Abstract: A power source apparatus has a load following function. The power source apparatus includes a distributed power source configured to output electric power and a controller configured to control the electric power output of the distributed power source. The controller is configured to acquire an evaluation function including an operation history of the power source apparatus and set an output condition for the power source apparatus on the basis of the evaluation function and a response characteristic for load following. The controller is also configured to control the load following to supply electric power from the distributed power source on the basis of the output condition upon forward power flow or reverse power flow being detected by a detector configured to detect forward power flow and reverse power flow relative to a power grid to which the power source apparatus is connected.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle, for picking up a storage bin from an underlying storage system, may include a vehicle body having a cavity adapted to contain the entire storage bin, vehicle rolling means for movement of the vehicle on the underlying storage system, and a lifting assembly for lifting the storage bin from the underlying storage system to a position above the lowest level of the vehicle rolling means. Additionally, the lifting assembly may include a lifting frame, a rotatable lifting shaft, a first lifting band assembly, and a second lifting band assembly. Further, the lifting frame is connectable to the storage bin and the rotatable lifting shaft is arranged in an upper part of the vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power communication architecture (100) for an aircraft comprising: a power electronics module management unit (103) that is capable of receiving input signals (104) and of delivering a current setpoint (106); at least one power electronics module (107) that is capable of receiving said current setpoint (106); at least one load (105) that is controlled by the at least one power electronics module (107); the power electronics module management unit (103) storing control laws (108) for controlling the one or more loads (105) allowing a current setpoint (106) to be transmitted according to the input signals (104) and said control laws (108). The invention also relates to an electrical distribution device for an aircraft comprising at least one such architecture.

Abstract: Described is a reconfigurable transmitter which includes: a first pad; a second pad; a first single-ended driver coupled to the first pad; a second single-ended driver to the second pad; a differential driver coupled to the first and second pads; and a logic unit to enable of the first and second single-ended drivers, or to enable the differential driver.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring a passive element in a system includes determining, by a monitor, power supplied by a power supply coupled to the passive element and power consumed by a load coupled to the passive element. The monitor then determines power dissipated by the passive element based on the power supplied by the power supply and the power consumed by the load. The monitor initiates shut down of the power supply when the power dissipated by the passive element exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A power generation facility 10 includes a power generation system 30, a storage battery system 40, and an in-facility electric wire 21. The power generation facility 10 causes the storage battery system 40 to be charged with some of power supplied by the power generation system 30 to the in-facility electric wire 21 so that change per control cycle in the power supplied to a power system is within a stipulated proportion of rated output of the power generation facility 10. The power generation control device 1 calculates an allowable power generation value for which a power value according to the stipulated proportion of the rated output and a maximum value of charging power per control cycle of the storage battery system 40 are added to a value for which a current value of the power charged by the storage battery system 40 is subtracted from a current value of the power supplied by the power generation system 30 to the in-facility electric wire 21.

Abstract: A system that acquires information indicating a variation in voltage corresponding to each of a plurality of nodes connected to a direct-current (DC) line; and identifies a topology of the plurality of nodes connected to the DC line based on the acquired information indicating the variation in voltage corresponding to each of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: Various aspects of invention provide portable power manager operating methods. One aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a power manager having a plurality of device ports for connecting with external power devices and a power bus for connecting with each device port. The method includes: disconnecting each device port from the power bus when no external power device is connected to the device port; accessing information from newly connected external power devices; determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus without power conversion; if not, determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus over an available power converter; and if so, configuring the available power converter for suitable power conversion.

Abstract: A power routing device includes processing circuitry configured to receive inputs from device monitors configured to determine load status information from a plurality of loads, power-source monitors configured to determine source status information from a plurality of power sources, and command modules configured to provide context information regarding the loads or the power sources. Some of the loads have different operational characteristics than others. Some of the power sources have different operational characteristics than others. The power routing device is operably coupled to power-source distribution hardware selectively operably coupling selected ones of the power sources to selected ones of the loads. The power routing device is configured to direct the power-source distribution hardware to define routing between the selected ones of the power sources and the selected ones of the loads based on the source status information, the load status information and the context information.

Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.

