Abstract: A module for connecting (or coupling) and disconnecting (or decoupling) a photovoltaic panel (PV) to and from other PV panels in a string of PV panels. The module may include first circuitry for detecting when a voltage output by the PV panel (Vpanel) collapses, and second circuitry for disconnecting the PV panel from the panel string while preventing a transistor switching device (e.g. a power MOSFET) performing the disconnecting (decoupling) operation from entering the linear operating region. The combination of low-voltage detection in the first circuitry, and latching-switching in the second circuitry ensures that the power MOSFET is either fully turned on, coupling the PV panel to the panel string, or fully turned off, decoupling the PV panel from the panel string. The PV panel may be recoupled to the PV string through a connection-check mechanism that reengages the PV panel once Vpanel has returned to normal operating levels.

Abstract: A domestic appliance having a control device to control device components of the domestic appliance during execution of a program, wherein the device components have electrical loads. The domestic appliance also has a switch to at least partly de-energize the control device after the program has finished executing.

Abstract: A method includes searching for a point of maximum power based on a systematic load variation, setting the point of maximum power as the operating point of the photovoltaic generator, and tracking the operating point based on a load variation with a narrow variation range. The method also includes analyzing operating variables of the photovoltaic generator to determine the level of probability that the operating point deviates from the point of maximum power, selectively interrupting the tracking and carrying out another search to determine the point of maximum power as a function of the analysis of the operating variables, and setting the point of maximum power as the operating point, and resuming the tracking. The method further takes into account previous searches carried out in the presence of comparable operating variables to determine the probability.

Abstract: To provide a power control system which evaluates an applied control pattern over a period of a certain length or more, so as to be used for the subsequent control with a configuration in which a discharge start time and output of an electric storage device are changed.

Abstract: A power storage system for supplying power to a load by coupling a power generation system, a battery, and a grid, the power storage system includes a battery management system (BMS) for controlling charging and discharging of the battery and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the BMS, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to supply external power to the BMS as an operating power of the BMS in a first state in which the external power is applied, and the power supply circuit is configured to supply power of the battery to the BMS as the operating power of the BMS in a second state in which the external power is not applied.

Abstract: A multiple-input DC-DC converter that is capable of power diversification among different energy sources with different voltage-current characteristics. The converter is capable of bidirectional operation in buck, boost and buck-boost modes and provides a positive output voltage without the need for a transformer.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to use a separate device between the analog and digital communications lines to convert the digital load sharing information from the digital communication line to the analog communication line and vice versa. The device does not generate power itself for the load sharing and therefore does not disturb the load sharing of the generators on the both sides of the device. The device can be seen as a gate between the digital communication line and the analog communication line.

Abstract: A power tool operable to receive a first battery pack and a second battery pack. The power tool including a motor; a first switch; a second switch; and a controller. The controller operable to monitor a first voltage of the first battery pack and a second voltage of the second battery pack, close the first switch and the second switch when the first voltage and the second voltage are within a predetermined range, open the first switch when the first voltage is outside of the predetermined range of the second voltage and the second voltage is greater than the first voltage, and open the second switch when the second voltage is outside of the predetermined range of the first voltage and the first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a first input coupled to a power source, a second input coupled to an output of a power supply, and an output coupled to an input of the power supply. The control circuit senses current at the power supply output. If the sensed current exceeds a threshold, the control circuit connects the power supply input to the power source. If sensed current does not exceed the threshold, the control circuit disconnects the power supply input from the power source and applies a voltage to the power supply output. If the sensed current exceeds the threshold while the power supply input is disconnected from the power source and while the control circuit is applying voltage to the power supply output, the control circuit discontinues application of voltage to the power supply output and connects the power supply input to the power source.

Abstract: A PhotoVoltaic (PV) panel bypass switching arrangement includes first and second switches. The first switch is to be coupled between a power system and a first end of a circuit path of the PV panel in which a PV cells are connected, and is controllable to connect the first end of the circuit path to a power system and to disconnect the first end of the circuit path from the power system. The second switch is to be coupled between (i) a point between the first switch and the power system and (ii) a point between a second end of the circuit path and the power system, and is controllable to open and close a bypass circuit path that bypasses the circuit path. The first and second switches are controlled based on a determination as to whether the circuit path of the PV panel is to be bypassed.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a photovoltaic (PV) installation includes providing a string of multiple panel interface device enabled PV panels; operatively connecting an inverter to the string; operatively connecting at least one PV panel to the string; discharging an input capacitance of the inverter; comparing a current in the string to a predetermined current threshold value; and controlling connection of the at least one PV panel to the string based on the comparing of the current in the string to the predetermined current threshold value. A panel interface device may be used to discharge the input capacitance of the inverter.

Abstract: The power converter includes a first operation mode in which each of switching elements is controlled on or off independently so as to perform a power conversion between a load and both a first DC power source and a second DC power source and a second operation mode in which every two of the switching elements are controlled on or off concurrently so as to perform the power conversion between the load and the first DC power source or the second DC power source. A switching speed at which when each of the switching elements is turned on or turned off is controlled in accordance with the operation mode. Specifically, the switching speed in the second operation mode is higher than the switching speed in the first operation mode.

Abstract: A power redundant system is provided. The power redundant system includes N first voltage generators, M second voltage generators, a switch unit and a control unit. A voltage of the i-th first voltage generator and a voltage of the j-th second voltage generator are equal. When a power good signal is enabled, the control unit enables a power control signal to control the switch unit so that an output of the switch unit is connected to an output of the j-th second voltage generator. When a power supply signal is enabled and the power good signal is disabled, the control unit disables the power control signal to control the switch unit so that the output of the switch unit is connected to an output of the i-th first voltage generator. Therefore, the first voltage generator and the second voltage generator of the system can backup each other.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting a PoE (power over Ethernet) device comprising applying a positive polarity of a first current source to one of a first and second data pairs of an Ethernet connection to a powered device (PD) and a negative polarity of the first current source to the other of the first and second data pairs, applying a positive polarity of a second current source to a first spare pair of the Ethernet connection and a negative polarity of the first current source to a second spare pair of the Ethernet connection, simultaneously measuring a first voltage across the first current source and a second voltage across the second current source, discontinuing application of the first current source and measuring a third voltage across the second current source, and determining a configuration of the PD using the measured first, second and third voltages.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to provide an internal supply rail with over voltage protection using a host power source, an external power source, and a switch configured to receive indications of host and external power source validity. In an example, the switch can be configured to provide the internal supply rail using the host power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates a valid host power source and the external power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates an invalid host power source and the indication of external power source validity indicates a valid external power source.

Abstract: A power storage system includes a power control unit including an inverter, and a battery for storing electrical energy supplied with commercial AC power by way of the inverter to supply the electrical energy to an electrical load. An apparatus for selecting specifications of a power storage system includes a data input interface unit for input of data obtained by measuring power usage during prescribed hours at a location of power consumption where the power storage system is to be installed, and an operation processing unit for finding annual average power usage during prescribed hours based on the measured data, and determining an output of the inverter based on the average power usage.

Abstract: A method in a communication system for managing energy consumption of base stations within the communication system includes computing a marginal energy value for a first base station based on an energy source type of the first base station and computing a marginal energy value for a second base station based on an energy source type of the second base station. The method also includes comparing the marginal energy value for the first base station and the marginal energy value for the second base station.

Abstract: A circuit for an electrical load comprises a passive transformer, the secondary of which is connected to power cells for each phase according to the transformer tappings. Each power cell comprises a low cost but efficient power factor correction circuit to produce lower harmonics on the transformer.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing output power are disclosed. In an example method, a control signal is received at an output stage. The control signal may be provided by a control circuit. The method further includes providing a first power to a filter responsive to the received control signal having a first value, and providing a second power to the filter responsive to the received control signal having a second value.

Abstract: A current source circuit includes current sources that are each configured to receive an external set signal and to control an output current value based on the external set signal. A changing over circuit that is electrically connected to the current sources and a set of output lines selects one of the current sources to be electrically connected to each of the output lines.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing a defective energy storage cell from an energy storage array is described. An apparatus includes an energy storage array including a plurality of energy storage cells, and a cell removal circuit coupled to the energy storage array. The cell removal circuit is configured to prevent a defective energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells from causing other energy storage cells of the plurality of energy storage cells to become defective. A method includes receiving power at a charging node of an energy storage array, the energy storage array including a plurality of energy storage cells. Responsive to failure of an energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells, current is provided through the defective energy storage cell, and responsive to the defective energy storage cell becoming an open circuit, discontinuing provision of the current through the defective energy storage cell.

Abstract: A power switching apparatus includes: a first input terminal to which first power is supplied; a second input terminal to which second power is supplied, the second power having a voltage that is lower than a voltage that the first power has; a first output terminal to supply to an outside the first power supplied to the first input terminal; and a second output terminal to supply to the outside the second power supplied to the second input terminal. First switching means manages the supplying of the second power from the first input terminal to the second output terminal. Second switching means manages the supplying of the second power from the second input terminal to the second output terminal. A processor manages the supplies of the first power and the second power using the first and second switching means.

