Storage Battery Or Accumulator-type Source Patents (Class 307/48)
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Patent number: 8401707Abstract: An output-power control apparatus is provided in an electric power system connecting a secondary battery system and a power generator in parallel, and controls output power of the electric power system. The output-power control apparatus detects output power of the power generator, and controls output voltage of the secondary battery system, based on a value obtained by subtracting the detected output power of the power generator from an output power instruction for controlling the output power.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Japan Wind Development Corporation Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Sakanaka, Matsuo Bando, Tomio Tamakoshi
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Publication number: 20130057071Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for supplying power to a device includes a battery, a mobile recharging power supply, a battery output, and a controller. The battery output is configured to supply power to the device. The controller is configured to upon detecting that a current through the battery output is below a threshold, initiate a supply of power to the battery output from the mobile recharging power supply. Additionally, the controller is configured to upon detecting that the current through the battery output is above the threshold, initiate a supply of power to the battery output from the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Stephen M. Babula, James A. Pruett, Howard C. Choe
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Publication number: 20130049468Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiya Iwasaki, Atsushi Suyama, Atsushi Shimizu
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Patent number: 8384242Abstract: An interconnected system that supplies power to a power system, and includes a power generator that changes in output, and an electric power storage-compensation device. The interconnected system is controlled so that operation of a sodium-sulfur battery that is included in the electric power storage-compensation device and compensates for a change in output of the power generator is stopped, or the interconnected system is set in a non-power transmission mode in which a planned power generation value of a power generation schedule is set to the sum of power generated by the power generator and local load power of the system, when the planned power generation value is 0 kW or less, and the sum of the power generated by the power generator and the local load power of the system has reached a value at which power is supplied to the interconnected system from the power system.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Koji Ogawa
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Publication number: 20130038126Abstract: A standby power system for handheld electronic device and a method for supplying standby power are introduced. The system and method enable detection whether a handheld electronic device is set to a predetermined power consumption state whereby the handheld electronic device operates in a power supplying state of a standby battery and whether a main battery of the handheld electronic device is disconnected, allowing a user to change the main battery without shutting down the handheld electronic device and thereby saving time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: TA-CHANG WANG, CHING-FENG HSIEH
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Patent number: 8373949Abstract: A hybrid power plant is characterized by a substantially constant load on generators regardless of momentary swings in power load. Short changes in power load are accommodated by DC components such as capacitors, batteries, resistors, or a combination thereof. Resistors are used to consume power when loads in the power plant are generating excess power. Capacitors are used to store and deliver power when the loads in the power plant demand additional power. Reducing rapid changes in power load as seen by the generators allows the generators to operate at higher efficiencies and with reduced emissions. Additionally, power plants employing combinations of generators, loads, and energy storage devices have increased dynamic performance.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures LimitedInventor: Edward P. Bourgeau
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Publication number: 20130026833Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.Inventor: REN-WEN HUANG
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Patent number: 8362754Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tsuneo Maebara, Yoshiyuki Hamanaka
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Publication number: 20130002023Abstract: A hybrid power supply system includes a number of power modules electrically connected with each other in series. Each power module includes a fuel cell unit and a lithium-ion battery unit. Each fuel cell unit includes at least two fuel cell monomers electrically connected with each other in series. Each lithium-ion battery unit includes one or more lithium ion battery monomers electrically connected with each other in parallel. Each fuel cell unit is electrically connected with each lithium-ion battery unit in parallel to directly charge the lithium-ion battery unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: ZHI-XIANG LIU, CHENG WANG, XIANG-MING HE, JIAN-JUN LI, JIAN-WEI GUO, JIAN GAO
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Publication number: 20120319482Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for initiating sealed sensor units in the field. A packaged sensor unit may include a sensor module, an activation mechanism and an internal battery, all situated in a sealed enclosure. In some cases, the sealed enclosure may be devoid of any externally accessible switches. A pre-defined triggering stimulus may be applied to the packaged sensor unit, and the pre-defined triggering stimulus may be detected via the activation mechanism. In response to the activation mechanism detecting the pre-defined triggering stimulus, the internal battery may be connected to the sensor module. Prior to detecting the pre-defined triggering stimulus, both the sensor module and the activation mechanism may draw no power from the internal battery of the packaged sensor unit. In some cases, the activation mechanism, once activated, irreversibly couples the power supply to the sensor module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Ramakrishna Budampati, Jeff Becker
