Plural Supply Circuits Or Sources Patents (Class 307/43)
  • Patent number: 9331517
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first unit that wirelessly receives power from a power supply apparatus, and a control unit that executes control, if an external apparatus, including a second unit that wirelessly receives power from the power supply apparatus, and the electronic device are connected, to select at least one of the first unit and the second unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 9323272
    Abstract: An integrated circuit that supports both internal and external voltage regulators as well as various modes, such as a low power mode or a test mode, includes voltage regulator selection circuitry and power control circuitry. The regulator selection circuitry selects one of internal and external regulators based on two pin conditions. The power control circuitry controls ON/OFF status of the regulators corresponding to a power mode, including power-on reset, entering a low power mode, and wake-up from a low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Manmohan Rana, Rakesh Pandey, Nishant Singh Thakur
  • Patent number: 9312769
    Abstract: An electric power system includes N electric power sources and N switching circuits, where N is an integer greater than one. Each switching circuit includes an input port electrically coupled to a respective one of the N electric power sources, an output port, and a first switching device adapted to switch between its conductive and non-conductive states to transfer power from the input port to the output port. The output ports of the N switching circuits are electrically coupled in series and to a load to establish an output circuit. Each of the N switching circuits uses an interconnection inductance of the output circuit as a primary energy storage inductance of the switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Volterra Semiconductor LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Stratakos, Michael D. McJimsey, Ilija Jergovic, Alexandr Ikriannikov, Artin Der Minassians, Kaiwei Yao, David B. Lidsky, Marco A. Zuniga, Ana Borisavljevic
  • Patent number: 9293945
    Abstract: Disclosed is technology regarding a system and a method for power conversion, particularly technology for converting power, which is supplied from a plurality of power supply sources, using a plurality of power conversion modules. A plurality of power conversion modules, which can process all of various types of supplied power, are used to convert power according to the type of supplied power. An intermediate connection unit, which can selectively connect the power supply sources and the power conversion modules, is used so that, when one of the power conversion modules has a problem, another power conversion module is used instead to guarantee stable power supply. This construction makes the power processing path flexible and enhances system stability because, even if one of the power conversion modules malfunctions, power conversion can continue through another path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Yujin Song, Suyong Chae
  • Patent number: 9287418
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively connecting photovoltaic (PV) arrays of a PV power system in series and parallel arrangements is disclosed. A DC-to-AC power inverter in the PV power system is electrically coupled to a plurality of PV arrays to receive a DC output therefrom and invert the DC output to an AC output, with the DC-to-AC power inverter including a DC link that receives the DC output from the plurality of PV arrays. A contactor arrangement is positioned between the plurality of PV arrays and the DC-to-AC power inverter, with the contactor arrangement including a plurality of contactors that are switchable between an on state and an off state to selectively connect the plurality of PV arrays to the DC-to-AC power inverter in a specified arrangement, so as to control a level of DC voltage received by the DC-to-AC power inverter from the plurality of PV arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Prasanna S. Nirantare, Vijay Bhavaraju, Tiefu Zhao, Jun Xu, Christopher Scott Thompson
  • Patent number: 9281715
    Abstract: A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes an enclosed housing that receives a control system including first and second controllers that are connected to a first transfer switch contactor and a second transfer switch contactor within the housing. Both the primary power source and a secondary power source are broken into two separate output supplies. The two separate output supplies from the primary power source and the secondary power source are each provided to one of the first and second transfer switch contactors. The control system sends signals to the first and second transfer switch contactors to control the movement of the contactors between first and second positions. The power management system can also include a load management controller to control the load on the secondary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Sie Teong Lim, Robert J. Hurd, Sr., Kenny J. Stair, Brandon M. Batzler
  • Patent number: 9276406
