Abstract: A system for balancing and converting voltage output from photovoltaic modules includes a set of solar substrings and a power conversion circuit. The power conversion circuit includes a balancing section configured to balance voltage output from the set of solar substrings. The power conversion circuit also includes a voltage control section including: a first transformer coupled to the set of solar substrings and configured to step-up voltage from the set of solar substrings; a second transformer arranged in series to the first transformer; and an output capacitor coupled to the second transformer. The system further includes a controller configured to: drive a set of modulation signals to the balancing section and the voltage control section; alternate voltage polarities across the first transformer and the second transformer; and modify output voltage of the power conversion circuit to a target output voltage.

Abstract: In an embodiment a power apparatus includes a fuel cell configured to supply power to an inverter of a vehicle, a supercapacitor configured to assist the fuel cell, a bidirectional converter configured to charge and discharge the fuel cell and the supercapacitor and a controller configured to drive the vehicle by controlling the supercapacitor to be charged and discharged depending on a current required by the inverter for driving the vehicle and to assist the fuel cell.

Abstract: A system for balancing and converting voltage output from photovoltaic modules includes a set of solar substrings, a power conversion circuit, and a controller. The power conversion circuit includes: a set of windings coupled in series and arranged in parallel to the set of solar substrings; a set of switches coupled in parallel and interposed between the set of solar substrings and the set of windings; and an output switch coupled in series to a first switch, in the set of switches, and an output capacitor. The controller is configured to: oscillate states of the set of switches and the output switch at a first duty cycle; balance voltages output from the set of solar substrings across the set of windings to a nominal output voltage; and modify the nominal output voltage to a target voltage directed to the target load based on the first duty cycle.

Abstract: A stored energy power source uses a wound-rotor induction machine (WRIM) to receive energy from a prime mover via a rotating shaft, provide magnetization reactive energy from a self-excited AC capacitor bank, store the energy in N energy storage elements (ESEs) via tertiary windings, and discharge the ESEs to deliver energy via a secondary winding to a load producing output. Each discharging ESE contributes to a total flux at the secondary winding to sum the individual ESEs voltages. These voltages can be stepped up or down by a transformation ratio between the secondary winding and each of the tertiary windings. A flywheel may be coupled to the shaft to store and delivery kinetic energy. Load factor power control can be used to stabilize the output voltage. The source may be configured to allow for the bi-directional flow of energy between the ESEs, the flywheel and the load. The WRIM provides a safe, reliable and efficient system to provide high-level AC and DC output voltages.

Abstract: A controller circuit for a PV sub-module includes a power harvest controller circuit, a voltage limit controller circuit, a power mode control circuit, a multiplexer circuit, and a switching converter circuit. The power harvest controller circuit, including a first PV voltage input, a ceiling reference input, a floor reference input, and a first gate control output. The voltage limit controller circuit, including a first output voltage feedback input, a pulse width reference input, and a second gate control output. The power mode control circuit, including a second output voltage feedback input, a mode reference input, and a mode selection output. The multiplexer circuit, including a first gate control input, a second gate control input, a mode selection input, and a third gate control output. The switching converter circuit, including a second PV voltage input, a third gate control input, and a DC voltage output.

Abstract: A system for balancing voltages in solar substrings in a first solar panel includes an inductive balancer circuit. The inductive balancer circuit includes a first power level pair and a second power level pair each coupled to the solar substring, and including: a pair of switches arranged in series; a pair of capacitors arranged in series and connected in parallel to the first pair of switches; and an inductor arranged between the first pair of switches and the first pair of capacitors. The system further includes a controller coupled to the inductive balancer circuit and configured to: oscillate states of the pair of switches at a duty cycle; balance voltages across the first power level pair and the second power level pair; and generate a total voltage output that is a multiple of a nominal operating voltage of a most-illuminated solar substring.

