Patents by Inventor Silvio Colombi

Silvio Colombi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12040657
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply, UPS, arrangement for subsea applications, including a container arranged and configured for subsea operation, and the following main modules arranged inside the container: at least one battery module of a predetermined battery capacity; at least one UPS module governing the battery module, the UPS module having a predetermined UPS capacity; at least one control module configured for interfacing and managing the battery module and the UPS module. The UPS arrangement is arranged and configured to vary its overall capacity based on at least the number of battery and UPS modules, wherein the at least one battery module and the at least one UPS module are internally arranged such that the heat losses from the UPS module are used to heat the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Paul Midtun, John Pretlove, Nicola Notari, Silvio Colombi, Helge Kolstad, Paolo Catapane
  • Patent number: 11955835
    Abstract: A system includes: a ring bus; a plurality of static uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), each static UPS of the plurality of static UPSs including: at least one battery; an input that is electrically connected to a first external electrical power source; and an output that is electrically connected to a load, and, via a first corresponding choke, to the ring bus; at least one fuel-cell interface converter (FIC) that converts direct current (DC) electrical power to alternating current (AC) electrical power, each FIC of the at least one FIC being electrically connected to the ring bus via a second corresponding choke; and a fuel cell module corresponding to and electrically connected to each FIC, the fuel cell module including a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Harish Suryanarayana, Li Qi, Taosha Jiang, Yuzhi Zhang, Silvio Colombi
  • Patent number: 11949280
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an uninterruptable power supply and a respective computer program. The uninterruptable power supply comprises a grid connection, a grid switch connected to the grid connection, a rectifier and an inverter interconnected via a DC link, an energy storage connected to the DC link, a load connection, to which the inverter is connected, and a bypass switch, which is connected in parallel to the rectifier, the DC link and the inverter between the grid switch and the load connection, wherein the grid switch is a mechanical switch and the bypass switch is a semiconductor switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini
  • Patent number: 11841755
    Abstract: A power supply for a power line includes a synchronization module having a receiver configured for receiving a clock signal from a satellite-based positioning system and an oscillator configured for generating a periodic signal synchronized to the received clock signal. The power supply includes an inverter module having an inverter configured for supplying an AC voltage to the power line, receiving the periodic signal from the synchronization module, and controlling the inverter using the received periodic signal as a synchronization reference signal for the supplied AC voltage. The power supply further includes a power exchange control module configured for: monitoring an active power flow P from the inverter module to the power line, determining whether the active power flow P satisfies a reverse-flow condition, and when the reverse-flow condition is determined, adapting at least one of a phase and an output voltage of the supplied AC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Jos Van Der Lee, Nicola Notari
  • Patent number: 11824380
    Abstract: A DC charging circuit for an electric vehicle includes a neutral-point clamped (NPC) rectifier and a DC/DC buck converter. The NPC rectifier is configured to convert three-phase AC power to a first DC voltage at a rectifier output stage. The DC/DC buck converter includes a first DC stage coupled to the rectifier output stage, and a second DC stage configured to be coupled to the electric vehicle. The DC/DC buck converter is configured to convert the first DC voltage to a second DC voltage to be supplied to the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fei Xu, Ahmed Elasser, Silvio Colombi, Kum Kang Huh
  • Patent number: 11804731
    Abstract: A method for controlling an uninterruptable power supply arranged between a grid and a variable load, the uninterruptable power supply includes a DC link interconnecting a rectifier connected to the grid via a grid switch, an energy storage and an inverter connected to the load, and a switchable bypass connected between the grid switch and the load and in parallel with the path formed by the rectifier, the DC link and the inverter, the method includes monitoring a power supply of the grid, comparing the power supply to a load requirement of the load, if the power supply meets the load requirement, closing the grid switch, and switching on the bypass, to supply the load with AC current from the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini
  • Publication number: 20230261514
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply, UPS, arrangement for subsea applications, including a container arranged and configured for subsea operation, and the following main modules arranged inside the container: at least one battery module of a predetermined battery capacity; at least one UPS module governing the battery module, the UPS module having a predetermined UPS capacity; at least one control module configured for interfacing and managing the battery module and the UPS module. The UPS arrangement is arranged and configured to vary its overall capacity based on at least the number of battery and UPS modules, wherein the at least one battery module and the at least one UPS module are internally arranged such that the heat losses from the UPS module are used to heat the battery module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Paul Midtun, John Pretlove, Nicola Notari, Silvio Colombi, Helge Kolstad, Paolo Catapane
