Abstract: A three-phase current sensor for measuring currents running in three conductors of a three-phase conductor system includes at least a first magnetic measuring device. The magnetic measuring device includes a magnetic circuit provided with at least two gaps and a magnetic field sensor arranged in each gap of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic field sensors are positioned on both sides of a cavity sized to receive one of the three conductors. The gaps and thus the magnetic field sensors are positioned such that stray magnetic flux from an adjacent conductor has substantially equal amplitude passing through each of the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a power monitoring device configured in such a manner as to make it as easy as possible to perform power monitoring, notification and control for customers in coordination with the power utilization rate of a utility grid. The power monitoring device is provided with: a target power setting unit that receives, from outside, information indicating the power utilization rate of a utility grid by time, and, with regard to time periods in which the power utilization rate is greater than a prescribed threshold value, reduces preset target power consumption levels, and sets target power consumption levels by time; and an assessment and control unit that obtains, from outside, the power usage of power-consuming devices, and performs control in order to save power for the power-consuming devices in time periods in which the obtained power usage exceeds the target power consumption level.

Abstract: A stand-alone DC power network is provided with a DC to DC power converter only, and does not have a converter that will convert AC to DC. In addition, each of the different terminals that provides the DC voltage at different levels will be ranked according to priority as to which ones are the most important to supply the full voltage to, and which ones are of secondary importance in the event there is insufficient power in the system to provide full voltage at the specified current for the different loads. A processor monitors the voltage and current at each of the terminals, and in the event a current is attempted to be drawn from the system which would cause a first priority terminal to be reduced in voltage, the processor will instead reduce the power provided to the second priority terminal and ensure that the first priority terminal does not have a significant reduction in the specified voltage or the amount of current supplied to that terminal at the specified voltage.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes a power semiconductor switch module, a driving signal-transmitting circuit, a plurality of failure-detecting circuits, a protection signal transmitting circuit and a control circuit. The driving signal transmitting circuit receives a control signal and generates a driving signal according to the control signal to drive the power semiconductor switch module. The failure detecting circuits generate a fault signal when they detect that one of the power semiconductor switches and/or the driving signal transmitting circuit is malfunctioning. The isolated pulse transforming unit of the protection signal transmitting circuit receives a corresponding fault pulse signal generated according to the fault signal, and outputs a protection pulse signal. The control circuit generates the control signal and receives a protection signal generated according to the protection pulse signal.

Abstract: A microgrid includes a plurality of distributed energy resources such as controllable distributed electric generators and electrical energy storage devices. A method of controlling operation of the microgrid includes periodically updating a distributed energy resource schedule for the microgrid that includes on/off status of the controllable distributed electric generators and charging/discharging status and rate of the electrical energy storage devices and which satisfies a first control objective for a defined time window, based at least in part on a renewable energy generation and load forecast for the microgrid. The method further includes periodically determining power set points for the controllable distributed energy resources which satisfy a second control objective for a present time interval within the defined time window, the second control objective being a function of at least the distributed energy resource schedule for the microgrid.

Abstract: A system includes a solar power subsystem that receives power from one or more solar power arrays. A storage control subsystem is coupled to the solar power subsystem to charge a battery from the power received by the solar power subsystem. A grid power control subsystem having an AC to DC converter receives power from a power grid and provides DC voltage to the storage control subsystem. A balance of system control system controls the amount of power received from the power grid as a function of a load, battery charge and received power by the solar power subsystem. The solar array and battery may be sized to provide sufficient power under normal operating conditions, with power being drawn from the grid during abnormal operation conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a high energy event in a transistor includes performing the steps of: monitoring a gate to source voltage of a transistor during transistor start up, continuously determining a derivative of the monitored gate to source voltage with respect to time, and detecting a high energy event when the derivative of the gate to source voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A combination microwave and refrigerator system is constructed having a single plug input supply. The microwave oven is adapted to provide power to a refrigerator, and to auxiliary receptacles adapted for low power operation. The current to the low power receptacles and the refrigerator is controlled by the controller for the microwave oven according to the duty cycles of the connected appliances to avoid overload conditions.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device comprising: a plurality of switching elements connected to a power supply; a plurality of specific information storage units provided for the corresponding switching elements and configured to store specific information of respective corresponding switching elements; a processing unit configured to control the switching elements; and a communication line disposed between the specific information storage units and the processing unit, through which the specific information of the respective switching elements is sent from the specific information storage units to the processing unit.

