Abstract: A control arrangement that includes an inductor of small inductance and having an input side and an output side, the input side being connected to an input line connected, in use, to an output from a power supply, and the output side being connected to an output line connected, in use, to a load. A switched capacitor arrangement is located at the input side of the inductor, the switched capacitor arrangement being arranged such that an average voltage on the input line is maintained above a predetermined level during use of the control arrangement.

Abstract: An example method for charging a barcode reader that can be implemented by a charging cradle includes: detecting that the barcode reader is coupled to a first interface of the charging cradle for the barcode reader; detecting that a spare battery of the barcode reader is coupled to a second interface of the charging cradle; receiving, via a connection between the charging cradle and a port of a host power source, an indication of a magnitude of an input current that the host power source is capable of delivering to the charging cradle over the connection; comparing the magnitude of the input current to a threshold magnitude; responsive to the comparing, determining a charging order in which to charge the barcode reader and the spare battery using the input current from the host power source; and charging the barcode reader and the spare battery in accordance with the charging order.

Abstract: An in-vehicle solar charge control system includes a path switching unit provided in parallel with the first DC-to-DC converter on an electrical circuit that connects a solar DC-to-DC converter and a first battery and through which electricity having output power flows, and a switching unit controller which switches the path switching unit between a first state in which the output power is supplied to the first battery without being input to the first DC-to-DC converter, and a second state in which the output power is allowed to be input to the first DC-to-DC converter that is switched to the first operating state by a converter control unit.

Abstract: A method for charging a storage device, such as a capacitor or a supercapacitor, with energy from an energy harvester and using a voltage converter having a coldstart voltage convertor and a main voltage converter is provided. After charging a buffer capacitor with the coldstart voltage converter up to the first voltage V1, the method repetitively performs steps of a) charging the buffer capacitor with the main voltage converter up to a voltage V2>V1, followed by transferring charges from the buffer capacitor to the storage device, b) stopping transferring charges to the storage device when the voltage of the buffer capacitor is below a third voltage value V3, with V1<V3<V2. The steps a) to b) are repeated until the storage device has reached a storage reference voltage value Vst-ref with V1<Vst-ref<V3. A power management integrated circuit for charging a storage device according to the method is provided.

Abstract: An on-board electrical system includes a motor generator, a high-voltage battery, an electric power acquirer, an auxiliary subsystem, first and second step-down units, and a controller. The electric power acquirer is able to acquire electric power during travel of a vehicle, and able to feed acquired electric power to the high-voltage battery. The auxiliary subsystem includes an auxiliary battery and auxiliary machinery. The controller determines whether or not magnitude of a load on the auxiliary battery is equal to or greater than predetermined magnitude. On the condition that the magnitude of the load is equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude, the controller allows electric power from the electric power acquirer to be fed to the auxiliary subsystem through the second step-down unit.

Abstract: It is desirable to provide a technology which is capable of improving charging efficiency and reducing a possibility that power may affect a human body upon wireless power feeding. There is provided a receiver including a wireless communication unit configured to receive a radio wave transmitted from a transmitter; a display control unit configured to control display of at least one of receiving strength of the radio wave transmitted from the transmitter, at the wireless communication unit or predetermined information in accordance with the receiving strength; and a contactless communication unit configured to receive power wirelessly transmitted from the transmitter in a case where the receiving strength exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle including a solar cell includes: a high-voltage battery; a low voltage DC-DC converter (LDC) down-converting a voltage of the high-voltage battery; an auxiliary battery and an electrical load receiving the down-converted voltage from the LDC; a solar cell; a first solar cell converter converting output power of the solar cell into a voltage corresponding to a voltage of the auxiliary battery; a second solar cell converter converting the output power of the solar cell into a voltage corresponding to a voltage of the high-voltage battery; and a controller controlling operations of the LDC, the first solar cell converter, and the second solar cell converter based on a result of comparison between the output power of the solar cell and power consumption of the electrical load and based on a state of charge (SOC) of the auxiliary battery.