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Patent number: 8330293Abstract: A charging system of the present invention is connectable to a power grid having a monitoring device. The monitoring device monitors the power delivered to a plurality of loads and determines a power factor and a power factor correction value associated with the loads. The power factor correction value indicates the difference between the power factor and unity. The charging system includes an electrical device, a charger in communication with the electrical device, a charging controller, a power factor correction circuit, a communication device, and a controller. The communication device of the charger receives a data signal from the monitoring device indicative of the power factor correction value associated with the plurality of loads. The power factor correction circuit is configured to communicate an input current to and from the power grid, which adjusts the power factor of the associated loads to about unity.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David Brown, Norman J. Weigert, Gery J. Kissel, George D. Bellino, David B. Ouwerkerk, Christopher P. Lawrence
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Patent number: 8310095Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Lennart Ängquist, Magnus Callavik, Willy Hermansson, Stefan Johansson, Gunnar Russberg, Jan R. Svensson
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Publication number: 20120261991Abstract: An apparatus (100) comprises a wireless sensor system (102) with electronic circuitry (104) and a power supply (106) for powering the electronic circuitry. The power supply comprises a primary cell (108) and an energy scavenger (110). The energy scavenger scavenges ambient energy and converts the scavenged ambient energy into electric energy. The sensor system is configured for having the primary cell power the electronic circuitry when the energy scavenger is inactive. The system is configured for performing at least one of having the energy scavenger power the electronic circuitry via the primary cell when the energy scavenger is active, using a capacitance of the primary cell as a buffer for the electric energy; and having the energy scavenger recharge the primary cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Florin Tatar, Frank De Wit
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Publication number: 20120248870Abstract: A battery charger includes an irregular power source, a capacitor connected to the power source for storing charge from the power source, and a control circuit which is operable to detect a charge current of a battery to be charged and to discharge the charge from the capacitor into the battery when the charge in the capacitor reaches a predetermined level. The control circuit is configured to change the predetermined level from a bulk charge mode to a float charge mode when the charge current is at or below a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Julian Coleman, Patrick McDougall, Matthew Bucknall
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Publication number: 20120248872Abstract: An electric power supply system can determine a sharing ratio of an electric power so as to increase and decrease an output electric power supplied by an electric power generator in accordance with an output electric power value required for the electric power supply system, in a fuel cell following region where a frequency of a magnitude of the electric power is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in a frequency distribution of a magnitude of the electric power, and can determine the sharing ratio of the electric power so as to increase an output electric power supplied by an electricity storage device, in an assist region where the frequency is lower than a predetermined value in the frequency distribution, and can prevent an excess of discharging from an electricity storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hibiki SAEKI, Satoshi AOYAGI, Takuya SHIRASAKA
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Publication number: 20120248871Abstract: A transponder power supply for providing a supply current based on an antenna input signal. The transponder power supply comprises an emergency circuit comprising a charging circuit, an emergency capacitor, and an output stage. The charging circuit is configured to charge the emergency capacitor based on the antenna input signal to a maximum voltage which is higher than a voltage of the antenna input signal. The output stage is configured to provide a contribution to the supply current using a charge of the emergency capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Richard Sbuell, Thomas Baglin, Raimondo Luzzi, Marco Bucci
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Publication number: 20120235485Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.Inventors: Adam TROCK, Jon SPURLIN, Michael ORTEGA, Seth KAZARIANS
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Publication number: 20120223579Abstract: The electric power generation system has a power generator configured to generate electric power using renewable energy, a battery configured to store electric power generated by the power generator, a detector configured to detect regularly a power data that is the amount of electric power generated by the power generator, a power output means configured to output electric power generated by the power generator and electric power discharged by the battery, and a controller configured to control the charge and discharge of the battery. The controller is configured to acquire the power data from the detector, to determine a first period based on the size of the fluctuations in the amount of electric power generated by the power generator from a first generated power output to a second generated power output, to control the charge and discharge of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Souichi SAKAI, Takeshi Nakashima
