Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a UPS system having a first UPS and a second UPS, the method comprising coupling at least one control line between the first UPS and the second UPS to operate the first UPS and the second UPS in a parallel mode of operation, providing output power from each of the first UPS and the second UPS to a load, detecting a fault condition in the UPS system, decoupling the at least one control line, operating the first UPS in a diagnostic mode of operation, and determining if the fault condition is associated with the first UPS.

Abstract: A method of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) uses an MPPT algorithm to determine a switching frequency for a resonant power converter, including initializing by setting an initial boundary frequency range that is divided into initial frequency sub-ranges bounded by initial frequencies including an initial center frequency and first and second initial bounding frequencies. A first iteration includes measuring initial powers at the initial frequencies to determine a maximum power initial frequency that is used to set a first reduced frequency search range centered or bounded by the maximum power initial frequency including at least a first additional bounding frequency. A second iteration includes calculating first and second center frequencies by averaging adjacent frequent values in the first reduced frequency search range and measuring second power values at the first and second center frequencies. The switching frequency is determined from measured power values including the second power values.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for redundant control of parallel inverter installations. In one example, a parallel uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system may include several inverter feed paths and several UPS controllers. The inverter feed paths may supply double-conversion power to a load. The UPS controllers may be communicatively coupled to one another via at least two redundant data busses. The UPS controllers may operate in conjunction with one another to control the plurality of feed paths.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a power-fluctuation reducing apparatus in a power generation system to control a converter connected to the power generation system and connected to secondary batteries. The power-fluctuation reducing apparatus includes adjusting direct current voltages output from the secondary batteries, respectively, detecting the directing current voltages output from the secondary batteries, respectively, controlling to adjust the direct current voltages output from the secondary batteries to make the direct current voltages uniform, based on the detected direct current voltages, and controlling the converter to reduce power fluctuations in the power generation system.

Abstract: A multisource power system utilizing output isolated DC-DC converters in a serial input, parallel output arrangement provides uniform input voltage distribution and selective maximum power tracking wherein embodiments include maximum power tracking (“MPT”) with a single MPT controller, a battery dominated output voltage bus, and a regulated output voltage bus.

Abstract: A system for multiple energy storage and management includes a propulsion system includes an electric drive and a direct current (DC) link electrically and a first energy storage system coupled to the electric drive. The first energy storage system includes a low specific-power energy storage device (ESD). A coupling device is coupled to a first terminal of the low specific-power ESD and 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 to the coupling device. A boost converter assembly is coupled to the first and second energy storage systems. The coupling device couples the second terminal of the second energy storage system to the first terminal of the low specific-power ESD in a series connection that bypasses the boost converter assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid engine and battery generator and a method of operating the same. The generator is controlled to operate in at least three modes: a battery-only mode, a battery charging mode, and a boost mode. In the battery-only mode, the engine is off and an internal battery of the generator is used by an inverter to generate AC output. In the battery charging mode, the engine generates DC power, via an alternator and rectifier, which is used to charge the battery and to supply power to the inverter to generate AC output. In the boost mode, the battery and the engine generate DC power that is used by the inverter to generate an AC output with increased wattage, relative to the battery-only mode and battery charging mode. The generator automatically switches between the modes based on battery level and load demand.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to energy storage and supply management system. The system may include one or more of a control unit, which is in communication with the power grid, and an energy storage unit that stores power for use at a later time. The system may be used with traditional utility provided power as well as locally generated solar, wind, and any other types of power generation technology. In some embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are housed in the same chassis. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are separate. In another embodiment, the energy storage unit is integrated into the chassis of an appliance itself.

Abstract: An electrical power system includes a power grid and a plurality of power plants connected to the power grid. A central repository including one or more electrical energy storage devices is connected directly to the power grid. The one or more energy storage devices are configured to be connected to the power plants via the power grid. The central repository is operable to draw a portion of a power output produced by one or more of the power plants via the power grid during a first period, for storage therein. The central repository is operable to discharge power to the power grid during a second period shifted in time from the first period. The discharged power is a function of a grid requirement or a function of a power demand notified by an individual power plant of the electrical system.

Abstract: An energy storage system and a method of controlling the energy storage system are disclosed. The energy storage system includes an integrated controller configured to determine a functional state of a power converting unit, a bidirectional converter, and a bidirectional inverter based on conditions of the power generation system, the battery, and the load.

