Plural Substitute Sources Patents (Class 307/65)
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Publication number: 20120286574Abstract: Disclosed is an electric power system including a first unit (for example, a unit 201) equipped with a first power source (for example, a solar panel (201b)), a first rechargeable battery (for example, a unit storage battery (201c)) to which an output of the first power source is input, and a first power consuming portion (not shown) to which an output of the first rechargeable battery is input; a second rechargeable battery (for example, a shared storage battery (202)); and an electric power line (for example, a shared electric power line (203)) for sharing electric power between the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Akinobu Sawada, Kenichi Niiyama, Masahide Tanaka
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Patent number: 8304930Abstract: A Fieldbus system comprising a plurality of segments each comprising a trunk with its own primary power supply, and a shared redundancy system comprising one or more auxiliary power supplies and monitoring and control means, in which the monitoring and control means is adapted to detect failures in any part of any of the plurality of segments, in which in the event of a failure being detected by the monitoring and control means in any one of the plurality of segments, the monitoring and control means isolates the trunk in that segment from its primary power supply and connects said trunk to one of the one or more auxiliary power supplies, and in which any one of the auxiliary power supplies is connectable to any two or more of the trunks.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Pepperl & FuchsInventors: Gunther Rogoll, Renato Kitchener
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Patent number: 8299645Abstract: A trailer includes a frame defining a body of the trailer. The trailer also includes a power system stored in the body of the trailer. At least a portion of the power system is integral to the body of the trailer. The power system includes at least one power generating device stored in the body and removable from the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Skybuilt PowerInventors: David J. Muchow, Hugh Jones, Albert Nunez, Sara V. Zulkosky
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Patent number: 8294297Abstract: A scalable power distribution system for a data center and methods for scaling a power distribution system are described. The scalable power distribution system includes a transformer that is connected to a load at its output. The input of the transformer is connected to two isolation switches. A source is connected to one switch at all times, and the source can be switched without affecting power to the load by synchronizing the two sources at the transformer before switching sources. The load is not de-energized at any time during the transfer process.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Ragingwire Enterprise Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Charles O. Linkhart, Yatish C. Mishra, George Macricostas
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Publication number: 20120261993Abstract: A method for protecting the photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) way from reverse bias damage by utilizing a rechargeable battery for bypassing current from a shaded photovoltaic cell or group of cells, avoiding the need for a bypass diode. Further, the method mitigates the voltage degradation of a PV array caused by shaded cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventor: Geoffrey A. Landis
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Patent number: 8288890Abstract: This invention creates a simple, low cost mechanical transfer switch (called Gen/Safe) which provides users the ability to connect nearly any portable household generator to supply whole house power (to the limit of the particular generator) in the event of an emergency outage. Installed by the utility in less than five minutes, the switch provides visual confirmation of utility isolation while still allowing user supplied power not only from emergency sources, but also allows PV, wind, and other on-site power to operate normally to supply the home directly without interruption when possible. This connection is also suitable as an ongoing utility connection for user generated alternate energy power systems while providing an additional utility safety isolation factor for alternate power sources which must shut down when utility power fails; (to protect repair personnel).Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Gordon W. Young
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Patent number: 8290103Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for transmitting parallelization signals of uninterruptible power supplies, which firstly performs a serialization process on parallelization signals by a logic processing unit and then performs synchronous transmission of the parallelization signals of respective node units over a bus. The method for serial transmission of parallelization signals of uninterruptible power supplies according to the invention can be implemented with easy wiring and can achieve a strong anti-interference ability, ensure real time signal transmission over a guaranteed transmission distance and identify conveniently the failure of a parallelization line while satisfying fundamental transmission demands.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventors: Yihang Lu, Dangsheng Zhou, Zhihua Wang, Quanbo Xia, Bo Liu, Steve Moran, Chris Crawford, Brian Heber
