Abstract: An energy boost circuit adapted to provide power to a load is described. The circuit includes a pair of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for converting thermal energy from a heat source into electrical energy; a pair of capacitor banks arranged in parallel, each coupled to one of the TEGs for storing the electrical energy generated by the TEG; a power converter; a first switching element coupled between a first capacitor bank in the pair of capacitor banks and the power converter; a second switching element coupled between a second capacitor bank in the pair of capacitor banks and the power converter; and a monitor/controller coupled to the first and second switching elements and adapted to selectively switch the switching elements in order to provide a power boost to the load, where the monitor/controller automatically switches the switching elements based at least partly on charge levels measured at the capacitor banks.

Abstract: A system includes a voltage regulator connected to a voltage source for providing a regulated voltage at a first level in a first mode of operation and at least one second level in a second mode of operation. The second voltage level is higher than the first voltage level. A control processor provides control signals to select between the first and the second modes of operation. A component associated with the voltage regulator. The component is disabled in the first mode of operation and enabled in the second mode of operation. The control processor generates control signals to configure the voltage regulator to generate the voltage at the first level in the first mode of operation when the component is disabled and to configure the voltage regulator to generate the voltage at the at least one second level in the second mode of operation when the component is enabled.

Abstract: An example power distribution system includes a relay moveable to a position that holds at least one contactor closed. The relay is moved to the position in response to an alternate source powering a power distribution system rather than a main source powering the power distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for easily detecting an abnormal status of power generation of a solar cell panel in a solar cell power generation system having the power generation of 1 MW or higher. The present invention provides an abnormality detecting apparatus for a solar cell power generation system including a plurality of solar cell strings each having a plurality of solar cell modules connected to each other in series and a backflow preventing diode connected to a power output terminal of each of the solar cell strings, characterized in that the abnormality detecting apparatus further includes measuring means for measuring a current flowing in the backflow preventing diode; and that the measuring means is supplied with electric power from both terminals of the backflow preventing diode.

Abstract: A charging unit comprises a first input connectable to a first power source, a second input connectable to a second power source, and an output for connection to a battery to be charged. The charging unit also comprises a power supply unit operable simultaneously to provide power from the first input and power from the second input to the output.

Abstract: Systems and methods of voltage based switching of a power supply system current are disclosed. In one embodiment, a power supply system includes a power bus to supply electrical power to a system load. A power supply is coupled to the power bus. The power supply provides current to the power bus and generates a voltage ?. In addition, the system includes an additional power supply coupled to the power bus. The additional power supply generates a voltage ? that is lower than the voltage ?. An oring module restricts the additional power supply from providing current to the power bus, until a power bus voltage ? is greater than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft may include generating an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to speed of a prime mover, where the speed of the prime mover is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed limit. The A/C output of the prime mover may be distributed to the variable speed motor such that the speed of the variable speed motor is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output. The variable speed motor may be electrically disconnected from the A/C power when the speed of the prime mover being used to drive the variable speed motor is equal to or within a predetermined range of the predetermined speed limit. An alternate A/C output may be distributed to the variable speed motor after the A/C power is electrically disconnected from the variable speed motor.

Abstract: A power management technique for a power bus includes a method and apparatus employing a Faraday electrical energy sink for a power bus. In general, the technique powers a power bus from a fuel cell plant when the actual voltage of the power bus is less than or equal to a nominal voltage for the power bus and sinks power from the power bus into the fuel cell plant when the actual voltage exceeds the nominal voltage.

Abstract: A control system is provided for use with a plurality of generator sets. The control system may have at least one load discrete signal cable, a ramping discrete signal cable, a switching device, and a control module associated with a first of the plurality of generator sets. The control module may be configured to detect a signal on the at least one load discrete signal cable generated by a second of the plurality of generator sets indicative of a load on the second of the plurality of generator sets, and to activate the switching device to implement an operational status change of the first of the plurality of generator sets based on the detection. The control module may also be configured to generate a signal on the ramping discrete signal cable to inhibit others of the plurality of generator sets from changing operational status during the operational status change of the first of the plurality of generator sets.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power system can include a photovoltaic array, an inverter, and a battery.

