Interconnected For Energy Transfer Patents (Class 307/19)
  • Patent number: 11962248
    Abstract: An energy conversion system, an energy conversion method, and a power system. The energy conversion system may include a bridge arm conversion module, a direct current (DC)/DC conversion module, a motor, a bus capacitor, and a control module. The control module may be configured to control a bridge arm switch action in the bridge arm conversion module, drive the motor based on an alternating current input voltage supplied by a power supply, form a bus voltage at two ends of the bus capacitor, and control the DC/DC conversion module to charge a traction battery and an auxiliary battery based on the bus voltage. The traction battery and the auxiliary battery can be charged while the motor is driven, thereby achieving higher energy conversion efficiency, low costs, and strong applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Zhaoxue Cui, Ningbo Feng
  • Patent number: 11888383
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric load is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment the method includes collecting ambient energy using an energy harvesting circuit and using the collected ambient energy to charge a buffer capacitor. The method further includes alternatingly connecting and disconnecting an electrical load and the buffer capacitor, wherein a capacitor voltage provided by the buffer capacitor is applied to the electrical load in a discharging phase, in which the electrical load is connected to the buffer capacitor and the capacitor voltage decreases, and wherein the buffer capacitor is recharged in a charging phase, in which the electrical load is disconnected from the buffer capacitor in a charging phase in which the capacitor voltage again increases. The durations of the charging phase and the discharging phase are designed such that the capacitor voltage stays above a minimum supply voltage of the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Qi Zhu, Doris Keitel-Schulz, Natasha Novik, Helmut Sochor
  • Patent number: 11848643
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system with an inverter, at least one solar panel for providing electrical power, and electrical wiring for coupling electrical power from the at least one solar panel to the inverter. Also included is a transmitter for transmitting a messaging protocol along the electrical wiring, where the protocol includes a multibit wireline signal. Also included is circuitry for selectively connecting the electrical power from the at least one solar panel along the electrical wiring to the inverter in response to the messaging protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Il Han Kim, Xiaolin Lu
  • Patent number: 11714472
    Abstract: A system for providing power over Ethernet emergency lighting is disclosed. The system includes a rechargeable battery pack that is charged without interfering with data signals present on a power over Ethernet link that provides normal lighting. The system includes a power loss monitor for monitoring the presence of normal lighting power present on a power over Ethernet link without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ABL IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: David Crenshaw
  • Patent number: 11689040
    Abstract: Distributing higher currents demanded by a power consuming load(s) exceeding overcurrent limits of a current limiter circuit for a power source in a power distribution system. The power distribution system receives and distributes power from the power source to a power consuming load(s). The power distribution circuit is configured to limit current demand on the power source to not exceed a designed source current threshold limit. The power distribution circuit includes an energy storage circuit. The power distribution circuit is configured to charge the energy storage circuit with current supplied by the power source. Current demanded by the power consuming load(s) exceeding the source current threshold limit of the power source is supplied by the energy storage circuit. Thus, limiting current of the power source while supplying higher currents demanded by power consuming load(s) exceeding the source current limits of the power source can both be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ami Hazani
  • Patent number: 11661201
    Abstract: A turboelectric distributed propulsion based on brushless doubly-fed machines (BDFMs) is provided, which minimizes power conversion, enhances mechanical reliability, and strengthens fault-tolerance capability of a DC-based propulsion system. A turboelectric distributed propulsion (TeDP) architecture using BDFMs for aviation applications, and a designed BDFM, inverter, and controller are provided. Simulations and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Julia Zhang, Longya Xu, Peng Peng
  • Patent number: 11616376
    Abstract: A method for capacity expansion of an energy storage system and an energy storage system are provided. The method is applied to a controller in the energy storage system. The controller acquires a value of a characteristic parameter of a to-be-added second energy storage device as a target characteristic value. Then, the controller controls a charge/discharge power converter to charge or discharge first energy storage devices until a proximity of a value of a characteristic parameter of at least one first energy storage device to the target characteristic value is less than a preset proximity. Finally, a signal indicating that the second energy storage device is allowed to be connected into the energy storage system is generated and outputted to notify an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yanfei Yu, Xiaoxun Li, Zhifei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11584195