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Patent number: 8288891Abstract: A method of providing electrical power using a split bus configuration includes receiving a first direct current at a positive bus of a split bus, where the first direct current originates from a first fuel cell segment. A second direct current is received at a negative bus of the split bus, where the second direct current originates from a second fuel cell segment. A third direct current is also received at the split bus such that a combined direct current is formed including the first direct current, the second direct current, and the third direct current. The third direct current originates from an alternative direct current (DC) source. The combined direct current is provided to an inverter such that an alternating current is generated for a load.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Bloom Energy CorporationInventors: Arne Watson Ballantine, Ramesh Srinivasan, Stuart Aaron, Peter Light, Josh Richman, Ranganathan Gurunathan, Chad Pearson
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Publication number: 20120242151Abstract: Equipment in a data center may be wired in a topology in which each piece of equipment is served by one Static Transfer Switch (STS). Each group of equipment is assigned a main UPS and a reserve UPS, which may be connected to an underlying power source such as a utility. The main UPS and the reserve UPS are connected to the first and second inputs of an STS. For dual-corded equipment, the first cord is served by the output of the STS, while the second cord is served by the main UPS without an intervening STS. Thus, if the main UPS fails, the STS transfers power to the second UPS, thereby allowing the first cord to be powered. The second cord, not being served by the STS, simply loses power, thereby doubling the power draw at the first cord at roughly the same time that the transfer occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Thomas Seaton, Allan Joseph Wenzel
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Patent number: 8269371Abstract: A power system is designed for providing reliable electrical power to a facility and/or associated devices. The system includes one or more fuel cells and a circuit adapted to receive power from the one or more fuel cells. The circuit is electrically connected to a device receiving the electrical power from the system. Additionally, the system includes one or more capacitors included in the circuit, and being adapted for maintaining power in the circuit when the one or more fuel cells are temporarily unavailable.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventor: Larry L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120217810Abstract: Various embodiments of a DC plant controller and methods of selecting among multiple power sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Anurag Jagota, Roy J. Davis, Vijayan J. Thottuvelil
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Publication number: 20120212060Abstract: Various embodiments of a DC plant. In one embodiment, the DC plant includes (1) power sources couplable to a common DC bus, (2) rectifiers and DC-DC converters associated with the power sources and (3) a DC plant controller. The DC plant controller includes a source identifier configured to identify the power sources, a source prioritizer coupled to the source identifier and configured to prioritize the power sources based on at least one criterion, and an output characteristic assigner coupled to the source prioritizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Lineage Power CorporationInventors: Anurag Jagota, Roy J. Davis, Vijayan J. Thottuvelil
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Patent number: 8243446Abstract: A DC to AC inverter used in a solar cell power system can include an improved control scheme for cooling itself and optimizing power output.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: First Solar, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Thompson
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Patent number: 8242631Abstract: A device and method to control a programmable portable electronic timer to selectively provide AC power to an external electrical device by selecting a plurality of varying start times and stop times for each of at least two days, where each start time and stop time may be unique, and whereby the start/stop times define a period of timer operation to provide AC power to an external electrical device. An uninterrupted “count down” of timer information stored within the timer while AC power is unavailable to the timer is also provided, such that when AC power is restored to the timer, the providing of AC power to the external electrical device is not skewed by any period of time that the AC power is unavailable to the timer.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Joseph W. King
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Publication number: 20120200161Abstract: A system for providing redundant power to a device includes a first power supply unit that includes a first communication module including first and second first power supply unit transmitters and first and second first power supply unit receivers and a second power supply unit that includes a second communication module coupled to the first communication module and including first and second second power supply unit transmitters and first and second second power supply unit receivers coupled, respectively, to the first and second first power supply unit transmitters. The first power supply unit transmits on both the first and second first transmitters and the second power supply is configured to provide power to the device in the event that signals are not received from both the first and second first power supply unit transmitters by the first and second second power supply unit receivers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Isler, III, John Robert Booth, Roy Anthony Carter
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Publication number: 20120191252Abstract: An enclosure or shelter having an HVAC/R system is configured with a photovoltaic power source and a rechargeable DC power source for power back-up to maintain substantially uninterrupted power in the case of a main power failure. The system includes one or more variable frequency drives (VFD) controlled by a VFD controller and configured to provide three-phase power to one or more three-phase AC motors and single-phase power to one or more single-phase AC motors. The system also includes a power source controller configured to select power sources based on availability of one or more power sources and other logic.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: ROCKY RESEARCHInventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian, Kaveh Khalili, Warren Harhay