Abstract: A buck voltage regulator control circuit for a single-input multi-output direct current power supply system, during a soft start phase of a first buck voltage regulator of the power supply system, the buck voltage regulator control circuit controls a first high side switch of the first buck voltage regulator to switch to a turned-on state from a turned-off state when a second high side switch of a second buck voltage regulator is in the turned-off state. Therefore, the first and second high side switches are not simultaneously switched to the turned-on state from the turned-off state to reduce inrush current.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for distributing DC power in an aircraft. In one example, a method is provided that includes generating a plurality of DC voltages from a plurality of independent sources driven by one or more turbines of the aircraft, providing each of the plurality of DC voltages to respective dedicated DC buses, and setting a plurality of switches that selectively couples a first set of dedicated DC buses to a synchronization bus to allow for bus sharing between the first set of dedicated DC buses and bus isolation of a second set of dedicated DC buses.

Abstract: Schedule-based energy storage device selection is described for a device having an energy storage device system with heterogeneous energy storage devices, such as heterogeneous battery cells. The techniques discussed herein use information regarding a user's schedule (e.g., the user's calendar) to predict future workload patterns for a computing device and reserve energy storage device capacities across multiple heterogeneous energy storage devices to improve efficiency of the energy storage devices. For example, if a user is expected to attend a video conference call later in the day (e.g., due to the video conference call being on the user's calendar), then energy in an energy storage device that is better capable of handling such a workload (providing power during the video conference call) more efficiently is preserved so that the energy is available when the video conference call occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for powering an electrical circuit includes a first voltage input configured to receive power from a first voltage source, a second voltage input configured to receive power from a second voltage source, wherein the second voltage source has a lower voltage than the first voltage source, a voltage regulator connected to the first voltage input, and a voltage output configured to switchably receive power from the first voltage input through the voltage regulator or from the second voltage input.

Abstract: A power supply system comprises a fuel cell and a battery, each for supplying electrical power to a load. The system is controlled to use the fuel cell for a first period of time (82) to supply electrical power to the load, wherein the power demand is constant over a first time period (82). The battery is used simultaneously with the fuel cell for a second supply time of electrical power to the load, wherein the power varies (84). In this way, fluctuating output is provided by the battery, and the fuel cell output is maintained as constant as possible to prolong the lifetime. During the second supply time, the power to the load (80) can be provided as a constant contribution from the fuel cell and a variable contribution from the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a power providing arrangement for a field powered device having a coil antenna for receiving a wireless signal, the power providing arrangement comprising: a first capacitor configured to be coupled to the coil antenna, the first capacitor configured to store energy obtained from the wireless signal received by the coil antenna, up to a first stored energy level, and configured to provide said energy to power the field powered device; a second capacitor arranged in parallel with the first capacitor via a switch; the switch providing at least a connected state in which the first capacitor and the second capacitor are connected in parallel and configured to both store the energy obtained from the wireless signal up to a second stored energy level, greater than the first stored energy level, and configured to provide said energy to power the field powered device and a disconnected state in which the second capacitor is disconnected from the first capacitor; the switch configured to tra

Abstract: A machine controller intercommunicates with, and issues machining program commands to, a plurality of peripherals. The controller receives work status information on the peripherals, calculates the total power consumption by the plurality of peripherals based on the received information, and decides the work start timing for the peripherals such that the total does not reach a preset upper limit.

Abstract: A system and methods controlling wake events in a data processing system is described. A broadcast wake-up signal staggering order is determined in response to a first wake event. A staggered broadcast wake-up signal is distributed to a plurality of processing elements based on the broadcast wake-up signal staggering order. The broadcast wake-up signal staggering order is changed in response to a second wake event. And a changed staggered broadcast wake-up signal is distributed to a plurality of processing elements based on the changed broadcast wake-up signal staggering order.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for configuring and managing the combination of strings of photovoltaic energy generators to improve the energy production performance of such generators. The strings of photovoltaic energy generators are connected to terminals in a combiner box having receptacles for receiving removable modular units of various types. Removable modular units with measurement capabilities are used in the combiner boxes to measure the direct current input provided by the strings; and in light of the measurements, the removable modular units can be selectively downgraded to simpler units that do not have measurement capabilities to reduce cost, and/or selectively upgraded to more sophisticated units that can adjust the output of the respective strings, such as upconverting the output voltage of the respective strings, to improve the performance of the strings.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for converting and distributing electrical power to local loads within a vehicle is disclosed. The electrical power distribution system includes at least one generator providing high voltage AC (HVAC) power, a primary power panel for receiving the HVAC power from the generator, and a plurality of distribution conversion units located throughout the vehicle. The plurality of distribution conversion units convert the HVAC power from the primary power panel into medium voltage AC (MVAC) power and low voltage DC (LVDC) power for consumption by the local loads within the vehicle. The electrical power distribution system also includes a plurality of HVAC distribution feeder lines. Each HVAC distribution feeder line connects the primary power panel to one of the plurality of distribution conversion units.

