Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for operating an inverter based distributed power generation source with energy storage system, as a Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device—a STATCOM. The inverter based distributed power generation source can provide reactive power compensation, voltage regulation, damping enhancement, stability improvement and other benefits provided by FACTS devices. These STATCOM functions are provided when the said energy storage based distributed power generation source is doing at least one of: i) not exchanging active power with said power grid system, or ii) exchanging active power less than a maximum inverter capacity with said power grid system. The present invention thus provides a technological improvement that opens up a new set of applications and potential revenue earning opportunities for energy storage based distributed power generation sources other than simply from exchanging (injecting or absorbing) active power.

Abstract: A transmission path design assistance system assisting in the design of a transmission path with different reflection specification values for each frequency is obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for datacenter power management using variable power sources. Power from the variable power sources is stored in a power cache. An optimization engine receives input criteria such as power availability from non-variable and variable power sources, as well as one or more power management goals. The optimization engine implements a dispatch strategy that dispatches stored energy from the power cache and feeds it to the datacenter, resulting in a mixture of non-variable and variable power sources used to achieve the power management goals, such as reduced power cost, increased power availability, and lowered carbon footprint for the datacenter.

Abstract: A system and method using four switches connected in an H-bridge (full bridge) topology within a series-connected FACTS device is disclosed. System and method can be used to bypass a FACTS device. The switches in H-bridge are connected to an alternating current (AC) source allowing for various switching states, and enabling non-monitoring mode, local bypass monitoring mode, low-loss monitoring mode, and diagnostic mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for operating a solar farm inverter as a Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device—a STATCOM—for voltage control. The solar farm inverter can provide voltage regulation, damping enhancement, stability improvement and other benefits provided by FACTS devices. In one embodiment, the solar farm operating as a STATCOM at night is employed to increase the connectivity of neighbouring wind farms that produce peak power at night due to high winds, but are unable to connect due to voltage regulation issues. The present invention can also operate during the day because there remains inverter capacity after real power export by the solar farm. Additional auxiliary controllers are incorporated in the solar farm inverter to enhance damping and stability, and provide other benefits provided by FACTS devices.

Abstract: An energy control and storage system includes an energy monitor, a power controller, an energy storage device, and a computing unit. The energy monitor monitors power provided between an electric distribution system and a load. The power controller exchanges power with the energy monitor and receives power from a power generation system. The energy storage device stores energy received through the power controller. The computing unit receives a load shape from outside the energy control and storage system. The computing unit controls power exchanged between the energy control and storage system and the electric distribution system based on power indicated by the load shape that changes in response to varying conditions affecting the electric distribution system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of voltage regulators. A given voltage regulator of the plurality of voltage regulators includes a differential amplifier and an output transistor. The differential amplifier and the output transistor are coupled at a gate node of the output transistor. The voltage regulator provides a regulated output voltage at an output node of the output transistor. The integrated circuit includes a common gate line, which is coupled to the gate node of the output transistor in each of the plurality of voltage regulators. The integrated circuit also includes a common power line, which is coupled to the output node of the output transistor in each of the plurality of voltage regulators. The common power line provides operational power to one or more circuit blocks in the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A multi-level converter includes a plurality of capacitors coupled in series between first and second nodes of a DC port and coupled to one another at n?2 first intermediate nodes. The converter also includes a switching circuit including at least one first switch configured to couple the first node of the DC port to an input/output node, at least one second switch configured to couple the second node of the DC port to the input/output node, and at least three third switches configured to couple respective ones of the first intermediate nodes to the input/output node. The converter further includes a control circuit configured to control the first, second and third switches to provide an n-level converter.

Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a thither embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.

Abstract: A method for electrically charging an energy store. The method includes the following steps: starting an electrical charging process for the energy store in a first configuration; interrupting the charging process, changing the configuration of the energy store from the first configuration to a second configuration, and resuming the charging process in the second configuration. The energy store in the first configuration is designed to be charged with a higher electrical voltage than in the second configuration.