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Patent number: 8228034Abstract: There is provided a system for storing electrical energy during an off-peak period and distributing the electrical energy to consumers during a peak period. The system includes an energy storage means for storing the electrical energy; a first means for directing the electrical energy produced during the off-peak period into the energy storage means; and a second means for directing the electrical energy from the energy storage means to consumers during the peak period. Preferably, the energy storage means consists of five sodium-nickel-chloride batteries having a specific energy in the range of about 80 to about 200 Wh/kg, preferably about 100 to about 150 Wh/kg, and most preferably about 120 Wh/kg.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventors: Dan Guatto, Art Skidmore
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Patent number: 8227938Abstract: Uninterruptible Power Supply system comprising motor generator means for conditioning electric power; backup generator means including an internal combustion engine having electrically driven starter, providing backup electric power; electrical switch means, said switch means being electrically connected to power mains and to the backup generator means' electrical output and the motor generator means' electrical input for selectively switching power from the electric means and the backup generator to the motor generator means; starter switch means electrically connected to the motor generator means' output and electrically connected to the input of the starter system of the backup generator means, for switchably connecting the motor generator means' electrical output to the starter system means' input.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Carlos Gottfried
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Publication number: 20120175955Abstract: Presented is a system and method for providing reconfigurable AC interfaces for AC power systems. The method comprises embedding a reconfigurable AC interface for transferring power between power sources and loads, monitoring the voltage and current of the interfaces of the reconfigurable AC interface, and switching between power sources based on the monitoring. The system comprises a reconfigurable AC interface further comprising an inverter for converting DC power to AC, transfer switches with interfaces for connecting to the inverter, other transfer switches, and AC busses, and a controller that dynamically configures the transfer switches to transfer power between the inverter, and AC busses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Michael A. Carralero, Jimmy M. Quiambao, Sang H. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8205109Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of disk units for storing data from a host computer, a plurality of power supply apparatuses for supplying DC power to each of the disk units via main power supply wirings, and a redundant power supply apparatus for generating, with any one of the disk units among the plurality of disk units as a load, DC power to the load. As auxiliary power supply wirings for guiding the output of the redundant power supply apparatus to each of the disk units, a common power supply wiring that is common to each of the power supply apparatuses, a plurality of branch power supply wirings branching from the common power supply wiring and connected to each of the disk units, and a redundant power supply wiring for connecting the redundant power supply apparatus and the common power supply wiring are wired to a backboard.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Sone
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Patent number: 8193661Abstract: Various embodiments of a DC plant controller, methods of selecting among multiple power sources and DC plants incorporating the DC plant controller or the method. In one embodiment, the DC plant controller includes: (1) a source identifier configured to identify power sources couplable to a common DC bus, (2) a source prioritizer coupled to the source identifier and configured to prioritize the power sources based on at least one criterion and (3) an output characteristic assigner coupled to the source prioritizer and configured to assign output characteristics to the power sources that differ from one another as a function of the priority.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Lineage Power CorporationInventors: Anurag Jagota, Roy J. Davis, Vijayan J. Thottuvelil
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Patent number: 8193663Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided that has a processor for performing an information processing, a power supply unit for receiving an external electric power from an external electric power source and for supplying the external electric power to the processor, a first power receiving unit connected to a first communication medium, the first power receiving unit receiving a first electric power from the first communication medium and supplying the first electric power to the processor, a second power receiving unit connected to a second communication medium, the second power receiving unit receiving a second electric power from the second communication medium and supplying the second electric power to the processor, an electric power detection unit for detecting the first electric power or the second electric power, and a switching unit for supplying one of the external electric power, the first electric power, and the second electric power to the processor according to a result of detection madeType: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Kenji Sato
