By Control Of One Or More Load Circuits Patents (Class 307/34)
  • Patent number: 11876371
    Abstract: The mapping of electric power distribution circuits and electric power outlets to breakers in a breaker panel is accomplished by providing a plurality of smart power testing devices and a control device that communicates with each of the smart power testing devices. Each of the smart power testing devices is connected to a respective one of the electric power outlets in a structure. Each smart power testing device can detect the AC voltage level provided at the electric power outlet. A user opens each breaker in the breaker panel, in succession. When a smart power testing device senses loss of AC voltage, it transmits a message to the control device. The control device can then identify which outlets are on a common electric power circuit, and by opening each breaker in succession, the control device can creating a mapping of outlets to breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Mark Schwarzbach, John Hubert, Marc Edward Rippen
  • Patent number: 11870186
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a power distribution device. The power distribution device includes an input to receive power, a plurality of outputs, each output of the plurality of outputs being configured to provide output power, and being coupled to the input, a plurality of switching devices, each switching device of the plurality of switching devices being coupled to a respective output of the plurality of outputs, and a controller coupled to each of the plurality of switching devices. The controller is configured to receive power information indicative of the output power provided by each output of the plurality of outputs, determine, based on the power information, that an overcurrent condition exists, select, based on the power information and based on the determination that the overcurrent condition exists, at least one of the plurality of switching devices to disable, and disable the at least one switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hui-Ju Lee, Huang-Yun Chen
  • Patent number: 11588500
    Abstract: A load control device may be used to control and deliver power to an electrical load. The load control device may comprise a control circuit for controlling the power delivered to the electrical load. The load control device may comprise multiple actuators, where each of the actuators is connected between a terminal of the control circuit and a current regulating device. The number of the actuators may be greater than the number of the terminals. The control circuit may measure signals at the terminals and determine a state configuration for the actuators based on the measured signals. The control circuit may compare the state configuration to a predetermined dataset to detect a ghosting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: Jaykrishna A. Shukla
  • Patent number: 11249529
    Abstract: Examples described herein include a removable power inlet, a removable power supply, and an electrical connection between the removable power inlet and the removable power supply. The removable power inlet may send a signal to the removable power supply to indicate an ampere rating of the removable power inlet. The removable power supply may set a current limit on a power supplied from the removable power supply based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventor: Stephen Horvath
  • Patent number: 11017338
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for economically optimal control of an electrical system. Some embodiments employ generalized multivariable constrained continuous optimization techniques to determine an optimal control sequence over a future time domain in the presence of any number of costs, savings opportunities (value streams), and constraints. Some embodiments also include control methods that enable infrequent recalculation of the optimal setpoints. Some embodiments may include a battery degradation model that, working in conjunction with the economic optimizer, enables the most economical use of any type of battery. Some embodiments include techniques for load and generation learning and prediction. Some embodiments include consideration of external data, such as weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Enel X North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Fife
  • Patent number: 10944260
    Abstract: Methods and systems for feedback-based load control of a climate control system while in transport are provided. The method can include monitoring a current demand from each of a plurality of DC components of the climate control system. The method can also include determining whether the current demand for two or more of the plurality of DC components is in a discontinuous DC format. Also, the method can include, when two or more of the plurality of DC components is in the discontinuous DC format, determining a synchronization pattern for supplying power to the two or more of the plurality of DC components. Further, the method can include a DC power source of the climate control system directing power to the two or more of the plurality of DC components in the discontinuous DC format based on the synchronization pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Matthew S. Nelson, Kyle McMonigal
  • Patent number: 10845858
    Abstract: A power supply device includes a power output terminal, a power converter and an electronic circuit breaker. In view of operation of the electronic circuit breaker, when an electric appliance that acts as a load is connected between the power output terminal and a ground terminal, the electronic circuit breaker is activated to output voltage from the power converter to the power output terminal so as to charge the electric appliance. When the electric appliance is done with charging and is removed, the electronic circuit breaker is deactivated to prevent voltage of the power converter from being outputted to the power output terminal. Thus, even if the power output terminal is exposed, the power output terminal won't output power to result in electric shock because of users' inadvertent contact when no electric appliance is being charged, thereby enhancing operational safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: ACBEL POLYTECH INC.
