Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical-charging/discharging control apparatus composing an electric-power accumulation facility in conjunction with an electric-power accumulation battery and including: a communication section configured to receive a command to carry out either of electrical charging and discharging operations on the electric-power accumulation battery from an electric-power management apparatus for managing the electrical charging and discharging operations carried out on the electric-power accumulation battery; a control section configured to control the electrical charging and discharging operations carried out on the electric-power accumulation battery on the basis of the command; and a power conditioner for supplying electric power from an electric-power network to the electric-power accumulation battery and transferring electric power accumulated in the electric-power accumulation battery to the electric-power network in accordance with control carried out by the control section.

Abstract: An electric power conversion system includes a primary conversion circuit, and a secondary conversion circuit magnetically coupled to the primary conversion circuit by a transformer. At least one of the primary conversion circuit and the secondary conversion circuit includes a bypass circuit that short-circuits respective ends of a coil constituting the transformer. The primary conversion circuit, the secondary conversion circuit, the bypass circuit, and the transformer are configured such that electric power conversion is performed between any two input/output ports from among four input/output ports formed of two input/output ports of the primary conversion circuit and two input/output ports of the secondary conversion circuit.

Abstract: A relaying device for relaying serial communication that couples an upper level device and a power supply controller, the relaying device includes: a control information transmitter configured to, in response to receiving control information that is output from the upper level device to the power supply controller, transmit the control information, the control information being associated with power control; and a monitoring and controlling unit configured to monitor and control a control value to be transmitted to the power supply controller based on the control information transmitted from the control information transmitter.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).

Abstract: A digital information transfer system includes an electronic driver unit in electrical communication with a power supply to receive an input voltage. The driver converts the input data into output data based on a digital information transfer system protocol. An electronic fault detection is configured to determine a fault condition of the at least one output transmission line based on a comparison between a voltage level of the at least one output transmission line and the input voltage. An electronic fault protection module is in electrical communication with each of the driver unit, the at least one output transmission line and the fault detection module. The electronic fault protection module is configured to selectively disconnect the driver unit from the at least one output transmission line in response to detecting the fault condition.

Abstract: A charger includes a mains plug, a voltage conversion unit, a power port, a feedback resistor module, and a microprocessor. The power port includes a positive voltage pin, a negative voltage pin, and a control pin. The feedback resistor module is connected between the negative voltage pin, a feedback port of the voltage conversion unit, and ground. The microprocessor is connected to the control pin and the feedback resistor module. The feedback port of the voltage conversion unit outputs a constant voltage, and a current output by the charger is equal to a ratio between the constant voltage and a resistance value of the feedback resistor module. The microprocessor increases the resistance value of the feedback resistor module when receiving a first control signal, and decreases the resistance value of the feedback resistor module when receiving a second control signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a grid service controller receives advertisements from one or more grid service devices that indicate one or more grid control operations for which a corresponding grid service device is capable, and also maintains state and locality of the grid service devices. In response to receiving a request from a grid device for a particular grid control operation, the grid service controller may then direct the grid device to a particular grid service device capable of providing the particular grid control operation for the grid device based on the state and locality of the grid service devices, accordingly.

Abstract: A system including: first and second apparatuses that supply electric power to each other; the first and second apparatuses including first and second converters configured to convert externally supplied power to first and second direct current powers; a predicted value calculator configured to calculate first, second, and third predicted values of needed electric power in first, second, and third power source conditions based on a first conversion efficiency of the first converter and a second conversion efficiency of the second converter; and a controller configured to switch an electric power condition corresponding to a smallest predicted value of the first, second, and third predicted values.

Abstract: A communication interface circuit includes a register and a register setting circuit. The register holds a data value for controlling characteristics of an electronic circuit element included in the communication interface circuit. The register setting circuit changes a wire connection state on the basis of a control signal. The register setting circuit inputs a variable data value to the register to detect the data value corresponding to the characteristics of the electronic circuit element in a first wire connection state, and sets the data value detected in the first wire connection state in the register on the basis of a fixed value in a second wire connection state. A control circuit outputs the above control signal.

