Abstract: A multi-port converter includes a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) that provides a faster dynamic response to load changes than prior art systems, and enables either downsizing of the main energy storage system (ESS) to increase the life of the main ESS (e.g. energy battery), or retaining the same size ESS and increasing the range or life of the power source. The multi-port convertor can advantageously result in lower investment and maintenance costs, and can also advantageously provide a path for inputs to directly feed the load. All these benefits can be achieved while reducing the number of active switches and overall component count as compared to prior art systems.

Abstract: A power supply for a power line includes a synchronization module having a receiver configured for receiving a clock signal from a satellite-based positioning system and an oscillator configured for generating a periodic signal synchronized to the received clock signal. The power supply includes an inverter module having an inverter configured for supplying an AC voltage to the power line, receiving the periodic signal from the synchronization module, and controlling the inverter using the received periodic signal as a synchronization reference signal for the supplied AC voltage. The power supply further includes a power exchange control module configured for: monitoring an active power flow P from the inverter module to the power line, determining whether the active power flow P satisfies a reverse-flow condition, and when the reverse-flow condition is determined, adapting at least one of a phase and an output voltage of the supplied AC voltage.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) includes a rectifier configured to receive alternating current (AC) power. The UPS further includes a first output connected to the rectifier through an inverter. The first output is configured to output an AC power supply. The UPS also includes a second output connected to the rectifier through a battery backup and a stepdown converter. The second output is configured to output a direct current (DC) power supply in response to a detected power anomaly condition, thereby providing extra redundancy that allows for increased power availability and uptime.

Abstract: A power generation system comprises a generator set, a switch device, an electrical storage device, a first inverter, a second inverter, and a controller. The switch device includes an input terminal connected to the generator set and an output terminal connected to a load. The first inverter is connected between the input terminal and the electrical storage device. The second inverter is connected between the output terminal and the electrical storage device. The controller is communicably coupled to the generator set, the switch device, the first inverter, and the second inverter. The controller is configured to determine whether an external power source is providing power to the load and, if not, the controller operates the power generation system in a first state. If the external power source is providing power to the load, the controller operates the power generation system in a second state.

Abstract: During a steady-state mode of operating a fuel cell system, a system power is generated by fuel cells and is provided via a steady-state bus to a first BOP load, to a second BOP load, and to a power grid via a transformer and via at least one of a bi-directional first inverter or a bi-directional second inverter. During startup mode operation of the fuel cell system, external power from the power grid is provided via the transformer, via one of the first or second inverters and via a startup bus to the first BOP load and the second BOP load.

Abstract: An off-grid power system includes a first renewable electrical power assembly configured to produce direct current (DC) electrical power from a first renewable source; a second renewable electrical power assembly configured to produce DC electrical power from a second renewable source; an electrical power circuit that electrically couples the first and second renewable electrical power assemblies together and changes the DC electrical power to at least one of a DC power supply or an alternating current (AC) power supply; and an off-grid hydrocarbon production or processing facility electrically coupled to the electrical power circuit to receive the at least one of the DC power supply or the AC power supply from the electrical power circuit.

Abstract: A customer's solar array is connected to a utility-owned battery and inverter system. The battery and inverter system may convert DC power from the solar array or a battery bank to provide AC power to the grid. The inverter system may also convert AC power from the grid to DC power to charge the battery bank, or the battery bank may be charged by DC power from the solar array. The utility's inverter system is connected to the customer's premise on the utility's side of the meter. A transfer switch provides either grid power to the premise or AC power from the inverter via the battery bank. A solar production meter on the utility side measures power flowing from the solar array to the grid, as well as power flowing between the battery bank and the grid.

Abstract: An alternating current/direct current input device includes an appliance input socket and an information and communications technology (ICT) device. The ICT device is powered by the appliance input socket. The appliance input socket includes a ground contact, a positive electrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal switch. A contact depth of the signal switch in the appliance input socket is less than a contact depth of the positive electrode contact or the negative electrode contact in the appliance input socket. The signal switch is configured to generate a control signal when a direct current connector is separated from the appliance input socket. The control signal can be used to enable the ICT device to disconnect the appliance input socket from a conductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICT device enters a no load state.

Abstract: A method for operating a microgrid electric power generation system includes delivering energy to an electric power bus at least partially from one or more kinetic generators electrically coupled to the electric power bus, controlling the one or more kinetic generators in response to a change in a load such that a magnitude of a voltage on the electric power bus remains within a predetermined voltage range, and controlling one or more combustion generators electrically coupled to the electric power bus based at least in part on an operating state of the one or more kinetic generators. The one or more kinetic generators are capable of (a) delivering energy stored therein to the electric power bus, and (b) storing energy in kinetic form.

