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 bi-directional DC-DC converter uses a transformer for both step-down and step-up operations. A switching frequency for operating a switching device is set separately for the step-down and step-up operations. When, for example, the switching frequency during the step-up operation is lower than the switching frequency during the step-down operation, the range in which the duty ratio in PWM control can be controlled is widened, compensating for step-up ratio insufficiency. Conversely, step-down ratio insufficiency is compensated for by making the switching frequency during the step-down operation lower than the switching frequency during the step-up operation.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods include a photovoltaic energy production unit to generate electricity. A local management unit is coupled between the photovoltaic energy production unit and a connection of energy production units forming a string bus. The local management unit includes a controller and switching circuitry. The controller provide a control for the switching circuitry to deliver electrical energy to the string bus. A communication transmission modulator is associated with the local management unit. The communication transmission modulator modulates the control with data to be transmitted from the local management unit over the string bus.

Abstract: Systems and methods to balance currents among a plurality of photovoltaic units connected in series. In aspect, a management unit is coupled between a photovoltaic energy production unit and a string of energy production units. The management unit has an energy storage element (e.g., a capacitor) connected to the photovoltaic energy production unit. The management unit further has a switch to selectively couple to the energy storage element and the photovoltaic energy production unit to the string. The management unit allows the current in the string to be larger than the current in the photovoltaic energy production unit.

Abstract: Single fault tolerant isolated dual bus power input circuits and systems are provided. One input circuit comprises a first bus and a second bus configured to be coupled to first and second power sources, respectively. The first bus includes first input and return lines, the first input or return line including a switch. The second bus includes second input and return lines, the second input or return line including two switches coupled in series. A system includes multiple power sources coupled to an electronic device via the input circuit discussed above. Another system includes multiple power sources, an electronic device, and an input circuit coupling the electronic device to the power sources. The input circuit includes multiple input lines coupling the electronic device to a respective power source, wherein each input line includes a switch coupled between the electronic device and each respective power source.

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 propulsion system is provided that includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a direct current (DC) link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive. The propulsion system further includes a multi-channel bi-directional boost converter coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system such that the second energy storage system is decouplable from the DC link, wherein the second energy storage system comprises at least one battery coupled in series with at least one ultracapacitor.

Abstract: A bidirectional DC to DC power converter includes two DC sources, two inductors respectively connected to the two DC sources, a first switch and a second switch respectively connected to the two inductors, two capacitors respectively connected to the two switches, and a third switch connected between the two inductors. The first, second and third switches are respectively connected reversely with a diode in parallel. When the third switch is alternately turned on and off and the first and second switches are always turned off, the power converter operates as a boost power converter and electric energy flows from the two DC sources to the two capacitors. When the third switch is always turned off and the first and second switches are synchronously turned on or off, the power converter operates as a buck power converter and electric energy flows from the two capacitors to the two DC sources.

Abstract: A multi-cell battery system includes a plurality of modules connected in series, each of the modules comprising a battery cell and a slave for monitoring a state of the battery cell, and a master for monitoring the state of the battery cell by communicating with the slave of each of the plurality of modules. The master transmits, in order, to the plurality of modules a series of numbers to be numbered on each module as a numbering signal. Each of the plurality of modules numbers the series of numbers in the series-connected order by receiving the numbering signal from the master and executing numbering based on number information contained in the numbering signal when receiving a numbering reception request signal for executing the numbering, and transmitting the numbering reception request signal to a module of a next stage in the series when the numbering is completed.

Abstract: A DC high voltage power source is constituted by an AC-DC converting means (4, 6) that converts a voltage of a commercial AC power source (3) to a DC voltage and steps up the converted DC voltage, a DC-AC converting means (7) that converts the DC voltage stepped up by the previous means to an AC voltage, two insulating transformer (8, 9) that steps up the AC voltage converted by the previous converting means while insulating each others and a series connection of DC voltages obtained after converting the output voltages from the transformers to DCs and smoothing the same.

