Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a solar power system including an array of photovoltaic panels. The photovoltaic array may include a first module electrically coupled to an AC load and a second module electrically coupled to a DC load. The array may be reconfigured such that individual panels may be transferred from the first module to the second module, and vice versa. The arrays may generate power that is selectively distributed to direct current and alternating current power loads. The system further includes a power management device effective to maximize the power generation of the second module.

Abstract: In an electric power supply system, a plurality of batteries (405, 406) are connected in series by a switch group (402 to 404, 407 to 409), and a higher voltage and a lower voltage are output through a terminal and a VOL terminal, respectively, and are respectively converted in the voltage thereof by two step-down DC-DC inverters (105, 106). During a discharge operation upon a serial connection, remaining content of the batteries is measured in a period other than the period of discharge from the batteries (105, 106), and the connection mode of the serial connection is controlled based on the remaining content, to control the discharge of the respective batteries up to the discharge capacity.

Abstract: An electronically reconfigurable battery includes a number of battery modules selectively interconnected by a number of electronic switches, wherein a selectable number of battery modules may be connected either in a series configuration or in a parallel configuration, as a result of placing selected switches of said plurality of switches in open states or closed states. In a parallel configuration, the battery provides power to a primary load, such as a propulsion load for a vehicle. In a series configuration, the battery is configured to provide a high voltage and high power output to a short-term and/or pulsed load, such as an additional load provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. The series of stages provides for a high voltage AC or DC output. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

Abstract: A power supply including a plurality of power supply modules and method of operating such a power supply includes monitoring the state of individual power supply modules. The power supply modules are monitored to prevent the operation of the modules outside a predetermined range. One power supply described herein includes a greater number of power supply modules than necessary to produce a desired output waveform. This allows a subset of power supply modules to be chosen to produce the desired output based on the state of each of the power supply modules as determined by monitoring.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery, battery set or battery pack having a circuit or a plurality of circuits for providing self-discharging thereof electrically connected in parallel are used to form rechargeable battery assemblies and electric power supply systems for use in electric and hybrid vehicles and the like.

Abstract: A method for controlling output from a photovoltaic array comprises changing electrical connections between photovoltaic panels in the array in response to changes in parameters related to a selected power transfer objective. Examples of power transfer objectives include matching array impedance to changes in electrical load impedance, outputting power at a maximum power point value, and maintaining array output voltage within the input voltage range of an inverter during changes in temperature, illumination, or other parameters affecting photovoltaic panel output. Photovoltaic panels adapted for reconfigurable electrical connections to other photovoltaic panels, referred to as intelligent nodes, are electrically interconnected according to the disclosed method in combinations of serial and parallel circuits selected according to measured and calculated values of parameters related to the selected power transfer objective.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having auto-ranging battery backup voltage capability is provided. At least one input is configured. A rectifier is connected to the at least one input. A common node is connected to the rectifier. At least one output is connected to the common node. A battery backup circuit is connected to the common node. The battery backup circuit includes first and second strings of batteries, a switch connected between a positive terminal of the first string of batteries and a negative terminal of the second string of batteries, and a plurality of steering diodes connected to the first and second strings of batteries and the switch to maintain current flow in a first direction. The switch is operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in series when closed, and operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in parallel when open.

Abstract: A lavatory system having at least one wash station and at least one electrically operated fixture is disclosed. The lavatory system includes a control system for operating the at least one electrically operated fixture and a power supply system for powering the at least one electrically operated fixture. According to one embodiment, the power supply system includes a plurality of power sources and a switch device. The plurality of power sources are electrically coupled to each other and configured to provide an output voltage for powering the at least one fixture. The electrical coupling of the power sources is selectively adjustable between a first arrangement in which the power sources are electrically coupled to each other in parallel and a second arrangement in which the power sources are electrically coupled to each other in series. The first switch device configured to adjust the electrical coupling of the power sources between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for power conversion are illustrated. Power conversion architecture for fuel cell systems in particular are described that use dual bus architectures having stack segment pairs and a center-tapped neutral line, and/or an architecture employing integer multiple of three DC/DC converter branches.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle rearranges the bank of battery cells between a series connection for delivering voltage to a load, e.g. a motor; and a parallel connection for being charged. The battery bank can thus be charged by a 12 volt battery charger. The charger can be a plug in charger, or can be a solar cell. For example, the solar cell can be moved to cover a windshield or other surface of the vehicle whenever the vehicle is shut down.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a solar module having at least one solar cell. In order to reduce the power loss of the solar module when a solar module is in shade or is defective, a semiconductor switching element is connected in parallel with the solar module and drive electronics block the semiconductor switching element when the solar module is generating power and otherwise switch the semiconductor switching element to low impedance in order to bridge the solar module.