Abstract: A grid to vehicle system is described. In some examples, the system selectively controls one or more electric vehicles connected to an electric grid based on conditions associated with the electric grid. For example, the system may control charging operations of the electric vehicles based on load balancing conditions associated with the electric grid, based on cost conditions associated with electric power provided by the electric grid, and so on.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power to a load. The apparatus including a plurality of sources to provide charge, and a controller adapted to control a transfer of charge from the sources to the load at distinct times. The controller may control the transfer of charge based on variation of an ambient condition or a manufacturing process. The controller may control the transfer of charge to generate a defined voltage across the load. The apparatus may include a regulator adapted to regulate a voltage across the load. The regulator may regulate the voltage across the load in a defined timing relationship with the transfer of charge from the sources to the load.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing power at an unmanned remote cell site having at least one battery and at least one generator. The method includes the steps of determining whether there is a commercial power outage at the remote cell site and determining whether site temperature at the remote cell site and battery charge of the at least one battery at the remote cell site meet predetermined limits for battery discharging. Discharge of the at least one battery is automatically initiated to power the remote cell site if there is a commercial power outage and the site temperature and the battery charge both meet the predetermined limits for battery discharging. Operation of the at least one generator is automatically initiated to power the remote cell site if there is a commercial power outage and the site temperature and the battery charge do not both meet predetermined limits for battery discharging.

Abstract: A power supply device that switches one of a first power supply, a second power supply, and a third power supply, all of which supply power to an auxiliary device, to a transfer gate in a CMOS image sensor having a photodiode and outputs the corresponding power to the transfer gate is disclosed. The device includes: a first transistor driven by the second power supply and outputting power of the second power supply to the transfer gate; a second transistor driven by the second power supply and outputting power of the first power supply to the transfer gate; a third transistor driven by the third power supply and outputting power of the third power supply to the transfer gate; and a fourth transistor located before the second transistor, driven by the first power supply, and outputting power of the first power supply to a source of the second transistor.

Abstract: A method of sustaining a production of power in a munition. The method including: (a) initiating a reserve power source of two or more reserve power sources upon a predetermined event; (b) storing a portion of a supply of electrical energy from the reserve power source in at least one electrical energy storage device; (c) providing a portion of the supply of electrical energy from the reserve power source to one or more electronic components on-board the munition; and (c) repeating the initiating for another reserve power source of the two or more reserve power sources upon determining that the electrical energy stored in the at least one electrical energy storage device is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Systems and methods include operating a power system in a first state, and detecting an anticipated load increase. The systems and methods further include changing operation of the power system from the first state to a second state upon detection of the anticipated load increase.

Abstract: There is disclosed a voltage supply stage comprising: a selection means for selecting one of a plurality of power supply voltages in dependence on a reference signal representing a desired power supply voltage; a combining means for combining the selected power supply voltage with a correction signal to generate an adjusted power supply voltage; and an adjusting means adapted to generate the correction signal in dependence on the reference signal and the adjusted power supply voltage, wherein the selection means is arranged to select the one of the plurality of supply voltages further in dependence on a signal derived from one of the inputs to the combining means.

Abstract: A current detecting and switching apparatus that provides automatic coupling of internal components of an appliance to varying supply voltage sources to prevent components from operating at something other than their intended power rating. The switching apparatus provides automatic coupling to multi-rated internal components of the appliance instead of providing a voltage specific appliance pre-wiring of specific connections of a multi-voltage component.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a first power module for outputting a first voltage and a second power module for outputting a second voltage. The first power module includes a first switch element, and a second switch element. The second power module includes a third switch element, and a fourth switch element. When the first power module is in a working state and the second power module is then plugged into the power supply system in a hot-swappable manner, only if a phase difference or a voltage difference between the first power source and the second power source is lower than a threshold value, the second switch element and the fourth switch element are controlled to be turned on. Subsequently, if the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, the third switch element is controlled to be turned on.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to provide an internal supply rail with over voltage protection using a host power source, an external power source, and a switch configured to receive indications of host and external power source validity. In an example, the switch can be configured to provide the internal supply rail using the host power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates a valid host power source and the external power source when the indication of host power source validity indicates an invalid host power source and the indication of external power source validity indicates a valid external power source.

Abstract: In an electric power system with a distributed power source, a fluctuation of its system voltage is brought about by an amount of power generation of the distributed power source that depends on weather. Stabilization of the system voltage is realized by generating a driving signal of a switch that the system has from weather forecast information and power system information and switching a configuration of the system.

