Abstract: An electric machine with a low profile retention assembly for retention of a stator core is disclosed. A first housing houses the stator core. The first housing has an axial end face with a circumferentially extending, shaped profile having recessed portions that project axially inward alternating with non-recessed portions. A portion of the stator core extends axially out from the recessed portions. A core retention spring is disposed circumferentially at the axial end face of the first housing. The core retention spring has direct contact with the portion of the stator core that extends axially out from the recessed portions of the first housing and the shaped profile of the housing. The core retention spring pushes against the portion of the stator core that extends that extends axially out from the first housing, imparting one or more of an axial load and radial load into the stator core.

Abstract: An approach for facilitating mechanical and electrical connection of electric machines and electrical components in an electrical system using connectors with quick connect/disconnect electrical connectors is disclosed. Each quick connect/disconnect electrical connector can be placed on the end of an electrical power distribution cable that connects with an electric machine or electrical component. The electric machines and electrical components and the electrical power distribution cables can have hollow coolant passages formed therein to receive cooling fluid from a cooling device for direct cooling of the electric machines, electrical components and the electrical power distribution cables.

Abstract: An electrical component includes a magnetic core, an insulator, and a first winding. The insulator includes a first aperture disposed about a first portion of the core and a first insulator passage extending through the insulator, encircling the first aperture. The first winding extends through the first insulator passage and conducts an electrical current.

Abstract: A modular power converter system includes a plurality of active power link modules (APLMs) coupled to each other, each APLM having a plurality of switching devices including first and second switching devices coupled to each other, and at least one first-type energy storage device (ESD) coupled in parallel with both of the first and second switching devices, the first-type ESD configured to induce a first direct current (DC) voltage. The system also includes a plurality of relays coupled to the first-type ESD, and a charge controller coupled to at least one APLM of the plurality of APLMs and coupled to at least one of an electrical power source and a discharge circuit. The charge controller is configured to alternately charge and discharge the first-type ESD in response to a plurality of switching states including switching states of the plurality of switching devices and the plurality of relays.

Abstract: A micro-inverter assembly for use in a photovoltaic system includes a housing, a direct current (DC)-to-alternating current (AC) micro-inverter disposed within the housing, and a DC connector electrically coupled to the DC-to-AC micro-inverter. The DC connector is positioned within a recess formed in a bottom surface of the housing such that at least one electrical contact of the DC connector is accessible from outside the housing. According to alternative embodiments, the DC connector comprises a plug-and-play connector constructed for one of a rotational engagement and a translational engagement with a DC connector of a photovoltaic (PV) panel.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a power electronics system and a bus bar coupled to the power electronic system. The power electronics system includes a switching device configured to selectively connect and disconnect. The bus bar includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent a first insulation layer, wherein the first conductive layer is configured to conduct a first polarity of electrical power to, from, or both the power electronics system. The second conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent the first insulation layer, and is configured to conduct a second polarity of electrical power opposite the first polarity to, from, or both the power electronics system. The first conductive layer comprises a first thickness half a second thickness of the second conductive layer.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a power electronics system and a bus bar coupled to the power electronic system. The power electronics system includes a switching device configured to selectively connect and disconnect. The bus bar includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent a first insulation layer, wherein the first conductive layer is configured to conduct a first polarity of electrical power to, from, or both the power electronics system. The second conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent the first insulation layer, and is configured to conduct a second polarity of electrical power opposite the first polarity to, from, or both the power electronics system. The first conductive layer comprises a first thickness half a second thickness of the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A device for cooling an electronic component includes a substrate having a component mounting surface and a fluid flow surface recessed relative to the component mounting surface. The device also includes an inlet orifice positioned proximate a first end of the fluid flow surface and an outlet orifice positioned proximate a second end of the fluid flow surface. A pattern of surface features is arranged on the fluid flow surface. The pattern of surface features is configured to entrain a coolant flowing across the fluid flow surface and redirect the coolant upward and away from the fluid flow surface.

Abstract: A heat sink for cooling an electronic component includes a substrate comprising an electrically non-conductive material and an inlet port and an outlet port extending outward from the substrate. The inlet and outlet ports are fluidically coupled to a fluid flow surface of the heat sink by passages that extend through a portion of the substrate. The heat sink also includes a shield comprising an electrically conductive material. The shield is disposed atop or within the substrate and is configured to suppress electromagnetic interference generated by an electronic component coupled to the heat sink.

Abstract: A power module includes an input bus, a switching device, and an output bus. The input bus includes a first coating of a high permeability magnetic conductive material and is configured to receive input direct current (DC) electrical power from an electrical power source. The switching device is electrically coupled to the first input bus, and is configured to selectively connect and disconnect to facilitate converting the input DC electrical power into output alternating current (AC) electrical power. The output bus includes a second coating of the high permeability magnetic conductive material, and is electrically coupled to the first switching device. The output bus is configured to supply the output AC electrical power to an electrical load.

