Abstract: A portable container includes a body having an exterior surface and defining an interior compartment, and a photovoltaic (PV) charging pack including a PV panel and a compartment for containing a portable electronic device. The PV charging pack is removably coupleable to the exterior surface, such that the PV panel is positioned to absorb light energy when the PV charging pack is coupled to the exterior surface.

Abstract: Terminals, terminal systems, charging/discharging methods for the terminals, charging/discharging methods for the terminal systems, and discharging methods are disclosed. The terminal is coupled to a second terminal including a second switching unit, a second charging unit and a second battery unit. The second charging unit is coupled to the second battery unit. The terminal includes a first switching unit and a first battery unit. The first switching unit is coupled to each of the second switching unit and the first battery unit. The first switching unit is configured to receive a control instruction or a control signal, and to switch to the second switching unit based on the control instruction or the control signal so as to supply power to the second terminal with the first battery unit, or switch to the second charging unit based on the control instruction or the control signal so as to charge the second battery unit with the first battery unit.

Abstract: A charging device for a power storage device includes a power conduit configured to deliver current to the power storage device and a detection system configured to be coupled to the power conduit. The detection system includes a current control device coupled to the power conduit and configured to control the current delivered to the power storage device. The detection system also includes a test conductor, a current sensor coupled to the test conductor, and a controller coupled to the current sensor by the test conductor. The current sensor is arranged to detect an amount of current within the test conductor and configured to generate a current measurement signal representative of the current detected. The controller is configured to generate a test signal, transmit the test signal through the test conductor, receive the current measurement signal, and determine a status of the detection system based on the current measurement signal.

Abstract: A charging device configured to receive power from a power source is described. The charging device includes a motion detection device configured to provide a signal corresponding to a motion of the charging device. The charging device also includes a system controller communicatively coupled to the motion detection device and configured to determine if the motion of the charging device has exceeded a predefined limit.

Abstract: A device for holding portable electronics is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base having a first end, and a second end, the first end positioned on one side of the base, and the second end positioned on a side of the base substantially opposite to the first end. The base has a plurality of apertures extending from the first end, through the base, to the second end; and at least one groove configured to receive an edge of the display. The device has a plurality of flexible legs configured to pass through an aperture in the base.

Abstract: An electric power transmission device transmits an electric power of a power supply to a battery. The electric power transmission device includes relay capacitor, power supply side switching element, and a battery side switching element. The relay capacitor is located between the power supply and the battery, and stores an electric power of the power supply. The power supply side switching element opens and closes a first electrical path between the power supply and the relay capacitor. The battery side switching element opens and closes a second electrical path between the relay capacitor and the battery. The power supply side switching element has a pair of ends in the first electrical path, one of which is connected to the relay capacitor and the other is not connected to another capacitor that is short-circuited with the relay capacitor when the power supply side switching element is closed.

Abstract: A portable charger unit includes a charger housing that encloses a power input, at least one power output, and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is operatively connected with the power input (for providing an electrical charge from an external power source for recharging the internal battery when the charge unit is connected to the power source) and the at least one power output (for charging other electronic devices from the rechargeable battery). The charger unit also includes connector means capable of connecting two or more electronic devices to the charger unit via at least one output port. The charger unit can be actuated to initiate charging of an electronic device connected with the output port, by an actuating motion of the charger unit, such as a shaking motion.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for a method of charging a battery. In an example, the method includes determining a capacity of the battery, and determining a state of charge of the battery. The method also includes charging the battery with a charging current, wherein the charging current is based on the capacity of the battery and the state of charge of the battery, and wherein charging the battery comprises reducing the charging current in response to the state of charge of the battery changing with respect to the capacity of the battery.

