Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for operating a wind turbine connected to a power grid. The method includes receiving, via a controller, one or more current feedback signals from one or more electric current sensors of the wind turbine. Another step includes determining, via the controller, if a ground fault is occurring in the wind turbine based on the current feedback signals. In response to detecting a ground fault, the method includes tripping one or more electrical components of the wind turbine and electrically de-coupling the wind turbine from the power grid.

Abstract: A grounding wire fault circuit interrupter for an electrical machine includes a chassis ground wire, a sensor, and a logic circuit. The chassis ground wire is configured to be electronically connected to a structure of the electrical machine such that the structure of the electrical machine is further electrically connected to one or more power lines that provide electrical power to the electrical machine. The sensor is electronically connected to the chassis ground wire. The logic circuit is electronically connected to the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect current leaks within the electrical machine by sensing electrical power on the chassis ground wire, and the logic circuit is configured to interrupt the flow of electrical power to the electrical machine when the sensor detects a current leak.

Abstract: A power system is for a facility. The power system includes a load panel powered from a split phase electrical distribution configuration having a first line, a second line and a neutral. A two-pole circuit interrupter in the load panel receives power from the first line, the second line and the neutral, and protects an unbalanced load. The two-pole circuit interrupter is structured to trip open or open responsive to an input. A circuit in the load panel is structured to determine that the neutral is broken or missing and responsively output to the input to cause the two-pole circuit interrupter to trip open or open.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing diagnostic testing for multiple motor drives operating in parallel. In one embodiment, the diagnostic testing may involve determining which of the multiple motor drives are in operation and communicating the active configuration of motor drives to testing circuitry. The testing circuitry generates an enable input signal transmitted to the transistor gates in each of the active motor drives. The testing circuitry also generates a power supply input signal transmitted to a DC to DC converter in each of the active motor drives. The responses to the enable input signal and the power supply input signal are measured to determine safety compliance.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system has a plurality of PV panels that convert solar energy into electrical energy. Each PV panel is coupled to a respective switching power converter. A parameter (e.g., voltage or current) of a combined current signal from each of the switching power converters is sensed, and a controller controls the duty cycle of each switching power converter in order to maximize the sensed parameter. In this regard, the controller adjusts the duty cycles of the power switching converters in groups while the duty cycles of other power switching converters are held constant in order to set the duty cycles for maximum power transfer, thereby accounting for variations in the power output by each PV panel.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip includes a first input port, a first output port, and first and second transistors electrically coupled in series across the first input port. The second transistor is also electrically coupled across the first output port and is adapted to provide a path for current flowing through the first output port when the first transistor is in its non-conductive state. The integrated circuit chip additionally includes first driver circuitry for driving gates of the first and second transistors to cause the transistors to switch between their conductive and non-conductive states. The integrated circuit chip further includes first controller circuitry for controlling the first driver circuitry such that the first and second transistors switch between their conductive and non-conductive states to at least substantially maximize an amount of electric power extracted from an electric power source electrically coupled to the first input port.

Abstract: A load-balancing device includes a control module, and a converter for generating a voltage supplying a single-phase electrical load connected to a polyphase electrical network. The converter selectively modifies a phase shift between its output and phases of the polyphase electrical network. The control module controls synchronization of the output with a first phase of the network and its progressive phase shifting when it is synchronized with a second phase of the polyphase electrical network. It also controls connection of the load to the network and to the converter when the converter and first phase are synchronized. The control module maintains disconnection of the load from the network during the progressive phase shifting of the converter output voltage, and controls its connection the second phase of the network when its output is synchronized with the second phase.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for packetized energy distribution are provided. A data and power delivery network, called a digital grid, is provided to facilitate delivery of power upon request. Energy bits (quanta) serve as a means to deliver energy as well as coding. Voltage pulses of varying time scales are used for coding and current levels help to accurately meet customer's demand. Energy is sent as packets (a combination of energy bits), and specific energy packets are addressed to specific customers permitting accurate monitoring and distribution of electrical energy.

Abstract: A parallel filter arrangement with at least two filters supplying current in line side sensing configuration and a number of sensors for measuring current. The sensors are used to determine the amount of current being supplied by the filters and the amount of current being supplied by a source. The filters adjust their supplied current in order to reduce or eliminate the amount of reactive or harmonic current being supplied by a source.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device, which includes an external power supply unit configured to receive power from an external power source and an auxiliary power storage unit configured to be charged upon receiving the power from the external power supply unit and store the power. The electronic device further includes a first switching element connected to the external power supply unit and the auxiliary power storage unit, the first switching element configured to select any one of the external power supply unit and the auxiliary power storage unit as a power source, a power information receiver configured to receive power information including at least one of electric rate information and power demand information, and a controller configured to control the first switching element based on the power information received from the power information receiver.

