Patents Issued in November 9, 2017
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Publication number: 20170324327Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter includes an input voltage node, an inductor, and a switch coupled to the inductor and the input voltage node. More specifically, the switch has an on state and off state, wherein during the on state, current flowing through the inductor increases and the off state results in a decrease of the current flowing through the inductor via a driver coupled to the switch. The driver comprises a plurality of transistors and an adaptive voltage node, wherein a voltage level at the adaptive voltage node is to vary in accordance with the current flowing through the inductor so as to decrease a variation of the amount of time to turn off the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Jianzhang Xie
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Publication number: 20170324328Abstract: In event-based switching for power conversion, binary electrical event signals are selected from a number of available binary electrical event signals. Fewer than all of the available binary electrical event signals are selected. The selected binary electrical event signals are optionally processed in generating respective processed binary electrical event signals. One of the respective processed binary event signals is selected as a switch turn-on signal and another of the respective processed binary electrical event signals is selected as a switch turn-off signal, to control at least one switch in a switching mode power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Tudor LIPAN, Christian Dino GEROLAMI
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Publication number: 20170324329Abstract: A DC-DC converter with a high transformer ratio includes two DC-DC converter bodies with inputs connected in parallel and outputs connected in series so as to ensure the high safe reliability and the high energy conversion efficiency of the DC-DC converter, while increase the boost ratio of the DC-DC converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Yanhu ZHANG, Bing HU, Ruilin ZHU, Liying XUE
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Publication number: 20170324330Abstract: A digital average-input current-mode control loop for a DC/DC power converter. The power converter may be, for example, a buck converter, boost converter, or cascaded buck-boost converter. The purpose of the proposed control loop is to set the average converter input current to the requested current. Controlling the average input current can be relevant for various applications such as power factor correction (PFC), photovoltaic converters, and more. The method is based on predicting the inductor current based on measuring the input voltage, the output voltage, and the inductor current. A fast cycle-by-cycle control loop may be implemented. The conversion method is described for three different modes. For each mode a different control loop is used to control the average input current, and the control loop for each of the different modes is described. Finally, the algorithm for switching between the modes is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Amir Fishelov, Meir Gazit, Nikolay Radimov
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Publication number: 20170324331Abstract: An inductor current-sensing circuit for measuring a current in an inductor includes (a) a first RC network coupled between a first terminal of the inductor and a reference voltage source; and (b) a second RC network coupled between a second terminal of the inductor and the reference voltage source. The first RC network and the second RC network each have a time constant substantially equal to the ratio between the inductance and the DC resistance of the inductor. The inductor which current is being measured may be a primary inductor of a four-switch buck boost converter receiving an input voltage and providing an output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Xu Zhang, Jian Li, Zhouyuan Shi, Yi Ding Gu
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Publication number: 20170324332Abstract: A multiphase switching converter with a plurality of phase circuits coupled with a common output node is presented. Each phase circuit has a drive signal generator to generate a separate drive signal for a switching element of the respective phase based on a feedback signal from the common output node. Multiple voltage loops with different bandwidths or hysteresis are suggested for a multiphase power converter. In embodiments, this allows a slow phase (‘Master’) with a big inductor and low switching frequency and one or multiple fast phases (‘Slaves’) with small inductors and high switching frequency. The Master phase will allow the system to have high efficiency at low output load, while the Slave phase(s) will deliver extra current during load transient and for higher loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Alessandro S. Molari, Martin Faerber
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Publication number: 20170324333Abstract: Disclosed examples include methods, power converters and damping circuits to control damping of an input filter circuit, in which a low-voltage secondary winding is wound around a common core with a primary winding connected between an AC input and a rectifier input of the converter, where the secondary winding is coupled in a series circuit with a damping resistor and a switch, and a controller selectively closes the switch with a controlled on-time at system power up and/or in response to detection of oscillation or transients in the power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuan Xiao, Zhongyuan Cheng, Lixiang Wei, Navid R. Zargari
