Abstract: Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) includes an enclosure with internal circuitry comprising ground and power line assemblies terminating in busbars, a power cord with a vehicle coupler, and a ground monitoring impedance circuit. The circuitry is designed to de-energize the system automatically if the enclosure is removed from a building’s mounting pan while the busbars are energized. The ground monitoring impedance circuit detects faults and triggers switches to open when impedance thresholds are exceeded. Additionally, the EVSE supports bidirectional energy flow between the vehicle and the power grid.

Abstract: A vehicle controller, responsive to a command from a remote controller, alters a frequency at which a vehicle inverter applies an AC potential to a power network such that an AC power output to the power network by a remote distributed energy resource, such as a solar power system, synchronized with the vehicle inverter decreases.

Abstract: A home energy system includes a panel having a main breaker and an auxiliary breaker, and an interlock plate movable between a first position that blocks the main breaker in an open state while exposing the auxiliary breaker and a second position that exposes the main breaker while blocking the auxiliary breaker. A combiner box includes a housing, multiple input inlets that receive power from distributed energy sources, an output conductor directed toward the auxiliary breaker, and a switching element that selectively connects an input inlet to the output conductor. The auxiliary breaker is energized from an input inlet only when the interlock plate is in the first position and the switching element is in a conductive state.

Abstract: A home energy management system includes a bus for distributing electrical energy, a switch for selectively coupling a load to the bus, and a capacitor module coupled under control of a controller. The controller charges the capacitor module to a target charge level that corresponds to an expected peak inrush current or energy demand of the load, couples the capacitor module to the bus after the target charge level is reached, and then closes the switch to connect the load while the capacitor module remains engaged. Stored energy from the capacitor module is discharged during startup of the load to support the inrush demand and maintain bus voltage stability until the load reaches steady-state operation.

Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment system and method are disclosed for maintaining power delivery during grid outages. The system includes a grid-forming inverter configured to generate a grid-forming signal with defined voltage and frequency on a distribution line. A controller activates the inverter upon detecting a loss of grid power and deactivates it when power is restored.

Abstract: An energy management system delivers power to a load during an islanded condition by operating a power converter that produces an AC output on a power line with a reference amplitude and a reference frequency. A controller directs the power converter to control the output by adjusting amplitude while maintaining the reference frequency, adjusting frequency while maintaining the reference amplitude, or adjusting amplitude and frequency together when conditions on the power line indicate a need for coordinated control. The system supports stable operation of an isolated AC bus by selecting between single-parameter and dual-parameter adjustment based on real-time electrical conditions and by modifying the output to supply appropriate real and reactive power to the load.

Abstract: An electric vehicle-based system and method are disclosed for providing backup power during grid outages. The vehicle includes a grid-forming inverter, a traction battery, and a controller that activates the inverter upon detecting a loss of grid power on a distribution line. The inverter generates a grid-forming signal with a defined voltage and frequency using power from the traction battery.

Abstract: A home energy management system (HEMS) includes a controller configured to monitor an electrical parameter on a line coupled to a distributed energy resource (DER), and an inverter electrically connected to the line and operable to generate an alternating current (AC) voltage on the line. The controller is configured to, after a DER shutdown trigger, and the DER producing an output after an interval, command the inverter to increase the AC voltage on the line to a level that induces a shutdown response from the DER.

Abstract: A home energy system includes a distribution assembly with a power bus coupled to interfaces for a utility grid, home loads, distributed energy resources (DERs), and an electric vehicle (EV). Measurement circuitry obtains electrical parameters at the interfaces, and a power control system (PCS) controller monitors an aggregate parameter relative to a capacity constraint of the distribution assembly. When the aggregate exceeds the constraint, the PCS controller commands the DER or EV to reduce active power exchange. If the condition persists for an interval, the PCS controller actuates a relay switch to electrically isolate the DER or EV.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a neutral-forming transformer (NFT) includes a duct path with a fan, a damper, and inlet and outlet valves that direct airflow between the NFT and an auxiliary device. Sensors detect NFT temperature, NFT current imbalance, and auxiliary device temperature. A controller operates the fan and positions the damper to provide cooling of the NFT, bypass the NFT, or distribute airflow to both the NFT and the auxiliary device. The fan operates at multiple speeds and in forward or reverse directions. The damper positions include directing airflow exclusively to one region or splitting airflow between regions. Control is based on absolute values or rates of change of sensed conditions. When the auxiliary device temperature is below a cold-start value, the valves close and the fan deactivates to retain heat for passive heating.