Abstract: In various implementations, a pager may be coupled to a console. The pager may include a battery and coupling the pager to the console may provide power to the console. In some implementations, the power provided to the console may charge a battery of the console and/or allow the console to perform one or more operations.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of smart outlets and a backend system in wireless communication with the smart outlets. The smart outlets are configured to provide electrical power from an electrical system to respective power loads, and configured to measure power consumption characteristics thereof the respective power loads. The power consumption characteristics may include real power, apparent power or a combination thereof consumed by the respective power loads. The backend system may be configured to wirelessly receive the power consumption characteristics from the smart outlets for analysis in accordance with a power distribution schedule of the electrical system, and wirelessly transmit a command signal to one or more of the smart outlets in various instances response to the analysis. This command signal may instruct the respective one or more smart outlets to shed or restore power to respective power loads from the electrical system.

Abstract: An energy supply network for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising at least one energy generating device for generating electrical energy, comprising at least two energy control devices, at least one of which is coupled directly to at least one of the energy generating devices and which are adapted each to provide a controlled supply voltage so as to supply electrical loads located in the aircraft with energy, and comprising a high-voltage direct current transmission device, which couples the at least two energy control devices to one another by means of high-voltage direct current transmission. Further, a method for supplying energy, and an aircraft or spacecraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for allocating amounts of energy for prosumers, wherein the prosumers provide minimum and maximum amounts of energy for a future interval of time and the respective amounts of energy from the prosumers are generated in such a manner that, on the one hand, a relative position of the amount of energy within an interval for the particular prosumer, as defined by the minimum amount of energy and the maximum amount of energy, assumes an identical value for all prosumers and, on the other hand, a sum of the amounts of energy from all prosumers produces a value of zero. The invention can be used in the distribution of amounts of energy in a power supply system having conventional energy producers and energy consumers as well as in novel participants in the power supply system which can both consume and provide energy, for example an electric vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, demand responsive loads are selected for involvement in a given DR event using an advantageous approach to selection that is based on using a mathematical network model to evaluate power loss in a power distribution network as a function of different combinations of demand responsive load selections and corresponding load reduction values. The mathematical network model comprises a mathematical representation of the power distribution network as a multi-phase unbalanced distribution network, including mathematical representations of the physical components in the power distribution network and the connecting relationships of those components.

Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer. Described are methods and designs for implantable electronics and devices. Wireless energy transfer is utilized to eliminate cords and power cables puncturing the skin to power an implantable device. Repeater resonators are employed to improve the power transfer characteristics between the source and the device resonators.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if it is not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if it is a valid secondary device, and restricting power if it is not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates wireless power transfer. In some embodiments, DC power is received through one or more inductors and switched to provide alternating current through a TX coil with a pair of power FETs coupled between opposite sides of the TX coil and ground such that current flows through one of the pair of FETs at a time. In some embodiments, the pair of FETs can be driven in adaptive resonant mode to operate at a resonance. In some embodiments, the pair of FETs are driven at a particular frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power relaying apparatus provided between: a power supplying apparatus including a power supplying resonance device and a power supplying power supply section for supplying an AC current to the power supplying resonance device; and a power receiving apparatus having a power receiving resonance device for receiving a power from the power supplying apparatus by adoption of a resonance method, the power relaying apparatus including a power relaying resonance device resonating between the power supplying resonance device and the power receiving resonance device, wherein the power relaying resonance device is fixed at a predetermined position by making use of an insulation member.

Abstract: A portable inductive power source, power device, or unit, for use in powering or charging electrical, electronic, battery-operated, mobile, and other devices is disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment the system comprises a pad or similar base unit that contains a primary, which creates an alternating magnetic field by means of applying an alternating current to a winding, coil, or any type of current carrying wire. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field from the pad and transferring it to a mobile or other device. In some embodiments the receiver can also comprise electronic components or logic to set the voltage and current to the appropriate levels required by the mobile device, or to communicate information or data to and from the pad. Embodiments may also incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for charging energy storage cells of an energy storage device with a plurality of energy storage modules which are connected in series in an energy supply line, each energy storage module comprising an energy storage cell module which has at least one energy storage cell and comprising a coupling device with coupling elements. The coupling elements are designed to selectively connect the energy storage cell module in the energy supply line or to bridge the energy storage cell module.