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Publication number: 20170324334Abstract: A power conversion device, which includes an insulation type full bridge converter and can switch a power transmission direction at a high speed, is provided. A DC/DC converter (10) constitutes a power conversion device, which operates as a first type converter that converts a voltage within a first range applied to a first input/output terminal pair into a voltage within a second range and outputs the voltage from a second input/output terminal pair or a second type converter that converts a voltage within the second range applied to the second input/output terminal pair into a voltage within the first range and outputs the voltage from the first input/output terminal pair, as a device in which a direction of a current flowing through a winding of a transformer (TR) is switched after a magnitude of the current flowing through the winding of the transformer (TR) reaches “0.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventors: Isao FUJIHATA, Masayuki SUETOMI, Kesanobu KUWABARA, Makoto OHASHI, Yoshihiko YAMAGUCHI
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Publication number: 20170324335Abstract: A power conversion device, which includes an insulation type full bridge converter and can switch a power transmission direction at a high speed, is provided. A DC/DC converter (10) constitutes a power conversion device, which operates as a first type converter that converts a voltage within a first range applied to a first input/output terminal pair into a voltage within a second range and outputs the voltage from a second input/output terminal pair or a second type converter that converts a voltage within the second range applied to the second input/output terminal pair into a voltage within the first range and outputs the voltage from the first input/output terminal pair, as a device that performs a predetermined state transition of the DC/DC converter (10) after waiting for a load current value of a primary or secondary side of a transformer (TR) becomes a value within a predetermined current value range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventors: Masayuki SUETOMI, Katsuji MITSUI, Isao FUJIHATA, Kesanobu KUWABARA, Yoshihiko YAMAGUCHI, Makoto OHASHI
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Publication number: 20170324336Abstract: A power conversion device, which includes an insulation type full bridge converter and can switch a power transmission direction at a high speed, is provided. A DC/DC converter (10) constitutes a power conversion device, which operates as a first type converter that converts a voltage within a first range applied to a first input/output terminal pair into a voltage within a second range and outputs the voltage from a second input/output terminal pair or a second type converter that converts a voltage within the second range applied to the second input/output terminal pair into a voltage within the first range and outputs the voltage from the first input/output terminal pair, as a device that performs a specific state transition of the DC/DC converter (10) after a change rate of a magnitude of a current flowing through a winding of a primary or secondary side of a transformer (TR) with respect to time reaches a value within a predetermined change rate range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventors: Masayuki SUETOMI, Katsuji MITSUI, Isao FUJIHATA, Kesanobu KUWABARA, Yoshihiko YAMAGUCHI, Makoto OHASHI
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Publication number: 20170324337Abstract: A power conversion device, which includes an insulation type full bridge converter and can switch a power transmission direction at a high speed, is provided. A DC/DC converter (10) constitutes a power conversion device, which operates as a first type converter that converts a voltage within a first range applied to a first input/output terminal pair into a voltage within a second range and outputs the voltage from a second input/output terminal pair or a second type converter that converts a voltage within the second range applied to the second input/output terminal pair into a voltage within the first range and outputs the voltage from the first input/output terminal pair, as a device that performs predetermined state transition of the DC/DC converter (10) after waiting for a load current value of a secondary side of a transformer (TR) to be a value within a predetermined current value range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventors: Masayuki SUETOMI, Katsuji MITSUI, Isao FUJIHATA, Kesanobu KUWABARA, Yoshihiko YAMAGUCHI, Makoto OHASHI
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Publication number: 20170324338Abstract: A power conversion device includes a low-pass filter, a second inductor, a first switch, a third switch, a second capacitor, and a controller. The low-pass filter is configured for direct coupling to an alternating current power source. The first switch is connected in series with a second switch, a first connection point. The third switch is connected in series with a fourth switch, a second connection point. The second capacitor is coupled to the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch. The controller turns on and off the first, the second, the third, and the fourth switches based on a voltage of the alternating current power source directly coupled to the low-pass filter, a circuit current through the second inductor, a voltage across the second capacitor, and an average output voltage of the load circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Yutaka USAMI
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Publication number: 20170324339Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected in series, a diode and the second capacitor connected in parallel, wherein a cathode of the diode is connected to a common node of the first capacitor and the second capacitor and a plurality of adjustable capacitance networks connected in parallel with the second capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Hengchun Mao
