Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array, under some circumstances, by using a bidirectional power converter not only to convert the DC output of the array to output power under some conditions, but also, for diagnostic operations, applying a back-converted DC voltage to the array.

Abstract: A method for creating working space for construction of a new high-voltage transmission line within an existing three phase high voltage transmission right of way without removing the existing three-phase high voltage transmission line already occupying that right of way from service. The method includes removing the voltage applied to one phase of the existing transmission line, continuing to transmit power on the conductors comprising the remaining phases, and installing new support structures and their associated conductors on the right of way while the existing transmission line continues to operate.

Abstract: A control method of a solar inverter system includes calculating total output power outputted by a first inverter and a second inverter; determining whether the total output power is less than a threshold value; and executing a corresponding operation according to a determination result.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array, under some circumstances, by using a bidirectional power converter not only to convert the DC output of the array to output power under some conditions, but also, for diagnostic operations, applying a back-converted DC voltage to the array.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.

Abstract: A computer system includes a power supply, a number of first power interfaces, a second power interface, and a voltage regulating module. The power supply includes a number of direct current (DC) voltage output terminals, to output a number of DC voltages to a motherboard of the computer system. The first power interfaces are connected to the DC voltage output terminals of the power supply, to output the DC voltages to first peripheral devices. The voltage regulating module includes an input terminal and an output terminal. The input terminal is connected to one of the DC voltage output terminals of the power supply, to receive the DC voltage from the connected DC voltage output terminal. The output terminal is connected to the second power interface, to output a regulated second voltage to a second peripheral device through the second power interface.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes a plurality of transducers. The transducers are configured to generate direct current (DC) voltages from a plurality of ambient energy sources. A sensor control circuit has a plurality of sensors configured to detect the DC signals from the plurality of transducers. A DC-to-DC converter is configured to supply an output voltage. A plurality of switches, each switch coupled between the DC-to-DC converter and a corresponding transducer of the plurality of transducers. The sensor control circuit enables one switch of the plurality of switches and disables the other switches of the plurality of switches based on a priority criterion.

Abstract: A power generation systems with solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and heat recovery unit (HRU) and method are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a power generation system includes a partial oxidation (POX) reactor, an array of one or more fuel cell stacks and an HRU. The POX reactor is operable to generate a hydrogen rich gas from a fuel. The array of one or more fuel cell stacks includes at least one SOFC and is coupled to the POX reactor. The fuel cell stacks are operable to generate electrical power and heat from an electro-chemical reaction of the hydrogen rich gas and oxygen from an oxygen source. The HRU is coupled to the array of fuel cell stacks and operable to generate electrical power from the heat.

Abstract: A space solar power system that has sun-tracking curved reflectors, such as off-axis parabolic reflectors, a secondary reflector, and a power conversion module for converting the sunlight into microwave energy and transmit the energy to remote locations. The power conversion module can have a modular stepped conical shape, with additional radiator area configured in vertical sidewalls, horizontal radiator panels, or both. Hinged, fold-out units can house the microwave conversion electronics and the antenna for transmitting the microwave radiation to the remote ground station.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter to convert power from a power source to a DC power for powering an electronic device. The adapter includes circuitry for producing an analog data signal for use by the electronic device to control an amount of power drawn by the device. A cable has an output connector with a plurality of conductors to transfer the DC power and the analog data signal to the electronic device. The connector further includes circuitry to receive a data request from the electronic device and in response transmit a data output which identifies the power supply equipment to the electronic device.

Abstract: A connector module for providing power to a processor. The connector module includes a connector for accommodating the processor, an inverter, and a control chip. Both the converter and the control chip are set on the connector. The control chip is connected to the converter for converting an external power into at least one driving voltage adapted to the processor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a passive converter for a drive device of a switched reluctance motor (SRM), in which high demagnetization voltage for the SRM is provided. The converter includes a rectifier which smoothes input voltage to supply DC voltage, a boost circuit connected with the rectifier, and an asymmetric converter connected with the boost circuit, and the boost circuit includes first to third diodes and first and second capacitors. The high demagnetization voltage is generated at current duration of a single phase or poly-phase SRM by using the passive converter for the drive device of the SRM, so that the driving efficiency and the output power of the SRM can be increased.