Abstract: A transformer includes a ceramic housing, a primary winding disposed within the housing, a secondary winding disposed outside the winding, and a core extending through a first aperture in the housing. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first and second portions include a planar structure having a first housing aperture, and a plurality of sidewalls extending perpendicular to the planar structure along a plurality of edges of the planar structure. The first and second portions interface with one another when the ceramic housing is assembled such that the sidewalls of the first and second portions overlap with one another.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a power electronics system and a bus bar coupled to the power electronic system. The power electronics system includes a switching device configured to selectively connect and disconnect. The bus bar includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent a first insulation layer, wherein the first conductive layer is configured to conduct a first polarity of electrical power to, from, or both the power electronics system. The second conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent the first insulation layer, and is configured to conduct a second polarity of electrical power opposite the first polarity to, from, or both the power electronics system. The first conductive layer comprises a first thickness half a second thickness of the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A system and method for a photovoltaic (PV) module is disclosed that includes a microinverter assembly having a housing disposed on an inactive surface of a PV panel and a microinverter disposed within the housing. The PV module also includes a mounting bracket having a central bracket portion coupled to a frame of the PV panel, a first extension portion extending from the central bracket portion and coupled to the housing, a second extension portion extending from the central bracket portion and positioned on the inactive side of the PV panel, and a third extension portion located above the second extension portion and extending from the central bracket portion. At least one of the second and third extension portions is in contact with an inner wall of the frame of the PV panel.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes one or more solid state semiconductor switches configured to be disposed within a downhole pipe assembly. The one or more switches are configured to operate in a closed state to conduct electric current supplied by a power source disposed above a surface to pumps disposed beneath the surface to cause the pumps to extract a resource from beneath the surface via the pipe assembly. The one or more switches also are configured to operate in an open state to stop conducting the electric current from the power source to the pumps.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a power electronics system and a bus bar coupled to the power electronic system. The power electronics system includes a switching device configured to selectively connect and disconnect. The bus bar includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent a first insulation layer, wherein the first conductive layer is configured to conduct a first polarity of electrical power to, from, or both the power electronics system. The second conductive layer is disposed directly adjacent the first insulation layer, and is configured to conduct a second polarity of electrical power opposite the first polarity to, from, or both the power electronics system. The first conductive layer comprises a first thickness half a second thickness of the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A system and method for a microinverter mounting assembly including a microinverter assembly and a panel direct current (DC) connector. The microinverter assembly having a housing, a microinverter disposed within the housing, and a microinverter DC connector disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the microinverter, the microinverter DC connector with a bottom panel having a locking recess formed therein and at least one electrical contact disposed within an opening formed in the bottom panel. The panel DC connector having a mounting substrate, a locking tab extending from the mounting substrate, and at least one electrical contact positioned on the mounting substrate. Further, the locking tab of the panel DC connector interfits within the locking recess of the microinverter DC connector to form a locking mechanism that prevents rotation of the microinverter DC connector when in a locked position.

Abstract: A modular power converter system includes a plurality of active power link modules (APLMs) coupled to each other, each APLM having a plurality of switching devices including first and second switching devices coupled to each other, and at least one first-type energy storage device (ESD) coupled in parallel with both of the first and second switching devices, the first-type ESD configured to induce a first direct current (DC) voltage. The system also includes a plurality of relays coupled to the first-type ESD, and a charge controller coupled to at least one APLM of the plurality of APLMs and coupled to at least one of an electrical power source and a discharge circuit. The charge controller is configured to alternately charge and discharge the first-type ESD in response to a plurality of switching states including switching states of the plurality of switching devices and the plurality of relays.

Abstract: A transformer includes a ceramic housing, a primary winding disposed within the housing, a secondary winding disposed outside the winding, and a core extending through a first aperture in the housing. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first and second portions include a planar structure having a first housing aperture, and a plurality of sidewalls extending perpendicular to the planar structure along a plurality of edges of the planar structure. The first and second portions interface with one another when the ceramic housing is assembled such that the sidewalls of the first and second portions overlap with one another.

Abstract: An electrical component includes a magnetic core, an insulator, and a first winding. The insulator includes a first aperture disposed about a first portion of the core and a first insulator passage extending through the insulator, encircling the first aperture. The first winding extends through the first insulator passage and conducts an electrical current.

Abstract: An electronic module is presented. The electronic module includes one or more electronic devices and a first bus electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more electronic devices. The first bus includes a first electrically conductive plate, a second electrically conductive plate, and a first electrically insulating plate disposed between the first electrically conductive plate and the second electrically conductive plate, where in a first portion of the first bus, the first electrically insulating plate is disposed such that the first electrically insulating plate is not in direct physical contact with at least one of the first electrically conductive plate and the second electrically conductive plate to form at least one cavity between the first electrically insulating plate and at least one of the first electrically conductive plate and the second electrically conductive plate. An electronic module assembly having low loop inductance is also presented.