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Publication number: 20170324340Abstract: System and method for regulating a power conversion system. An example system controller for regulating a power conversion system includes a first controller terminal associated with a first controller voltage and coupled to a first transistor terminal of a first transistor, the first transistor further including a second transistor terminal and a third transistor terminal, the second transistor terminal being coupled to a primary winding of a power conversion system, a second controller terminal associated with a second controller voltage and coupled to the third transistor terminal, and a third controller terminal associated with a third controller voltage. The first controller voltage is equal to a sum of the third controller voltage and a first voltage difference. The second controller voltage is equal to a sum of the third controller voltage and a second voltage difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: JIQING YANG, Jun Zhou, Liqiang Zhu, Qiang Luo, Lieyi Fang
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Publication number: 20170324341Abstract: A power system includes DC-DC power conversion circuitry that has a first switch and a second switch on either side of a transformer. An amount of power transfer from a primary side to the secondary side of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is controlled based on an amount of on-time or off-time of the first switch. A power threshold is determined corresponding to a lowest amount of power transfer that results in soft switching of the second switch with a constant off-time of the first switch. The DC-DC power conversion circuitry is operated in a quasi-resonant mode when the amount of power transfer from the primary side to the secondary side of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is less than the power threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jongwon SHIN, Masanori ISHIGAKI
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Publication number: 20170324342Abstract: A power system includes power conversion circuitry that has a first switch and a second switch on either side of a transformer. The system also includes gate driver circuitry that operates the first switch and the second switch. Power transfer in a normal operating mode from a primary side to secondary side of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is controlled by operating the first switch. The system can recover voltage from the secondary side to the primary side by reversing a direction of power transfer when a voltage on the primary side of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is less than an operating voltage of the gate driver circuitry. The system can resume the normal operating mode when the voltage on the primary is greater than the operating voltage of the gate driver circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Masanori ISHIGAKI, Jongwon SHIN
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Publication number: 20170324343Abstract: A transformer includes a magnetic core assembly including a cylindrical bobbin around which transformer windings are wrapped. Primary transformer windings are wrapped around the cylindrical bobbin of the magnetic core assembly with additional primary transformer windings that are extended to come in contact with one or more external surfaces of the magnetic core assembly. Secondary transformer windings are wrapped around the cylindrical bobbin of the magnetic core assembly with additional secondary transformer windings that are extended to come in contact with the one or more external surfaces of the magnetic core assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Masanori Ishigaki, Jongwon Shin
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Publication number: 20170324344Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of power regulation. The method may include determining a current level on a primary winding of a transformer. The method may also include selecting a particular coarse current level window based on the determined current level. Wherein the particular coarse current level window is one of a plurality of coarse current level windows. The method may additionally include determining a low window value based on the particular coarse current level window. The method may include generating a reference voltage based on the low window value. The method may also include generating a control signal based on the reference voltage. The method may additionally include transmitting the control signal to a switch circuit coupled to the primary winding of the transformer to adjust the current level on the primary winding of the transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Randall L. Sandusky, Neaz E. Farooqi
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Publication number: 20170324345Abstract: A power conversion circuit includes a high-side MOSFET and a low-side MOSFET. A conduction terminal of the high-side MOSFET is coupled to a conduction terminal of the low-side MOSFET at a half-bridge (HB) circuit node. The high-side MOSFET is switched off. Voltage potential transitions of the HB circuit node are counted while the high-side MOSFET and low-side MOSFET are off. Assertion of a control signal to the low-side MOSFET is postponed for two voltage potential transitions of the HB circuit node after the high-side MOSFET is switched off. The low-side MOSFET is switched off by de-asserting the control signal to the low-side MOSFET. Switching on the high-side MOSFET is postponed for two voltage potential transitions of the HB circuit node after switching off the low-side MOSFET.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Roman STULER