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Publication number: 20120217806Abstract: A battery system having at least one battery string of more than two batteries connected in series, a charge equalization circuit, a relay matrix, and a balance controller. The charge equalization circuit is capable of equalizing the charge on any pair of series connected batteries in the at least one battery string. The relay matrix is operatively connected between the charge equalization circuit and the at least one battery string. The balance controller controls the relay matrix such that at least one to battery characteristic of at least one battery is sensed. Based on at least one sensed battery characteristic, the balance controller controls the relay matrix such that the charge equalization circuit is connected across at least one pair of series connected batteries in the at least one battery string.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: James Joseph Heidenreich, Michael A. Haass, Thanh Quoc Le, Seth William Jennings
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Patent number: 8253277Abstract: An electronic assembly with two battery units includes a system module provided with a preset threshold value and a parallel circuit. The parallel circuit is coupled electrically to the system module, and includes first and second power diverter circuits. Each of first and second power diverter circuit consists of a diode member coupled electrically to a respective battery unit and the system module and an operation switch that is coupled electrically to the diode member in parallel manner and that is coupled electrically to the respective battery unit and the system module in such a manner that a normal bias voltage is existed between the respective battery unit and the system module.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yih-Neng Lin, Rain-Ted Hwang
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Publication number: 20120212057Abstract: A portable device operated by a rechargeable battery includes a connecting unit that connects the portable device and a power supply that supplies a driving current and a charging current; a detection unit that detects a battery voltage of the rechargeable battery; and a charging control unit that controls starting and stopping of charging of the rechargeable battery. When the battery voltage is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the charging control unit causes the power supply to stop supplying the charging current until the battery voltage becomes less than the predetermined threshold value. When the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold value, the charging control unit causes the power supply to start supplying the charging current until the rechargeable battery is fully charged.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventor: Takafumi OKUMA
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Publication number: 20120200156Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for generating electrical power for a port. The system includes a power generator, where the power generator is configured to convert energy within a body of water to electrical power. The system also includes a power storage, where the power storage is configured to receive the electrical power and store the electrical power for future use. The system further includes a power transfer, where the power transfer is configured to direct the electrical power to the location of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: Chuck Weller
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Publication number: 20120200160Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Richard M. Pratt, Donald J. Hammerstrom, Michael C.W. Kintner-Meyer, Francis K. Tuffner
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Patent number: 8222990Abstract: A wireless access apparatus for controlling access into a secure area comprises a first power source and a second power source. A controller automatically switches between the first and second power source based at least on a calculated power level of the first and second power source. The controller is connected to either the first or the first and second power source based on the switching. The access apparatus includes a switch having a first position for connecting the first power source to the controller and a second position for connecting second power source to the controller and an electromechanical transducer coupled to the controller for unlocking or locking an entrance into the secure area. The controller determines access to the secure area using information received from an access card.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Gerner, John M. Reske
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Patent number: 8217532Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pai-Hao Chang, Yu-Lin Huang
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Publication number: 20120153720Abstract: A power system for a container data center includes an interruptible power supply, a power supply unit and a storage capacitor. The uninterruptible power supply rectifies the inputted AC voltage to a DC voltage output. The power supply unit converts the DC output voltage to a suitable voltage for a load. The storage capacitor is connected between the input terminal of power supply unit and the ground, and placed outside of the power supply unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: KUO-HSIANG CHANG, TE-MING CHANG
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Publication number: 20120135786Abstract: Presented and claimed is a portable device for communication, in particular a mobile telephone, in which emergency operation with transmitting and receiving is possible even with empty rechargeable battery. For this purpose, in addition to a main rechargeable battery (14), which is provided and designed for normal operation and is charged by a separate charging device at a power outlet, the device (10) has an emergency rechargeable battery (16), which is charged by an integrated electromechanical generator (22). This generator, which supplies electricity during movement of the device, is an unbalance rotation generator (22), known per se, or a linear generator. During emergency operation, the main battery (14) is not connected to the electronics (12) of the device, and the limited functions of the device necessary for the emergency operation are supplied with current by the emergency rechargeable battery (16). In addition, a switch (32), able to be actuated from outside or automatically, is built in.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Rolf W. Schnyder, Morten Nielsen