Abstract: A management system includes a management apparatus; and a power conversion apparatus configured to convert, at least one of output power from a distributed power source and input power into the distributed power source, into AC power or DC power. The management apparatus includes: a receiver configured to receive a power control message controlling the power conversion apparatus, from an external server of a business operator that manages a power system to which the distributed power source is connected; and a transmitter configured to transmit the power control message to the power conversion apparatus, and the power conversion apparatus is configured to operate without following the power control message in a predetermined state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for power generation and distribution according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a control system for controlling electrical power flowing between a main electrical grid providing main electrical grid power having a frequency, a supplemental power system, and a load. The control system may operate in conjunction with a switch system, wherein the switch system selectively connects the supplemental power system to the main electrical grid. A controller may be responsive to the main electrical grid power frequency and control the switch system. The controller may compare the main electrical grid power frequency to a first threshold and autonomously cause the switch system to connect the supplemental power system to the main electrical grid in response to the frequency of the main electrical grid power crossing the first threshold.

Abstract: A first controller for a first DC/DC converter is configured to generate a first current command value based on a smallest value of an output current when an output voltage of the solar battery is equal to an optimum operating voltage in maximum power point tracking control and an output current for outputting a consumption current between the solar battery and the DC load and a charging current of the power storage apparatus. A second controller for a second DC/DC converter is configured to generate a second current command value such that a voltage of the output terminal is equal to a reference voltage.

Abstract: Provided is a control device of a home energy management system (HEMS). The control device includes a communication unit configured to connect to a HEMS gateway, a storage unit configured to store power usage information for a predetermined period in a home in which the HEMS gateway is installed, and a control unit configured to predict power consumption amount on the basis of the power usage information for the predetermined period, predict a power generation amount of a photovoltaic (PV) module connected to the HEMS gateway, calculate a PV power amount to be sold on the basis of the predicted power generation amount and power consumption amount, set sales price with respect to the calculated power amount on the basis of purchase information of purchasers, and control the HEMS so that sale power corresponding to the calculated power amount is provided on the basis of the set sales price.

Abstract: A power receiving apparatus receives a bus voltage from a power supply apparatus via a cable, and supplies the bus voltage to a load circuit. A power receiver side controller receives, as a power supply, a voltage VADP of a bus line that is more toward a bus switch. The power receiver side controller is capable of communicating with a power supply side controller of the power supply apparatus. Furthermore, the power receiver side controller determines the voltage to be supplied based on a negotiation, and controls the bus switch. A short circuit detection circuit detects a short circuit of a bus line that is more toward the load circuit side than the bus switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parallel operation of multiple power sources including one fuel cell power source. The apparatus includes a droop controller master communicatively connected to the multiple power sources and configured to measure a load demand for the multiple power sources, a first droop controller slave communicatively connected to the droop controller master and to a first fuel cell power source, the first droop controller configured to calculate a first droop profile for the first fuel cell power source, a second droop controller slave communicatively connected to the droop controller master and to a second power source, and a first inverter, electrically connected to the first fuel cell power source and communicatively connected to the first droop controller slave, and configured to output power according to a first droop profile.

Abstract: A system for providing mechanical and electrical power in a vehicle or other engine-driven platform includes a first engine having a first power rating and a second engine having a second power rating that is less than the first power rating. The system further includes a first generator (for example, an alternator) for generating electrical power for a load operation (such as vehicle propulsion), and a second generator (for example, a DFIG) for generating fixed frequency electrical power; both generators are operatively connected to and powered by the first and/or second engines. The first and/or second engines may be selected to power the first generator for generating power for vehicle propulsion or another load operation depending upon situational power requirements of the engine-driven platform.

Abstract: A power converting device includes an AC/DC converter, a switch, and a controlling unit. The AC/DC converter converts AC power into a DC voltage, and provides the DC voltage to a load. The switch is coupled to a backup power source. The controlling unit receives the DC voltage. If the DC voltage is less than a predetermined voltage or a decrease of the DC voltage is greater than a predetermined percentage of the DC voltage and the controlling unit receives a voltage command signal of the backup power source, the controlling unit turns on the switch for providing the backup power source to the load.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system includes an electrical power router with input ports and output ports and distributes an electrical signal received on one of the input ports to one of output ports. An electrical input adapter coupled to one of the input ports and further to couple to an electrical power source receives and convert an electrical signal input from the electrical power source to the electrical signal distributed by the power router. An electrical output adapter coupled to one of the output ports and further to couple to an electrical power load receives and converts the electrical signal distributed by the power router from the one of the output ports to an electrical signal output to the electrical power load. A controller coupled to the electrical input adapter, the electrical output adapter, and the electrical power router, controls transmission of the electrical signal from the electrical input adapter to the electrical output adapter through the electrical power router.