    Abstract: In a control device for a power supply circuit in which a plurality of high-voltage battery packs are provided, if any one of safety switch is off, the startup state of a high-voltage circuit is totally prevented, even when a careless mistake such as a careless power-on (ON) operation is made, the circuit is prevented from being started, and also the overall power supply is cut off by turning off (OFF) one safety switch, thereby improving the convenience of work. Voltage sensing units (9-1 to 9-n) that sense internal voltages are provided in battery packs (4-1 to 4-n) to detect a voltage change based on the operation of one or more safety switches (8-1 to 8-n) and maintain all relays (5-1 to 5-n) of the plurality of battery packs (4-1 to 4-n) provided in parallel in an open (OPEN) state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Seiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9268375
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed that includes a clock signal distribution network and a logic circuitry. The clock signal distribution network is configured to receive a first power. The logic circuitry is configured to receive a second power independent from the first power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jack Liu, Chun-Cheng Ku
  • Patent number: 9250641
    Abstract: A load driving circuit that generates a desired voltage waveform to drive a load includes a target voltage waveform output section that outputs a target voltage waveform to be applied to the load. Power supply sections generate electrical power with voltage values different from each other. Negative feedback control sections between the power supply sections and the load supply electrical power from the corresponding power supply sections to the load and execute negative feedback control of a value of a voltage applied to the load for matching the voltage value and the target voltage waveform. A power supply connection section selects one of the power supply sections based on the value of the voltage applied to the load or the voltage value of the target voltage waveform and connects the selected power supply section to the load and disconnects the rest of the power supply sections from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Miyazaki, Katsunori Yamazaki, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Kinya Matsuzawa, Shoichi Iino
  • Patent number: 9225168
    Abstract: A control circuit of a switching power supply device has a first current source capable of supplying an auxiliary current to a load resistance of the switching power supply device when a load current flowing through the load resistance increases, a second current source capable of pulling in a current from the load resistance when the load current flowing through the load resistance decreases, and an auxiliary current controller configured to activate the first current source or the second current source from when a variation in the load current flowing through the load resistance is detected to have exceeded a predetermined level until a current flowing through the inductor becomes equal to the current flowing through the load resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Taichi Ogawa, Takeshi Ueno, Tetsuro Itakura
  • Patent number: 9203309
    Abstract: A switching regulator circuit provides forward mode operation where a voltage provided at an input port can be boosted or bucked to produce a regulated voltage at an output port of the circuit. In accordance with the present disclosure, the switching regulator circuit includes two or more input ports. The switching regulator circuit provides a reverse boost operation in which a voltage provided at the output port of the circuit can be boosted to produce a regulated voltage at both of the input ports of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM, Incorporated
    Inventors: Shadi Hawawini, Giovanni Garcea
  • Patent number: 9178436
    Abstract: A closed-loop control circuit for an auxiliary power supply unit includes a control loop for the closed-loop control of a voltage transformer of the auxiliary power supply unit via a controlled variable to produce a setpoint voltage, wherein the control loop includes an additional circuit that limits a change in the controlled variable in the event of provision of an external voltage of a main power supply unit at a first output for emitting voltage generated by the auxiliary power supply unit when the external voltage exceeds a setpoint voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Technology Solutions Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Busch
  • Patent number: 9172270
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for solar power generation when irradiance is low and unstable due to sunrise, sunset, clouding, partial shading, warped solar module surfaces, moving solar modules, and other low or varying irradiance conditions. A multi-channel solar power inverter connected to multiple solar modules can work in a “Lunar Power Mode”, inverting DC power induced from the sky, street lights, or surrounding environment to AC power by using a unique rotating power pulling technology. This allows the inverter to dynamically adapt to irradiance variations and generate AC power under complex irradiance conditions. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) works with a DC power supply to provide DC power to the internal electronic circuits of the inverter allowing it to run in normal power, low power, or lunar power modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Cyboenergy, Inc.
