Abstract: A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sense module configured to be coupled to at least one power supply, where the sense module has a first leg. The apparatus also includes a replica module having a second leg, where the first and second legs have a common structure. The apparatus further includes a feedback loop configured to cause an output voltage across terminals of the replica module to at least substantially equal an input voltage across terminals of the sense module based on sense currents in the first and second legs. At least one cascode stage coupled to the sense module can be configured to reduce a voltage at which one or more signals from the sense module are referenced. One or more trim units can be used to reduce a gain error and/or an offset error between the input voltage and the output voltage.

Abstract: A portable power system for handheld battery-powered device comprises a power source containing a universal, non OEM battery, a power cord connected to the power source forming an electrical connection, and a battery connection adaptor, connected to the power cord, configured to be electrically connected to the handheld battery powered device, permitting users to replace the original equipment battery with a universal battery that can accommodate any similar voltage DC powered handheld device from any manufacturer.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for power generation systems are described. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to the architecture of power conditioning systems for use with fuel cells and methods used therein. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems usable to reduce ripple currents in fuel cells.

Abstract: A battery apparatus includes a row battery group including a plurality of series-connected row batteries including one or more battery cells; a plurality of battery management sections, corresponding to the individual row batteries, for managing the battery statuses of the corresponding row batteries; a central management section for granting unique identification information to the individual battery management sections and acquiring information about the battery statuses of the row batteries from the respective battery management sections for management; second communication lines with which the plurality of battery management sections are daisy-chained; a first communication line with which, of the plurality of battery management sections, the battery management section located at one end is connected to the central management section; and a plurality of connection switching sections, provided in the individual second communication lines between the battery management sections, for switching the connection

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting DC voltage to AC voltage by stacking of DC voltage sources from a series of DC voltage sources comprises a plurality of circuits. Each circuit includes a first power switch, a second power switch, and a third power switch. The first power switch allows selective connection of adjacent DC voltage sources in the series to provide stacking of DC voltage sources. The second power switch allows selective connection of a first bus to a corresponding location between adjacent DC voltage sources. The third power switch allows selective connection of a second bus to a corresponding location between adjacent DC voltage sources. Controlling the plurality of power switches produces an AC voltage output by coordinating stacking of DC voltage sources and associated connections to the first bus and the second bus.

Abstract: A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a first terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a second terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the second terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: This is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing circuitry that can be used to control multiple solar cells to generate power for a portable electronic device. For example, in response to determining that one or more of the solar cells is generating a reduce voltage output (e.g., due to a partial obstruction of one or more of the solar cells), the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a constant preset voltage, as long as a subset of the solar cells is operating. The voltage generated by the solar cells can then be boosted to a value suitable for powering the portable electronic device and/or any of its individual components. As another example, the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a startup voltage to directly power the portable electronic device and/or any of its components.

Abstract: A selectable backup power supply device for providing power to a real time clock (RTC) and a memory unit is disclosed. The device includes a backup battery, a first power outputting unit and a second power outputting unit, wherein the backup battery outputs a backup voltage, the first power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the RTC for receiving the backup voltage and outputting a first supply voltage to the RTC, and the second power outputting unit is connected to the backup battery and the memory unit, for receiving the backup voltage and, in accordance with a selection signal, outputting a second supply voltage to the memory unit or stopping the output of the second supply voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a simple and inexpensive device for equalizing voltage between electric energy storage cells such as batteries or capacitors connected in serial in an electric energy storage device. The invention provides a voltage equalization device that enables voltage equalization between the electric energy storage cells by transferring the electric energy of a high voltage electric energy storage cells to a low voltage electric energy storage cell through at least one voltage equalization cell.

Abstract: A battery control device for a battery module includes a plurality of integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit includes: a constant voltage circuit that lowers a total voltage of a battery cell group corresponding to the integrated circuit to an integrated circuit internal voltage; a signal generation circuit that generates, based upon a first signal provided by a higher-order control circuit, a second signal assuming a wave height value different from a wave height value of the first signal and outputs the second signal; and a startup circuit that includes a first comparator assuming a first decision-making threshold value corresponding to the first signal and a second comparator assuming a second decision-making threshold value corresponding to the second signal, and starts up the constant voltage circuit in response to a change in an output from at least either the first comparator or the second comparator.

