Abstract: An energy storage system according to an embodiment includes first and second power storage devices and performs charge/discharge control for the power storage devices based on a charge/discharge command value. The first power storage device performs discharging for one or more devices as destination via a power line or performs charging of power supplied from one or more devices as source via the power line, and the second power storage device performs charging and discharging for the first power storage device. The energy storage system also includes a control system that controls charge/discharge power of the second power storage device so that a power storage rate of the first power storage device falls within a predetermined power storage rate range and controls charge/discharge power of the first power storage device based on charge/discharge power corresponding to the charge/discharge command value and the charge/discharge power of the second power storage device.

Abstract: A wireline system includes an operations cabin with a plurality of electrical devices, and a winch that includes an electric winch motor operable to drive a drum to manipulate a wireline cable. A first engine and a first electric generator are each arranged within the operations cabin and generate electrical power, a second electric generator driven by a second engine via a power takeoff to generate electrical power, and an umbilical extends from the operations cabin to an external energy source to provide electrical power. A battery pack is arranged within the operations cabin and includes rechargeable batteries communicably coupled to the electric generators and the umbilical, wherein the battery pack solely provides electrical power to the electric winch motor and the electrical devices, and wherein the electric generators and the external energy source provide electrical power to recharge the rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system includes a plurality of photovoltaic cell arrays, a plurality of power conditioners connected respectively with the plurality of photovoltaic cell arrays, and a high order device connected to the plurality of power conditioners. The high order device is configured to execute: a first output control to adjust output power of a designated power conditioner to a predetermined output power amount being set in advance; and a second output control to adjust output power from a remaining power conditioner which is other than the designated power conditioner among the plurality of power conditioners. The high order device is configured to execute characteristic-data acquisition to acquire an input/output electrical characteristic of the designated power conditioner during execution of the first output control.

Abstract: A method for supplying power to railway operating elements that are arranged along a railway line. A terminal station has a power supply device. At least one substation has a power supply subunit for at least one connected railway operating element. An input-side control unit of the substation modifies the current consumption in the substation incrementally, with corresponding modification of the voltage of the power supply subunit to match the rated voltage of the railway operating element on the substation, and producing a coded message. The control device of the terminal station modifies the output voltage according to the coded message, until the rated voltage for the railway operating element is reached on the power supply subunit. When the nominal voltage is reached the power supply subunit is connected to the railway operating element.

Abstract: In an uninterruptible power supply apparatus, a bidirectional chopper (5) includes a first IGBT (Q1) for storing DC power generated by a converter (2) into a battery (22) and a second IGBT (Q2) for supplying DC power of the battery to an inverter (8). A control circuit (7) drives the first IGBT at a first frequency (fH) in a sound state of a commercial AC power supply (21) and drives the second IGBT at a second frequency (fL) lower than the first frequency in response to occurrence of a power failure of the commercial AC power supply. Switching loss produced in the second IGBT thus can be reduced.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a plurality of power consuming devices, a secondary battery, a charge-discharge amount sensor, and a controller configured to control operations of the plurality of power consuming devices. An identification section of the controller is configured to execute a variation process of varying the operation command value of one of the plurality of power consuming devices and, in a second case where an absolute value of a difference between an amount of change in the actual amount of charge and discharge and an amount of change in the estimated amount of charge and discharge before and after execution of the variation process is greater than a second threshold, identify the power consuming device, for which the operation command value is varied, as the device to be identified.

Abstract: A relay contactor is provided and includes input and output leads, a shaft assembly, an actuator and first and second bearing assemblies. The shaft assembly includes a shaft, a plate disposed on the shaft and an elastic element. The shaft and the plate are movable between an open position at which the plate is displaced from the input and output leads and a closed position at which the plate contacts the input and output leads. The actuator is coupled to the shaft at a first side of the plate and is configured to selectively move the shaft and the plate into the closed position in opposition to bias applied by the elastic element. The first and second bearing assemblies are disposed to movably support the shaft at the first side and at a second side of the plate, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are regulated power supplies. The power source delivers power to a system load and includes battery units. The power source also includes power flow devices coupled to the battery units that are configured to provide power from the battery units to the system load. Each power flow device corresponds to a respective one of the battery units, and includes a one direction current flow device connected in series with a current regulator between the respective battery unit and the system load.

