Abstract: A photovoltaic power generating device comprising a current collecting box side detector for detecting a ground fault in each of the photovoltaic strings, a switch disposed in correspondence to each of the photovoltaic strings and interposed between the photovoltaic string and a connecting cable, a current collecting box including a control unit providing an on/off control of the switch according to the detection result from the detector, a detector for detecting a ground fault in a connecting cable between the current collecting box and the power conditioner, a switch interposed between the connecting cable and the inverter, and a power conditioner having a control unit providing an on/off control of the switch according to the detection result from the detector.

Abstract: A control system for parallel connected inverter legs energized by a power source and configured for servicing a load is disclosed. The invention facilitates the number of running inverter legs to adaptively react to changes in the load by dynamically switching various inverter legs “on” or “off” in response to variations in load demand, while continuing magnetization of an output transformer connected with an “off” inverter leg via a back-feed from another output transformer of an “on” inverter leg, greatly improving the dynamic response to load changes. This design enables a fast reaction to load changes with “off” inverter legs transitioning to on-line operation instantaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a microgrid module. The microgrid module can receive power from either AC or DC sources and output either AC or DC power as needed. The microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a control software module installed on a microgrid computer. The control software module receives information from sensors installed in the microgrid module and sends commands to controllable elements installed in the microgrid module for the purpose of controlling the power through the microgrid in a manner consistent with power requirements of various loads and the power available from multiple and diverse sources and internal and/or external energy storage devices.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for continuously detecting when a USB client device may be charged according to a BCS charging standard. Power is supplied from a USB host device to the USB client device with a first current limit. Next, the USB host device monitors data lines D+ and D? for a first part of a handshake. When the first part of the handshake is detected, a second part of the handshake is provided by the USB host device indicating that the USB client device may be changed according to the BCS charging standard. All current sources and all voltage sources that are coupled to the data lines D+ and D? are decoupled from data lines D+ and D? after the handshake is complete. After the data lines are decoupled, communication may begin between the USB host device and the USB client device.

Abstract: An out-door unit with multiple ports comprises a circuit block, a DC-DC converter and a plurality of ports. The DC-DC converter is configured to provide a first current to the circuit block. The plurality of ports is connected to a plurality of in-door units respectively via a diode and provides a second current from the plurality of in-door units to the DC-DC converter via a diode respectively. The circuit block requires an operation current, and a first part of the operation current is the first current from the DC-DC converter and a second part of the operation current is the second current from one of the ports.

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: An apparatus and system for preventing branch circuit current overload in a non-dedicated branch circuit where current is supplied at least in part by a co-generation power system through an electrical receptacle or outlet. Co-generation systems of this type are typically used in residential applications and can include solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. The apparatus modulates or adjusts the current flowing into the branch circuit from the co-generation power system so that the apparatus does not cause the combination of current supplied from the utility power grid into the branch circuit and current supplied by the co-generation system into the branch circuit outlet to exceed the branch circuit current capacity.

Abstract: A variable speed air compressing system includes a compressor, a motor configured to actuate the compressor, and a rectifier configured to receive alternating current from a first power source and to provide rectified direct current having a first voltage. The system also includes an inverter configured to receive the rectified direct current and to receive direct current from a second power source having a second voltage. The inverter is configured to provide alternating current to the motor. The alternating current provided to the motor is based on the rectified direct current if the first voltage is greater than the second voltage and the alternating current is based on the direct current from the second power source if the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.

Abstract: A method of operating an alternating current (AC) power distribution assembly (PDA), where the ACPDA includes a plurality of AC power distribution modules, each connected to a respective AC load includes turning a first switch off and turning a second switch on in each of the AC power distribution modules; starting up each of the respective AC loads; monitoring a load current in the ACPDA and obtaining an acceptable load current in the ACPDA; determining if a set of motor sensor parameters for the ACPDA are within predetermined limits, and, in the event the motor sensor parameters are within the predetermined limits, determining if a startup period has elapsed; and in the event the startup period has elapsed, turning the first switch on and turning the second switch off in each of the AC power distribution modules.

