Diverse Or Unlike Electrical Characteristics Patents (Class 307/72)
  • Patent number: 8487476
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing power to mobile devices are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ramin Rostami
  • Publication number: 20130175798
    Abstract: These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, and storing hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, a water desalination and/or purification unit which receives and purifies seawater, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is stored, transported, and distributed in accordance with various embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy J. Devine
  • Publication number: 20130162046
    Abstract: A multi energy harvesting system is provided. The system includes: a DC energy source harvesting circuit, having a DC energy source harvesting unit for generating a DC based on a first physical quality, and a first DC to DC converter for adjusting voltage of the DC; an AC energy source harvesting circuit, having an AC energy source harvesting unit for generating an AC based on a second physical quality and a rectifier for rectifying the AC; and an assistance circuit, coupled between the DC energy source harvesting circuit and the AC energy source harvesting circuit, for increasing efficiency thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Chien-Chun Lu, Chao-Jen Huang, You-Wei Liang
  • Patent number: 8471407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas W. Gow, Edward L. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20130133430
    Abstract: A power circuit is provided. The power circuit comprises an input terminal configured to receive a DC input, a DC-DC converting module configured to convert the DC input received at the input terminal into one or more DC outputs at predefined ratings, and a parameter configuring module configured to configure parameters of the DC-DC converting module to match with the DC input received at the input terminal based on different DC inputs. The DC-DC converting module is further configured to operate at the parameters configured by the parameter configuring module, and an output terminal configured to output the one or more converted DC output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Compan
  • Publication number: 20130134787
    Abstract: A battery system is disclosed which includes: a battery assembly; an AC-voltage generator for generating alternate current (AC) voltage from direct current (DC) voltage of the battery assembly; a battery charger for charging the battery assembly; and a detector for detecting application of AC voltage from the AC-voltage generator to the battery charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20130106191
    Abstract: The renewable mobile resource station of the present disclosure may contain all or some of the following systems: self-contained, self-sustaining, mobile renewable power systems, employing solar, wind, internal combustion, diesel, and other portable power generation systems. The enclosed portable station may also preferably include portable resource systems such as water purification and storage systems; chemical and biological water treatment and waste treatment systems; lighting; heating and cooling systems; refrigeration; cooking systems; communication systems; and fire and chemical/biological containment systems. A control module and system may be provided to control the separate systems either on-site or remotely, or automatically such as by a software program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Claudia Iovino, Harvey Katz, Jonathan Iovino
  • Publication number: 20130106192
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power to a portable electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first receptacle to which an AC/DC adaptor is connectable, a second receptacle to which an electronic device is connectable, a battery charger for charging a battery using power supplied by the AC/DC adaptor, an output circuit for supplying power to the electronic device from the AC/DC adaptor when the AC/DC adaptor is connected to the apparatus, and supplies power to the electronic device from the battery when the AC/DC adaptor is not connected to the apparatus, and a control circuit for controlling the battery charger to supply power to the electronic device while charging the battery when the AC/DC adaptor is connected to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Yasumichi Tsukamoto, Shigefumi Odaohhara, Hiromitsu Yamaguchi, Tetsuji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130093246
    Abstract: A system, topology, and methods for providing power or data to electronic devices are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. The system may include an internal power source, charging module, modem, and an external power coupling module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Ramin Rostami
  • Publication number: 20130088086
    Abstract: A circuitry arrangement for a solar power plant includes a transformerless inverter for feeding electric power from at least one photovoltaic generator into an alternating power grid, a galvanic separation of all lines carrying current between the inverter and the power grid, and a DC voltage source in an offset path between one electric line at the input side of the galvanic separation and a reference potential. The DC voltage source provides an offset voltage. The offset path includes a DC branch and an AC branch connected in parallel. The direct voltage source is connected in series with a current sensor in the DC branch, and at least one capacitor is arranged in the AC branch. Further, a DC contactor triggered by the current sensor is arranged in the offset path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: SMA Solar Technology AG
  • Publication number: 20130082525
    Abstract: A shared power system includes a power router; a plurality of power input devices respectively connected to the power router; a first diode coupled between the power router and an output; a second diode coupled between a DC grid and the output; wherein the power router can provide power to the output by conducting the first diode when voltage of the power router is higher than the DC grid, and the DC grid can provide power to the output by conducting the second diode when voltage of the DC grid is higher than the power router. The power router can further determine the energy ratio between each power input device to achiever the energy-sharing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GCCA INC.