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Publication number: 20120112545Abstract: A system. The system is a modular multilevel converter system and includes a plurality of series connected modular multilevel converter cells. At least one of the modular multilevel converter cells is a three-level modular multilevel converter cell. The plurality of series connected modular multilevel converter cells are coupled to a rectifier system via a DC bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical CorporationInventors: Marc Francis AIELLO, Dustin Matthew KRAMER, Kenneth Stephen BERTON
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Publication number: 20120112544Abstract: A portable power supplying system includes an enclosure including at least one wheel mounted to a bottom portion of the enclosure, a battery secured within the enclosure, and a battery charger secured within the enclosure. The battery charger is electrically connected to the battery for charging the battery. The system further includes a DC/AC inverter secured within the enclosure. The DC/AC inverter is electrically connected to the battery, and is configured to convert a direct current supplied by the battery to an alternating current. The system further includes a power outlet including at least one female household electrical connection, and a transfer switch secured within the enclosure. The transfer switch is electrically connected to the DC/AC inverter, the battery charger, the power outlet and a power source input.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Michael D. Salcone
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Publication number: 20120098344Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic systems with solar cell (s) or modules having insolation differences or mismatch. Each solar module is formed by placing a large number of solar cells in series. The PV system is then formed by placing a number of solar modules in series in a string and sometimes by placing multiple strings of series-connected solar modules in parallel, depending on the desired output voltage and power range of the PV system. In practical cases, differences will exist between output powers of the solar cells in the various modules, e.g. due to (part of) the modules being temporarily shaded, pollution on one or more solar cells, or even spread in solar-cell behaviour that may become worse during aging. Due to the current-source-type behaviour of solar cells and their series connection these differences will lead to a relatively large drop in output power coming from the PV system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Hendrik Johannes Bergveld, Franciscus A. C. M. Schoofs, Gian Hoogzaad
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Patent number: 8164220Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a UPS includes an input configured to be coupled to an AC power source, a DC power source, an output configured to receive power from at least one of the AC power source and the DC power source, a first switched receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a first electrical load and a second receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a second electrical load. According to some embodiments, the UPS also includes a control unit configurable to provide a first configuration associated with the first switched receptacle outlet, where the first configuration is employed by the control unit to control a connection of the first switched receptacle outlet to the output independent of the second receptacle outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventors: Daniel C. Cohen, David A. Colucci, Mark R. Melanson, James S. Spitaels
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Publication number: 20120091811Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply for supply electrical power to a load, comprises a connection to a primary source for supplying primary power, a battery system for storing battery power, an inverter, and a controller. The controller controls the inverter to operate in a first mode, a second mode, and in a third mode. In the first mode, power is supplied to the primary load and the battery system based on primary power. In the second mode, power is supplied to the primary load based on battery power. In the third mode, power is supplied to the primary source based on battery power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jim Heidenreich, Toby Peck, Craig Paoli, Peter Schmidt, Greg Thomas, John Rodgers
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Publication number: 20120091809Abstract: The disclosure relates to a field device of a process automation system, having at least one first intrinsically safe power supply unit, which provides locally stored electrical energy in an integrated storage element for supplying power to an electronics unit for process control. To supply power to intrinsically safe field devices from locally stored electrical energy in line with demand, it is proposed that in addition, at least one additional intrinsically safe power supply unit is integrated therein, which is fed by a power generation unit providing locally renewable electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: ABB Technology AGInventors: Harald U. Müller, Yannick Maret
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Patent number: 8159088Abstract: In order to increase the continuous operating time of a display device driven by a battery or the like, and a portable information terminal using the same, the volume and weight of the battery are increased. Thus, there arises a trade-off between the increased capacity of the battery and the portability of the device/terminal. Therefore, the invention provides a display device with portability ensured, which is capable of operating continuously for long periods and a portable information terminal using the same. In the display device, TFTs and an RFID tag are formed over the same insulating substrate. The RFID tag detects signals from a reader/writer, and generates DC power based on the signals. While the RFID tag is detecting signals, the display device is driven by the DC power generated in the RFID tag.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshifumi Tanada, Shunpei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8159087Abstract: The invention provides a power generation system having a power generator (1) configured to generate DC power; an electric power load (5); a current detector configured to detect a current flowing between a system power supply (8) and an interconnection point (9); and a switch (4) configured to switch to supply the DC power from the power generator (1) and AC power which is fed from the system power supply (8) through the interconnection point (9), to the electric power load (5).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shinji Miyauchi, Motomichi Katou, Yasuhiro Mori
