Abstract: A safety shutdown apparatus with self-driven control is coupled to a power-supplying path between a power supply apparatus and a load. The safety shutdown apparatus includes a detection unit, a controllable switch, and a drive circuit. The detection unit is coupled to the power-supplying path, and the controllable switch is coupled between a positive node and a negative node of the power-supplying path. The drive circuit is coupled to the detection unit, the power-supplying path, and the controllable switch. The drive circuit receives an output voltage of the power supply apparatus to turn on the controllable switch, and turn off the controllable switch according to whether the detection unit detects a current flowing through the power-supplying path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melting snow and/or ice on a vehicle comprises a precipitation sensor, a surface temperature sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a heater, and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory unit and a processor to store and execute a cut-off surface temperature Tc, and program modules, respectively. A heater control module is configured to deactivate the heater based on the surface temperature being greater than the cut-off surface temperature. The heater could be an electric heater and a hydronic heater. The electric heater is electrically coupled to at least any one of, an alternator, an onboard power system, and a remote power source, via a relay. Further, the heater control module is configured to activate the heater based on an ambient temperature being lower than freezing point of water and precipitation being present outside the vehicle, thereby melting snow and/or ice on the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a solar generator; a first battery configured to supply power for driving at least one load; and perform a recharge; a first charge amount detector configured to detect a charge amount of the first battery; and a controller configured to perform charging control on the first battery using electric energy generated by the solar generator in a parked state; determine whether the detected charge amount of the first battery is greater than or equal to a first reference charge amount during the charging control of the first battery; and perform charging termination control on the first battery when the detected charge amount of the first battery is determined to be greater than or equal to the first reference charge amount.

Abstract: A battery unit includes a positive relay switch, a negative relay switch, a first resistor disposed in a third wiring portion extending between a positive external terminal and a negative external terminal, a second resistor serially connected to a portion on more negative side than the first resistor, a third resistor disposed in a second wiring portion and connected in parallel with the negative relay switch, a potential difference detection section capable of detecting a first potential difference which is a potential difference between the portion of the third wiring portion on more negative side than the first resistor and a negative terminal and a failure determination section for determining a failure of the positive relay switch and the negative relay switch respectively, based on the first potential difference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery arrangement for an electrically powered industrial vehicle. The battery arrangement comprises a battery and ancillary equipment arranged to connect the battery to the vehicle. The battery is removably connected to the vehicle and comprises a current sensor. The battery is in a first state (A) when a measured current out from the battery exceeds a predetermined first current level. In the first state (A) the battery is prevented from turning power off to the vehicle. The battery is in a second state (B) when a measured current out from the battery is below a predetermined first current level for a predetermined first period of time. In the second state (B) the battery is allowed to turn power off to the vehicle.

Abstract: An example operation includes one or more of determining an estimated arrival time of a first transport to a charging station, determining an estimated remaining stored transport energy at the estimated arrival time of the first transport, notifying the first transport to provide a portion of the determined remaining stored transport energy and when a next transport is delayed to the charging station, notifying the first transport to provide an additional portion of the determined remaining stored transport energy based on the delay.

Abstract: A thermoelectric watch including a thermoelectric module including a hot plate and a cold plate connected by semiconductor pillars, wherein the hot plate is thermally connected to the back cover of the watch, the cold plate is thermally connected to the case middle of the watch via a support element with at least two branches, at least two branches have a common end on which is held the cold plate of the thermoelectric module, and at least two branches are flexible to absorb shocks.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds two multi-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator system including: a first surface having a first material configured to undergo a phase change at a first temperature; an actuator configured to retract the first material from contacting a heat source upon the heat source reaching a predetermined temperature higher than the first temperature; and a thermoelectric generator having a hot side and a cold side, the first material being on the hot side. The thermoelectric generator system can further include a second material configured to undergo a phase change at a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature, the second material being on the cold side of the thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece suppresses loss of power generating performance of a solar panel, and suppresses drop loss of antenna performance. The electronic timepiece has a pivot; a dial that transmits a light through which the pivot passes; an antenna having a radiating electrode through which the pivot passes; and a solar panel through which the pivot passes and which is disposed between the dial and the radiating electrode. The solar panel has a power generating part that converts light to electrical energy, and is disposed, in a plan view through the thickness direction of the dial, superimposed with the radiating electrode. Part or all of the outside circumference of the radiating electrode is disposed outside the power generating part in plan view.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a plurality of fuel cell units of which each includes a fuel cell, an air supply pipe, an air supply device, an air discharge pipe, and a control unit; and an exhaust pipe connected to the plurality of air discharge pipes and configured to discharge exhaust gas to the outside of the fuel cell system. The control units of the plurality of fuel cell units are configured such that, when one or more fuel cell units included in the plurality of fuel cell units are operating to generate electric power and each of the remainder of the plurality of fuel cell units is not operating to generate electric power, the control unit of the fuel cell unit that is not operating to generate electric power activates the air supply device of the corresponding fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a cover rotatably connected to the body. The vehicle further includes a control bar rotatably connected to the cover. The cover is rotatable onto the body to put the cover in the stowed position from an extended position. The bar is between the cover and the body when the bar is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An electrical circuit and a method for using the electrical circuit are disclosed. In an embodiment an electrical circuit includes an energy transducer, an energy storage system, a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the energy transducer is electrically coupled with the first and second terminals, wherein the energy storage system is electrically coupled with the first and second terminals, wherein the energy transducer is configured to charge the energy storage system at discrete time intervals, wherein the energy storage system is configured to provide energy continuously, wherein the energy transducer includes a solar cell, and wherein the energy storage system includes a solid-state storage battery.