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Publication number: 20170324346Abstract: A device includes a first circuit assembly with first circuitry configured on a first upper surface of a first circuit board that includes a first side of power conversion circuit. A first magnetic core is also configured on the first upper surface of the first circuit board. The device also includes a second circuit assembly with second circuitry configured on a second upper surface of a second circuit board that includes a second side of the power conversion circuit. A second magnetic core is also configured on the second upper surface of the second circuit board. The first circuitry of the first circuit assembly is connected to the second circuitry of the second circuit assembly to form the power conversion circuit via at least one of an electrical connection or a magnetic coupling between the first magnetic core and the second magnetic core.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jongwon SHIN, Masanori ISHIGAKI
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Publication number: 20170324347Abstract: The present invention discloses a soft-switching bidirectional phase-shift converter with an extended load range, which is in particularly applicable to system for the fast charging of electric vehicles in various occasions, comprising an inverter bridge, a rectifier bridge, a transformer connected between the output side of the inverter bridge and the input side of the rectifier bridge, and an equivalent inductor representing the leakage inductance of a primary side of the transformer, wherein a DC input voltage is applied to the input side of the inverter bridge, and an output load is connected to the output side of the rectifier bridge. The phase-shift converter provided by the present invention is applicable to light-load cases, without influencing the operation in heavy-load cases, so the available load range of the present charger is extended compared to conventional phase shift converters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Hong Kong Productivity CouncilInventors: Wenzheng XU, Hon-lung CHAN, Ka-wing Kevin CHAN
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Publication number: 20170324348Abstract: A first capacitor is connected between first and second power supply lines. A reactor is connected in series with the first power supply line or the second power supply line. A single-phase AC voltage is applied to a rectifying circuit. The rectifying circuit, which includes the first capacitor and the reactor, outputs a rectified voltage to the first and second power supply lines. A buffer circuit includes a second capacitor provided between the first and second power supply lines. The buffer circuit discharges the second capacitor at a controllable duty ratio. A booster circuit boosts the rectified voltage to charge the second capacitor. A DC current to be input to the booster circuit is reduced more as a voltage across the reactor is higher.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Naoya YAMASHITA
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Publication number: 20170324349Abstract: An improved AC-to-DC charge pump for use, for example, in voltage generation circuits. In one embodiment, two 2-diode charge pumps are coupled in back-to-back configuration, and adapted to develop a substantially stable voltage on a mid-level rail. In one other embodiment, two 3-diode charge pumps are coupled in back-to-back configuration, and adapted also to develop a substantially stable voltage on a mid-level rail. In one preferred embodiment, all diodes are implemented as current-source-biased MOSFETs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: RFMicron, Inc.Inventors: John J. Paulos, Shahriar Rokhsaz
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Publication number: 20170324350Abstract: An AC/DC converter includes: a first terminal and a second terminal for receiving an AC voltage and a third terminal and a fourth terminal for supplying a DC voltage. A rectifying bridge includes input terminals respectively coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal, and output terminals respectively coupled to the third terminal and fourth terminal. A first branch of the rectifying bridge includes, connected between the output terminals, two series-connected thyristors with a junction point of the two thyristors being connected to a first one of the input terminals. A second branch of the rectifying bridge is formed by series connected diodes. A control circuit is configured to generate control signals for application to the control gates of the thyristors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SASInventors: Laurent Gonthier, Muriel Nina, Romain Pichon
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Publication number: 20170324351Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide compensation for impedance changes in a network energized by an amplifier, such as a class E amplifier. In embodiments, bus voltage amplifier fundamental AC output voltage can be used to generate a feedback signal for adjusting impedance of one or more components in the network. In embodiments, the amplifier fundamental AC output voltage is determined from current to the load, wherein the load is coupled to the amplifier by an LCL impedance matching network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: WITRICITY CORPORATIONInventor: Conor Joseph Rochford