Abstract: This patent describes embodiments of systems, apparatus and methods to provide improved control and coordination of a multiplicity of electric distribution grid-connected, energy storage units deployed over a geographically-dispersed area.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, when a predetermined time has passed after generation of an arc at least either between a movable contact and a fixed contact or between a movable contact and a fixed contact, an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact is extended by a magnetic field generation unit to be longer than an arc generated between the movable contact and the fixed contact.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a power reception section configured to receive power transmitted with use of a magnetic field or an electric field; a secondary battery; a charging section configured to perform charging to the secondary battery, based on received power received by the power reception section; a load configured to perform predetermined operation, based on supplied power; and a control section configured to forcibly set a power path on a preceding side of the load to a predetermined state when the load is activated in the charging to the secondary battery.

Abstract: A method for detecting a voltage disturbance in a utility having a micro-grid. The method transforms current and voltage measurements into first and second voltage values and first and second current values in a stationary reference frame, and transforms the first and second voltage values and the first and second current values to third and fourth voltage values and third and fourth current values in a rotating reference frame, where the third voltage value defines an average magnitude of the three-phase power signals. The method multiplies the third current value by the third voltage value to obtain an instantaneous power value and multiplies the fourth current value by the third voltage value to obtain an instantaneous volt-ampere reactive (VAR) value. The method opens the switch if the VAR value has a magnitude above a predetermined value and a direction indicating the fault is outside of the micro-grid in the network.

Abstract: A method for operating a household appliance with an accumulator, wherein a charging start time of a charging operation for charging the accumulator is controlled in dependence on predefined conditions. In order to ensure a required charge capacity of the accumulator without a charge maintaining mode, it is proposed that the charging start time is controlled in dependence on a charging period and a predefined time of use of the household appliance.

Abstract: Various examples of the present disclosure provide a multi-node fan control switch and systems and methods for controlling one or more cooling fans of a node using a fan control switch and a specific controller (e.g., BMC or a specific processor) of the node. The node also includes a watch dog circuit. The watch dog circuit can monitor health of the specific controller and, in response to determining that the specific controller has failed, enable the fan control switch to an external mode to allow a controller of a neighboring node in the rack system to control the one or more cooling fans of the node.

Abstract: Distributed energy storage within the distribution network of an electric power network at least partially supplied by time varying and unpredictable generation sources provides smoothing of energy flow within the distribution network. The distributed energy storage may include a plurality of distributed energy storage units operating under the control of a single controller or regional controllers. The distributed energy storage units may operate as groups of units or as separate units.

Abstract: Power management systems are described. In an embodiment, a power management system includes a voltage source, a circuit load located within a chip, and a switched capacitor voltage regulator (SCVR) coupled to voltage source and the circuit load to receive an input voltage from the voltage source and supply an output voltage to the circuit load. The SCVR may include circuitry located within the chip and a discrete integrated passive device (IPD) connected to the chip.

Abstract: A radio-power distribution controller (300) for controlling far-field radio-power delivery from an external radio-power-supply-device (302) to at least one external radio-power receiving device (300) that has a power-converter for converting a received radio-energy amount into an electrical operation power amount for operating the radio-power receiving device is provided and comprises a radio-power monitoring unit (306), which is configured to determine a duration of a received power-delivering radio signal, to determine, an estimate of a received radio-energy amount, which has been received by the radio-power receiving device (300). Upon determining that the estimate of the received radio-energy amount is below a threshold energy amount, it provides a radio-power-shortage signal.

