Plural Generators Patents (Class 307/84)
  • Publication number: 20130002032
    Abstract: A power grid operation control system, device, and method for steadily operating a power grid while making the most of renewable energy. The power grid operation control system serves a power grid connected to a plurality of renewable energy and a plurality of thermal/hydroelectric power generators, and includes an automatic dispatching system, which controls the thermal/hydroelectric power generators, and a renewable energy generation control system, which controls the renewable energy. The automatic dispatching system controls the thermal/hydroelectric power generators by generating an automatic frequency control signal for correcting the power supply and demand imbalance of the power grid. The renewable energy generation control system determines an available connection capability and issues load instructions to ensure that the total power generation capacity of the renewable energy does not exceed the available connection capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Shigeki Mori, Yuuta Gima, Ryuta Kinjo, Fumihiro Shinjo, Yasunori Uezu, Eiichiro Kagawa
  • Patent number: 8338983
    Abstract: A method of operating an alternating current (AC) power distribution assembly (PDA), where the ACPDA includes a plurality of AC power distribution modules, each connected to a respective AC load includes turning a first switch off and turning a second switch on in each of the AC power distribution modules; starting up each of the respective AC loads; monitoring a load current in the ACPDA and obtaining an acceptable load current in the ACPDA; determining if a set of motor sensor parameters for the ACPDA are within predetermined limits, and, in the event the motor sensor parameters are within the predetermined limits, determining if a startup period has elapsed; and in the event the startup period has elapsed, turning the first switch on and turning the second switch off in each of the AC power distribution modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Said M. Waleed
  • Publication number: 20120323396
    Abstract: Approaches for controlling power supplied to an electric grid are disclosed. In embodiments, methods and systems control power supplied to an electric grid using an energy storage device. In an embodiment, a method receives an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid, generates power from a power generator and adjusts, using the generated power, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication. In another embodiment, a system comprises a grid indication receiver for receiving an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid; a power generator connected to the grid; an energy storage device coupled to the power generator; and a controller for adjusting, using the generated power from the generator, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: The AES Corporation
    Inventors: John Christopher SHELTON, Jay Craig GEINZER, Brett Lance GALURA, Steven Christianne Gerard MEERSMAN
  • Patent number: 8301312
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Wärtsilä Finland Oy
    Inventors: Ari Saikkonen, Tom Kaas
  • Publication number: 20120267959
    Abstract: The invention proposes a means for transporting electrical energy and/or information from a distance by using, at a slowly varying regime, the Coulomb field which surrounds any set of charged conductors. The device according to the invention is composed of energy production and consumption devices situated a short distance apart, it uses neither the propagation of electromagnetic waves nor induction and cannot be reduced to a simple arrangement of electrical capacitors. The device is modeled in the form of an interaction between oscillating asymmetric electric dipoles, consisting of a high-frequency high-voltage generator (1) or of a high-frequency high-voltage load (5) placed between two electrodes. The dipoles exert a mutual influence on one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., TMMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Camurati, Henri Bondar
  • Patent number: 8288896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a 3N?4-level (N?3) voltage converter including: 3N?5 direct voltage generators (1, 2, 3, 4) connected between two input voltage terminals (V+, V?), two lateral commutation branches (10, 11), each connected between an output terminal and an input voltage terminal (V+, V?) and comprising N?1 series connected commutation cells (20, 21, 22, 23), 2N?4 central commutation branches (12, 13), each comprising a switch bidirectional in terms of voltage and current and being connected between two commutation cells of a lateral branch (10, 11) and two generators, and N?2 pairs of diode cells (16) each connected to two of the 2N?4 central commutation branches (12, 13). The diodes (14, 15) of one pair are series connected, in the same direction, and are connected together by a middle point connected between two generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Guy Flury
  • Patent number: 8283803