Abstract: A modular power supply and distribution system includes a controller and at least one power distribution bus operably connected to the controller. The system includes at least one power distribution bus that distributes electrical power to a plurality of loads. The system further includes a data communication network configured to communicate data between the system and the plurality of loads, power load logic for determining a power load requirement of each of the plurality of loads, hold-up logic for determining a hold-up requirement of at least one of the plurality of loads; and power distribution logic for distributing the electrical power to the plurality of loads based, at least in part, on the determined power load requirement of each of the plurality of loads and the hold-up requirement of the at least one of the plurality of loads.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of ports, a battery, a control circuit configured to control charging of the battery using power from a plurality of charging devices connected to the plurality of ports, a charging circuit configured to charge the battery using power supplied from the plurality of charging devices, and a plurality of communication circuits configured to communicate with the plurality of charging devices. The control circuit is configured to be electrically connected with the plurality of communication circuits and the charging circuit and set charging power level of each of the plurality of charging devices and battery charging power capacity of the charging circuit.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with deriving power output from an energy harvester are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an apparatus may include one or more processors, devices, and/or circuitry to identify a plurality of times at which an intermediate voltage of a two stage power conversion circuit corresponds to a voltage reference, and ascertain an amount of time between one of the identified times and another one of the identified times. The one or more processors, devices, and/or circuitry may derive a power or current value associated with the second power supply using the amount of time.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage system that can store both grid-based electrical power when electricity prices are low or renewable power generated on-site. It can release the stored electricity for consumer applications when necessary based on a software program and configuration. The system may be networked. The system comprises a port for receiving a central processing unit (CPU), and facilitates the use of different CPU products for different users and uses.

Abstract: A control body is coupled or coupleable with a cartridge to form an aerosol delivery device, with the cartridge being equipped with a heating element. The control body includes a power source and a microprocessor. The power source is connected to an electrical load that includes the heater when the control body is coupled with the cartridge, and includes a supercapacitor configured to provide power to the electrical load. The microprocessor is configured to operate in an active mode in which the control body is coupled with the cartridge. In the active mode, the microprocessor is configured to direct power from the supercapacitor to the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

Abstract: A bidirectional switch and a method of the bidirectional switch including, a first enhancement mode n-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (n-MOSFET) and a second n-MOSFET electrically connected in a common source configuration. The emitter of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is further electrically connected to the common sources of the n-MOSFET. A control board regulates a first operation of the IGBT and an operation of the first field effect transistor. The control board additionally receives at least one measured characteristic, from a sensor and determines the measured characteristic is below a predetermined threshold. The control board then regulates an operation of the second field effect transistor and a second operation of the IGBT.

Abstract: Methods for energizing microgrids and microgrid energy distribution systems are provided. A method for energizing a microgrid includes energizing a storage management system (SMS) that is configured to control power distribution in the microgrid. The method further includes connecting a plurality of reactive components to the SMS based on a configuration control programmed into the SMS. The method yet further includes ramping up an output voltage of the SMS based on limiting inrush currents of the plurality of reactive components in the microgrid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power distribution are provided. More particularly, in one embodiment, a method can include monitoring a first plurality of electrical characteristics for each power source of a plurality of power sources. The plurality of power sources can include a first generator, a second generator, an auxiliary power source, and an external power source. The method can include monitoring a second plurality of electrical characteristics for each bus of a plurality of buses. The plurality of buses can include a first electrical bus, a second electrical bus, and an electrical tie bus. The method can further include selectively controlling a power distribution of the plurality of power sources among the plurality of buses based, at least in part, on the first and second pluralities of electrical characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a hybrid solar power supply system, in particular for direct current (DC) power supply. The hybrid solar power supply control system includes a power arbiter and a power controller. The power arbiter unit is connectable to a photovoltaic power supply and one or more other power supplies and comprises circuitry to connect the input photovoltaic power supply and other power supplies and combine power from one or more power supplies for direct current (DC) output, and transition between power supplies based on the available input power from each power supply. The power controller is configured to vary the apparent load applied at the DC output to control the power drawn from the one or more power supplies.