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 device of the present invention includes a switching element and a switch that operate so that when a primary DC voltage source of the device is in a voltage drop state, the power of a secondary auxiliary voltage source thereof is mixed with the power of the DC voltage source in a balanced manner and supplied to a load. This structure can reduce the maxim amount of power storage necessary for the auxiliary voltage source and thus the number of power storage elements necessary for the auxiliary voltage source. Thus, a smaller power supply device can be provided.

Abstract: The output terminal P2 of the positive voltage generating circuit 2 and the output terminal Q1 of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 are connected in series. The output terminal Q2 of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 is connected to the ground via the resistor 10. Each of the resistors 6 and 7 is respectively connected in parallel to the voltage generating circuits 2 and 4. A high voltage whose polarity is changed is taken from the output terminal P1 of the positive voltage generating circuit 2. For changing the output voltage from positive to negative one, the control circuit 1 controls each of the drive circuits 3 and 5 so that the output of the positive voltage generating circuit 2 changes from the voltage +HV to zero and the output of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 simultaneously changes from zero to ?HV. Accordingly, the output voltage changes in a short period of time.

Abstract: When a DC/DC converter switches between a primary voltage control mode, a secondary voltage control mode, and a current limiting mode as operation modes, an I-term resetting processor outputs an I term depending on the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched to a PID processor. The PID processor performs a PID control process based on the input I term. A drive duty ratio setter outputs a drive duty ratio immediately after the control mode switching, which is substantially equal to the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched. As a result, the duty ratios in the operation mode before being switched and the operation mode after being switched are made continuous with respect to each other.

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: In a power conversion apparatus that boosts a solar light voltage, converts it to AC and supplies AC power to a load or system, a second inverter is connected in series to one of two terminals on the AC side of a first inverter that uses, as its DC source, a DC voltage boosted from a solar light voltage by a chopper circuit. A third inverter is connected in series to the other terminal. Then, output voltages of the second and third inverters are controlled to be equal, and an output voltage is provided by using the sum of the generated voltages of the first, second, and third inverters. Thus, a mid-point potential of the DC power source is made equivalent to an intermediate potential of the output voltage of the power conversion apparatus, that is, the mid-point potential (ground potential) of a system.

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 circuit for an Intelligent Electrical device (IED) is disclosed. Using this circuit, the IEDs can be used in harsh industrial environments, such as those present in power utility substations. The circuit may comprise a dual stage isolated power supply. The dual stage isolated power supply has a first DC to DC converter for converting received power from the received voltage to an intermediate voltage. The intermediate voltage is then further converted to a voltage which can be used by the Ethernet IED. Each of the DC to DC converters also provide galvanic isolation and also transient suppression and electromagnetic interference filtering to decrease adverse electrical effects which may be inherent in the power received from an external source. The first and second DC to DC converter provides a first level of galvanic isolation which is greater than the second level of galvanic isolation provided by the second DC to DC converter.

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: MEMS-based switching module, as may be electrically connected to other such modules in a series circuit, to achieve a desired voltage rating is provided. A switching array may be made up of a plurality of such switching modules (e.g., used as building blocks of the switching array) with circuitry configured so that any number of modules can be connected in series to achieve the desired voltage rating (e.g., voltage scalability).

Abstract: A device for hardening an Ethernet switch is disclosed. The device provides cooling for the switch, and, suppresses electrical transients and electromagnetic interference, which could affect the power supply, and data transmission of the Ethernet switch. Using this device, the Ethernet switch can be used in harsh industrial environments, such as those present in power utility substations. The Ethernet switch may comprise a dual stage isolated power supply. The dual stage isolated power supply has a first DC to DC converter for converting received power from the received voltage to an intermediate voltage. The intermediate voltage is then further converted to a voltage which can be used by the Ethernet switch. Each of the DC to DC converters also provide galvanic isolation and also transient suppression and electromagnetic interference filtering to decrease adverse electrical effects which may be inherent in the power received from an external source.