Abstract: A drive circuit comprising a DC bus configured to supply power to a load, a first fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a first power output to the DC bus, and a second fuel cell coupled to the DC bus and configured to provide a second power output to the DC bus supplemental to the first fuel cell. The drive circuit further includes an energy storage device coupled to the DC bus and configured to receive energy from the DC bus when a combined output of the first and second fuel cells is greater than a power demand from a load, and provide energy to the DC bus when the combined output of the first and second fuel cells is less than the power demand from the load.

Abstract: In an uninterruptible power supply apparatus, a common mode current flowing from nodes (N1 to N3) to a line of a ground voltage (GND) through a stray capacitance (41) of a battery (40) is limited by a common mode reactor (34), and the low-level common mode current passing through the common mode reactor (34) is caused to flow to a virtual neutral line (NL) through a common mode capacitor (37). Therefore, the level of noise caused by the common mode current can be reduced.

Abstract: A circuit which extends the operational life of a main power source, said circuit comprising a pair of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for converting thermal energy from a heat source into electrical energy; a pair of capacitors arranged in parallel, each coupled to one of the TEGs for storing the electrical energy generated by said TEG; a power converter; a first switching element coupled between a first capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; a second switching element coupled between a second capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; and a monitor/controller coupled to said first and second switching elements and each of said capacitors for selectively and alternatively switching the first and second switching elements in order to selectively provide power from one of the capacitors to a load, thereby reducing the amount of power drawn from the main power source.

Abstract: A power converter utilizes one or more nonlinear composite film capacitors constructed solely of polymer anti-ferroelectric (AFE) particle composites and configured as DC-link bus capacitors providing an energy buffer to reduce DC-link voltage ripple.

Abstract: Presented here is an electrical system for a vehicle having an electrical load. The electrical system includes a primary energy source, a rechargeable redundant energy source coupled to the primary energy source via a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a control unit. The fourth switch is coupled between the electrical load and the second switch, and is coupled between the electrical load and the third switch. The control unit operates the first switch to facilitate charging of the rechargeable redundant energy source with the primary energy source, operates the second switch and the third switch in concert to selectively provide operating power from either the primary energy source or the rechargeable redundant energy source to the fourth switch, and operates the fourth switch to provide the operating power to the electrical load.

Abstract: An output-power control apparatus is provided in an electric power system connecting a secondary battery system and a power generator in parallel, and controls output power of the electric power system. The output-power control apparatus detects output power of the power generator, and controls output voltage of the secondary battery system, based on a value obtained by subtracting the detected output power of the power generator from an output power instruction for controlling the output power.

Abstract: A discharge control device in an electric power conversion system mounted to a motor vehicle turns off a relay in order to instruct an electric power conversion circuit to supply a reactive current into a motor generator, and thereby to decrease a capacitor voltage to a diagnostic voltage. After this process, the discharge control device outputs an emergency discharging instruction signal dis in order to turn on both power switching elements at high voltage side and a low voltage side in the electric power conversion circuit. This makes a short circuit between the electrodes of the capacitor in order to discharge the capacitor, and executes a discharging control to detect whether or not an emergency discharging control is correctly executed and completed. The discharge control device detects whether or not the electric power stored in the capacitor is discharged on the basis of the voltage of a voltage sensor.

Abstract: A start up circuit constituted of: a first alternating current lead; a second alternating current lead, said second alternating current lead exhibiting an opposing phase of said first alternating current lead; a first capacitor, a first end of said first capacitor coupled to said first alternating current lead; a second capacitor, a first end of said second capacitor coupled to said second alternating current lead; a breakdown diode coupled between a second end of said first capacitor and a second end of said second capacitor; and a third capacitor coupled in parallel with said breakdown diode. A direct current power is developed across the breakdown diode without requiring dissipative elements.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that provide a method of power management of a lighting source, including providing a lighting facility, wherein the lighting facility includes the lighting source, an external control device for communicating between the lighting facility and an external control source, an internal control facility, an energy storage device, and a connection to external power; and shifting power usage between the external power and the energy storage device as controlled by the internal control facility and as a result of information received from the external control source.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power distribution system includes a first electrical distribution and power management (EDPM) unit including a first DC power source connected to a first high voltage DC bus connected to a first DC load, and a first bus-tie solid state power controller (SSPC) connected to the first HVDC bus; a second EDPM unit including a second DC power source connected to a second high voltage DC bus connected to a second DC load, and a second bus-tie SSPC being connected to the second HVDC bus; and a bus-tie connected between the first bus-tie SSPC and the second bus-tie SSPC, wherein in the event a power source failure occurs in the first EDPM unit, power flows from the second DC power source to the first HVDC bus via the second bus-tie SSPC, the bus-tie, and the first bus-tie SSPC.