Abstract: A control method for a system having an inverter with a direct current (DC) connection includes a DC source and an additional DC source or DC sink connected in parallel to the DC connection. An actuator configured to adjust at least one of voltage at the DC source, current supplied by the DC source, and output supplied by the DC source, or the voltage at the DC sink, current drawn by the DC sink, and the output drawn by the DC sink adjusts at least one parameter of the system relating to at least one of voltage, current, and output at the DC source, the DC sink, and/or the DC connection such that voltage at the DC connection, current flowing through the DC connection, output supplied through the DC connection to the inverter, or output supplied through the DC connection from the inverter, corresponds to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A UPS system with network monitoring and attached battery pack information sensing functions includes a UPS apparatus including a UPS body and a UPS monitoring module, and attached battery packs coupled to the UPS body. Each attached battery pack includes a battery pack body, and a battery pack monitoring module that includes a control unit, a sensor module for detecting the status information of the battery pack body, a memory, and a network interface for communication with the UPS monitoring module through a local area network to transmit the status information of the battery pack body. When the battery pack monitoring module transmits the status information to the UPS monitoring module, the manager can link a web browser of an external equipment to a battery pack status page provided by a built-in web server of the UPS monitoring module to get the status information of every attached battery pack.

Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An over-current protection circuit includes a first connector, a first current measuring unit, a first switch unit, a first resistor unit, and a second connector. The first connector is electrically coupled to a power supply unit (PSU). When a current of the first resistor unit measured by the first current measuring unit is less than a first reference value, the first switch unit is turned on, and the second connector receives a first power supply from the PSU. When the current of the first resistor unit measured by the first current measuring unit is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the first switch unit is turned off, and the second connector does not receive the first power supply from the PSU.

Abstract: A system for staring a large-scale power load in a micro grid comprises a PCC grid connection switch, a micro grid alternating-current bus, an active power filter (APF), an energy storage inverter, an energy storage battery, a current-limiting resistor R, contactors K1-K3, a time relay KT, a power supply relay board, a micro grid maser control system, a frequency converter rectifying circuit, a frequency converter filter circuit, and a frequency converter inverter circuit. There are the advantages: an output torque of a power load can be effectively improved by using a variable frequency starting apparatus, and a starting current is also small; the provided method can effectively reduce a harmonic current when a variable frequency starting apparatus starts a power load, the phenomenon that two power sources supply power on a direct-current side of the variable frequency starting apparatus at the same time is avoided, thereby improving the stability and the economy of a micro grid.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an electric apparatus is provided with a connection device configured to connect with an external power supply, a battery and a plurality of power load sections, and a controller programmed to select a supply destination of power of the external power supply from a plurality of the power load sections, and supply power of the battery to another power load section except the supply destination according to supply capacity of the external power supply connected with the connection device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a storage system includes storage devices configured to execute communication by using an identifier, a converter configured to convert the identifier of the storage devices, a controller configured to execute communication with the storage devices via the converter by using the identifier converted by the converter, convert a DC power output from the storage devices into a DC power of a predetermined magnitude and output the DC power, and charge the storage devices with the DC power of the predetermined magnitude, an AC/DC converter configured to convert the DC power output from the controller into an AC power, convert an AC power supplied from a distribution system into a DC power and supply the DC power to the controller, and a controller configured to control the controller and the AC/DC converter.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a plurality of power inputs configured to receive direct current from a plurality of external power adapters that convert alternating current to direct current. The plurality of external power adapters may include a primary external power adapter and at least one backup external power adapter. The apparatus may also include a power output configured to provide direct current to a device. In addition, the apparatus may include a switching mechanism that, when the primary external power adapter is operational, supplies direct current from the primary external power adapter to the power output and, when the primary external power adapter fails, supplies direct current from the backup external power adapter to the power output. Various additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power converter for a fuel cell is provided. The power converter includes a boost converter connected to the fuel cell and configured to control a load voltage at a predetermined magnitude in a normal operation mode and to induce an output response by applying a predetermined perturbation current to the fuel cell in a diagnosis mode, and a digital signal processor configured to extract an impedance parameter by detecting the output response of the fuel cell in the diagnosis mode, and predict a lifespan of the fuel cell according to the impedance parameter. The normal operation mode is configured to supply a voltage in response to a change of a load and the diagnosis mode is configured to predict the lifespan of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A mixer (power packet generation device) 2 includes switches 21A, 21B, packet generation means 28A, 28B, and a selector 29. The packet generator 28A (28B) causes the switch 21A (21B) to perform ON/OFF operation, based on a target voltage, and a voltage estimated as being applied to a load 4A (4B) in each of a state where a power packet is supplied to the load and a state where no power packet is supplied to the load. The selector 29 performs switching between a state where the packet generators 28A, 28B cause the switches 21A, 21B to perform ON/OFF operation, and a state where the packet generators 28A, 28B maintain the switches 21A, 21B in their OFF states.