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: A lighting device for a vehicle comprises: a plurality of light source sections connected in parallel with each other; and a transformer for supplying an electric power to the plurality of light source sections. The transformer includes a primary coil and a plurality of secondary coils provided corresponding to the plurality of light source sections, for respectively supplying electric power to the corresponding light source sections. One end of each light source section is grounded and a semiconductor light emitting element is provided between one end and the other end of the light source section. The lighting device further comprises: a voltage detecting section for detecting voltages at the other ends of the plurality of light sources; and an output control section for controlling an electric current outputted from the transformer according to the voltage detected by the voltage detecting section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting circuit for connecting to an electricity grid an electric generator for generating electrical energy, comprising a measuring circuit for measuring the current through the connecting circuit; a storage element for storing charge supplied by the generator for at least some period of time; a second measuring circuit for measuring the amount of stored charge, which circuit is connected to a storage element; and a first controllable switch for connecting the generator to the electricity grid subject to the measured current intensity-and measured stored charge.

Abstract: A power supply in an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of dc—dc switching power converters, each of which has its input isolated from its output. The power converters are arranged with their respective inputs being series connected and their respective outputs being parallel connected in an embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment of the inputs are parallel connected and the outputs series connected. Each power converter includes an input filter in each of said dc—dc switching power converters and an output filter. Each power converter includes a sensorless current mode control circuit controlling its switching duty ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing switching regulator noise from outputs of multiple switching regulators is disclosed. The apparatus includes an operational amplifier, an capacitor, a resistor and a pair of diodes. The switching regulators are connected in series to provide a positive output rail and a negative output rail. The output of the operational amplifier in connected to an inverting input of the operational amplifier and a positive sensing input of one of the switching regulators. The non-inverting input of the operation amplifier is connected to the positive output rail of one of the switching regulator via the capacitor. The resistor is connected between a positive voltage output of one of the switching regulators and the capacitors. The pair of diodes is connected between the positive voltage output of one of the switching regulators and the negative output rail of the switching regulators.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a DC-to-DC converter performing a voltage conversion converting a voltage of a source power supplied from a direct current power source to a first predetermined voltage lower than the voltage of the source power and a voltage regulator carrying out a voltage regulation for regulating the first predetermined voltage of the source power output from the DC-to-DC converter to at least a second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a resonant inverter apparatus that allows making the number of sensors small and reducing the cost.

Abstract: The storage module comprises a plurality of storage means Ca-Cd for storing electric energy and energy transfer means 2a-2d and Sa-Sd for transferring stored energy among the plurality of storage means Ca-Cd so that the charging voltage Vca-Vcd across each of the storage means Ca-Cd can be kept at a value according to a prescribed ratio.

Abstract: A power supply system with AC redundant power sources and DC redundant power supplies includes a plurality of AC power sources, each of the AC power sources is directly coupled in series with a corresponding one of the DC power supplies which are connected in parallel for outputting a voltage, for providing an input voltage to operate the corresponding one of the DC power supplies, and a control module coupled between the AC power sources and the DC power supply which is not directly coupled in series with a corresponding one of AC power sources for creating a conductive path to transfer the input voltage from one of the AC power sources to the DC power supply which is not directly coupled in series with a corresponding one of AC power sources when the other AC power source are abnormally interrupted in supplying an input voltage to operate the DC power supplies.

Abstract: A device and method for connecting multiple electrochemical cells to a powered device in a manner to allow disconnected cells to autoregenerate while the device is powered. Devices according to the present invention have two or more cells and methods of selecting and connecting one or more of the cells to a powered device. In one embodiment, multiple push button selector switches on a flashlight each connect a cell in series to a flashlight bulb. Each cell may be thereby independently connected or disconnected from the flashlight bulb. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage control sensor-switch connected in parallel to the powered device and a power cutoff relay is provided to ensure that a user selected cell combination does not deliver a combined voltage greater than a limit for incurring damage to the powered device. Unique methods of operating such devices are also provided.

Abstract: An energy management controller (EMC) for use with series connected amplifier modules monitors the rail voltage across an energy storage capacitor which drives the amplifier modules, and compares the rail voltage with a reference voltage. The EMC controls the direction of energy flow to either provide power to one of the amplifier modules to add energy to the energy storage capacitor, or to provide power to the load.

Abstract: A process and circuitry for drawing current from a power source to produce a first operation, such as a Boolean operation, and reusing the current to generate a further operation. In other words, the current from the first operation may be used to perform a second or subsequent operation. This process is referred generally herein as current recycling.

