Abstract: A start-up circuit for a power adapter and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a start-up circuit configured to provide an initial bias voltage for the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a crowbar circuit configured to turn on the start-up circuit upon loss of an ac mains voltage supplied to the power adapter.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a sensor (101), more particularly the present invention pertains to sensors for saving energy, wherein the sensor (101) comprising at least one input (11) for receiving signal, at least one output (12) for transmitting signal, and at least a sensing module (14) for sequentially sensing at least one activity of a user and determining power supply to at least one appliance by tracking a sequential predetermined period of time and detecting at least one activity.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a power supply device and method as well as a program which can surely perform a billing process when a device is charged. When a vehicle ID registered in advance in an external storage matches a vehicle ID acquired by a reader/writer, a control unit makes a request to input, by operating a display unit formed of a touch panel, information which determines the amount of electric power to be charged. Once the information determining the amount of electric power to be charged has been input, the control unit controls a billing part to calculate the amount of electric power, so that a billing server performs a billing process on the amount of money corresponding to the amount of electric power. The control unit then controls a communication unit and turns on a selector switch.

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: The method is for operating a remotely-controlled switching device of an energy management system. The switching device is mounted in series on a local electrically powered circuit on which are also mounted in series a load and an electronic thermostat. The method includes generating a first pulsed signal for controlling the switching device, the switching device opening and closing the circuit in response to the first signal. The circuit is opened to prevent the load from operating and is closed when operation of the load is allowed. The method includes generating a second pulsed signal for controlling the switching device at least when the circuit is opened by the switching device in response to the first signal. The second signal causes the switching device to temporarily close the opened circuit at given intervals for keeping an internal circuitry of the thermostat energized while still substantially preventing the load from operating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a power-factor correction (PFC) circuit coupleable to a primary load that exhibits a change in resistance with a change in applied voltage, with the respective voltage being a primary-load voltage, and current through the primary load being a primary-load current. The PFC circuit is configured to provide an auxiliary load and control current therethrough, with the respective current being an auxiliary-load current. In this regard, the PFC circuit is configured to control the auxiliary-load current such that the sum of the primary-load current and auxiliary-load current is a substantially-constant proportion of the primary-load voltage, the respective sum being a sum current.

Abstract: A wireless power transmission unit according to the present invention transmits power wirelessly from a power transmitting section 100 to a power receiving section 200 through a resonant magnetic field. The unit includes: the power transmitting section 100, which resonates at a resonant frequency f0; at least one relay section 300, which can resonate at a frequency that is selected from multiple frequencies including the resonant frequency f0; and a resonance control section 600 that outputs information that specifies a resonance condition to be imposed on the relay section 300 according to the arrangement of the power receiving section 200 and that makes the relay section 300 resonate on the resonance condition that has been specified in accordance with that information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide IGBT circuit modules with increased efficiencies. These efficiencies can be realized in a number of ways. In some embodiments, the gate resistance and/or voltage can be minimized. In some embodiments, the IGBT circuit module can be switched using an isolated receiver such as a fiber optic receiver. In some embodiments, a single driver can drive a single IGBT. And in some embodiments, a current bypass circuit can be included. Various other embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A remote control circuit includes a rectifying filter circuit coupled to an alternating current (AC) power source, a power supply module connected to the rectifying filter circuit; a leakage energy collecting circuit connected to the rectifying filter circuit; a remote control signal receiving circuit connected to the leakage energy collecting circuit; and a switch circuit connected to the remote control signal receiving circuit and the power supply module. When the remote control signal receiving circuit receives a remote power on signal, the remote control signal receiving circuit outputs a first signal to the switch circuit, and the switch circuit switches on the power supply module. When the remote control signal receiving circuit receives a remote power off signal, the remote control signal receiving circuit outputs a second signal to the switch circuit, the switch circuit switches off the power supply module.

Abstract: An energy storage system and a method of controlling the energy storage system are disclosed. The energy storage system includes an integrated controller configured to determine a functional state of a power converting unit, a bidirectional converter, and a bidirectional inverter based on conditions of the power generation system, the battery, and the load.

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 photovoltaic (PV) sub-generator junction box (1) for a PV system (100) comprises a plurality of electric terminals (11) for optionally connecting one respective PV string (2) of one or more serially connected PV modules (3). Said PV sub-generator junction box (1) further comprises a sub-generator line terminal (12) for connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of a remote central PV inverter (5) or connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of an inserted PV generator junction box (6). The PV sub-generator junction box (1) also comprises an electronic control unit (10) that is connected to a central control unit (7) of the PV inverter (5) in order to exchange data (DAT0). According to the invention, the PV sub-generator junction box (1) comprises a power line modem (8) for feeding and retrieving the data (DAT) via the PV sub-generator line (4).