Abstract: A power generator system, including a first generator and a second generator, a detector detecting a power of the first generator, a determinator determining whether a parallel operation of the first generator and the second generator is necessary based on a detection value detected by the detector when the first generator is operating and the second generator remains unstarted, a power supply unit supplying a starting power to the second generator to start the second generator when it is determined that the parallel operation is necessary, and a generator controller controlling operation of the second generator so as to operate synchronously in parallel with the first generator after the second generator is started.

Abstract: A frequency regulation and ramp rate control system includes a battery configured to store and discharge electric power, a battery power inverter configured to control an amount of the electric power in the battery, a photovoltaic power inverter configured to control an electric power output of a photovoltaic field, and a controller. The controller generates a battery power setpoint for the battery power inverter and a photovoltaic power setpoint for the photovoltaic power inverter. The generated setpoints cause the battery power inverter and the photovoltaic power inverter to simultaneously perform both frequency regulation and ramp rate control.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control apparatus for automated lighting adjustments based on a schedule wirelessly synchronized with a mobile electronic device and an alarm signal. The light control apparatus receives the alarm signal, from the mobile electronic device, or a sensor device, such as a light sensor and microphone. In response to receiving the alarm signal, the light control apparatus is configured to modulate a flow of electrical current to a lighting circuit controlled by the light control apparatus.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for a USB Type-C cable includes a first terminal to couple to a first VCONN line from a first end of the cable, a second terminal to couple to a second VCONN line from the second end of the cable, a charge pump, and a switch circuit coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal. The switch circuit includes a first drain-extended n-type field effect transistor (DENFET) coupled between the first terminal and an internal power supply of the semiconductor device; a first pump switch coupled between the charge pump and a gate of the first DENFET; a second DENFET coupled between the second terminal and the internal power supply; and a second pump switch coupled between the charge pump and a gate of the second DENFET.

Abstract: An intelligent street light includes a lamppost and a data transmission system provided at the bottom of the lamppost. The data transmission system includes a data transmission unit, a data exchange unit and a plurality of network devices, which are connected to each other. The data transmission system allows data transmission to be performed between itself and a remote server. This can improve utilization of public resources, reduce construction costs and shorten construction periods of base stations, and effectively enhance coverage of communication signals to improve the quality of communication.

Abstract: A module configured as a component of a multilevel converter has a plurality of basic units and electrical energy sources. Each basic unit has at least one half-bridge. The at least one half-bridge includes at least one high-side switch and at least one low-side switch. Two basic units are arranged directly adjacent alongside one another within the module. A first basic unit is connected to a positive pole of a first energy source and the at least one low-side switch is connected to a negative pole of a second energy source. A second basic unit is connected to a positive pole of the second energy source and the at least one low-side switch is connected to a negative pole of the first energy source. Current is transported between two poles via at least one current path.

Abstract: A method and systems for developing a composite sequence for electrical power transmission and distribution equipment in a power system are provided. The system includes a sequencing generation circuitry to generate a composite sequence for electrical power transmission and distribution equipment according to a demographics sub-sequence, a utilization sub-sequence, a maintenance sub-sequence, a performance sub-sequence, a criticality sub-sequence and a condition sub-sequence. The system also includes a first sub-model to predict a future equipment sequence of the electrical power transmission and distribution equipment in the power system and a second sub-model that generates the replacement control scheme for replacing utilities assets.

Abstract: A multi-level converter includes a plurality of capacitors coupled in series between first and second nodes of a DC port and coupled to one another at n-2 first intermediate nodes. The converter also includes a switching circuit including at least one first switch configured to couple the first node of the DC port to an input/output node, at least one second switch configured to couple the second node of the DC port to the input/output node, and at least three third switches configured to couple respective ones of the first intermediate nodes to the input/output node. The converter further includes a control circuit configured to control the first, second and third switches to provide an n-level converter.