Abstract: Stabilized power generation apparatus and techniques are disclosed. A stabilized power generator includes a power generating component, an energy store, a bi-directional Direct Current (DC)/DC converter, and a bi-directional DC/Alternating Current (AC) converter. The bi-directional DC/DC converter is electrically coupled between the power generating component and the energy store. The bi-directional DC/AC converter is electrically coupled at a DC side of the bi-directional DC/AC converter to a circuit path between the power generating component and the bi-directional DC/DC converter, and is to be electrically coupled at an AC side of the bi-directional DC/AC converter to an electrical grid. Distributed storage is thereby provided at each power generator, and the converters are controllable to provide MPP tracking in PV systems, power smoothing, and/or maintenance of State of Charge (SoC) of the energy store.

Abstract: A power interchange system for interchanging electric energy between a battery and an electric grid is provided The power interchange system includes a rectifier unit for converting alternating current of the electric grid into direct current for charging the battery; a grid measurement device for measuring an electric parameter of the electric grid, and a controller unit for adjusting the direct current for the charging the battery as a function of the electric parameter of the electric grid. Moreover a method for interchanging electric energy between a battery and an electric grid is provided.

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 system (0) includes an electrical load system (54) with a load network battery (82), and a fuel cell system (1). Operation is simplified, especially during start of the fuel cell system (1) if the fuel cell system (1) has a system battery (56). A system voltage across the system battery (56) can be supplied to electrical system loads (80) of the fuel cell system (1) and, via a load voltage converter (77) and at least one additional voltage converter (86), to the load system (54) and secondary electrical loads (84, 85).

Abstract: A propulsion system includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a DC link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the first energy storage system in a series connection. The first energy storage system comprises a high specific-energy storage device and the second energy storage system comprises a low specific-power storage device. The propulsion system also includes a third energy storage system comprising a high specific-energy storage device electrically coupled to the second energy storage system. A bi-directional boost converter is electrically coupled to the second and third energy storage systems such that a terminal of the third energy storage system is electrically coupled to a low voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter and a terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled to a high voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: Electrical power systems and methods using bidirectional power converters to provide, among other functions, uninterruptible power supplies for loads such as cell towers. The power-packet-switching power converter can be connected, for example, to a photovoltaic array, batteries, and a critical load such as a cell tower. An AC generator can also be connected in order to power the cell tower and/or to charge the batteries as needed. Green energy utilization is maximized, power conversion efficiency is increased, and system costs are decreased, by having only a single power conversion stage for all conversions.

Abstract: An apparatus for perpetually harvesting ambient near ultraviolet to far infrared radiation to provide continual power regardless of the environment, incorporating a system for the harvesting electronics governing power management, storage control, and output regulation. The harvesting electronics address issues of efficiently matching the voltage and current characteristics of the different harvested energy levels, low power consumption, and matching the power output demand. The device seeks to harvest the largely overlooked blackbody radiation through use of a thermal harvester, providing a continuous source of power, coupled with a solar harvester to provide increased power output.

Abstract: A system includes at least one variable speed generator system configured to provide power to a load bus and at least one fixed speed generator configured to provide power to the load bus. The system also includes a solid state generator (SSG) system including at least one energy storage device and a converter coupled to the at least one energy storage device and configured to transfer power between the at least one energy storage device and the load bus. The system further includes a control system configured to control the at least one variable speed generator system, the at least one fixed speed generator and the SSG system responsive to changes in a load on the load bus.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply having efficiency power conversion has an AC to DC power conversion circuit, a battery power conversion circuit and a control circuit. The AC to DC power conversion circuit is parallelly connected to the battery power conversion circuit to convert the AC power of an AC mains into a DC power and supply the DC power to a load. When the AC mains stably supplies power, the control circuit controls to activate the AC to DC power conversion circuit and supply power to the load through the AC to DC power conversion circuit only. As there is only one power conversion between the AC mains and the load, the power conversion efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: A method for operating a battery system having multiple battery packs. The method includes decoupling the output of a discharged battery pack from the vehicle load, reducing the voltage between an output of a charged battery pack and the vehicle load prior to coupling the output of the charged battery pack to the vehicle load.