Abstract: A plug-in wall timer has a prominent single “one touch” activator which causes a countdown period or varying length according to the number of times it is pressed, so that the timer's outlet may be energized only for that selected period. The device is simple to use, requires no programming, and operates independently of the current time of the day or day of the week.

Abstract: A method for controllably disconnecting a utility power service from a load includes a step of receiving a disconnect command at a control circuit within a utility meter housing. Then, responsive to receiving the disconnect command, using the control circuit to provide a first signal to a first switch operably connecting a charging circuit to an energy storage device. The method also includes charging, at least in part, the energy storage device via the charging circuit. After charging the energy storage device at least in part, a second signal is provided to a second switch that operably connects the energy storage device to the electrically powered source of motive force such that the electrically-powered source of motive force causes a service switch to controllably interrupt the connection between a utility power service and a load.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for powering and/or controlling a plurality of model devices, including at least one model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjustable transformer in communication with at least a model train. The adjustable transformer is configured to convert an AC voltage into first and second AC output voltages based, respectively, on positions of first and second input devices. The adjustable transformer includes a processor configured to receive input signals from the input devices, and to generate corresponding control signals, which are used by drive circuits to convert an AC voltage into first and second outputs. The processor is further configured to display data concerning the first output on a display, and to replace the data concerning the first output with data concerning the second output if a signal is received from a sensor, indicating that the user has interacted with the second input device.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an electrical system. In many embodiments, the electrical system can include a power input. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include at least one power output configured to be electrically coupled to at least one load. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include a first user input device configured to provide a start up input. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include a second user input device configured to provide a time select input. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include an internal assembly. In many embodiments, the internal assembly can include a power switch module, a power conserve module, a power supply module, and a control module.

Abstract: A household appliance includes an electronic control facility controlling at least one appliance component of the household appliance, and a connection adapted for connecting the household appliance to a network connection line to supply the household appliance with electrical energy. The connection has at least one interface contact, wherein electricity tariff information is routed from an energy supplier to the control facility, when the interface contact is contacted.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to manually controlling an apparatus and/or a multiplexer. More particularly, the present invention relates to controlling an apparatus and/or a multiplexer by signals that preferably include both proportional-output signals and rate-of-change signals. The signals may be generated by either tilt transducers or switches capable of producing an “on” and “off” signal. The signals may be used to control a primary apparatus connected to a control means and may alternatively be used to control a secondary apparatus connected to the same control means.

Abstract: A device and method including: an energy consumption sensor; a wireless communications component adapted for wireless communication; a processing unit, adapted to receive energy consumption data from the energy consumption sensor and transmit the energy consumption data via the wireless communications component; and a switch having: a closed state coupling the input end of the device to the output end of the device, and an open state, disconnecting the input end of the device from the output end of the device.

Abstract: Presented is a backup power system for a building that selectively provides power to particular circuits according to a power distribution priority profile. Power is applied sequentially to each particular circuit depending on the measured current loads of the particular circuits to which power has already been applied.

Abstract: A control system has an input instrument that generates a signal indicating permission and prohibition of running of a load, a power-supply unit that is configured to supply driving power to the load when the load is permitted to run by an input signal from the input instrument, and to cut off the supply of the driving power to the load when the load is prohibited from running by the input signal, and a monitoring device that is configured to monitor the input instrument and the power-supply unit. The power-supply unit is configured to cut off the supply of the driving power to the load when monitoring result of the monitoring device indicates an abnormality of one of the input instrument and the power-supply unit. The control system is compatible with category 2 of ISO 13849-1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power control device. The device includes an interchangeable user interface assembly includes a frame member having a plurality of connector elements configured to mate with a plurality of frame connection apertures. The frame member is removable from the device heat sink without any tools. The interchangeable user interface assembly includes an interface paddle rotatably coupled to the frame member and detached relative to the device's rocker switch such that the interface paddle slidably moves relative to the rocker switch with at least one degree of freedom during a rotational movement, the user interface assembly further including an interface dimmer movably disposed within the frame member and coupled to the device's dimmer actuator.