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Publication number: 20170324352Abstract: Provided is a power conversion device capable of suppressing common-mode voltage fluctuation resulting from output voltage transitioning. A power conversion device 1 is provided with N voltage control units 21 to 2N, a full-bridge conversion unit having four switches QB1 to QB4, a clamp unit having holding switches QC1 and QC2, and a control unit 5. The control unit controls the four switches QB1 to QB4, the holding switches QC1 and QC2, the pairs of regenerative switches Q11 to Q1N and Q21 to Q2N and pairs of input switches Q31 to Q3N and Q41 to Q4N of each of the N voltage control units 21 to 2N. As a result, the control unit can switch an output voltage V1 between 2N+3 levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Yusuke IWAMATSU, Shusaku GOTO, Akira TERASAWA
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Publication number: 20170324353Abstract: A method for monitoring a change in a capacitance in an electric system, and an electric system comprising a multilevel inverter and at least two capacitances connected in series between a negative DC pole and a positive DC pole of the inverter, wherein the connection point between the capacitances is connected to one of the at least one middle DC pole of the inverter, and a controller configured to provide by the inverter an AC current component to one of the at least one middle DC pole of the inverter, which AC current component is distributed between the two capacitances connected to the middle DC pole, and monitor resulting AC voltage components in the two capacitances, and determine on the basis of a difference between the monitored AC voltage components a change in at least one of the two capacitances.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Tero Viitanen, Jarno Alahuhtala, Mikko Saarinen
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Publication number: 20170324354Abstract: A system includes a hot source, a cold source, and a device thermally coupled between the hot source and the cold source. The device includes a thermal-mechanical transducer and a mechanical-electrical transducer. The thermal-mechanical transducer includes a band of bimetallic strips linked mechanically together by their longitudinal ends. The band partially suspended over a portion of a substrate. Each bimetallic strip has a first stable state having a first curvature and a second stable state having a second curvature opposite the first curvature, and adjacent bimetallic strips have opposite curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Stephane Monfray, Guillaume Sevelli, Thomas Skotnicki, Phillippe Coronel, Frederic Gaillard
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Publication number: 20170324355Abstract: A main drive control method for glass factories, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a first circuit breaker and a second circuit breaker on a power supply loop of an electrical motor, wherein one end thereof is respectively connected to two main drive electrical motors; (b) enabling the first circuit breaker to be connected to a municipal power supply and the second circuit breaker to be connected to a UPS power supply; and (c) enabling the first circuit breaker and the second circuit breaker to be interlocked via a mechanical interlocking mechanism, so that only one of the circuit breakers can be switched on during a normal operation. The main drive control method for glass factories solves the problem that the rotation speed of a main drive electrical motor is incorrect due to the interference on a signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: CHINA TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: SHOU PENG, WANCHUN TIAN, JIANQING WANG, YONGHUI LIU, XIAOJIANG CHEN, WEI ZHANG
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Publication number: 20170324356Abstract: In a method for controlling an operation of an electric motor, electric voltages applied to electric phases of the electric motor are generated and output in a modulation in a controlled manner dependent on a rotor position of the electric motor and a target/actual comparison of at least one first variable which characterizes a load on the electric motor or an actual rotational speed of the electric motor. A rotor position angle, which characterizes the rotor position, is complemented with a specified preliminary control angle and another regulated preliminary control angle component upon reaching a field weakening range of the electric motor so as to form a sum angle. The sum angle is used to characterize the rotor position in the modulation upon reaching the field weakening range. The disclosure also relates to a device for controlling an operation of an electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: PATRICK HINZE, ANDREAS SCHNELL, ANDREAS SCHULZE
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Publication number: 20170324357Abstract: A brushless motor comprises: a stator 21 having armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c; a rotor 22 which is rotated by a revolving magnetic field; and a switching element 30a, wherein the brushless motor has a rotation number control unit 33 which switches between low-speed and high-speed mode, wherein in the low-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at predetermined energization timing and controls a duty ratio to control the rotation number of the rotor 22, and in the high-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at energization timing advanced from the energization timing for the low-speed mode, thereby performing field weakening control of weakening the revolving magnetic field from that of the low-speed mode to control the rotation number of the rotor 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Masaaki Kimura, Hiroto Tanaka, Tamotsu Iwazaki, Tomohiko Annaka, Naoki Kojima, Junya Kitazawa
