Abstract: A grid interconnection apparatus includes a voltage conversion section including DC/DC converters to step up or down output voltages of DC power sources. The voltage conversion section combines DC power outputs from the DC/DC converters into combined DC power and output the DC power. A power conversion section converts the DC power output from the voltage conversion section into AC power, and outputs the AC power to a power grid. A current detector detects a current input into the power conversion section. A voltage detector detects a voltage input into the power conversion section. A controller controls the DC/DC converters to maximize the power outputs from the DC power sources based on the detected current and the detected voltage.

Abstract: An inverter comprises a first switch coupled to an input of an output filter and a positive dc bus, a second switch coupled to the input of the output filter and a negative dc bus, a first freewheeling apparatus coupled to the first switch, the second switch and ground, a first soft switching network coupled to the first freewheeling apparatus and the first switch, wherein the first soft switching network is configured such that the first switch is of a first zero voltage transition during a turn-on process of the first switch and a second soft switching network coupled to the first freewheeling apparatus and the second switch, wherein the second soft switching network is configured such that the second switch is of a second zero voltage transition during a turn-on process of the second switch.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a plurality of battery units; a plurality of thermistors detecting a temperature of the plurality of battery units; a multiplexer performing multiplexing on the plurality of thermistors, and connecting a thermistor selected from among the plurality of thermistors to a reference resistor; a power switch unit arranged between the reference resistor and a power voltage terminal; and a control signal input unit receiving a control signal applied to the multiplexer and the power switch unit, and receiving two or more control bits contained in the control signal. In the energy storage system, a temperature measurement operation is performed at a plurality of measurement positions, whereby a current state of a battery may be accurately detected, an entire circuit may be reduced and simplified, and low power consumption may be realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric energy conversion method and system with at least two conversion units (14), comprising control means (12) establishing the maximum output current of the operative conversion modules, as well as the commutation frequency of the entire or of a sub-group of the operative conversion modules to thus increase the availability of the conversion system in the event of failures.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit for providing a regulated output voltage is provided. The voltage regulator circuit includes an error amplifier configured to provide a control signal based on at least a portion of a fed-back output voltage and a reference voltage. A first output stage is configured to operate at a first supply voltage and provide the regulated output voltage based on the control signal. At least one second output stage configured to operate at a second supply voltage different from the first supply voltage and provide the regulated output voltage based on the control signal. A switch-over unit is configured to switch over the control signal between the first output stage and the second output stage.

Abstract: A power converting apparatus includes a first inverter circuit including a high-voltage first DC voltage source and operated at a low frequency using Si IGBTs having a high withstand voltage exceeding 1000 V and a second inverter circuit including a low-voltage capacitor operated by high-frequency PWM using SiC MOSFETs having a low withstand voltage, wherein an AC side of the first inverter circuit is connected in series to an AC side of the second inverter circuit. The power converting apparatus outputs AC power having a prescribed voltage waveform obtained from the sum of voltages generated by the first and second inverter circuits.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply having efficiency power conversion has an AC to DC power conversion circuit, a battery power conversion circuit and a control circuit. The AC to DC power conversion circuit is parallelly connected to the battery power conversion circuit to convert the AC power of an AC mains into a DC power and supply the DC power to a load. When the AC mains stably supplies power, the control circuit controls to activate the AC to DC power conversion circuit and supply power to the load through the AC to DC power conversion circuit only. As there is only one power conversion between the AC mains and the load, the power conversion efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: A gateway controller allows a plurality of individual power generation units coupled to an electrical distribution grid to be controlled in a coordinated fashion. The gateway controller allows control of the plurality of individual power generation units as a single power generation unit. The gateway controller may determine required control parameters of the power generation units that will provide a desired combined behavior, such as combined alternating current injected into the grid, and issues commands to the power generation units based on the determined control parameters.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system for converting a DC voltage from a photovoltaic generator into an AC voltage, includes a transformerless power inverter which comprises high-frequency-clocked switching units, the DC voltage input of which is connected to the photovoltaic generator, and the AC voltage output of which is connected to a series circuit consisting of a bias generating device and an inductive HF decoupling device. The bias generating device is used to apply a bias potential to the AC voltage output of the power inverter, said bias potential also indirectly influencing the voltage potential at the DC voltage input of the power inverter. The inductive HF decoupling device is used for the HF decoupling of the AC voltage side from the DC voltage side of the power inverter in order to prevent capacitive discharge currents to the photovoltaic generator due to the use of the bias generating device.

Abstract: A multi-phase power generation system for renewable energy, in which reactive elements (i.e., capacitors and/or inductors) can be selectively switched in and out in order to meet a particular power factor requirement, is provided. Each phase of the multi-phase power system receives generated powers from a set of inverters, and each phase has a set of switch reactive elements for making power factor adjustments to the power generated by the set of inverters. The power outputs of the set of inverters belonging to a particular phase are combined into a one combined ac power output, and the power factor adjustment for that particular phase is performed on the combined power output by the set of the switch reactive elements of that particular phase. In some embodiments, at least some of the inverters are micro-inverters that convert DC power from one or two solar panels to AC power.

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: Disclosed herein is a power feeding apparatus, including: a power feeding portion adapted to feed an electric power in a wireless manner; and a storage body storing therein the power feeding portion. The storage body includes a main body, a first storage portion formed within the main body and storing therein the power feeding portion, and at least one second storage portion formed so as to be adapted to store or retrieve a power receiving apparatus as a storage object in or from the main body, the electric power of the power feeding portion stored in the first storage portion being adapted to be fed from the at least one second storage portion. At least a magnetically shielding portion is formed in an outer peripheral portion, and the at least one second storage portion forms a magnetically closed space in a state of being stored in the main body.

Abstract: A power converter includes 2n charge storage elements connected in series in this order, n being a natural number of 2 or more, a first switch element and a first diode connected in series in this order between terminals of a first charge storage element, a second diode and a second switch element connected in series in this order between terminals of a 2nth charge storage element, a third diode and a fourth diode connected in series in this order between terminals of each of the second charge storage element to a 2n-1th charge storage element, 2n leads each connected to a node between the first switch element and the first diode, a node between the third diode and the fourth diode, and a node between the second diode and the second switch element, and 2n-1 switch circuits for selecting one of outputs output to the 2n leads.

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: An apparatus and method for load sharing among N current supplies, where N>1. N current supply paths are coupled to corresponding N independent power sources, respectively. A system load is coupled to the outputs of the N current supply paths to receive N current supplies. There is a common current share bus configured to connect to the N current supply paths to provide a common current share signal, used to indicate the current contribution needed from each of the N current supply paths. In this configuration, each of the N current supply paths adjusts an adjustable voltage drop between its power source and the current supply it provides to the system load in accordance with the common current share signal so that the current supplied from each current supply path is consistent with the common current share signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for feeding electrical energy into an energy supply system (100). The invention provides that the arrangement has a generator (20) with electrically isolated winding systems (30), the arrangement has at least two frequency converters (40, 41, 42) with isolated intermediate circuits (60), wherein each frequency converter is connected directly or indirectly to a winding system (30) of the generator, the arrangement has at least one control device (80), to which the frequency converters are connected for actuation thereof, and the frequency converters, on actuation by the control device, feed current by means of a voltage with a multi-level characteristic into the energy supply system (100).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power converter including a plurality of three-level inverters each capable of outputting three different levels of voltages, and a switch circuit for selecting an output from one of the plurality of three-level inverters. Each three-level inverter includes four switch elements connected in series, two switch elements connected in series between two nodes, and two capacitors, with the two nodes being connected to each other.

Abstract: A meshed HVDC power transmission network comprises at least three HVDC converter stations interconnected in a first closed path by at least three transmission lines. A first DC power flow control device is series connected to a first of the at least three transmission lines. That first DC power flow control device takes its power from the first transmission line and balances the DC current distribution in the first closed path.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing power to a multipole in a mass spectrometer is provided. The apparatus comprises a first resonant LC circuit; at least one inductor for forming a second resonant LC circuit with the multipole, the second resonant LC circuit connected in cascade with the first resonant LC circuit, when the at least one inductor is connected to the multipole; an RF power source for providing an RF signal; and a step-up transformer connected in parallel to the RF power source on a primary side and the first resonant LC circuit on a secondary side, the step-up transformer providing voltage gain for the RF signal thereby reducing the loaded Q of the resonant LC circuits.

Abstract: Control hubs and solar power systems are disclosed. One example photovoltaic (PV) system includes a plurality of PV modules and a control hub coupled to the plurality of PV modules. The control hub includes a plurality of interface modules and a processing device coupled to the interface modules. Each of the interface modules includes a power converter coupled to a different one of the plurality of PV modules. The processing device is configured to control each of the power converters to control the PV module associated with the power converter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for intelligently inverting DC power from DC sources such as photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to single-phase or three-phase AC power to feed the power grid for electricity generation. A power inverter with multiple input channels or input ports that can connect to multiple DC sources is disclosed.