Abstract: An identification system for power consumption of electric appliance has multiple electric appliances, each electric appliance having a dedicated identification transmission circuit connected to a power-connecting loop; multiple power sockets mounted within a power supply region, each power socket having at least one identification receiver for receiving identification transmission signals from the corresponding electric appliance and obtaining a corresponding identification code; multiple energy management units respectively mounted in the power sockets to connect with the corresponding identification receivers, recognize the respective electric appliances by determining the identification codes, and record power consumption information of the corresponding electric appliances; and an energy management server connected to the energy management units and the identification receivers to communicate therewith in a wired or wireless manner.

Abstract: Presented is a backup power system for a building that selectively provides power to particular circuits according to a power distribution priority profile. Power is applied sequentially to each particular circuit depending on the measured current loads of the particular circuits to which power has already been applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modulation circuit and a method for modulating a wireless power transfer circuit. The modulation circuit has a switching circuit having a first state and a second state. The modulation circuit also has a modulation mode in which the first state defines a normal state and the second state defines an operative state. In the operative state, the modulation circuit modulates an electrical parameter of the wireless power transfer circuit in a modulation direction. The modulation circuit is configured to apply a trial modulation to the electrical parameter to determine whether the modulation direction is in a desired modulation direction. The modulation circuit is also configured to apply a modulation translation if the modulation direction is not in the desired modulation direction, with the modulation translation changing the modulation mode such that the modulation direction is in the desired modulation direction.

Abstract: A power converter capable of activating a control circuit therein without increasing a length of a wiring for conveying an external activation signal. In the power converter, a converter circuit isolates a first voltage of a first power supply, converts the first voltage into a second voltage, and outputs the second voltage to a second power supply. A first power supply connecting circuit connects the first power supply to the converter circuit in response to the activation signal. An activation circuit determines whether or not the activation signal has been received by the first power supply connecting circuit on the basis of a voltage between input terminals of the converter circuit and activates the control circuit when it is determined that the activation signal has been received by the first power supply connecting circuit.

Abstract: One of first and second switching devices turns on to flow a current along a current path between a potential reference output terminal of a drive-target switching device and a control terminal of the drive-target switching device to turn on the drive-target switching device. Thereby, a voltage changes between the control terminal of the drive-target switching device and the potential reference output terminal of the drive-target switching device to turn off the one of the first and second switching devices being turned on. Thereby, a potential of the control terminal of the drive-target switching device is clamped.

Abstract: In the analog current output circuit according to the present invention, a rising start position and a tilt of an internal control voltage are set such that it crosses, at the maximum of an analog output current, a load end voltage obtained when the resistance of a load is the one near the center of a specification range. According to a comparison result in a comparator, a switch causes a DC/DC converter to input a high reference voltage and causes an output transistor to output a high power supply voltage when the internal control voltage is smaller than the load end voltage and causes the DC/DC converter to input a low reference voltage and causes the output transistor to output a low power supply voltage when the internal control voltage is larger than the load end voltage.

Abstract: The status of a device is controlled by detecting (403) the presence of a user; changing the status of a device to a first state (405) if the presence of a user is detected within a first, predetermined zone; changing the status of the device to the second state (407) if the presence of a user is detected outside a second, predetermined zone, the first, predetermined zone being smaller than and being wholly contained within the second, predetermined zone; and maintaining (407) the current state of the device if the presence of a user is detected outside of the first, predetermined zone and within the second predetermined zone.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker including a two stage detection mechanism; an instantaneous trip operating at a first threshold and a delayed trip such operating at a second lower threshold. This is advantageous in maintaining operation during very short transient load peaks, which do not warrant isolation from the supply. The breaker can be line powered, can be reset remotely by controlling the line power, and can be implemented entirely in solid state electronics. As such it requires little or no service or maintenance.

Abstract: An arrangement for controllably disconnecting a utility power service from a load includes a meter housing, a service switch, an electrically-powered source of motive force, and energy storage device, and a charging circuit. The meter housing includes metrology circuitry configured to generate metering information regarding electrical power provided to the load. The service switch is configured to controllably interrupt a connection between the utility power service and the load. The electrically-powered source of motive force is configured to cause the service switch to controllably interrupt the connection between the utility power service and the load. The energy storage device is operably connected to provide power to the electrically-powered source of motive force. The charging circuit is configured to provide charging energy to the energy storage device.