Abstract: A converter apparatus includes: a first transformer with two windings; a first full-bridge circuit with four switches, DC input/output units connected to a first DC power supply, and AC input/output units connected via an inductor to one winding of the first transformer; a second full-bridge circuit with four switches, DC input/output units connected to a second DC power supply, and AC input/output units connected via an inductor to another winding of the first transformer; a second transformer with two windings, one being connected via an inductor to the AC input/output units of the first circuit; a third full-bridge circuit with four switches, DC input/output units connected to a third DC power supply, and AC input/output units connected via an inductor to another winding of the second transformer; and a control unit for controlling the switches to supply power between the first to third DC power supplies.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for methods, devices and systems for providing power supply to an electrical load within a facility, which is connected to a power network to perform load displacement. The power management system includes a controller coupled to an electrical panel for controlling the operation of the electrical load, the controller being configured to determine a target power amount to be provided to the electrical load based on peak power amount required by the electrical load. The system includes a power regulator for generating at least one control signal based on the target power amount, and the power generation system for receiving the at least one control signal, generating target electrical power corresponding to the target power amount and transmitting the target electrical power to the electrical panel via a DC voltage power bus.

Abstract: A computer system includes a power supply unit that provides operating energy for the computer system, a system board connected to the power supply unit and having a multitude of expansion connections for connection of a corresponding multitude of expansion components, wherein each expansion component is assigned a fixed power budget to supply an associated expansion component, a first expansion component connected to a first expansion connection of the system board, and at least one auxiliary supply component arranged in a region of a second expansion connection of the system board, wherein the auxiliary supply component electrically connects to the first expansion component and delivers at least part of the power budget assigned to the second expansion connection to the first expansion component.

Abstract: A starting and stopping method for a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) is provided. A starting process includes: connecting a converter to a shunt transformer, and closing a breaker which connect the AC system and the shunt transformer to charge the converter until the DC voltage is stable; opening the breaker, and connecting the converter to a series transformer through a change-over switch; and deblocking the converter, and controlling a current of a bypass switch of the series transformer to approach zero. A stopping process includes: switching a control mode of the converter to make the current of the bypass switch approaches zero when closed the bypass switch, then controlling a current of the series transformer to be gradually reduced to zero to make the series transformer out of service, and blocking the converter.

Abstract: A fault current limiting control and protection coordination method for a converter of a flexible direct current transmission system operating in an islanding state is provided. The current output command limit Imax is used to limit the current commands of inner loop currents, and in the event of a fault, Imax is set equal to or slightly larger than a value for an AC line overcurrent protection section.

Abstract: A solar energy system utilizing a Multi-Function Power Converter System (MFPCS) with a solar energy extension control method can be operated as both solar energy converter system and high power battery charger/discharger system, such as an interleaved multi-phase DC/DC converter, or a three-phase grid-tied inverter plus direct battery charger, or a three-phase grid-tied inverter, or a three-phase solar/battery power discharger, or a three-phase PWM rectifier battery charger.

Abstract: Active impedance-injection module enabled for distributed power flow control of high-voltage (HV) transmission lines is disclosed. The module uses transformers with multi-turn primary windings, series-connected to high-voltage power lines, to dynamically control power flow on those power lines. The insertion of the transformer multi-turn primary is by cutting the line and splicing the two ends of the winding to the ends of the cut high-voltage transmission line. The secondary winding of the transformer is connected to a control circuit and a converter/inverter circuit that is able to generate inductive and capacitive impedance based on the status of the transmission line. The module operates by extracting power from the HV transmission line with the module floating at the HV transmission-line potential. High-voltage insulators are typically used to suspend the module from transmission towers, or intermediate support structures. It may also be directly suspended from the HV transmission line.