Abstract: Provided are a cell balance device with high cell balance performance and high cell balance speed and requiring no high voltage process, and a battery system including the cell balance devices. The cell balance device includes: three terminals to be connected to secondary batteries; one terminal to be connected to a voltage hold device; three switches provided between the three terminals and the one terminal; and a receiving terminal and a transmitting terminal for a synchronization signal. Alternatively, the cell balance device includes: four terminals to be connected to secondary batteries; two terminals to be connected to a voltage hold device; six switches provided between the four terminals and the two terminals; and a receiving terminal and a transmitting terminal for a synchronization signal. The battery system includes: a plurality of secondary batteries; a plurality of voltage hold devices; a plurality of cell balance devices; and a clock generation circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of a system of battery strings is described. The battery string current is measured by a current sensor urged into contact with a metallic element in which the battery string current is flowing. The time history of the battery string current and voltage is interpreted to determine whether the battery string is discharging, charging or in a fully charged state. A moving average current in the charging state is used to establish a threshold for determining whether a thermal runaway condition exists. The moving average is maintained at the value that existed at a time when the battery string has been disconnected from the system current bus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for state of charge compensation of a battery having a plurality of battery units. The method comprises the steps of calculating a depth of discharge of each battery unit after the battery units have been charged, calculating an available charge of each battery unit before the battery units are charged, calculating a state of charge compensation requirement value on the basis of the calculated depth of discharge and the calculated available charge for each battery unit, and discharging each battery unit on the basis of the calculated state of charge compensation requirement value. The disclosure also relates to a method for charging a battery which has a plurality of battery units. Also specified are a computer program and a battery management system set up to perform the method, and a battery and a motor vehicle having a drive system connected to such a battery.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, devices, and apparatus for replenishing vehicle resources. Vehicles can be aligned with and docked to replenishment devices. In one aspect, a flying vehicle (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)) is aligned onto electrical recharging contacts. The flying vehicles fuel level or battery charge can be replenished with minimal, if any, human intervention. Vehicle docking (e.g., landing), alignment, and replenishment can be performed automatically. A circular ring or shaped surface of a vehicle can engage with a conical sloping surface of a docking apparatus as a vehicle moves towards and/or into the docking apparatus. The conical sloping surface shape aligns the vehicle with recharge contacts or a refueling probe at the base of the docking apparatus.

Abstract: The versatility of a power feeding device is improved. A power storage system includes a power storage device and a power feeding device. The power storage device includes data for identifying the power storage device. The power storage device includes a power storage unit, a switch that controls whether power from the power feeding device is supplied to the power storage unit, and a control circuit having a function of controlling a conduction state of the switch in accordance with a control signal input from the power feeding device. The power feeding device includes a signal generation circuit having a function of identifying the power storage device by the data input from the power storage device, generating the control signal corresponding to the identified power storage device, and outputting the generated control signal to the power storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a coil resonant coupler for short distance wireless power communication and a short distance wireless power transmitting apparatus comprising the same. The coil resonant coupler for short distance wireless power communication comprises a first coil installed perpendicularly to a first axis; a second coil installed perpendicularly to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a third coil installed perpendicularly to a third axis perpendicular to each of the first and second axes. The short distance wireless power transmitting apparatus comprises a primary side core comprising the above-described coil resonant coupler, a position sensing unit which senses a position of the wireless power receiving apparatus to generate position information, and a transmission controlling unit which controls the primary side core based on the position information.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to one or more systems, apparatuses, methods, etc. for implementing a wireless charging and a wireless connectivity in a device.

Abstract: A wireless charging device for use in providing electrical power to one or more portable electronic devices is provided. The wireless charging device includes a transmission coil coupled to an electrical power source. The transmission coil selectively transmits power from the electrical power source to at least one receiving coil in a first portable electronic device of the one or more portable electronic devices. The wireless charging device also includes a positioning system coupled to the transmission coil. The positioning system is configured to selectively rotate said transmission coil about a first axis and about a second axis.

Abstract: A charger for a hand-held power tool includes a power source interface, a charger base and a charging cradle rotatably supported on the charger base. The rotatable charging cradle includes at least two charging output terminals electrically connected to the power source interface. A power tool system includes the charger and the hand-held power tool. A method of charging the power tool system includes contacting charging input terminals of the power tool with the charging output terminals, rotating the charging cradle and the power tool relative to the charging base and supplying charging current to at least one battery cell while the charging cradle and the power tool are allowed to freely swing relative to the charging base.