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Publication number: 20170324358Abstract: A fault-tolerant control method for a position sensor of a switched reluctance motor, if the position sensor of the switched reluctance motor runs without a fault, detecting, in real time, four equal-interval or equal-angle continuous edge pulses of an output signal of the position sensor, the fourth edge pulse being the current edge pulse, and detecting time intervals (T1, T2, T3) between each two adjacent edge pulses sequentially, thereby calculating a time interval (T4) between the current edge pulse and a next edge pulse following the current edge pulse. If the position sensor of the switched reluctance motor fails, and the next edge pulse following the current edge pulse is lost, reconstructing the next edge pulse after the interval time (T4) of the current edge pulse of the output signal of the position sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Hao CHEN, Guoqiang HAN, He CHENG, Qianlong WANG, Qing WANG, Xing WANG
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Publication number: 20170324359Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling commutation of a motor. A voltage is measured at each of a plurality of windings of a motor using an electric circuit. A controller computes an overall back electromotive force for the motor using the voltage measured at each winding in the plurality of windings. The controller generates a result having either a first value or a second value based on the overall back electromotive force. The controller adjusts the commutation phase and the commutation period of the motor using the result.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Douglas Conrad Cameron, Kevin T. Colangelo, Suhat Limvorapun
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Publication number: 20170324360Abstract: A multi-engine power system is described that includes a load requiring a total amount of electrical power, a first engine configured to provide a first portion of the total amount of electrical power to be provided to the load, and a second engine configured to provide a second portion of the total amount of electrical power to be provided to the load. The system further includes a controller configured to determine the total amount of electrical power to be provided to the load, estimate a respective service time associated with each of the first and second engines, and control each of the first and second engines to provide the total amount of electrical power to the load and to coordinate the respective service times associated with the first and second engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Curtis Harvey Cline, Michael P. Dougherty, Richard Joseph Skertic, Robert J. Zeller
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Publication number: 20170324361Abstract: An intelligent cooperative control system and method thereof. A parallel structure for low-voltage multi-module permanent magnet synchronous motor cooperative control units is adopted to realize control of low-voltage high power, control of low-speed large torque and system redundancy control; a double-parallel PWM rectifier circuit structure is used, when the system is in unbalanced power supply network environments; a resonant pole-type three-phase soft-switching inverter circuit is used as an inverter unit to improve utilization of DC bus voltage and to greatly reduce device switch losses at high frequencies; a current control and speed estimation unit is used, so that rotor speed and phase angle information is accurately estimated with low cost and high reliability; a controlled object is the multi-module permanent magnet synchronous motor, so that the problems of difficulties in motor installation, transportation and maintenance of a high-power electric drive system and the like are solved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Huaguang ZHANG, Shijie YAN, Bingyi ZHANG, Weihang YAN, Xu WANG, Xiuchong LIU, Enhui CHU, Xiaomin XU
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Publication number: 20170324362Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling regeneration for a motor. An instantaneous voltage provided by a power supply to the motor is identified using a voltage signal received from a voltage sensor. A new average voltage is computed for the motor using the instantaneous voltage, a previously computed average voltage, and a weight factor for the instantaneous voltage. A difference between the new average voltage and the instantaneous voltage is compared to a selected threshold to determine whether a regeneration condition exists. Operation of the motor is controlled such that a duty cycle of the motor does not decrease in response to a determination that the regeneration condition exists.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Kevin T. Colangelo, Douglas Conrad Cameron
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Publication number: 20170324363Abstract: This invention is concerning a controller for an AC rotating machine, this controller having an estimated sum current computing unit configured to output, as estimated sum current, a sum of current of a first winding and current of a second winding when it is determined that the current of the first winding can be detected, and maintain the estimated sum current which has been outputted as a previous value when it is determined that the current of the first winding cannot be detected. When it is determined that the current of the first winding cannot be detected, a first voltage command for the first winding is computed based on an estimated current value of the first winding, which has been calculated by subtracting the current of the second winding detected by the second current detector, from the estimated sum current output from the estimated sum current computing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Akira FURUKAWA, Tatsuya MORI