Abstract: There is provided a digital voltage regulator, which includes a first comparator, a circuit switching circuit, a voltage regulation control circuit, a first transistor array and a second transistor array; a width-to-length ratio of any one of transistors in the first transistor array is larger than that of any one of transistors in the second transistor array; the first comparator outputs a comparison result between a first reference voltage and an output voltage; the voltage regulation control circuit generates a voltage regulating signal according to the comparison result under control of a clock signal; the circuit switching circuit controls one of the first transistor array and the second transistor array according to a comparison result between the output voltage and a second reference voltage and a comparison result between the output voltage and a third reference voltage to regulate the output voltage based on the voltage regulating signal.

Abstract: This application provides a method and a device for estimating a remaining charging time of a battery, and a battery management system. The method includes: determining a minimum charging time of each type of battery cell at a Kth charging phase based on a charge request current value of each type of battery cell at the Kth charging phase; and determining the remaining charging time of the battery when the Kth charging phase of any type of battery cell in the battery is a target state-of-charge phase, where the remaining charging time of the battery is a smallest one of accumulation values, each accumulation value being an accumulation of minimum charging times of a type of battery cell in the battery at all charging phases.

Abstract: Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a charging system. The charging system may be implemented within an independent charging station or within an autonomous vehicle. Boolean charging can be used to obtain the desired charge or discharge voltage for charging an autonomous vehicle at a charging station. By combining a subset of a sequence of batteries arrays that differ in voltage by powers of two in series, where each battery array may include multiple batteries or battery cells, a voltage may be obtained which is equal to the sum of the voltages across each battery array. This voltage may be used in turn to charge additional batteries or battery arrays. The process may be repeated until the desired amount of battery arrays has been charged and the desired voltage has been achieved.

Abstract: A variable body vehicle may include a drive module having drive the vehicle wheels provided at a lower portion of the drive module; a body module coupled to an external side of the drive module and forming an internal space of the vehicle; and a battery-mounting portion formed in the drive module or the body module to mount a battery therein, providing electric power to the battery when the battery is mounted, and determining a driving mode of the vehicle by allowing the battery to be selectively mounted in the drive module, wherein a body of the vehicle is variable by a combination between the drive module and the body module according to a purpose of use.

Abstract: A data processing device based on a programmable logic device is described that includes at least one function circuit configured to process input data; and at least one current smoothing circuit, each corresponding to one of the at least one function circuit, and configured to smooth a current change of the programmable logic device caused when a corresponding function circuit is switched between on and off. The current smoothing circuit includes a control circuit configured to generate a driving signal based on a switching manner of the function circuit corresponding to the current smoothing circuit; and a redundant circuit configured to operate according to the driving signal to smooth the current change. The control circuit includes a decoding control word generating circuit and a decoding circuit.

