Abstract: Lighting apparatus and methods employing LED light sources are described. The LED light sources are integrated with other components in the form of a luminaire or other general purpose lighting structure. Some of the lighting structures are formed as Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (PAR) luminaires, allowing them to be inserted into conventional sockets. The lighting structures display beneficial operating characteristics, such as efficient operation, high thermal dissipation, high output, and good color mixing.

Abstract: A power inverter system consists of a connection to a primary DC power source, a connection to an AC grid or load, a plurality of switching elements and filter elements to connect the DC power source to the AC grid or load, three power rails internal to the inverter, and a buck/boost circuit to provide a third power rail. The invention allows for simple transformerless grounded or ungrounded connection of a DC power source to an AC grid or load. The voltage rail that is not directly connected to the primary DC power source can be connected to an auxiliary DC power source without any significant additional hardware.

Abstract: A plant secondary power source consists of an auxiliary power source, an auxiliary converter, and a connection to a power generation plant DC voltage link. The auxiliary power source provides power control functionality without the use of direct communication between the auxiliary power system and the power generation plant.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus and methods employing LED light sources are described. The LED light sources are integrated with other components in the form of a luminaire or other general purpose lighting structure. Some of the lighting structures are formed as Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (PAR) luminaires, allowing them to be inserted into conventional sockets. The lighting structures display beneficial operating characteristics, such as efficient operation, high thermal dissipation, high output, and good color mixing.

Abstract: A device controls current drawn by a solid state lighting (SSL) fixture, including a power converter and an SSL load. The device includes a rapid start/bleeder circuit having a selectable low impedance path, configured to be temporarily activated to form a low impedance connection between a voltage rectifier and the power converter providing power to the SSL load. The low impedance path is temporarily activated during a start-up period to charge the power converter and during times other than the start-up period based on detected improper operation of the SSL fixture.