Abstract: A transfer switch and load controller that can be plugged into an existing utility meter socket and electrically positioned between the meter socket and a distribution panel to allow switching between utility power and standby power. The plug-in transfer switch functions to transfer the power supplied to a home between the utility power source and the generator power source upon loss of power from the utility power source. The transfer switch components are contained in an enclosed housing of a meter socket adapter that is mounted directly to the meter socket of a meter housing. The meter socket adapter is prewired to a standby generator such that the standby generator can be connected to a home power system by plugging the meter socket adapter into the meter socket.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of an electronic product. The apparatus and method reduces unnecessary power consumption by cutting off power for driving a load if a predetermined control condition is satisfied in an electronic product operating for a long time. In the electronic product operating for a long time, power for driving the load is cut off to prevent waste of the power if the predetermined control condition is satisfied, and the load is driven only when the predetermined control condition is not satisfied, thereby efficiently reducing the power consumption of the electronic product.

Abstract: Electrical equipment includes a power supply unit, a signal receiving unit, a rectifying and filtering unit, a switch unit, and a control. The rectifying and filtering unit rectifies and filters remote signals received by the signal receiving unit to generate first voltage signals. The switch unit connects the power supply unit to an external power in response to receiving the first voltage signals. The control identifies a current mode of the electrical equipment and determines whether the first voltage signal persists longer than a predetermined time or not. The control outputs a second voltage signals in response to the duration time of the first voltage signals being greater than the predetermined time. The switch unit further connects the power supply unit to the external power according to the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal to start the electrical equipment.

Abstract: A fastening power tool such as a nailer is provided including a tool housing, an input unit actuated in response to an operator input, and a motor assembly including a motor housed within the tool housing. A control unit is provided including a controller programmable to control an operation of the motor and a decoder circuit configured to control a supply of power from a power source to the controller based on a status of the power source and a status of the input unit. The decoder circuit is configured to connect supply of power from the power source to the controller when the power tool is coupled to the power source prior to an engagement of the input unit, but disconnect the supply of power when the power tool is coupled to the power source after the engagement of the input unit.

Abstract: A power management circuit adapted for a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device receives a supply voltage from a USB power supplying port through a built-in USB charging port. The power management circuit includes a USB detection unit, a voltage detection unit, and a control unit. The USB detection unit determines the type of the USB power supplying port. The voltage detection unit detects the supply voltage. The control unit configures the power consumption of the portable electronic device based on the type of the USB power supplying port and the supply voltage. When the portable electronic device initiates booting process with the USB power supplying port being the Dedication Charging Port and the supply voltage being lowered than a threshold, the control unit reduces the power consumption of the portable electronic device to maintain the supply voltage above the threshold for booting stably.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a power supply section and a control section. The power supply section includes a first switch which performs switching of power-supply output, an inductor and a capacitor which form an LC circuit that resonates current flowing through the first switch, and a second switch which changes capacitance of the capacitor. The control section finds in advance a correspondence between a time ratio of a switching pulse of the first switch and a resonance frequency which matches an edge of a switching pulse having each time ratio, and controls switching of the second switch so as to resonate the LC circuit at a resonance frequency corresponding to a time ratio at operation time.

Abstract: A method of balancing an electrical distribution system including several generators implements a network divided into several subnetworks powered by ring-like swappers. The balancing of the network between the various generators available is obtained through switchings of subnetworks selected as a function of the order of switching of the swappers.