    Inventor: Jen-Pei Yin
  • Patent number: 10270266
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery energy storage system (BESS) that can be used to store energy that is produced by conventional sources (e.g., coal, gas, nuclear) as well as renewable sources (e.g., wind, solar), and provide the stored energy on-demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Powin Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Virgil Lee Beaston
  • Patent number: 10256628
    Abstract: A controller and method are usable to control the provision of electrical power from a local electrical network to a power grid. If it is determined that changes in the power grid voltage are correlated with the provision of power to the power grid, the power that is being provided to the power grid is manipulated so that the rate of change of the wattage that is provided to the power grid does not exceed a predetermined ramp rate. Such a manipulation is accomplished by adjusting an operational parameter of one or more electrical loads that are connected with the local electrical network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Yigang Wang, Roger Wayne Rognli
  • Patent number: 10230236
    Abstract: Methods and systems for feedback-based load control of a climate control system while in transport are provided. The method can include monitoring a current demand from each of a plurality of DC components of the climate control system. The method can also include determining whether the current demand for two or more of the plurality of DC components is in a discontinuous DC format. Also, the method can include, when two or more of the plurality of DC components is in the discontinuous DC format, determining a synchronization pattern for supplying power to the two or more of the plurality of DC components. Further, the method can include a DC power source of the climate control system directing power to the two or more of the plurality of DC components in the discontinuous DC format based on the synchronization pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Matthew S. Nelson, Kyle McMonigal
  • Patent number: 10110002
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing an electrical load in a facility with a building automation system, includes first receiving information for a demand response event from an automated demand response server at an automated demand response client. After receipt of a new demand response event, the system determines a plurality of devices of the building automation system to be controlled during the demand response event. Next, the system prepares a schedule of control actions for the plurality of devices during the demand response event. The system then sends control messages to the building automation system to execute the control actions for the plurality of devices according to the schedule of control actions for the demand response event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Raphael Imhof, Pornsak Songkakul, Michael J. Marchi, Thomas Rule, Paula Hiller, Florian Ersch
  • Patent number: 10044279
    Abstract: A multi-output power conversion circuit employing phase-shift control, receiving at the input a DC voltage and supplying at the output a plurality of modulatable DC voltages, the circuit comprises a transformer having an input and a plurality of outputs, the input being connected to an inverter including at least two switches and configured to convert a DC voltage into an AC voltage and each output being connected to a controlled rectifier configured to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage, each controlled rectifier including a magnetic storage inductance connected to an AC to DC converter including at least two switches, the power conversion circuit further including a control module configured to generate phase-shifted control signals adapted to control the switching of the switches of the inverter and the controlled rectifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Kevin Guepratte, Hervé Stephan
  • Patent number: 10015927
    Abstract: An energy management system for an agricultural vehicle arrangement includes an electric power supply unit for the supply of a large number of electrical consumers with electric power, and a consumption monitoring unit for the determination of a total energy demand dependent on an actual operating state of the electrical consumers. The consumption monitoring unit undertakes an estimate of the electric power supply available from the electric power supply unit and compares it to the determined total electric power demand in order to reduce the electric power supply to the electrical consumers as a function of assigned supply priorities when the available electric power supply is exceeded by the determined total energy demand. The consumption monitoring unit undertakes a dynamic adaptation of the supply priorities as a function of a changing cooling demand of a vehicle unit that is cooled by means of at least one of the electrical consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Norbert Fritz, Rainer Gugel, Philipp Muench, Barbara Boehm, John W. Regenauer
  • Patent number: 9954361
    Abstract: A demand side electric power supply management system is disclosed. The system comprises an islanded power system having a point of coupling to a supply grid. The islanded power system supplies a plurality of electric loads, each of which is associated with a load controller to control the maximum power demanded by that load. A measuring means associated with the point of coupling measures the total power transfer between the grid and the islanded system, and a system controller monitors the measured power transfer relative to a set point and provides a control signal to a plurality of load controllers. Each load controller receives substantially the same control signal and determines the maximum power which each load associated with the load controller is allowed to draw from the islanded power system based on information contained in the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Auckland UniServices Limited
    Inventors: Grant Anthony Covic, John Talbot Boys
  • Patent number: 9906079
    Abstract: There is a problem in the prior semiconductor devices that energy recovery efficiency is low. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a power supply circuit includes an alternating-current signal synthesis unit including a plurality of alternating-current coupling elements having primary sides to which respective input alternating-current signals are input and secondary sides connected in series with each other, and a control circuit that outputs an input selection signal specifying a combination of the input alternating-current signals to be synthesized. The control circuit generates the input selection signal so as to maximize the output alternating-current signal synthesized by the alternating-current synthesis signal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichiro Noguchi, Koichi Nose, Yoshifumi Ikenaga, Yoichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9755694
    Abstract: A “wall-embedded” power-line-communication (PLC) enabled device connecting with the home network backbone through the PLC technology is disclosed. The wall-embedded PLC enabled device includes at least a system module, a front panel, and a holder. With flexible, modular architecture, the device can easily optionally integrate required functions, such as sensors, actuators and so on, or additional heterogeneous communication interfaces, to extend the service coverage, to support the specific smart-house services, and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: ZyXEL communications Corp.
    Inventors: Tzung-Pao Chen, Tzu-Lung Lin, Chin-Ru Lin, Chen-Ju Lai
  • Patent number: 9606561
    Abstract: In formulating of a power generation operation schedule to a power grid network including multiple power plants and transformer stations, and, multiple batteries installed in association therewith, an operation planning system stores in advance power generation basic unit information of the power plant, and derivation information of the stored energy in the battery. Power generation basic unit information of the battery where power generation basic unit of the stored energy is added is set based on the power generation basic unit information of the power plant and the derivation information of the stored energy. While selecting a power generation facility from the power plants and the batteries in an order of a smaller value indicated by the power generation basic unit information, the power generation quantity of the selected power generation facility is added to a total power generation quantity until the total power generation quantity matches a demand quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideki Noda, Reiko Obara, Takenori Kobayashi, Genki Kiya
  • Patent number: 9530169
    Abstract: Demand response automated load characterization systems and methods are described herein. One method includes identifying a plurality of load models that include a variable that influences an energy demand, normalizing the plurality of load models, aggregating the normalized plurality of load models to generate an aggregated model for the variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Strelec, Radek Fisera
  • Patent number: 9475391
    Abstract: A rail vehicle system and a method for managing distribution of power in the rail vehicle system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd William Goodermuth, Wolfgang Daum, Mark Kraeling, Jared Klineman Cooper, Ning Zhang
  • Patent number: 9182769
    Abstract: A power supply device includes: a control circuit that turns on and off an output transistor to generate an output voltage from an input voltage; an internal power supply voltage generation circuit that generates an internal power supply voltage from an external power supply voltage; and a power switching circuit that switches supply of the internal power supply voltage and supply of the output voltage as a drive voltage of the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuhei Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9018576
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low drop-out voltage regulator circuit with a distributed output network coupled to a pixel array for use in image sensor circuitry. The regulator circuit comprises voltage regulating circuitry and a distributed output network, wherein the distributed output network comprises drive transistors disposed along and connected between a supply track and an output track. The spatial distribution of the drive transistors improves heat dissipation within the regulator circuit, and a combination of low current flow and regulated output voltage reduces IR drop across the output track. The improved heat dissipation increases device lifespan and performance, whereas the reduction in IR drop across the output track provides better pixel response, readout uniformity, and image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Jingfeng Gong, Yann Desprez-le-Goarant
  • Patent number: 8931547
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes an electric powered refrigerant compressing device, an evaporator, an electric heater, an air temperature determining component, a cabin interior temperature controlling component, an upper limit electric power setting component, and an electric power distribution controller. The evaporator receives refrigerant from the compressing device. The heater is downstream of the evaporator in an air passageway. The determining component determines a first air temperature upstream of the evaporator and a second air temperature between the evaporator and the heater. The controlling component sets a vehicle interior discharge air temperature at a position downstream of the heater to a target temperature. The power setting component sets an upper limit for power supplied to the compressing device and the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsiang Yen, Takayoshi Matsuoka, Takafumi Uehara