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Patent number: 8179094Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for improved battery learn cycles for battery backup units within data storage devices. The backup unit includes a first battery pack, a corresponding charge capacity gauge, one or more second battery packs, a corresponding charge capacity gauge, and a controller switch configured to select only one battery pack for a learn cycle at any given time. The charge capacity gauges are such that, at the end of the learn cycle discharge phase, the depth of discharge of the learn cycle battery pack is such that the charge capacity of the learn cycle battery pack combined with the full charge capacity of the remaining battery packs is sufficient for the device cached data to be off-loaded to a physical data storage device, and the data storage device does not have to switch from a write-back cache mode to a write-through cache mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: LSI CorporationInventors: Lakshmana Anupindi, Brian Skinner
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Patent number: 8174238Abstract: A contact array arrangement which both receives charging current for charging batteries of a battery pack, and which also breaks the parallel charging contact position (contact configuration in which individual batteries of the battery pack are charged in parallel) then reestablishes series connection of the batteries when a charge electrode array is urged against the contact array arrangement and when the charge electrode array is removed. A cover covering the contact array may be connected by throughbolts to a support supporting series connection contacts such that depressing the cover by imposing a downward force (e.g., the weight of a charge electrode array), moves the series connection contacts out of contact with those contacts receiving charge current. Springs return the series connection contacts to the series condition. Charge conductors fixed to the contact array pass through or by the series connection such that a very compact device results.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Berkley C. Badger
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Publication number: 20120098342Abstract: High density uninterruptible power supplies are provided including an enclosure and at least one uninterruptible power supply positioned in the enclosure. A battery associated with the at least one uninterruptible power supply is positioned in the enclosure. The at least one uninterruptible power supply and the associated battery are configured to provide at least thirty seconds of backup power to a load connected thereto. Related systems and power distribution units are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventor: Robert William Johnson, JR.
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Publication number: 20120098343Abstract: A chassis includes a component interconnect board having multiple multi-function slots coupled thereto. Each of the multi-function slots is configured to accept different types of modules, including a battery module and one or more other types of modules, such as server modules or storage modules. The component interconnect board also includes a power bus coupled to receive external power and route the external power to the multiple multi-function slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Shaun L. Harris, Christian L. Belady, Eric C. Peterson
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Patent number: 8164290Abstract: A fan includes a motor control device which is electrically connected with a motor and an alternating current power source. The motor control device includes a converting circuit, a power factor correction circuit and a motor controlling circuit. The voltage of the alternating current power source is converted to be direct current voltage by the converting circuit and the power factor correction circuit, and then the direct current voltage is outputted to the motor control circuit. The motor controlling circuit generates a driving signal in accordance with the direct current voltage for driving the motor to operate.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Wei-Shuo Tseng, Chia-Pin Wei, Chih-Hsiang Kuo
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Patent number: 8159186Abstract: The present invention provides a power source system that increases the power supply capacity of a power source device and continuously supplies the power necessary for a load device when a power source device stops. A control unit has a state quantity setting unit that sets a first target state quantity indicating a state of charge of the power storage device that is to be a target value when charge and discharge of the power storage device are controlled. When the power source device stops, the state quantity setting unit can change the first target state quantity to a second target state quantity that is to be a target value exceeding the first target state quantity and can increase the target state quantity of the power storage device. As a result, when the power source device stops, charge and discharge of the power storage device are controlled on the basis of the target state quantity exceeding that during the operation of the power source device.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takuma Iida, Tadao Kimura
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Publication number: 20120080951Abstract: A power source circuit includes a power source detection unit, a control unit and a switch unit. The power source detection unit detects whether a plurality of power sources including a green power source is supplied to the power source circuit, and detects and outputting a power value of the green power source. In addition, the control unit is electrically coupled to the power source detection unit and a load, and the control unit further detects a power consumption value of the load, to generate a switch signal to the switch unit according to the power consumption value of the load and a result detected by the power source detection unit. Therefore, the switch unit selects the green power source and at least one of other power sources thereof to supply electric power to the load when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Kuo-Sen KUNG, Chun-Hao TU, Ren-Hong JHAN, Wei-Jhih LIAN, Yu-Jung LIU, Jiun-Jye CHANG, Po-Lun CHEN