Abstract: An object is to provide a power feeding system and a power feeding method which are higher convenient for a power feeding user on the power receiving side. Another object is to provide a power feeding system and a power feeding method which can offer efficient services by determining or managing a power feeding user and controlling the amount of power supplied to the power receiver appropriately by a company on the power feeding side. A power feeding device which supplies power to a power receiver wirelessly manages the power receiver on the basis of identification information of the power receiver and controls power transmitted to the power receiver on the basis of position information of the power receiver.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for driving a power switch tube. The apparatus includes an input unit, a drive unit, a transformer and a power switch tube. The input unit is connected to the drive unit, which is configured to input a group of drive signals, and the group of drive signals includes four drive signals, where the first drive signal and the second are complementary signals, and a dead time exists; the third drive signal and the fourth are complementary signals, and a dead time exists; the phase difference between the first drive signal and the third is 180 degrees, and the phase difference between the second drive signal and the fourth is 180 degrees; the drive unit is configured to power on a field winding of the transformer; and the transformer provides a drive voltage signal for the power switch tube.

Abstract: A digital wiring device including a user interface panel, a digital display, and a paddle including a transparent portion to reveal the digital display and an opaque portion to cover the user interface panel. The paddle rotates from a first closed position to a second open position. A digital “schedule-at-a-glance” may be provided so that a user can quickly assess a schedule of events. The digital wiring device may include a back light to illuminate the digital display. The paddle may be operatively associated with the back light. A battery may provide an electrical current to power the digital wiring device in a battery backup mode, and the back light may be disabled based on the mode. The user interface panel may be used to schedule events or otherwise configure the digital wiring device.

Abstract: A device includes a load sensor configured to measure a load demand that indicates that a load is operating in an active state or an inactive state. A load switch is configure to selectively supply electric energy to the a load in accordance with a load control signal. A controller in communication with the load switch and the load sensor is configured to compare the load demand to a load threshold, generate the load control signal based at least in part on the load demand relative to the load threshold, and transmit the load control signal to the load switch when the load demand is substantially equal to or greater than the load threshold. The controller is further configured to determine the load threshold based at least in part on the load demand when the load is operating in either the active state or the inactive state.

Abstract: When load control is activated by a local or remote mechanism to control a load, the method and system use a usage profile of the load and one or more of (1) interval start times, (2) ON/OFF or OFF/ON cycling and (3) predefined periods during which load must not be allowed to run (e.g., dead zones) to determine when a particular piece of equipment is allowed to shed or run thereby reducing the probability of occurrence of cyclical and non-cyclical aggregate peaking of usage wherein cyclical peaking is manifested as an artifact of the local load control rules during a load control event.

Abstract: An electric-motor kitchen appliance, in particular an electric-motor handheld device, preferably a hand mixer, includes a switch. The invention also relates to a finger-actuated electric control for the switch, and to a method for switching on/off a kitchen appliance. The switch is unlocked when the safety switch is actuated by the finger of a user. The safety switch is electronically switched. The possibility of unintentionally operating the electric-motor of the kitchen appliance is reduced due to the manual operation of the two separate switches. As a result, the safety of the electric-motor kitchen appliance in the household is significantly increased.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic switch device that includes a front cover assembly having a user interface, a back body assembly, and a plurality of terminals configured to be coupled to an AC power source and the load. A circuit assembly is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The circuit assembly includes a relay switch having a commutator and a set of contacts. The relay switch is characterized by a predetermined commutator period, the predetermined commutator period being substantially the commutator travel time between the set of contacts during a relay switch actuation. The circuit assembly further includes an actuation circuit configured to provide a constant current actuation signal that energizes the relay switch in response to an input stimulus via the user interface such that an end of the predetermined commutator period substantially coincides with a predetermined point in an AC power cycle.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes a first section having a sinking component sinking excessive current. A second section includes at least one sourcing component that, in operation, stores energy. A structure is provided to provide the stored energy from the at least one sourcing component to the sinking component, the stored energy being utilized by a load component included within the second section.

Abstract: A controllable electrical receptacle is disclosed. The electrical receptacle includes a housing having a pair of sockets suitable for receiving electrical plugs. The receptacle includes an antenna disposed beneath a cover portion of the receptacle. The antenna is configured to receive wireless signals from an occupancy sensor or other controller and to control power to the sockets based on the received signals. The antenna is also configured to transmit wireless signals. The antenna may be routed around the sockets to minimize interference caused by metal components of the receptacle. The antenna may be sandwiched between a pair of non-metal layers of the housing to avoid direct exposure to the environment while maintaining a desired performance. In one embodiment the antenna is a wire member received within a routing groove formed in a portion of the housing. The routing groove includes features for retaining the wire member in the groove.