Abstract: A charging device includes a power converting unit and a power output unit. The power converting unit comprises a first conductive pin, a second conductive pin, and a converter. The first conductive pin and the second conductive pin are electrically connected to an alternating current (AC) power. The converter converts the AC power to a direct current (DC) power and outputs the DC power. The power output unit is electrically connected to the converter via a number of cables, and outputs the DC power to an electronic device. The power output unit comprises a first switch and a second switch. When the electronic device separates from the power output unit, the first switch controls the converter to stop receiving the AC power. When the electronic device is completely charged, the second switch controls the converter to stop receiving the AC power.

Abstract: Electronic leakage reduction techniques are provided, whereby a device is configured to detect characteristics of an appliance and its power supply when the appliance is off or otherwise placed in a mode for reduced power use by said appliance, and whereby voltage and power provided to the appliance are then substantially reduced. In other aspects of the disclosed technology, user behavior may also manually control power delivered to the appliance, for example, with a switch. In still other aspects of the disclosed technology, a device is configured to detect characteristics of an appliance and its power supply when the appliance is on or otherwise placed in a mode for higher power use by said appliance, and increases power to the appliance.

Abstract: An electric power control system includes an electric power supply system, a load, a power source switching unit, a charge-discharge switching unit, a converting unit, an electric power storage device, a discharge detection unit, a power supply detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit controls the discharge detection unit to detect a state of a first AC power converted by the converting unit from a DC power charged in the electric power storage device, and controls the power supply detection unit to detect a state of a second AC power supplied from the electric power supply system. The control unit regulates the first AC power based on a phase difference between the first AC power and the second AC power, and supplies the first AC power to the load.

Abstract: Improved techniques for photovoltaic power generation are described. Inverter failure is can be a significant problem in solar photovoltaic systems as it can lead to loss of opportunity to harvest energy. A solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation system is described comprising solar PV panels and power conditioning units. A dc power distribution bus is coupled to the solar PV panels and the power conditioning units to switchably share dc power from the solar PV panels between the power conditioning units. Power distribution controllers detect a faulty power conditioning unit and reroute power from a solar PV panel coupled to the faulty power conditioning unit to other power conditioning units via the dc distribution bus.

Abstract: A capacitor structure can include a parallel connection of a plurality of trench capacitors. First nodes of the plurality of trench capacitors are electrically tied to provide a first node of the capacitor structure. Second nodes of the plurality of trench capacitors are electrically tied together through at least one programmable electrical connection at a second node of the capacitor structure. Each programmable electrical connection can include at least one of a programmable electrical fuse and a field effect transistor, and can disconnect a corresponding trench capacitor temporarily or permanently. The total capacitance of the capacitor structure can be tuned by programming, temporarily or permanently, the at least one programmable electrical connection.

Abstract: A method for performing power consumption control is provided, where the method is applied to an electronic device. The method includes: sensing a current on a current path between a battery and at least one portion of the electronic device by performing sampling operations to generate a plurality of samples; performing calculation on the samples to monitor the current; and based upon the calculation, when it is detected that the current reaches a predetermined threshold, triggering a post processing operation to be performed within the electronic device. In particular, performing the sampling operations to generate the plurality of samples further includes: utilizing an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to perform the sampling operations on a voltage difference corresponding to the current to generate the plurality of samples. For example, the voltage difference can be obtained by probing two terminals of a resistor or a Hall component. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A stored-power system operating method includes: providing a human-input power-up signal from a stored-power source; turning on power for a power-using-system in response to the human-input power-up signal; and waiting for a predetermined power-down signal provided by the power-using system and determined by current to turn off power to the power-using-system to zero power consumption.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line includes a controller disposed within the vehicle. The controller is configured to be electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and control a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference.

Abstract: Controlling power switches with a programmable gate controller system proximate associated power switches and remote from the central controller including sensing at least one predetermined condition local to the associated power switches; reporting the sensed conditions to the remote programmable gate controller system; developing, in response to the sensed condition at least one control signal in the remote programmable gate controller system; and applying the control signal to the associated power switches.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for power conservation applications. A latching relay includes a controlled switch electrically coupled within a power supply of a computer or other load. Circuitry of the present teachings controls operation of the latching relay. Set and reset conditions of the latching relay establish normal and deep standby operating modes for the computer, respectively. Manual switching or automated signaling are used to assert the set and reset relay conditions. Very low power consumption is achieved during the deep standby mode of operation.