    Inventors: George Shu-Xing Cheng, Steven L. Mulkey
  • Patent number: 9160175
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the power generation of a distributed power generation system including a plurality of small power plants. The apparatus has a first communication interface unit to receive measured values of the instantaneous power generated by the small power plants, and to transmit to each of the small power plants, information relating to the individual power control thereof. A second communication interface unit receives, from a production control center, power values specified as a function of the instantaneous load of the power supply system. A central data processing unit determines the aggregate instantaneous power of the distributed power generation system based on the measured power values, determines the difference between the power specified by the production control center and the aggregate instantaneous power of the system, and generates power control information for each of said small power plants as a function of said power difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: VPP Energy Zrt.
    Inventors: Krisztián Cservölgyi, Gábor Dicsö, Lajos Németh, István Gál
  • Patent number: 9088178
    Abstract: A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella
  • Patent number: 9081069
    Abstract: A protection IC connected to cell groups of a secondary battery assembly of a secondary battery connected in series and monitoring battery voltages of the cells in the cell groups, including terminals connected to connection points of the cells in the cell groups and both ends of the cell groups; a first alarm generating portion detecting an overvoltage by comparing voltages of the cells of the cell groups on both ends of the cells and generates the first alarm signal; and a second alarm generating portion detecting disconnection in connection points of the cells and disconnection between the connection points of the cell groups and the both ends and the terminals by detecting voltage drop or current decrement at the connection points of the cells of the cell groups and at one end of the cell groups in the cells, and generates a second alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kohei Shibata
  • Patent number: 9047717
    Abstract: A fleet operations quality management system for use with one or more vehicles which includes a data recording unit and separate memory subsystem mounted on each vehicle, a remotely located data collection station to collect, store and pre-process data from multiple vehicles, a centralized data storage and retrieval system designed to accept and assimilate recorded trip data, a web application designed to provide access to and analysis of the recorded trip data, and a graphical software application that can be used to view the recreated trip in a realistic simulated environment. An electronic system comprising a receiver module and a mobile device, whereby the receiver module is capable of receiving data transmissions from a network of ground stations and buffering the data for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Weinmann, Barry D. Batcheller, Tyler C. Ohlsen, Jacob A. Halvorson, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Nicholas L. Butts, Seth J. Schubert
  • Patent number: 9041249
    Abstract: Systems and methods to operate a power supply. A power supply has an inductor and a capacitor coupled in a substantially series connection. The power supply has a first selectably conductive path that selectably couples a first power pack to the series reactive circuit and a second selectably conductive path that selectably couples the series reactive circuit to a substantially series combination of the first power pack and a second power pack. When the first power pack output voltage is above the threshold, the first selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the first power pack to the series reactive circuit. Otherwise, the second selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the series combination and the series reactive circuit. The controller further transfers charge from the second power pack to the first power pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Wen-Yen Chan
  • Patent number: 9043065
    Abstract: A vehicle is supplied by a first electrical energy storage unit on board the vehicle, and a ground electrical network providing an energy supply by application of a supply voltage through electrical distribution. The first energy storage unit is controllable under a generator regime or a receiver regime. The supply voltage is adjusted, in the generator regime, by applying an algebraically additive supply voltage originating from the first electrical storage unit to the distribution, to maintain a supply voltage above a minimum threshold. In the receiver regime, if a surplus of supply voltage originating at least partially from a second storage unit in the generator regime is detected above the minimum threshold, this surplus is channeled energetically to the first energy storage unit of the vehicle if it is required for operating the vehicle and enables maintaining the supply voltage below a maximum threshold and above the minimum threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens S.A.S.