Abstract: An electric drive-train for a ship includes a first generator having a rotatable shaft structured to be driven by a first prime mover and an output providing a voltage; a second generator having a rotatable shaft structured to be driven by a second prime mover and an output providing a voltage; an electric machine including a rotatable shaft structured to drive a propeller; a first power electronic converter electrically interconnected with the output of the first generator and structured to power the electric machine; and a second power electronic converter electrically interconnected with the output of the second generator and structured to power the electric machine. A support structure replaces a reduction gear box and supports the first generator, the second generator, the electric machine, the first power electronic converter, and the second power electronic converter.

Abstract: Method of discharging at least one electrical energy storage unit of an electrical circuit (1), the electrical circuit (1) furthermore comprising a switching system (2) comprising a plurality of arms (3) each extending in parallel between a positive conductor (4) and a negative conductor (5) of a DC bus (7), each arm (3) comprising in series at least two switching cells (10), in which method, to discharge the capacitor (20, 40), a short-circuit between the positive conductor (4) and the negative conductor (5) of the DC bus (7) is produced in at least two of the arms (3) of the switching system (2) so as to allow the discharge current (IDC) of the electrical energy storage unit to flow from said positive conductor (4) to said negative conductor (5).

Abstract: A controller controls a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch and a sixth switch, so that an alternating current electric power is fed to an alternating current electric grid. Moreover, the controller firstly turns on a first route including the first switch and the second switch, and then the controller turns on a second route including the third switch and the fourth switch if the second route meets a first specific condition, and then the controller turns on a third route including the fifth switch and the sixth switch if the third route meets a second specific condition.

Abstract: Circuitry and methods related to switching power are provided. One of a plurality of current-limited power distribution switches is enabled in accordance with a hierarchical scheme depending upon the respective states of plural power sources. The power source having the greatest available load carrying capacity is thus coupled to a power node for provision to load entities. Servers, computing devices, printers, and other apparatus can include such selective power provisioning.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of LED lighting fixtures includes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) LED driver coupleable to a PoE switch via a first power and communication link. The PoE LED driver includes a microcontroller for receiving first power and control signals from the PoE switch and for controlling a first LED driver chip to operate an LED lighting fixture in response thereto. An LED slave controller is connected to the PoE LED driver via a second power and communication link. The LED slave controller includes a second LED driver chip for receiving second power and control signals from the microcontroller to operate an LED lighting fixture in response. The first power and control signals are different from the second power and control signals. The first power and communication link is a CAT5/CAT6 cable. The second power and communication link is a CAT5/CAT6 or other cable type.

Abstract: A multi-phase multi-pole electric machine attached to a vehicle. The multi-phase multi-pole electric machine includes rotor, stator with five phase windings, machine controller, and torque sensors. The machine controller controls the flow of current. The torque sensors senses the torque exerted by the vehicle and transmits the information to the machine controller. The machine controller provides four degree of control through injection of five phase currents and thus providing higher torque.

Abstract: A generator protection unit is provided including a central processing unit including at least one programmable device configured to utilize an Ethernet communication protocol. The central processing unit may be configured to synchronize a first signal generated by a generator electrically coupled to the generator protection unit to a second signal including an electrical power grid parameter of an electrical power grid, the first signal and the second signal having a phase offset. The generator protection unit may also include a plurality of multimeters, each electrically coupled to the electrical power grid and the central processing unit, and at least one display filter electrically coupled to the central processing unit and configured to separate a defined portion of a protection parameter signal, such that a remaining portion of the protection parameter signal is transmitted to the central processing unit.

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

Abstract: For maximum power point tracking, a method filters a power monitoring signal with a tracking fractional order filter to generate a filtered power monitoring signal. The method further generates a tracking signal tracking the power point from the filtered power monitoring signal.