Abstract: A power control device for an electronic device includes a power switching unit for switching to output a dc power source to a load of the electronic device according to a power switching signal, a switching detection unit for responding a power switching status to generate a switching detection signal, a status latch module for generating the power switching signal according to the switching detection signal, a first status signal and a second status signal, and a logic unit for generating the first status signal and the second status signal for the status latch module according to the power switching signal, such that the status latch module latches the first status signal and the second status signal.

Abstract: A system for distributing electric power to an electrical grid. The system includes a DC/AC inverter arranged to convert a DC voltage output from an electric power generator to an AC voltage, a transformer arranged to receive the AC voltage, transform the AC voltage and deliver the transformed AC voltage to the grid, and a connector arranged to selectively connect and disconnect the transformer from the grid. The DC/AC inverter is arranged to control primary winding magnetizing current delivered to the transformer. Further, the connector is arranged to selectively connect and disconnect the grid to and from the transformer on the basis of the controlled magnetizing current.

Abstract: A transfer switch selectively couples at least two power sources to a load. The load may be a home, business, or vehicle. A current transformer is coupled to the output of the transfer switch and generates a load measurement signal that is proportional to the current or power output from the transfer switch. A controller receives the load measurement signal and a switch setting describing the operation of the switch. The controller generates data for a status message for display based on the load measurement signal and the switch setting. The status message may describe the power consumption of the load or indicate when an error has occurred.

Abstract: An electronic device and a broadcasting signal receiver including the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes a power supply unit supplying electric power and a connector including a plurality of pins. When a jack of a first external device having a self power source is connected to the connector, the power supply unit does not supply the electric power to the first external device through the connector. When a jack of a second external device not having a self power source is connected to the connector, the power supply unit supplies the electric power to the second external device through the connector.

Abstract: A module assembly for the application-specific construction of power factor correction, filter, and absorption circuit systems in selectively non-choked, choked, protective or thyristor-connected design, comprising a busbar system, fuse holders, switch components, at least one choke, and power capacitors. A first module unit has a first section for receiving busbars, fuse holders, fuses, a busbar cover as protection against accidental contact with the busbar, and a second, trough-like section for receiving switch components that can be mechanically fixed and electrically contacted. A second module unit is designed to receive switchable capacitor winding blocks, enclosing the at least one winding block, insulating the same. The first and the second module unit each have a base region, wherein mechanical and/or electrical connections are led via apertures in the base regions, such that either a back-to-back assembly with direct docking of the first and second module units can be affected.

Abstract: An electric power generation control system for a vehicle, which enables generation of electric power by a generator as much as possible while preventing an electrical component from being overheated by power generation by the generator. The electric power generation control system selectively switches a mode of the generator between first and second modes in which an instruction voltage is higher and not higher than an allowable voltage of a wire harness, respectively. A counter value is counted up in the first mode and down in the second mode. When the counter value has reached a higher limit value, the first mode is inhibited and the power generation mode is set to the second mode. This increase the proportion of an execution time period of the first, and accordingly, when a possibility of overheating the wire harness becomes high, the instruction voltage is lowered.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element including a first element portion having a first gate and a second element portion having a second gate, wherein the turning on and off of the first and second element portions are controlled by a signal from the first and second gates respectively. The semiconductor device further includes signal transmission means connected to the first gate and the second gate and transmitting a signal to the first gate and the second gate so that when the semiconductor element is to be turned on, the first element portion and the second element portion are simultaneously turned on, and so that when the semiconductor element is to be turned off, the second element portion is turned off a delay time after the first element portion is turned off.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for bi-directional power control between two devices, including a mobile communication card, an electronic device that connects to the communication card, the electronic device being either (i) a host device that operates independently of the communication card and also interoperates with the communication card, or (ii) a jacket for the communication card, wherein the jacket is a passive device that does not operate independently of the communication card, and circuitry connecting the mobile communication card with the electronic device, including a device on/off button operative to power the electronic device on and off, and a switch, wherein the circuitry uses a single connection line connecting the communication card, the electronic device, the device on/off button, and the switch, to enable the electronic device to automatically power the communication card on and off using the switch, in response to the electronic device being respectively powered on and off.