Abstract: A power management circuit includes an input, a switch circuit, a first control unit, a second control unit, and a voltage conversion circuit. The input is connected to a load and receives a first direct current (DC) voltage from an external power circuit. The switch circuit is connected between the load and a battery. The first control unit is configured to control whether the switch circuit is switched on or off, based on the first DC voltage and an output voltage of the battery. The voltage conversion circuit is configured to convert the first DC voltage into a second DC voltage and output the second DC voltage to charge the battery. The second control unit is configured to control whether the voltage conversion circuit converts the first DC voltage into the second DC voltage for charging the battery, based on the first DC voltage and the output voltage.

Abstract: A power storage system for supplying power to a load by coupling a power generation system, a battery, and a grid, the power storage system includes a battery management system (BMS) for controlling charging and discharging of the battery and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the BMS, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to supply external power to the BMS as an operating power of the BMS in a first state in which the external power is applied, and the power supply circuit is configured to supply power of the battery to the BMS as the operating power of the BMS in a second state in which the external power is not applied.

Abstract: An adaptive controller for a static compensator (STATCOM) to enhance voltage stability comprises an outer voltage regulator loop and an inner current regulator loop. Each of the outer loop and the inner loop comprises a proportional integral controller. The outer loop adjusts proportional and integral control gains of voltage regulator. The inner loop adjusts proportional arid integral parts of current regulator gains. The automatic adjustment of these regulator gains is adaptively determined such that the voltage at the controlled bus follows a desired voltage, reference curve over time returning to a desired steady-state condition under various disturbances such as changes in load and/or transmission network. Thus, the adaptive controller can achieve a plug-and-play feature for a STATCOM without human intervention.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a DC link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the first energy storage system in a series connection. The first energy storage system comprises a high specific-energy storage device; the second energy storage system comprises a high specific-power storage device. The propulsion system also includes a bi-directional boost converter electrically coupled to the first and second energy storage systems such that a terminal of the first energy storage system is electrically coupled to a low voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter and a first terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled to a high voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter. The series connection bypasses the bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: A photovoltaic inverter is provided, having a controller, an auxiliary power and a buffering element. The auxiliary power provides power to the controller. The buffering element is coupled between a photovoltaic panel and the auxiliary power such that the buffering element stores energy output from the photovoltaic panel first during a startup period, and then stops storing energy output from the photovoltaic panel and provides the stored energy to the auxiliary power, thereby performing a maximum power point tracking procedure on the photovoltaic panel during a first period following the startup period, and feeds energy output from the photovoltaic panel to the auxiliary power during a second period following the first period thereby continuously performing the maximum power point tracking procedure on the photovoltaic panel by the controller.

Abstract: A power management apparatus cooperates with a controlled apparatus and is electrically connected to a power system. The power management apparatus includes an energy storing module, a switching module and a comparing module. The energy storing module is electrically connected to the controlled apparatus, and the switching module is electrically connected to the energy storing module. The comparing module is electrically connected to the switching module and receives a detection signal. The comparing module generates a periodic signal to control the switching module according to the detection signal. The energy storing module stores an electric energy during a cycle of the periodic signal and releases the electric energy during other cycle after the said cycle. Thereby, the power management apparatus is capable of effectively protecting the controlled apparatus, avoiding the waste of the power, and storing and using extra power.

Abstract: A power conditioner system includes a power-generation power conditioner 30 for connecting a power generation equipment 11 to a grid 12 and a power-storage power conditioner 50 for connecting a power storage equipment 13 to the grid 12, wherein the power conditioner 30 includes an independent-power-generation output unit 34 for outputting, separately from power supply to the grid 12, power based on power of the power generation equipment 11, and the power conditioner 50 includes an independent-power-storage output unit 54 for outputting, separately from power supply to the grid 12, power based on power in the power storage equipment 13. The power conditioner 50 supplies at least one of AC power based on the output of the independent-power-generation output unit 34, AC power based on the output of the independent-power-storage output unit 54, and system power of the grid 12, to an independent output system 62 having a predetermined load.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and a fuel cell vehicle equipped with the fuel cell system are provided. In a case where the voltage of a battery is outside a voltage range of fuel cells where oxidation-reduction proceeds, an ECU controls a DC/DC converter to be placed in a direct connection state (Vbat?Vfc), and controls a gas supply unit so as to regulate concentration of oxygen or hydrogen supplied to the fuel cells in accordance with a target power generation electric power determined based on electric power required by a load.