Abstract: Power supply equipment is provided for supplying an appropriate power adapter identification signal, as well as DC power, to various types, brand and models of electronic devices. The equipment includes a power adapter having conversion circuitry for converting power from an external power source to the DC power utilized by a particular electronic device. The power adapter also includes circuitry to generate a plurality of power adapter identification signals. Selection circuitry, responsive to user selection or to the configuration of a cable, connector or connector adapter included with the power supply equipment, selects a particular one of power adapter identification signals appropriate for the particular electronic device. The selected power adapter identification signal and the DC power are transferred to the power input port of the electronic device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for continuously detecting when a USB client device may be charged according to a BCS charging standard. Power is supplied from a USB host device to the USB client device with a first current limit. Next, the USB host device monitors data lines D+ and D? for a first part of a handshake. When the first part of the handshake is detected, a second part of the handshake is provided by the USB host device indicating that the USB client device may be changed according to the BCS charging standard. All current sources and all voltage sources that are coupled to the data lines D+ and D? are decoupled from data lines D+ and D? after the handshake is complete. After the data lines are decoupled, communication may begin between the USB host device and the USB client device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power and control pod for subsea artificial lift system. In one embodiment, a method of operating a downhole tool in a subsea wellbore includes: supplying a direct current (DC) power signal from a dry location to a subsea control pod; converting the DC power signal to an alternating current (AC) power signal by the control pod; and supplying the AC power signal from the control pod, into the subsea wellbore, and to the downhole tool.

Abstract: An electromagnetic resonance non-contact power transmission device includes a transmitter including a transmitter resonance element having a mechanism for discretely or continuously varying a resonant frequency, a transmitter excitation element coupled to the transmitter resonance element by electromagnetic induction, and an alternating current source for applying an alternating current at the same frequency as the resonant frequency to the transmitter excitation element, and a plurality of receivers each including a receiver resonance element having a specific resonant frequency, a receiver excitation element coupled to the receiver resonance element by electromagnetic induction, and an output circuit for outputting an electric current induced by the receiver excitation element. Electric power is transmitted selectively from the transmitter to any of the receivers having different specific resonant frequencies by changing the resonant frequency of the transmitter.

Abstract: A method for determining a load capability of a direct current (“DC”) voltage source connectable to an alternating current (“AC”) power grid having a predetermined frequency via an inverter and a grid disconnect switch includes controlling, while the grid disconnect switch is in an open position, the inverter so as to convert a DC input voltage to a test frequency different than the predetermined frequency of the AC power grid so as to increase a test load acting on the DC voltage source above an internal consumption of the inverter at the predetermined frequency. The DC input voltage is measured while the grid disconnect switch is in the open position.

Abstract: To reduce power loss in an intermediate bus architecture power system, embodiments of the present invention provide an intermediate bus converter which converts an input voltage to an intermediate bus voltage using a converting unit; receives a signal indicative of an output of a converting unit; determines an intermediate bus voltage to reduce power loss in dependence upon the signal indicative of an output of the converting unit; generates a control signal to control the converting unit to convert the input voltage to the determined intermediate bus voltage; and generates an intermediate bus voltage in dependence upon the control signal.

Abstract: An object is to achieve a radio power transmitting system capable of adaptively controlling power transmission efficiency, and the following means for achieving it is proposed. The power transmitting system includes a receiver having a loaded antenna and a transmitter whose transmitting frequency is variable, and it controls power transmission efficiency by using a modulated electromagnetic wave reflected from the receiver. A capacitive element and an inductive element are formed in the antenna, the transmitting frequency of the transmitter is set to be variable, the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the transmitter and reflected by the receiver is modulated, and the power transmission efficiency between the transmitter and the receiver is controlled by using the modulated reflection wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for igniting four thin silicon rods in a reactor for producing from the thin silicon rods silicon rods according to the Siemens process and for starting up such reactor. Also described is a method for igniting the thin silicon rods and for starting up, i.e., commencing operation of the reactor.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The adapter further includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power flow within the electronic device. A cable, which is electrically coupled to the adapter, has a connector at its distal end. The power supply equipment further includes a plurality of tips, each of which has an input connector, an output connector and at least three conductors. The input connector of each tip is detachable mateable to the connector on the distal end of the cable. The output connector of each tip is detachably mateable to a corresponding electronic device. The conductors transfer the DC power and the data signal from the input connector to the output connector. A tip output connector has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device to which the tip corresponds.