Abstract: A power management and distribution (PMAD) system includes a first power supply of a first type, a second power supply of a second type different from the first type and first and second loads. The PMAD system includes a matrix of solid state power controllers (SSPCs) connected between the first and second power supplies and the first and second loads. The matrix is configured to selectively supply each of the first and second loads with a plurality of different power levels based on on/off states of the SSPCs of the matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating selective activation of a multiplicity of emergency power generation equipment over a predetermined geographic area for distribution and/or storage to supply a microgrid of electrical power for a substantially similar geographic area.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical power supply apparatus, comprising a switch circuit, an output circuit, single-direction pass circuit and a control circuit. The output circuit is used for outputting a supply of main power source. The standby circuit is used for providing a supply of standby power source. The control circuit is for being capable of controlling the switch circuit according to a state of the external power source, wherein when the external power source is on, the switch circuit is in a cutoff state for allowing a first period or a second period of a power signal of the external power source transferred to the standby circuit through the single-direction pass circuit.

Abstract: A distributed power system is designed to continuously supply electric power to a load even when a system voltage of the electric power system becomes abnormal. The distributed power system includes a DC/DC converter to convert DC current generated by solar power generation facility to DC current with a predetermined output voltage, and an inverter to convert the DC current to an AC current which is output to an electric power system via a system interconnect switch. When the system voltage of the electric power system is abnormal, a control device makes the system interconnect switch open to switch operation modes of the DC/DC converter and inverter to a self-sustaining operation without stopping, and supplies electric power to a load connected between the inverter and the system interconnect switch.

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: An apparatus for collecting energy in connection with a sheave system in a hoisting apparatus provided with a sheave system. The apparatus includes at least one generator including a rotor and at least one stator. The rotor is connected rigidly to a sheave of the sheave system, and the at least one stator is connected rigidly to the sheave system such that when the load of the hoisting apparatus is rising or lowering, said at least one sheave rotates, whereby the rotor rotates simultaneously but the stator does not rotate, whereby electric energy is induced in the stator. The apparatus further includes electric energy storage, a device for modifying induced electric energy and storing it in energy storage; and a device for supplying energy from the energy storage to at least one consumption device. The consumption device may be, for example, a working lamp, sensor, measuring device, communications device, signal device, charging plug or a combination of these mounted in connection with the sheave system.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a node coupled to a power network and a communications link includes receiving a status from a further node coupled to the power network via the communications link, and adjusting a power consumption of a device coupled to the node and powered by the power network based on the status message and based on a first rule set.

Abstract: A method for power distribution management includes receiving data specifying a group of Power Distribution Units (PDUs) from which an electronic device powered by at least one of the group of PDUs draws power; and automatically determining whether the electronic device is redundantly powered.

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: A three phase to single phase automatic transfer switch for providing power to at least one single phase power load from one of a primary and a secondary source of three phase power. The automatic transfer switch includes three pairs of switches, wherein each pair of switches is connectable to the primary and the secondary sources of three phase power, wherein each switch operates in unison with the other switch within its pair, wherein each pair of switches is connectable to a different one of the at least one single phase power load, and wherein each pair of switches is operable independently of the other pairs of switches.

Abstract: A power contactor that includes a number of inputs for a number of power sources, a number of outputs for a number of loads, a number of separable contacts for each pair of the number of inputs and the number of outputs, and an electromagnetic coil. The power contactor also includes a control circuit structured to control the electromagnetic coil to cause the number of separable contacts to open or close, and a plurality of plug-in pins. Each of the plug-in pins is for a corresponding one of the number of inputs and the number of outputs, and is structured to plug into a backplane socket. The power contactor also includes an electrically insulating housing electrically insulating each of the plug-in pins from the other the plug-in pins.

Abstract: A control unit connected to power supplies and loads transitions between states to connect supplies and loads in various configurations. In a first state, for example, the first supply and first load are connected in series, and the second supply and second load are connected in series. In a second state, the first supply and second load are connected in series, and the second supply and first load are connected in series. The control unit transitions between states via a transition state in which all supplies and loads are connected in parallel, avoiding load power disruptions. First and second power supplies can be rechargeable battery packs, and first and second loads can be any devices drawing or generating power. If one load is a motor and the other a generator, one battery can power the motor and the other battery can be charged using the generator.