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Publication number: 20120068540Abstract: An energy storage system for balancing the load of a power grid, said energy storage system comprising: a controller; a plurality of energy storage tanks connected in parallel; and a plurality of controllable switches connected to the plurality of energy storage tanks, wherein the controller is configured to detect a frequency and a phase of the power grid, and to balance the load of the power grid based on the frequency and the phase of the power grid, by controlling the plurality of controllable switches to charge the plurality of energy storage tanks using power from the power grid or to input power from the plurality of energy storage tanks to the power grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Hongbin Luo, Yunhao Liao, Zifeng Zhang, Yinghui Wang, Linwang Deng, Shaowen Yin, Donghong Chen, Xiaohua Tang, Juan Xu
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Patent number: 8138720Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: AFS Trinity Power CorporationInventors: Philip Kenneth Snyder, Donald Bender
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Publication number: 20120062033Abstract: A power supply circuit uses a rechargeable battery that if a connection switching unit changes to a circuit connected state, a current starts to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to an over-discharge protection circuit, a logic circuit, and a power supply control circuit, and if the connection switching unit changes to a circuit non-connected state during this current supply, the current supplied to the over-discharge protection circuit, the logic circuit, and the power supply control circuit is maintained, and a current supplied from the rechargeable battery to the load circuit is started by supplying the current from the power supply control circuit to the load circuit, and if a voltage of the rechargeable battery drops while the current is supplied to the load circuit, and the over-discharge protection circuit stops the current supplied from the rechargeable battery to the load circuit, the over-discharge protection circuit maintains the stopped state.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuo MUROFUSHI
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Publication number: 20120054504Abstract: A power booster includes a voltage detection circuit, a battery charger, a rechargeable battery, and a transformer circuit. The voltage detection circuit detects a voltage of the input voltage of the power booster. An input of the battery charger is electrically connected to an output of the voltage detection circuit. The rechargeable battery includes an I/O port electrically connected to the battery charger. The transformer circuit includes a first voltage input, a second voltage input, and a voltage output. The first voltage input is electrically connected to the output of the voltage detection circuit. The second voltage input is electrically connected to the I/O port. The voltage output is used for connecting to a mobile electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: FAN-CHIN KUNG
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Publication number: 20120043815Abstract: A power generation system has a generator, a power bus and an electrical accumulator unit. The electrical accumulator unit includes an independent controller that actively filters transients from the power bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Josh C. Swenson, Vietson M. Nguyen, Joshua Scott Parkin
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Publication number: 20120032514Abstract: Household appliance comprising: a user interface, a logic unit adapted to control the user interface and the other electrical components of the household appliance, and to perform, via the user interface, a demonstration mode, a main power supply circuit connectable to the supply mains and adapted to energize the user interface, the logic unit and the other electrical components of the household appliance, a secondary power supply circuit connectable to a battery and adapted to energize exclusively the user interface and the logic unit. The logic unit is configured to detect if the main power supply circuit is connected to the supply mains and if the secondary power supply circuit is connected to the battery, and to enable the performing of the demonstration mode, via the user interface, when it detects that the main circuit is unconnected to the supply mains and the secondary power supply circuit is connected to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.Inventors: Paolo Alberghetti, Ilan Cohen, Osvaldo Antonio Toscano
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Publication number: 20120013188Abstract: A power supply system includes a road electricity generating apparatus, a battery, and a voltage converter. The road electricity generating apparatus is installed in a road. The road electricity generating apparatus includes a number of piezoelectric crystals connected in series to convert potential energy of passing vehicles to electricity. The battery stores the electricity generated by the piezoelectric crystals. The voltage converter converts the electricity of the battery to a desired working voltage for the container data center.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: YAO-TING CHANG, CHAO-KE WEI
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Publication number: 20120013175Abstract: An auxiliary power system for an electrical load in a vehicle electrical system includes an auxiliary battery, a thermal transducer in physical contact with the auxiliary battery, a charger circuit for controlling the charging of the battery in response to at least a temperature of the auxiliary battery, and an output power delivery circuit for providing power to an electrical load during normal and emergency conditions. The auxiliary power system is housed in a thermally-conductive enclosure that is in thermal communication with the charger circuit and the power delivered circuit. The power delivery circuit selectively delivers power to the electrical output from both an electrical input terminal and from the battery based on the magnitude of a voltage available on the electrical input terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Jason O. Adams
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Publication number: 20120001483Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a control system (13) and a control device (15) for controlling a storage pack (7), and a vehicle (1) comprising the control system. The invention also relates to a feeding device (17), a storage cell (9) provided with a feeding device and a supply module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Thomas Bergefjord