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 power supply system with AC redundant power sources and DC redundant power supplies includes a plurality of AC power sources, each of the AC power sources is directly coupled in series with a corresponding one of the DC power supplies which are connected in parallel for outputting a voltage, for providing an input voltage to operate the corresponding one of the DC power supplies, and a control module coupled between the AC power sources and the DC power supply which is not directly coupled in series with a corresponding one of AC power sources for creating a conductive path to transfer the input voltage from one of the AC power sources to the DC power supply which is not directly coupled in series with a corresponding one of AC power sources when the other AC power source are abnormally interrupted in supplying an input voltage to operate the DC power supplies.

Abstract: A wiring apparatus comprises a trunk cable, branch junctions, and branch cables diverging individually from the branch junctions. A plurality of photovoltaic modules, which are arranged side by side on a roof of a building or the like, or module units, composed of the modules, serve as generating sections. The respective outputs of the generating sections are lead into the building by means of a trunk conductor of the trunk cable. Each branch cable includes a branch conductor that is connected to the trunk conductor of the trunk cable. Each branch cable of the wiring apparatus is connected to a connector for use as an output terminal of the module units by means of a connector attached to the distal end portion thereof. The module units are connected in parallel with one another by means of the wiring apparatuses, and their respective outputs are supplied to loads in the building by means of a pair of lead-in wires.

Abstract: An improved low-cost gate drive circuit drives the bridge transistors of a multiple power supply bridge circuit with a single logic level voltage. In general, the single logic level voltage is referenced to a first power supply and provides gate drive voltages for bridge transistors associated with a second power supply. The logic level voltage is bootstrapped to a first by-pass capacitor to provide a first gate drive voltage for a high-side transistor associated with the first power supply, and the charge on the first by-pass capacitor is consecutively bootstrapped to second and third by-pass capacitors to provide second and third gate drive voltages for bridge transistors associated with the second power supply.

Abstract: A motion control system includes an inverter adapted to receive electrical power at a first DC voltage level and selectively provides power to a motor. A first DC--DC converter receives electrical power at the first DC voltage level and provides electrical power at a second DC voltage level. A second DC--DC converter receives electrical power at the second DC voltage level and provides electrical power at a third DC voltage level. A controller receives electrical power at the third DC voltage level and provides control signals to the inverter. A switching circuit is connectable to a second source of power and provides electrical power to the second DC--DC converter when the second DC voltage is less than a selected threshold.

Abstract: A method for providing a voltage V which includes calculating a number R of energy elements required to provide a desired voltage V, assigning each of the total number of energy elements M a number from zero to M-1, selecting a number S from zero to M-1, connecting the energy elements in a set of groups of R energy elements in series starting with the first energy element assigned the number S, and connecting in parallel the set of groups of the R energy elements. The parallel connection of the set of groups is applied to the load as the desired voltage V and the steps are reiterated following termination of a predetermined assignment period.

Abstract: A bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices. Each of the energy storage devices coupled to a common series connection has an associated bypass unit connected thereto in parallel. A current bypass unit includes a sensor which is coupled in parallel with an associated energy storage device or cell and senses an energy parameter indicative of an energy state of the cell, such as cell voltage. A bypass switch is coupled in parallel with the energy storage cell and operable between a non-activated state and an activated state. The bypass switch, when in the non-activated state, is substantially non-conductive with respect to current passing through the energy storage cell and, when in the activated state, provides a bypass current path for passing current to the series connection so as to bypass the associated cell. A controller controls activation of the bypass switch in response to the voltage of the cell deviating from a pre-established voltage setpoint.

Abstract: Circuit of multi-voltage control circuit of battery of multiple independent DC power consists of a diode compound switch contact for resisting sparkle and segmented current when multi-voltage switches add the non-sparkle switch for series of solid switch member which forms linear voltage adjustment of basic grade and voltage of low loss, or chopped wave voltage adjustment of low pulse. The advantages of the present invention are that it loses less thermal, is highly efficient, and has low pulse. It can provide fine quality graded voltage and a voltage adjustment between further grades.