Abstract: A lavatory is provided. The lavatory includes at least one wash station, at least one electrically operated fixture associated with the wash station, a control system configured to control a flow of a fluid through the at least one electrically operated fixture, a power source selectively coupled to the control system, and a power management system coupled to the power source to control the power provided to the control system. The power management system includes a detector configured to monitor the output voltage of the power source, and a switch configured to electrically disconnect the power source from the control system when the output voltage of the power source drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a power monitoring device configured in such a manner as to make it as easy as possible to perform power monitoring, notification and control for customers in coordination with the power utilization rate of a utility grid. The power monitoring device is provided with: a target power setting unit that receives, from outside, information indicating the power utilization rate of a utility grid by time, and, with regard to time periods in which the power utilization rate is greater than a prescribed threshold value, reduces preset target power consumption levels, and sets target power consumption levels by time; and an assessment and control unit that obtains, from outside, the power usage of power-consuming devices, and performs control in order to save power for the power-consuming devices in time periods in which the obtained power usage exceeds the target power consumption level.

Abstract: A power source generation circuit includes a regulator circuit which receives an external power source voltage VDDA from an external power source, and generates a predetermined internal power source voltage on a given terminal VDD; and a charging circuit which connects the external power source and the given terminal when the external power source voltage VDDA supplied from the external power source is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring energy use in an electronic device. In one embodiment, an energy monitoring system includes a processor and an energy monitor module. The energy monitor module includes instructions that when executed cause the processor to receive values of measured parameters of a pulse signal that controls the switching of energy to an energy storage device in a switch mode power supply that provides power to an electronic device. The instructions also cause the processor to determine, based on the values of measured parameters, attributes of operation of the electronic device powered by the energy source during an interval corresponding to the measured parameters. The instructions further cause the processor to generate, based on the attributes of operation, a control signal that causes the electronic device to change the loading of the power supply by the electronic device.

Abstract: An appliance's control and sensing circuit selectively applies AC electrical power to a load (72). The circuit includes a relay (44) having contacts (52) connected in series between an AC power source and the load (72). When energized, the relay's electromagnetic coil (54) changes the contacts (52) to supplying electrical power to the load (72) or conversely. The control and sensing circuit measures AC voltage induced in the coil (54) by an alternating magnetic field produced by AC electrical current supplied to the load (72) through the relay's contacts (52). A microcontroller (46) included in the control and sensing circuit: 1. measures the AC voltage produced by the coil (54); 2. compensates the measured voltage for inductive coupling between the AC current flowing through the contacts (52) and the coil (54); and 3. determines various characteristics of the AC power supplied to the load (72).

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a first wire through which a signal is transmitted; a second wire that is not used for signal transmission; a switch that creates or breaks an electric connection between the first wire and the second wire; and a control circuit that controls the switch according to an potential of the signal, which is transmitted through the first wire, so that part of charge stored in a first wire capacitor of the first wire moves to a second wire capacitor of the second wire and is stored in the second wire capacitor and the charge stored in the second wire capacitor are drawn to the first wire capacitor to charge the first wire capacitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling small grids of appliances are described. One sample method includes receiving consumption data from a plurality of electrical appliances that are plugged into outlets at a first location and monitoring power usage at the first location. The method includes evaluating the received consumption data to identify one or more predetermined conditions in one or more of the plurality of electrical appliances and evaluating stored data related to power consumption preferences at the first location. The power consumption preferences define conditions when a consumer associated with the first location has agreed to enable remote control of at least one designated appliance upon an occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions. The method includes determining that the one or more conditions are satisfied and to provide a first secure communication to the first appliance to control the power consumption.