Abstract: An electric device in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a connector, a power supply unit, a connection-detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control electric power supplied to the power supply unit from a battery so as to increase electric power supplied to the power supply unit when the connection-detection unit detects that an external device is connected to the connector.

Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the creation of a centrally controlled DC and AC power rail system within a structure. The rails utilize a centralized controller along with a plurality of distributed controllers to allow for power in the rails to be selectively distributed or not distributed to outlets attached to the rails. This allows for power to be distributed without the need for users to utilize hardwired switches, but to instead utilize generally wireless switch modules, which may be implemented in hardware and/or software to control the outlets. It also allows for devices designed to utilize DC power to be directly supplied with such power from the DC power rail without the need to include onboard AC-DC converters with each device.

Abstract: A method for providing power to a computer data center includes distributing a fluid through a single common domain throughout the computer data center building; converting the fluid into electrical energy at a plurality of electric power generation units that are distributed through the computer data center and connected to receive fluid from the common domain; and providing electrical power from the plurality of power generation units to corresponding electrical loads distributed throughout the computer data center building.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for achieving power shut down or disconnect at individual solar panel level for a DC solar power system. The system provides fail safe power disconnect for emergencies or electrical system maintenance. A high-frequency current source signal is transmitted over DC power lines to each junction box of a photovoltaic panel array. The high frequency signal is transmitted concurrently with the DC power, and is isolated from an inverter by an inductor. A communications receiver circuit controls the PV panel to short circuit the PV panel output terminals and disconnect the PV panel from the output terminals in response to the high-frequency signal.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of utilization of distributed power generations and smart power management and, relates to an electric power router with multiple power supply modes; it includes a control unit, a communication module, a bidirectional alternate/direct current converter, a switch array, a direct current power line, two alternate current power lines, a power line measuring module, and router ports; wherein, the router ports include a plurality of power source ports and load ports; the switch array includes a single throw switch for grid connection and a plurality of double throw switches, all of which are controlled by the control unit; the direct current power source ports of the router ports are connected to the direct current power line, the direct current power line is connected to the second alternate current power line through the bidirectional alternate/direct current converter; the alternate current power source ports and load ports are connected through two alternate current p

Abstract: An energy storage system including: a battery; a power conditioning system coupled to the battery, switches coupleable to an internal load of the power conditioning system, the battery, a grid, or an external load; and a controller to: receive energy usage cost information of the grid and residual capacity information of the battery; determine which of an energy of the battery or the grid is to be provided to the external load, and to determine which of the energy of the battery or the grid is to be provided to the internal load, according to the energy usage cost information and the residual capacity information; and control the switches according to the determination to provide the energy of the battery or the grid to the external load, and to provide the energy of the battery or the grid to the internal load.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is configured to provide both AC and DC protected power. The circuit breaker is packaged in a housing that includes a tripping module, a DC power supply, an AC load terminal, and a DC load terminal. The tripping module senses and responds to electrical faults by interrupting power, and the DC power supply converts received AC power to DC power. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker may be configured as a main breaker of a circuit breaker panel, while in other embodiments the circuit breaker may be configured as a branch circuit breaker that occupies a single branch circuit breaker mounting location in a circuit breaker panel. Methods of assembling a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting a short circuit in an electrical component during a start-up routine. In an embodiment, a device may have a problematic display having a short circuit that may result in damage to other components of the device if the device were allowed to fully startup during a normal start-up routine. Thus, power supplied to the panel may be initiated in stages so as to monitor any current that may be flowing through the panel, which in turn, may be indicative of a short circuit in the panel. If enough “leakage” current is detected through the panel during this staged startup routine, then a short-circuit detection circuit may interrupt the startup routine and lock out the operation of the device until the detected short circuit in the panel can be addressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes circuits and methods for controlling the operation of a switching regulator. Closing and opening high side and low side switches may be controlled so that an inductor current may be used to charge and/or discharge an intermediate switching node when both switches are open. In one embodiment, delays between a low-to-high transition and a high-to-low transition of an AC stage may be cycled over multiple periods of a DC stage.