Abstract: A voltage balancing device is to be used in a dc power supplying system which includes first and second power supplying units that are connected in series to supply power concurrently operate an electrical load. The first power supplying unit has a negative terminal and a positive terminal to be connected to the electrical load. The second power supplying unit has a positive terminal connected to the negative terminal of the first power supplying unit, and a negative terminal to be connected to a ground.

Abstract: A differential voltage battery DC power supply for use with an electronic device, such as a computer, comprising a multi-cell battery, a plurality of regulators, at least one filter and a recharging circuit. The battery cells are electrically interconnected serially to produce positive voltages of 0 to positive 12 volts DC and negative voltages of 0 to negative 12 volts DC. The battery includes output terminals having output DC voltages closely corresponding to the input DC voltages required to power the electronic device. The output terminals are electrically interconnected to regulator circuitry, structured to drop the corresponding battery output terminal DC voltages to the input DC voltages required by the electronic device, and filters, structured to remove unwanted transients.

Abstract: A regulating method and device are provided for compensating variations in a supply voltage to a microwave transmitter which includes a grid pulsed traveling wave tube. The devices includes a first capacitor and, in series with the first capacitor, a second capacitor connected to a control circuit. The control circuit, substantially in opposition to a current representing current variations through the first capacitor, conducts current through the second capacitor. The current through the second capacitor generates a compensation voltage which, together with a capacitor voltage across the first capacitor, forms the supply voltage.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) power system having distributed square wave current DC to AC inverters integral with strings of PV cells in a PV array. The PV array is arranged into four quadrants and phase-shifted and summed AC voltages from each quadrant are further summed in a 12-phase to 3-phase transformer to produce a sinusoidal 3-phase AC voltage with a total harmonic distortion of less than 5 percent.

Abstract: A manual switch has an electric contact movable into and out of simultaneous contact with the first and second conductors, an angularly movable operating member, with the electric contact fixedly mounted thereon, angularly movable to bring the electric contact selectively into a closed or ON position in simultaneous contact with the first and second conductors and an open or OFF position out of simultaneous contact with the first and second conductors, and a torsion coil spring for forcibly angularly moving the operating member to move the electric contact into the open position to open the electric lines connected to the batteries when pressing forces are applied to the operating member with the electric contact in the closed position.

Abstract: A buck-topology switching power supply (100) combines a plurality, n, of signals (111, 121, 131) from a like number (n) of substantially direct-current power sources by means of a single inductor (150). As k varies from 1 to n, a controller (170) acts to couple each signal.sub.k in sequence to the inductor input (140) for an"on" duty period t.sub.k at a predetermined switching frequency, f, thus forming at the inductor output (160) an output signal having an output voltage V.sub.o and an output power P.sub.o. Under static load conditions, the controller holds the corresponding duty period t.sub.k for each signal.sub.k at a substantially constant value. Under dynamic load conditions, however, the controller dynamically adjusts the corresponding duty period t.sub.k in order to maintain the fractional power contribution P.sub.k for each signal.sub.k relative to the output power P.sub.o at a predetermined value.

Abstract: The power unit of the present invention provides an output voltage of a required value and polarity. By switching electro-mechanical switches connected between battery units and a solid-state switch connected to the output terminals in a specific order, non-sparking and low heat loss switching operations are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an effective power unit with controlled output which can output graded output voltage in a wide range of required output voltages. The power unit also provides output voltage as a linear, chopped or PW modulated voltage. The power unit includes a plurality of substantially identical battery units which can be connected in series and/or in parallel with each other by respective switches, said switches (two-pole two-throw, one-pole one-throw, solid state) are controlled by a central control unit in respect to the required output voltage. Voltage inspection device and current inspection device provide a feedback to the central control unit to be compared with the predetermined value. Solid switch member provides linearization, chopping or PW modulation of the graded output voltage. The output voltage supplied by the power unit takes values of N.times.B, wherein N=1, 2, 3, . . . , and EB is the terminal output voltage of each battery unit.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a DC-to-DC converter performing a voltage conversion converting a voltage of a source power supplied from a direct current power source to a first predetermined voltage lower than the voltage of the source power and a voltage regulator carrying out a voltage regulation for regulating the first predetermined voltage of the source power output from the DC-to-DC converter to at least a second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage.