Abstract: A system for combining electrical power from two or more power sources includes first and second conversion stages (120) which receive input power from two or more power sources (110), and produce different output voltages, including DC outputs. The input power sources (110) may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics, and may be DC voltages. Various embodiments are disclosed for converting and combining the input power sources (110) to provide at least a DC output voltage and an optional AC output voltage which may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics than the input power sources (110). In another embodiment, a method of power conversion is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for combining electrical power from two or more power sources includes first and second conversion stages (120) which receive input power from two or more power sources (110), and produce different output voltages, including DC outputs. The input power sources (110) may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics, and may be DC voltages. Various embodiments are disclosed for converting and combining the input power sources (110) to provide at least a DC output voltage and an optional AC output voltage which may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics than the input power sources (110). In another embodiment, a method of power conversion is disclosed.

Abstract: A power supply provides a regulated power factor load to a primary power source, and thus low input current distortion, by monitoring: (A) The input voltage; (B) The power source current, not at the input to the power supply, but rather at a point downstream of an EMI filter and a shunt capacitance in the power supply; and (C) The output DC voltage. The power supply uses these inputs to control the power switching transistors to regulate the phase and amplitude of the monitored current. The phase of the monitored current is controlled primarily by the phase of the input voltage. A differentiating circuit in the feedback loop of the power supply control circuitry causes the monitored current to lag the input voltage by an amount equal to the lead induced in the phase of the input current by the EMI filter and shunt capacitor so that the actual input current to the power supply is in phase with the input voltage.