Abstract: Energy storage and distribution systems are provided that comprises an energy storage device (e.g., one or more batteries) that can be used in conjunction with one or more electrical power sources—e.g., solar, wind, electric grid, fuel cell, or diesel. A controller is provided that manages energy storage and power distribution to loads, the energy storage device, or both. Energy storage and distribution systems can be configured to meter DC energy such that DC power usage for each load can be acquired. In this way, operators such as mobile network operators (MNOs) can be charged according to their DC power usages. Energy storage and distribution systems can also be configured to enable prioritized load shedding of one or more loads.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method, the system including power generating fuel cells disposed in a stack, each power generating fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, a sensing fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, and a fuel processor configured to purify a fuel provided to the power generating fuel cells and the sensing fuel cell. The anode of the sensing fuel cell is thinner than the anodes of the power generating fuel cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power management module, a power management method and an energy system for a triboelectric nanogenerator. The power management module is configured to be electrically connected to a back end of the triboelectric nanogenerator, the power management module includes a rectifying circuit and a Direct Current (DC) buck circuit. The rectifying circuit is electrically connected to the back end of the triboelectric nanogenerator for rectifying a signal generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator to output a first DC signal, and the DC buck circuit is electrically connected to a back end of the rectifying circuit for decreasing a voltage of the first DC signal to output a second DC signal. The power management module may maximize and autonomously release the energy of the triboelectric nanogenerator, and perform a buck conversion for charging the energy storage device or directly driving the electronic device.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) charging station for fast charging (e.g. 5 to 15 minutes) an electric vehicle (EV). The EV charging station can be configured to charge multiple EVs and multiple conventional vehicles at the same time. The EV charging station can include a power source, an electric reservoir receiving power from the power source, an AC to DC power converter for receiving AC power from the power source and converting the AC power to DC power for supplying DC power to the electric reservoir, an EV charger receiving DC power from the electric reservoir; and a first DC to DC converter receiving DC power from the electrical reservoir and converting the DC power to DC power suitable for charging the electrical vehicle.

Abstract: A battery energy storage system for use in providing balancing services to an electrical power distribution network is set to monitor the state of charge (SoC) of a storage battery (26). If the SoC is within an optimal range (48), the balancing service is provided solely by charging and discharging the battery. If the battery SoC falls below a predetermined low threshold (52), a first non-battery asset is operated to increase power supplied to the network. Similarly, if the battery SoC rises above a predetermined high threshold (50), a second non-battery asset is operated to provide the balancing service. With this arrangement, requirements on the energy storage capacity of the battery are reduced. For the system to meet balancing service regulatory requirements, the battery need only remain capable of charging or discharging beyond each threshold (50, 52) for a period of time that covers that taken for the respective asset to reach operational capacity.

Abstract: A power bank includes, in part, a rechargeable battery, a wireless power recovery unit adapted to receive power wirelessly, a battery charging circuit adapted to deliver the power recovered by the power recovery unit to the rechargeable battery, an output interface, and a voltage reconditioning circuit adapted to supply power from the rechargeable battery to the output interface for delivery to an external device. The wireless power recovery unit may include one or more of a multitude of photodiodes adapted to convert a coherent optical signal to electrical power, an acoustic transducer adapted to convert acoustic waves to an electrical power, an inductive coupling circuit adapted to convert time varying magnetic flux to electrical power, and an RF power recovery unit adapted to convert an RF signal to electrical power.

Abstract: A measuring method for a portable electrical energy system includes acquiring a total capacity and an initial electric quantity percentage of each battery pack, detecting a discharging current and a discharging time of each battery pack, calculating a discharging capacity of each battery pack, calculating a remaining electric quantity of each battery pack; calculating a real-time electric quantity percentage of each battery pack; acquiring an open circuit voltage of each battery pack and a real-time internal resistance of a cell unit of each battery pack; calculating a remaining electric quantity of each battery pack; and calculating a remaining electric quantity of the portable electrical energy system. This method can reduce the calculation error of the remaining electric quantity and improve the battery utilization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for in-use charging for wearable devices are described, in which the wearable device may include an energy harvesting unit coupled with a rechargeable battery unit. The energy harvesting unit may include one or more transducers configured to generate electrical energy from various types of non-electrical energy around the wearable device such that the wearable device may replenish the rechargeable battery unit while a person uses the wearable devices. Such non-electrical energy may include electromagnetic energy, light energy, thermal energy, kinetic energy, or the like. Additionally, the rechargeable battery unit may include two or more partitions such that one of the partitions may be detached when necessary (e.g., to replace with a fully charged partition) without disrupting operations of the wearable device.

Abstract: A modular cover for a battery system and a method for assembling the modular cover are disclosed. The apparatus can include a first modular segment and a second modular segment that are interconnected. The modular cover can be expanded in size for use with different types of battery systems and housings.

Abstract: An electronic case for electronic spectacles may include a base comprising a cavity formed therein. A first spectacle retention device may be located within the cavity. The first spectacle retention device may be configured to retain spectacles. An electrical control system may be included. An electrical connector may be configured to couple the electrical control system in electronic communication with the spectacles.

Abstract: A full DC buck-boost power transmission system comprises at least one DC power supply, at least one boost station, a high-voltage cable and at least one buck station connected in sequence. The boost station includes a first battery pack unit, and the buck station includes a second battery pack unit. The DC power supply, the boost station, the high-voltage cable and the buck station cooperate with each other, and the connection modes of the first battery pack unit and the second battery pack unit can be switched, so that the first battery pack unit and the second battery pack unit undergo the process of charging and discharging in different connection modes, realizing the storage, boost, transmission, buck and supply of the DC power.

Abstract: A system may include a relay device that includes armatures associated with phases of voltage signals. The system may also include relay coils, such that each relay coil may receive a respective voltage that magnetizes a respective relay coil, thereby causing the respective armature to move from a respective first position to a respective second position. The system may also include a control system that receive an indication that a fault condition is present, identify a first phase of the phases of voltage signals that is expected to be the next phase of the phases to cross zero, and send a signal to the relay device in response to identifying the first phase. The signal is configured to cause a first relay coil of the relay coils to energize or deenergize.

Abstract: A data processing unit comprises a first interface for exchanging first information with at least one motor vehicle and a second interface for exchanging second information with a plurality of charging stations for charging an energy storage device of a first motor vehicle. The first interface is configured to exchange the first information with a plurality of motor vehicles, and the data processing unit is configured, when receiving the first information relating to a charge status at the point in time of a desired charging of the energy storage device and a maximum charging power of the at least one motor vehicle, and the second information relating to a charging power available from at least at one charging station at a predetermined point in time, to create a strategy by which a particular motor vehicle is assigned to a particular charging station for a point in time for charging-start.

Abstract: The system and method described herein relate to production of power from the wind farm that incorporate tunable power production forecasts for optimal wind farm performance, where the wind farm power production is controlled at least in part by the power production forecasts. The system and method use a tunable power forecasting model to generate tunable coefficients based on asymmetric loss function applied on actual power production data, along with tuning factor(s) that tune forecast towards under forecasting or over forecasting. The power production forecasts are generated using the tunable coefficients 34 and power characteristic features that are derived from actual power production data. The power production forecasts are monitored for any degradation, and a control action to regenerate the coefficients or retune the model is undertaken if degradation is observed.

Abstract: A method of designing a machine on which a drive motor, a fuel cell stack, and a secondary battery are mounted includes: determining a maximum output of the drive motor to be a first output value and an output of the drive motor when a vehicle travels under a cruise condition to be a second output value; determining the number of fuel cell stacks to be mounted to be n; and determining a maximum output of the secondary battery to be a value obtained by subtracting a value obtained by multiplying a maximum output of the fuel cell stack by the n, from the first output value. A value obtained by multiplying the third output value by the n is equal to or larger than the second output value, and a value obtained by multiplying the third output value by (n?1) is less than the second output value.

Abstract: A solar charging system and method for a vehicle may include a battery mounted in the vehicle, a solar panel mounted on the vehicle to perform solar power generation, and a solar controller that receives electricity generated from the solar panel to operate, and controls charging of the battery using the electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distributed battery pack power supply system, a charging control method, and a discharging control method, where a plurality of battery packs or battery groups is directly coupled in parallel or indirectly coupled in parallel as required using a charging/discharging circuit of the distributed battery pack power supply system and a corresponding control policy. A distributed battery includes a plurality of battery packs, and further includes a controller, a bidirectional voltage transformation circuit, a bypass circuit, a charging circuit, and a charging input end. Each battery pack corresponds to one bypass circuit and one bidirectional voltage transformation circuit.

Abstract: A controller is for controlling a battery module including a plurality of battery cells in a housing. The controller includes a control module to perform at least one control function with respect to at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and an access detection circuit including a light sensitive element in the housing. The access detection circuit is to output an access detection signal when a light intensity in the housing is greater than a predetermined threshold. The controller is to alter a state of the control module in response to the access detection signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a wireless charger for charging an electronic device within a vehicle. The wireless charger includes a first sensor. The first sensor is configured to measure or detect a temperature of the electronic device. The wireless charger includes a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device is configured to adjust the temperature of the electronic device or a surface of the charging pad. The wireless charger includes a processor coupled to the first sensor and the thermoelectric device. The processor is configured to determine that the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a first threshold temperature and control the thermoelectric device to increase or decrease the temperature of the electronic device or the surface of the charging pad.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a pair of left and right batteries (26a); a pair of left and right battery-holding portions (28d) which respectively hold the left and right batteries (26a); and a pair of left and right battery connection terminals (28c1) which are provided on inner sides of the left and right battery-holding portions (28d) in a vehicle width direction and connected respectively to the left and right batteries (26a).

Abstract: A sensor system includes a pixel array, a DC/DC converter, and a photodiode stack. The pixel array is configured to operate in an image capturing mode or an energy harvesting mode. The DC/DC converter is configured to convert energy captured by the pixel array while in energy harvesting mode. The photodiode stack is located adjacent to the pixel array and configured to provide power to the DC/DC converter.