    Abstract: A wind farm in which electrical power produced in the wind farm is transported via a wind-farm-internal network to a substation. Upon being transferred to an external network, the electrical power is transformed to a voltage which is higher by a selectable step-up ratio than the voltage in the wind-farm-internal network. The electrical load level on a wind energy installation in the wind farm is determined, and the step-up ratio is adjusted as a function of the electrical load level. Accordingly, it is possible to influence the voltage in the wind-farm-internal network such that the wind energy installations are subject to a lower electrical load level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: RePower Systems AG
    Inventors: Jens Fortmann, Friedrich Koch
  • Patent number: 8275489
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generation and distribution of commercial wind power are provided. In one embodiment, a deployment method centers on the commercial deployment of small sized wind turbines that use existing power poles or similar structures to place the wind turbines high above the tree lines and in a clean air flow regime. This deployment can be free of any land needs, and can generate substantial electrical energy without any new poles in the sky line. Each wind turbine can provide power directly to the power grid at the point of generation for usage close to the point of generation. The power produced by each wind turbine can be metered at the wind turbine, or the point of generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Devine
  • Publication number: 20120228950
    Abstract: This stabilization system providing plural power supply systems, the power supply systems comprising, distributed type power sources, and detection unit detecting the power passing through specific parts of the distribution lines between the distributed type power sources and the power grid, wherein smoothing control is performed on the power output to the power grid based on the detected power output data of the detection unit, and said plural power supply systems include a first power supply system performing smoothing control in the event that the amount of fluctuation of the value of said detected power output is not less than a first threshold value, and a second power supply system performing smoothing control in the event that the amount of fluctuation of the value of said detected power output is not less than a second threshold value which is greater than the first threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Souichi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20120228949
    Abstract: A DC electrical power system has a power generator converter system, a positive supply rail extending from the converter system, a negative supply rail extending from the converter system, and a midpoint earthing arrangement operatively connecting to the supply rails. The earthing arrangement is connected to earth by a solid earth connection. The network further has a first protective device on one of the supply rails which in case of a fault is operable to interrupt current flowing on that rail, and a second protective device on the earthing arrangement which in case of a fault is operable to interrupt current flowing to earth through the solid earth connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. NORMAN, Stuart J. GALLOWAY, Graeme M. BURT
  • Publication number: 20120217814
    Abstract: Power generating elements output electromotive force. A path switching unit switches a path for connecting arbitrary power generating elements among the power generating elements. A voltage converting unit is a DC-DC converter that converts voltage levels of outputs of some of the power generating elements. A path switching control unit controls the path switching unit such that a set of power generating elements where a sum of maximum power point voltages falls within a range of an appropriate charging voltage of a storage element is connected to a short-circuit path and the other power generating elements are connected to a transformation path. A voltage conversion control unit controls a transformation rate of voltage conversion in the voltage converting unit such that a voltage in the transformation path and a voltage in the short-circuit path become equal to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayuki Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20120212067
    Abstract: A portable complex power supply apparatus includes a portable case in which a hand generator, a power input connection member, a power control circuit element, a power storage unit, and an output connector are disposed or contained. Thus, the portable complex power supply apparatus is capable of supplying electric power everywhere by manpower or a power generator connected therewith, storing the electric power, and outputting the electric power to an electrical device with varies kinds of power specifications, so as to provide convenience in supplying electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SUNWELL DYNAMICS RESOURCES CORP.