Abstract: A system for balancing voltages in solar substrings in a first solar panel includes an inductive balancer circuit. The inductive balancer circuit includes a first power level pair and a second power level pair each coupled to the solar substring, and including: a pair of switches arranged in series; a pair of capacitors arranged in series and connected in parallel to the first pair of switches; and an inductor arranged between the first pair of switches and the first pair of capacitors. The system further includes a controller coupled to the inductive balancer circuit and configured to: oscillate states of the pair of switches at a duty cycle; balance voltages across the first power level pair and the second power level pair; and generate a total voltage output that is a multiple of a nominal operating voltage of a most-illuminated solar substring.

Abstract: An operation voltage control circuit device includes a column of selective electrical conduction elements connected in series, a column of capacitors connected in parallel to the selective electrical conduction elements, inverted voltage generation units alternately inserted between the selective electrical conduction elements and the capacitors, and electrode connection terminals connected in parallel to the capacitors between a pair of output terminals and connected to power supply cells connected in series to each other. The column of the selective electrical conduction elements are alternately grouped and are controlled to be alternately switched to an electrical conduction state or a cutoff state.

Abstract: A controller circuit for a PV sub-module includes a power harvest controller circuit, a voltage limit controller circuit, a power mode control circuit, a multiplexer circuit, and a switching converter circuit. The power harvest controller circuit, including a first PV voltage input, a ceiling reference input, a floor reference input, and a first gate control output. The voltage limit controller circuit, including a first output voltage feedback input, a pulse width reference input, and a second gate control output. The power mode control circuit, including a second output voltage feedback input, a mode reference input, and a mode selection output. The multiplexer circuit, including a first gate control input, a second gate control input, a mode selection input, and a third gate control output. The switching converter circuit, including a second PV voltage input, a third gate control input, and a DC voltage output.

Abstract: A system for providing power from a direct current (DC) source to the power grid. The system includes a first inverter with an input and an output. The input is adapted to connect to the DC source. A first switch disposed between the output and the power grid. A second inverter with a DC terminal and an AC terminal, the AC terminal is adapted to connect in parallel with the output of the first inverter. A battery adapted to connect to the DC terminal of the second inverter. A second switch connected between the DC terminal of the second inverter and the input of the first inverter. The second switch also operatively connects the DC source to the battery. The system may further include a charging circuit adapted to be disposed between the input and the DC terminal and a load adapted to connect to the output.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus for tracking maximum power point, includes: a signal processing circuit, which generates a sensing signal at a sensing node according to an input voltage; and a comparison circuit, which controls a converter circuit according to a difference between the sensing signal and a reference voltage, to convert the input voltage to an output power. The signal processing circuit includes: a bias sensing circuit, which generates the sensing signal at the sensing node according to the input voltage; and a clamp circuit coupled to the sensing node, for clamping the sensing signal to be not greater than a clamp voltage. The converter circuit adjusts an output voltage and/or an output current of the output power, so that a power retrieval source operates near its maximum power point.

Abstract: A system for providing power from a direct current (DC) source to the power grid. The system includes a first inverter with an input and an output. The input is adapted to connect to the DC source. A first switch disposed between the output and the power grid. A second inverter with a DC terminal and an AC terminal, the AC terminal is adapted to connect in parallel with the output of the first inverter. A battery adapted to connect to the DC terminal of the second inverter. A second switch connected between the DC terminal of the second inverter and the input of the first inverter. The second switch also operatively connects the DC source to the battery. The system may further include a charging circuit adapted to be disposed between the input and the DC terminal and a load adapted to connect to the output.

Abstract: When a ground fault detection device detects a ground fault of a photovoltaic string, for example, while a power conditioner is in operation, a great current may be flowing in a switching section from the photovoltaic string, so that components resistant to a great current have been used for the switching section. A ground fault detection device includes a stop determination unit configured to determine whether a power converter for converting electric power from a solar battery is in stoppage, and a ground fault detector configured to detect a ground fault of the solar battery in a state where the solar battery and the power converter are electrically disconnected from each other by a disconnection unit arranged between the solar battery and the power converter when the stop determination unit determines that the power converter is in stoppage.

