Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved smart green power node using predictive switching, predictive operation at a daily and hourly level, and both grid connected and island operating modes with built-in cybersecurity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for protecting DC circuits are provided. In an aspect, a method for controlling at least one protection circuit is disclosed. The method can monitor one or more parameters of the at least one protection circuit. One or more control signals can be selectively provided to a plurality of switches in the at least one protection circuit based on one or more parameters of the at least one protection circuit, in order to implement the appropriate protective topology based on one or more parameters of the at least one protection circuit. The method can be used to control a plurality of switches in the protection circuit and protect the DC circuit against short circuit, instabilities, and bus outages, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for softly restarting a power network using an inverter-controlled energy storage system are provided. In response to an event such as a fault or other condition, a power network bus that provides power to one or more industrial loads (e.g. motors) can be disconnected from the utility grid. Instead of automatically recoupling the power network bus to the grid after a specified time period, a soft restart is accomplished by pre-energizing the power network bus with an energy storage system (ESS) according to a ramp up process and synchronizing the power network bus with the utility grid while the power network bus operates in an islanded mode. The power network bus can then be reconnected to the utility grid, for instance, by reclosing the one or more circuit breakers coupled between the power network bus and the utility grid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for protecting DC circuits are provided. In an aspect, a method for controlling at least one protection circuit is disclosed. The method can monitor one or more parameters of the at least one protection circuit. One or more control signals can be selectively provided to a plurality of switches in the at least one protection circuit based on one or more parameters of the at least one protection circuit, in order to implement the appropriate protective topology based on one or more parameters of the at least one protection circuit. The method can be used to control a plurality of switches in the protection circuit and protect the DC circuit against short circuit, instabilities, and bus outages, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for softly restarting a power network using an inverter-controlled energy storage system are provided. In response to an event such as a fault or other condition, a power network bus that provides power to one or more industrial loads (e.g. motors) can be disconnected from the utility grid. Instead of automatically recoupling the power network bus to the grid after a specified time period, a soft restart is accomplished by pre-energizing the power network bus with an energy storage system (ESS) according to a ramp up process and synchronizing the power network bus with the utility grid while the power network bus operates in an islanded mode. The power network bus can then be reconnected to the utility grid, for instance, by reclosing the one or more circuit breakers coupled between the power network bus and the utility grid.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy harvesting system is provided. The system comprises a coil wound about a generally cylindrical shaped magnetic core having a first end and a second end. The coil includes wires that are wound in such a manner that the wires are generally parallel to the cylindrical shaped magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core defines a core gap that extends parallel to the magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core also defines an opening extending therethrough from the first end to the second end such that the cylindrical shaped magnetic core is configured to fit around current carrying conductor.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy harvesting system is provided. The system comprises a coil wound about a generally cylindrical shaped magnetic core having a first end and a second end. The coil includes wires that are wound in such a manner that the wires are generally parallel to the cylindrical shaped magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core defines a core gap that extends parallel to the magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core also defines an opening extending therethrough from the first end to the second end such that the cylindrical shaped magnetic core is configured to fit around current carrying conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for generating operating power for various desired applications using solar energy. A solar array is formed using a small number of solar cells connected in series to form a string of solar cells and then connecting multiple strings in parallel. Unlike conventional solar arrays, no bypass diodes are incorporated into the array. A power converter is coupled to the array to boost output voltage to a level sufficient to operate the desired application. The power converter may be operated independently or based on output levels of the array, the material from which the solar cells of the array are constructed and the operating temperature of the array or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum gap switch is closely coupled with a saturable inductor, providing the high voltage standoff triggering range, and very fast recovery of a vacuum switch, without the drawbacks of poor turn-on performance, large jitter, and high power dissipation usually seen in vacuum gap switches.