Abstract: An improved electrolyte battery is provided that includes a tank assembly adapted to hold an amount of an anolyte and a catholyte, a number of cell stacks operably connected to the tank assembly, each stack formed of a number of flow frames disposed between end caps and a number of power converters operatively connected to the cell stacks. The cell stacks are formed with a number of flow frames each including individual inlets and outlets for anolyte and catholyte fluids and a separator disposed between flow frames defining anodic and cathodic half cells between each pair of flow frames. The power converter is configured to connect the battery with either forward or reverse polarity to a DC power source, such as a DC bus. The anodic and cathodic half cells switch as a function of the polarity by which the battery is connected to the Dc power source.

Abstract: A method of starting a wind turbine generator of any type of polyphase AC machine, including, but not limited to, brushless DC or permanent magnet machines is disclosed. The machine starts from a dead stop or from low speed operation and is accelerated to the cut in speed for power production. The start-up is realized utilizing the common set of electrical conductors and the power converter also used for capturing the generated power. Under initial operation, the power converter executes a PWM modulation technique to drive the machine. Periodically, the PWM modulation is stopped to read the electrical position of the generator.

Abstract: A power converter is configured to transfer energy from a photovoltaic (PV) array to a DC bus internal to the power converter. The power converter executes a modulation module to selectively connect one or more switching devices between the output of the PV array and the DC bus. The power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes. In one operating mode, the converter operates with a fixed modulation period and a variable on time, and in another operating mode, the converter operates with a variable modulation period and a fixed on time. The improved power converter provides highly efficient low power energy capture, improving power efficiency and enabling energy capture in low light conditions with reduced converter losses.

Abstract: An energy conversion system for use with an alternative energy source is disclosed. The alternative energy source can generate either an AC or a DC voltage. A first power converter is connected between the source and a DC bus, and a second power converter is connected between the DC bus and the grid or another load. The first power converter is configured to operate during periods of low energy generation. The energy captured will be stored in an electrical storage medium. When sufficient energy is stored, this energy is subsequently transferred to the grid or load via the second power converter. The second power converter is configured to operate intermittently during periods of low power generation, transferring energy from the DC bus when sufficient energy is stored and turning off when the stored energy drops to a point at which the second power converter can no longer be operated efficiently.

Abstract: A power converter configured to improve power capture in a wind turbine during low wind speed operation is disclosed. The power converter converts the power generated by the alternator of the wind turbine into a suitable AC current for delivery to a utility grid or to an electric load independent of the utility grid. The power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes, utilizing both synchronous and non-synchronous control methods, to extend the operating range of the power converter. During non-synchronous operation, the power converter utilizes a modulation routine that may either vary the dead-time compensation period during a constant modulation period or vary the modulation period with a constant on-time. A seamless transfer between non-synchronous and synchronous control methods with low total harmonic distortion (THD) improves the range of power generation for wind generators.

Abstract: An improved electrolyte battery is provided that includes a tank assembly adapted to hold an amount of an anolyte and a catholyte, a number of cell stacks operably connected to the tank assembly, each stack formed of a number of flow frames disposed between end caps and a number of power converters operatively connected to the cell stacks. The cell stacks are formed with a number of flow frames each including individual inlets and outlets for anolyte and catholyte fluids and a separator disposed between flow frames defining anodic and cathodic half cells between each pair of flow frames. The power converter is configured to connect the battery with either forward or reverse polarity to a DC power source, such as a DC bus. The anodic and cathodic half cells switch as a function of the polarity by which the battery is connected to the Dc power source.

Abstract: An interconnection system for providing signals to a number of independently controllable or selectable electronic modules includes first connection terminals associated with each and every one of the electronic modules and second connection terminals associated with each of the electronic modules except a first one of the electronic modules. The second connection terminals are electrically connected to the first connection terminals. For example, a system can include independently controllable electronic module, a first one of the independently controllable electronic modules including first connection terminals and second connection terminals, which are associated with all but one of the independently controllable electronic modules and are electrically connected to the first connection terminals.

Abstract: An integrated assembly includes a power converter module having an input bus bar, an output bus bar, an n-level converter and driver circuitry adapted to control the n-level converter, in response to received control signals. The n-level converter switches between a pair of voltage levels selected from a set of n levels, where n≧3. The integrated assembly also includes a controller providing the control signals to the driver circuitry, and fiber optic lines connecting the driver circuitry of the n-level converter to the controller. The integrated assembly includes DC-DC switching power supply, having an input for receiving a DC input voltage, for generating a DC output voltage and providing it to a load. The switching power supply includes controlled switching devices, each having an input terminal and an output terminal. Each of the controlled switching devices receives a portion of the DC input voltage and each has a voltage-rating characteristic that is less than the DC input voltage.

Abstract: Circuitry includes control logic circuitry, switching circuitry, and a signal transmission path. The control logic circuitry is adapted to provide a first control signal for controlling switching characteristic of and for supplying power to the switching circuitry. The switching circuitry has an input for receiving the first control signal and an output for providing a second control signal to the power semiconductor device. The signal transmission path is configured to carry the first control signal from the control logic circuitry to the input of the switching circuitry and power for the switching circuitry.