    Inventor: Hsing Chung SZU
  • Publication number: 20130082532
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at the use of an energy generator system, containing a thermal electric generator (TEG), within a portable device, such as a mobile communication device, to recover waste heat within the device. This waste heat may then be recovered in the form of electricity that can then be use for various applications such as for powering the portable device or recharging a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: David Gerard Rich, Taha Shabbir Husain Sutarwala, Garry Owen Morgan
  • Patent number: 8405249
    Abstract: An airplane ground support system includes a multi-voltage power supply. A control system within the power conversion module receives measurements to regulate the power module's output to a predetermined preset voltage level as mandated by the power output selection signal. In an alternate embodiment a multi-voltage or upgradable power supply has A.C. and D.C. capability, A.C. only capability with an upgrade kit available to add D.C. capability in addition to the A.C. capability, D.C. only capability with an upgrade kit available to add A.C. capability in addition to the D.C. capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David Wayne Leadingham, Richard Lawrence Hansen, Drew Robert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130062953
    Abstract: Reconfigurable power systems, converters and plants are disclosed, along with operating methods therefor. Reconfigurable power systems may include a DC power source, an electrical energy storage device, an AC power grid connection, a first power converter, and a second power converter. The first power converter may be configured to selectively couple two or more of the DC power source, the electrical energy storage device, and the AC power grid connection. The second power converter may be configured to selectively couple the electrical energy storage device to at least one of the DC power source and the first power converter. The second power converter may be configured as a DC-DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Jukka Nurmi, Hongrae Kim, Waqas Arshad
  • Publication number: 20130057075
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery of an electric device that has a motor by not charging the battery before the electric device is used and a method of charging a battery of an electric device that has a motor by using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a load, a motor for driving the load, a battery that provides a power supply to the motor, a generator that converts a kinetic energy that is generated by the motor to an electric energy, and a control unit that senses an amount of the load of the load and, if the amount of the load is less than a reference value, charges the battery by a first charging mode by using the electric energy output from the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bong-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130049474
    Abstract: A power switching apparatus includes first and second input terminals respectively coupled to a commercial power supply and a renewable energy power supply, an output terminal, a switch unit and a control unit. The switch unit can establish electrical connection between the output terminal and one of the first and second input terminals. The control unit detects a residual capacity of the renewable energy power supply, and controls the switch unit to establish electrical connection between the output terminal and the second input terminal when the residual capacity is not smaller than a predetermine threshold, and to establish electrical connection between the output terminal and the first input terminal when otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Fu-Hsing Young
  • Publication number: 20130038127
    Abstract: A multi-energy storage device system is provided that includes a first energy storage device (ESD) coupled to a direct current (DC) link. A bi-directional buck/boost converter includes an output channel coupled to the DC link and an input channel. A second ESD coupled to the input channel has a usable energy storage range defining an entire amount of usable energy storable therein. A database includes stored information related to a known acceleration event. A system controller is configured to acquire the stored information related to the known acceleration event and, during the known acceleration event, cause the buck/boost converter to boost the voltage of the second ESD and to supply the boosted voltage to the DC link such that after the known acceleration event, the state of charge of the second ESD is less than or substantially equal to a minimum usable energy storage state of charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Irene Michelle Berry
  • Patent number: 8374013
    Abstract: A power supply includes an AC-to-DC circuit, a DC-to-DC circuit, an interface used by both of the AC-to-DC circuit and the DC-to-DC circuit, and a control circuit for controlling the interface. The interface includes an ACL/DC+ input terminal, an ACN/DC? input terminal and a ground. The control circuit includes an AC/DC detecting circuit for determining whether an input voltage is AC or DC, an AC/DC converting circuit for selectively conducting AC or DC, and a conversion-controlling circuit for controlling the direction of the input voltage based on the determination in the AC/DC detecting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Shenzhen LVSUN Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianhua Xu
  • Publication number: 20130020875
    Abstract: A battery pack for providing power to an electronic device which includes a rechargeable battery, a non-power line power source, and a circuit configured to selectively deliver direct current (DC) power from the non-power line source to at least one of the rechargeable battery and to the device based on communication between the electronic device and the battery pack. The electronic device can deliver system power to the device from at least one of the alternating current (AC) power source, a battery and one or more non-power line sources based on power detected from one or more of the power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: John A. Wozniak, Craig A. Walrath
  • Publication number: 20130015713