  • Publication number: 20140375128
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a DC electricity network, the network including a DC voltage source powering electrical loads that are connected in parallel to terminals of the voltage source and each of which is to receive a current or voltage setpoint. The method stabilizes the network by regulating setpoints applied to the loads by a virtual stabilization impedance generated at terminals of each load, the virtual impedances being dimensioned to stabilize the network in desired operating points and in given configurations of the network including a state in which at least one load is inactive or has failed and a state in which the stabilization of a load is inactive. Each virtual impedance is generated by a non-linear regulation loop acting on the setpoint for the corresponding load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicants: HISPANO SUIZA, UNIVERSITE DE LORRAINE
    Inventors: Sébastien Vieillard, Pierre Magne, Farid Meibody-Tabar, Babak Nahid-Mobarakeh, Serge Pierfederici
  • Patent number: 8798802
    Abstract: A method of queuing access to a power supply shared by a set of electrical access points. The access points turn on independently from one another and thus have independent power draws. Each access point has a specific power draw when on. The on state and associated power draw of each of access point is identified, and a load duration curve for each access point is normalized (i.e., combined with load duration curve(s)) from the other access points) into a probability distribution function. The probability distribution function is a normalized load duration curve that thus accounts for a varying set of “operating states” that may occur with respect to the set of access points (when viewed collectively). Each operating state has an associated probability of occurrence. As the operating state of the set (of access points) changes, access to the power supply is selectively queued, or de-queued (if previously queued).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: eCurv, inc.
    Inventors: Edison Almeida, Jonathan O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 8744638
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling load in a utility distribution network are provided that initiates a shed event for a node in the distribution network by selecting premisess associated with the node that are participating in a demand response program to reduce the load at the node to desired levels. More specifically, the system and method provide for selecting only enough participating premisess associated with the node that are necessary to reduce the load to desired levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rajesh Tyagi, Jason Wayne Black, Ronald Ray Larson, Augusto Ramon Sellhorn, Xiaofeng Wang
  • Patent number: 8692409
    Abstract: A system for managing distribution of electrical power includes a power management circuit, power control units, a first keyline and a second keyline. The power management circuit includes a device configured to measure power consumed by an electrical load, and a comparator comparing the measured power with a power limit. Each power control unit includes an outlet for delivering power to a load; a timing control circuit coupled to each outlet and configured to deliver an enabling signal to each outlet individually with a time delay; a signal input; and a signal output. The first keyline connects the power management circuit with the signal input of one power control unit; the second keyline connects the signal output of that power control unit with the signal input of another power control unit. Each power control unit is configured to propagate a signal to another power control signal via the second keyline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Jouper
  • Patent number: 8575940
    Abstract: A power supply device includes a battery, positive and negative-side contactors and a controller. The battery supplies power to a load. The positive-side contactor is serially connected to the positive side of the battery, and the negative-side contactor is serially connected to the negative side of the battery. The controller determines whether the load connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor is in a connected or non-contact state. The controller includes a voltage detecting circuit that detects the capacitor voltage of a capacitor connected to the output sides of the positive-side contactor and the negative-side contactor, and a determination circuit that compares the detected voltage with a predetermined voltage and determines the connected state of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Yugou, Yutaka Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8502414
    Abstract: A power saving apparatus and power saving method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes a power controller and a power outlet, wherein the power controller has a first signal transmission interface, said first signal transmission signal interface is used to detect the operation mode of a host machine by a second signal transmission interface of said host machine, and outputs a controlling signal according to the operation mode of said host machine. The power socket communicates with the power controller and switches the power-on or off according to the control signal. When the host machine is operated in non-working mode, the power socket will turn off the power supplied to the peripheral electrical devices of the host machines, so as to save the power consumption of the peripheral electrical devices of the host machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Chun Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20130154373