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: The invention relates to a grid synchronizer for connecting an AC output of a power converter to the AC grid mains. In one aspect the invention provides a grid synchronizer comprising an inverter controller to control an AC output of the inverter, the controller including a receiver to receive grid data from a grid sensor location remote from said inverter. In another aspect we describe techniques for rapid removal of charge from a control terminal of a power switching device such as a MOSFET, IGBT or Thyristor using a particular driver circuit.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being remotely controllable.

Abstract: DC-DC converters are described that employ a time-averaged modulated bypass diode to facilitate the efficient harvest of power in photovoltaic systems.

Abstract: An electric power generating system includes a plurality of variable power sources including at least one source of DC power and at least one source of AC power. Converters convert power supplied by the plurality of power sources to a common source of power to be communicated to a collector bus. A power grid supplies three-phase power to components requiring three-phase power downstream of the collector bus. Converters provide three phases of power to the power bus from the collector bus.

Abstract: A multiple power supply integration apparatus measures electric power and stability of power supplies, outputs thereof having irregularity. Based on measured values of the electric power and the stability, certainty of entire supply of the electric power when a use allocation rate of the power supplies is changed is indexed as an evaluation value. The multiple power supply integration apparatus adjusts each converter according to a use allocation rate corresponding to a largest evaluation value, thereby adjusting a magnitude of the electric power supplied from each power supply to a common power line.

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 real time clock driving circuit for driving a real time clock includes a power source, a flash driving circuit, a switch circuit, and an electronic source. The flash driving circuit includes a booster, a charging capacitor, and a number of first resistor dividers. The anode of the charging capacitor and the first resistor dividers are coupled to an output of the booster. A node is defined between two of the first resistor dividers. The switch circuit includes a MOS transistor and a second resistor divider. The source of the MOS transistor is coupled to the node. The gate is coupled to the node via the second resistor divider. The drain is coupled to the power input of the real time clock. The power source is coupled to the input of the booster, the gate, and the power input of the real time clock.

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: Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a microgrid module. The microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a power management software module and a control software module installed on a microgrid computer. The power management software module receives business parameters such as prices from power contracts. The power management software module uses the parameters to create rules for applying to the operation of the microgrid module. The rules the power management software module creates are stored locally at the microgrid computer so that they can be quickly accessed by a control software module. The control software module uses the rules in combination with data collected from sensors installed in the physical circuitry layer of the microgrid module to control the operations of the microgrid module.

Abstract: A triangular-wave current flows through a reactor of a DC/DC converter for converting voltages between increased and reduced levels. Surges are reduced, which are developed in an output voltage serving as a control voltage when the triangular-wave current changes across a zero value at which the current direction is changed. When a primary current flowing through the reactor changes across 0 [A] (zero value) at which the direction is changed, within an adjustment range, a feedback coefficient by which to multiply the error between the control voltage and a target voltage is multiplied by k (k>1) so as to increase a feedback amount. Surges developed in the control voltage due to a dead time when the primary current changes across 0 [A] are reduced.

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 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 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 further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.

Abstract: A dynamic voltage compensator for compensating voltage fluctuations in a three-phase power supply system that includes two dynamic voltage restorers (DVR), and two phases are selected arbitrarily from the three-phase power supply system with each selected power supply phase connected in series with one of said dynamic voltage restorers respectively. The dynamic voltage restorers are each used to monitor the voltage between the power supply phase it is connected to and the power supply phase unselected, and to restore the voltage to a normal level when voltage fluctuation is monitored, and at the same time the phase voltage of the unselected phase can also be restored to its normal level. In this way, it can ensure that the phase voltages of the three phases can be restored to the normal level by using only two sets of single-phase DVRs.