Abstract: A system stabilization system for suppressing a power fluctuation in a power system, the system stabilization system including: a power storage apparatus configured to suppressing a power fluctuation in the power system by either charging or discharging in response to a control; a capacitor apparatus configured to suppress a power fluctuation in the power system by making the charge/discharge response to control faster than the power storage apparatus and charging or discharging in response to the control; and a control apparatus configured to control the power storage apparatus and the capacitor apparatus so as to reduce occurrences of charging or discharging in the power storage apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for powering a load from solar energy comprises logic is coupled to the converter to control its conversion rate. A detector is coupled to the converter and detects its power output. The logic is operable to adjust the conversion rate until the solar panel operates at the smaller of a maximum power point of the solar panel and a power point of the solar panel that results in a maximum desired power and second logic adjusts the energy consumption over a period of time as a function of the energy available from the solar panel over a previous same period of time.

Abstract: An electric storage system includes at least two types of electric storage cells. A first electric storage unit is configured from a first electric storage cell, and a second electric storage unit is configured from a second electric storage cell. The first and second electric storage units are electrically connected to each other through a current controlling circuit.

Abstract: A power system includes a prime mover configured to generate a drive force and a generator configured to receive the drive force and be driven by the prime mover to produce electrical power. The power system further includes a connection configured to receive the electrical power from the generator and direct the electrical power to an external load, a power storage device arranged in series with the connection between the generator and the external load, the power storage device configured to store electrical power from the generator or to discharge power to the external load, and a controller to control the power storage device. The Controller configured to determine a supply of electrical power and a demand for electrical power by the external load, the controller being further configured to control the power storage device. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to power networks, and in particular to a battery energy source arrangement and voltage source converter system in such network. The battery energy source arrangement includes battery energy storage, having one or more parallel-connected battery strings and a mechanism for connecting a voltage of the battery strings to a load. The battery energy source arrangement further includes battery string voltage adapter devices connected in series with respective ones of the one or more battery strings wherein the battery string voltage adapter devices are designed to handle only a fraction of the voltage handled by the battery strings.

Abstract: A control system for an energy production facility includes a plant controller for receiving an indication of a measured power output of the energy production facility that includes power generators and produces output signals. The system also includes a processing unit operably coupled to the plant controller and responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processing unit cause the plant controller to: create an output signal that causes an energy storage device to discharge in the event power reserves of the power generators can not met the requested ramp down rate; and create an output signal that causes the energy storage device to charge up in the event that the power capability of the power generators can meet the requested ramp down rate.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting energy to a sensor and/or an environment in which the sensor is located. A high current sensor driver is powered through a resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit. In a failure mode, the RC circuit constrains output of a sensor driver to the sensor in order to limit average current applied to the sensor. In one embodiment, the capacitor is chosen so that it can provide adequate current to the sensor driver for a short period of time. The value of the resistor may be chosen to ensure that under short circuit conditions direct current (DC) is limited to a safe value. The combined values of the resistor and capacitor may be adjusted such that the capacitor can charge to a prescribed level during the interval between active pulses.

Abstract: A power system has a power converter adapted for converting a first input voltage at an input thereof to a first output voltage at an output thereof, and a hold-up time extension circuit comprising a step-up stage and a step-down stage coupled to each other via a first energy-storage capacitor, where an input of the step-up stage is coupled to the input of the power converter, an output of the step-up stage is coupled to an input of the step-down stage, and an output of the step-down stage is coupled to the input of the power converter. The step-up stage is adapted for converting the first input voltage of the power converter to a second output voltage, and the step-down stage is adapted for converting the second output voltage of the step-up stage to the input voltage of the power converter.

Abstract: A plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries are divided into a plurality of groups. Power to be input or output, which is assigned to all sodium-sulfur batteries in order to compensate for fluctuations of output power of a power generation device, is distributed to each group. The plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries divided in the groups are periodically rotated. This enables a uniform utilization rate of the sodium-sulfur batteries to be achieved.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle is provided. At the time of regeneration of electric power by a motor, an ECU places a DC/DC converter in a direct connection state under control, and stores electric power in a battery while decreasing oxygen concentration or hydrogen concentration by a gas supply unit to decrease electric power generated by a fuel cell.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system for managing a power system with a plurality of power components that includes power source components and power consumption components includes a central power bus, a plurality of adaptable connectors that each electrically couple to a power component and to the central power bus, and a control processor that receives the state of each power component from the respective adaptable connector and is configured to balance the voltage and current output from each power source component to provide a desired power to a power consumption component based on the received states.