    Abstract: A circuit and method for wirelessly coupling an electrical energy between an electrical energy source and at least one load is provided. The circuit comprises a primary unit and at least one secondary unit. The primary unit includes an input node for receiving an input voltage produced by the energy source; a transmitter circuit including a transmitter coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a regulator. The regulator is configured to sense a current consumption of the primary unit, determine a gradient of the current consumption with respect to different input voltages, and determine an optimal input voltage based on the gradient. The at least one secondary unit comprises a receiver circuit and a load. The receiver unit includes a coil that wirelessly and inductively couples with the electromagnetic field of the primary unit to receive power therefrom. The receiver unit further includes a regulator circuit configured to provide a constant power to an output node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Eko Tan LISUWANDI, Thilani Imanthika Dissanayake Bogoda
  • Patent number: 8450874
    Abstract: The present invention is related to user managed power systems with security. The invention encompasses a method and system of managing a power system wherein a data center user determines whether there is a desire to control remote power supply socket assigned to the user's data module. The data center user is able to sign into the remote power supply through a security protocol. Then the data center user can gain control over the remote power supply socket assigned to the user's data module. Finally, this allows the data center user to remotely control the power supply socket assigned to the user's data module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Ratcliff, Philip R. Aldag
  • Patent number: 8441143
    Abstract: A rail vehicle system and a method for managing distribution of power in the rail vehicle system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd William Goodermuth, Wolfgang Daum, Mark Kraeling, Jared Klineman Cooper, Ning Zhang
  • Patent number: 8341442
    Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes detecting and monitoring by a computing system, a frequency signal associated with an input voltage signal used for powering a plurality of power consumption devices at a specified location. The computing system compares the frequency signal to a predetermined frequency value. The computing system determines that the frequency signal comprises a first value that is not equal to the predetermined frequency value. The computing system calculates a difference value between the first value and the predetermined frequency value. The computing system compares the difference value to a second value. The computing system enables a load adjustment modification process associated with the plurality of power consumption devices. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
  • Patent number: 8327170
    Abstract: A load management method and system. The method includes detecting and monitoring by a computing system, a frequency signal associated with an input voltage signal used for powering computing apparatuses at a specified location. The computing system compares the frequency signal to a predetermined frequency value. The computing system determines that the frequency signal comprises a first value that is not equal to the predetermined frequency value. The computing system calculates a difference value between the first value and the predetermined frequency value. The computing system compares the difference value to a second value and analyzes a power demand profile. The computing system enables a load adjustment modification process associated with the plurality of power consumption devices based on the difference value and the power demand profile. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
  • Patent number: 8242629
    Abstract: A hybrid load system includes a dynamic electronic load module, and a plurality of passive resistive modules coupled with the dynamic electronic load module. The hybrid system includes a control system in communication with the dynamic electronic load module and the passive resistive modules for determining when and how many of the passive resistive modules should be applied in parallel with the dynamic electronic load module for creating a desired load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Transistor Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Palatini, Kevin O'Connor, Andrew Lysiak
  • Patent number: 8238080
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power distribution module that is capable of providing power to rack mounted equipment modules in electronic equipment mounting racks. The power distribution module may comprise a series of individual modules that can be placed at strategic locations through the electronic equipment mounting rack to meet the specific power requirements of the rack mounted equipment modules, which may vary depending upon the type of module. In this manner, the expense of supplying power of a particular amount to a specific location can be reduced. In addition, power distribution modules are disclosed that are prefabricated in different versions to meet the power requirements of the design of the electronic equipment mounting rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Netapp, Inc.
