses a novel power converter comprising a large array of interleaved converter channels. As a system, these channels provide high reliability through redundancy. The embodiments described herein solve a reliability and cost issues in converting electrical energy to alternating current (AC) power, with particular application to string inverters for solar power applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20190140554Abstract: This specification discloses a novel power converter comprising a large array of interleaved converter channels. As a system, these channels provide high reliability through redundancy. The embodiments described herein solve a reliability and cost issues in converting electrical energy to alternating current (AC) power, with particular application to string inverters for solar power applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: MaxOut Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 9729062Abstract: A flyback converter has a sub-nanofarad capacitor disposed between the primary winding and the secondary winding of a transformer included in the flyback converter. A controller in the flyback converter co-optimizes the switch period and width such that the flyback converter operates substantially at peak efficiency via the use of a novel set point and control-signal. A model of global optimal control is provided via a novel characterization and analysis method.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Maxout Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20160308367Abstract: Various techniques are employed alone or in combination, to reduce the levelized cost of energy imposed by a power plant system. Solar energy concentrators in the form of inflated reflectors, focus light onto photovoltaic receivers. Multiple concentrators are grouped into a series-connected cluster that shares control circuitry and support structure. Individual concentrators are maintained at their maximum power point via balance controllers that control the flow of current that shunts this series connection. DC current from clusters is transmitted moderate distances to a centralized inverter. The inductance of transmission lines is maximized using an air-spaced twisted pair, enhancing the performance of boost-type three phase inverters. Cluster outputs are separate from individual inverters in massively interleaved arrays co-located at a central location.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 9407093Abstract: Various techniques are employed alone or in combination, to reduce the levelized cost of energy imposed by a power plant system. Solar energy concentrators in the form of inflated reflectors, focus light onto photovoltaic receivers. Multiple concentrators are grouped into a series-connected cluster that shares control circuitry and support structure. Individual concentrators are maintained at their maximum power point via balance controllers that control the flow of current that shunts this series connection. DC current from clusters is transmitted moderate distances to a centralized inverter. The inductance of transmission lines is maximized using an air-spaced twisted pair, enhancing the performance of boost-type three phase inverters. Cluster outputs are separate from individual inverters in massively interleaved arrays co-located at a central location.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Maxout Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 9300133Abstract: Various techniques are employed alone or in combination, to reduce the levelized cost of energy imposed by a power plant system. Solar energy concentrators in the form of inflated reflectors, focus light onto photovoltaic receivers. Multiple concentrators are grouped into a series-connected cluster that shares control circuitry and support structure. Individual concentrators are maintained at their maximum power point via balance controllers that control the flow of current that shunts this series connection. DC current from clusters is transmitted moderate distances to a centralized inverter. The inductance of transmission lines is maximized using an air-spaced twisted pair, enhancing the performance of boost-type three phase inverters. Cluster outputs are separate from individual inverters in massively interleaved arrays co-located at a central location.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Maxout Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Patent number: 9136704Abstract: Various techniques are employed alone or in combination, to reduce the levelized cost of energy imposed by a power plant system. Solar energy concentrators in the form of inflated reflectors, focus light onto photovoltaic receivers. Multiple concentrators are grouped into a series-connected cluster that shares control circuitry and support structure. Individual concentrators are maintained at their maximum power point via balance controllers that control the flow of current that shunts this series connection. DC current from clusters is transmitted moderate distances to a centralized inverter. The inductance of transmission lines is maximized using an air-spaced twisted pair, enhancing the performance of boost-type three phase inverters. Cluster outputs are separate from individual inverters in massively interleaved arrays co-located at a central location.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Maxout Renewables, Inc.Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20150249389Abstract: A flyback converter has a sub-nanofarad capacitor disposed between the primary winding and the secondary winding of a transformer included in the flyback converter. A controller in the flyback converter co-optimizes the switch period and width such that the flyback converter operates substantially at peak efficiency via the use of a novel set point and control-signal. A model of global optimal control is provided via a novel characterization and analysis method.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings
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Publication number: 20140321057Abstract: Various techniques are employed alone or in combination, to reduce the levelized cost of energy imposed by a power plant system. Solar energy concentrators in the form of inflated reflectors, focus light onto photovoltaic receivers. Multiple concentrators are grouped into a series-connected cluster that shares control circuitry and support structure. Individual concentrators are maintained at their maximum power point via balance controllers that control the flow of current that shunts this series connection. DC current from clusters is transmitted moderate distances to a centralized inverter. The inductance of transmission lines is maximized using an air-spaced twisted pair, enhancing the performance of boost-type three phase inverters. Cluster outputs are separate from individual inverters in massively interleaved arrays co-located at a central location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventor: Eric Bryant Cummings