Abstract: This invention is generally concerned with power supply circuits, and more particularly, with circuits to supply power to a mains supply, such as domestic grid mains, from a photovoltaic device. A photovoltaic power conditioning circuit for providing power from a photovoltaic device to an alternating current mains power supply line, the circuit comprising: a DC input to receive DC power from said photovoltaic device; an AC output configured for direct connection to said AC mains power supply line; a DC-to-AC converter coupled to said DC input and to said AC output to convert DC power from said photovoltaic device to AC power for output onto said power supply line; and an electronic controller directly coupled to said power supply line to measure a voltage of said power supply line and a current in said supply line and to control said DC-to-AC converter responsive to said measuring.

Abstract: A method and system of inverting DC energy stored within a vehicle to AC energy sufficient for supplying appliances or other devices that traditionally receive AC energy from a wall outlet. The inverting may be executed without feedback control in that switching operations used to controller boosting and inverting the DC energy are controller solely from inputs and without regard to the actual output.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit comprises positive and negative input terminals for connection of the motor circuit to a DC supply, a DC link filter connected between the input terminals: an electric motor having at least two phases, a plurality of motor drive sub-circuits, each connected to a respective phase of the electric motor and which each control the flow of current into or out of the respective phase of the motor that has been drawn from the supply through the DC link filter, and a switching means provided in the electrical path between the DC link filter and the electric motor drive sub-circuits, the switching means being movable between a closed position in which it connects the DC link filter to the motor drive sub-circuits, and an open position which isolates the DC link filter from the motor drive sub-circuits.

Abstract: When a DC/DC converter switches between a primary voltage control mode, a secondary voltage control mode, and a current limiting mode as operation modes, an I-term resetting processor outputs an I term depending on the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched to a PID processor. The PID processor performs a PID control process based on the input I term. A drive duty ratio setter outputs a drive duty ratio immediately after the control mode switching, which is substantially equal to the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched. As a result, the duty ratios in the operation mode before being switched and the operation mode after being switched are made continuous with respect to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for preventing branch circuit current overload in a non-dedicated branch circuit where current is supplied at least in part by a co-generation power system through an electrical receptacle or outlet. Co-generation systems of this type are typically used in residential applications and can include solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. The apparatus modulates or adjusts the current flowing into the branch circuit from the co-generation power system so that the apparatus does not cause the combination of current supplied from the utility power grid into the branch circuit and current supplied by the co-generation system into the branch circuit outlet to exceed the branch circuit current capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional voltage modification assembly coupled to the first energy storage device, and a charge bus coupled to the first energy storage device and to the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly. The apparatus also comprises high-impedance voltage source coupleable to the charge bus and a controller configured to monitor a transfer of charging energy supplied from the high-impedance voltage source to the first energy storage device. The controller is also configured to compare the monitored transfer of charging energy with a threshold value and, after the threshold value has been crossed, control the first bi-directional voltage modification assembly to modify one of a voltage and a current of the charging energy supplied to the first energy storage device.

Abstract: A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a first terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a second terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the second terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: A power supply system includes an energy generator and an energy storage system, each electrically connected to a power bus. The power bus provides electrical power to a load. The energy generator includes a wind turbine and a solar panel. The energy storage system includes a storage device and a regulator. The regulator is configured to transfer energy from the power bus to the storage device when the power bus exceeds a maximum voltage and to transfer energy from the storage device to the power bus when the power bus drops below a minimum voltage.