    Inventor: WEN-CHING LAI
  • Publication number: 20120205986
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power generation system which includes a bus and a first single-phase synchronous generator that may provide a voltage output to the bus. A first generator controller operates the first single-phase synchronous generator. The power generation system further includes a second single-phase synchronous generator that may provide a voltage output to the bus. A second single-phase synchronous generator controller operates the second single-phase synchronous generator. The power generation system further includes a communication module that exchanges data with at least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator single-phase synchronous generator and the second single-phase synchronous generator are able to simultaneously supply a voltage and current output to the bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 8242636
    Abstract: In an apparatus for connecting two generators to an electrical load, there are provided a first group of terminals that are adapted to be connected to a single remote controller provided independently and separately from the apparatus and provided with a start switch and a stop switch to be manipulated by an operator, a second group of terminals that are adapted to be connected to each remote control terminal of the generators, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the first and second group of terminals and starts/stops each of the generators by outputting signals to each of the generators through the second group of terminals in accordance with a start instruction signal and a stop instruction signal produced in response to the operator's manipulation of the start switch and stop switch and inputted through the first group of terminals, thereby enabling to start and stop generators to be run in parallel by using a single remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20120193992
    Abstract: A power converter system includes a first unipolar voltage source that produces a first voltage and a second unipolar voltage source that produces a second voltage. The power converter system also includes a transformer with a first primary winding, a second primary winding, and a secondary winding, and control equipment. The first primary winding is connected to the first unipolar voltage source, and the second primary winding is connected to the second unipolar voltage source such that when the first voltage is applied, a first secondary voltage is induced in the secondary winding and that when the second voltage is applied, a second secondary voltage is induced. The first secondary voltage is directed in opposition to the second secondary voltage. The control equipment drives the first unipolar voltage source and the second unipolar voltage source in alternation for the production of the first voltage and the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Heuermann
  • Publication number: 20120193991
    Abstract: A power generator park provided, which includes at least two power generator devices. Each power generator device has a switching converter for providing an electrical output power. A central controller is provided for providing switching parameter settings to the switching converters. Each of the at least two power generator devices further includes a timing unit for receiving a common time signal. The switching converter of each of the at least two power generator devices is configured for controlling at least one switching parameter in response to the respective switching parameter setting with a temporal coordination based on the common time signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Kim Hoej Jensen, Michael Jensen
  • Publication number: 20120193990
    Abstract: A method for controlling a group of photovoltaic energy generators, the method includes providing, to a junction that is coupled to a component of a first photovoltaic energy generator (PEG), power generated by at least a second PEG such as to increase the power that is generated from the group of photovoltaic energy generators (PEGs); wherein the group of PEGs comprises the first PEG and the second PEG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: RAMOT AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY LTD.
    Inventors: Yigal Nimni, Doron Shmilovitz
  • Patent number: 8227942
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink. The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
  • Patent number: 8212412
    Abstract: A power system for connecting a variable voltage power source, such as a power controller, with a plurality of energy storage devices, at least two of which have a different initial voltage than the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. The power system includes a controller that increases the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. When such output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a first one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the first one of the energy storage devices. The controller then causes the output voltage of the variable voltage power source to continue increasing. When the output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a second one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the second one of the energy storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Northern Power Systems Utility Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Benedict, Nicholas P. Borland, Magdelena Dale, Belvin Freeman, Kim A. Kite, Jeffrey K. Petter, Brendan F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8212411
    Abstract: A system for generating electric energy from renewable energy sources such as waves includes a plurality of generator aggregates (4a-6c) arranged in the sea and a plurality of switchgears (1a-1c) arranged in the sea. Each switchgear (1a-1c) is connected to a plurality of the generator aggregates (4a-6c). A plurality of primary intermediate stations (17a-17c) are respectively connected to a plurality of the switchgears, and a secondary intermediate station (19) is connected to a plurality of the primary intermediate stations (17a-17c). The secondary intermediate station is also connected to a land based electric network. Switching means (192) is present for allowing selective connection to various locations (193, 194, 195) in the electric network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Seabased AB
    Inventors: Karin Thorburn, Mats Leijon
  • Patent number: 8212408
    Abstract: Wind-generated electric power is collected in a multiple nodal arrangement where the DC output current of each node can be held constant while the DC output node voltage is allowed to vary. The DC outputs from the wind-generated power collection nodes are connected together in series and fed to a plurality of regulated current source inverters via a high voltage DC transmission link. Each inverter converts input DC power into a three phase AC output. The AC outputs of the regulated current source inverters are connected to a phase shifting transformation network that supplies three phase electric power to a conventional AC electrical transmission system. Alternatively wind-generated and photovoltaic-generated electric power is commonly collected in a nodal arrangement and transported at high voltage DC to a plurality of regulated current source inverters for supply to the conventional AC electrical transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alencon Acquisition Co., LLC.