Abstract: A circuit for use in a power converter includes a control circuit capable of detecting whether an AC voltage source is coupled to an input of the power converter, and whether the AC voltage source is uncoupled from the input within a first period of time. A control circuit is coupled to drive a switch in a first operating mode when the control circuit detects that the AC voltage source is coupled to the input, and drive the switch in a second operating mode when the control circuit detects that the AC voltage source is uncoupled from the input. The control circuit is capable of discharging a capacitance coupled between input terminals of the power converter to a SELV level through a discharge path and the switch within a second period of time. An RC time constant of the discharge path is less than or equal to one second.

Abstract: A metal oxide anchored graphene and carbon nanotube hybrid foam can be formed via a two-step process. The method can include forming at least one graphene layer and a plurality of carbon nanotubes onto a surface of a porous metal substrate by chemical vapor deposition to form a coated porous metal substrate, and depositing a plurality of metal oxide nanostructures onto a surface of the coated porous metal substrate to form the metal oxide anchored graphene and carbon nanotube hybrid foam.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided, including a control apparatus, an energy storage apparatus, an input connection, and an output connection, the input connection being connected to the energy storage apparatus by means of a charging apparatus, the charging apparatus being configured for controlled charging of the energy storage apparatus, the control apparatus being configured, after reaching a preset charge state of the energy storage apparatus, to connect the energy storage apparatus to the input connection; and the control apparatus also being configured, during and/or following connection of the energy storage apparatus to the input connection, to connect the input connection to the output connection.

Abstract: Modular solar systems comprise one or more module units that are connectable into a system/assembly for convenient installation on a roof or other surface that receives solar insolation. The modules are adapted for electrical, and preferably also mechanical, connection into a module assembly, with the number of modules and types of modules selected to handle the required loads. Each module is adapted and designed to handle the entire power of the assembly and to provide or receive control signals for cooperative performance between all the modules and for monitoring and communication regarding the assembly performance and condition.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a first power source to output power at a first normal power level and a first peak power level and a second power source cooperating with the first power source to output power at a second normal power level and a second peak power level. A system peak power control unit may monitor workload power requirements and cause the first power source to output the first peak power level at a first time period and cause the second power source to output the second peak power level at a second time period, different from the first time period. The time periods may be contiguous or discontiguous.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which magnetic flux is used to provide backup power. A transformer has a line power source controllably coupled to a first input winding, and secondary power source controllably coupled to a second input winding. A controller monitors the line power and switches to the secondary power source if the line power voltage drops too low, or uses the secondary power source to augment the line power source if the line power current gets too high. Also described is incrementally transitioning from the secondary power source back to the line power source.

Abstract: During charging, a quick charging device forms a battery module series circuit by connecting a third contact of a first switch to a second contact of the first switch, and connecting a fifth contact of a second switch to a twelfth contact of the second switch, so as to enable a charger to be connected to the battery module series circuit. During discharging, the quick charging device forms a battery module parallel circuit by connecting the third contact of the first switch to a first contact of the first switch, and connecting the fifth contact of the second switch to a fourth contact of the second switch, so as to enable a load unit to be connected to the battery module parallel circuit.

Abstract: A driving circuit for driving an appliance has a two-line power input, a first output for connection to the appliance, a second, two-line, output, an internal energy source and a switching arrangement. The switching arrangement is configurable into at least a first mode, in which the two-line power input is connected to the second, two-line, output, and the internal energy source is isolated from direct connection to the two-line power input, and a second mode in which the internal energy source is in series between a first line of the two-line power input and a corresponding first line of the second, two-line, output. The first mode is used for normal operation of an appliance and the second mode is used for grid feeding.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for charging partial-use batteries may include (1) determining a discharge duration for a partial-use battery, (2) estimating an age of the partial-use battery, (3) calculating, based on the age, a partial charge voltage for the partial-use battery that will enable a discharge cycle of the partial-use battery to last for the discharge duration, and (4) floating the voltage of the partial-use battery at the partial charge voltage to prolong the partial-use battery's life. The partial-use battery may be a backup battery of a power supply that will experience a transition from a first power source to a second power source, the transition may be expected to last for a transitional duration, the backup battery may supply power to the power supply during the transition, and the discharge duration may be greater than or equal to the transitional duration. Various other methods, systems, and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery balance circuit configured for a battery apparatus having two batteries coupled in series, can include: first and second capacitors respectively coupled to two terminals of the two batteries; first and second switching circuits respectively coupled to the two terminals of the two batteries, where the first and second switching circuits are configured to control charging or discharging of each of the two batteries; a third capacitor coupled between the first and second switching circuits, where the third capacitor is configured to store or release energy in order to balance battery levels between the two batteries; and parasitic inductors, where the third capacitor and the parasitic inductors are configured to resonate, and the first and second switching circuits are configured to operate at a resonance frequency.