Abstract: A bidirectional battery charge control system for a portable electronic device which uses a rechargeable main battery. The system enables the connection of an auxiliary battery to the device for inputting additional current to the device. Control of the current flow into and out of the auxiliary battery is performed by a bidirectional charger. The auxiliary battery can contain one or more readily available primary or secondary cells, and the bidirectional charger is such that an external charger connected to the device, generally used to charge the main rechargeable battery of the device, can also recharge a secondary cell or cells in the auxiliary battery, if such are installed. The use of such an auxiliary battery enables the main battery to be hard-wired into the device.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a plurality of secondary batteries is provided. The charger is configured to be connected to a power supply circuit and configured so that an output of the circuit is connected to the batteries. The battery charger includes a first switch for connecting the batteries in series, a second switch to selectively connect a first polarity terminal of a first secondary battery having a highest electric potential, a DC-DC converter having a first and second polarity input terminals, the first polarity input terminal being to be connected to the first polarity terminal via the second switch, the second polarity input terminal being to be connected to a second polarity terminal of a second secondary battery having a lowest electric potential, an external power supply output terminal connected to an output terminal of the DC-DC converter, and a controller for controlling the first and second switches.

Abstract: A method and system for improving peak power capability in an electrical system is disclosed. The system may include an auxiliary generator operated in conjunction with one or more main engine generators during the need for increased transient load demands. The system may include a main engine generator, an auxiliary generator, an inverter/converter controller (ICC) connected to respective generators, a semi-conductor power device connected between the ICCs, and a main bus between the semi-conductor power device and a load.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for preventing branch circuit current overload in a non-dedicated branch circuit where current is supplied at least in part by a co-generation power system through an electrical receptacle or outlet. Co-generation systems of this type are typically used in residential applications and can include solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. The apparatus modulates or adjusts the current flowing into the branch circuit from the co-generation power system so that the apparatus does not cause the combination of current supplied from the utility power grid into the branch circuit and current supplied by the co-generation system into the branch circuit outlet to exceed the branch circuit current capacity.

Abstract: An uninterrupted power supply unit is provided with a straightforward switch connected between a power source and a load to supply or interrupt a power to a system. The combination of the outputs from two kinds of single phase inverters enables compensating for a variation in the system voltage in the normal condition and to supply a predetermined voltage to the load after decreasing in the system voltage and opening of a straight forward switch.

Abstract: A cell for use in an electrolysis unit includes a back wall, a side wall extending upwardly from and around a periphery of the back wall to define an inner region of the cell, an electrode disposed on the back wall within the inner region to divide at least a portion of the inner region into first and second regions is disclosed.

Abstract: A power allocating apparatus has a plurality of power supply modules coupled to a plurality of loads via a plurality of power lines, respectively. The power allocating apparatus includes a first switch element and a control device. The first switch element has a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal coupled to an output terminal of a power supply module with a relatively high power conversion rate and an output terminal of a power supply module with a second power conversion rate, respectively, and selectively allocates a power generated by the power supply module with the relatively high power conversion rate to a predetermined number of loadings simultaneously according to on or off states of the first switch element. The control device is coupled to the first switch element to control the first switch element to enter an on state or an off state.

Abstract: A traction inverter circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage, a first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter coupled to the first energy storage device, and a first electromechanical device. The first electromechanical device includes a first plurality of conductors coupled to the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter, a second plurality of conductors coupled together, and a plurality of windings coupled between the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors. The traction converter circuit also includes a charge bus comprising a first conductor coupled to the second plurality of conductors of the first electromechanical device, the charge bus configured to transmit a charging current to or receive a charging current from the first electromechanical device to charge the first energy storage device via the first electromechanical device and the first bi-directional DC-to-AC voltage inverter.

Abstract: An integral element corresponding to a converter continues an integral operation even in a period in which a voltage converting operation of the converter is suspended. The integral output integrated in this period is invalid data. Therefore, if the invalid integral output is provided from the integral element at a time at which the voltage converting operation of the converter is resumed, it follows that the converter would be controlled by an irrelevant control value. Therefore, as described above, the voltage converting operation control unit applies a reset signal to the integral element to zero-clear the stored integral output.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. Some embodiments provide a PAMCC for each direct current source in an array, for example multiple solar panels. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When a PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. 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.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a metering device for monitoring electrical power grid conditions, a controller for determining if the metering device is detecting a condition on an electrical grid that is indicative of a delayed voltage recovery event, and a communication device for communicating with one or more remotely located bi-directional power source modules connected to the electrical power grid, wherein the controller is programmed to send a notification via the communication device to the one or more remotely located bi-directional power source modules if the controller detects a condition indicative of delayed voltage recovery event. In some embodiments, the metering device includes a grid metering device. In some embodiments, the metering device measures power factor, and a change in the voltage and ratio of VARs to Watts.