Abstract: Active impedance-injection module enabled for distributed power flow control of high-voltage (HV) transmission lines is disclosed. The module uses transformers with multi-turn primary windings, series-connected to high-voltage power lines, to dynamically control power flow on those power lines. The insertion of the transformer multi-turn primary is by cutting the line and splicing the two ends of the winding to the ends of the cut high-voltage transmission line. The secondary winding of the transformer is connected to a control circuit and a converter/inverter circuit that is able to generate inductive and capacitive impedance based on the status of the transmission line. The module operates by extracting power from the HV transmission line with the module floating at the HV transmission-line potential. High-voltage insulators are typically used to suspend the module from transmission towers, or intermediate support structures. It may also be directly suspended from the HV transmission line.

Abstract: A system comprises a five-level rectifier configured to be connected with an ac power source, wherein the five-level rectifier comprises a first boost apparatus and a first buck apparatus configured to operate in a first half cycle of the ac power source, and a second boost apparatus and a second buck apparatus configured to operate in a second half cycle of the ac power source and a five-level inverter connected to the five-level rectifier.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for regulating voltage received from an electric utility grid. A unified power flow controller is provided at a point of power consumption and includes a terminal electrically coupled to a power source, which receives a grid alternating current and a grid alternating voltage from the electric utility grid. A power converter is electrically coupled to the terminal and includes an active rectifier that converts substantially all of the grid alternating current to a direct current and an inverter that converts the direct current to a load alternating current and a load alternating voltage, the load alternating voltage being less than the grid alternating voltage. A transformer is provided having first terminals electrically coupled to the power source and second terminals electrically coupled to an output of the inverter. The transformer injects the load alternating voltage in series with the grid alternating voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing at least one renewable energy source for supply of power via an electric grid are disclosed. A method supplies power to mobile devices from the renewable energy source and balances power realized by the mobile devices with the supply of power from the renewable energy source by controlling the supply of power realized by the mobile devices. An apparatus includes a processor for monitoring power from the renewable energy source and sending signals to mobile devices connected to the electric grid to balance monitored power from the renewable energy source with power realized by the mobile devices. Another method identifies a fixed account associated with a grid connection point used by a plug-in electric vehicle for realizing power during a connection event; determines a quantity of energy realized during the event; and adjusts the account based on energy realized by the vehicle during the event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intelligent, adaptive management of energy storage packs are disclosed. A method comprises receiving a first current measurement of a first energy storage cell electrically connected to a first converter circuit. The first converter circuit controls the charge and discharge of the first energy storage cell. A first voltage measurement of the first energy storage cell is received. A first temperature measurement of the first energy storage cell is received. The first current measurement, the first voltage measurement, and the first temperature measurement are translated into a state of charge of the first energy storage cell.

Abstract: A system includes energy modules configured to output power to electrical loads based on load demands. The system also includes control circuitry configured to control an amount of power transferred from each of the energy modules to the at least one load based on received sensor data from the energy modules, detect failure of at least one source cell of the energy modules based on the received sensor data from the energy modules, and control a voltage supplied by the energy modules to the at least one load within a predetermined operating band when the failure is detected.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention's self-optimizing hybrid power system includes a generator, a solar array, batteries, a GPS, a thermometer, a pyranometer, a power manager, and a computer.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement can include a light emitter portion and a battery backup portion. The light emitter portion can have a plurality of light emitting diodes and circuitry including a rectifier for driving the light emitting diodes. The battery backup portion can be in electronic communication with the rectifier of the light emitter portion and have a battery portion and a converter portion with a DC-AC inverter and a microcontroller unit configured to route AC power to the rectifier from either a primary AC source or the battery portion. The light emitter portion can be configured to be mounted to a junction box and positioned below a ceiling of a dwelling space during use. The battery backup portion can be configured to be selectively positionable between the light emitter portion and the junction box.