Abstract: A power system for data center, which comprises: a critical electrical equipment, an alternating current (AC) transformer, an AC power distribution unit (PDU), a rectifier transformer, and a DC PDU. The critical electrical equipment is disposed in the data center. The AC transformer is utilized to receive a first high AC electrical power from a first power utility and transform it to a low AC electrical power, and the AC PDU receives the low AC electrical power and applies the low AC electrical power to the critical electrical equipment of the data center. Further, the rectifier transformer is utilized to receive a second high AC electrical power from a second power utility and transform and rectify it to a low direct current (DC) electrical power, and a DC PDU receives the low DC electrical power and applies the low DC electrical power to the critical electrical equipment.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit which operates based on a power supply voltage output from a power supply device configured to generate a voltage of a magnitude in accordance with an analog control signal includes: a first terminal to which the power supply voltage is applied; an internal interconnect which is connected to the first terminal, and distributes the power supply voltage to sections in the semiconductor integrated circuit; and a second terminal from which the analog control signal is output. The analog control signal is generated to have a magnitude in accordance with a potential of the internal interconnect.

Abstract: A power supply source selection circuit is provided with a comparator and a switch. The comparator has an input to accept a first reference voltage directly proportional to a bandgap reference voltage. For example, the bandgap voltage may be derived from a battery voltage. The comparator has an input to accept a second reference voltage directly proportional to a first supply voltage (e.g., a line voltage), and an output to supply a switch signal in response to comparing the second reference voltage to the first reference voltage. The switch has an input to accept the first supply voltage, an input to accept a second supply voltage, and input to accept the switch signal. The switch has an output to supply a third supply voltage to a regulator. The third voltage has a voltage potential less than or equal to a maximum voltage value. The switch selects between the first supply voltage and the second supply voltage in response to the switch signal.

Abstract: An input line selector system provided to selectively connect one of two input power lines is configured with a single switch provided in series with each of the input power lines, the connection between the switches being made such that it prevents reverse flow of current in the event that the switches are OFF. A smart, simple and precisely operating automatic line selector is provided to control the operation of the two switches. The line selector system configuration is simple and implements only two switches and can be applied to a linear charger or switching charger application with addition of one or two switches respectively, thereby providing a simple, efficient and cost effective system.

Abstract: A method and system to provide a distributed local energy production system with high-voltage DC bus is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a management unit to be interconnected via a network bus to a set of link modules, each link module coupled to a separate local energy production unit, each link module to include a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) step-up converter and a parameter monitoring unit to produce parameter data for the respective local energy production unit, and the local energy production units to be coupled to a high voltage power line to deliver produced electrical energy to a consumer of the energy; and the management unit to receive measured parameters from the link modules, and to send control signals to link modules to provide individual operational control of the local energy production units, the management unit to be coupled to one or more separate computers to provide the computers with access to the parameter data and control of the local energy production units.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a sensor, auxiliary electronics, a primary power supply configured to harvest radio frequency (RF) radiation received from an external reader and use the harvested RF radiation to power the sensor, and an auxiliary power supply configured to harvest energy other than that received from the external reader and use the harvested energy to supply power to the sensor and/or the auxiliary electronics. The external reader may supply less power in response to operation of the auxiliary power supply. Additionally or alternatively, in response to a determination that the auxiliary power supply is unable to supply power, the wearable device may disable all auxiliary electronics but for the sensor. In response to a determination that the primary power supply is unable to supply power but the auxiliary power supply is able to supply power, the wearable device may retain operating parameters in the memory storage unit using the auxiliary power supply.

Abstract: A solid state circuit breaker includes a first terminal; a second terminal; a first wide-band gap field effect transistor coupled to the first terminal; a second wide-band gap field effect transistor coupled to the second terminal, wherein the first wide-band gap field effect transistor and the second wide-band gap field effect transistor are common-source connected to one another; and a bi-directional snubber device coupled to the first wide-band gap field effect transistor and the second wide-band gap field effect transistor. Such a solid state circuit breaker may also include a gate drive circuit coupled to the first wide-band gap field effect transistor and the second wide-band gap field effect transistor, where the gate drive circuit may comprise a voltage regulation stage and a drive stage.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for thermal protection in a power system may be provided. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for thermal protection in a power system having a plurality of power modules selectively enabled and disabled in accordance with an efficiency policy may be provided. The method may include determining if an operating temperature for the power system is greater than a first threshold temperature. The method may also include enabling one or more power modules disabled in accordance with the efficiency policy in response to a determination that the operating temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature.