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Publication number: 20170324364Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control a three-phase BLDC motor using phase current and phase voltage at zero current detection and a driving current derived from a bus current, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC.Inventor: Yisong Lu
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Publication number: 20170324365Abstract: A motor apparatus and a motor control method are provided. The method includes the following steps. An actual speed and an actual current of a motor module are sensed by a sensor module. An adjusted speed is kept at a set speed or a speed curve by a speed adjusting circuit. A control signal is provided by a feedback control circuit according to a difference between the adjusted speed and the actual speed. The control signal is converted to a current to drive the motor module, such that the actual speed is kept at the adjusted speed. When the actual speed is decreased and the actual current is increased to a limited current value, a setting parameter of the feedback controller is changed according to the limited current value, such that the control signal enters a saturation state and the actual current is kept at the limited current value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Chuan-Chia Tsui
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Publication number: 20170324366Abstract: The invention relates to an input stage (1) for a motor controller (2), especially a motor controller for an electric motor, the input stage (1) being provided with an input (3) for inputting an input signal and an output (4) for connection to the motor controller (2). The input stage (1) is designed to generate a control signal from an input signal between a first voltage Uunten and a second voltage Uoben and output said control signal as a parameter to the motor controller (2) via the output (4). In order to be able to simultaneously use the control input (13) for communicating, the input stage (1) comprises a first comparator (5) for comparing the input signal with a first threshold voltage Us1>Uoben as well as a data output unit (10). The data output unit (10) generates a communication signal on the basis of at least one portion of the input signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Joachim Knorr
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Publication number: 20170324367Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure provides solar panel mounting and charging system comprising a hub and a girder assembly. The hub may comprise a plurality of attachment points on its exterior. The girder assembly may comprise a plurality of top girders configured to be mechanically fastened to each other at their proximal ends, and having a distance between their distal ends that is greater than a distance between the proximal ends of the top girders. The girder assembly may also comprise a plurality of bottom girders configured to be mechanically fastened to each other at their proximal ends and the plurality of top girders at their distal ends. The system may further comprise an electric vehicle charging system affixed to the pole, wherein the electric vehicle charging system is configured to receive electrical power from at least one solar panel affixed to the girder assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Forrest Collins
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Publication number: 20170324368Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, a frame member, and an adhesive. The solar cell panel has a front surface, a back surface and a lateral surface. The frame member is located along an outer peripheral part of the solar cell panel, and includes a fitting section with the outer peripheral part fitted therein. The adhesive is located in a space in the fitting section, and bonded to the outer peripheral part. The adhesive includes a pressure-sensitive first adhesive and a curable second adhesive. The curable second adhesive exists at a position different from a position at which the first adhesive exists, in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the frame member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Toshiyuki YUASA, Kazushi MOTONAGA, Jun KOMADA, Keita SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20170324369Abstract: The process for manufacturing a photovoltaic concentrator comprising a photovoltaic substrate (2) equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells (5), and an optical structure (1) comprising a first optical-lens stage (4) and a second optical-lens stage (3) that are intended to optically interact with each other, includes (i) providing a mould (6); and (ii) simultaneously forming the first optical-lens stage (4) and the second optical-lens stage (3) using said provided mould (6), and implementing a step of filling said mould (6) with a material (100), especially by injecting or pouring said material (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2015Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventor: Cesar Dominguez
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Publication number: 20170324370Abstract: A light scattering-based solar concentrator (LSSC) uses high refractive index nanoparticles (NPs) as dopants to selectively scatter photons across the solar spectrum without spectroscopic conversion by different sized nanoparticles. The LSSCs are limited by a single parameter: the surface photon losses, which can be addressed by nanofabrication to implement anti-reflective and light trapping structures into LSSC designs. The LSSC design provides solar concentrator techniques for photovoltaic (PV) applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Wenji Dong, Yilin Li