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Patent number: 8148844Abstract: A power supply system for a residential or a commercial unit is disclosed. The system comprises an AC power source from a power grid, a DC power source from one or a plurality of remote alternative power sources and another DC power source from one or a plurality of local alternative power sources. The generated DC power from the remote sources is delivered to the unit using a dedicated DC power distribution unit. The alternative power sources either locally or remotely located to residential or the commercial unit may comprise one or a plurality of solar systems. The system may also comprise one or a plurality of wind turbines. There are two groups of electrical appliances from the unit connected to the system. The first group receives the AC power only and the second group receives the AC and/or the DC powers. A power management device for the unit selects the power supply sources to minimize the power consumption from the AC power grid.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventor: Yang Pan
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Patent number: 8148855Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying cordless power to a remotely-located load device. A first power supply unit of a portable power supply system is configured to operate in a charge receive mode and/or a charge supply mode. When the first power supply unit is in the charge receive mode, a first energy storage device of the first power supply unit is configured to receive electrical energy via a first switch from one of a second power supply unit or an external power source. When the first power supply unit is in the charge supply mode, the first energy storage device of the first power supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy via a second switch to one of a third power supply unit or a remotely-located load device.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: NextArtsInventor: Anthony Imperial
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Patent number: 8138634Abstract: An automatic transfer switch for a power system receiving multiple alternating current sources and delivering multiple alternating current output is described. A transfer switch control circuit can sense a power loss in one or both AC sources. Each power supply can deliver current to drive a load but, if one of the power supplies fails, the other can supply power to drive both loads.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy
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Patent number: 8138630Abstract: A system includes a solar power subsystem that receives power from one or more solar power arrays. A storage control subsystem is coupled to the solar power subsystem to charge a battery from the power received by the solar power subsystem. A grid power control subsystem having an AC to DC converter receives power from a power grid and provides DC voltage to the storage control subsystem. A balance of system control system controls the amount of power received from the power grid as a function of a load, battery charge and received power by the solar power subsystem. The solar array and battery may be sized to provide sufficient power under normal operating conditions, with power being drawn from the grid during abnormal operation conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: eBay Inc.Inventors: Rhonda Dibachi, Farzad Dibachi
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Publication number: 20120049621Abstract: A vehicle carries a battery package as its power source. Each of plural battery modules in the battery package has a memory device for memorizing identification information that proves authenticity of each of the battery modules. A battery control unit in the vehicle has an authentication unit. The authentication unit determines whether or not each of the battery modules is compliant to specification. When the battery module is determined as non-compliant, a control unit drives the vehicle by using a power source other than the non-compliant battery. As the power source other than the non-compliant battery, an internal combustion engine, a supplemental battery, or a compliant battery can be used, thereby preventing damage of the vehicle due to use of the non-compliant battery without deteriorating user convenience of a user of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Kokichi SHINODA
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Publication number: 20120032513Abstract: A battery management circuit, a battery module and a battery management method are provided. The battery management circuit includes a conduction circuit and a control circuit. The battery management is coupled to a rechargeable battery cell and has a first conduction path passing through the rechargeable battery cell and a second conduction path without passing through the rechargeable battery cell. The control circuit is coupled to the rechargeable battery cell and the conduction circuit, and conducts selectively the first conduction path or the second conduction path of the conduction circuit so as to avoid over charging or over discharging of the rechargeable battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: ENERGY PASS, INC.Inventors: ROBERT Y.H. TSU, CHING LONG LIN