  • Publication number: 20230115739
    Abstract: A system includes: a ring bus; a plurality of static uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), each static UPS of the plurality of static UPSs including: at least one battery; an input that is electrically connected to a first external electrical power source; and an output that is electrically connected to a load, and, via a first corresponding choke, to the ring bus; at least one fuel-cell interface converter (FIC) that converts direct current (DC) electrical power to alternating current (AC) electrical power, each FIC of the at least one FIC being electrically connected to the ring bus via a second corresponding choke; and a fuel cell module corresponding to and electrically connected to each FIC, the fuel cell module including a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Harish Suryanarayana, Li Qi, Taosha Jiang, Yuzhi Zhang, Silvio Colombi
  • Patent number: 11539303
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is provided that includes a split direct current (DC) link having a first capacitor coupled between a positive DC link terminal and a first node, and a second capacitor coupled between the first node and a negative DC link terminal. The UPS also includes a rectifier coupled to an input of the split DC link and a controller coupled to the rectifier. The rectifier includes first, second, and third legs, wherein each leg is configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage received from an AC source into a DC voltage to be provided to the split DC link, and a fourth leg configured to balance DC link voltages of the first and second capacitors. The controller is configured to maintain functionality of the rectifier during at least one of a partial utility power outage, a full utility outage, and a failure of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Lorenzo Giuntini, Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini
  • Publication number: 20220224149
    Abstract: A method for controlling an uninterruptable power supply arranged between a grid and a variable load, the uninterruptable power supply includes a DC link interconnecting a rectifier connected to the grid via a grid switch, an energy storage and an inverter connected to the load, and a switchable bypass connected between the grid switch and the load and in parallel with the path formed by the rectifier, the DC link and the inverter, the method includes monitoring a power supply of the grid, comparing the power supply to a load requirement of the load, if the power supply meets the load requirement, closing the grid switch, and switching on the bypass, to supply the load with AC current from the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Silvio COLOMBI, Andrea MANNUCCINI
  • Patent number: 11355957
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is provided. The UPS system includes a plurality of UPSs, a ring bus coupled to the UPSs, a plurality of chokes, and at least one static switch coupled between an associated UPS of the UPSs and the ring bus. Each choke electrically couples an associated UPS to the ring bus. The static switch is switchable to selectively bypass at least one choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Lorenzo Giuntini, Andrea Mannuccini, Silvio Colombi
  • Publication number: 20220094197
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an uninterruptable power supply and a respective computer program. The uninterruptable power supply comprises a grid connection, a grid switch connected to the grid connection, a rectifier and an inverter interconnected via a DC link, an energy storage connected to the DC link, a load connection, to which the inverter is connected, and a bypass switch, which is connected in parallel to the rectifier, the DC link and the inverter between the grid switch and the load connection, wherein the grid switch is a mechanical switch and the bypass switch is a semiconductor switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini
  • Publication number: 20220004242
    Abstract: A power supply for a power line includes a synchronization module having a receiver configured for receiving a clock signal from a satellite-based positioning system and an oscillator configured for generating a periodic signal synchronized to the received clock signal. The power supply includes an inverter module having an inverter configured for supplying an AC voltage to the power line, receiving the periodic signal from the synchronization module, and controlling the inverter using the received periodic signal as a synchronization reference signal for the supplied AC voltage. The power supply further includes a power exchange control module configured for: monitoring an active power flow P from the inverter module to the power line, determining whether the active power flow P satisfies a reverse-flow condition, and when the reverse-flow condition is determined, adapting at least one of a phase and an output voltage of the supplied AC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Jos Van Der Lee, Nicola Notari
  • Publication number: 20210336551