Abstract: Power supply equipment (10) is provided with an AC power supply (11) and a primary-side resonance coil (13b). Movable body equipment (20) is provided with a secondary-side resonance coil (21b), which receives power from the primary-side coil, a rectifier (23), which rectifies the received power, a charger (24) to which the rectified power is supplied, and a secondary battery (25), which is connected to the charger. A primary matching unit (12) is provided between the AC power supply (11) and the primary-side resonance coil (13b). A secondary matching unit (22) is provided between the secondary-side resonance coil (21b) and the rectifier (23). A control unit is provided to either the power supply equipment (10) or the movable body equipment (20). The control unit controls a primary matching unit adjustment unit (14) and a secondary matching unit adjustment unit (26).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for selecting a period for charging an implantable rechargeable power source are disclosed. Implantable medical devices may include a rechargeable power source that can be transcutaneously charged. A system may control a charging module to begin charging the rechargeable power source of the implantable medical device with a high power level. The system may then determine an estimated heat loss based on power initially delivered to the rechargeable power source when beginning the charging. Based on this estimated heat loss during the initial period of recharging, the system may select a boost period that includes a duration of time that the rechargeable power source is charged with the high power level.

Abstract: An inductive charger for charging a hand-held appliance is disclosed. The inductive charger includes a charger coil surrounding a magnetic core, the magnetic core forming at least a part of a charger projection, wherein the charger projection is surrounded by the charger coil which is adapted to be inserted, together with the charger projection of the magnetic core, into a charging recess of the hand-held appliance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply circuit provided with a battery as a power source for supplying power to an RFID, and the battery of the power supply circuit is charged with a wireless signal. Then, a switching circuit is provided in the power supply circuit that supplies power to a signal control circuit which transmits and receives individual information to and from the outside to intermittently control supply of power to the signal control circuit by a signal from a low-frequency signal generation circuit.

Abstract: A charger includes a conversion unit for converting external electric power from a charging port into DC, a conversion unit for converting the output of the preceding conversion unit into high-frequency AC, and a conversion unit for converting the electric power generated by transforming the output of the preceding conversion unit by an insulated transformer into DC to output the DC to a power storage device. The charger further includes a switch unit that enables the circuit configuration of the charger to switch between a single-stage charging circuit and a dual-stage charging circuit. The switch unit is controlled by a control signal from an ECU. The ECU controls the switch unit in accordance with the SOC of the power storage device and switches the circuit configuration of the charger to one of the single-stage charging circuit and the dual-stage charging circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for connecting an electric or hybrid electric vehicle to a charging station. Automated charging and docking processes may be provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle arrival and position may be detected. The vehicle may be charged with a charging arm and some automated vehicle positioning may occur. The vehicle may be charged and released. Fault detection may occur.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus comprising a battery charger is provided. The battery charger is operably coupled to a power grid to receive AC energy during a vehicle charging operation and is operably coupled to a switching circuit for one of connecting and disconnecting the battery in the vehicle. The switching circuit includes a single resistor and is arranged to enable a pre-charge operation and a battery heating operation. The battery charger is configured to convert the AC energy into DC energy for delivering at least a portion of the DC energy to the single resistor for performing the battery heating operation when the vehicle charging operation is being performed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charge station incorporating an image sensor, which provides users with status information such as whether the charge point is available, in use, damaged, or blocked by another vehicle. The image sensor may also be used for to monitor the security of the vehicle during charging, detecting tampering with the vehicle or the charge cable.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for discharging DC-link capacitor for electric vehicle charger. In a case the apparatus operates abnormally, operations of a rectifier, a boost PFC circuit and a DC-DC converter are discontinued, and the apparatus receives the power source charged in the DC-link capacitor through the auxiliary power supply unit to thereby perform a control operation.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide an electric vehicle charging device capable of preventing arc discharge when disconnecting a power supply connector and a vehicle-side connector. An electric vehicle charging device provided with: a power supply connector (3) for supplying electrical energy from outside the vehicle; a vehicle-side connector (2) for connecting to the power supply connector (3) and positioned in the vehicle; a spring (34) for generating repulsive force in the direction in which the power supply connector (3) and the vehicle-side connector (2) separate; and an engaging part (32) for detecting the disconnection of the power supply connector (3) and the vehicle-side connector (2); wherein the spring (34) generates repulsive force in the direction in which the power supply connector (3) and the vehicle-side connector (2) separate when the engaging part (32) detects that the power supply connector (3) and the vehicle-side connector (2) have disconnected.

Abstract: A charge controller includes a charge control circuit which controls a charging transistor; and a protection circuit that, when the secondary battery is over-discharged, turns off the first control switch element to block discharge current and when the secondary battery is overcharged, turns off the second control switch element to prevent the charge current from flowing. The charge control circuit includes a function of control for applying constant charge current through the charging transistor until the voltage of the secondary battery reaches a predetermined value and switching to control for applying charge current at a constant voltage after the voltage of the secondary battery reaches the predetermined value, and a terminal voltage on the positive electrode side and a terminal voltage on the negative electrode side of the secondary battery are supplied as monitoring voltage to the charge control circuit.