Abstract: A power converter having a noise component and a modulator configured to vary a frequency of the noise component of the power converter on the basis of a digital signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a driving-voltage generating circuit including a diode-connected rectifying element and a resistor element as a voltage generating source, one end of which is connected to one end of the rectifying element and the other end of which is connected to a ground potential, wherein a voltage generated by the resistor element is output to the other end of the rectifying element as a driving voltage.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually monitored and addressed through the use of the interconnect circuit. As such, each solar cell and the interconnect circuit may be programmed or reconfigured through reconfiguration of the interconnect circuit.

Abstract: A current producing circuit includes a first current source that applies a first current, the first current being changed at a first rate with respect to a temperature, a second current source that applies a second current, the second current being changed at a second rate with respect to the temperature, the second rate being different from the first rate, a third current source that applies a third current, the third current being changed at a third rate with respect to the temperature, a first differential output unit that supplies a first differential current based on a difference between the first current and the second current, and a computing unit that adds or subtracts the first differential current to or from the third current.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array cable bus system can include a cable bus and at least one electrical connector.

Abstract: A battery unit arrangement for high voltage applications. The battery unit arrangement includes a battery unit having a battery chassis, and a switching device. The switching device includes switching mechanism for switching the battery chassis between two positions, a first position connecting the battery chassis to a pole of the battery uniti and a second position connecting the battery chassis to a zero potential. The invention also relates to a connection and disconnection arrangement and methods for operating such connection and disconnection arrangement.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit, The interconnect circuit is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells. As such, the dynamic interconnect routing may be configured so as to create strings of solar cells such that solar cells with an output specification are matched to solar cells with similar output specifications.

Abstract: A back sheet comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of solar cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the solar cell tiles. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells. As such, the interconnect circuit may be programmed to couple solar cells to generate a solar cell string that matches a desired voltage specification.

Abstract: A power apparatus for a high voltage electrical power system, that includes a voltage source converter and a high voltage dc power source including one or more strings having a plurality of dc power source members connected in series, and switches configured to connect and disconnect the strings, where the switches are solid-state switches, each string is subdivided into a plurality of dc power source units each dc power source unit including a plurality of dc power source members connected in series and each dc power source unit is provided with one of the solid-state switches configured to connect and disconnect the dc power source unit, and that all solid-state switches in the string are arranged so that they are turned on and off simultaneously.

Abstract: A transmitting circuit is connected to a power line at current flow-in sides to solar battery strings, and a receiving circuit is connected to the power line at current flow-out sides to the solar battery strings. An attenuating circuit connected in series to a bypass diode is provided in a bypass circuit. The transmitting circuit transmits a periodic signal of a predetermined frequency to the power line. The receiving circuit receives via the solar battery strings a transmission signal transmitted from the transmitting circuit to the power line. A determining circuit determines that, when it is detected that an amplitude of a transmission signal received by the receiving circuit is attenuated by a predetermined value or more, direct-current power is conducted to the bypass circuit.

Abstract: An inverter with uninterruptible power supply for a water pump includes a plurality of DC cells connected in series to form a cell unit providing a DC power source approximately equal to a working voltage. A frequency conversion/voltage stabilizing circuit has an input side electrically connected to the DC power source and an output side electrically connected to a water pump. The frequency conversion/voltage stabilizing circuit is capable of providing conversion between AC and DC and changing output AC power frequency and output voltage. The output side outputs an AC power with an AC working voltage to the water pump. The effect and operational stability of the water pump can be enhanced.

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: A photovoltaic assembly is disclosed which comprises a string formed from a plurality of series-connected photovoltaic generators, and a hierarchical structure of power-exchange units, which each exchange power between neighbouring photovoltaic generators or groups of photovoltaic generators. The photovoltaic generators may be individual solar cells or a plurality of series-connected solar cells arranged as a segment. To compensate for differences in output between segments for instance due to partial shading, power-exchange units, such as DC-DC converters, are arranged across neighbouring segments, such that each power-exchange unit effectively sources or sinks current between neighbouring segments to current-match the string. To avoid unnecessary “rippling” of power matching along many power-exchange units and the associated power loss due to many power-exchange units operating at less than 100% efficiency, the power-exchange units are arranged in a hierarchical structure.

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: This invention pertains to switching and combining more than one AC power supply using an internal controller that has external control and status functions available. The method taught in this invention is to convert all the AC power to DC, and, by varying the individual AC to DC converter output power, their contribution to the total power supplied is controlled, creating the ability to favor one source of electrical power instead of another. This is done under continuous control of a central controller that varies the DC output voltage of the individual AC to DC converter modules. The resulting DC power than goes to one or more invertors for conversion from DC to AC for general load consumption.