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is provided that includes a split direct current (DC) link having a first capacitor coupled between a positive DC link terminal and a first node, and a second capacitor coupled between the first node and a negative DC link terminal. The UPS also includes a rectifier coupled to an input of the split DC link and a controller coupled to the rectifier. The rectifier includes first, second, and third legs, wherein each leg is configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage received from an AC source into a DC voltage to be provided to the split DC link, and a fourth leg configured to balance DC link voltages of the first and second capacitors. The controller is configured to maintain functionality of the rectifier during at least one of a partial utility power outage, a full utility outage, and a failure of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Lorenzo Giuntini, Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini
  • Patent number: 11081903
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system may include a plurality of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), a ring bus, a plurality of chokes, with each choke of the plurality of chokes electrically coupling an associated UPS of the plurality of UPSs to the ring bus, and at least one switch electrically coupled between at least one UPS of the plurality of UPSs and the ring bus, with the at least one switch having an opening time of less than 10 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini, Harry Bye Handlin, Lorenzo Giuntini
  • Patent number: 10958184
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is provided that includes a split direct current (DC) link having a first capacitor coupled between a positive DC link terminal and a first node, and a second capacitor coupled between the first node and a negative DC link terminal. The UPS also includes a rectifier coupled to an input of the split DC link and a controller coupled to the rectifier. The rectifier includes first, second, and third legs, wherein each leg is configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage received from an AC source into a DC voltage to be provided to the split DC link, and a fourth leg configured to balance DC link voltages of the first and second capacitors. The controller is configured to maintain functionality of the rectifier during at least one of a partial utility power outage, a full utility outage, and a failure of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Lorenzo Giuntini, Silvio Colombi, Andrea Mannuccini
  • Patent number: 10826322
    Abstract: A grid interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is provided. The grid interactive UPS includes a first path including a rectifier, an inverter coupled in series with the rectifier, and a battery coupled in parallel with the inverter. The grid interactive UPS further includes a second path in parallel with the first path, wherein the grid interactive UPS is operable to supply power from the battery to a grid coupled to an input of the grid interactive UPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Silvio Colombi, Marco Piemontesi
  • Patent number: 10742066
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided. The power supply system includes at least one uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a catcher system including at least one catcher UPS, at least one static transfer switch (STS), each STS electrically coupled between an associated UPS and an associated load, each STS further electrically coupled between the catcher system and the associated load, and each STS operable to selectively switch between supplying power to the associated load from the associated UPS and supplying power to the associated load from the catcher system. The power supply system further includes a first communications channel communicatively coupling the at least one UPS to the catcher system, and at least one second communications channel, wherein each STS is communicatively coupled to the associated UPS by a second communications channel of the at least one second communications channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Silvio Colombi
  • Patent number: 10608428
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a plurality of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), each UPS of the plurality of UPSs including an inverter, a ring bus, and at least one controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of UPSs, the at least one controller configured to determine when a bridge current in at least one UPS of the plurality of UPSs reaches a predetermined bridge current limit, and modify, in response to the determination, a capacitor voltage in the inverter of the at least one UPS to reduce a DC fault current component of a load current in the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Andrea Mannuccini, Silvio Colombi
  • Publication number: 20190393720
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided. The power supply system includes at least one uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a catcher system including at least one catcher UPS, at least one static transfer switch (STS), each STS electrically coupled between an associated UPS and an associated load, each STS further electrically coupled between the catcher system and the associated load, and each STS operable to selectively switch between supplying power to the associated load from the associated UPS and supplying power to the associated load from the catcher system. The power supply system further includes a first communications channel communicatively coupling the at least one UPS to the catcher system, and at least one second communications channel, wherein each STS is communicatively coupled to the associated UPS by a second communications channel of the at least one second communications channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Silvio Colombi