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Patent number: 8110947Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a watchdog system for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and auto recovery method using the same. In case the power supply path of UPS is switched from the normal power line to the bypass line, the UPS watchdog system of the present invention is firstly compulsively recovers again the power supply path to the normal power line for given times and, nevertheless, in case it is not recovered, the power is supplied through the bypass line. Accordingly, in case the power supply path is switched to the bypass line due to the temporary disorder of UPS, it can be rapidly recovered to the normal power path, so that the power supply by the UPS apparatus can be more stably performed.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: KT CorporationInventors: Hyun Chul Jung, Dong Sung Park
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Publication number: 20120025614Abstract: A power supply system includes an inverter circuit, for example, an inverter circuit of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), having an output configured to be coupled to a load and an input configured to be coupled to a power source and a storage network configuration circuit configured to vary interconnections of a plurality of energy storage units of the power source, for example, plural ultracapacitors, responsive to a control input. The network configuration circuit may be operative to detect a state of the power source, such as a voltage produced thereby, and to modify parallel and serial coupling of the energy storage units responsive to the detected state. In some embodiments, the network configuration circuit may be operative to increase and/or decrease a number of the power source units connected in series across the input of the inverter circuit responsive to the detected state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Pasi Taimela, Robert William Johnson, JR., Anthony Olivo
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Publication number: 20120019071Abstract: A backup power system with a fuel cell and a control method thereof are provided. The control method includes the steps of: setting a default variation value; determining whether power interruption has happened to a grid power module; determining whether a load is functioning; performing a limiting step; and controlling the output of a fuel cell system. With the control method, the fuel cell system functions as a backup power system configured for grid power, and the fuel cell system generates power in response to variation of the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Zhan-Yi Lin, Jin-Ming Chang, To-Wei Huang, Yu-Ming Sun, Chi-Bin Wu
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Patent number: 8093749Abstract: A system may include a switchover element configurable to source or sink power from or to an electronic device electrically coupled to the switchover element and a controller in communication with the switchover element. The controller may be configured to determine if the electronic device is healthy. When the electronic device is healthy, the controller may configure the switchover element to deliver power from the electronic device to the system and configure the switchover element to provide the power to any unhealthy electronic device electrically coupled to the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.Inventors: Hogan Lew, Ankur Singla, Harshad Nakil
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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: 8076799Abstract: A UPS system includes one or more UPS units with identical or different capacities. A control circuit, used to control a DC/AC inverter of the UPS unit, includes a voltage feedback control circuit and a current feedforward control circuit. The voltage feedback control circuit is used to control the amplitude and the waveform of load voltage. The current feedforward control circuit is used to operate the DC/AC inverter of the UPS unit as a virtual fundamental resistor and a virtual harmonic resistor which are serially connected to an output terminal of the DC/AC inverter such that each UPS unit can be distributed to provide an output current according to the capacity ratio of the UPS system.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Ablerex Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chin-Chang Wu, Hung-Liang Chou, Yu-Hsiu Lin, Wen-Jie Hou, Han-Sheng Wei
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Publication number: 20110291483Abstract: To provide an electric power system capable of adequately controlling the power flow in an AC switch (120) constituting an interruptible power supply, an electric power system according to the present invention includes: an uninterruptible power supply (100) including an AC switch (120) provided between a commercial power supply (200) and an output part (102), a secondary battery (130), and an inverter (135) provided between the AC switch (120) and secondary battery (130); an important load (150) connected to the output part (102); a photovoltaic power supply (140) connected to the output part (102); an electric power detection section (181) that detects the power consumption of all loads including the important load (150); an electric power detection section (131) that detects charge/discharge power of the secondary battery (130); an electric power detection section (141) that detects the output power of the photovoltaic power supply (140); an electric power detection section (151) that detects the power conType: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: SHIMIZU CORPORATIONInventors: Toshihiro Yamane, Shigeo Numata, Eisuke Shimoda, Morihiro Kinoshita
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Publication number: 20110285206Abstract: A power unit is equipped with a power generator connected to an electric load, a first storage device connected to the electric load and the power generator, a second storage device connected to the electric load, the power generator, and the first storage device, and a charge control device that controls charge/discharge of the second storage device. The charge control device controls the discharge of the second storage device such that a power is supplied to the electric load and the first storage device when a predetermined condition corresponding to a high possibility of an increase in a power generation amount of the power generator is fulfilled, and controls the discharge of the second storage device such that a power is supplied to the electric load when the predetermined condition is not fulfilled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi SATO, Hisazumi WATANABE