Abstract: A method detecting a parallel arc in a photovoltaic device, including N (N=1 or N>1) photovoltaic modules, connected to a charge device having a capacitive behavior for the modules, the method including: a) detecting, across main terminals of the device, evolution of voltage over time, at least during formation of the electric arc; b) identifying a negative voltage variation between a first zone with stable voltage and a second zone with stable voltage for a duration of at least 5 ?s, which immediately follows the voltage variation, and c) determining whether the voltage variation is between a maximum value Vmax, greater than or equal to 100 V, and a minimum value Vmin, less than or equal to 30 V, with a fall time of this variation between a minimum duration Tmin greater than or equal to 0.01 ?s and a maximum duration Tmax less than or equal to 10 ?s.

Abstract: An apparatus for voltage balancing parallel arranged direct current (DC) voltage source strings in a power generation system includes a string voltage balancing circuit having reverse blocking switches to control a current flow and an output voltage of the DC voltage source strings. Capacitors are connected to a corresponding reverse blocking switch and in series with a corresponding one of the plurality of DC voltage source strings to construct a voltage difference for a corresponding one of the plurality DC voltage source strings. The string voltage balancing circuit adjusts an output voltage of the DC voltage source strings by controlling a current flowing in the plurality of DC voltage source strings to adjust a voltage constructed across corresponding ones of the capacitors to balance the output voltage for the DC voltage source strings to be substantially the same output voltage. Current balancing using differential power processing is also provided.

Abstract: In a ground fault detection device, two photovoltaic strings are disconnected from a photovoltaic power generation system, a measurement of a first voltage value is performed for the one photovoltaic string by a first measurement unit, and in parallel therewith, a measurement of a second voltage value is performed for the other photovoltaic string by the second measurement unit by executing various functions of a calculation control unit. Thus, a capacitance relative to a ground of a measurement target is reduced. Further, the photovoltaic string is electrically separated from a load device at the time of such a measurement. Further, separate measurements are performed on the one and other photovoltaic strings in the disconnected state, and the first and second voltage values are measured in parallel.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a solar panel. The control system includes a plurality of control elements that are individually connected to a corresponding segment of the solar panel. The control system also includes control logic that is structured to individually signal each of the plurality of control elements in order to cause the signaled control element to either switch-off or alter performance output to maximize the over all output of a solar panel or solar power generating system utilizing such panels.

Abstract: An improved method of collecting DC power in solar photovoltaic systems is disclosed where series string overcurrent protection is provided at distributed series string terminus locations and a tap connection is made to higher current conductors carrying the combined currents of a number of series strings. A number of related string combiner methods and embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device is provided that includes a converter, having a switched mode topology, where the switched mode topology includes a boost topology that establishes a variable transfer ratio between a variable input voltage and a variable output voltage of the converter, where the switched mode topology changes according to a power load on a power generator. The MPPT device further includes a control section, where the control section maximizes an output power of the power generator by controlling the variable transfer ratio, where the MPPT device optimizes an electrical operating point, of the power generator.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a plurality of electric power generating elements; detection means for determining whether each of the plurality of electric power generating elements has an electromotive force equal to or higher than a predetermined value; determination means determining an input operation performed by a user by identifying an electric power generating element having an electromotive force below the predetermined value when at least one of the plurality of electric power generating elements is determined as having an electromotive force below the predetermined value according to the detection means; processing means carrying out a process associate with the input operation determined by the determination means; and bypass means which is provided in parallel with the electric power generating elements and through which a current flows when the electric power generating elements have an electromotive force below the predetermined value.

Abstract: A voltage conversion apparatus converts a voltage of an electricity generator. The voltage conversion apparatus includes a maximum power tracking portion that is adapted to output a voltage which is output by the electricity generator to an external device at a predetermined ratio such that an operation point of the electricity generator tracks an optimal operation point at which power of the electricity generator reaches a maximum level, and a voltage output portion that is adapted to output a voltage which is output by the electricity generator to the external device when the maximum power tracking portion is not being operated normally.