Abstract: An arrangement which includes two or more energy storage units for electrical energy connected in series, and two or more balancing resistor units. Each balancing resistor unit is connected in parallel with one of the energy storage units. The arrangement also includes means for determining a voltage over all of the series-connected energy storage units and means for determining the energy storage unit voltages between poles of the energy storage units. One or more of the balancing resistor units include a base resistor unit and a control resistor unit connected in series and a switching device connected in parallel with the control resistor units.

Abstract: A microcomputer includes a first switch coupled between a main power supply terminal and a power supply node, and a second switch coupled between an auxiliary power supply terminal and the power supply node. The microcomputer compares a voltage V1 of the main power supply terminal with a reference voltage VR1. When V1>VR1, the microcomputer turns on the first switch and turns off the second switch, and when V1<VR1, the microcomputer turns off the first switch, and turns on/off the second switch to gradually increase a voltage V3 of the power supply node. Thus, the operation of a clock generation circuit driven by V3 can be stable even when V3 is changed from V1 to V2.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and power sharing servers that include a computer processor; a computer memory operatively coupled to the computer processor; a power supply unit coupled to a power domain unit via a power supply unit port; an intravoltage port configured to receive a shared power cable coupled to an intravoltage port of a different power sharing server; and a transfused power card coupled to the power supply unit via a primary input power line, the transfused power card further coupled to the intravoltage port via a shared power line, the transfused power card configured to export electrical current via an intravoltage port when the transfused power card is receiving electrical current, above a threshold, from the power supply unit, and import electrical current via the intravoltage port when the transfused power card is not receiving electrical current, above the threshold, from the power supply unit.

Abstract: There is provided a prioritization circuit which selects one of a system power supply and a secondary battery unit as a selected supply source and the other as a non-selected supply source and which causes supply of electric power with a higher priority from the selected supply source to a power supply unit, wherein the non-selected supply source is connected to the power supply unit through a diode element which generates a voltage drop and the selected supply source supplies electric power to the power supply unit without passing through a diode 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: 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: According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a first power supply configured to generate a first power signal having one of a plurality of voltages, and a second power supply configured to generate a second power signal that includes a voltage equal to or higher than a voltage of the first power signal. The apparatus may include a first electrical circuit configured to be powered by the first power supply. The apparatus may also include a power mode controller configured to: determine the voltage of the first power signal during the next power state, and generate a selector control signal based upon the voltage of the first power signal. The apparatus may also include a power supply selector configured to dynamically electrically couple a second electrical circuit with either the first power signal or the second power signal, based upon the selector control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the load profile of a low or medium voltage electric network that is supplied by at least an electric power source. The electric network comprises one or more electric loads and one or more controllable switching devices for disconnecting/connecting said electric loads from/with said electric power source. The method comprises the step of measuring a time window from a reference instant, the step of determining at least a check instant comprised in said time window and the step of executing a load profile control procedure at said check instant. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a control system for executing the above described method.

Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory (NVM), and control circuitry comprising a first voltage regulator having a first output operable to generate a first current, and a second voltage regulator having a second output operable to generate a second current. When in an independent mode, the first current is operable to supply a first load independent of the second current, and the second current is operable to supply a second load independent of the first current. When in a parallel mode, the second output is coupled to the first output in order to increase the first current supplied to the first load and decrease the second current supplied to the second load.

Abstract: A structure and a first panel are operably disposed with respect to the structure. A first plurality of nodes is disposed within the first panel, including a first plurality of power distribution network nodes in a first power distribution network, and wherein the first plurality of nodes further comprises a first group of nodes. A second panel is operably disposed with respect to the structure. A second plurality of nodes is disposed within the second panel, including a second plurality of power distribution network nodes in a second power distribution network isolated from the first power distribution network. The second plurality of nodes further comprises a second group of nodes. A bus guardian, separate from the two panels, electrically connects the first panel and the second panel. The bus guardian is configured to network the first group of nodes and the second group of nodes in a network.

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: The device management server is provided with a power consumption acquisition unit that acquires information relating to power consumption of each of a plurality of sockets; a communication unit that performs communication with an object device from among devices connected to a network in order to change power consumption of the object device; a socket specifying unit that specifies a socket in which power consumption has changed within a period of time relating to the communication on the basis of information acquired by the power consumption acquisition unit; and an association unit 24 that associates the object device with the socket specified by the socket specifying unit.

Abstract: An electric power retail management apparatus according to an embodiment includes a power generation source selection unit. The power generation source selection unit selects, as a power generation source for supplying electric power corresponding to an amount of electric power supplied to each of electric power consumers, one or more power generation sources of which one or more types are selected by each of the electric power consumers from among a plurality of power generation sources for each electric power consumer on the basis of an amount of electric power supplied from the power generation sources.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for managing a plurality of battery modules are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system may include two or more battery modules with each battery module having a state of charge. The system may include at least one battery management system for monitoring the state of charge of each of the battery modules. The system may include a communications network in communication with the at least one battery management system whereby the at least one battery management system provides data regarding the state of charge for each battery module using the communication network.

Abstract: A power management system suitable for dynamically allocating power provided by a selected power source among one or more associated loads and methods for manufacturing and using same. In a normal operation mode, the power source provides power to one or more enabled loads. The selection of loads that are enabled, and therefore the provided power, can dynamically vary over time. If an undesired power condition arises, a power limiting mode is entered, wherein at least one of the enabled loads is disabled. The resultant power provided by the power source to the remaining enabled loads is measured, and the power limit mode is maintained until the undesired power condition is resolved. As needed, further corrective action, such as disabling additional enabled loads, can be applied to resolve the undesired power condition. The power management system thereby can comprise a hierarchical system for dynamically resolving undesired power conditions.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus that includes at least one circuit block and a voltage source configured to supply a first voltage to the at least one circuit block. The apparatus also includes a power delivery unit configured to be selectively activated based on a whether a quantity of power is to be delivered from the power delivery unit to the circuit block. A control unit is configured to, upon a change in power consumption of the at least one circuit block, activate the auxiliary power delivery unit to deliver the quantity of power to the circuit block. The auxiliary power delivery unit can quickly supply large currents since it does not necessarily rely on slow control loops using voltage sensing. Rather, the auxiliary power delivery unit often delivers pre-calculated current profiles to respond to the timing characteristic of the change of power consumption and of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A motor control device has a current value sampling unit configured to sample a current value of a motor, a PWM signal generation unit configured to generate a PWM signal to drive the motor, based on the sampled current value of the motor, and a power supply stop unit configured to stop supply of power from a control power supply to a peripheral depending on power stored in a DC link part and power to which the control power source can supply when an alternating-current power source fails.

Abstract: A programmable power distributing sequencer including a plurality of internal regulators, an internal memory adapted to store a user programmable script including instructions for sequentially enabling and disabling the regulators, and a controller adapted to enable and disable the regulators based on the script. The controller may receive the user programmable script from a programming source, such as an applications processor, an external memory, or external programming device. Before using the user programmable script, the controller may execute a default script stored in the internal memory to initially power up the programming source. The sequencer may further include an external port for similarly controlling one or more external regulators. The port may also be used to connect multiple sequencers together, such as in a cascaded, hierarchical, and/or redundant manner. Additionally, the sequencer may include a fault detection module for detecting faulty operating regulators.

Abstract: A multi-port power switch device may intelligently detect whether a portable electronic device is connected to one of the output ports provided. The output ports can automatically be switched on and off as needed depending on whether they are connected to a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Low voltage systems and methods, as well as a light assembly and LED driver are provided. In one aspect, a low voltage system is provided that is capable of drawing power from a power source having a first voltage, the system having at least one low voltage power supply connectable to the power source and having an output providing a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage. The system further has at least one low voltage load and circuit means connecting the output of the power supply to the at least one low voltage load. The at least one load can be a light assembly, and the light assembly can comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). Also provided is an LED driver that provides for one or more improved dimming characteristics. A light assembly employing the LED driver is also provided.

Abstract: A demand response unit (DRU) interposed between a utility's electrical power line (PL) and at least one load (L1-Ln) to which power is supplied by the utility over the line. A detector (Fdet or Vdet) measures a characteristic (frequency F, voltage V) of an electrical waveform (W) by which power is transmitted by the utility to the load. The detector determines both when the measured frequency or voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold for a first predetermined period of time; and, if the threshold is exceeded, when the frequency or voltage exceeds the second predetermined threshold for a second predetermined period of time. For this purpose, the detector processes a predetermined number of intervals of the waveform and produces an average value of the characteristic which is compared to the threshold. This is done to reduce the effect of extraneous events which may temporarily change the value of the frequency or voltage.