    Abstract: A transportation refrigeration system including: a transportation refrigeration unit comprising a motor; a power conversion unit configured convert an amplitude, a frequency and a phase of an input electrical power signal, wherein the power conversion unit comprises a first power bridge, a DC link and a second power bridge; an energy storage device configured to supply electrical power to the motor via the power conversion unit during a road mode; a first switch configured to selectively connect the first power bridge to the energy storage device or the motor; and a second switch configured to selectively connect the second power bridge to the motor or a power grid; wherein the first switch and second switch are positioned to connect the first power bridge and second power bridge to specified sources and outputs during each of the road mode and the standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jaegue Shin, Xu She, XuQiang Liao, HanJong Kim, Ismail Agirman, David Ginsberg
  • Patent number: 11568457
    Abstract: A control method including: receiving first transaction data including a first electronic signature from the a home of a first user; verifying whether the received first electronic signature included in the first transaction data is valid; verifying validity of the received first transaction data; when the first electronic signature and the validity of the first transaction data are verified successfully, executing a first consensus algorithm for the first transaction data; and when the validity of the first transaction data is verified according to the first consensus algorithm, recording a block including the first transaction data in a distributed ledger. The first electronic signature is a group signature assigned to a group to which the first user belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Yuji Unagami
  • Patent number: 11569672
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a connection unit and a control unit. The control unit enables a power supply path for supplying power from a first battery connected to an external device to the electronic device and enables a power supply path for supplying power from a second battery connected to the external device to a predetermined functional unit of the external device, in a case where the first battery or the second battery connected to the external device is not charged. The control unit disables a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to the predetermined functional unit and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery or the second battery, in a case where the first battery or the second battery connected to the external device is charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Ichikawa, Kento Inai, Hiroshi Moritomo, Kenichirou Hayashi, Shigeo Aoyagi, Sayaka Kumon, Hirokazu Izuoka, Akira Matsuo
  • Patent number: 11495973
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system with an inverter, at least one solar panel for providing electrical power, and electrical wiring for coupling electrical power from the at least one solar panel to the inverter. Also included is a transmitter for transmitting a messaging protocol along the electrical wiring, where the protocol includes a multibit wireline signal. Also included is circuitry for selectively connecting the electrical power from the at least one solar panel along the electrical wiring to the inverter in response to the messaging protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Il Han Kim, Xiaolin Lu
  • Patent number: 11402885
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electric power supply system includes a processor, a power circuit and an embedded controller. The processor includes a first controller configured to modify an operating frequency of the processor and a second controller configured to modify an operating power of the processor. The power circuit and the embedded controller detect a presence or an absence of a battery in parallel. The power circuit instructs the first controller to modify the operating frequency when removal of the battery is detected. The embedded controller causes the second controller to modify the operating power via a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) when the removal of the battery is detected, and causes the first controller to stop modify the operating power via the power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA CLIENT SOLUTIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Hirosawa, Tomonori Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 11394210
    Abstract: A charging system charges, through an external charger, a first voltage source and a second voltage source that supply electric power to a rotating electric machine that includes coils of phases. A first inverter is connected to respective first ends of the coils and the first voltage source. A second inverter is connected to respective second ends of the coils and the second voltage source. A first switch is provided on a first power supply line that connects a high potential side of the first voltage source and a first external connection terminal that is connected to a high potential side of the external charger. A second switch is provided on a second power supply line that connects a low potential side of the second voltage source and a second external connection terminal that is connected to a low potential side of the external charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimizu, Ryuji Omata, Daigo Nobe, Makoto Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11313221
    Abstract: In one aspect, an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry device is disclosed including an EM telemetry circuit capable of transmitting a pulsed high power EM telemetry signal, wherein the high power EM telemetry signal has a peak or average pulse power of about 20 W to about 2000 W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Cooley, Riccardo Signorelli, Morris Green, Joseph K. Lane, Dan Stiurca
  • Patent number: 11289934
    Abstract: A charger includes: a relay provided between an input line and a conversion circuit; a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line; and a controller that calculates effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period. When the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold during execution of external charging, the controller brings the relay into an open state. When the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value after the external charging is halted, the controller brings the relay into a close state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihiko Minamii
