Abstract: A power system connectable to an electric utility grid includes a local bus connected to at least one non-grid source of electrical energy; an electrical connection between the local bus and an electric utility grid; and a unidirectional AC-to-DC power supply electrically interposed between the electric utility grid and the local bus, the power supply having an AC side and a DC side, wherein the power supply is configured to allow energy flow only from the AC side to the DC side.

Abstract: A power module includes a substrate that is electrically insulative and includes a substrate main surface and a substrate back surface at opposite sides in a thickness direction. The power module also includes a mounting layer that is conductive and arranged on the substrate main surface. The power module further includes a graphite plate having anisotropic thermal conductivity and including a plate main surface and a plate back surface at opposite sides in the thickness direction. The plate back surface is connected to the mounting layer. The power module further includes a power semiconductor element arranged on the plate main surface.

Abstract: An energy storage system and a switching power supply thereof are provided in the present disclosure. An alternating current AC input terminal of the switching power supply is connected to an AC power source via a protection fuse unit. A direct current DC input terminal of the switching power supply is connected to an energy storage unit in the energy storage system via a protection fuse unit. An output terminal of the switching power supply is connected to a master control unit in the energy storage system and an additional load in the energy storage system. Therefore, the switching power supply can receive electric energy from at least one of the energy storage unit and the AC power source, and supply power to the master control unit and the additional load in the energy storage system.

Abstract: Power supplies and methods of use thereof are provided, where a power supply includes an input configured to receive input AC power an output configured to provide output AC power to a load, at least one power converter coupled to the input and configured to convert the input AC power into the output AC power, a controller coupled the at least one power converter. The controller is configured to adjust at least one parameter of the output AC power provided by the at least one power converter, detect, in response to adjusting the at least one parameter of the output AC power, at least one of an adjusted input AC power or an adjusted output AC power, and determine that a fault has occurred based on the at least one of the adjusted input AC power or the adjusted output AC power.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated DC/DC and AC/DC converter system including a main relay selectively connected to any one of an AC power supply unit and a DC power supply unit and a controller connecting the main relay to the AC power supply unit or the DC power supply unit. Electrical energy based on the AC power output from the AC power supply and electrical energy based on DC power output from the DC power supply unit may be selectively provided to a load.

Abstract: A system for cooling a storage area of a vehicle includes one or more eutectic plates (102) for cooling the storage area (101); a refrigeration system (103) configured to cool the one or more eutectic plates (102); an electrical system (106) configured to receive electrical power from a mains power supply and supply electrical power to the refrigeration system (103); a variable displacement hydraulic pump (113) having an input shaft for being driven by an engine (112) of the vehicle (100); and a generator (107) configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump (113), generate electrical power in response thereto and supply the electrical power to the refrigeration system (103); the hydraulic pump (113) is configured to reduce the volume of hydraulic fluid that it supplies to the generator (107) for each rotation of the input shaft, as the rotational speed of the input shaft increases.

Abstract: A method for managing the offtake of power produced by an auxiliary power unit of an aircraft. The method comprises a step of calculating a maximum capacity for offtake of mechanical power that the auxiliary power unit can provide to the aircraft, a step of determining an actual offtake of mechanical power taken off by a first mechanical power offtake system of the auxiliary power unit, a step of comparing the maximum capacity for offtake of mechanical power and the actual offtake of mechanical power, a step of optimizing the offtake of mechanical power which step, based on the comparison of the maximum capacity for offtake of mechanical power and the actual offtake of mechanical power, determines at least one corrective action. A device for managing the offtake of power produced by an auxiliary power unit of an aircraft and an aircraft including such a device are provided.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a versatile UPS. The versatile UPS is operative to provide power to a load and to an interconnected network for delivering electricity from producers to consumers (i.e., an electricity grid, or simply, “a grid”). The versatile UPS has a plurality of switches providing for a multiplicity of switching states. The output to the load, the grid, or both is dependent, at least in part, on the switching states. Related systems, methods and apparatus is also described.