Abstract: An electric power conservation system to be used between an AC utility power source and a load circuit in a home or business. The electric power conservation system comprises an energy charger component, a DC rechargeable energy source, an inverter unit, a bypass isolation circuit, a monitor and control unit, coil contactors and contacts, and necessary circuitry for supplying a load circuit with the power it requires. The invention reduces consumption of electric power from public utility companies, thereby decreasing the load on the national electrical grid. Where utility companies offer lower off-peak rates to consumers of electrical power, it becomes exceedingly desirable to have such a system in place, to save consumers money. During normal operations wherein normal utility power is available, the load circuit derives part of its power from the AC utility power source, and the remaining power that it requires from the electric power conservation system.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar cell device having a plurality of solar cell modules Z1, Z2, Z3, . . . , Zn, whose voltage outputs (UE1, UE2, UE3, . . . , UEn) are each coupled via a switching element (T1, T2, T3, . . . , Tn) to a switched voltage converter (12) preferably designed as inverting flyback converter or as step-up converter. Losses due to partial switching off of individual solar cell modules are avoided, the modules being operated independently one from the other. Using the voltage converter (12), the output voltage can be adjusted within wide limits. Using a microprocessor control (16) optimum energy yield of the entire system can be achieved (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid synchroniser for connecting an AC output of a power converter to the AC grid mains. In one aspect the invention provides a grid synchroniser comprising an inverter controller to control an AC output of the inverter, the controller including a receiver to receive grid data from a grid sensor location remote from said inverter. In another aspect we describe techniques for rapid removal of charge from a control terminal of a power switching device such as a MOSFET, IGBT or Thyristor using a particular driver circuit.

Abstract: A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a positive terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a negative terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a positive terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the positive terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the negative terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: Installation for the production and storage of renewable energy (1) provided for supplying an electricity-consuming unit (2) with electricity, the installation comprising solar panels (3) and a hydrogen production unit (4, 7, 8, 9, 10), which comprises an electrolyser (4) provided to produce hydrogen and oxygen when powered by the solar panels (3), a tank (8), and a compressor (10) for injecting the hydrogen provided by the electrolyser into the tank. The installation is characterised in that the solar panels (3) are provided to supply the electricity which they produce as a priority to the electricity-consuming unit (2) until the connected load of the unit is reached. Furthermore, the installation (1) comprises a branch connection unit (6) connected to the output of the solar panels and provided to direct a part of the electricity produced to the electrolyser (4) when the power produced by the solar panels exceeds the connected load.

Abstract: An integrated power module conditions and distributes electrical power from a high voltage source in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes an electrically-driven traction motor. A common primary DC-to-DC converter stage for coupling to the high voltage source produces an intermediate DC voltage on an intermediate voltage bus. The primary DC-to-DC converter stage comprises a plurality of phases including respective secondary circuits selectably coupled to the intermediate voltage bus. A plurality of power conditioners are each coupled to the intermediate voltage bus for transforming the intermediate DC voltage to respective power outputs, wherein the power outputs including a first AC output for driving the traction motor.

Abstract: A load is powered by a power source and a capacitive element in series such that the voltage provided to the load is the sum of the voltages of the power source and the capacitive element. A power converter imposing a limit on a flow of current through at least a portion of the power converter is coupled to the power source and the capacitive element, and selectively causes the capacitive element to either be charged or to discharge depending on the amount of current drawn by the load. As the capacitor discharges, the power source is permitted to supply a relatively higher amount of current to the load.