  • Patent number: 11264916
    Abstract: A method that operates a modular multilevel converter (MMC), includes controlling a plurality of submodules of an arm of the MMC for a plurality of subsequent periods. Each of the submodules has a capacitor. The controlling includes, for each of the subsequent periods: sampling a value of a reference voltage; determining an integer number n of submodules of the plurality of submodules required to approximate the sampled value; for each submodule of a subset of the n submodules of the plurality of submodules, determining a temperature characterizing the respective submodule; inserting all submodules of the subset of the n submodules except for one remaining submodule; determining, depending on the determined temperatures, a duty ratio; and inserting the one remaining submodule for a duration given by the duty ratio. A minimum temperature of the determined temperatures is identified and the duty ratio is determined depending on the minimum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Ara Bissal, Waqas Ali
  • Patent number: 11258251
    Abstract: A protective arrangement includes an input configured to receive an input current from a current supply; one or more outputs configured to connect to one or more connection lines to supply current to one or more electric loads; one or more current supply paths arranged between the input and the one or more outputs; a first path circuit breaker and a second path circuit breaker in a series connection in a current supply path of the one or more current supply paths and configured to interrupt a current flow in the current supply path; and one or more setting units configured to set a trip current for at least one of the first path circuit breaker or the second path circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Heinemann, Hartmut Henkel, Schmidt Olaf
  • Patent number: 11210748
    Abstract: Provided is a control method including: receiving, from first power equipment, first transaction data including, for example, transmitted power amount information indicating the amount of power transmitted to power accumulation equipment; obtaining, from the power accumulation equipment, received power information including, for example, received power amount information indicating the amount of power received from the first power equipment; verifying the first transaction data by referring to the received power information; executing a first consensus algorithm with second servers when the first transaction data is verified successfully; and recording a block including the first transaction data in a distributed ledger of a first server when the validity of the first transaction data is verified through the first consensus algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Yuji Unagami, Hideki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 11190031
    Abstract: A battery pack for an energy generation system includes a cell array of conductively interconnected power cells configured to store and discharge energy, a direct current (DC)-to-DC converter coupled to the cell array and configured to receive power from the cell array during discharging of the cell array or to output power to the cell array during charging of the cell array, a pair of output terminals coupled to the DC-to-DC converter for coupling with an external device; and an are fault detection system coupled between the DC-to-DC converter and the pair of output terminals. The are fault detection system includes a first sensor for measuring power transmitted between the DC-to-DC converter and the pair of output terminals and a controller coupled to the first sensor and configured to disable the battery pack based on a measurement of the power transmitted between the DC-to-DC converter and the output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandeep Narla
  • Patent number: 11180227
    Abstract: An electrical distribution system for personal water craft. The primary components include a digital switching device; a series of power lines; and one or more remote controls, a control panel, or both. The digital switching device is preferably a bank of solid state relay switches controlled by an MCU. The control panel also has an MCU. The control panel MCU communicates with the digital switching device MCU. This allows signals from the control panel to travel on a single communication cable to the digital switching device, significantly reducing the control panel footprint compared to prior art control panels. When a radio frequency (RF) receiver is provided, the electrical distribution system may receive signals from a remote control. The remote control may be utilized in addition to or in lieu of the control panel. Power lines run from the digital switching device to wherever power is desired in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: SOUTHERN AUDIO SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff B Jordan, Jon C Jordan
  • Patent number: 11076472
    Abstract: A signaling lamp monitor is configured to add a communication function to a signaling lamp such as a stack signaling lamp easily and at a low cost. The signaling lamp monitor includes a detector that detects light emitted from the signaling lamp, a controller that generates a detection signal at least based on the detection, and a transmitter that transmits the detection signal by wireless communication. The transmitter is provided with an antenna disposed above the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sasahara, Hiroshi Sekiguchi, Ikuma Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11050257
    Abstract: A consumer product electric power supply is provided and includes a grid power converter that is coupled to a power grid; an energy storage element that is coupled to the grid power converter, which provides an intermediate voltage to the energy storage element; a load power converter that is coupled to the energy storage element and provides constant power to a load; and a power controller that measures a state variable of the grid, wherein the power controller controls the grid power converter based on the state variable of the grid to help stabilize the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Shu Yuen Ron Hui, Eberhard Waffenschmidt