Abstract: A low standby consumption power supply system having multi-channels for power supply is used to power first and second circuit blocks. The main supply module provides power to the first circuit-block, while the second supply module provides power to the second circuit-block. The enabling line is used to transmit an enabling signal to the main supply module to switch the main supply module from a power-off status to a power-on status. The enabling line operates under enabling mode and power-off mode. Under enabling mode, the enabling line transmit the enabling signal to the main supply module, such that the main supply module and the low-current supply module respectively provide power to the first circuit-block and the second circuit-block simultaneously. Under the power-off mode, the enabling signal is cut off and the main supply module stop providing power, so as to cut off standby current of the main supply module.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose using a pairing or pairings of terminals in a DC power system including a plurality of terminals to implement power oscillation damping (POD), where the DC power system is connectable to at least one AC power system. The active and/or reactive power of the terminals in the pairing may be controlled or modulated in a similar manner such that no power imbalance in the DC power system is created. For example, POD may be implemented by means of active and/or reactive power modulation by pairing two terminals in the DC power system) such that their active and/or reactive powers are controlled or modulated in the same or substantially the same manner or identically but with the opposite sign.

Abstract: A vehicle power source device reliably turns on a high voltage battery even if the output voltage of a low-voltage ancillary battery drops at the start of driving the vehicle. A request to run on a high-voltage battery (to turn on a relay contact point) is made by means of the operation to start driving a vehicle. A low-voltage ancillary battery and an auxiliary battery supply power to a power source circuit. A relay control unit supplied with power from the power source circuit turns on the relay contact point and turns on the high-voltage battery. When the high-voltage battery is on, the auxiliary battery is charged by means of a step-down circuit. The auxiliary battery holds the charged power by means of a diode without the power being consumed by a group of low-voltage loads.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus, method, computer program product, and a kit and method for upgrading, an apparatus for moving cargo. A bus for transmission of electrical energy, at least one load connected to the bus, said at least one load configured to transform electrical energy from the bus into movement of a cargo with respect to the apparatus energy transforming means configured to transform energy between electrical energy of the bus and potential energy of a hydraulic accumulator, wherein the apparatus is configured to store electrical energy from the bus as potential energy to the hydraulic accumulator and to supply the potential energy stored in the hydraulic accumulator as electrical energy to the at least one load.

Abstract: A reservoir capacitor includes a first capacitor group having two or more capacitors, which are serially coupled to each other between a first power voltage supply terminal and a second power voltage supply terminal, a second capacitor group having two or more capacitors, which are serially coupled to each other between a third power voltage supply terminal and a fourth power voltage supply terminal and a connection line suitable for electrically coupling a first coupling node between the capacitors of the first capacitor group to a second coupling node between the capacitors of the second capacitor group.

Abstract: Systems and methods of semi-centralized energy storage and mobile power outflow for vehicle propulsion comprise at least one energy storage facility receiving energy via an electric grid and at least one mobile vehicle. The energy is generated at a first location, and the energy storage facility is at a second location different from the first location. The second location is closer to end users of the energy than the first location. The energy storage facility produces an energy storage medium at the second location and stores the energy from the first location at the second location in the energy storage medium. The energy storage medium comprises liquid air, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or a combination thereof. The mobile vehicle includes a prime mover and a cryogenic storage vessel and is configured to carry at least a portion of the energy storage medium in the cryogenic storage vessel and use power from the energy storage medium for mobile vehicle propulsion.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of microgrid systems which may be used as stand-alone systems or may be connected to a larger, integrated power supply system. In some embodiments, a system comprises a smart microgrid system comprising at least one electrical power bus connectable to at least one input power source by one or more switchable connections, a communication network coupled to the smart microgrid system, and a controller coupled to the communication network. In some embodiments the controller comprises logic to monitor power outputs from the at least one input power source, to monitor one or more power loads coupled to the at least one electrical power bus, and to selectively connect one or more of the input power sources to the at least one electrical power bus.

Abstract: An aircraft including an electric starter-generator for each of turbojets, and an undercarriage including an electric motor for taxiing the aircraft, which mutualizes an electricity converter for starting and for taxiing the aircraft. A single electricity converter is configured to be coupled to the electric starter-generator associated with a turbojet or to the electric motor of the undercarriage for taxiing, the coupling take place via an electricity distribution unit.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor with integral light level sensors is configured to turn off or disable peripheral circuits and go into a periodic deep sleep mode to reduce phantom loading. Peripheral circuits include occupancy sensor circuits and relay drive circuits, but may include other circuits such as communication circuits. The sensor may be configured to periodically wake itself up, check ambient light conditions to see if lighting is below the set threshold. If it is not, the sensor goes back to sleep. If it is, then the sensor can power up the occupancy sensor circuit to see if the space is occupied; if not, it can go back to sleep. If the space is occupied, it can turn on other peripheral circuits necessary to control the load.