Abstract: A power compensator for an electric power transmission line. The power compensator includes a voltage source converter, a capacitor and an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a high voltage battery having a short circuit failure mode, a first main switch and second main switch for disconnecting the battery from the capacitor, and a control unit for operating the first and second switch.

Abstract: A water and/or air dispenser for snowmaking system includes water and/or air supplying ducts and is equipped with at least one valve (9) associated with an electric actuator (10), the actuator (10) being connected to an electric power source (12, 19) and associated with its own management unit (11) to ensure the operation of the valve (9) between the open and closed configurations thereof. The dispenser is associated with security elements able to cause the valve (9) to be positioned in a known security configuration, for example tightly closed, in case of voltage cut-off at the electric source (12, 19), the security elements being integrated and including a capacitor-type electric unit (16), connected to the electric power source and to the actuator (10), the capacitor unit being able to store, and then return, a quantity of energy necessary for complete actuation of the valve, to implement the security elements.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power system can include a photovoltaic array, an inverter, and a battery.

Abstract: A semiconductor IC device capable of power-sharing includes a first power line configured to be supplied with a first power, a second power line configured to be supplied with a second power, a switching block configured to connect the first power line with the second power line in response to a first control signal, and a power-sharing control block configured to generate the control signal in accordance with a plurality of operation command signals.

Abstract: A method of delivering electrical energy to a point in an electrical power grid, including accessing a source of energy at a first location and converting the energy into a form of transportable energy. The next step is transporting the transportable energy via a bulk transportation network from the first location to the point on said electrical power grid at a second location having a need for additional electrical power without the transportable energy going through the electrical power grid to get to the point. The next step is converting the form of transportable energy into electrical energy suitable for connecting to the power grid and discharging the electrical energy into the power grid at the second location. A system for delivering electrical energy is also provided. The transportable energy preferably takes the form of charged electrolytes, compressed air or thermal storage units, transported, for example, by way of trains.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing power output rate change variability. A photovoltaic power output is received from a photovoltaic array. The rate of change of the photovoltaic power output is measured. An auxiliary power source output is adjusted to limit a plant power output rate of change to within a power output rate change band when combined with the photovoltaic power.

Abstract: A system includes a power bus and a circuit. The power bus delivers power from a first power source to an output node. The circuit monitors a current flowing through the power bus and provides power from a second power source to the output node based on an amount of the current, and maintains a voltage level of the output node in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A DUT comprises a notifying circuit configured to generate a notification signal which is used to notify an external circuit of an event that leads to a change in the operating current of the DUT before such an event occurs. A main power supply supplies electric power to a power supply terminal of the DUT. A power supply compensation circuit comprises a switch element which is controlled according to a control signal, and is configured to generate a compensation pulse current according to the on/off state of the switch element. A compensation control circuit receives the notification signal from the DUT, and outputs, to the power supply compensation circuit, a control signal which is used to control the switch element, and which is generated based upon at least the notification signal.

Abstract: A power system is provided for delivering a custom level of electrical power to an industrial or commercial facility, comprising a local generator connected to a turbine operating in accordance with an organic Rankine cycle, the local generator having a capacity at least greater than a maximum anticipated power level needed for the electrical needs of a local industrial or commercial facility, one or more control devices operatively connected to the local generator for regulating active and reactive power generated by the generator, a detector for sensing active voltage induced by said generator, a detector for sensing reactive voltage produced by the generator, and a controller in electrical communication with said one or more control devices and with the active and reactive voltage detectors, wherein the controller directs the one or more control devices to regulate the generator such that the active power and reactive power generated by the generator are sufficient to satisfy active and reactive load condi