Abstract: Electrical power is traditionally transmitted with high-voltage alternating current transmission lines. For some limited applications, high-voltage direct current is used to transmit electrical power since direct current transmission is much more efficient. However, due to the high costs of high-voltage alternating to high-voltage direct current conversion equipment, direct current transmission is rarely use. To provide direct current electrical transmission at a reduced cost, a loop-based direct current transmission system is disclosed. The loop-based direct current system operates by carrying direct current in a loop that coupled individual power consumer and power generating nodes. Each node can add voltage to or subtract voltage from the current loop.

Abstract: A method to control storage into and depletion from multiple energy storage devices. The method enables an operative connection between the energy storage devices and respective power converters. The energy storage devices are connectible across respective first terminals of the power converters. At the second terminals of the power converter, a common reference is set which may be a current reference or a voltage reference. An energy storage fraction is determined respectively for the energy storage devices. A voltage conversion ratio is maintained individually based on the energy storage fraction. The energy storage devices are stored individually with multiple variable rates of energy storage through the first terminals. The energy storage is complete for the energy storage devices substantially at a common end time responsive to the common reference.

Abstract: A center-tapped solar array includes a plurality of series-connected solar cells connected between a positive terminal and a negative terminal for generating an output voltage. A center-tapped terminal connected to ground is connected to the plurality of series-connected solar cells at a midpoint between the positive and negative terminals. As a result, the positive terminal of the solar array has a positive voltage relative to ground greater than the center-tapped terminal and the negative terminal has a negative voltage relative to ground less than the center-tapped terminal.

Abstract: A breaker 162 is opened when a pantograph 101 is lowered. The pantograph 101 is connected to an overhead wire 200. Voltage and its phase of the overhead wire are detected by a detector 161. Power is supplied from a power storage device 150c to a tertiary winding 112c via a power converter 14c such that a primary side of the main transformer 110 has the same voltage and phase as the overhead wire so as to reversely excite the main transformer 110. When the voltage of the main transformer 110 has the same phase as the voltage of the overhead wire 200, the breaker 162 is turned on and then the pantograph 101 is raised, to connect the overhead wire 200 and the main transformer 110 to each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of an excitation inrush current to the main transformer 110.

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 method and apparatus is disclosed for maximizing power production for solar power systems when there is low sunlight during sunrise, sunset, clouding, partial shading, and other low irradiance conditions. A multiple-channel solar power Mini-Inverter can work in the low power mode when there is low sunlight, take power from one solar panel to supply DC power to its internal electronic circuits, and also invert the DC power from the remaining connected solar panels to single-phase or three-phase AC power feeding to the electrical grid or powering AC loads. This invention can significantly reduce the required startup and shutdown irradiance and DC power for the solar power inverter, avoid undesirable shutdowns due to partial shading, and allow the inverter to run in power generation mode for a few more hours each day.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided a power receiver including: a first rectifying circuit, a second rectifying circuit, a connecting part and a controller. The first rectifying circuit rectifies a first AC power generated by a first AC power generating device. The second rectifying circuit rectifies a second AC power generated by a second AC power generating device. The connecting part electrically connects an output terminal of the first rectifying circuit and an output terminal of the second rectifying circuit, in parallel. The controller performs a control such that the first AC power generating device and the second AC power generating device do not operate simultaneously.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a cooling system is a pumpless passive system, and includes a cold plate configured to receive a flow of liquid coolant and to output a flow of vapor phase coolant, where the cold plate includes at least one heat pipe adapted therein to provide for transfer of the liquid coolant to the vapor phase coolant, a first connection member coupled to the at least one heat pipe, a first conduit coupled to the first connection member, the first conduit extending vertically to enable at least the vapor phase coolant to travel through the first conduit, and a heat exchanger located above and coupled to the first conduit, where the heat exchanger is to transfer the vapor phase coolant to the liquid coolant.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for synchronizing one or more direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power sources (e.g., a DC power source coupled to an inverter) for restoration of power to a load. That is, responsive to a grid fault of a grid used to supply power to a load over a common bus, the common bus is isolated from the grid and the load. One or more DC to AC power sources are synchronized through synchronization circuits (e.g., voltage, phase, and/or frequency synchronization) until a total power supply provided by respective synchronized DC to AC power sources is greater than or equal to a target power used to supply the load. Once the target power is achieved, a load circuit breaker is closed so that respective synchronized DC to AC power sources provide power to the load over the common bus.