Abstract: A method for controlling an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having a battery includes powering a load coupled to the UPS using utility power, determining whether an energy cost associated with the utility power exceeds a threshold cost, determining whether a charge level of the battery exceeds a threshold charge level, and powering the load from the battery in response to determining that the energy cost exceeds the threshold cost and that the charge level of the battery exceeds the threshold charge level.

Abstract: According to an example, a step down converter includes switching circuit configured to control a switching output in order to generate an output voltage on a converter output within a specified range of a target voltage. The step down converter includes an inductor includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal coupled to the switching output, and a protection device coupled in series between the second terminal of the inductor and the converter output and including a control terminal. The protection device limits the output voltage supplied at the converter output based on a control voltage at the control terminal.

Abstract: The electronic device of the present disclosure has a mounting section, a voltage determiner, and an attach-detach detector. The mounting section accepts a removable, externally-connected device and connects to a data line into which a unit signal having a data period for transmitting a data signal and a detection period for transmitting a detection signal is fed from the externally-connected device. The voltage determiner determines an electric potential of the data line so as to have a first logical value when the externally-connected device is detached from the mounting section. The attach-detach detector detects whether the externally-connected device is mounted on, or detached from the mounting section by detecting the detection signal of the first logical value determined by the voltage determiner or a second logical value.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power adapter, an electronic device and a charging apparatus for an electronic device. In the process of charging a battery in a conventional charge mode after the power adapter is powered on, the power adapter carries out quick charge inquiry communication with the electronic device when an output current value of the power adapter is within a conventional current range for a preset time interval; after the electronic device sends a quick charge command to the power adapter, the power adapter adjusts the output voltage according to the battery voltage information fed back by the electronic device; and when the output voltage meets a voltage requirement for quick charge preset by the electronic device, the power adapter adjusts the output current and the output voltage for charging the battery in a quick charge mode.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a UPS comprising an input to receive input AC power, a bus configured to receive backup DC power, a first output configured to provide an output AC voltage derived from at least one of the input AC power and the backup DC power, a second output configured to provide an output DC voltage derived from at least one of the input AC power and the backup DC power, a first inverter coupled between the bus and a first transformer, the first transformer coupled to the input, a second inverter coupled between the bus and a second transformer, the second transformer coupled to the first output, and a controller configured to operate the second inverter to maintain the output AC voltage above a first threshold value and to operate the first inverter to maintain the output DC voltage above a second threshold.

Abstract: An electric energy storage apparatus according to an embodiment may include a grid configured to supply first electric energy; a generator configured to supply second electric energy; and an electric energy storage apparatus configured to receive and store at least one of the first electric energy and the second electric energy, and supply the stored electric energy or the received electric energy to an electric load, wherein the electric energy storage apparatus senses a magnitude of electric energy discharged to the grid in an operation mode of supplying the stored electric energy to the electric load, and changes the operation mode when the sensed magnitude of electric energy exceeds a preset first threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular LED lighting unit, comprising a first module (1) to which an AC supply voltage (9) can be supplied and which comprises: a second sub-module (B), at the output of which a DC supply voltage (5) is provided which is galvanically isolated from the AC supply voltage (9), and a control unit (G), further comprising a second module (2) which comprises a further sub-module (C) supplied with the DC supply voltage (5) of the first module (1), in particular a pulsed constant current source, which is controlled by a control unit (E) of the second module (2), an LED module (F) which has at least one LED range (8) and is supplied by the further sub-module (C), inn particular a constant current source, and an emergency light operating circuit which is connected to a rechargeable energy store (ES); and takes over powering the modular LED lighting unit in the event of failure of the AC supply voltage (9).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a power supply controller that selects either commercial power or a secondary battery as a power supply and a main controller that controls the power supply controller. The main controller includes a power supply availability determination unit that determines whether or not both the commercial power and the secondary battery are available and a power supply selection unit that instructs the power supply controller to select the secondary battery as the power supply during a predetermined secondary battery usage period and instructs the power supply controller to select the commercial power as the power supply at times other than the secondary battery usage period in case both the commercial power and the secondary battery are available.