Abstract: A power management system includes an ultracapacitor and a charge shuttle including a power converter. The charge shuttle may be coupled with the ultracapacitor and may be configured to be coupled with a load. The charge shuttle can be configured to monitor one or more parameters of the load and the ultracapacitor, and to control energy flow between the load and the ultracapacitor based on or according to monitored parameters. The system may also include a battery or other rechargeable energy storage element.

Abstract: A switching power source apparatus includes a first arm including first and second switching elements, a second arm including third and fourth switching elements, a series circuit connected between a connection point of the first and second switching elements and a connection point of the third and fourth switching elements and including a capacitor and a primary winding, a rectifying-smoothing circuit that rectifies and smoothes a voltage of a secondary winding and provides an output voltage, a reactor connected to a connection point of the first and second switching elements and a DC input end, and a controller that turns on/off the first and second switching elements alternately and the third and fourth switching elements alternately and synchronizes the first and third switching elements with each other and the second and fourth switching elements with each other.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a UPS comprising a plurality of electrical buses, a first AC/DC converter coupled to the electrical buses and configured to convert a first input AC voltage to a plurality of DC voltages, a second AC/DC converter coupled to the electrical buses and configured to convert a second input AC voltage to the plurality of DC voltages, a third AC/DC converter coupled to the electrical buses and configured to convert a third input AC voltage to the plurality of DC voltages, a first DC/AC converter configured to convert the plurality of DC voltages into a first output AC voltage, and a DC bus balancer configured to maintain voltages present on the electrical buses by transferring energy between the plurality of electrical buses.

Abstract: A charging system for a mobile device such as a computer, and method of operating the same are disclosed. The computer is a system that includes: a system unit being provided with power output to an operation power supply terminal to carry out an operation; a battery unit outputting battery power to the operation power supply terminal; and a solar power unit being provided with feedback on a voltage of the operation power supply terminal and outputting solar power corresponding to a predetermined operational level of the system unit to the operation power supply terminal.

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: [Problem] When load power is assisted, the number of component parts becomes greater because an AC power detector is provided in the AC power supply of an inverter. [Means for Solution] An instantaneous output power calculating section comprises a power calculating section to calculate power by using detected values of voltage and current on the output side of an inverter, and a correction calculating section to correct the calculated power. Moreover, limiter sections are provided, respectively, in charge control section and discharge control section for a chopper, and limiter values of the limiter sections are varied by the power calculated by the instantaneous output power calculating section.

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly transmitting electric currents walls. The walls may be bulkhead compartment walls of a fixed structure or a vehicle or the like. The apparatus includes a wireless electric power transmission arrangement that includes an electronic device on one side of a wall, which is powered by a power source on another side of the wall. The electronic device may be a sensor arrangement having one or more sensors, a battery charging device, a through-the-bulkhead repeater device or other electronic device requiring power.

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: Provided are a power storage apparatus and a method of controlling the power storage apparatus. The power storage apparatus stores power supplied from a power generation system or a power grid. The power storage apparatus supplies stored power to a load during an electric failure, and supplies stored power to the power grid. The power storage apparatus includes at least one battery cell, a battery management unit coupled to the battery cell, a bi-directional converter coupled to the battery management unit, a bi-directional inverter coupled between the bi-directional converter and the power grid, and a central controller controlling the operations of the bi-directional converter, the bi-directional inverter, and the battery management unit. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) function may be performed to stabilize the power storage system including the power storage apparatus.

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 power accumulation system according to the present invention includes a plurality of storage bodies (206, 207) each being capable of storing predetermined electric power; a power conversion device (203) inputting and outputting electric power with respect to the storage bodies; and a control device (202) controlling motion of the power conversion device. At least part of the storage bodies is a storage module that includes storage elements capable of storing electric power and an input/output characteristic adjustment part for controlling input/output characteristics of electric power of the storage elements. In the power accumulation system of the present invention, it is possible to easily control the entire power accumulation system even after replacement of the storage bodies.