Abstract: An FC voltage increasing converter includes a plurality of converter parts having reactors. Regarding the first of the plurality of converter parts provided with a thermistor, the output starts to be limited when the temperature detected by the thermistor reaches a limitation starting temperature, which is obtained based on a reference heat-resistant temperature, which is obtained by subtracting an error of the thermistor from a specification heat-resistant temperature of each of the reactors. Meanwhile, regarding the second, third and fourth of the plurality of converter parts not provided with thermistors, the outputs start to be limited when the temperature detected by the thermistor reaches a limitation starting temperature obtained based on an allowable temperature, which is obtained by subtracting a characteristic-variation temperature of the reactor from the reference heat-resistant temperature of the reactor.

Abstract: A DC power supply apparatus and method of supplying DC power for mission critical applications utilizes multiple power circuits in one unit, the power circuits being optimizable for efficiency as the load increases or decreases. The individual power supplies may use a multiphase topology within the power circuits, with logic phase shifts between multiphase, and two types of power management circuits arranged in parallel, or an equivalent controller, for implementing: (a) a variable linear or variable exponential precision droop algorithm, and (b) a “virtual bus” or current averaging/active current sharing circuit, the current sharing being provided by a low bandwidth communications link between droop controllers in each of the power circuits.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides examples of preferred embodiments including systems for harvesting energy from variable output energy harvesting apparatus. The systems include energy harvesting apparatus for providing energy input to a switched mode power supply and a control loop for dynamically adjusting energy harvesting apparatus input to the switched mode power supply, whereby system output power is substantially optimized to the practical. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include systems for harvesting energy using solar cells in boost, buck, and buck-boost configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for receiving and converting incident radiation into DC current. The method begins with selection of an antenna having a terminal tip with a sharp edge. The antenna is layered with a substrate and a first coating. A first electrode and a metallic/mCNT antenna are layered on the first coating, and a plasmonic layer is then added. A gap is formed which is bounded on one side by the terminal ends of the plasmonic layer and the first coating, and a second electrode and a second coating on the other. The second electrode is layered upon the second coating which is layered upon the substrate. A set of AC currents is induced along the length of the antenna. The method then calculates whether or not the induced AC currents are large enough to create voltages for field emission. If the voltages are large enough, then a forward bias and a reverse bias are initiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a 3N?4-level (N?3) voltage converter including: 3N?5 direct voltage generators (1, 2, 3, 4) connected between two input voltage terminals (V+, V?), two lateral commutation branches (10, 11), each connected between an output terminal and an input voltage terminal (V+, V?) and comprising N?1 series connected commutation cells (20, 21, 22, 23), 2N?4 central commutation branches (12, 13), each comprising a switch bidirectional in terms of voltage and current and being connected between two commutation cells of a lateral branch (10, 11) and two generators, and N?2 pairs of diode cells (16) each connected to two of the 2N?4 central commutation branches (12, 13). The diodes (14, 15) of one pair are series connected, in the same direction, and are connected together by a middle point connected between two generators.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: A system includes a high-current junction, a voltage sensor, and a controller. Power connectors of two components are electrically connected at the high-current junction, where a high current passes between the two components at the high-current junction. The voltage sensor detects a voltage at the high-current junction. The controller performs a predetermined action in response to the voltage sensor detecting the voltage at the high-current junction being greater than a predetermined threshold voltage. The system may be a data center rack. The high-current junction may be the junction at which an alternating current (AC) input receives AC power from AC mains. The high-current junction may alternatively be the junction at which a power supply receives the AC power from the AC input to generate direct current (DC) power to provide to data center rack components insertable within the data center rack.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of power conversion devices, for example, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices, having inputs coupled in common to a power input line and each including a control circuit configured to operate the power conversion device responsive to a current sense signal at a current sense input thereof. The system further includes a first current transformer having a primary winding inductively coupled to the power input line, a current sense line coupled in series with a secondary winding of the first current transformer and a plurality of second current transformers, each including a primary winding inductively coupled to the current sense line and including respective secondary windings coupled to respective ones of the current sense inputs.

Abstract: A controller (10) includes subtracters (101, 105), a command value corrector (103), and a control block (102). The subtracter (101) obtains a deviation (?v0) of an output voltage (v0) applied from a switching power-supply circuit (61) to a second load (Cdc+Load) with respect to its command value (v0*). The control block (102) performs PI control on the basis of the deviation (?v0) to generate a command value (idc*) for a current (idc) flowing in a coil (Ldc). The command value corrector (103) corrects the command value (idc*) such that high-frequency components of a current (iL) flowing in a first power-supply line (21), with respect to the fundamental frequency of an input current (iu1, iv1, iw1), are consumed in the switching power-supply circuit (61). The subtracter (105) obtains a deviation (?idc) between the corrected command value (idc*) and the current (idc). Commands (r1, r2) for switches are generated on the basis of the deviation (?idc).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of producing electric power by artificially creating an air stream incident on a power-generating module (turbine) using solar-powered batteries. The power-generating module turns, compresses the air stream and directs the latter onto the working surface of a blade-less rotor. The rotor is designed such that a reactive effect is created on the working surfaces thereof, which improves the turbine characteristics. In the proposed method for producing power, use is made of the kinetic and potential energy of the air stream, and also the moment of inertia of the installation and solar-powered batteries. The efficiency of the method reaches 50%, while traditional fuel is economized on and emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere are reduced.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention is directed to a communications adapter for coupling between a power adapter and a laptop computer. The communications adapter includes a first connector adapted to couple to the power adapter to receive DC power, and a second connector adapted to couple to a laptop computer. The communications adapter further includes a communications circuit constructed and arranged to receive signals from the laptop computer through the second connector and to provide signals to the laptop computer in response.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a power transmission coil to transmit electric power to a power receiving coil by an electromagnetic induction method; a driving unit to supply a driving voltage to the power transmission coil; a detection unit to detect an electric current flowing in the power transmission coil based on the driving voltage; a control unit to change an amplitude of the driving voltage; a starting point detection unit to detect the amplitude of the driving voltage as a characteristic point at which an electric current starts to flow in the power receiving coil, on a characteristic line representing a relationship between the driving voltage supplied to the power transmission coil and the electric current detected by the detection unit; and a transmission stopping control unit to stop power transmission by the power transmission coil if the characteristic point is not detected by the starting point detection unit.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a power indication signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable, which is electrically coupled to the adapter, has a connector at its distal end. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input connector and an output connector. The input connector of the tip is detachable mateable to the connector on the distal end of the cable. The output connector of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output connector has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the power indication signal, as well as the DC power, to the device.

Abstract: Point-of-load (POL) regulators may be configured as multiphase POL DC-to-DC (direct current to direct current) converters, operating in a multiphase configuration in order to boost the total current available to a system. Current balancing may be performed by utilizing an active low bandwidth current sharing algorithm that uses matched artificial line resistance (droop resistance) while maintaining multi-loop stability during both steady-state and dynamic transient states. The current sharing algorithm may be facilitated through digital communication between the devices, where the digital bus may be a single wire bus, a parallel bus or a clock-and-data bus.

Abstract: An electric transmission system utilizes charge displacement for the wireless delivery of electric power. A transmitter for radiating a charge displacement current at a frequency of approximately 2 to 7 kHz to a receiver located remote from the transmitter. The receiver receives the charge displacement current and converts the current into a form of electric power usable by an electrical device coupled to the receiver. The transmitter may use a step up transformer with an input approximating a series of step function pulses at the intended transmission frequency to produce the required high voltage for transmission. The primary winding of the transformer is part of a tuned circuit having a resonant frequency higher than the frequency of the charge displacement current radiated.