Abstract: A rectification processor includes rectifier elements that control charge to batteries independently for each of the batteries. A charge-state detector detects charge states of the batteries from their voltages, and determines whether to select the batteries for charging in a half-cycle determined beforehand in accordance with the detected result. A synchronous signal detector detects a signal synchronized with the phase of the 3-phase alternate current (AC) generator from the 3-phase AC generator, and outputs a synchronous signal. A charge controller controls the charge in the rectification processor in synchronization with the 3-phase AC generator according to the synchronous signal from the synchronous signal detector, and, in accordance with the charge states of the batteries output from the charge-state detector, controls charge amounts to the battery/batteries that was determined for selection.

Abstract: A processing arrangement for the fault situation of a local electric power transmission grid comprises a generator-specific element arranged to monitor the fault situation of a data communication bus and the statuses of the switches of the electric power transmission network and to compare the status data concerning the same switch. In case of a fault situation the generators change into droop control only if there are no other possibilities to continue with the normal adjustment of the generator.

Abstract: A power system and a method for energizing an electrically heated catalyst are provided. The system includes a first battery outputting a first voltage, and a second battery outputting a second voltage. The system further includes a switching device having a first operational state where the first and second batteries are coupled in series to one another, and a second operational state where the first and second batteries are coupled in parallel to one another. The system further includes a generator coupled to the first battery, and when the switching device is in the second operational state the generator supplies a third voltage to the first battery to charge the first and second batteries, and to the electrically heated catalyst such that the catalyst heats exhaust gases upstream of an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power transmission system is described. The DC power transmission system includes a first plurality of series connected power collection systems and at least one superconducting DC conductor coupled to the plurality of series connected power collection systems and configured to transmit power generated by the plurality of power collection systems to a remote load.

Abstract: Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within 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. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

Abstract: Synchronous generators are driven by shafts to produce 3-phase AC power. The frequency and amplitude of power depends on the speed of the respective shaft. The outputs are rectified and connected in series to provide an output of varying voltage DC power to a load. Applications in aerospace and renewable energy supply are described.

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 photovoltaic system includes an inverter, a photovoltaic generator with a plurality of serially connected photovoltaic modules, said photovoltaic generator connected to the inverter by an electrical supply line, a controllable fuse interconnected in the electrical supply line between the inverter and the photovoltaic generator and having a signal input, and a voltage-dependent resistor connected between the signal input of the controllable fuse and the electrical supply line and generating a control signal which triggers the controllable fuse responsive to the control signal and interrupts the electrical supply line. The controllable fuse can be used to disconnect the electrical connection of the photovoltaic system to the inverter when a switch short-circuiting one or more modules of the photovoltaic generator malfunctions. The arrangement permits operation of photovoltaic system at an operating voltage of close to 1000 V, thereby allowing use of thinner cables.

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 vehicle electrical system comprises two generators coupled with one or more electrical subsystem, each of which includes at least one of a stored energy source and electrical load. Each generator is regulated via its associated voltage regulator at a common regulation voltage. Sequential electrical power delivery from the generators is achieved via a sequencing means. Where two or more electrical subsystems are present, electrical isolation is achieved via an isolating means. Overcharge protection is achieved by sensing and responding to the highest voltage of the two or more electrical subsystems.

Abstract: In an apparatus for series-connecting at least two engine generators driven by an internal engine and each generates and outputs alternating current through single-phase two-wire output terminals, there are equipped with a magnetic coupler such as transformer that can magnetically couple the single-phase two-wire output terminals of the generators with the primary side and the secondary side, and a connector that can connect one of the single-phase two-wire output terminals of one of the generators and one of the single-phase two-wire output terminals of other of the generators. With this, single-phase three-wire output terminals are formed by the single-phase two-wire output terminals of the generators using the connector as a neutral line, without a communication line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-level inverter including first and second direct voltage generators connected in series, each between a common center point and first and second end points, and first and second switching arms. Each of the first and second switching arms are connected between a respective one of the first and second end points and an output point and include at least one IGBT transistor. The IGBT transistors of the first and second switching arms are in series between the first and second end points. Each of the IGBT transistors includes an antiparallel-connected diode. The three-level inverter also includes a third switching arm which includes two IGBT transistors connected head-to-tail. Each head to tail transistor includes an antiparallel-connected diode.