Abstract: An electric power-regulating system includes an electric-load end, a power-supply end, a power regulator, a DC-bus device, a flywheel energy-storage device, a switch device and a controller. The flywheel energy-storage device connects the DC-bus device. The switch device is connected between the flywheel energy-storage device and the DC-bus device. The switch device provides at least one current-flow direction between the DC-bus device and the flywheel energy-storage device. The controller controls the power regulator and the flywheel energy-storage device. When a voltage of the DC-bus device exceeds a operation range, the controller selectively limits the current-flow direction of the switch device. Further, when a voltage-bias direction of the switch device and the current-flow direction are the same, the controller allows a current of the DC-bus device to flow into or out of the flywheel energy-storage device in the current-flow direction. In addition, an electric power-regulating method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for maintaining protection of electric power delivery systems in the event of a control power failure or other anomaly. A reliable power module conditions electric power from multiple independent sources and provides electrical operational power to electric power delivery system protective loads. The reliable power module includes a power storage device for providing operational power even upon loss of all control power sources. The power storage may be sufficient to ride through expected losses such as a time to start up backup generation. The power storage may be sufficient to power a trip coil. Thus, electric power system protection is maintained even upon loss of control power.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter provide a system including a plurality of power supply units having AC inputs configured to be coupled to an AC power source and AC outputs coupled to respective first busses. Each of the power supply units includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having an output configured to be coupled to the AC output of the power supply unit, a first switch configured to selectively couple the AC input to the AC output of the power supply unit, and a second switch configured to selectively couple the AC output of the power supply unit to a second bus. The system may further include at least one control circuit configured to control first and second ones of the power supply units to enable the first one of the power supply units to provide power to the first bus coupled to the second power supply unit from the first power supply unit via the second bus.

Abstract: An energy storage system is provided that is adapted to simultaneously carry out control and system tasks in non-local and local power supply grids and to a method for operating such an energy supply system. The energy storage system comprises at least one energy storage module and a system storage capacity and system output, wherein the energy storage system is at least intended for connection to a non-local power supply grid for the execution of received, non-localized control and system tasks in the non-local power supply grid and for connection to one or more local power supply grids for the execution of received, localized control and system tasks in the local power supply grid(s), and is adapted to be connected to a communication network via at least one interface and to receive at least the non-localized control and system tasks via the communication network.

Abstract: A heating, cooling, and power device includes a shaft and an expander coupled to the shaft to rotate the shaft. A first conduit is coupled to the expander and configured to transport a working fluid. A heater is coupled through the first conduit to the expander. A heat pump is coupled to the shaft. An electric machine is coupled to the shaft to produce electricity or mechanical shaft power. A recuperator includes a second conduit coupled between the expander and recuperator. The heat pump includes a first heat exchanger including a second conduit coupled between the expander and the first heat exchanger. An expansion device includes a third conduit coupled between the first heat exchanger and the expansion device. A second heat exchanger includes a fourth conduit coupled between the expansion device and second heat exchanger. A compressor is coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for utilizing waste heat to power a reconfigurable thermodynamic cycle that can be used to selectively cool or heat an environmentally controlled space, such as a room, building, or vehicle. The present invention also integrates an electric machine, which may operate as a motor or generator, or both, and an additional prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine. Different combinations of these components are preferable for different applications. The system provides a design which reasonably balances the need to maximize efficiency, while also keeping the design cost effective.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection device protects a half bridge circuit that receives a supply voltage. The overvoltage protection device includes a high speed overvoltage detector that receives the supply voltage, detects whether an overvoltage situation is present, and outputs an overvoltage signal that disables the switches of the half bridge circuit before the switches can be damaged by the overvoltage situation. With both the switches of the half-bridge disabled, the entire supply voltage appears across the two switches in series, by which each switch only receives half the entire voltage. Thus, by quickly disabling both switches of the half-bridge each switch only needs a maximum voltage rating equal to half the maximum voltage rating of the half bridge circuit as a whole. This leads to reduced size and cost for the switches of the half-bridge circuit.

Abstract: A system includes a building, a fluid-moving system, and a turbine system. The fluid-moving system includes one or more conduits in or coupled to the data center and a pump. The pump moves fluid through the conduits. The turbine system includes a turbine and generator. The turbine has a runner in a flow of fluid in one of the conduits. The generator produces electricity from rotation of the runner.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for charging a battery and for driving an electrical machine. The circuit includes at least three static inductors in Wye configuration having a first charging terminal connected to the center point. The circuit also includes a three-phase inverter having switches and rectifying elements, two DC terminals for connecting the battery to the circuit, and three phase terminals for connecting the circuit to the inductors. The circuit also includes a first rectifying element and a second rectifying element connected in series, with a second charging terminal between the first rectifying element and the second rectifying element. The series of the first rectifying element and the second rectifying element is connected to the inverter parallel to the DC terminals and the first rectifying element and the second rectifying element have the same orientation as the rectifying elements of the inverter as to form a full-bridge rectifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for utilizing waste heat to power a reconfigurable thermodynamic cycle that can be used to selectively cool or heat an environmentally controlled space, such as a room, building, or vehicle. The present invention also integrates an electric machine, which may operate as a motor or generator, or both, and an additional prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine. Different combinations of these components are preferable for different applications. The system provides a design which reasonably balances the need to maximize efficiency, while also keeping the design cost effective.

Abstract: An energy storage system is disclosed. The system can supply DC power from a battery to a DC load or from the DC load to the battery without inverting an AC power to the DC power.

Abstract: A hybrid power system is disclosed. The hybrid power system may include a primary power source configured to provide a primary power, and an energy storage device coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device configured to store excess primary power provided by the primary power source. The hybrid power system may further include a variable speed genset, the variable speed genset including a secondary power source configured to operate at a variable rotor speed to provide a secondary power responsive to power requirements of a load. The hybrid power system may also include a central controller communicatively coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset, the central controller configured to control the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset based on the power requirements of the load.

Abstract: In a plug-in operation, a first winding which functions as an armature winding for supplying an R-phase current of a three-phase rotary electric machine, a third winding, and a second winding are connected respectively to terminals for supplying R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase currents of a three-phase power source. Thus, the S-phase current and the T-phase current are interchanged as compared with in a normal operation. Thereby, reverse rotation of a field element is intentionally caused. A reverse-rotation prevention mechanism is provided in the field element.

Abstract: A Segment Protected Parallel Bus is for an uninterruptible power supply to electric consumers, whereby at least two electrical distributed power generation units, are connected electrically parallel, each distributed power generation unit is coupled to at least one electric consumer bus. At least two electrical protection zones for isolating electrical faults and multiple protection zones with instantaneous tripping for the electrical parallel connection of consumer networks are provided in a mutual electrical ring connection.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a control device, a first current detection device detecting a load alternating electric current, and a second current detection device detecting a direct current of the direct current power converted by a first converter. The control device obtains a first integrated value by integrating a direct current component corresponding to a positive electric current positioned at a positive side relative to a zero-crossing of the load alternating electric current among the direct current of the direct current power converted by the first converter and detected by the second current detection device by time, obtains a second integrated value by integrating a direct current component corresponding to a negative electric current by time, and detects a direct current component included in the load alternating electric current on the basis of a degree of a difference between the first integrated value and the second integrated value.

Abstract: A plant secondary power source consists of an auxiliary power source, an auxiliary converter, and a connection to a power generation plant DC voltage link. The auxiliary power source provides power control functionality without the use of direct communication between the auxiliary power system and the power generation plant.

Abstract: In a cogeneration apparatus having a power generation unit connected to an AC power feed line between a commercial power source and electric load, and an internal combustion engine, a switch is installed between the power generation unit and an outage power output, and the switch is opened to combine the power generation unit with the commercial power source to supply combined power to the electric load if a calculated total engine operation time period is not more than a predetermined time period when the outage is determined not to occur, while the switch is closed to connect the power generation unit to the outage power output, if the power generation unit is determined to be capable of generation power based on an estimated degree of deterioration of the unit when the outage is determined to occur.

Abstract: A power regulation system for an electrical grid has a store of electrical energy connected through a first switch to a source of electrical energy. The response time of the store is faster than that of the source. A second switch is connected to the store at one side with the opposite side for connection to the grid. A first controller monitors energy stored in the store and energy available from said source and selectively controls the first switch to close to transfer energy from the source to the store. A second controller monitors energy stored in said store and, on receiving an indication that additional energy is needed in the grid, if the energy stored in the store exceeds a supply threshold, controls the second switch to close to transfer energy from the store to the grid.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft may include generating an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to speed of a prime mover, where the speed of the prime mover is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed limit. The A/C output of the prime mover may be distributed to the variable speed motor such that the speed of the variable speed motor is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output. The variable speed motor may be electrically disconnected from the A/C power when the speed of the prime mover being used to drive the variable speed motor is equal to or within a predetermined range of the predetermined speed limit. An alternate A/C output may be distributed to the variable speed motor after the A/C power is electrically disconnected from the variable speed motor.