Abstract: A solar generator distributively performing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) has a plurality of solar cell modules formed by electrically connecting multiple solar cells, and a power conversion and transmission unit electrically connected with two power output terminals of the solar cell module. Each of the solar cells has a solar chip having two DC power output terminals and an MPPT unit having two power input terminals electrically connected with the two DC power output terminals, and two power output terminals. The solar generator performs MPPT associated with each solar cell, thereby ensuring the output power of the entire system a maximum power. When performing MPPT in a conventional inverter, maximum power of each solar cell is effectively acquired.

Abstract: A protective circuit for electrical connection to solar cells of a solar cell module is provided with a protective circuit that has a controlled electronic circuit arrangement. In this way, only minimal heating of the protective circuit for electrical connection of solar cells of a solar cell module occurs in operation. The controlled electronic circuit arrangement can have a trigger circuit and a switching arrangement which can be triggered by the trigger circuit, the switching arrangement being connected parallel to at least one solar cell, and in the case of shading of the solar cells, is at least temporarily activated by the trigger circuit so that a current bypass for the shaded solar cell is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter.

Abstract: A series solar system with current-matching function includes a plurality of solar modules. The plurality of the solar modules is electrically connected in series. Each solar module includes a DC/DC converter and a solar panel electrically connected in parallel. The photocurrent generated by the solar panel is matched with the current generated by the solar panel operating at the optimum operating point by means of adjusting the duty cycle of the DC/DC converter, so that the solar panel can generate maximum output power. Therefore, in the series solar system, even a solar module is covered, causing the received light intensity of the solar module is reduced, and the series solar system still can generate maximum output power.

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 three output terminals, wherein the current of each terminal is one hundred twenty degrees out of phase with the other two terminals. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When each phased output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein each voltage phased output pulse is out of phase with respect to a corresponding current output pulse of the other PAMCCs.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement in combination with a first string of series-connected solar modules separated into a first substring and a second substring is provided, wherein each substring includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and further in combination with a solar inverter configured to supply electrical energy from the solar modules to an AC power grid. The arrangement includes a first switch configured to selectively couple the first terminal of the first substring to a first power cable of the inverter, and a second switching circuit configured to selectively couple the second terminal of the first substring to a first terminal of the second substring at a center point, thereby coupling the first and second substrings to form the at least one string.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) sub-generator junction box (1) for a PV system (100) comprises a plurality of electric terminals (11) for optionally connecting one respective PV string (2) of one or more serially connected PV modules (3). Said PV sub-generator junction box (1) further comprises a sub-generator line terminal (12) for connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of a remote central PV inverter (5) or connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of an inserted PV generator junction box (6). The PV sub-generator junction box (1) also comprises an electronic control unit (10) that is connected to a central control unit (7) of the PV inverter (5) in order to exchange data (DAT). According to the invention, the PV sub-generator junction box (1) comprises a power line modem (8) for feeding and retrieving the data (DAT) via the PV sub-generator line (4).

Abstract: A voltage detection device has: a differential voltage detection circuit, which detects a potential difference across a pair of input terminals; a multiplexer which selects two electrode terminals among electrode terminals of a plurality of series-connected battery modules, and has a sampling switch for respectively connecting the two selected electrode terminals to first and second wiring lines; a flying capacitor circuit, which acquires a voltage across the first and second wiring lines, and outputs the voltage to the pair of input terminals; and a signal generator, which applies common-mode noise to the flying capacitor circuit.

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: Power conversion equipment includes an electric power converting section that converts DC electric power to multiphase AC electric power and feeds the converted multiphase AC electric power to a multiphase AC motor. A first short-circuit section includes a first switch disposed between a first DC power supply and the electric power converting section. A second short-circuit section includes a second switch disposed between at least one of an electric power feeding section and the electric power input section in the first DC power supply, or between a multiphase AC output point of the electric power converting section and the multiphase AC motor. A switch control section controls the first switch and the second switch such that the first and second switches are prevented from being brought into the closed-state simultaneously.

Abstract: An electromechanical system is configured with power storage for power back-up to maintain substantially uninterrupted power in the case of a main power failure. The power back-up system has a DC power source configured to be recharged, and provides power to the components with a DC-DC converter.

Abstract: Improved regulation and transient response are provided by a power supply architecture providing both unregulated and regulated voltage converters in parallel but deriving input power from separate power supplies connected in series wherein regulated and unregulated branches each provide a substantially fixed and constant proportion of the output current. The series connection of input power sources may provide a further feedback mechanism in addition to feedback for regulation which enhances overall performance. As a perfecting feature of the invention, inductor-less resonant converters which are switched in an interleaved fashion may be used in the unregulated branch while substantially cancelling the characteristic large output voltage ripple thereof.