    Inventor: Garth J. McGinn
  • Patent number: 8219258
    Abstract: A method of queuing access to a power supply shared by a set of electrical access points. The access points turn on independently from one another and thus have independent power draws. Each access point has a specific power draw when on. The on state and associated power draw of each of access point is identified, and a load duration curve for each access point is normalized (i.e., combined with load duration curve(s)) from the other access points) into a probability distribution function. The probability distribution function is a normalized load duration curve that thus accounts for a varying set of “operating states” that may occur with respect to the set of access points (when viewed collectively). Each operating state has an associated probability of occurrence. As the operating state of the set (of access points) changes, access to the power supply is selectively queued, or de-queued (if previously queued).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: eCurv, Inc.
    Inventors: Edison Almeida, Jonathan O. Stahl
  • Patent number: 8205106
    Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes detecting and monitoring by a computing system, a frequency signal associated with an input voltage signal used for powering a plurality of power consumption devices at a specified location. The computing system compares the frequency signal to a predetermined frequency value. The computing system determines that the frequency signal comprises a first value that is not equal to the predetermined frequency value. The computing system calculates a difference value between the first value and the predetermined frequency value. The computing system compares the difference value to a second value. The computing system enables a load adjustment modification process associated with the plurality of power consumption devices. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
  • Patent number: 8204632
    Abstract: A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Abi-Samra
  • Patent number: 8201000
    Abstract: A load management method and system. The method includes detecting and monitoring by a computing system, a frequency signal associated with an input voltage signal used for powering computing apparatuses at a specified location. The computing system compares the frequency signal to a predetermined frequency value. The computing system determines that the frequency signal comprises a first value that is not equal to the predetermined frequency value. The computing system calculates a difference value between the first value and the predetermined frequency value. The computing system compares the difference value to a second value and analyzes a power demand profile. The computing system enables a load adjustment modification process associated with the plurality of power consumption devices based on the difference value and the power demand profile. The computing system generates and stores a report associated with the load adjustment modification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Julianne Frances Haugh, Anne R. Sand
  • Patent number: 8067854
    Abstract: A buffer driving capability control device is provided which can suppress occurrence of radiated noise due to a load driven by large driving power in the case where loads differing in driving power are connected to one terminal. The device includes an output buffer which can switch between the driving capability for driving a load requiring large driving power and the driving capability for driving a load requiring small driving power, and also includes a control period for driving the load requiring the large driving power and a control period for driving the load requiring the small driving power, and during the respective control periods, switches the driving capability of the output buffer to the ones suitable for the corresponding loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20110181113
    Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell power generator, a first state detecting unit, an electronic load circuit, an external load power supply circuit, a secondary battery, a charge module, and a control unit is provided. The first state detecting unit detects an output voltage and an output power of the fuel cell power generator. The electronic load circuit performs a current-sinking operation on the fuel cell power generator. The external load power supply circuit receives a power from the fuel cell power generator and supplies the power to an external load. The control unit controls the current-sinking operation of the electronic load circuit according to the detection result of the first state detecting unit, so as to adjust the output voltage of the fuel cell power generator and enable at least one of the electronic load circuit, the charge module, and the external load power supply circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: YOUNG GREEN ENERGY CO.