Abstract: A deployable portable solar system is provided. The portable solar system provides power for industrial use situations. The portable solar system contains solar cells, one or more charge controllers, one or more battery banks, DC to AC inverters, and a disconnect. Optionally, the solar system contains a backup AC generator, one or more transfer switches, a backup DC generator, a utility line connection, one or more transformers, and a variable frequency drive.

Abstract: An emergency power system for operation during loss of power on power mains comprises a spring-driven energy storage unit (ESU) and a generator. The ESU enters a generator mode responsive to a power outage state of a power sensor, during which mode unwinding of the spring drive powers the generator. After power is restored to the mains, a preferred embodiment automatically rewinds the spring using the generator as a motor.

Abstract: Energy systems and energy storage system charging methods are described. In one aspect, an energy storage system charging method includes applying an excitation signal to a stator of an induction machine, outputting electrical energy from the stator of the induction machine during the applying, and charging an energy storage system using the electrical energy outputted from the stator.

Abstract: An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for providing power to a computer system. The UPS converts kinetic energy of cooling fluid already being pumped through the computer system to operate a reaction turbine. The turbine drives a flywheel, which in turn can drive a generator in the case of a power failure. A gravity feed may continue to supply cooling fluid to the system, at least for a time, after the power is lost. The turbine can continue to store this energy in the flywheel after power failure thereby extending the ride-through time available.

Abstract: A system-interconnected inverter connected to a commercial system for supplying AC power, which inverter includes a switching device for turning on and off DC power based on a predetermined duty value to output a voltage whose frequency is the same as that of a system power source and a controller for controlling the switching device. The controller changes the duty value of the switching device in accordance with the value obtained by dividing the maximum value by the effective value of the output current from the switching device measured with the system-interconnected inverter disconnected from the system power source.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a temporary power source to transfer a power bus from a first power source to a second power source. The first power source operates at a first electrical frequency, and the second power source operates at a second electrical frequency that is different from the first electrical frequency. The method includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the first electrical frequency and supplying power to the power bus from the temporary power source. The method also includes disconnecting the first power source from the power bus. The method further includes adjusting the output frequency of the temporary power source to match the second electrical frequency. The method further includes coupling the second power source to the power bus.

Abstract: A method of detecting a parallel source condition includes calculating a reactive power, comparing the reactive power to a predetermined threshold, and determining a parallel source condition in response to the reactive power exceeding the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and releasing energy comprising directing inlet air into a vertical cold flue assembly, a portion of moisture being removed from the air within the cold flue assembly. The air is directed out of the cold flue assembly and compressed. The remaining moisture is substantially removed and the carbon dioxide is removed from the air by adsorption. The air is cooled in a main heat exchanger such that it is substantially liquefied using refrigerant loop air. The substantially liquefied air is directed to a storage apparatus. The refrigerant loop air is cooled by a mechanical chiller and by a plurality of refrigerant loop air expanders. In energy release mode, working loop fluid warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the working loop fluid such that the working loop fluid is substantially liquefied.

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

Abstract: A control system for a home electrical system includes a first switch installed at a meter socket of a utility module for controlling flow of electricity from a utility source to an electrical load, a second switch installed in a home generator for controlling flow of electricity from the generator to the electrical load, and circuitry configured to actuate the first and second switches. The circuitry includes at least one interlock to provide power to the electrical load from only one of the utility source and the generator at any given time.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft. The system comprises a variable speed prime mover adapted to generate an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to the speed of the prime mover, a power switch, a power distribution bus connected to the A/C output of the prime mover and connected, via the switch, to the motor such that the motor's speed is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output, and a variable frequency drive operatively connected to the A/C output of the prime mover via the bus and effective to provide an alternate A/C output to the motor after the motor is disconnected from the bus. The switch is adapted to disconnect the motor from the bus when the prime mover's speed is equal to or within a predetermined range of the prime mover's speed limit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a high-voltage direct-current uninterruptible power supply system configured to be connected to a plurality of power sources. The uninterruptible power supply system according to the invention includes a plurality of power modules, each of which is connected to a power source for receiving an input power from the power source connected thereto and converting the input power into a direct-current output power, a control module connected to the power modules through communication lines for managing the power modules, and a power distribution unit connected to a DC voltage bus for relaying the direct-current output power to a plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying auxiliary electrical power to a controller during power loss are described hereinabove. The system is powered by a primary power source, and includes a controller and a winding load that are both powered by the primary power source, and a switching device. When the primary power source is disconnected from the controller and winding load, the winding load continues to residually exercise to generate residual electrical power. The second switching device then channels the residual electrical power to the controller for a period of time at an acceptable level.