Abstract: An electric circuit device operable under a first power supply includes: a first circuit; a switch connecting the first circuit with the first power supply; a second circuit for producing a signal output; a control signal output unit for outputting a control signal in accordance with the signal output of the second circuit, wherein while the first circuit is supplied with a first power supply voltage via the switch by supplying of a driving voltage to the switch, the supply of the driving voltage is temporality cut off in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A renewable energy enhanced apparatus includes a rechargeable buffer battery unit; a renewable energy generation unit for generating electric energy in the form of a cell; a rectifying and charging unit for converting AC into DC and charging the DC into the buffer battery unit; a power conversion and energy multiplication unit for converting electric energy into electric power, so as to couple out electric power and upgrade the power efficiency of a renewable energy power plant; and an electric power output unit for converting the electric power into low-frequency normal electric power for use. The renewable energy enhanced apparatus also includes an electrical damper for absorbing and recycling any anti-electromotive force and eddy current produced due to a load effect, in order to form another renewable energy for reuse, so as to upgrade the power efficiency of a renewable energy power plant.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a source of AC power to a powered device includes a line-side interface arranged for releasably and electrically coupling the connector to the source of power, a load-side power interface arranged for electrically coupling the connector to the powered device, a load-side control interface for controlling the power supplied to the powered device, a controller electrically coupled to the line-side interface, the load-side power interface, and the load-side control interface and operable to control a bringing of power to the load-side power interface from the line-side interface and for bringing a control signal to the load-side control interface, and a receiver electrically coupled to the controller for receiving a first signal from a device external to the connector and for generating, in response thereto, a second signal for controlling operations of the controller.

Abstract: Even when power is to be simultaneously supplied to a plurality of power-supplied devices by using one primary coil, it is possible to properly supply power to the respective power-supplied devices. More specifically, a power-supplying device stops non-contact power supply in accordance with the detection of a plurality of power-supplied devices set in a power supply area.

Abstract: A system for automatically regulating voltage on a distribution-level AC bus having an actual voltage and a nominal voltage includes an electronic power converter connected to the distribution-level AC bus. The system generates a feedback signal representative of the actual voltage of the distribution-level AC bus and produces an input control signal in response to the feedback signal. The input control signal is representative of a commanded level of reactive power. The electronic power converter is responsive to the input control signal to deliver a commanded reactive power output to the distribution-level AC bus, and the commanded reactive power output pushes the actual voltage towards the nominal voltage.

Abstract: Provided are a resonance power generation apparatus and method for wireless power transmission. The resonance power generation apparatus may include a voltage controller to receive an input of an alternating current (AC) signal of a first frequency band and to output a direct current (DC) voltage having a constant level, a power converter to separate the DC voltage into a voltage waveform and a current waveform by a switching pulse signal of a second frequency band, and a resonance power generator to generate an AC resonance power from the voltage waveform and the current waveform.

Abstract: An improved structure for an intelligent wireless transmission communication socket includes a wireless intelligent socket and at least one extension antenna. Socket aperture sets are disposed on the top of the intelligent wireless socket, and a control circuit is set inside the intelligent wireless socket to detect electricity consumption of each socket aperture set and wirelessly send the detected electricity consumption information. A contact jack is placed on a side face of the intelligent wireless socket, and electrically connected to the control circuit. One end of the extension antenna is connected to the contact jack, and another end extends out from behind an obstacle in front of the intelligent wireless socket. Information detected by the control circuit is sent out through the extension antenna, improving transmission of the detected information.

Abstract: A power adapter including a power reducer for no-load or light load applications and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a capacitor coupled to an input of the power adapter, and a bleeder switch coupled in parallel with the capacitor. The power adapter also includes a detection circuit configured to sense an ac mains voltage at the input of the power adapter and turn on the bleeder switch upon detection of a loss of the ac mains voltage. In addition to or in lieu of, the power adapter may include a power converter, and a disconnect switch configured to disconnect the ac mains voltage from the power converter in response to a signal from a load.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wireless power transmission/reception apparatus. The wireless power transmission/reception apparatus includes a wireless power transmission unit and a wireless power reception unit. The wireless power transmission unit receives power, generates a wireless power signal to be wirelessly transmitted, wirelessly transmits the generated wireless power signal in a magnetic resonance manner, receives a returned wireless power signal and detects the number of power consumption devices, and wirelessly transmits a wireless power signal using resonance frequency appropriate for the number of power consumption devices.