    Inventor: Oleg S. Fishman
  • Patent number: 8207637
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink. The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
  • Publication number: 20120146423
    Abstract: A method and a system are described for island operation of at least two wind turbines associated with a wind farm, wherein said wind farm is configured for providing power generated by wind turbines in said wind farm to a main grid and wherein the method comprises: detecting at least two or more deactivated wind turbines in said wind farm, said deactivated wind turbines being disconnected from said main grid; configuring at least one islanded local grid for electrically connecting said two or more deactivated wind turbines; activating at least one of said deactivated wind turbine using a black start operation; and, connecting said at least one activated wind turbine and at least one of said deactivated wind turbines to said local grid, said activated wind turbine acting as a power supply for said at least one deactivated wind turbine connected to said local grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: XEMC Darwind B.V.
    Inventors: Florentius Joannes Bodewes, Franciscus Leonardus Hendricus Strik
  • Patent number: 8198753
    Abstract: A method of operating a power system is provided. The power system has a plurality of generator sets and a bus. The method monitors the bus and generator sets disconnected from the bus. The method supplies to a control device information associated with the operating state of each of the generator sets and the bus. The method determines a relative frequency mismatch, multiplied by a first weight factor, and a relative phase mismatch, multiplied by a second weight factor, between the frequency and phase of the bus and a generator, and generates a frequency speed bias and a phase speed bias for the generator. The method adds the frequency and phase speed biases to form a total speed bias and connects the generator to the bus when the voltage, frequency, and phase of the generator are within a permissible range of the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Marcelo C. Algrain
  • Publication number: 20120139354
    Abstract: A method for no break power transfer in a variable frequency power generating system, the power generating system comprising a first bus connected to a first generator and a second bus connected to a second generator includes configuring a power transfer device to output power that is synchronized to match a voltage and a frequency of the second bus to the second bus; reconfiguring the power transfer device to output power that is synchronized to match a voltage and a frequency of the first bus to the second bus; and closing a tie switch located between the first bus and the second bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Waleed M. Said
  • Publication number: 20120139473
    Abstract: An electrical power supply apparatus supplied with radiant energy is equipped with at least one electrical generator converting radiant energy into electrical power. The electrical power generator can be a photovoltaic solar generator that converts the impinging radiant energy into electrical power. A hydrogen generator produces hydrogen from water and a water reservoir is connected through a first water line to the hydrogen generator. A hydrogen reservoir is connected through a first hydrogen line to the hydrogen generator. A fuel cell or a hydrogen combustion engine is connected to a second electrical power generator, which fuel cell or engine is connected through a second hydrogen line to the hydrogen reservoir and is connected through a second water line to the water reservoir. A control unit is electrically connected to the electrical power generator, hydrogen generator, and fuel cell or hydrogen combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred HIEBL, Hans-Wolfgang Pongratz
  • Publication number: 20120126628
    Abstract: The inventions relates to a system for conditioning of power from a turbine, the turbine comprising at least one turbine blade (1) connected to a rotating hub (2), the rotating hub (2) is arranged to drive a generator (5). The generator is a multi pole synchronous generator (5) connected via a plurality of galvanic isolated three-phase cables (11) to a multi level frequency converter (25), the generator (5) also being arranged to feed current to the frequency converter (25) through the three-phase cables (11). The multi level frequency converter (25) is constituted by a plurality of elements arranged in columns and coupled in cascading order to add inverted voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Ole Johan Bjerknes
  • Publication number: 20120086281
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission unit includes oscillators that convert DC energy into RF energy with a frequency f0, power transmitting antennas, and power receiving antennas. Each power transmitting antenna is a series resonant circuit in which a power transmitting inductor and a first capacitor are connected in series. Each power receiving antenna is a parallel resonant circuit in which a power receiving inductor and a second capacitor are connected in parallel. If the oscillator has a voltage step-up ratio Voc, the power transmitting inductor has an inductance L1, the power receiving inductor has an inductance L2, and the power transmitting and power receiving antennas and have a coupling coefficient k, (L2/L1)?4(k/Voc)2 is satisfied. The absolute value of the phase difference ?res between the respective resonant magnetic fields of first and second pairs of resonant antennas is set to fall within the range of 90 to 180 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi KANNO