Abstract: An electrical power system architecture uses an auxiliary power unit as an electrical power source during taxi (ground idle) and approach idle (if required). Using the APU as a power source enables a low pressure spool driven electrical generator to be off-line when its speed is too low for it to operate effectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for safeguarding uninterrupted power supply of a magnetic bearing (5) in the event of a power supply voltage (U) failure. Said device comprises: a first frequency converter (2) which is supplied with power by the supply voltage (U) and controls a motor (3), and a transformer (7) which is connected to a rectifier (8) and the motor (3), said rectifier (8) supplying a DC-link electric circuit (11) of a second frequency converter (14) controlling the magnetic bearing (5) with power in the event of a power supply voltage failure. The invention allows prevention of damages to the magnetic bearing in the event of disruption of power supply of the magnetic bearing in the event of a power supply voltage failure.

Abstract: The inventions concerns a cable comprising a cable jacket and at least two medium voltage wires disposed within the cable jacket for transporting medium voltage current and at least two low voltage wires disposed within the cable jacket for transporting a low voltage current. Further, it concerns a wind turbine having a generator for generating electricity, wherein the generator being electrically connected to at least two medium voltage wires for feeding the generated electricity into a grid, the wind turbine having further a low voltage network for providing low voltage power to low voltage consumers, the low voltage network being electrically connected to a low voltage cable, wherein the low voltage cable and the medium voltage wires are accommodated in a common cable jacket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and releasing energy comprising directing inlet air into a vertical cold flue assembly, a portion of moisture being removed from the air within the cold flue assembly. The air is directed out of the cold flue assembly and compressed. The remaining moisture is substantially removed and the carbon dioxide is removed from the air by adsorption. The air is cooled in a main heat exchanger such that it is substantially liquefied using refrigerant loop air, The substantially liquefied air is directed to a storage apparatus. The refrigerant loop air is cooled by a mechanical chiller and by a plurality of refrigerant loop air expanders. In energy release mode, working loop air warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the working loop air such that the working loop air is substantially liquefied.

Abstract: A method of performing loadflow calculations for controlling voltages and power flow in a power network by reading on-line data of given/specified/scheduled/set network variables/parameters and using control means, so that no component of the power network is overloaded as well as there is no over/under voltage at any nodes in the network following a small or large disturbances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a process for direct current power supply of electrical networks. This system comprises a system for direct current power supply of electrical networks comprising at least two generators (G1, G2), an alternating current power distribution bar (11), a direct current power distribution bar (10), wherein these two power distribution bars (11, 10) are connected to one another by a rectifier unit (12) and a battery (13). The alternating current bar (11) is connected to the generators (G1, G2) via a transfer contactor (20). The direct current power distribution bar (10) is connected to the battery (13) via a first contactor (S1) in series with a second contactor (S2) positioned in parallel with a power diode (21).

Abstract: Unlike symmetric power feeds for dual-corded server environments, an asymmetrical power system for high availability environments uses an imbalanced power feed system, allowing lower cost implementation and, in some cases, reduced energy loss in the primary power supply path. One asymmetric power feed uses a direct power feed to supply normal operating power and uses a second system to supply back up power via a switched, conditioned, path with UPS and generator. Because the main power delivery is through the direct line, reliability and power loss are improved.

Abstract: A device for controlling a single-phase power conditioner for a renewable energy system is disclosed. The device comprises: a power system, providing alternating current (AC) utility power; a renewable energy system, using a natural resource so as to generate direct current (DC) power; a DC-to-DC converter, accepting the DC power generated by the renewable energy system so as to convert an input DC voltage of the DC power to an output DC voltage at a voltage level different from the DC input voltage; a grid-tied power conditioner, transforming voltage levels of the AC power and DC power; a controller, issuing a control signal for controlling the grid-tied power conditioner; and a load, consuming electricity by way of the grid-tied power conditioner.

Abstract: A system and method to efficiently store and convert erratic wind and solar electrical energy production to a source of reliable standard AC electrical power by means of an electric motor operatively engaged to power a pump. The pump in a sealed communication with a reservoir cavity evacuates air from the cavity to store the generated energy as potential energy in the form of a pressure differential with ambient atmosphere. Regulated air inflow into the evacuated cavity is employed to drive a generator or alternator to produce electric power which is synchronized with grid demand and communicated to the grid.