Abstract: A communication system includes: an assembled battery including a plurality of series connected battery packs having at least one storage battery cell; a battery management section adapted to manage the battery packs; and an optical line connected in daisy chain for use in communication between the battery management section and each of the battery packs.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a battery system having a large number of battery cells which are connected in series. At least one battery cell of the large number of battery cells is connected in parallel with an electrical component. The resistance of the electrical component is reduced when a voltage, which is applied to the electrical component and to the battery cell, exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold value. The disclosure also describes a method for charging a large number of battery cells which are connected in series. The method can be executed using the battery system according to the disclosure.

Abstract: Electrochemical energy storage device (1) with at least one electrode assembly, particularly a rechargeable electrode assembly (2), that is designed to at least temporarily supply electrical energy, which electrode assembly has at least two electrodes (3, 3a) of differing polarities, with a functional device (5) that is designed to be electrically connected to the at least two electrodes (3, 3a) of differing polarity, and which is designed to be switchable to a second state, wherein the electrodes (3, 3a) of differing polarity are electrically connected to each other when the functional device (5) is in the second state, with a cell housing (6) that is designed to at least partially surround the electrode assembly (2) and the functional device (5).

Abstract: Charging and discharging an energy storage device (ESD) generates heat and may prevent its temperature from dropping to unsafe levels. By monitoring and managing the charge and discharge of an ESD with respect to the periods of time in which demand charges are determined, the heating will have minimal adverse effect on demand charges. ESDs may also exchange energy in a controlled manner for heating purposes and reduce reliance on utility grid-based energy sources. ESD heating may also be made more efficient by offsetting the heating with load shedding during charging periods. Precharging the ESD while heating or preheating the ESD by charging and discharging can prevent new maximum demand levels from appearing and thereby limit increases in demand charges.

Abstract: A battery with a converter including at least two electrochemical energy converters provided to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and to supply electrical energy particularly to a consumer has the energy converters electrically connected to one another. The converter arrangement includes two configuration connectors of different polarity at which a configuration voltage is present, and the configuration voltage corresponds to the electrical voltage of the converter. Two battery connectors of different polarity are also included and make the electrical connection to the consumer. The battery connectors are electrically connected to the configuration connectors The battery also includes a device connected at least indirectly to the configuration connectors which can be converted from a first state into a second state. In the first state, the configuration connectors are electrically insulated from one another and in the second state they are electrically connected to one another.

Abstract: Apparatuses and method are described to create an energy harvesting microstructure, referred to herein as a transduction micro-electro mechanical system (T-MEMS). A T-MEMS includes a substrate, a first buckled membrane, the first buckled membrane has a buckling axis and is connected to the substrate. The first buckled membrane further includes a transduction material, a first conductor, the first conductor is applied to a first area of the transduction material; and a second conductor, the second conductor is applied to a second area of the transduction material, wherein electrical charge is harvested from the transduction material when the first buckled membrane is translated along the buckling axis.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for a method of charging a battery. In an example, the method includes charging the battery during a first charging session until a first charging termination parameter value is reached. The method also includes determining, for a second charging session, a second charging termination parameter value based on a duration of the first charging session, wherein the second charging termination parameter value is different than the first charging termination parameter value. The method also includes charging the battery during the second charging session until the second charging termination parameter value is reached.

Abstract: Several types of power demands, including a cooling power demand for components, a heating power demands for components and comfort performance demand for a passenger compartment, can be transferred from a thermal management to a charging management, wherein the types of power demands are prioritized by the charging management in a different manner.

Abstract: A method of operating a converter of a wind turbine for providing electric energy to a utility grid includes determining a grid voltage. If the grid voltage is between a nominal voltage and a first voltage threshold, i.e. higher than the nominal voltage, a normal procedure for lowering the grid voltage is performed. If the grid voltage is above the first voltage threshold, another procedure for keeping the wind turbine connected is performed, wherein the other procedure is different from the normal procedure. Further a corresponding arrangement is described.