Abstract: An energy storage and management system (ESMS) includes one or more energy storage devices configured to store electrical energy, a power electronic conversion system having a plurality of energy ports and including a plurality of DC electrical converters, and a controller configured to split a source current flowing from an electrical source that is connected to one of the plurality of energy ports into a first current and a second current, wherein the first and second currents flows respectively first and second of the plurality of DC converters, alter the first current and the second current by selectively turning on and turning off current flow to the first and second DC converters, and form a charging current by passing the first current and the second current simultaneously to a first of the one or more energy storage devices that is coupled to a second of the plurality of energy ports.

Abstract: Controller apparatus with MPPT tracking for controlling an electric power generation system comprising two identical sub-sections of a photovoltaic field, connected to two respective identical switching power converters, the two converters being controlled by two respective periodic controlling signals and the outputs of the two converters being connected in parallel. The controller apparatus comprises a first and a second current sensor for detecting the output currents of the two converters, a subtractor capable to receive the two current detection signals and to generate a difference signal, an amplifier capable to amplify the difference signal by a constant gain k, and a low-pass filter capable to filter the amplified difference signal, a proportional-integral controller for controlling the filtered amplified difference signal.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a multi-level converter includes detecting a charge state of charge storage units of series connected converter units, assigning parameter sets to the converter units based on the detected charge states, and generating control signals coupled to switch arrangements of the converter units based on the parameter sets.

Abstract: We describe a modular adjustable power factor renewable energy inverter system. The system comprises a plurality of inverter modules having a switched capacitor across its ac power output, a power measurement system coupled to a communication interface, and a power factor controller to control switching of the capacitor. A system controller receives power data from each inverter module, sums the net level of ac power from each inverter, determines a number of said capacitors to switch based on the sum, and sends control data to an appropriate number of the inverter modules to switch the determined number of capacitors into/out of said parallel connection across their respective ac power outputs.

Abstract: A system may include a power module that includes a group of power supplies, particular ones of the group of power supplies being operable at a group of voltages ranging from a first voltage to a second voltage. The system may further include a controller coupled to the particular ones of the group of power supplies, the controller being to ramp up an output voltage, associated with the group of power supplies, from the first voltage to the second voltage in a group of discrete steps; where ramping up the output voltage by a particular one of the group of discrete steps is performed while a load is receiving power from the group of power supplies; and where ramping up the output voltage by a particular one of the group of discrete steps prevents over-current protection on the group of power supplies from being activated.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power, including a DC-AC inverter employing: a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the DC-AC inverter proximate the MPP. A second feedback loop for determining a difference between a first power measurement and a second power measurement, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the DC-AC inverter to drive toward the MPP, where the first power measurement and the second power measurement are each determined based on a phase shift between an AC output voltage from the DC-AC inverter and an AC output current from the DC-AC inverter.

Abstract: A protection method in a distributed power system including of DC power sources and multiple power modules which include inputs coupled to the DC power sources. The power modules include outputs coupled in series with one or more other power modules to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the string and produces output power. When the inverter stops production of the output power, each of the power modules is shut down and thereby the power input to the inverter is ceased.

Abstract: A system includes a dispenser and a transmitter. The dispenser is configured to support and dispense product. The dispenser includes: a housing; an antenna disposed and configured to receive electromagnetic energy that originates from the transmitter; a power supply disposed within the housing and configured to convert the electromagnetic energy received at the antenna into DC (direct current) power; a dispenser mechanism configured and disposed to dispense the product from the dispenser on command; a controller disposed in operable communication with the power supply and the dispenser mechanism; and, an actuator disposed in operable communication with the controller. Upon actuation of the actuator, and upon presence of the DC power, the controller is responsive to facilitate action by the dispenser mechanism to dispense the product. The transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic energy and is disposed in operable communication with the dispenser.

Abstract: A circuit receives variable voltage and current from a renewable power source and optimally loads the source to maximize power delivered into a DC bus having constant voltage. A boost circuit and synchronous rectifier having a controlled duty cycle step up the voltage from the renewable source. A feedback control circuit senses delivered current and optimizes the duty cycle to maximize this current, and therefore maximize delivered power. Precision measurement of delivered current is not necessary, greatly reducing complexity and expense. The power source can be isolated from the DC bus, and an arc fault sensor can determine the presence of an electrical arc and shut down the power conditioner to prevent damage due to arcing or fire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating AC power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a DC/AC inversion stage capable of generating at least one of a single-phase output power, a two-phase output power, or a three-phase output power; and a conversion control module, coupled to the DC/AC inversion stage, for driving the DC/AC inversion stage to selectively generate the single-phase output power, the two-phase output power, or the three-phase output power based on an input power to the DC/AC inversion stage.