Abstract: An interconnection system for providing signals to a number of independently controllable or selectable electronic modules includes first connection terminals associated with each and every one of the electronic modules and second connection terminals associated with each of the electronic modules except a first one of the electronic modules. The second connection terminals are electrically connected to the first connection terminals.

Abstract: A low-inductance connection between a first component and a second component on a first surface of a first printed-circuit board includes a second conducting path in electrical communication with a first conducting path that connects the first and second components. The second conducting path is disposed on a surface separated from the first surface of the first printed-circuit board and separated from the first printed-circuit board by an insulating layer. An electrical connector extends between the first conducting path and the second conducting path and provides electrical communication between them. The first and second conducting paths thus cooperate to provide an electrical connection having a parasitic inductance that is smaller than the parasitic inductance of the first conducting path.

Abstract: A switching module includes a first printed circuit board for mounting a switching element. To reduce inductance, the switching module includes a distributed bus. By electrically connecting a power bus disposed on the printed circuit board with a conducting sheet, the switching module provides a distributed bus having an inductance that is smaller than the inductance of the power bus. When the first conducting sheet is on a second printed circuit board, a plurality of conducting posts extends from the first printed circuit board to support the second printed circuit board. Alternatively, the conducting sheet and the power bus can be on the same printed circuit board, in which case a via in contact with the power bus and the conducting sheet provides electrical communication to create a distributed bus.

Abstract: A power inverter includes a multi-level switching circuit for switching between any two voltage levels selected from a set of N voltage levels. The switching circuit includes at least N+1 switching elements. Each switching element has a corresponding resonant capacitor connected parallel to it. As the switching elements turn on and off, different ones of the resonant capacitors cooperate with a resonant inductor connected to a pole of the switching circuit and with an output capacitor in maintaining a resonance condition as seen from the active switching elements.

Abstract: A power inverter includes a multi-level switching circuit for switching between any two voltage levels selected from a set of N voltage levels. The switching circuit includes at least N+1 switching elements. Each switching element has a corresponding resonant capacitor connected parallel to it. As the switching elements turn on and off, different ones of the resonant capacitors cooperate with a resonant inductor connected to a pole of the switching circuit and with an output capacitor in maintaining a resonance condition as seen from the active switching elements.

Abstract: A dual mode controller is used to control switching circuitry by operating in either a voltage mode or a current mode on the basis of an output signal of the switching circuitry. The dual mode controller includes a voltage mode controller, a current mode controller, and a control circuit to control one of the voltage mode controller or current mode controller in response to the output signal of the switching circuit. The voltage mode controller and current mode controller can generate first and second pulse width modulated signals. The control circuit, in response to the output signal from the switching circuitry, operates the voltage mode controller and current mode controllers to provide one of the first pulse width modulated signal and the second pulse width modulated signal to an input of the switching circuitry.

Abstract: A regulation system for a permanent magnet generator for generating electrical power and for supplying the electrical power to a load comprises a switching circuit connected between the permanent magnet generator and the load, the switching circuit being capable of regulating the electrical power being supplied to the load and a control circuit connected to the switching circuit, the control circuit for determining the amount of electrical power being supplied by the permanent magnet generator and for controlling operation of the switching circuit to regulate the electrical power being supplied to the load.

Abstract: A non-contact probe provides information as to relative amplitudes of harmonics of a current or voltage waveform as well as total harmonic distortion. The probe includes a non-contact sensor with an amplifier coupled thereto. Output signals from the amplifier are digitized and analyzed in a programmed processor. Output from the processor provides a display of relative harmonic amplitudes as well as an indicator of total harmonic distortion.

Abstract: A telephone interface system for the transmission and reproduction of an audio performance, particularly a musical performance, at separate locations utilizing an amplitude modulated carrier frequency is disclosed. The system serves to both transmit a performance at one instant location to one or more remote locations and to receive and reproduce a similar performance from the remote location(s) transmitted to the instant location. The performer(s) at a first location each hear the audio output of the performance(s) at the other location(s) as though such other performer(s) were actually present at the first location and vice versa.

Abstract: A non-contact probe provides information as to relative amplitudes of harmonics of a current or voltage waveform as well as total harmonic distortion. The probe includes a non-contact sensor with an amplifier coupled thereto. Output signals from the amplifier are digitized and analyzed in a programmed processor. Output from the processor provides a display of relative harmonic amplitudes as well as an indicator of total harmonic distortion.

Abstract: A controller controls the running speed of a variable speed motor of the type which runs at a speed related to the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated drive voltage applied to it and to the load being applied. The controller includes a setting switch for setting the motor running speed and a device for measuring the load being applied to the motor. Also included is a data storage for storing data representing a plurality of different pulse width modulation duty cycles for driving the motor at various desired motor running speeds and with various loads being applied to the motor. A processor is operatively connected to the setting switch, the load measuring device and the data storage for generating signals representing a particular duty cycle corresponding to a desired running speed setting and applied load to result in the desired motor speed. The processor generates these signals at a predetermined time interval to reach and maintain the desired motor speed.