Abstract: A battery module voltage detector can reduce the difference in frequency response of an anti-aliasing filter for each battery module whose voltage is measured, and provide an accurate voltage measurement. The battery module voltage detector includes a plurality of switches connected to battery modules constituting a battery pack, resistors having an equal resistance value, and a filter composed of capacitors having equal capacitance and being disposed between the battery modules and the switches. The capacitors are divided into a first capacitor group and a second capacitor group which are symmetrical at the center of the battery pack. The first capacitor group is on the positive terminal side of the second battery. The second capacitor is on the negative terminal side of the battery pack. Capacitors may be connected between an output terminal of a (1+M/2)-th resistor and an N-th resistor, except a (1+m/2), the (1+M/2)-th resistor and the N-th resistor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for improved battery learn cycles for battery backup units within data storage devices. The backup unit includes a first battery pack, a corresponding charge capacity gauge, one or more second battery packs, a corresponding charge capacity gauge, and a controller switch configured to select only one battery pack for a learn cycle at any given time. The charge capacity gauges are such that, at the end of the learn cycle discharge phase, the depth of discharge of the learn cycle battery pack is such that the charge capacity of the learn cycle battery pack combined with the full charge capacity of the remaining battery packs is sufficient for the device cached data to be off-loaded to a physical data storage device, and the data storage device does not have to switch from a write-back cache mode to a write-through cache mode.

Abstract: A chassis includes a component interconnect board having multiple multi-function slots coupled thereto. Each of the multi-function slots is configured to accept different types of modules, including a battery module and one or more other types of modules, such as server modules or storage modules. The component interconnect board also includes a power bus coupled to receive external power and route the external power to the multiple multi-function slots.

Abstract: A method for charging a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a solid alkali metal ion super ion conducting material, wherein the alkali metal is Na, K, or Li.

Abstract: An energy storage system for balancing the load of a power grid, said energy storage system comprising: a controller; a plurality of energy storage tanks connected in parallel; and a plurality of controllable switches connected to the plurality of energy storage tanks, wherein the controller is configured to detect a frequency and a phase of the power grid, and to balance the load of the power grid based on the frequency and the phase of the power grid, by controlling the plurality of controllable switches to charge the plurality of energy storage tanks using power from the power grid or to input power from the plurality of energy storage tanks to the power grid.

Abstract: A dual-energy storage system is described, having two energy sources: (a) a fast-energy storage device (FES) such as an ultracapacitor, and (b) a long duration or steady power device, such as a fuel-cell or battery. A power converter or controller executes an energy management algorithm to determine when to provide bursts of additional power/current from the fast-energy storage device, and when to recharge the fast-energy storage device.

Abstract: A method of delivering electrical energy to a point in an electrical power grid, the method including the steps of accessing a source of energy at a first location and converting the energy into a form of transportable energy. The next step is transporting the transportable energy via a bulk transportation network from the first location to the point on said electrical power grid at a second location having a need for additional electrical power without the transportable energy going through the electrical power grid to get to the point. The next step is converting the form of transportable energy into electrical energy suitable for connecting to the power grid and discharging the electrical energy into the power grid at the second location. A system for delivering electrical energy is also provided. The transportable energy preferably takes the form of charged electrolytes, compressed air or thermal storage units, transported, for example, by way of trains.

Abstract: A reliable power conditioner comprises: a power converting circuit for converting direct-current power obtained from a direct-current power source to alternating-current power of a commercial power system; a charger/discharger circuit for charging the direct-current power obtained from the direct-current power source to an accumulator or discharging the direct-current power stored in the accumulator; a control circuit for controlling the power converting circuit and the charger/discharger circuit; and a power source selecting circuit for selecting at least one of first, second, and third power source circuits and supplying power to the control circuit.

Abstract: A computer system includes multiple ports to which at least one external device is connected and which are connectable to multiple power supplying lines branched from a power supplying line for supplying electric power to the at least one external device; a switching unit which controls connections between the power supplying lines and the ports; and a controller which controls the switching unit so that two or more power supplying lines among the power supplying lines are connected to a first port, to which one of the at least one external device is connected, among the ports.