  • Publication number: 20120074789
    Abstract: A green power demand management device includes: a power meter which receives power from a power distribution system with a plurality of power generating units, and supplies a received power to a first appliance; a receiver which receives energy mixture information showing a power generation proportion among each power generating unit, a measuring unit which measures electric energy consumed by the first appliance, a setting unit which sets a first threshold, and an operating state control manager which uses an intensity conversion table including emission intensities each representing an amount of an environmental load material emitted by each power generating unit, obtains a second threshold by dividing the first threshold by sum total of the emission intensity of each power generating unit weighted by the proportion, and controls the first appliance so that electric energy consumption of the first appliance is equal to or smaller than the second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Minoru YONEZAWA, Yoshiyuki Hondo, Toshimitsu Kumazawa
  • Patent number: 8110948
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes an interfacing circuit that enables a current source inverter to operate from a voltage energy storage device (voltage source), such as a battery, ultracapacitor or fuel cell. The interfacing circuit, also referred to as a voltage-to-current converter, transforms the voltage source into a current source that feeds a DC current to a current source inverter. The voltage-to-current converter also provides means for controlling and maintaining a constant DC bus current that supplies the current source inverter. The voltage-to-current converter also enables the current source inverter to charge the voltage energy storage device, such as during dynamic braking of a hybrid electric vehicle, without the need of reversing the direction of the DC bus current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Gui-Jia Su
  • Publication number: 20120007435
    Abstract: A power generator according to the present invention includes: a power generating section (101) for outputting DC energy; an oscillator (103) for converting the DC energy into RF energy having a frequency f0; a first antenna (107) for transmitting the RF energy; a second antenna, which receives, by coupling a resonant magnetic field, at least a part of the RF energy transmitted by the first antenna (107); and an output converting section (120) for converting the RF energy supplied from the second antenna (109) into AC energy having a lower frequency than the RF energy. If the oscillator (103) has a voltage step-up ratio Voc, the output converting section (120) has a voltage step-up ratio Vtr, the first inductor (107a) of the first antenna (107) has an inductance L1, the second inductor (109a) of the second antenna (109) has an inductance L2, and the first and second antennas (107, 109) have a coupling coefficient k, the power generator satisfies (L2/L1)?(k/(Voc×Vtr))2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomokazu SADA, Hiroshi KANNO
  • Patent number: 8093757
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Wolfs
  • Patent number: 8093756
    Abstract: Renewable electrical energy is provided with aspects and circuitry that can harvest maximum power from an alternative electrical energy source (1) such as a string of solar panels (11) for a power grid (10). Aspects include: i) controlling electrical power creation from photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5), ii) operating photovoltaic DC-AC inverter (5) at maximal efficiency even when MPP would not be, iii) protecting DC-AC inverter (5) so input can vary over a range of insolation and temperature, and iv) providing dynamically reactive capability to react and assure operation, to permit differing components, to achieve code compliant dynamically reactive photovoltaic power control circuitry (41). With previously explained converters, inverter control circuitry (38) or photovoltaic power converter functionality control circuitry (8) configured as inverter sweet spot converter control circuitry (46) can achieve extraordinary efficiencies with substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic capability at 99.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: AMPT, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Anatoli Ledenev
  • Patent number: 8089179
    Abstract: An electrical generation system utilizes a variable frequency generator operating in combination with a constant frequency generator. Also disclosed and claimed are an aircraft electrical architecture, and a gas turbine engine incorporating the above electrical generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Craig R. Legros
  • Publication number: 20110309683
    Abstract: An electric power control system is provided. The power control system includes a first node to which a plurality of power production entities are connectable for combining their power output signals as a first power signal, a transformer adapted to transformer the first power signal at the first node to a second power signal at a second node connectable to a load, the second power signal having a higher voltage than the first power signal, at least one capacitor connectable to the first node and/or to the second node, a control unit adapted to control the connection of the at least one capacitor to the first node and/or to the second node such that a power loss caused by transmission loss of the power output signals from the power production entities to the load is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kaj Skov Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20110298220