    Abstract: The system stabilization system includes an electric power supply and demand management device possessing supply and demand situation information related to the supply and demand of electric power in at least a portion of a power grid, and an electric power supply and demand adjustment device acquiring the supply and demand situation information and performing an electric power supply and demand adjustment by at least accepting electric power from the power grid or supplying electric power to the power grid. The electric power supply and demand adjustment device is configured so as to make a determination regarding an electric power supply and demand adjustment on the basis of the acquired supply and demand situation information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryuzo Hagihara
  • Patent number: 8352091
    Abstract: In one embodiment, each of a plurality of sites may produce surplus power. All or a fraction of the surplus power may be supplied to the power grid according to an agreement between the user of a site and an electric utility. A computer of the utility is in communication with a computer at each of a plurality of sites having a local power source. Terms of power provision that include an amount of power to be provided during a specified time of day is communicated between a site and the utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Julianne F. Haugh
  • Publication number: 20130002186
    Abstract: Provided is a power converter that is capable of ensuring a conduction current without expanding the configuration of a DC voltage conversion circuit such as a DC chopper. Power can be supplied from both a DC chopper and a voltage source rectifier converting AC power into DC power, to a voltage source inverter. The voltage source rectifier has an upper arm part and a lower arm part having switching elements. The voltage source rectifier converts AC power obtained from an alternator into DC power, performs a DC chopper operation using the upper and lower arms thereof and a winding wire of the alternator, and supplies power of a DC power source to the voltage source inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Michio Iwahori
  • Patent number: 8342812
    Abstract: A variable speed air compressing system includes a compressor, a motor configured to actuate the compressor, and a rectifier configured to receive alternating current from a first power source and to provide rectified direct current having a first voltage. The system also includes an inverter configured to receive the rectified direct current and to receive direct current from a second power source having a second voltage. The inverter is configured to provide alternating current to the motor. The alternating current provided to the motor is based on the rectified direct current if the first voltage is greater than the second voltage and the alternating current is based on the direct current from the second power source if the second voltage is greater than the first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Crosspoint Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald Allen Alston
  • Publication number: 20120326516
    Abstract: A fuel cell system provides isolation of one or more DC buses which supply power to a DC IT load from AC noise generated by AC inverters or the AC grid using one or more isolating DC/DC converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Ranganathan Gurunathan, Arne Ballatine, Carl Cottuli, Alberto Doronzo
  • Publication number: 20120326515
    Abstract: An electric power receiving device according to the invention receives an electric power from a primary coil, with which a first alternating voltage is applied and through which a first alternate current flows. The device includes an electric power receiving section and a reducing-voltage generating section. The receiving section includes a secondary coil electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil and a capacitor connected to the secondary coil, and generates a second alternating voltage based upon the first alternating current. The generating section generates a reducing-voltage and applies the reducing-voltage to the receiving section, the reducing-voltage being capable of reducing a reactance voltage generated in the receiving section by a second alternating current generated in the receiving section due to the second alternating voltage, and the reducing-voltage being approximately equal to the second alternating voltage in frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Toshiaki Murai, Daisuke Shimode, Tadashi Sawada
  • Patent number: 8330296
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly combination of wind turbine and solar energy collectors are provided. Solar photovoltaic material is secured to the surface of the wind turbine tower to augment the power generation capability of a wind turbine. The wind turbine energy output is controlled by a power management program and may be combined with the solar power energy that is generated from solar photovoltaic material covering the surface area of the body of the wind turbine's tower through an electrical subsystem associated with the wind turbine, an electrical subsystem associated with the solar energy collection system, and a combination subsystem conductively coupled both the electrical subsystem associated with the wind turbine and the electrical subsystem associated with the solar energy collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Candew Scientific, LLC
    Inventor: Dawn Emily Ottman
  • Patent number: 8319373
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises an electrical power generating device producing DC electrical power in the form of a DC electrical current, a DC current conductor receiving the DC electrical current from the electrical power generating device and carrying the DC electrical current to a socket, and an AC power system transmitting AC electrical current to the socket so that the socket can be accessed by a plug inserted therein to receive the DC current or the AC current from it. The socket has four recesses in it, and each recess has a respective contact therein. Each recess is configured to receive a respective prong and make a respective electrical contact with the plug therein. A first of the contacts transmits the DC current, a second and third of the contacts transmit complementary poles of the AC electrical current, and a fourth contact connects with a grounded connection. A DC-powered electrical device has a plug with a plug body and three prongs supported on and extending from the plug body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yaroslav A. Pichkur