Abstract: Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within a direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

Abstract: There is provided a power control method for secondary batteries constituting, in a grid connection system supplying electric power to a power system by combining a power generator where output power fluctuates with a power storage compensator, the power storage compensator and compensating fluctuation of output power of the power generator. The method includes the steps of: dividing the secondary batteries into a “constant power control” group and a “demand responsive” group, and distributing predetermined constant input-output power out of power to be input and output provided to all the secondary batteries in order to compensate fluctuation of output power of the power generator to the “constant power control group” and the remaining input-output power to the “demand responsive” group to control input-output power of the secondary batteries respectively depending on the belonging groups.

Abstract: A method for controlling the electrical system of a motor vehicle with a generator, a battery to supply the electrical system, at least one load and a storage capacitor for brief supply of electrical power on demand, during which the battery is charged when the generator produces excess electrical power is provided. The load is supplied and the battery and the storage capacitor are charged by the generator in load operation or fuel cutoff. The load is additionally supplied by the battery and/or the storage capacitor when the instantaneous generator power is not sufficient. An instantaneously required electrical load power in load operation or fuel cutoff is recorded the load power is compared with an idle power of the generator, and the storage capacitor is charged by the generator when the idle power of the generator is less than the load power in load operation or fuel cutoff.

Abstract: An energy transfer circuit for connecting a load to multiple energy sources that can have different voltages. The energy transfer circuit connects the load and at least two energy sources, and has a control unit. The energy transfer circuit can transfer energy from at least one energy source to the load in response to the load's power demand; transfer energy from the load to at least one energy source in response to the load's charging current, and transfer energy between the energy sources. The energy transfer circuit also includes a first capacitor in parallel with the primary source and the load; a second capacitor in parallel with the secondary source, an inductor, a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor, a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor. The control unit opens and closes the first and second switches in response to the load and sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine connected to a utility grid during a utility grid disturbance. The method comprises the steps of controlling active current in dependency of the frequency deviation from a reference frequency, and controlling reactive current in dependency of the voltage deviation from a reference voltage. The invention also relates to a wind turbine and wind park.

Abstract: In a data processing system having elements grouped into a plurality of power domains, each one of which has at least one processing element and at least two power supplies, power domains are interconnnected by sensing and switching circuitry which senses the conditions of power supply and demand in and among the domains and switches from one domain to power supplies in another domain in the event of failure in the first domain.

Abstract: An energy storage device that includes capacitor cells of a first type having a first internal resistance and capacitor cells of a second type having a second internal resistance which is higher than the first internal resistance. Further, there is a detection unit that detects a voltage value between two opposing ends of at least one of the capacitor cells, or a voltage detection switching unit that integrates a switch arranged between two opposing ends of at least one of the capacitor cells.

Abstract: Featured are methods for regulating the AC frequency of the electrical power be supplied on an electrical distribution system or grid. Such a method includes electrically coupling an energy storage sub-system to the electrical distribution network, where the energy storage sub-system includes one or more flywheel energy storage systems. Also featured as devices, systems and apparatuses embodying such methodologies or for use in implementing such methodologies of the present invention.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft. The system comprises a variable speed prime mover adapted to generate an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to the speed of the prime mover, a power switch, a power distribution bus connected to the A/C output of the prime mover and connected, via the switch, to the motor such that the motor's speed is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output, and a variable frequency drive operatively connected to the A/C output of the prime mover via the bus and effective to provide an alternate A/C output to the motor after the motor is disconnected from the bus. The switch is adapted to disconnect the motor from the bus when the prime mover's speed is equal to or within a predetermined range of the prime mover's speed limit.

Abstract: In various embodiments, various systems and methods are provided for power distribution. In one embodiment, power distribution apparatus is provided comprising a power multiplier comprising a multiply-connected electrical structure, and a plurality of power network couplings in the multiply-connected electrical structure. The multiply-connected electrical structure is a resonant circuit tuned to a nominal frequency of a power network.

Abstract: A method of installing a power distribution system in a facility includes acts of: obtaining a power distribution unit including at least one rack mounted power distribution unit, the power distribution unit including an electrical connection having an electrical bus configured to directly connect to a riser of a power busway; installing the power busway from a terminus located at the output of the UPS to the electrical connection at the power distribution unit; and directly connecting the power busway to the output of the UPS with a busbar-to-busbar connection between the output of the UPS and the terminus of the busway.