Abstract: A handheld surgical device includes a multi-position throttle, rotatably attached to the body of the device, to allow for ambidextrous positioning of a motor speed control lever. The motor speed control lever may interact with a speed control sensor in the body of the device capable of detecting the actuation level of the motor speed control lever in any one of two or more positions.

Abstract: A system and technique for detecting a device that requires power is implemented with a power detection station. The power detection system includes a detector having an output and a return which are coupled together by the device when the device requires power. The detector includes a word generator for generating test pulses for transmission to the device via the detector output, and a comparator for comparing the detector output with the detector return. The power detection station has a wide variety of applications, including by way of example, a switch or hub.

Abstract: A power transfer device for connecting an electrical load to a power supply is disclosed. The power transfer device monitors the operating status of the power supply. Upon loss of power at the power supply, the power transfer device opens a switch between the power supply and the electrical load. When power is restored, the power transfer device executes a delay time module. After the delay time module has timed out, the power transfer device closes the switch to reconnect the power supply and the electrical load. Power transfer devices may be supplied to each of multiple loads connected to a power supply. By setting the time delay period of each power transfer device to a different duration, the electrical transients resulting from reconnecting all of the electrical loads to the power supply are reduced.

Abstract: A monitoring system capable of being operationalized. Power consumption in electrical devices is monitored by the use of new and innovative consumption power monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. Power consumption information is collected by an intelligent power hub that is communicatively coupled to a remote server that presents overall power usage displays. A method of operationalizing a power usage monitoring system comprises powering up an energy pump device when the energy pump device is plugged into a first power socket, setting the energy pump device automatically to a SET mode to acquire new monitoring devices, and discovering the presence of a power consumption monitoring device.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a remote load and a local controller includes a line connection receiving electrical power from an AC source. A load connection connects to the remote load. A switch is located between the line and load connections. Power is supplied to the load from the AC source through the switch. The switch is selectively opened and closed by the controller. A low voltage supply portion supplies power from the AC source to the controller. The low voltage supply portion includes an energy storage device for storing electrical energy for the controller. A current-limited earth ground portion conducts charging current from the energy storage device to earth and prevents charging current conducted to earth from exceeding a predetermined current level. An earth ground bypass portion conducts at least some of the charging current to the load when the switch located between the line and load is open.

Abstract: A current control device is described. The current control device includes at least one line socket configured to couple to a first power system. The current control device also includes at least one load socket configured to couple to a second power system and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switching device coupled between the at least one line socket and the at least one load socket. The at least one MEMS switching device is configured to selectably couple the first power system to the second power system.

Abstract: A downhole electrical power grid electrically connects a string of downhole tools including at least a first power generating tool and a second power consuming tool. The power generating tool includes a power generator, an electric load, and a power management controller. The power management controller is configured to automatically electrically connect and disconnect the tool from the power grid. The power generating tool may include a rotary steerable tool having a power generator, an electric actuator, and the aforementioned power management controller.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing energy usage that includes obtaining an allocated power value associated with a predetermined time period, metering at least one of consumed power and corresponding consumed energy to determine a consumed power value and a consumed energy value and prompting for a reduced load condition when the consumed power value exceeds the allocated power value. The system and method may further include obtaining a line voltage value, comparing the line voltage value to a threshold voltage value, and obtaining energy saving parameters that define a reduced voltage value. A reduced power value that corresponds to the reduced voltage value may be supplied, the reduced power value being supplied when the line voltage value exceeds the threshold voltage value.

Abstract: A single input pin (48) provides multi-functional features for programming a power supply (10). By connecting the appropriate interface circuit (92, 100, or 112) to the single input pin (48), the power supply (10) is programmed for specific behaviors during power up and toggling of an on/off switch (96, 108). In one mode of operation a light emitting diode (106) in the interface circuit (100) is optically coupled to a microprocessor for signaling the closure of the on/off switch (108), allowing the microprocessor to control the power supply (10) through an opto-coupler (102). In another mode of operation, the single on/off switch (96) controls the power supply (10). In yet another mode of operation, Zener diode (118) in the interface circuit (112) controls the power supply (10) during brown-out and black-out conditions.