Abstract: A combiner box for a home energy system includes a housing containing a neutral-forming transformer (NFT), a current-limiting element electrically coupled to the NFT, and a precharge switch configured to selectively couple the current-limiting element to the NFT. The housing further includes an NFT switch configured to selectively couple a power source to the NFT in parallel with the current-limiting element. The housing further includes a controller configured to, with the NFT switch open, operate the precharge switch to initiate delivery of current to the NFT through the current-limiting element. The controller is further configured to, after a predefined interval, open the precharge switch and operate the NFT switch to bypass the current-limiting element.

Abstract: A home energy system includes a neutral-forming transformer (NFT), one or more sensors, and a controller. The sensors monitor operating parameters associated with the NFT, such as temperature, voltage, and current. When the parameters satisfy a first condition for at least a first duration, the controller adjusts system load distribution to manage loading stress on the NFT. When the parameters satisfy a second, more elevated condition for at least a shorter, second duration, the controller opens an NFT relay to isolate the transformer.

Abstract: A home energy system includes a controller, a standby battery that energizes the controller during a grid loss condition, and a heating element thermally coupled to the standby battery. When a sensed temperature is below a cold threshold, the controller operates the heating element to apply thermal energy to the standby battery and, upon a new load request, adjusts power to the heating element to reduce active load demand. When the sensed temperature is above a hot threshold, the controller adjusts a state of a controllable switch to reduce active load demand.

Abstract: An energy management apparatus and method are disclosed for maintaining power delivery during grid outages. The system includes a grid-forming inverter electrically connected to a grid and an inverter via a distribution line. A controller activates the grid-forming inverter upon detecting a loss of grid power, prompting it to generate a grid-forming signal with a reference voltage and frequency.

Abstract: A bidirectional energy transfer system includes a cordset of a bidirectional energy transfer system that transfers power from a device to at least one battery array within a traction battery of an electrified vehicle when the cordset is operating under a first condition, and that transfers power from the at least one battery array to the device when the cordset is operating under a second condition. The cordset can include relays powered by the at least one battery array when the cordset is operating under the second condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for preparing electrified vehicles to transfer energy to other structures. Weather related data and/or grid related data may be leveraged for predicting the likelihood of power outage conditions of a grid power source. When power outage conditions are predicted as being likely, the electrified vehicle may automatically enter a readiness state for transferring power to the structure without any time delays once an actual power outage condition occurs. Entering the readiness state may include steps such as waking up the electrified vehicle, initiating communications with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), completing vehicle pre-checks, precharging certain power transfer system components, etc.

Abstract: A home energy system includes a combiner box with a power source and a microprocessor. The microprocessor maintains a first target state of charge for the power source using power from a traction battery of an electric vehicle when the vehicle is powering a home. When the system detects that the vehicle will stop powering the home, the microprocessor charges the power source from the traction battery to reach a second target state of charge.

Abstract: A combiner box, provided grid power is available to the combiner box and the combiner box is connected with electric vehicle supply equipment, disables a main power converter of the combiner box, enables a reserve power converter of the combiner box, and sends a signal to the electric vehicle supply equipment. This results in a main power converter of the electric vehicle supply equipment being disabled, a reserve power converter of the electric vehicle supply equipment being enabled, and power from a reserve power source of the combiner box, that provides power to start a home energy system when the grid power is unavailable, flowing to the electric vehicle supply equipment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for avoiding buildings and other structures using semantic segmentation, the method including obtaining a plurality of image strips of a geographic location, identifying one or more structures that are present in one or more image strips, and generating one or more seamlines between adjacent image strips using a machine learning model. When two or more adjacent image strips include one or more structures, the method includes circumventing the one or more structures with the generated seamlines therebetween, wherein the generated one or more seamlines form a visual connection between the adjacent image strips.

Abstract: A vehicle controller, responsive to a command from a remote controller, alters a frequency at which a vehicle inverter applies an AC potential to a power network such that an AC power output to the power network by a remote distributed energy resource, such as a solar power system, synchronized with the vehicle inverter decreases.