    Abstract: A combined stranded gas and wind integrated system power plant is disclosed which may be used to capture energy from stranded natural gas in conjunction with wind energy to provide usable electricity which may be used either locally or transmitted to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Dennis Anderson, George William Shurr
  • Publication number: 20110298293
    Abstract: An energy storage system comprises a housing and a flywheel having a drive shaft portion attached to a cylindrical ferromagnetic rotor portion. The drive shaft portion defines a substantially vertical axis about which the rotor portion is mounted for rotation. A magnetic bearing assembly comprised of an annular permanent magnet having no electromagnetic components is mounted on the housing in stationary centered relation about the vertical axis above the rotor portion so as to attract the rotor portion axially upwardly towards a lower face of permanent magnet, thereby supporting a significantly high portion of the weight of the flywheel. At least one low friction mechanical bearing assembly is mounted within the housing about the drive shaft portion to provide radial positioning of the rotor portion and to limit at least upward axial movement of the rotor portion in relation to the lower face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Temporal Power Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allan Veltri
  • Patent number: 8053932
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two generators to run in parallel including a conductive path that connects the generators to an electrical load, a switching circuit that opens/closes the conductive path, a current sensor that detects current flowing the conductive path and an electronic control unit comprising a microcomputer. The control unit functions as a generator model identifier that inputs a signal indicating a model ID from each generator and determines whether the model ID corresponds to data stored in memory, and a switching circuit operator that operates the circuit to close the conductive path to connect the generators to the electrical load when the model ID corresponds to the data, while operates it to open the conductive path when the current is not detected by the current sensor after the conductive path was closed, thereby preventing the outputs of other generators from appearing at the terminals of a disconnected plug and damage to the generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Eguchi, Ryuichi Kimata, Minoru Tamura
  • Patent number: 8039992
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Masubuchi
  • Patent number: 8008800
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a plurality of engines, a plurality of loads, a plurality of electrical generators, at least one load sensor, at least one electrical energy storage device, and a controller. The plurality of engines include a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of loads include a first mechanical load, a second mechanical load, a first electrical load, and a second electrical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and the second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generator include a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The first generator is electrically coupled to the first electrical load and the second generator is electrically coupled to the second electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan P. Mackin, Alan D. Sheidler
  • Patent number: 7994658
    Abstract: A windfarm system is provided that is optimized for minimizing electrical loss. The windfarm system includes a plurality of wind turbine generators and a collector system including a conductor or network of conductors. The collector system also including a plurality of transformers with one or more transformers connected between each wind turbine generator and the conductors, and a substation transformer connecting the windfarm collector system to the electrical grid. The windfarm system also includes a monitoring system for monitoring the windfarm system electrical output and thermal condition, and outputs of the individual wind turbine generators. A control function may include voltage and real and reactive power commands to the individual wind turbine generators. The control function incorporates an algorithm whose technical effect is minimizing electrical losses for the windfarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Cardinal, Robert W. Delmerico, Nicholas W. Miller, Reigh A. Walling
  • Patent number: 7986057
    Abstract: A method and system for improving peak power capability in an electrical system is disclosed. The system may include an auxiliary generator operated in conjunction with one or more main engine generators during the need for increased transient load demands. The system may include a main engine generator, an auxiliary generator, an inverter/converter controller (ICC) connected to respective generators, a semi-conductor power device connected between the ICCs, and a main bus between the semi-conductor power device and a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Evgeni Ganev, Bulent Sarlioglu, William Warr