Abstract: A holder includes a cover, a base, and a charging module. The cover includes a battery, and the base is foldably connected to the cover. The charging module includes a main charging coil and a power supply. The battery and the main charging coil are electrically connected to the power supply. A first proportion of a current from the power supply charges the battery, while a second proportion of the current from the power supply sends current to the main charging coil. The main charging coil charges a portable electronic device received in the holder.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a connector including first and second data pins and a power pin; a battery charging circuit configured to receive a charging current and a power voltage from an external device via the power pin and charge a battery according to the charging current; and a processor configured to make the first and second data pins, which are shorted by the external device, open and obtain an identification code via the first and second data pins from the external device after the first and second data pins are opened, wherein if the identification code matches a specific code, the processor sends a requirement to the external device, and the power voltage and the charging current received by the battery charging circuit are increased by the external device in response to the requirement.

Abstract: An mechanism for charging an electronic device with a retractable cord reel. The device maintains a substantially continuous converted power source connection during operation, including operations adjusting the length of the retractable cord.

Abstract: A method for operating a plurality of energy storage devices includes controlling operation of the plurality of energy storage devices connected in series by independently varying a current and/or bypassing and/or reversing a polarity of at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices without a corresponding change in current, bypass, or reversal of polarity of one or more of the other energy storage devices connected in series.

Abstract: A charging device switchable between a first charging current and a second charging current includes a USB port and an identification signal providing circuit. The identification signal providing circuit outputs an identification signal to the electronic device when the electronic device is first coupled to the USB port. The electronic device determines whether the charging device matches the electronic device or not according to the identification signal. The electronic device is recharged using the first charging current when the charging device does match the electronic device, and the electronic device is recharged using the second charging current when the charging device does not match the electronic device.

Abstract: This technology relates to a battery device, a control method, and an electric vehicle capable of providing a highly secure anti-theft function. A battery outputs DC power through a power line, a reader/writer communicates by outputting a high-frequency signal through the power line to read authentication information of an electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the battery through the power line, a microcomputer stores the read authentication information and controls the battery when first connection to the electronic device is performed, and performs an authentication process of the electronic device based on the read authentication information and the authentication information stored in the first connection and controls the battery according to a result of the authentication process of the electronic device when second or subsequent connection to the electronic device is performed. This technology may be applied to the battery device mounted on a power-assisted bicycle, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device of a secondary battery. The control device of the secondary battery using, as a positive electrode material, a positive electrode active material that shows a difference of an open circuit voltage curve between during charge and discharge, has a judging unit that judges, on the basis of a charge-discharge state of the secondary battery, whether or not calculation of a current SOC of the secondary battery is possible; and a charge controlling unit that, when judged that the calculation of the current SOC of the secondary battery is not possible by the judging unit, charges the secondary battery up to a predetermined fully charged state.

Abstract: An electrical storage system includes: an electrical storage device (10) including serially connected electrical storage blocks; a relay (SMR-B, SMR-G) switching a connection state between the electrical storage device and a load; a controller (30, 34) controlling the relay; and a current interruption circuit (60) interrupting energization of the electrical storage device. The current interruption circuit (60) includes an alarm circuit (63) outputting an alarm signal indicating that any one electrical storage block is overcharged or overdischarged by comparing a voltage value of each electrical storage block with a threshold; a latch circuit (64) retaining the alarm signal; and a transistor (68) causing the relay to switch from an on state to an off state upon reception of a latch circuit output signal. The controller determines an energization state of the electrical storage device after executing control for causing the alarm circuit to output the alarm signal by changing the voltage value or the threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the transfer of energy inductively between an implantable device and an external charging system, wherein the energy transfer rate is regulated by varying an operating frequency of an inductive energy transfer circuit of the implantable device responsive a temperature measured within the implantable device.

Abstract: There are provided a wireless charging device and a control method thereof, the wireless charging device including: a receiving module receiving power from the outside in a magnetic induction scheme or a magnetic resonance scheme to thereby charge a battery; and an input signal determining unit receiving an input signal from the outside and determining characteristics of the input signal, wherein the receiving module includes a reception controlling unit controlling the receiving module to be operated in the magnetic induction scheme or the magnetic resonance scheme according to the characteristics of the input signal received from the input signal determining unit.