Abstract: An energy storage system which balances cell voltages and a method of balancing cell voltages are disclosed. The system and method use a temperature of balancing resistors to determine a time for the balancing resistors to be selectively connected across battery cells so as to balance the battery cells.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: In a power control system including a first controller configured to control supply of power from a photovoltaic module to a plurality of loads and a second controller configured to control charge/discharge of a storage battery, which is one of the plurality of loads, the first controller controls output following power consumption by the plurality of loads, and the second controller increases, during a self-sustaining operation, charging power of the storage battery and detects output fluctuation from the photovoltaic module or from the first controller along with the increase in the charging power, then based on the detected output fluctuation, controls charge of the storage battery, thus, even if connection to the grid is disconnected, supply power may be replenished by the load power used for supply to the predetermined loads, thereby allowing a stable power supply to the other loads.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a circuit for providing redundant power includes a first channel having a first input, a first electronic circuit breaker, and a first output, a second channel having a second input, a second electronic circuit breaker, and a second output, and a first transistor coupled to the first electronic circuit breaker, the first transistor in series with a second transistor coupled to the second channel. The circuit normally operates by providing power to the first and second outputs from the first and second channels, respectively. However, if the first channel fails, the transistors switch on to allow power from the second channel to feed the first output in the first channel in addition to feeding power to the second output, and vice versa. Other embodiments and methods for providing redundant power are described as well.

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: Systems and methods are provided for creating and operating a Direct Current (DC) micro-grid. A DC micro-grid may include power generators, energy storage devices, and loads coupled to a common DC bus. Power electronics devices may couple the power generators, energy storage devices, and loads to the common DC bus and provide power transfer.

Abstract: A technique for power feeding of a common element of an access network from subscribers of the access network connected to the common element through subscriber lines being electric wires or optical fibers, the method comprises providing the subscribers with respective local power sources, and powering the common element from the one or more local power sources by selectively and/or dynamically combining power conducted there-from through the subscriber lines, thereby allowing at least partial operation of the common element.

Abstract: Electrical power is dynamically managed among one or more power sources and one or more loads. A plurality of monitor nodes is connected to an input terminal connected to each source, and to an output terminal connected to each load. A plurality of electrical power storage cells is connected among the input and output terminals, each cell being capable of storing power from at least one of the sources and being capable of discharging stored power to at least one of the loads. A plurality of controllable switches is connected to the cells. A programmed controller dynamically monitors operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically controls the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a plurality of load side power converters configured in a modular stacked DC (MSDC) converter architecture. Each load side converter includes a respective energy storage device such that together the plurality of energy storage devices provides a distributed subsea energy storage system configured to maintain a common subsea busbar voltage substantially constant during intermittent load voltage excursions.

Abstract: A power interchange system for interchanging electric energy between a battery and an electric grid is provided The power interchange system includes a rectifier unit for converting alternating current of the electric grid into direct current for charging the battery; a grid measurement device for measuring an electric parameter of the electric grid, and a controller unit for adjusting the direct current for the charging the battery as a function of the electric parameter of the electric grid. Moreover a method for interchanging electric energy between a battery and an electric grid is provided.

Abstract: Provided are an emergency power supply method for a container terminal and a container terminal, which supply emergency electric power by using a cargo handling machine as a power source in an emergency situation due to electric outage of the container terminal, or the like. In an emergency where an incoming panel (2) of the container terminal (1) cannot supply electric power, yard cranes (11a) to (11c) (cargo handling machines) configured to operate in the container terminal (1) are used as power sources, in which one (the yard crane (11a)) of the plurality of yard cranes (11a) to (11c) (cargo handling machines) is used as a reference power source, and power conditioning units are included which configured to match phases of electric powers of the remaining yard cranes (11b) and (11c) to a phase of electric power of the reference power source, such that electric power is supplied from the plurality of yard cranes (11a) to (11c) to the incoming panel (2).

Abstract: Aspects of the innovations presented herein relate to improved systems that in some embodiments perform capillary electrophoresis (CE) and CE in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) as an input to a mass spectrometry system (MS). Some embodiments use a high voltage isolated CE power supply that is configured to float on the high voltage output of an ESI-MS power supply, with a protective resistance in the ESI-MS path, as well as DC/DC converter isolation and communication system isolation for the isolated CE power supply. Some embodiments additionally use a cartridge assembly integrating separation and conductive fluid capillaries with fluid cooling and protective retractable housings for the capillary end portions and for the ESI output. The protective housing may further be used with an adapter for interfacing with different MS systems.