Abstract: A power control system is described that reuses current from segregated circuits of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the segregated circuits (or “sections”) can be “stacked” in series (with respect to the power supply) such that power is more efficiently used. The power can be more efficiently used by arranging a first section to reuse current that supplies power to a second section. A power control unit can be used to control regulators.

Abstract: A system and method interconnects battery packs using a flexible bus bar to prevent vibration from breaking or damaging the connections therebetween.

Abstract: A power supply for use with a tissue stimulating prosthesis, such as a cochlear implant. The power supply system comprises a first battery cell, a second battery cell, at least a third battery cell and a switch. The first and second battery cells are electrically connected in series to provide power to components of the prosthesis, while the third battery cell is configured to be selectively electrically connected in parallel with either the first or second battery cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power supply includes a plug, a plurality of electrical outlets, a communication interface, an encoder, and a selecting circuit. The selecting circuit is electrically coupled between the electrical outlets and the plug. The encoder receives a control signal via the communication interface and outputs a selecting signal to the selecting circuit. The selecting circuit controls connections between the electrical outlets and the plug via the selecting signal.

Abstract: A battery with a battery balancing assembly that regulates the discharge of battery cell charge and a method of evenly discharging battery cells, the battery comprising a plurality of cells. The balancing assembly includes switches disposed between the cells such that the switches may configure the cells in a normal configuration and a balance configuration, wherein in the normal configuration the plurality of cells may be connected to an electronic device and wherein in the balance configuration the plurality of cells are connected to a balancing circuit. The balancing circuit serving to balance the charge in the plurality of cells prior to the recharging of the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a monolithic, highly integrated power supply circuit capable of providing various voltages for circuits on an expansion card, either from a main supply source or an auxiliary supply source. The monolithic power supply circuit preferably includes two switching converters, two low-drop-out regulators, a standby regulator, a reset circuit, and a control circuit. An associated method for providing various voltages via a monolithic power supply circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for converting light to electric power including coupling in parallel at least two devices in a first plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, coupling in parallel at least two devices in at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power, and coupling in series the first plurality of devices suitable to convert light electricity with the at least one additional plurality of devices suitable to convert light to electric power. A method for converting electromagnetic flux to electric power. A method for optimizing the electric power output of a system including determining the expected illumination pattern of incident laser radiation, and optimizing the amount of laser radiation incident on the surface of the devices suitable to convert light to electric power by distributing the devices according to the expected illumination pattern of the incident laser beam.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are provided for collecting/harvesting direct current (DC) power received from a power source(s). The system comprises a controlled impedance power controller comprises a power converter configured to present a positive equivalent resistive load to the at least one power source over a range of input power levels. Exemplary systems and methods are provided for collecting radio frequency (RF) power. An exemplary system comprises at least two rectenna elements, a power controller, and a DC combining circuit. The DC combining circuit is associated with the at least two rectenna elements and the DC combining circuit is configured to dynamically combine the at least two rectenna elements in one of a plurality of series/parallel configurations. The power controller is configured to control the DC combining circuit to achieve a desired overall power output from the at least two rectenna elements.

Abstract: A driving circuit that drives a capacitive load includes a drive signal generator that generates a drive signal driving the capacitive load via a transistor pair in response to an analog signal, and a power-source voltage generator that generates a high-voltage power-source voltage and a low-voltage power-source voltage and that supplies the high-voltage power-source voltage and the low-voltage power-source voltage respectively to collectors of the transistors of the transistor pair via a high-voltage output terminal and a low-voltage output terminal. The power-source voltage generator includes multiple power sources connected in parallel, a backcurrent prevention diode connected between the adjacent power sources, and a switch unit that connects the adjacent power sources in series under the on-off control of a controller each time the drive signal rises above a predetermined threshold value or falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a PV module comprising a conductive backsheet, a non-conductive layer disposed on the conductive backsheet, a plurality of PV cells arranged in rows and collectively generating a first power output characterized by a first voltage, and a power conversion device. Each of the rows can include two or more PV cells. The PV cells within each row can be connected to each other in parallel. The rows can be connected in series. A top row can be connected to the conductive backsheet. The power conversion device can be redundantly connected to a bottom row and to the conductive backsheet to form a complete circuit. The power conversion device can convert the first power output to a second power output characterized b a second voltage that is larger than the first voltage. The power conversion device can also maintain peak power of the PV cells.