    Inventors: Xavier Bavard, Eric Chattot, Jean-Noël Verhille
  • Patent number: 9041248
    Abstract: A power distribution system for distributing electric power generated by a wind farm between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link is provided. Both power transmission links connect the wind farm to a substation of a power grid. The power distribution system includes a central wind farm controller and a distribution device. In response to a control signal from the central wind farm controller, the distribution device distributes the generated electrical power between the two power transmission links. It is further described a power transmission system with the above described power distribution system and a method for distributing electric power between an AC power transmission link and a DC power transmission link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Björn Andresen, Sathees Kumar
  • Patent number: 9034494
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery protecting circuit connected in parallel with a nonaqueous secondary battery, the secondary battery protecting circuit including: a first voltage detecting circuit; a second voltage detecting circuit; a switch section; and a heat radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Jusuke Shimura, Atsushi Sato, Yoshiaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 9030043
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of avoiding that wind turbine voltage levels within a wind power plant do not exceed predetermined overvoltage and/or undervoltage protection levels. In particular, the present invention relates to shifting of an output voltage level of a wind power plant in order to protect an internal power plant grid against overvoltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jorge Martinez Garcia
  • Publication number: 20150123481
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an energy storing device for generating a supply voltage for an electric machine, comprising at least one energy supply branch which is connected in parallel and each of which has a plurality of first and second energy storing modules that are connected in series. The first and second energy storing modules each comprise an energy storing cell module, which has at least one energy storing cell, and a coupling device, which is designed to selectively connect the energy storing cell module into the respective energy supply branch or to bridge said energy storing cell module. Each second energy storing module additionally has a cooling element for the at least one energy storing cell, and the cooling element is designed to cool the at least one energy storing cell dependent on a control signal of a cooling controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Eckart Reihlen, Jens Schneider, Anne Heubner, Hans-Joerg Wolff
  • Publication number: 20150115622
    Abstract: A power management module for a solenoid-driven industrial safety lock minimizes energy consumption, protects the power supply line, and improves reliability of the safety lock. The power management module comprises a capacitor bank that stores energy from the power supply line. The stored energy is discharged to the solenoid of the safety lock as needed to actuate the safety lock mechanism (e.g., armature or plunger). The capacitor bank shields the power supply line from high current fluctuations caused by actuation of the solenoid, and allows the safety lock to be operated even in the event of power loss. A discharge controller can closely control the duration of the discharge based on position sensors or a discharge timer to minimize the amount of energy used to transition the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Burdenko, Suresh Nair, Derek W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9018799
    Abstract: An electrical system architecture has at least two sources of electrical power, each delivering power to an individual AC bus. The individual AC buses are connected by a tie bus. A first source of electric power delivers power into a first AC bus, and the first AC bus delivers power to a first set of users. A supply current sensor is between the first source of power and the first AC bus. A tie bus output sensor senses output power from the AC bus being delivered onto the tie bus. A plurality of user output current sensors sense current passing to each of the plurality of users. A control is operable to compare a sensed current in the supply current sensor, and sum the current in the tie bus output sensor, and the plurality of user output sensors. If the sum of the output sensors differs by more than a predetermined amount from the current sensed by the supply sensor, the control identifies a fault. The first AC bus is then disconnected from the tie bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jef William Good, Robert L. Seagren, Joshua Berg
  • Patent number: 9013072
    Abstract: An internal voltage generation circuit includes a plurality of active driving units configured to supply a plurality of active power supply voltages to a plurality of voltage terminals, respectively, in an active mode, and a common standby driving unit configured to commonly supply a standby power supply voltage to the plurality of voltage terminals in a standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Joo-Yun Ha
  • Patent number: 9009288
    Abstract: An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, James P. Maskaly
  • Patent number: 9008251
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an adaptive phase-shifted synchronization clock generation circuit and a method for generating phase-shifted synchronization clock. The adaptive phase-shifted synchronization clock generation circuit includes: a current source generating a current which flows through a node to generate a node voltage on the node; a reverse-proportional voltage generator coupled to the node for generating a voltage which is reverse-proportional to the node voltage; a ramp generator receiving a synchronization input signal and generating a ramp signal; a comparator comparing the reverse-proportional voltage to the ramp signal; and a pulse generator for generating a clock signal according to an output from the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Isaac Chen, An-Tung Chen