Abstract: Charging a first device by a second device. The first device determines a first position of the first device relative to the second device. Based on the charging position, automatically moving, by the first device, into a second position on the second device. The first device comprises a first motor and a second motor. The first motor is capable of moving the first device along a first axis. The second motor is capable of moving the first device along a second axis.

Abstract: A power transmission system transmits power underwater between a power-transmitting device and a power-receiving device of which at least one is capable of moving freely underwater. In this power transmission system, the power-transmitting device and the power-receiving device are each provided with a resonance coil that performs the power transmission wirelessly underwater by means of magnetic field resonance. At least one of the power-transmitting device and the power-receiving device is provided with a balloon that internally houses the resonance coil of its own device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a portable consumer electronic device comprising: a battery; a user interface configured to provide a user with information and receive inputs from a user; and a wireless power distribution circuitry coupled with the battery, wherein the wireless power distribution circuitry comprises: a power transfer antenna electrically coupled with the battery and configured to wirelessly and inductively couple with a separate second portable consumer electronic device that is configured to wirelessly and inductively couple with the portable consumer electronic device, and the wireless power distribution circuitry is configured to wirelessly transfer power from the battery through the power transfer antenna to the second portable consumer electronic device; and a power supply controller configured to control the wireless transfer of power through the power transfer antenna.

Abstract: A wireless charging system includes a first winding portion, a second winding portion which is disposed with an interval between the first winding portion and the second winding portion in an axis direction of the first winding portion, and a pair of magnetic members which are disposed so as to sandwich the first winding portion and the second winding portion in the axis direction. In this case, protrusion portions which protrude toward the other magnetic member are provided in one magnetic member. Also, the magnetic member is held so as to be able to move forward and backward toward the other magnetic member. As a result, since the coefficient of magnetic coupling between a transmitting unit and a receiving unit during charging is enhanced, a charging efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: A contactless power transmission device includes a switching unit that switches a power transmission line so that a first power is transmitted through the first line when an AC power supply outputs a first AC power and so that a second power is transmitted through a second line when the AC power supply outputs a second AC power. An impedance conversion unit is arranged on the second line that converts an impedance from an output of the AC power supply to a variable load when the second power is transmitted through the second line to approach an impedance from the output of the AC power supply to the variable load when the first power is transmitted through the first line.

Abstract: A wireless charging system for a vehicle may include: a power transmitter having a plurality of transmitting coils; and a controller configured to measure a current and a voltage of each of the plurality of transmitting coils and to apply charging power only to a subset of the plurality of transmitting coils based on a magnitude of the measured current and voltage of each of the plurality of transmitting coils.

Abstract: A wireless charger for an electronic device. The charger includes a base having a base opening and an interior cavity defined by an upper shell, a lower shell and an inner sidewall extending between the upper and lower shells to define the base opening. An aperture is formed through the inner sidewall between the interior cavity and the base opening and a hinge is connected to the base within the interior cavity and extends through the aperture. The charger further includes a wireless charging assembly that is pivotably attached to the base by the hinge and moveable between a down position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed within the base opening and an up position in which the wireless charging assembly extends outside the base.

Abstract: A wireless charging receiving device includes a body, a metal housing, a receiving coil, and a power storage device. The metal housing is coupled to the body to form an accommodating space. The metal housing includes an aperture and at least one slit. The slit interconnects the aperture and the edge of the metal housing. The receiving coil is disposed between the metal housing and the body. The receiving coil defines a through hole by a looped configuration, and the through hole overlaps at least part of the aperture of the metal housing. The power storage device is disposed within the accommodating space and electrically connected to the receiving coil. Electromagnetic waves are able to pass through the aperture of the metal housing and are magnetically coupled to the receiving coil, such that the receiving coil transfers the energy of the electromagnetic waves to the power storage device.

Abstract: A battery pack includes first and second terminals, a battery unit electrically connected between the first and second terminals, the battery unit being configured to receive charging power, and being configured to output discharging power, and a power converter electrically coupled between the first terminal and the battery unit, the power converter being configured to convert the charging power to have a charging voltage corresponding to the battery unit, wherein the first and second terminals are configured to be electrically coupled to a generator and a starter motor.

Abstract: An electrical and/or electronic supply circuit, which serves to provide a first or a second, essentially constant value of a supply voltage, which supply voltage serves to operate an operating electronics. The supply circuit serves to output the first value of the supply voltage when the supply voltage is derived from a first voltage source, and the supply circuit serves to output the second value of the supply voltage when the supply voltage is derived from a second voltage source.