    Inventors: Kuo-Tai Hung, Ken-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 7936084
    Abstract: A system and a method for distribution of electric power inside an aircraft. The system includes at least two systems distributing electric power from at least one power source to electric loads of the aircraft via electric and/or electronic protection/switching components, the components being configurable and commandable by dedicated electronics. Each electric distribution system includes command electronics in which a configuration file is downloaded allocating an installation status to each of the protection/switching components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Pascal Serventi, Guillaume Larroque
  • Patent number: 7851942
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement for supplying variable loads (I1, I2, M1, M2, O1, O2, O3) from three phases (L1, L2, L3), with a circuit arrangement having four groups of terminals (A11, A12, A13, A14; A21, A22, A23, A24; A31, A32; A41, A42, A43) for the loads (I1, I2, M1, M2, O1, O2, O3) which are subsequently designated as terminal groups; the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for supplying the terminals (A21, A22, A23, A24) of the second terminal group from the first phase (L1); the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for supplying the terminals (A41, A42, A43) of the fourth terminal group from a second phase (L2); the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for supplying the terminals (A11, A12, A13) of the first terminal group and the third terminal group (A31, A32) from a third phase (L3); the circuit arrangement is suitable and set up for controlling the voltage of the four terminal groups, and exhibits three control loops for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: AEG Power Solution B.V.
    Inventors: Wilfried Vollmar, Michael Harro Liese
  • Patent number: 7781908
    Abstract: A power converter that gives priority to the high power output and only provides power to the low power output when the total potential output power is equal to or less than the rated power of the power converter. A specific power threshold is established, and when the high power output remains below this threshold for a period of time the low power output is allowed to turn on. If the high power output subsequently exceeds this threshold for a period of time, then an electronic circuit powers down the low power output in order to keep the total output power below the rated power of the power converter. Subsequently, the high power output is checked against the threshold to determine if the low power output can be turned on again. If the high power output is below the threshold, then the low power output is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: iGo, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry DuBose, Ann Briggs
  • Publication number: 20100148579
    Abstract: A power distribution controller includes electronic circuitry operable to receive power and distribute power, for simultaneous consumption, to a first power load and to one or more second power loads. The electronic circuitry is also operable, to monitor the amount of power consumed by the one or more second power loads, and determine whether or not the received power is or substantially is the maximum amount of power available to be received. In response to the amount of power consumed by the one or more second power loads, and the amount of received power relative to the maximum amount of power available to be received, the electronic circuitry diverts power to the first power load to cause the received power to be or substantially be the maximum amount of power available to be received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Michael A. Maloney
  • Patent number: 7737578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for supporting the frequency in an electricity network (5) during a sudden modification of the network load and/or generating power. According to the invention, modifications of the network load and/or generating power, which cause the network frequency to deviate from a predefined value, are compensated by a modification of an additional load (6). Said additional load (6) is preferably configured by a large number of hydrogen-producing electrolysis units (7), which can be activated or deactivated for the successive modification of the additional load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Evonik Power Saar GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Dengel, Heinz-Kurt Dörr
  • Patent number: 7728627
    Abstract: A power sequencing method may use a state machine in a programmable sequencer to program relative timing of signals to activate different power rails attached to an integrated circuit. Input lines may specify the sequencing program. Alternatively, the programmable sequencer may use an EEPROM or other computer-readable medium to program itself with a particular image of the sequencing program. The programmable sequencer may be implemented by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Don Pike, David Peppy, John Madsen
  • Patent number: 7646110
    Abstract: Embodiments of voltage monitoring are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David E. Smith, Kenneth B. Wade
  • Publication number: 20090299540
    Abstract: A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Abi-Samra
  • Patent number: 7594343
    Abstract: A method of drying clothes in a clothes dryer comprising a clothes chamber for receiving clothes, an air supply system for directing air through the clothes chamber, and a heater for heating the air supplied by the air supply system. The method comprises cycling the heater between an ON state by energizing the heater until a heater trip condition is met and an OFF state by deenergizing the heater until a heater reset condition is met, determining a heater off time by determining the time between the heater trip condition and the heater reset condition, and determining a drying time based on the heater off time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher John Woerdehoff, Andrew Charles Reck, David John Kmet, James Frederick Swanson