  • Patent number: 8314512
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) power system uses High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) modules and Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) module. Power outputs of the HCPV/BIPV modules are mixed to improve utilization of generated power. Thus, solar power is used through best power control and energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council—Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventor: Ting-Chia Ou
  • Publication number: 20120286577
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power monitoring apparatus supplying power applied to a plug to an electrical device through a socket, the power monitoring apparatus including: a detecting unit sensing intensity of current applied to the electrical device to detect an operational state of the electrical device; a power supply unit supplying the power applied to the plug to each component; and a switching unit connected between a connection point between the plug and the socket and the power supply unit and applying the power to the power supply unit or blocking the power applied to the power supply unit according to the operational state of the electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Chang Soo Yang, Min Su You
  • Patent number: 8299647
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a switchable voltage supply for a control apparatus may include a DC voltage supply terminal; and an AC voltage supply terminal; a control apparatus including at least one input, an output and at least one supply terminal; three electronic switches, each having a control electrode, a reference electrode and a working electrode, wherein the reference electrode of the first electronic switch and of the second electronic switch is coupled to the first node; wherein the working electrode of the first electronic switch is coupled to the supply terminal of the control apparatus; wherein the control electrode of the first electronic switch is coupled to a reference potential, wherein at least one further load is coupled to the working electrode of the second electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Osram AG
    Inventors: Klaus Fischer, Josef Kreittmayr
  • Patent number: 8269372
    Abstract: There is provided a photovoltaic and fuel cell hybrid generation system using dual converters and a single inverter and a method of controlling the same. A photovoltaic and fuel cell (PV-FC) hybrid generation system according to an aspect of the invention may include: a PV DC/DC converter unit converting a PV output voltage into a predetermined voltage; an FC DC/DC converter unit converting an FC output voltage into a predetermined voltage; a DC link unit commonly connecting an output terminal of the PV DC/DC converter unit and an output terminal of the FC DC/DC converter unit, and linking the converted PV output voltage from the PV DC/DC converter unit to the converted FC output voltage from the FC DC/DC converter unit to thereby generate a DC voltage; and a DC/AC inverter unit converting the DC voltage from the DC link unit into a predetermined AC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd., Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Jin Wook Kim, Chung Yuen Won, Jong Soo Kim, Byoung Kuk Lee, Gyu Yeong Choe, Hee Sung Moon, Jeong Min Ko, Dong Seong Oh, Tae Won Lee, Jae Sun Won
  • Patent number: 8264100
    Abstract: An electric power generating system includes a plurality of variable power sources including at least one source of DC power and at least one source of AC power. Converters convert power supplied by the plurality of power sources to a common source of power to be communicated to a collector bus. A power grid supplies three-phase power to components requiring three-phase power downstream of the collector bus. Converters provide three phases of power to the power bus from the collector bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Publication number: 20120187765
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a line termination unit includes line driver for driving a transmission line, with a first supply voltage input terminal and a second supply voltage input terminal, a power supply, with an analog supply voltage output terminal for feeding an analog part of the line termination unit, and at least one digital supply voltage output terminal for feeding a digital part of the line termination unit, and a ground voltage reference. The analog supply voltage output terminal is coupled to the first supply voltage input terminal, and the line termination unit further includes a selector for selectively coupling one of the at least one digital supply voltage output terminal or the ground voltage reference to the second supply voltage input terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ALCATEL-LUCENT
    Inventors: Eric Van Den Berg, Wim Troch
  • Patent number: 8228690
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter has a first-voltage-side port, a second-voltage-side port, and a third-voltage-side port, and performs, at different timings, an operation of boosting a first voltage to a third voltage and an operation of bucking a second voltage to the third voltage. A power supplying system includes a fuel cell, a secondary battery, an accessory system, the DC-DC converter, and another DC-DC converter connected between the fuel cell and a motor, and boosting the first voltage of the fuel cell to a fourth voltage to supply power to the motor through an inverter. The former DC-DC converter has the first-voltage-side port connected to the fuel cell, has the second-voltage-side port connected to the secondary battery, and has the third-voltage-side port connected to the accessory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuto Watanabe, Mitsuaki Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 8222766
    Abstract: Methods and mechanisms to simultaneously regulate two or more supply voltages provided to an integrated circuit by a voltage regulator. In an embodiment of the invention, a voltage regulation message exchanged between the integrated circuit and the voltage regulator includes an identifier indicating two or more supply voltages selected from a plurality of supply voltages provided to the integrated circuit by the voltage regulator, where the voltage regulation message relates to the indicated two or more supply voltages. In another embodiment, the voltage regulation message indicates a desired supply voltage level to which the indicated two or more supply voltages are to transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Piao Ma, Alon Naveh, Gil Schwarzband, Annabelle Pratt, Jorge Rodriguez, Joseph T. Dibene, II, Sean M. Welch, Kosta Luria, Edward R. Stanford