Abstract: A server arrangement wherein 480 volt alternating current voltage is converted to a direct current voltage in a single step. The server arrangement includes a plurality of cabinets configured with a plurality of rack units, wherein each rack unit is configured to accept a component. The server arrangement further includes a plurality of components located within the rack units. A plurality of power buses are located above the plurality of cabinets and are electrically coupled to cabinets within rows of cabinets. The server arrangement also includes a plurality of rectifier units. Each rectifier unit is configured to convert 480 volt alternating current voltage to a direct current voltage to supply to one or more components.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a first terminal structured to electrically connect to a power source; a second terminal structured to electrically connect to a load; a voltage sensor electrically connected to a point between the first and second terminals and being structured to sense a voltage at the point between the first and second terminals; a switch electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a control unit structured to detect a power quality event in the power flowing between the first and second terminals based on the sensed voltage and to control a state of the switch based on the detected power quality event.

Abstract: Modular solar systems comprise one or more module units that are connectable into a system/assembly for convenient installation on a roof or other surface that receives solar insolation. The modules are adapted for electrical, and preferably also mechanical, connection into a module assembly, with the number of modules and types of modules selected to handle the required loads. Each module is adapted and designed to handle the entire power of the assembly and to provide or receive control signals for cooperative performance between all the modules and for monitoring and communication regarding the assembly performance and condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel gauge system is described that comprises two or more battery chargers on different integrated circuits (ICs) coupled in parallel to a battery for charging the battery. Each battery charger IC generates a current signal indicative of current generated by said each battery charger IC into the same battery. A fuel gauge is responsible for accurately reporting the battery state of charge, based on a combination of voltage, current, and temperature information.

Abstract: A power delivery rate from a renewable power source to a load is managed by determining, by processing circuitry, a change in a power generation rate, determining, by the processing circuitry, whether the change in the power generation rate exceeds a limit, and then, adjusting, by control circuitry, a power transfer rate to or from a power storage device, such that the adjusting is sufficient to prevent the power delivery rate from exceeding the limit.

Abstract: A digital AC/DC power converter comprises an active PFC module, a single switch module having a single switch, a power output module having a transformer, and a digital control module having a microcontroller. The single switch is electrically connected to the active PFC module, and a primary winding of the transformer is electrically connected to the active PFC module. Moreover, the microcontroller provides a PWM signal to control the switching state of the single switch, so that the active PFC module transforms AC frequency from no more than 300 Hz into at least 30,000 Hz and outputs a rectified AC output voltage waveform to improve power factor.

Abstract: A united power module having an external input and a first input is provided. The united power module includes a load block, a protection circuitry and a detection block. The detection block includes an analog circuitry. The load block and an end of the protection circuitry are electrically coupled to the external input. The load block, the first input, and another end of the protection circuitry are electrically coupled to the detection block. The load block is supplied by an external power received from the external input. The protection circuitry receives the external power and outputs an auxiliary power. The analog circuitry receives a first power from the first input under a normal power supply state, or receives the auxiliary power under an auxiliary power supply state.