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Publication number: 20110278930Abstract: There is provided a secondary battery system which converts direct current power supplied from secondary batteries into alternating current power by power converters, and supplies the converted power to an electric power system on a load side, the secondary battery system including a control apparatus that stops operating the operating the power converter and starts operating the stopped the power converter when a residual stored power level of the secondary battery corresponding to operating the power converter becomes to be not greater than a predetermined rate of a residual stored power level of the secondary battery corresponding to stopped the power converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Sei YASUTOMI, Matsuo BANDO, Tomio TAMAKOSHI
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Publication number: 20110261547Abstract: A system for standby power control in a multiple power supply environment is provided. The system includes a plurality of power supplies. Each power supply has a standby voltage output, and has a standby voltage enable signal input. A signal line connects to each power supply at the respective standby voltage enable signal input. A resistance is connected between the signal line and a system reference. The plurality of power supplies are configured such that the resistance determines a number of power supplies that must be available before the standby voltage outputs are activated by the power supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: Oracle International CorporationInventor: J. Rothe Kinnard
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Patent number: 8046594Abstract: An electronic device includes electronic components, including: a power switching unit to output a power switching signal; a first power input unit to receive first power from one of a plurality of external power devices; a second power input unit to receive second power from one of the external power devices; a power converting unit to convert the first power received through the first power input unit into driving power having a voltage level to drive each electronic component, and to supply the driving power to each electronic component; and a power management unit to control the power converting unit to be enabled when the second power is input through the second power input unit, and control whether the power converting unit is enabled corresponding to the power switching signal from the power switching unit, when the second power is not input through the second power input unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventor: Byong-jeon Lee
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Patent number: 8039990Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured as an intrinsic power transfer switch are provided. One method includes providing multiple inputs, multiple rectifiers coupled to the inputs, a common node coupled to the rectifiers, and at least one DC output coupled to the common node. The DC output(s) is/are adapted for connection to at least one electrical load and a first input is adapted for connection to a first electrical service. A second input is adapted for connection to a second electrical service, the DC UPS continuing to supply power to the at least one electrical load in the event of a loss of either the first or second electrical services. Also provided are methods of manufacturing an intrinsic power transfer switch for a high-power electrical load requiring at least two electrical service inputs.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Steven Mark Groff, Trung Le
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Patent number: 8035250Abstract: A load sharing, multi-module power supply system for supplying power to a load. The system may involve: a first power supply module having a controller, and having a first per unit capacity (pu-c); a second power supply module having a controller, and having a second per unit capacity (pu-c); the controller of the first power supply module adapted to implement a reduction in an output power of the first power supply module upon the detection of an operating event, where a portion of the load being handled by the first power supply module is shed by a percentage, and such that the first power supply module remains operating during the operating event but at a reduced power output level; and upon the occurrence of the operating event the controller of the second power supply module is adapted to increase a power output of the second power supply module sufficient to accommodate the portion of the load that has been shed by the first power supply module.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventor: Richard T. Caudill
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Patent number: 8018091Abstract: A selectable backup power supply device for providing power to a real time clock (RTC) and a memory unit is disclosed. The device includes a backup battery, a first power outputting unit and a second power outputting unit, wherein the backup battery outputs a backup voltage, the first power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the RTC for receiving the backup voltage and outputting a first supply voltage to the RTC, and the second power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the memory unit, for receiving the backup voltage and, in accordance with a selection signal, outputting a second supply voltage to the memory unit or stopping the output of the second supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignees: Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Universal Global Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Huang-Chu Liu, Chun-Ta Wu