Abstract: A modular power distribution system comprises a chassis; and a backplane including a power input, and a plurality of module connection locations. A plurality of modules are mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations. Each module includes: (i) an OR-ing diode; (ii) a circuit protection device; (iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and (iv) a power output connection location. A circuit option switch is located on each module for setting the current limits for each module. A control module is provided connected to the backplane.

Abstract: An electrical device for automatically combining two input power source supply circuits with either aligned or unaligned phases, into a single operational circuit, with an output load capacity totaling approximately the sum of the two lower capacity power supply circuits. The device and adapters, through a series of coupled relays and contactors, incorporates internal circuitry and components which sense the phase relationship and alignment of the supply circuits, and depending upon conditions chooses the correct path, and automatically connects the supply circuits to the load circuit without the need of manual switches, or additional adapters.

Abstract: A power supply including a plurality of power supply modules and method of operating such a power supply includes monitoring the state of individual power supply modules. The power supply modules are monitored to prevent the operation of the modules outside a predetermined range. One power supply described herein includes a greater number of power supply modules than necessary to produce a desired output waveform. This allows a subset of power supply modules to be chosen to produce the desired output based on the state of each of the power supply modules as determined by monitoring.

Abstract: A combiner for use with a powered device having high power needs, the combiner comprising: a first power input adapted to receive a first power signal over a first set of wire pairs utilized to carry communication data; a second power input adapted to receive a second power signal over a second set of wire pairs, wherein the first power signal is combined with the second power signal to produce a combined high power signal; and a control circuit operable to sense the combined high power signal and to supply the combined high power signal to a powered device in response to the sensed combined high power signal. Also disclosed is a local area network adapted to supply power to powered devices over a plurality of paths utilizing the combiner, the local area network thus supplying high power to a powered device.

Abstract: An electrical DC-to-AC power conversion apparatus is disclosed that is primarily intended for use with solar photovoltaic sources in electric utility grid-interactive applications. The invention improves the conversion efficiency and lowers the cost of DC-to-AC inverters. The enabling technology is a novel inverter circuit topology, where throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed a maximum of 1½ times instead of 2 times as in prior-art inverters. The AC inverter output configuration can be either single-phase, split-phase or poly-phase.

Abstract: An electronically reconfigurable battery includes a number of battery modules selectively interconnected by a number of electronic switches, wherein a selectable number of battery modules may be connected either in a series configuration or in a parallel configuration, as a result of placing selected switches of said plurality of switches in open states or closed states. In a parallel configuration, the battery provides power to a primary load, such as a propulsion load for a vehicle. In a series configuration, the battery is configured to provide a high voltage and high power output to a short-term and/or pulsed load, such as an additional load provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring a battery charge level of a portable terminal having a removable back-up battery. The method includes determining that the back-up battery is connected in parallel to an main battery of the portable terminal, disconnecting the main battery from the back-up battery for a period of time in a cycle, and checking voltage levels of the main battery and the back-up battery to measure a charge level of each battery while the batteries are disconnected.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a power management unit residing in an electronic device includes a battery detection controller coupled to a battery charger and a regulator block, where the regulator block is capable of providing power to the electronic device. The battery detection controller is configured to turn off the regulator block when the battery charger is coupled to an external power source and is not coupled to a battery of the electronic device. The battery detection controller can be further configured to turn on the regulator block when the battery charger is coupled to the external power source and is coupled to the battery if the battery has a battery voltage greater than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A power system for supplying power to a load is provided. The power system comprises a converter system comprising a first converter and a second converter and configured for operating in a first mode and a second mode. The first converter and the second converter are configured to be coupled in series during the first mode, and in parallel when operating in the fault mode.

Abstract: Multiple sources are provided for a transmitter cable for use in electromagnetic surveying. The transmitter cable includes a dipole antenna comprising a pair of spaced apart electrodes mounted on their respective cables. Two antennas may be powered from each source. Alternatively, the outputs of each source are connected to a common antenna pair. A single large power supply may be mounted on a vessel to supply power through the tow cable. Alternatively, a number of power supplies may be provided aboard the vessel, with each power supply having dedicated conductors through the tow cable to power the plurality of current sources.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a power generator generating DC power, and an inverter circuit for converting DC power into AC power. The power generator has a plurality of power generating modules each including a plurality of power generating units and at least one electric storage device connected to each of the plurality of power generating modules. A plurality of first switch devices connect/disconnect each of positive electrodes of the plurality of power generating modules to/from a positive bus, a plurality of second switch devices connect/disconnect each of the positive electrodes of the plurality of power generating modules to/from negative electrodes of the power generating modules which are contiguous to one side, a plurality of third switch devices connect/disconnect each of the negative electrodes to/from a negative bus, and the DC output voltage can be increased/decreased stepwise by switching the switch devices.