Abstract: A non-contact type power supplying apparatus may be capable of detecting another power receiving apparatus even during the charging. The non-contact type power supplying apparatus may include: a first output unit outputting a detection signal detecting a power receiving apparatus; and a second output unit outputting a wake-up signal waking-up a communications circuit of the detected power receiving apparatus when the power receiving apparatus is detected, thereby making it possible to supply power to the detected power receiving apparatus using a non-contact type method.

Abstract: One example of a device includes an output terminal to electrically couple to a load, a first input terminal to electrically couple to a first voltage source, and a blocking rectifier electrically coupled between the first input terminal and the output terminal. The device includes a second input terminal to electrically couple to a second voltage source. The second input terminal is electrically coupled to the output terminal. The device includes a control circuit to control the second voltage source to prevent a voltage at the output terminal from exceeding a voltage at the first input terminal and to deliver power to the load in place of power delivered by the first voltage source.

Abstract: Multi-level inverter introducing a new topology wherein standard IGBTs can be employed in place of common emitter IGBTs, wherein switching and conduction losses are minimized and wherein the number of implemented levels can be easily increased with the addition of a minimum number of components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply system having a minimum of two power supplies that are together configured to supply at least a specified level of power when one of the power supplies is in an offline condition. When in operation, a self-test control circuit causes one of the power supplies to enter an offline condition and a power interruption protection circuit of the offline power supply is tested. While the offline power supply is being tested, the remaining power supplies provide sufficient power to whatever loads may be present.

Abstract: Provided is a control system that can appropriately determine whether or not supply of power to a load is abnormal, and can specify a detailed reason of the abnormality. A control circuit supplies power to a load and shuts off the supply of power in accordance with a power supply/shutoff instruction to supply or shut off power from a battery to the load. The power supply/shutoff instruction is output from a microcomputer to the control circuit. A control unit determines whether or not the supply of power from the battery to the load is abnormal, based on (i) whether the power supply/shutoff instruction output from the output unit is to supply power or shut off the supply of power, (ii) the value of a current flowing from the battery to the load, and (iii) the value of a voltage applied to the load, and specifies a reason of the abnormality.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) inverter includes a converter circuit configured to convert a direct current (DC) voltage to an AC voltage, and output terminals, the converter circuit being configured to output the AC voltage to the output terminals. The AC inverter further includes a signal terminal configured to receive a signal from outside of the AC inverter, and a control circuit configured to detect an abnormality related to the AC inverter, control the converter circuit to stop conversion of the DC voltage to the AC voltage in response to detection of the abnormality, and control the converter circuit to resume conversion of DC voltage to the AC voltage in response to reception of the signal on the signal terminal.

Abstract: A power supply is described herein which provides power to a load, such as a load including one or more computing devices. The power supply uses a slow-response power source (such as a fuel-driven mechanism) to handle a slow-moving component of the demand level presented by the load, and uses a fast-response power source (such as a battery or a capacitor, etc.) to handle a fast-moving component of the demand level. By virtue of this approach, the power supply can manage the load level as it appears to the slow-response power source, allowing, in turn, the slow-response power source to service even fast-changing loads—a task which it could not otherwise perform due to its native limitations.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a system comprises a voltage-droop mitigation circuit configured to monitor voltage droop in a supply voltage supplied to a circuit, and to perform voltage-droop mitigation for the circuit if the monitored voltage droop is equal to or greater than a droop threshold. In one aspect, the system also includes a performance monitor configured to track a number of clock cycles over which the voltage-droop mitigation circuit performs the voltage-droop mitigation within a time duration, and to adjust the droop threshold based on the number of clock cycles. In another aspect, the system also includes a performance monitor configured to track a number of times that the voltage-droop mitigation circuit performs the voltage-droop mitigation within a time duration, and to adjust the droop threshold based on the number of times that the voltage-droop mitigation circuit performs the voltage-droop mitigation within the time duration.