  • Patent number: 9006927
    Abstract: An installation for producing electrical energy and a control method of such an installation are described. The installation includes an energy storage. The installation includes an electrical energy generator that connects to a distribution network and the energy storage. The installation also includes a controller controlling the operation of the energy storage and the connection of the energy storage to the electrical energy generator and the network. The controller receives a set of information from the network or, energy storage, and the electrical energy generator, and from the network manager to control the supply of the electrical energy generator and a set of auxiliary equipment of the installation from the energy storage in the event of power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ezio Pena, Herve Biellmann, Maxime Buquet, Frederic Chevalier, Rahul Jaikaran Chillar, Julien Guyot, Jean Marc Ingremeau, Jean-louis Vignolo
  • Publication number: 20150097434
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for independently controlling multiple power converter sources. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a ratio of a first set point for biasing a first DC source to a power converter and a second set point for biasing a second DC source to the power converter, wherein the first and the second DC sources are serially-coupled to one another and coupled to an input bridge of the power converter by a filter; and determining, based on the ratio, relative switching times for driving a first diagonal of an input bridge of the power converter and a second diagonal of the input bridge to bias the first DC source proximate the first set point and the second DC source proximate the second set point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Michael J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 9000615
    Abstract: A solar power module, and related method of operation, that protects the bypass diodes in the solar power module from overheating due to partial shading, and also protects firefighters and installer personnel from electrical shock hazard. The solar power module includes active bypass switches, and isolation switches that disconnect the PV cells from the bypass switches when all the bypass switches are closed concurrently, thereby allowing the PV cells to continue supplying power to the control circuitry. The isolation switches are also used to maintain the solar power module in a safe state during installation, or in case of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sunfield Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Andrew Robbins
  • Publication number: 20150091381
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method are provided in connection with a solar energy system. The arrangement includes solar panels and a converter for converting the DC voltage from the solar panels. The converter is arranged inside a container or a similar closed structure. The arrangement includes means for producing heat from the energy produced by the solar panels. The means are arranged inside the container or a similar closed structure and are electrically connectable to the solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: ABB OY
    Inventors: Jukka TIITTANEN, Vesa Koistinen, Timo Koivuluoma
  • Patent number: 8995621
    Abstract: A compact x-ray source can include a circuit (10) providing reliable voltage isolation between low and high voltage sides (21, 23) of the circuit while allowing AC power transfer between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit to an x-ray tube electron emitter (43). Capacitors (11, 12) can provide the isolation between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit. The x-ray source (110) can utilize capacitors of a high voltage generator (67) to provide the voltage isolation. A compact x-ray source (110) can comprise a single transformer core (101) to transfer alternating current from two alternating current sources (104a, 104b) to an electron emitter (43) and a high voltage generator (107). A compact x-ray source (120) can comprise a high voltage sensing resistor (R1) disposed on a cylinder (41) of an x-ray tube (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongbing Wang, Dave Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20150084422
    Abstract: A magnetic component has a core on which windings are wound. The windings are electrically connected in series to constitute a coil of a first reactor. The winding constitutes a coil of a second reactor. The core has a leg portion on which the winding is wound, a leg portion on which the winding is wound, and a leg portion on which the winding is wound. When a current flows through the windings, magnetic fluxes produced from the windings, respectively, and flowing through the winding counteract each other. Furthermore, when a current flows through the winding, induced voltages produced from the windings, respectively, by the magnetic flux produced by the winding counteract each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Masanori Ishigaki, Shuji Tomura, Takaji Umeno, Masaki Okamura, Daigo Nobe
  • Patent number: 8987937
    Abstract: To include an internal voltage generating circuit that includes a capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode and generates an internal voltage by repeating a charge operation for charging the capacitor to a VDD level and a discharge operation for applying the VDD level to the first electrode of the capacitor to generate a voltage of two times the VDD level on the second electrode, and a control circuit that performs a control to apply a voltage that is lower than the VDD level to the capacitor when the internal voltage generating circuit is in a standby state. According to the present invention, when the internal voltage generating circuit is in a standby state, because a voltage applied to both ends of the capacitor is reduced, it is possible to reduce the power consumption due to a leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Koichiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8987939