Abstract: The invention is a dual stage power supply with a protection circuit for preventing reverse conduction through the lower voltage driver of the dual stage power supply and excess power dissipation when the higher voltage driver is on. In one embodiment of the invention, the protection scheme comprises a comparator that detects when the voltage on the output pad exceeds a predetermined voltage and a protection transistor which is controlled by the comparator to block reverse conduction through the lower voltage driver when the higher voltage driver is operating.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching converter comprising as few as two high-side switching transistors and a low-side rectifying device, along with a control circuit. The switching converter is capable of operating from a main supply source or an auxiliary supply source. The invention further includes a method for producing a regulated voltage from a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage via the two high-side switching transistors and a low-side rectifying device.

Abstract: The output voltage of a dc—dc transformer having a ratio of approximately m/n, and which is powered from a main power supply having a remote sense input, can be stabilized by feeding the output of the dc—dc transformer to the remote sense input of the main power supply through an amplifier having a voltage gain of m/n.

Abstract: An electronically reconfigurable battery includes a number of battery modules selectively interconnected by a number of electronic switches, wherein a selectable number of battery modules may be connected either in a series configuration or in a parallel configuration, as a result of placing selected switches of said plurality of switches in open states or closed states. In a parallel configuration, the battery provides power to a primary load, such as a propulsion load for a vehicle. In a series configuration, the battery is configured to provide a high voltage and high power output to a short-term and/or pulsed load, such as an additional load provided on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for parallel non-redundancy operation of uninterruptible power supply apparatuses having a bypass circuit without using an additional common circuit. In the method of operating in parallel uninterruptible power supply apparatuses, each apparatus has two operational modes, a bypass feeding mode and an inverter feeding mode. An off-instruction for an AC switch that is turned on in the bypass feeding mode of one of the uninterruptible power supply apparatuses is produced in the respective uninterruptible power supply apparatuses when operated in the inverter feeding mode. The off-instruction is produced based on detection of coincidence of a bypass feeding signal which is active during the bypass feeding mode and a ready signal which becomes active when the inverter feeding mode is ready.

Abstract: A 1000BASE-T transceiver linked to an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) through a transformer currently transmits and receives outgoing and incoming signals via the UTP. The transceiver employs an energy efficient class B or AB line driver supplying asymmetric output currents to the transformer's primary winding terminals so that the transformer's secondary winding induces the outgoing signal on the UTP. Resistors couple the transformer's primary winding terminals to inputs of separate amplifiers producing a differential output signal mimicking the incoming 1000BASE-T signal. Since both the incoming and outgoing signals contribute to voltages appearing at the transformer's primary winding terminals, echo cancellation circuits provide additional compensating signals to the amplifier inputs for canceling echo in each amplifier input due to the resistive and reactive loading on each driver output current and arising from the asymmetric nature of the class B or AB driver's output currents.

Abstract: A multi-mode transfer switch selectively operates in a first operating mode in which the utility source alone is connected to the load bus, a second operating mode in which only the microturbine is connected to the load bus, and a third operating mode in which both sources are connected to the load bus in parallel. The microturbine is commanded to operate in a voltage mode when connected alone to the load bus and in a current mode when connected in parallel with the utility source. If the utility source fails while operating in parallel with the microturbine, the utility source is disconnected from the load bus and the microturbine is reconfigured in a voltage mode. The transfer controller sends a wake-up signal to the microturbine upon loss of power for starting and providing power to the load bus.

Abstract: A circuit for a transceiver output port of a local area networking device is provided and includes a first and a second current source coupled to the ground, a first and a second resistor coupled to the supply voltage, wherein the resistances of the first and the second resistors each are equal to half that of the equivalent resistance of the UTP cable for the purpose of impedance matching, and a third current source and a fourth current source coupled to the UTP cable for providing additional current for the circuit. The magnitude of the differential signal output from the circuit can thus sustain in a predetermined range even if the magnitude of the supply voltage is lower than the minimum magnitude required by the conventional circuit.