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Publication number: 20170324371Abstract: The invention discloses a fail-safe disconnect junction box for a solar photovoltaic module and a power station system, wherein the junction box comprises a box body, the box body is provided with a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board is printed with N bus bar connecting ends and two cable connecting ends, each bus bar connecting end is connected with a solar battery pack strand via bus bars, two adjacent bus bar connecting ends are further connected via a diode; wherein an electronic switch is connected between the first bus bar connecting end and the first cable connecting end in series, the electronic switch is controlled to turn on or off via a received control signal; the Nth bus bar connecting end is connected with the second cable connecting end; and two cable connecting ends are connected to the outside via a cable respectively. The power station system controls the junction box via the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: YI YU
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Publication number: 20170324372Abstract: An intelligent umbrella includes an array of solar panels/cells for capturing sunlight and converting into electrical energy, a solar panel charging assembly to receive power from one or more solar assemblies, a rechargeable battery to receive power generated from the solar panel charging assembly, and a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory to receive power from the rechargeable battery; and a wireless transceiver to receive power from the rechargeable battery, the wireless transceiver to communicate messages and/or signals when no external power source is connected to and/or available for the intelligent umbrella. The intelligent umbrella may further comprise a cellular transceiver to receive power from the rechargeable battery, the cellular transceiver to communicate messages and/or signals when no external power source is connected to and/or available to supply power for the intelligent umbrella.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Shadecraft, LLCInventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
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Publication number: 20170324373Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable solar photovoltaic collector system that uses a flexible tubular plastic enclosure that is inflated to support a solar photovoltaic collector. Both the flexible tubular plastic enclosure and the solar photovoltaic collector can be flexible and lightweight and can be used as a portable generator of electricity. In addition to providing support for the solar photovoltaic collector, the flexible tubular plastic enclosure can also be inflated with a blower, which cools the solar photovoltaic collector to prevent thermal radiation damage to the solar photovoltaic collector and simultaneously provides a source of warm air. Further, the flexible tubular plastic enclosure can be inflated with a lighter-than-air gas so that the inflatable photovoltaic collector system floats in air. Also, the flexible tubular plastic enclosure can be tightly sealed so that the inflatable photovoltaic collector system floats in water. The system can also be used to create a source of potable water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Donald Y. Shanfelt, David R. King
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Publication number: 20170324374Abstract: A system and method for optimizing energy generation. The method includes remotely connecting to an energy storage apparatus that is connected to a tested solar panel; receiving, from the energy storage apparatus, at least one test power measurement, wherein each test power measurement is an amount of power generated by the tested solar panel; obtaining at least one benchmarking power measurement, wherein each benchmarking power measurement is an amount of power generated by one of at least one benchmarking solar panel; determining, based on the at least one benchmarking power measurement, at least one optimization threshold; comparing each test power measurement to each optimization threshold; determining, based on the comparison, whether placement of the tested solar panel is at least an optimal placement; and generating a notification indicating whether placement of the tested solar panel is optimal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Nova Lumos Ltd.Inventors: Nir NITZANI, Nir MAROM, David VORTMAN, Rafael BONEH
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Publication number: 20170324375Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise automatically removing effects of local oscillator phase drift occurring in between two measurements of reciprocal networks as made with a vector network analyzer. The method can further comprise determining that the vector network analyzer substantially simultaneously samples all incident and reflected waves from the reciprocal networks.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventor: Alex Arsenovic
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Publication number: 20170324376Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for compensating an electronic oscillator for one or more environmental parameters. A method may comprise segmenting test data received from an output signal of the oscillator and generating at least one correction voltage to thereby compensate the oscillator for one or more environmental parameters. A system may comprise at least one multi-function segmented array compensation module configured to receive one or more output signals from an oscillator and generate one or more correction voltages to thereby compensate the oscillator for environmental parameters. The system may also comprise one or more sensors and a user EFC.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: John Esterline, Alan Snavely, Terry Hitt