  • Patent number: 8212387
    Abstract: A device may include an interconnect module that includes a number of ports, where each port is configured to receive both an alternating current (AC) power supply and a direct current (DC) power supply; where the interconnect module provides power from the received power supplies to a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaspal Gill
  • Patent number: 8212407
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a voltage regulating module; a voltage selecting circuit and a voltage regulating chip. The voltage regulating module outputs corresponding control signals according to a type of a CPU installed on a motherboard. The voltage selecting circuit receives the control signals and converts the corresponding control signal to a voltage selecting signal. The voltage regulating chip receives the voltage selecting signal and outputs the corresponding working voltage to the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke-You Hu
  • Patent number: 8212406
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises an electrical power generating device producing DC electrical power in the form of a DC electrical current, a DC current conductor receiving the DC electrical current from the electrical power generating device and carrying the DC electrical current to a socket, and an AC power system transmitting AC electrical current to the socket so that the socket can be accessed by a plug inserted therein to receive the DC current or the AC current from it. The socket has four recesses in it, and each recess has a respective contact therein. Each recess is configured to receive a respective prong and make a respective electrical contact with the plug therein. A first of the contacts transmits the DC current, a second and third of the contacts transmit complementary poles of the AC electrical current, and a fourth contact connects with a grounded connection. A DC-powered electrical device has a plug with a plug body and three prongs supported on and extending from the plug body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Yaroslav Andreyevich Pichkur
  • Publication number: 20120140415
    Abstract: A data center inside a shipping container having a lower plenum and an upper plenum in its interior. Heated air in the upper plenum exits therefrom into a plurality of heat exchangers adjacent thereto. Air cooled by the heat exchangers travels toward and enters the lower plenum. The data center includes a plurality of carriages each having an equipment receiving portion located between an open bottom portion in open communication with the lower plenum, and an open top portion in open communication with the upper plenum. Fans inside each of the carriages draw cooled air up from the lower plenum into the open bottom portion of the carriage, blow the cooled air up through the equipment receiving portion thereby cooling any computing equipment received therein, and vent the cooled air through the open top portion into the upper plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: DAVID DRIGGERS
  • Publication number: 20120133209
    Abstract: A distribution management system (DMS) includes an integrated volt/var controller (IVVC) that is configured to control operation of at least one corresponding renewable energy source or energy storage device power converter in response to IVVC commands generated via algorithmic optimization software integrated within the IVVC. At least one renewable energy source or energy storage device is controlled to operate alone or in coordination with one or more discrete step size reactive power (VAR) compensation devices to generate continuously varying reactive power required by a corresponding power distribution system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kathleen Ann O'Brien, Wei Ren
  • Publication number: 20120119583
    Abstract: Power converter systems and methods that can combine multiple direct-current (DC) power sources with an independent alternating-current (AC) power source coupled across a load, thereby allowing power to be transferred between the DC power sources, the independent AC power source, and/or the load. The power converter systems and methods offer increased versatility and functionality over traditional power converter systems and devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Lars P. Allfather
  • Publication number: 20120086276
    Abstract: An electronic device includes multiple power sources (102, 104, 202, 206, 302, 304) that can provide power to a load (106, 208, 306) in the electronic device. A DC-DC converter (110, 204, 310) is provided between one of the multiple power sources and the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas P. Sawyers
  • Publication number: 20120086279
    Abstract: A three-dimensional wind-light congregating power generating system with spherical joints includes a spherical joint wind-light congregating device (10), a spherical joint wind-light trapping device (20), both of which are assembled through spherical joints, and a vertical axis wind generator (30), wherein the profile of the spherical joint wind-light congregating device (10) is the shape of rectangular paralleling and comprises four wind lateral guiding boards (15) equally spaced around a center, a gradually narrowing wind inlet passage (150) is formed between adjacent wind lateral guiding boards (15), and the wind inlets of the wind inlet passages (150) are located respectively at the four sides of the spherical joint wind-light congregating device (10); the spherical joint wind-light trapping device (20) comprises wind-light trapping rods (22) and wind-light trapping films (21) for absorbing solar energy; the vertical axis wind generator (30) is mounted in the center of the spherical joint wind-light congr
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Weiqing Shen
  • Publication number: 20120080953