Abstract: The invention discloses a computer and an expandable power supply system. The expandable power supply system includes N interface units, a determination unit, and a voltage converting unit. N is an integer equal to or more than two. The interface units are electrically connected with at least one power supplies and switching the levels of (N?1) control signals according to conductance of the power supplies. When the interface units are electrically connected with 1st to Mth power supplies, the determination unit outputs a start signal when the determination unit receives power reply signals provided by the 1st to Mth power supplies. M is an integer, and 1?M?N. The voltage converting unit is enabled according to the start signal to distribute operation voltages provided by the 1st to Mth power supplies by utilizing the control signals to generate a supply voltage.

Abstract: A data center is electrically coupled to a power grid at two separate access points, which may be located within geographic proximity to each other. Each access point is located between two power generation systems. The access points have one or more power generation systems located between them, allowing the data center to be coupled to three or more power generation systems simultaneously and have access to power in the event of multiple power generation system failure. The data center may comprise two separate data center power inputs, which may each be connected to a separate power grid access point. The power grid may provide a high voltage level to the data center, and the data center may comprise transformers which step the voltage down to a lower voltage level. The data center may comprise one such transformer coupled to each of the two data center power inputs. The outputs of such transformers may be coupled together.

Abstract: A dual input single output (DISO) regulator, includes a comparator configured to receive a first and second power supply signal and to provide a first compared signal; a first switch configured to couple the first power supply source to an intermediate node, and a second switch configured to couple the second power supply source to the intermediate node; a control logic circuit, coupled to the first comparator, to the first switch, and to the second switch, and configured to receive the compared signal to control the first and the second switch in a first and second operating condition based on the compared signal. The intermediate node being biased by an intermediate power supply signal correlated to the first or second power supply signal. The DISO regulator includes a low-dropout regulator, configured to provide a regulated power supply signal based on the intermediate power supply signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy management system comprising an energy storage, a control system and a power converter supplying power to a load. The energy storage is arranged in individual energy units and the power converter is provided with a switching system for controlling the voltage over the load. The switching system comprises multiple parallel-connected power switches and at least one of the power switches is connected to each energy unit. The control system comprises individual control units, each being configured to monitor the status of a dedicated energy unit and produce an individual enable signal indicative of the status. Each power switch is configured to be controlled by the individual enable signal and a first control signal, wherein the control system is configured to connect multiple energy units in parallel to the load.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing a capability to prevent an automatic transfer switch from automatically switching from a primary to a secondary power source are illustrated. The automatic transfer switch includes a transfer inhibitor that is configured to receive a transfer inhibit signal. In response to receiving the transfer inhibit signal, a switching logic is configured to prevent a contactor of the automatic transfer switch from automatically connecting the secondary source to a load.

Abstract: A plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries are divided into a plurality of groups. Power to be input or output, which is assigned to all sodium-sulfur batteries in order to compensate for fluctuations of output power of a power generation device, is distributed to each group. The plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries divided in the groups are periodically rotated. This enables a uniform utilization rate of the sodium-sulfur batteries to be achieved.

Abstract: A line switching system is a line switching system which switches line of a power supply system including: a plurality of PV panels which generate power using renewable energy; at least one PCS which conditions supplied power to output the conditioned power to a power system; and a first switch which connects any one of the PV panels and the PCS, wherein the line switching system includes a display device which displays an image corresponding to the power supply system and receives an operation on the image from the user, and a control unit which is configured to switch between conduction and non-conduction between a plurality of PV panels and the PCS by controlling the first switch according to the operation received by the display device.

Abstract: The invention relates an inverter that may be set up as part of a power generation system for the connection of a number of substrings, which, using DC switches, can be connected to each other in series into a string and with the inverter. The inverter includes a bridge circuit to transform the power generated by the string comprising series-connected substrings into a grid-compatible AC voltage and to feed the power into a grid. The inverter also includes a ground fault detector arranged on the AC side of the bridge circuit for ground fault monitoring of the string. A controller connected to the ground fault detector controls the DC switches so that in case of a ground fault, a complete decoupling of the connection of the string from the bridge circuit and a separation of the string into potential-free substrings is performed. A method of operating such a power generation system is also described.

Abstract: An energy storage system and a method of controlling the energy storage system, the energy storage system including a power converting unit for converting a voltage output from the power generating system into a direct current (DC) link voltage, a bidirectional converter enabled to perform mutual conversion between an output voltage of the battery and the DC link voltage, a DC link unit for constantly maintaining a level of the DC link voltage, a bidirectional inverter for converting the DC link voltage into an alternating current (AC) voltage appropriate for the grid, and for converting an AC voltage of the grid into the DC link voltage, and an integrated controller for controlling the power converting unit, the bidirectional converter, and the bidirectional inverter, and for controlling operation modes of the energy storage system. In particular, the integrated controller may control operation modes in accordance with the DC link voltage.