Abstract: A power flow regulator includes a plurality of bi-directional DC-DC converters, each of said converters comprising a first input, a second input, a first output and a second output; and a capacitor electrically connected between the first and second inputs of each of said converters. Either the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC source and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC load, or the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC load and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pop reduction system for a switching power conversion system (0, 1), which system comprises an analogue control system (0) and a switching power stage (1), where the pop reduction system comprises an extra power stage (2), controllable means (3) for establishing or eliminating an extra signal path from the output of said control system (0) via said extra power stage (2) to the output terminal of said switching power conversion system (0, 1} and control means (34) for controlling said controllable means (3), whereby establishing or elimination of said extra signal path is attained. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method for pop reduction and generally to amplifier systems comprising the pop reduction system according to the invention.

Abstract: A power distribution system for distributing electric power generated by a wind farm between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link is provided. Both power transmission links connect the wind farm to a substation of a power grid. The power distribution system includes a central wind farm controller and a distribution device. In response to a control signal from the central wind farm controller, the distribution device distributes the generated electrical power between the two power transmission links. It is further described a power transmission system with the above described power distribution system and a method for distributing electric power between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link.

Abstract: A device, system and method for generating alternating current (a/c) electricity directly from photovoltaic cells utilize an array of photovoltaic cell pairs that are each connected in anti-parallel to form an a/c junction. The system, device and method mechanically gradually exposes and shades photovoltaic cell pairs to sunlight to generate alternating current electricity at an a/c junction of the solar cell pairs. Gradually and alternately exposing and shading the two anti-parallel connected solar cells of each solar cell pair causes the amplitude and polarity of the electricity at the a/c junction to gradually rise and fall to produce alternating current electricity. The gradual, alternating exposure and shading of the two anti-parallel solar cells is accomplished by mechanically covering and exposing the solar cell pairs. This is efficiently accomplished by a rotating segmented disc positioned over an array of solar cell pairs.

Abstract: A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.

Abstract: A communication system in which an operating voltage can be selected from a plurality of interface voltages enables an interface voltage to be switched in a stable manner during operation of the system. When the interface voltage is to be switched, a host device (1) and a slave device (2) perform the switching while maintaining the signal level of buses in a stable manner. This structure enables the communication system to switch an interface voltage using a small number of signal lines.

Abstract: A communication system in which an operating voltage can be selected from a plurality of interface voltages enables an interface voltage to be switched in a stable manner during operation of the system. When the interface voltage is to be switched, a host device (1) and a slave device (2) perform the switching while maintaining the signal level of buses in a stable manner. This structure enables the communication system to switch an interface voltage using a small number of signal lines.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power.

Abstract: A power extractor suitable for locations proximate to the sink of a signal channel is disclosed. The power extractor can generate power from the signal channel without substantially disturbing a quality of signals within the channel. In one embodiment, the power extraction circuit can include: a current source coupled to a sink side of a signal channel, where the signal channel is independent of any power supply signal, the current source being high impedance to maintain signal quality within the signal channel; a first regulator configured to generate a first regulated supply from a current derived from the signal channel using the current source; and a second regulator coupled to the first regulator, where the second regulator is configured to generate a second regulated supply from the first regulated supply.

Abstract: A method for operating a photovoltaic system with a plurality of photovoltaic modules and with a DC motor connected to the photovoltaic modules is proposed. The motor shaft of the DC motor is coupled to a generator shaft of a three-phase generator, wherein the three-phase generator can be connected to a power grid. The motor shaft of a second DC motor can also be connected with the generator shaft, and the electric energy produced by the photovoltaic modules is initially only used for driving a single DC motor and is during the subsequent operation divided between those DC motors. A battery is provided which can be connected with the second DC motor instead of the PV system by changing the excitation of the second DC motor such that it's motor voltage corresponds to the open-circuit voltage of the battery.

Abstract: A step-down converter having an improved efficiency has a common input, to which a DC voltage source for applying an input voltage can be connected, and two or more outputs, at each of which a DC voltage can be provided whose value is less than or equal to that of the input voltage. Each of the plurality of outputs is connected to the common input via a positive lead branch and a negative lead branch. At least one inductor is connected in the positive lead and/or the negative lead of each output. At least one switching element is connected in the positive lead and/or the negative lead of each output, such that the outputs of the step-down converter can be operated both in parallel with one another and in series with one another.