    Abstract: A multi-input power supply apparatus with regulable output power includes an AC-to-DC conversion unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, an output voltage control unit, and an output power status display unit. The AC-to-DC conversion unit has an AC-to-DC stage feedback control subunit. The DC-to-DC conversion unit has a current sensing subunit, a DC-to-DC conversion subunit, a filter subunit, a protective disconnecting switch subunit, and a DC-to-DC stage feedback control subunit. The output voltage control unit provides a signal to the AC-to-DC stage feedback control subunit and the DC-to-DC stage feedback control subunit, thus regulating the output voltage of the AC-to-DC conversion unit and the output voltage of the DC-to-DC conversion unit. The output power status display unit displays the output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Chia-Hua WANG
  • Patent number: 8125103
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes, in one package: a plurality of semiconductor chips having different operating voltages; and a power supply circuit configured to receive an input voltage from an external power supply and supply operating voltages to the semiconductor chips. The power supply circuit is capable of switching and supplying a plurality of different voltages for each one of the semiconductor chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Shuichi Ito
  • Patent number: 8120321
    Abstract: A device for balancing a plurality of at least two batteries or cells of a multicell battery comprises a multicell battery and a battery management system with a balancing circuit. Thereby all individual battery cells are connected to the battery monitoring system, wherein the battery monitoring system measures single cell voltage as well as the battery temperature and the current. The battery monitoring system is able to discern the lowest cell voltage and to discern a number of cells having a voltage higher than a determined maximum allowable voltage, which will be balanced until the charge imbalance decreases to an acceptable amount. The battery management system is active during charging and discharging of the multicell battery and the thresholds vary with the state of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Berner Fachhochschule, Technik und Informatik
    Inventors: Andrea Vezzini, Stefan Bronnimann
  • Publication number: 20120019072
    Abstract: Embodiments related to the conversion of DC power to AC power are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a power conversion system, comprising a plurality of direct current (DC) power sources, a plurality of power output circuits connected to one another in a parallel arrangement, each power output circuit being connected to a corresponding DC power source to receive power from the corresponding DC power source and to selectively discharge power received from the corresponding DC power source, a power combiner configured to combine power received from the plurality of power output circuits to form a combined power signal, an output stage configured to convert the combined power signal into an AC signal or a DC signal, and a controller in electrical communication with each power outlet circuit and the power combiner to control the output of power by the power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: INSOLARE ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Sunit Tyagi, Hemanshu Bhatt
  • Patent number: 8093756
    Abstract: Renewable electrical energy is provided with aspects and circuitry that can harvest maximum power from an alternative electrical energy source (1) such as a string of solar panels (11) for a power grid (10). Aspects include: i) controlling electrical power creation from photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5), ii) operating photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5) at maximal efficiency even when MPP would not be, iii) protecting DC-AC inverter (5) so input can vary over a range of insolation and temperature, and iv) providing dynamically reactive capability to react and assure operation, to permit differing components, to achieve code compliant dynamically reactive photovoltaic power control circuitry (41). With previously explained converters, inverter control circuitry (38) or photovoltaic power converter functionality control circuitry (8) configured as inverter sweet spot converter control circuitry (46) can achieve extraordinary efficiencies with substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic capability at 99.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: AMPT, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Anatoli Ledenev
  • Publication number: 20110316341
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises an electrical power generating device producing DC electrical power in the form of a DC electrical current, a DC current conductor receiving the DC electrical current from the electrical power generating device and carrying the DC electrical current to a socket, and an AC power system transmitting AC electrical current to the socket so that the socket can be accessed by a plug inserted therein to receive the DC current or the AC current from it. The socket has four recesses in it, and each recess has a respective contact therein. Each recess is configured to receive a respective prong and make a respective electrical contact with the plug therein. A first of the contacts transmits the DC current, a second and third of the contacts transmit complementary poles of the AC electrical current, and a fourth contact connects with a grounded connection. A DC-powered electrical device has a plug with a plug body and three prongs supported on and extending from the plug body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Yaroslav A. Pichkur
  • Patent number: RE43572
    Abstract: This invention is a multi-port power converter where all ports are coupled through different windings of a high frequency transformer. Two or more, and typically all, ports have synchronized switching elements to allow the use of a high frequency transformer. This concept and type of converter is known. This invention mitigates a number of limitations in the present art and adds new capabilities that will allow applications to be served that would otherwise not have been practical. A novel circuit topology for a four-quadrant AC port is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage boost capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage buck capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit for a high efficiency, high frequency, bi-directional, AC semiconductor switch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Xantrex Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. West