  • Publication number: 20110163606
    Abstract: A power system includes a plurality of power generation units configured to generate power from a renewable energy resource and at least one controller configured to be coupled to at least one power generation unit of the plurality of power generation units. The power system also includes a server that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the at least one controller. The server is configured to receive operational data from the at least one controller, transmit the operational data to a user, and control an operation of the plurality of power generation units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar, Hemanth Kumar A, Chery Jose, Sonali Parija, Srikanth Badugu
  • Patent number: 7969044
    Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for supplying power to a variable speed motor for rotating a shaft. The system comprises a variable speed prime mover adapted to generate an A/C output having a variable frequency corresponding to the speed of the prime mover, a power switch, a power distribution bus connected to the A/C output of the prime mover and connected, via the switch, to the motor such that the motor's speed is varied relative to the frequency of the A/C output, and a variable frequency drive operatively connected to the A/C output of the prime mover via the bus and effective to provide an alternate A/C output to the motor after the motor is disconnected from the bus. The switch is adapted to disconnect the motor from the bus when the prime mover's speed is equal to or within a predetermined range of the prime mover's speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: DRS Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Armstrong, Edward Thaxton
  • Patent number: 7960861
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement and method for redundantly supplying current to a downstream load are provided. The circuit arrangement includes a first current path including a first switch element to which a first voltage is applied on the input side, a second current path including a second switch element to which a second input voltage is applied on the input side, a first control device which is connected to the first current path and used to control the first switch element, a second control device which is connected to the second current path and used to control the second switch element, and a common output terminal of the first and second current paths, from which a load supply voltage is emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gscheidle, Michael Rimpel, Klaus Haefele
  • Publication number: 20110133563
    Abstract: A power supply device adapted for supplying electrical power to a load comprises a first electrical generator adapted for providing a first output current having a first phase angle; at least a second electrical generator adapted for providing a second output current having a second phase angle independent of the first phase angle; and a combination unit adapted for combining the first output current and the second output current to a combination current having reduced harmonics compared to the first and second output currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Werner BARTON, Andre Langel
  • Publication number: 20110115299
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Array Converter Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Kernahan
  • Patent number: 7939970
    Abstract: A method and system for reducing the cost of a combined offshore wind generation plant is provided by coupling the AC output of plural wind turbine generators to a single AC-DC converter prior to transmission of the DC power to an onshore DC-AC inverter site. The wind speed is monitored at selected locations within the wind plant, optionally, at selected turbine generators, and the operating frequency of the AC-DC converter is adjusted in accordance with a combine wind speed signal to permit operation of the plural wind turbines as a group. AC-DC followed by DC-AC conversions decouples the AC frequency produced by the wind turbines and allows the turbines to operate at variable frequency as a group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Reigh Allen Walling, Einar Vaughn Larsen, Robert William Delmerico
  • Patent number: 7936092
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for providing a supply voltage for the consumers of a vehicle electrical system, using generator units connected in parallel. The measurement voltage inputs and the monitor outputs of the controllers of the generator units are used in the initialization phase for the assignment of master or slave function, as well as for address assignment if warranted, and during later parallel operation are used to bring the degree of utilization of the generators of the generator units connected in parallel into agreement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Peuser
  • Patent number: 7936086
    Abstract: A power generation and distribution system utilizes two or more AC generators each of which may be driven by a separate prime mover such as a turbine. The generators may be driven at different rotational speeds. AC power from the generators may be rectified and applied to a common DC bus. Electrical loads may be applied to the common bus and may establish an electrical power requirement. Allocation of electrical power requirement may be made among the generators based on power available from the turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Yue, Jean-Luc Derouineau, Wayne T. Pearson