Abstract: A power supply with integrated DC supply for peripheral devices, comprises a power conditioner to convert AC electrical power to DC, and to regulate the DC power to produce a plurality of DC voltages, and receptacles for plugging in to receive said DC voltages. A step-down transformer and a receptacle for lowered-voltage AC power is described. Additionally, a universal cable is described, which carries a variety of DC or lowered voltage AC power and mates with the power supply; the cable can be daisy-chained to plug in several devices to the power supply to tap the variety of DC voltages and lowered-voltage AC power.

Abstract: A power system for supplying a power requirement of a load is described and which includes a plurality of DC power sources having at least one fuel cell, and which provides power to a load; and a control electronics assembly is provided and which is electrically coupled to the respective DC power sources, and which selectively reconfigures the plurality of DC power sources to substantially serve the changing power requirements of the load.

Abstract: A parallel power supply system with an over-voltage protection circuit is provided. The parallel power supply system includes two power supplies which are paralleled for providing a stable DC output voltage, two isolated diode electrically, each of which is coupled between an output of each power supply and the DC output voltage for isolating outputs of the power supplies and the DC output voltage respectively, two voltage feedback controllers, each of which feeds back an output voltage of each power supply to control output voltages of power supplies at a predetermined value respectively, two resistors, and two bypass diodes used for forming a bypass connection which operates during the over-voltage outputting period.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing power to multiple circuit boards coupled with a “system” backplane is disclosed. Separate redundant pairs of power supplies are provided for each circuit board in a load sharing arrangement. Each set of power supplies and their load, i.e. the circuit board to which they are coupled and providing power to, are isolated from the other sets. The power supplies are coupled with a second “power” backplane which interconnects the redundant power supply pairs as well as receives the input voltage and current from a source and distributes it to all of the power supplies. The power backplane is further coupled with the system backplane in a back to back arrangement to effect the connection of the power supplies with their respective loads. The redundant power supplies in combination with fault monitoring and failure handling logic identify and isolate faults, enable fail-over operation and prevent collateral damage to other system components.

Abstract: A circuit connects a low-voltage high-current DC power source (PL) in series with a high-voltage low-current DC source (PD). The series connection is made under full power by using the second source PL to commutate the load current and allow the first source PD to be reconfigured from series to parallel operation, doubling its current rating.

Abstract: A solar cell array is provided having a lattice or matrix structure such that no two solar cell devices are connected purely in series or purely in parallel. Accordingly, if a single solar cell device fails, there is an alternate path by which the output power of all other solar cell devices may contribute to the total output power of the solar cell array. Also, the power output of the entire array is much less sensitive to a low voltage or current for a single solar cell device than in a conventional array where devices are connected in series and in parallel. Beneficially, current setting devices, such as resistors, are provided for better matching the voltages and currents within the array, although in some applications, the resistors can be eliminated, or set to zero. The lattice or matrix structures may be extended in one, two, and three-dimensional patterns.

Abstract: A plurality of the voltage sources may be selectively connectable in a variety of different arrangements using a switch array whose connections are determined by a programmable controller. For example, a desired output voltage may be automatically provided by altering the connections between the voltage sources to achieve the desired voltage. A programmable controller may determine how to connect the voltage sources to achieve the desired output voltage.

Abstract: In a readily switchable multiple solar panel system, the individual solar panels are interconnected with a control or switching apparatus which allows the solar panels to be readily switched into various series, parallel, or series-parallel configurations. With a relay based switching apparatus, a relay is connected between a pair of solar panels, so that in a first state, the panels are in series where the total voltage is the sum of each individual panel's voltage. When the relay is switched to the second state, each solar panel is in parallel, where the total voltage is a single panel's voltage and the current is multiplied by the number of panels. Multiple panels can be connected in this manner, with a relay between each successive pair of panels. With each relay connected in a parallel arrangement, a simple control switch in series with the relay coils can control the panel switching. The coil of each relay can also be individually controlled.

Abstract: A display driver IC which adopts a serial transmission system to reduce the number of terminal pins, transmits a command and data efficiently and also can speed-up data transmission. The display driver IC comprises an interface circuit to which signals from an external MPU are input, a command decoder for decoding command data input from the external MPU through the interface circuit, a storage section in which display data input from the external MPU through the interface circuit is written; and a display driving section for driving a display on the basis of the display data written in the storage section. The interface circuit comprises a first input terminal to which a serial data input signal is input, a second input terminal to which a serial clock signal is input and a third input terminal to which a chip select signal is input.