Abstract: Circuitry and method for maximizing power from multiple DC power sources mutually coupled in series and providing unequal DC currents. Current related to the difference between the unequal DC currents is diverted from the serially coupled sources, captured as magnetic field energy and then added to the DC current provided by the serially coupled sources.

Abstract: A system for providing power from solar cells where each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by its own DC/DC converter. In one form the system includes: one or more solar generators, each of which has at least one solar cell; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, where the maximum power tracker includes a buck type DC/DC converter without an output inductor, and the maximum power trackers of the solar generators are operatively connected in series with each other; and an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a circuit including first and second energy sources, a rectifier coupled to the first and second energy sources, first and second energy storage devices coupled end-to-end across the positive and negative rails, and a single three-level inverter coupled to the rectifier for providing three-phase sinusoidal output voltages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units, and a voltage across a first one of the energy storage devices has a first polarity. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units, and the voltage across the first one of the energy storage devices has a second polarity that is different from the first polarity. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for equalizing voltages across a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series are provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of energy storage devices. In a first configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a first set of the photovoltaic units. In a second configuration, each of the energy storage devices is configured to be connected in parallel with one of a second set of the photovoltaic units. The apparatus may also include a plurality of switches configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, to equalize the voltages across the photovoltaic units.

Abstract: A battery management system for use in multi-battery and/or multi-cell applications. The system comprises a wiring harness for connecting a plurality of batteries in an order having at least two end positions and at least one interior position, with each position being initially occupied by one of the batteries, and an interconnection mechanism connected to the harness and configured to modify the positions occupied by the batteries. The mechanism may be configured to measure a voltage of each battery and modify the positions when a voltage difference is detected. Alternatively, the mechanism may be configured to modify the positions each time a voltage drop is detected. The order may further comprise at least one out-of-service position, with the mechanism being configured to modify the positions such that the battery in the out-of-service position and at least one of the batteries in one of the end positions are reconnected to exchange positions.

Abstract: A connecting device for connection to an electrical connection system of a photovoltaic solar module. The connecting device having a connector housing, at least one current-carrying component, and a plurality of diode bodies. The connector housing is positionable on the solar module, with at least one current-carrying component located in the connector housing. The plurality of diode bodies connect together with each other into a diode chain. The diode chain connects with at least one current-carrying component, and includes at least a first and second diode body, each being connected with a common diode lead.

Abstract: Provided is an imbalance identifying circuit, including: a voltage detection unit for detecting a terminal voltage in each of a plurality of accumulators; a gradient acquisition unit for performing gradient information acquisition processing of suspending charge when the plurality of accumulators are being charged and acquiring, from each of the terminal voltages detected by the voltage detection unit during the suspension of charge, voltage gradient information showing an amount of change per predetermined time of each of the terminal voltages; and an imbalance identification unit for identifying whether an imbalance of the amount of charge in the plurality of accumulators has occurred by using a plurality of pieces of voltage gradient information corresponding to each of the terminal voltages acquired by the gradient acquisition unit.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power plant design is disclosed where a two-tier DC power collection method is used in concert with specific array field geometries and equipment locations to minimize system wiring costs and/or resistive wiring losses.

Abstract: A control method and a control device for controlling a supply unit, which enable supply of the maximum power that can be delivered by a power source, the method includes the presence of an absolute maximum on the curve of the power as a function of the voltage at the connection terminals; the supply system set between the power source and the load is preferably a DC/DC switching converter. The control circuit identifies the optimal operating point, using the relation existing between the harmonic components of the power and the harmonic components of the voltage at the terminals of the source. Starting from any value of the voltage at the connection terminals, the control circuit increments the value of the voltage if, for a given value of the frequency, the power and the voltage at the connection terminals are in phase, whilst it decrements the value of the voltage if the power and the voltage are in phase opposition.

Abstract: A uniform converter input voltage distribution power system evenly controls the individual input voltages of DC-to-DC series-input parallel-output connected converters using a uniform input voltage distribution controller including a generator for generating respective error signals from the converter input voltages using a common distribution reference signal for providing respective converter control signals connected to the converters through respective shared-bus controls for evenly distributing the power delivered by the converters that are shared-bus current-mode converters for preferably providing a low output voltage. Employing a common regulation control signal, the controller can also provide system output voltage regulation, system input current limiting, proportional-voltage control, relaxed voltage uniformity, and fault-tolerant power control.