    Abstract: A hybrid power system is disclosed. The hybrid power system may include a primary power source configured to provide a primary power, and an energy storage device coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device configured to store excess primary power provided by the primary power source. The hybrid power system may further include a variable speed genset, the variable speed genset including a secondary power source configured to operate at a variable rotor speed to provide a secondary power responsive to power requirements of a load. The hybrid power system may also include a central controller communicatively coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset, the central controller configured to control the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset based on the power requirements of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dachuan Yu, Michael Parry Liechty, Mahesh Sitaram Illindala, Matthew Thomas Muller
  • Patent number: 8981595
    Abstract: In one embodiment a power supply is configured to reuse a single power supply controller to regulate two different output voltages to two voltages including two different voltage values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Bairanzade
  • Patent number: 8981839
    Abstract: Circuitry, which includes a first switching transistor element having a first gate, a second switching transistor element having a second gate, a third switching transistor element having a third gate, and a fourth switching transistor element having a fourth gate, is disclosed. The first switching transistor element and the third switching transistor element are coupled in series between a first power source and a first downstream circuit. The second switching transistor element and the fourth switching transistor element are coupled in series between a second power source and the first downstream circuit. A voltage swing at the first gate and a voltage swing at the second gate are both about equal to a first voltage magnitude. A voltage swing at the third gate and a voltage swing at the fourth gate are both about equal to a second voltage magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Kay, Manbir Singh Nag, Philippe Gorisse
  • Patent number: 8975779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load management controller for a household electrical installation comprising a pair of electricity supplies, a grid supply and a micro-generator supply, providing electricity to a plurality if sub-circuits. The household electrical installation has means to monitor the amount of electricity being supplied by the micro-generator supply and the amount of electricity being consumed in the household. The load management controller has means to access and use that information to control the supply of electricity to an energy storage sub-circuit to route surplus electricity supplied by the micro-generator to the energy storage sub-circuit. Furthermore, the load management controller can communicate with a remote electricity supplier to control the loads in the household to achieve better grid management and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy Patrick Cooper, Colin David Harris, Thomas Laurence Bean
  • Patent number: 8970176
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Arne Ballatine, Chad Pearson, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Prasad Pmsvvsv, Alberto Doronzo
  • Patent number: 8971038
    Abstract: A coldplate for use with electronic components in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). The coldplate includes a main portion having multiple raised features on a surface thereof. The raised features are configured for attaching the main portion to a printed circuit board having multiple electronic components attached thereto. The raised features are further configured for maintaining the printed circuit board in a spaced relation relative to the main portion to facilitate air flow between the printed circuit board and the main portion for dissipating heat generated by the plurality of electronic components. The coldplate also includes a protrusion extending from the surface of the main portion. The protrusion is configured for contacting one of the plurality of electronic components attached to the printed circuit board for dissipating heat generated by the electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Nadir Sharaf, Dilip Daftuar, George Kaminski, Venkat Yalamanchili, Richard J. Hampo
  • Patent number: 8963374
    Abstract: A system for integrating a wind power generation with a wave power generation includes a wind power generation device, a wave power generation device and a power integration device. The wind power generation device generates a first voltage. The wave power generation device generates a second voltage. The power integration device integrates the first voltage with the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventor: Li Wang
  • Patent number: 8963368
    Abstract: Consistent with an example embodiment, a method of tracking a maximum power point (MPP) of a PV (photovoltaic) system comprises a circuit with a controller controlling a DC voltage-DC voltage converter for converting an output current of the PV system; the controller further comprises a memory. The method comprises measuring a first value of a PV system voltage at an initial MPP; storing said first value in said memory; periodically sampling a power output level of said PV system, and upon detecting a change in said power output level exceeding a first threshold, reading the first value from the memory; and adjusting a duty cycle of the DC voltage-DC voltage converter until the circuit voltage matches said first value; the method further comprising fine-tuning the duty cycle of the DC voltage-DC voltage converter to a further MPP following detecting a change in said power output level exceeding a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Mukesh Balachandran Nair, Nagavolu Srinivasa Murty, Dattatreya Shankar Bhat