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Patent number: 8080904Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply (40) and a night vision device using the power supply (40). The power supply (40) comprises a battery (41), a power switch (42), a booster (43) for boosting a battery voltage provided by the battery (41) to an established voltage according to an operation of the power switch (42) and outputting a boost voltage, and a voltage selector (44) for comparing the voltage provided by the battery with a reference voltage (VR), outputting the boost voltage when the battery voltage is below the reference voltage (VR), and outputting the battery voltage when the battery voltage is beyond the reference voltage (VR). The night vision device is operable by voltages supplied from the power supply (40). According to the invention, stable voltages are supplied and batteries (41) are effectively used by supplying constant voltages in the case of using batteries (41) with different voltages, and hence, usage time of the night vision device is increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: EOSYSTEM Co., Ltd.Inventor: Doo-Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 8080898Abstract: There is provided a power control method for secondary batteries constituting, in a grid connection system supplying electric power to a power system by combining a power generator where output power fluctuates with a power storage compensator, the power storage compensator and compensating fluctuation of output power of the power generator. The method includes the steps of: dividing the secondary batteries into a “constant power control” group and a “demand responsive” group, and distributing predetermined constant input-output power out of power to be input and output provided to all the secondary batteries in order to compensate fluctuation of output power of the power generator to the “constant power control group” and the remaining input-output power to the “demand responsive” group to control input-output power of the secondary batteries respectively depending on the belonging groups.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Motohiro Fukuhara
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Publication number: 20110304211Abstract: A rack power unit is configured to be inserted into a device rack of a data center. The rack power unit includes one or more power supplies and one or more battery packs. The one or more power supplies are each configured to receive power (e.g., AC power) when the apparatus is in the device rack, and convert the received power to a DC power. The one or more power supplies are further configured to output the DC power to a DC power bus of the device rack. The one or more battery packs are each configured to provide, in response to an interruption in the received power, DC power to the DC power bus of the device rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Eric C. Peterson, Shaun L. Harris, Christian L. Belady, Darren A. Shakib, Sompong Paul Olarig, Frank J. Wirtz
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Patent number: 8076908Abstract: A method for controlling the electrical system of a motor vehicle with a generator, a battery to supply the electrical system, at least one load and a storage capacitor for brief supply of electrical power on demand, during which the battery is charged when the generator produces excess electrical power is provided. The load is supplied and the battery and the storage capacitor are charged by the generator in load operation or fuel cutoff. The load is additionally supplied by the battery and/or the storage capacitor when the instantaneous generator power is not sufficient. An instantaneously required electrical load power in load operation or fuel cutoff is recorded the load power is compared with an idle power of the generator, and the storage capacitor is charged by the generator when the idle power of the generator is less than the load power in load operation or fuel cutoff.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Frank Przywecki
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Patent number: 8076797Abstract: An energy transfer circuit for connecting a load to multiple energy sources that can have different voltages. The energy transfer circuit connects the load and at least two energy sources, and has a control unit. The energy transfer circuit can transfer energy from at least one energy source to the load in response to the load's power demand; transfer energy from the load to at least one energy source in response to the load's charging current, and transfer energy between the energy sources. The energy transfer circuit also includes a first capacitor in parallel with the primary source and the load; a second capacitor in parallel with the secondary source, an inductor, a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor, a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor. The control unit opens and closes the first and second switches in response to the load and sources.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Indy Power Systems LLCInventors: Quentin Wayne Kramer, Steve Tolen
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Patent number: 8049363Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: TRW LimitedInventors: Andrew McLean, John Anthony Bolton
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Publication number: 20110248567Abstract: A charging system of the present invention is connectable to a power grid having a monitoring device. The monitoring device monitors the power delivered to a plurality of loads and determines a power factor and a power factor correction value associated with the loads. The power factor correction value indicates the difference between the power factor and unity. The charging system includes an electrical device, a charger in communication with the electrical device, a charging controller, a power factor correction circuit, a communication device, and a controller. The communication device of the charger receives a data signal from the monitoring device indicative of the power factor correction value associated with the plurality of loads. The power factor correction circuit is configured to communicate an input current to and from the power grid, which adjusts the power factor of the associated loads to about unity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David Brown, Norman J. Weigert, Gery J. Kissel, George D. Bellino, David B. Ouwerkerk, Christopher P. Lawrence