Abstract: An improved power manager includes a power bus (410) and multiple device ports (1-5), with at least one device port configured as a universal port (3 and 4) to be selectively connected to the power bus over an input power channel that includes an input power converter (510) or over a output or universal power channel (412, 416) that includes an output power converter (440, 442). The universal power channel (412) allows the input port (4) to be selected as an output power channel instead of an input power channel (i.e. operated as a universal port) for outputting power to device port (4) over power converter (440). The improved power manager (500) includes operating modes for altering an operating voltage of the power bus (505), to minimize overall power conversion losses due to DC to DC power conversions used to connect non-bus voltage compatible power devices to the power bus.

Abstract: Systems for reducing power usage and/or wastage use sensors to gather information about a circuit and its usage. Triggers are identified based on the information from the sensors, and subsequently used to control power delivery by reversibly effectuating energization and deactivation of particular circuits through smart nodes.

Abstract: A detector arrangement included in an electric circuit arrangement which includes a stand by shut down and which comprises a first power supply (1) which is connected to mains voltage and which converts the mains voltage to a first voltage adapted for an electric motor (5) included in the electric circuit, the first power supply being, by means of a supply conductor (3) across a switch (4) by which the electric circuit may be closed or opened, is connected with its positive pole (2) to said motor, and the motor is, by means of a return conductor (6), connected to the negative pole (7) of said first power supply, as well as a control circuit (15) which, on the one hand, is connected via a first signal conductor (16), to the first power supply and, on the other hand, to an included second power supply (1 1) which feeds the control circuit with a second voltage which is substantially lower than the first voltage and which, with its negative pole, is connected to the return conductor, and detector means for regis

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for local demand response between alternative-energy power-generators, traditional controlled-energy power-generators, and power-consuming loads coupled to a DC bus are disclosed. As a DC bus operating voltage fluctuates between a minimum bus operating voltage to a maximum bus operating voltage, it triggers different power-generators and different power-consumers each having staggered control voltage ranges that enable them to come on-line or go off-line, depending on the bus operating voltage, thereby providing distributed, autonomous and self-regulating demand response performance. Loads vary from opportunistic loads at high alternative-energy generation scenarios, to necessary loads powered by backup or traditional power-generators for low alternative-energy generation scenarios. Safety limits are provided with voltage limits and foldback limits.

Abstract: Power supplies for electronic devices (e.g., portable ultrasound devices) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a stack of batteries and one or more switches between the batteries can change a voltage provided to a terminal that is connectable to a load. A charge pump comprising a number of capacitors are connected by switches. In one configuration, the switches are set so that each capacitor is charged from a common voltage source. In another mode, the switches are connected such that capacitors can be connected in series to provide a multiple of the charging voltage to the load.

Abstract: A system includes at least one active energy transfer coil and a first passive energy transfer coil. The active energy transfer coil is configured to couple with a power supply. The at least one active energy transfer coil has an active coupling range. The first passive energy transfer coil is magnetically coupled to the active energy transfer coil and is located within the active coupling range. The first passive energy transfer coil has a passive coupling range. The first passive energy transfer coil is configured to provide energy to a first device located within the passive coupling range and based on energy received from the at least one active energy transfer coil.

Abstract: A system and method for managing electrical loads in a vehicle includes a high voltage power source capable of providing electrical power to at least one high voltage load. An electrical converter is operable to receive an input of high voltage power from the high voltage power source and to provide an output of low voltage power to one or more low voltage loads. A control system is in communication with the converter, and it is configured to receive signals from the converter related to the converter output, and cut power to at least one of the low voltage loads when the signals received from the converter indicate that the high voltage power source cannot provide full power to the low voltage loads.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including at least one electrode, and a panel driving unit configured to drive the display panel. The display device further includes a power storage unit configured to store received power, and a switching unit configured to electrically connect the at least one electrode to one of the panel driving unit and the power storage unit.