  • Patent number: 8963370
    Abstract: Load sharing apparatus for load sharing between a plurality of power supplies (1, 2). The apparatus comprises one or more load sharing modules (Share1, Share2), each for association with a respective power supply. The or each load sharing module comprises load determining means for generating a signal which represents a load value corresponding to the power or current supplied by the respective power supply, and voltage control means for controlling the output voltage of the respective power supply to vary inversely with said load value at a first rate when the load value is below a threshold value, and for controlling the output voltage of the respective power supply to vary inversely with said load value at a second rate when the load value equals or exceeds said (first) threshold value. Said second rate is greater than said first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: TDK-Lambda UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew John Skinner, Martin Coates
  • Patent number: 8963378
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for power wiring. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a splice box comprising (i) a plug having a plurality of plug pins, each plug pin of the plurality of plug pins for coupling to a conductor within a cable adapted for coupling to a power line; (ii) a first pin receptacle for coupling to a first guide pin of a connector; and (iii) a first pair of retention bars disposed within the first pin receptacle, the first pair of retention bars for retaining the first guide pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Fornage, Raghuveer R. Belur
  • Patent number: 8963369
    Abstract: A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Adest
  • Patent number: 8963372
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inverter having improved power conversion efficiency. The inverter (200) converts direct current power supplied from a plurality of direct current power supplies (V1, V2) having different voltages into alternating current power. The inverter (200) is provided with a control unit (20). The control unit (20) generates modified sine waves using a power supply voltage (E1) of the power supplied from the first direct current power supply (V1), a power supply voltage (E2) of the power supplied from the second direct current power supply (V2), and a potential difference (E1?E2) between the two power supply voltages. The control unit (20) generates the modified sine waves by controlling H bridge circuits provided for the direct current power supplies (V1, V2), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoh Takano, Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20150048684
    Abstract: A control system includes an electrical power source and an alternating current (AC) power supply electrically coupled with the electrical power source. An uninterruptable power supply is electrically coupled with the AC power supply for storing and returning electrical energy supplied by the AC power supply. The uninterruptable power supply includes multiple battery modules. Each battery module includes a battery cell and a battery monitor configured to monitor the battery cell. Each battery module also includes a controller operatively coupled with the battery modules. The controller is configured to receive diagnostic information from the battery modules. The uninterruptable power supply can also include one or more authentication modules to participate in an authentication sequence between two or more of a battery module, the controller, a device to be coupled with the uninterruptable power supply, an action originator in the control system, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Albert Rooyakkers, James G. Calvin, George Cranshaw
  • Patent number: 8952657
    Abstract: A battery is protected without realizing the state of every vehicle element connected to the battery or the battery input/output current. A current limit value setting unit sets a current limit value for limiting the battery input/output current in accordance with state of the battery. A limiting current ratio calculation unit calculates a ratio of the current limit value set by the current limit value setting unit to a detected battery current value. A request limit coefficient calculation unit calculates a limit coefficient for limiting a request value for driving respective vehicle components based on the ratio calculated by the limiting current ratio calculation unit. In addition, a final request value calculation unit calculates as a final request value for the respective vehicle components, respective multiplication values resulting from multiplying the respective request values for the respective components by the limit coefficient calculated by the request limit coefficient calculation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Hamai
  • Patent number: 8947038
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus of a home appliance which meets standby power regulation of 0.5 watts using one SMPS. As compared with a general circuit which meets the standby power regulation using two or more SMPSs, it may be possible to curtail expenses required for addition of a separate standby only SMPS and miniaturize a PCB, resulting in a reduction in cost. Further, in a washing machine employing a motor, a circuit is provided to bypass a back EMF generated in the motor even if AC power is not supplied to the washing machine due to occurrence of a power failure or unplugging of the washing machine. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent a PCBA from being damaged due to the back EMF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Hun Won, Tae Hoon Lim