Abstract: A fault tolerant power supply system includes at least one load switch circuit configured to connect, using a main switch, an input voltage to an output node of the load switch circuit when the load switch circuit is turned on and at least one power channel coupled to the load switch circuit to receive the input voltage. The power channel is configured as a buck converter and includes at least a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. The fault tolerant power supply system is configured to measure a current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit, to determine that the current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit has exceeded a current limit threshold, and to disable the main switch of the load switch circuit and the low-side power switch of the power channel in response to the determination that the current flowing in the main switch has exceeded the current limit threshold.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods, apparatuses and systems involving voltage control using rectifying circuitry. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes an antenna, a capacitor, and voltage control circuitry. The voltage control circuitry includes a first rectifying circuit to rectify a wireless signal and provide the rectified signal to an output load, a second rectifying circuit to rectify the wireless signal and provide the rectified signal to the capacitor, and a control logic circuit to regulate an output voltage provided to the output load relative to a threshold value. For each rectifying cycle, the control logic circuit determines whether the output voltage is above the threshold value, enables, in response to determining that the output voltage is below the threshold value, the first rectifying circuit, and enables, in response to determining that the output voltage is above the threshold value, the second rectifying circuit.

Abstract: A power conversion system for use with an alternate energy source includes a first inverter, a battery, and a second inverter, each of which receives power from the alternate energy source. The output of the first inverter and the grid are each connected to at least one electrical load via a load center. The battery is charged via a charger connected to the alternate energy source. This stored energy powers a selected portion of the electrical loads during a failure of the utility grid. The second inverter is connected between the battery and a transfer switch. During normal grid operation, the second inverter is disabled and the transfer switch connects the load center to the selected electrical loads. During a failure of the utility grid, the first inverter is disabled, the second inverter is enabled, and the transfer switch connects the second inverter to the selected electrical loads.

Abstract: A peak-cut control device is provided with a storage battery having a power generation device and a storage battery for charging/discharging a part of power generated by the power generation device. The peak-cut control device includes a difference power calculating section that calculates differential power between a planned power generation amount in the power generation device determined based on a temporary peak cut amount and a demand prediction power amount that predicts a power demand for each predetermined time, and also includes a peak-cut amount calculating section that compares the calculated differential power with chargeable power or dischargeable power per unit time of the storage battery every predetermined time and simulating charge/discharge of the difference power to/from the storage battery and an increase/decrease in the temporary peak-cut amount.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply system in which a user can easily determine an optimum method of consuming power obtained by discharging a power storage portion. The power supply system (1) includes: a power storage portion (11) that supplies a power by discharge; a dischargeable time prediction portion (55) that predicts, when a power is supplied to a predetermined load among a plurality of loads included in the load portion (31), a dischargeable time that is a time period in which the power storage portion (11) can perform discharge; and a notification portion (70) that notifies a user of the dischargeable time predicted by the dischargeable time prediction portion (55). The dischargeable time prediction portion (55) predicts a plurality of dischargeable times in which combinations of loads receiving power supply are different and the notification portion (70) notifies the dischargeable times.

Abstract: An impact type fastening tool, has a housing, a motor received in the housing, a main switch for controlling ON and OFF operations of the motor, an impact mechanism connected to the motor, and a control device. The control device comprises a current detecting module and a main control module connected to the current detecting module. The main control module can judge whether the impact mechanism performs an impact according to the signal detected by the current detecting module and control the motor to automatically stop in a preset time period after the impact mechanism performs an impact.

Abstract: Feeder sections to be a target of interchange are to be expanded in order to improve the effect of power interchange between feeders. A control device for railway power conditioner is connected to a first feeder connected to a load side of a transformer in a first railway substation including a transformer receiving power from a power grid, and a second feeder connected to a load side of a transformer in a second railway substation including a transformer receiving power from a power grid, and decides an amount of power interchanged between the first and second feeders. The control device decides the amount of power interchanged between the first and second feeders, using the received power in the first railway substation and power on the first feeder, and the received power in the second railway substation and power on the second feeder.

Abstract: A system for powering a device is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in a device, at least one external battery connected to the device, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the device.