Abstract: Storage battery unit is a storage battery unit which is connected to PCS. Storage battery unit includes: storage battery module that includes a plurality of electric cells; first terminal which is connectable to PCS, and capable of outputting electric power from storage battery module to PCS; and second terminal which is connectable to external device, and capable of outputting electric power from storage battery module to external device without passing through PCS.

Abstract: A lighting system has a set of multiple LED luminaires, and combines solar panel power and external grid power. A solar converter converts the output from the solar panel into a first power. Each luminaire is associated with a driver to inject current into the LED lighting unit from the external grid power supply. The LED lighting units of the luminaires are connected together to the solar converter and are thereby driven together by the first power simultaneously. This simplifies the structure.

Abstract: A mobile battery pack includes a housing. The housing is defined by an upper surface and a lower surface the upper surface of the housing includes a transparent portion. A number of layers are placed between the upper surface and the tower surface. The layers include at least one bifacial solar panel placed underneath the transparent portion of the upper surface and at least one reflective layer placed below the bifacial solar panel. The reflective layer includes at least one light emitting diode. The reflective light emitting diode activates the solar array producing solar energy. A rechargeable battery is connected with the bifacial solar panel and means of transmitting solar energy to the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Provided is a charging control device including a current detector, an abnormal current determination circuit, and a charging stop circuit. The current detector is configured to detect a charging current, the abnormal current determination circuit is configured to determine whether the charging current is attenuated and/or increased in a constant voltage charging region, and to determine whether a value of the charging current per unit time is increased, and the charging stop circuit is configured to stop a constant voltage charging when the value of the charging current per unit time is increased.

Abstract: The application describes systems and methods for a modular portable power plant system including a first module having a first bank of one or more batteries and a second module that is detachably connectable to the first module. The second module includes a first DC to AC power inverter that is in electrical communications with the first bank of one or more batteries. The first module can be configured to house a first bank of one or more batteries arranged in a first configuration or a second configuration such that the first module includes a reconfigurable battery rack assembly arranged to be reconfigurable to provide support for a first battery set in the first configuration and a second battery set in the second configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply apparatus for supplying at least one device spaced apart from the power supply with electrical power, the power supply apparatus being connectable to a power grid, the power supply apparatus including at least one position-sensing apparatus for sensing a geometric position of the at least one device. The power supply apparatus can be directed at the at least one device in such a way that power can be wirelessly transmitted by the power supply apparatus to the device and/or the device can be supplied with electrical power by the power supply device.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) is provided for managing energy from an energy harvester. The PMIC includes a voltage converter and switches configured for switchable connecting an input of the voltage converter with either a first input terminal connectable to the energy harvester or with a second input terminal connectable with a primary battery. The PMIC further includes a controller for driving the switches based on energy status signals related to the energy storage device and/or the energy harvester. The power management integrated circuit (PMIC) is also related to an energy harvesting system that includes a PMIC, an energy harvester connected to the first input terminal, an energy storage device connected to the output terminal, and a primary battery connected to the second input terminal.

Abstract: In an electrical power conversion device including a step-up or boost converter and an inverter, a small-size and inexpensive power conversion device is provided in which its reactor and capacitors can be made more compact. The electrical power conversion device includes a boost converter connected to an electric energy storage device, an inverter connected on an output side of the boost converter, and a controller for performing a turn-on/turn-off control on semiconductor switching devices of the boost converter and semiconductor switching devices of the inverter; and the semiconductor switching devices of the boost converter are made of an SiC semiconductor, and the semiconductor switching devices of the inverter are made of an Si semiconductor.

Abstract: A charging station for an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle and the charging station each have couplers and & communication modules. The couplers are releasably coupled for transfer of energy & the communication modules communicate the charging data. The charging station further include: an interface connects with an external source of electrical energy; a control module provides control signals and a switching module is responsive to the control signals for selectively connecting the second coupler and the interface for allowing the transfer of energy between the couplers; and operating in: a first mode to allow provide at least one of a regulated the coupler current or and the coupler voltage to be regulated; or a second mode to allow the provide an unregulated coupler current or and the coupler voltage to be unregulated.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery control system which enables extending the communication range between a cell controller and a battery controller while keeping power consumption in the cell controller low and which is capable of ensuring communication reliability. In this battery control system, after transmitting a response request to the cell controller, the battery controller transmits to the cell controller a non-modulated wave having a power level lower than that of the response request, and the cell controller generates a response signal by performing amplitude-modulation on the non-modulated wave (see FIG. 6).