  • Patent number: 10958076
    Abstract: A power generation and distribution arrangement that includes at least three switchgear sections. Each switchgear includes at least one or more power generators and an internal busbar in which the one or more power generators are electrically connected to the internal busbar. The internal busbar of each switchgear has one connecting end that is electrically connected to a common conductive node of the arrangement. The common conductive node includes an external interconnecting busbar between the switchgear sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Marino Benussi, Hendrikus Johannes Tetteroo
  • Patent number: 10955891
    Abstract: A storage device includes nonvolatile memory devices that store data, a storage controller, and an adaptive power supply circuit. The storage controller controls the nonvolatile memory devices. The adaptive power supply circuit generates at least one operation voltage based on at least one power supply voltage, and provides the at least one operation voltage to the nonvolatile memory devices and the storage controller. The at least one power supply voltage is provided to the adaptive power supply circuit through a portion of power lines connected to a host. Under control of the storage controller, the adaptive power supply circuit adaptively activates a power disable function associated with a provision of the at least one operation voltage according to a level of a third power supply voltage provided through a third power line of the plurality of power lines. The third power supply voltage is provided by the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suck-Hyun Nam, Gun-Bae Kim, Hee-Jong Kim, Min-Sung Kil, Su-Yong An
  • Patent number: 10931119
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module including a photovoltaic panel and an electrical circuit connected thereto. The photovoltaic panel may include multiple bus bars connected to an input of the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include at least one input bypass circuit connected across the bus bars at the input of the electrical circuit. Circuitry may include a switch connected between the input and the output of the electrical circuit. The circuitry may function to disconnect the photovoltaic panel from the output of the electrical circuit. An output bypass circuit is connected to the output of the electrical circuit. The output of the electrical circuit is connectable to a second like electrical circuit of a second like photovoltaic module. The output bypass circuit may be an active bypass circuit which draws power from the output of the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Liron Har-Shai, Alon Zohar
  • Patent number: 10847847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10703564
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Autostore Technology AS
    Inventors: Ingvar Hognaland, Ivar Fjeldheim
  • Patent number: 10673234
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ZODIAC AERO ELECTRIC
    Inventor: Geoffrey Beggiora
  • Patent number: 10664430
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tzu-Chien Hsueh, Ganesh Balamurugan, Bryan K. Casper
  • Patent number: 10651642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward L. Blackwell, James M. Fox, Adrian P. Glover, Brent Yardley
  • Patent number: 10476272
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI—ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Hanada, Daisuke Tsurumaru
  • Patent number: 10461569
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tadashi Morita
  • Patent number: 10333315
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Revision Military Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip T. Robinson, Seth M. Dziengeleski, James D. Kazmierczak, David J. Holigan
  • Patent number: 10224715
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Rengaswamy Srinivasan, Lakshminarayan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 10093250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
  • Patent number: 10090756
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Winstron Corporation
    Inventors: Meng-Ru Tsai, Tung-Ling Tsai
  • Patent number: 10090676
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Knowles, Keith J. Cleek, Chris K. Lee, Tad W. Theno, Ivan H. Wong
  • Patent number: 10061366
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anirudh Badam, Ranveer Chandra, Nissanka Arachchige Bodhi Priyantha, Jonathan Alan Dutra, Julia L. Meinershagen, Stephen E. Hodges, Thomas Moscibroda
  • Patent number: 9991910
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES GENERAL IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Weiwei Mao, Andrew Cable, Brett Hardy, Christopher John Abel
  • Patent number: 9979203
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDINGS B.V.
    Inventors: Bjorn Christiaan Wouter Kaag, Rainer Hilbig, Mareike Klee
  • Patent number: 9928391
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Sven Simons
  • Patent number: 9921556
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuaki Koyama
  • Patent number: 9900390
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Holloway, Benjamin C. Eckermann, Joseph P. Gergen, Craig C. Hunter, Bryan D. Marietta, David W. Todd
  • Patent number: 9847646
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: TIGO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Grana
  • Patent number: 9809321
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark Eugene Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Patent number: 9764727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Benavides, Nicholas S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9742346
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Esnault
  • Patent number: 9716445
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Chang Li, Wei-Lun Hsin, Xin-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 9632551
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shihwoei Sun, Charles N. Shaver
  • Patent number: 9595859
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Rakesh K. Dhawan