Abstract: It is an object to stabilize a utility grid even when an unexpected fluctuation in the frequency of the utility grid occurs. A wind turbine generator includes a rotor that rotates by wind power, a generator that is driven by rotation of the rotor, and a control device that controls a power output of the generator to increase while a rotational speed of the generator decreases when a frequency of a utility grid becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined rated frequency and when the rotational speed of the generator is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value. In this way, even when the frequency of the utility grid fluctuates, the frequency fluctuation can be suppressed, and the utility grid can be stabilized.

Abstract: A voltage reference generation circuit includes a current supply circuit and a core circuit. The current supply circuit is arranged to provide a plurality of currents. The core circuit is coupled to the current supply circuit, and arranged to receive the currents and accordingly generate a voltage reference. The core circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor and a third transistor, wherein the first transistor and the third transistor generate a first gate-to-source voltage and a third gate-to-source voltage, respectively, according to a first current of the received currents; the second transistor generates a second gate-to-source voltage according to a second current of the received currents; and the voltage reference is generated according to the first gate-to-source voltage, the second gate-to-source voltage and the third gate-to-source voltage.

Abstract: The switched-mode power supply includes a power stage, and a control unit to control the operation of the power stage based on a critical parameter of the power stage, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the power stage to change from a first operational mode to a second operation mode if the critical parameter leaves a pre-defined range, and to change from the second operational mode to the first operational mode based on a measurement of a first time interval.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a switching regulator includes a switching controller, a driver, a detector, and an adjustment module. The switching regulator outputs a first switch control signal for controlling switching of a high-side transistor and a second switch control signal for controlling switching of a low-side transistor. The driver supplies an output signal for driving the high-side transistor to a gate of the high-side transistor in accordance with the first switch control signal. The detector detects a ringing voltage on a switching node between the high-side transistor and the low-side transistor. The adjustment module adjusts a level of the output signal of the driver so as to decrease the level if the detected ringing voltage exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a power supply system. The system includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) system configured to generate a PWM signal. The system also includes a power stage comprising a gate driver, a high-side switch, and a low-side switch. The gate driver can be configured to alternately activate the high-side and low-side switches to provide an output signal to a load in response to the PWM signal, and to provide an activation dead-time between the alternate activation of the high-side and low-side switches. The system further includes a digital delay system configured to measure the activation dead-time and to add the measured activation dead-time to the activation of the high-side switch.

Abstract: Provided is a variable output voltage regulator capable of reducing heat generation during an overcurrent protection operation even when a setting value of an output voltage is high. The variable output voltage regulator can change an output voltage by trimming a resistor of a voltage dividing circuit in response to a trimming signal output from a trimming signal generation circuit. The trimming signal is used to change a limiting voltage of a fold-back type overcurrent protection circuit.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a semiconductor voltage controller comprising: a start-mode circuit associated with a start-mode; and an off-mode circuit associated with an off-mode, where the voltage controller can be configured to receive a feedback signal and an off-mode signal from a single input and provide an output voltage, where the voltage controller can be configured to be in the off-mode when the feedback signal is less than a skip level and the feedback signal is less than a HV control level, and where the voltage controller can be configured to be in start mode when the feedback signal is greater than HV control level and Vcc is below a Vcc-start.

Abstract: The present document relates to switched power supplies. In particular, the present document relates to a method and system for controlling a bypass transistor in a DC-to-DC converter. A power converter configured to convert an input voltage at an input of the power converter into an output voltage at an output of the power converter is described. The power converter comprises a DC-to-DC converter comprising a high side switch; a bypass transistor parallel to the DC-to-DC converter, configured to couple a load at the output of the power converter to the input voltage during an on-state of the bypass transistor; and current sensing means configured to sense a current through the high side switch; wherein the bypass transistor is controlled based at least on the sensed current through the high side switch.

Abstract: A current driver circuit includes a converter part having a switching element and converting an input voltage into an output voltage; a current detector which generates a detection signal indicative of the current of the switching element; an input voltage compensating circuit which generates a compensation signal corresponding to the input voltage; a comparator which compares the detection signal and the compensation signal against each other; and a switch driver circuit which generates a drive signal. The drive signal turns the switching element off in accordance with an output of the comparator, and turns the switching element on again after a lapse of a prescribed time from the switching element being turned off.