Abstract: A video controller includes a video block that connects to the print control engine and one laser driver. The video block includes a direct memory access (DMA) block, a video processor, a waveform generator including pattern and multiple pulse mode modulation, a frequency synthesizer, configuration registers, and a data bus. The frequency synthesizer connects to the waveform generator. The configuration registers connect to the DMA block, video processor and the waveform generator. The data bus, operative to carry bus control signals, connects the DMA block, video processor, waveform generator, and the configuration registers.

Abstract: Separable insulated connector systems for power distribution systems wherein the interfaces of the mating connectors are modified to reduce mating and separation force.

Abstract: A controllable power supply device with a step-up function including a constant voltage generator, a programmable voltage generator, a first switch and a linear regulator is provided. The constant voltage generator is used to provide an initial voltage. The programmable voltage generator is used to receive the initial voltage and adjust the received initial voltage to boost the initial voltage to a power supply voltage. The first connecting terminal of the first switch is used to receive the initial voltage, the second connecting terminal of the first switch is used to receive the power supply voltage, and the third connecting terminal of the first switch is coupled to one of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal. Therefore, the voltage from the third connecting terminal of the first switch is stabilized and is outputted as the output voltage of the controllable power supply device by the linear regulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy comprising a piezo-electric auxiliary generator producing an auxiliary voltage and a main generator which is coupled mechanically with the auxiliary generator and producing the electrical energy.

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 method and system are described for providing a direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply with the method including, for example: continuously supplying fuel to a turbine; converting mechanical power from the turbine into alternating current (AC) electrical power; converting the AC electrical power to DC power within a predetermined voltage level range; supplying the DC power to a load; and maintaining a DC load voltage within the predetermined voltage level range by adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to the turbine.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply system (UPS) includes a coupling choke (5) being operably arranged between an electrical load (2) and an external source of power (4). A generator (8) is operably connected to the coupling choke (5) on the side of the electrical load (2), and it is designed and arranged to be active during normal conditions and during trouble conditions. Trouble conditions are to be understood as conditions when the external source of power (4) fails. A converter (9) is operably connected to the coupling choke (5). A substitute storage device for electrical energy is operably connected to the coupling choke (5) on the side of the electrical load (2) by the converter (9). A fast-opening switch (6) is operably connected the coupling choke (5) on the side of the source of power (4), and it is designed and arranged to open in case of occurring trouble conditions.

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: This invention relates to a generator system for generating a readily controllable A.C. of a selected potential and of a substantially constant selected frequency, which system comprises a first, or master, rotary generator producing an A.C. potential of substantially constant frequency and at least one other, or slave, rotary generator producing an A.C. potential of a frequency identical to that of the first generator, the A.C. potential outputs of all the generators being combined in series, and electrical means for shifting the phase of the A.C. potential of the slave generator with respect to the phase of the A.C. potential master generator whereby the resultant combined A.C. outputs constitute an A.C. potential of the selected value and being of the substantially constant selected frequency.

Abstract: Problems associated with moving fuel from remote sources to large centralized power generation plants are avoided with an economical system for collecting power from small stations located near the scattered, remote fuel sites. To avoid a need for many massive, costly transformers, a plurality of relatively low voltage generating stations are connected in series to cumulatively produce the high voltage needed for long-distance transmission line delivery. Power-generating devices of the successive stations are supported on insulative structures of progressively greater height and are driven or supplied with fuel through insulative means.