Abstract: A PV system includes a plurality of PV strings each having an optimal string voltage at which a string output power is maximized. The PV strings are connected to a DC link in a parallel arrangement such that each PV strings operates at a variable DC link voltage. A PV inverter is connected to the DC link to receive a DC output, with the PV inverter controlling the DC link voltage. Delta DC/DC converters are connected to the PV strings, with each DC/DC converter receiving the DC link voltage from the DC link and providing a tuning voltage to the DC link voltage at which its respective PV string operates in order to bring the string voltage for that PV string to its optimal string voltage. The tuning voltage of each delta DC/DC converter is the difference between the DC link voltage and a respective optimal string voltage.

Abstract: A solar panel array for use in a solar cell power system is provided. The solar panel array includes a string of solar panels and multiple voltage converters. Each voltage converter is coupled to a corresponding solar panel in the string of solar panels. The solar panel array also includes multiple maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers. Each MPPT controller is coupled to a corresponding solar panel in the string of solar panels. Each MPPT controller is configured to sense an instantaneous power unbalance between the corresponding solar panel and an inverter.

Abstract: A power regulation system for an electrical grid has a store of electrical energy connected through a first switch to a source of electrical energy. The response time of the store is faster than that of the source. A second switch is connected to the store at one side with the opposite side for connection to the grid. A first controller monitors energy stored in the store and energy available from said source and selectively controls the first switch to close to transfer energy from the source to the store. A second controller monitors energy stored in said store and, on receiving an indication that additional energy is needed in the grid, if the energy stored in the store exceeds a supply threshold, controls the second switch to close to transfer energy from the store to the grid.

Abstract: A power generation system, apparatus and method to buffer power fluctuations are provided. At least one inverter (14) may be coupled to a photovoltaic power generator (10). The inverter may be subject to at least one operational constraint. A power-buffering circuitry (16) may be connected between the photovoltaic power generator and the inverter to buffer power generation fluctuations which can occur in power generated by the photovoltaic power generator, and satisfy the operational constraint of the inverter notwithstanding an occurrence of the power generation fluctuations. A controller (14) may be coupled to the power-buffering circuitry and may be responsive to the parameter of the photovoltaic power generator to perform at least one control action regarding the power fluctuations. Control actions may be performed by the controller independently of a control strategy of the inverter.

Abstract: Degradation of a secondary battery or the like is prevented. A reduction in the capacity of a secondary battery or the like due to charging or discharging is prevented. A secondary battery module in which a secondary battery can be charged in a charging period into which short discharging periods are inserted is provided. A secondary battery module in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in parallel, and in a charging period of the secondary batteries, current due to short-time discharging of one secondary battery can be used for charging another secondary battery is provided. To carry out such operation, a secondary battery module includes a plurality of secondary batteries, a DC/DC converter, a switch, and a control circuit.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for connection of field devices comprising a bus connection for connection to a bus, a field device connection for connection for a field device, a power supply path and a signal path, wherein the power supply path and the signal path are arranged in parallel with one another between the bus connection and the field device connection such that a supply voltage carried on the bus is isolated from a signal, which is likewise carried on the bus, by a first coupling unit arranged in the power supply path and a second coupling unit arranged in the signal path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for intelligently inverting DC power from DC sources such as photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to single-phase or three-phase AC power to feed the power grid for electricity generation. A number of smart single-input, dual-input, triple-input, quad-input, and multiple-input power inverters in a mixed variety can easily connect to single, dual, triple, quad, and multiple DC power sources, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate a total power, which is equal to the summation of the AC power supplied by each smart and scalable power inverter of this invention.

Abstract: A charging circuit receives electric power from a solar battery, and charges a secondary battery. A charging current detection unit generates a detection signal that corresponds to a charging current supplied from a DC/DC converter to the secondary battery. A control circuit generates a reference voltage that corresponds to the detection signal. A driving unit generates a pulse signal having a duty ratio that is adjusted such that the voltage output from the solar battery matches the reference voltage, and performs switching of a switching transistor according to the pulse signal. A control circuit adjusts the reference voltage such that the reference voltage becomes greater.

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