Abstract: There is disclosed a switching stage comprising: a first switching path having at least one switching element for selectively connecting an input of the switching stage to an output of the switching stage; and a second switching path having at least one switching element for selectively connecting the input of the switching stage to the output of the switching stage, wherein the first and second switching paths are controlled such that a signal is selectively routed from the input of the switching stage to the output of the switching stage via the first and second switching paths in dependence on the current of the signal to be routed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a voltage generator includes a step-up circuit and a limiter circuit. The step-up circuit outputs a first voltage to a first node. The limiter circuit includes first and second resistive elements, first and second capacitive elements, a switch element, and a comparator. The first resistive element is between the first node and a second node. The second resistive element is connected to the second node. The first capacitive element is between the first and second nodes. The switch element connects the second capacitive element to the second node at the same time that the first node is connected to a load. The comparator compares the potential at the second node with a reference potential.

Abstract: A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.

Abstract: An inrush current suppressing device includes a residual-magnetic-flux calculating unit configured to retain an interruption characteristic of a breaker and an attenuation characteristic of a magnetic flux that are estimated by measurement, analysis, or the like beforehand, and apply the attenuation characteristic to a magnetic flux value at the time of current interruption obtained based on the interruption characteristic of the breaker to calculate a residual magnetic flux value. The breaker is turned on in a power supply voltage phase in which the calculated residual magnetic flux value and a theoretical value of a steady magnetic flux match.

Abstract: A high voltage resonant step-up convertor converts a lower voltage signal to a higher voltage signal. The converter may be used, for example, to supply power via electromagnetic coupling to an implantable medical device. In some embodiments, a power converter comprises a driver circuit and a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit generates a high voltage output signal at a selected frequency. The driver circuit is controlled by a low voltage signal and periodically generates a higher frequency signal (e.g., approximately twice the selected frequency) to drive the resonant circuit. In some embodiments, the driver circuit comprises another resonant circuit and a switching circuit. The switching circuit periodically pumps current to the other resonant circuit and isolates the two resonant circuits. The other resonant circuit periodically pumps current to the output resonant circuit.

Abstract: A power circuit for reducing a leakage power using a negative voltage is provided. The power circuit includes a current source including a transistor including a gate. The power circuit further includes a current source control circuit connected to the gate of the transistor, and configured to apply a positive voltage to the gate of the transistor if the current source is to operate in an active mode, and apply the negative voltage to the gate of the transistor if the current source is to operate in an inactive mode.

Abstract: A reference voltage circuit for generating a reference voltage to be referred when a pixel signal is digitally converted, includes ramp voltage generating means for generating a ramp voltage which drops from a predetermined initial voltage at a certain gradient, a transistor for forming, together with the ramp voltage generating means, a current mirror circuit, and gain change means for changing a current value of a current flowing from a predetermined power supply via the transistor to change the gradient of the ramp voltage generated by the ramp voltage generating means.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a synchronized phasor in power system based on voltage and current measurements, sampling of the voltage and current measurements and convolving the samples with a function.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for verifying the operating frequency of digital control circuitry. The system and method according to the present disclosure provide for a digitally controlled system, such as an electrosurgical system, to confirm or verify its operating frequency using a single external device, and software and/or firmware.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a method of inspecting a well tubular is disclosed. The method utilizes a probe with a transmitter and detectors spaced from the transmitter by at least twice the diameter of the pipe to be tested. In some cases where multi-tubular structures are tested, the probe can include further detectors spaced from the transmitter by at least twice the diameter of the outer pipes as well. The phase of signals detected by the detectors relative to the transmitter are utilized to detect faults in the pipes.

Abstract: A current detecting device is readily attached to a wire while preventing variation in current detection accuracy. A current detecting device has a core module and an element module, the core module having a core support that supports a magnetic core, the element module having an element support that supports a Hall element therein. In a position of a gap of the magnetic core in the core module, a wire insertion path is provided, to which the element support is fitted. Two end portions of the magnetic core and the Hall element are positioned by first and second contact surfaces of the core support and by a third contact surface of the element support. The two modules are connected so as to be movable relative to each other and are fixated by a lock mechanism in a state where the element support is fitted to the wire insertion path.