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. Master and slave controllers dynamically monitor operating conditions at the monitor nodes during operation of each source and each load, and selectively dynamically control the switches to interconnect the cells in different circuit topologies in response to the monitored operating conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a microgrid module. The microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a power management software module and a control software module installed on a microgrid computer. The power management software module uses received business parameters to create rules for applying to the operation of the microgrid module. The rules are stored locally at the microgrid computer so that they can be quickly accessed by a control software module. The control software module uses the rules in combination with data collected from sensors installed in the physical circuitry layer of the microgrid module to control the operations of the microgrid module.

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 method for operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes charging a battery of the electronic device. The method also includes receiving a booting input. The method further includes determining a remaining capacity of the battery. The method includes determining a charging mode of the battery when the remaining capacity of the battery is within a reference range. The method also includes booting in a booting mode corresponding to the charging mode.

Abstract: An extension cord with AC and DC output, includes a first conducting line coupled to a positive end of a DC source and a first end of an AC source, a second conducting line coupled to a negative end of the DC source, a third conducting line coupled to a second end of the AC source, a first socket, and a second socket. The first socket includes a first node, a second node a third node respectively coupled to the first conducting line, the second conducting line, and the third conducting line. The second socket includes a fourth node, a fifth node and a sixth node respectively coupled to the first conducting line, the second conducting line, and the third conducting line. The second node floats when the first socket is provided with the AC output. The third node floats when the first socket is provided with the DC output.

Abstract: A system comprises a fixture and a controller that is configured to power the fixture from an alternating current (AC) source and a direct current (DC) source. The controller is configured to automatically switch from powering the fixture from the DC source to powering the fixture from the AC source in response to a time of day. Related systems, methods and computer program products are described.

Abstract: A converter is described, in particular a DC/DC converter for use in a motor vehicle, including: a converter circuit, which is situated between a first network and a second network to convert a direct current or alternating current at an input terminal on the input side into a direct current or alternating current at the output terminal on the output side, the direct current or alternating current on the input side and the direct current or alternating current on the output side being based on a shared potential; a first monitoring circuit, which is situated between the input terminal and the converter circuit to detect a current flow into the converter circuit; a second monitoring circuit, which is situated between the output terminal and the converter circuit to detect a current flow into the converter circuit; a first separation element, which is situated between the input terminal and the converter circuit to establish a connection between the input terminal and the converter circuit and/or a second separ

Abstract: Control systems and devices for fuzzy logic control are disclosed. The devices may include various inputs, outputs, and levels thereof that may be controlled, for example by a logic controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a power supply device having one or more converters (DC/DC and/or AC/DC) that convert input power supplied from one or more power sources, and a secondary battery which is charged by receiving power supplied from power sources. In addition, however, the power supply device has the unique feature of increasing power output by serially connecting the secondary battery to the DC/DC converter and/or AC/DC converter. In this regard, the secondary battery may comprise a Lithium Ion battery.

Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A power supply system 90 includes high frequency power supplies 92 and 93 that supply a high frequency power for plasma generation; a DC power supply 91 that supplies a DC voltage to be applied to an electrode; and control unit 94 that controls the high frequency power supplies 92 and 93 and the DC power supply 91 including a first DC power supply unit 101 that supplies a first negative DC voltage V1, a second DC power supply unit 102 that supplies a second negative DC voltage V2 having a higher absolute value than the first negative DC voltage V1, and a selecting circuit 103 that selectively connects the first DC power supply unit 101 and the second DC power supply unit 102 to the electrode; and a discharging circuit 104 connected with a node 109 between the first DC power supply unit 101 and the selecting circuit 103.

Abstract: A multilayer control framework for a power system includes a hybrid storage system (HSS) to store energy using a plurality of energy storage devices; a local controller coupled to the HSS to smooth output power of wind or photovoltaic energy sources while regulating a State of Charge (SoC) of the HSS; and a system-wide controller coupled to the HSS activated upon an occurrence of one or more energy disturbances with a control strategy designed to improve system dynamics to address the one or more energy disturbances.