Abstract: A vehicle electricity supply control system, including: an acquisition section configured to acquire a power consumption of an auxiliary system, the auxiliary system being supplied with electricity from an auxiliary battery; and a control section configured to, in a first supply mode in which electricity is supplied to a drive battery and the auxiliary system and in a case in which the power consumption of the auxiliary system is greater than a predetermined value, control a ratio of electricity supplied to the drive battery and the auxiliary system such that an electricity supply amount to the auxiliary system becomes greater than in a case in which the power consumption of the auxiliary system is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying electric energy to a mining vehicle and a mining vehicle are provided. Electric energy is supplied to the mining vehicle using a system including a bipolar LVDC supply having a certain total voltage. The mining vehicle has at least a first energy unit and a second energy unit. The first energy unit is connected to a part of the certain total voltage and the second energy unit is connected to another part of the certain total voltage.

Abstract: The power output system contains a power supply having a supply line and a return line, and controls the flow of electricity to a load based on the temperature of the power supply. It does so via a control circuit, containing a temperature sensor and a switching circuit, connected between the power supply and the load. While the power supply remains relatively cool, the system allows power to flow to the load. When the power supply exceeds a certain threshold, however, the system disconnects the power supply from the load connection and connects it to the return line, bypassing the load and stopping the flow of electricity. Once the power supply has cooled sufficiently, the system reverses the process and reconnects the power supply to the load.

Abstract: One form of a charging control method using energy generated from a solar roof embedded with a solar cell according to the disclosure includes: transmitting an amount of energy generated from the solar roof by respective control units of a system for charging control; calculating an electrical load; determining whether the amount of energy generated from the solar roof is larger than the electrical load; instructing an output of a high-voltage converter when the amount of energy generated from the solar roof is larger than the electrical load; determining whether a high-voltage battery is in a charging state; and performing a variable voltage control when a high voltage is outputted in accordance with the instruction to perform the output of the high-voltage converter; and performing a charging control on the high-voltage battery in consideration of the amount of energy generated from the solar roof when it is determined that the high-voltage battery is in the charging state.

Abstract: A car windshield auxiliary battery apparatus for storing reserve power to start a vehicle includes a pair of capacitor plates configured to be coupled within a windshield of a vehicle. The pair of capacitor plates lies in parallel planes and comprises a first plate and a second plate configured to be in operational communication with a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a vehicle battery, respectively. A dielectric material is coupled between the pair of capacitor plates. A switch is configured to be coupled within the vehicle and is in operational communication with the pair of capacitor plates and the vehicle battery to interrupt or allow power flow therebetween.

Abstract: The two DC/DC converters perform DC/DC conversion of the power source voltage of the driving battery for supplying power to the motor of the vehicle and supply to an automatic operation load and a general load as electrical components mounted on the vehicle. The control units control the two DC/DC converters. The control units make only one of the two DC/DC converters DC/DC conversion at the start of the DC/DC conversion, and then make both of the two DC/DC converters DC/DC conversion.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus includes a charging power source, a plurality of charging circuits, a plurality of batteries, a plurality of switching circuits and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine the type of charging power source based on a current-voltage curve of the charging power source, and to control conduction states of the switching circuits to connect the charging circuits and the batteries in series in a series charging mode and to connect the charging circuits and the batteries in parallel in an equalizing charging mode. A battery charging method of the battery charging apparatus is also introduced.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic timepiece that receives satellite signals more easily when satellite signal is received automatically. The electronic timepiece has a time display that displays time by the position indicated by a rotating first hand; a planar antenna that receives satellite signal transmitted wirelessly from a satellite; a receiver connected to the planar antenna; and a controller that operates the receiver when a specific condition is met. The planar antenna includes a dielectric substrate, and an antenna patch disposed to the substrate. The center of the patch antenna being disposed in the range between 6:00 and 11:00 on the time display.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to systems, apparatuses and methods for operating stand-alone power systems. The systems may include power generators (e.g., photovoltaic generators and/or wind turbines), storage devices (e.g., batteries and/or flywheels), power modules (e.g., power converters) and loads. The methods may include various methods for monitoring, determining, controlling and/or predicting system power generation, system power storage and system power consumption.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat energy-powered electrochemical cell including an anode, a cathode, and a solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte. The solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte includes between 1% and 50% metal polymer by weight as compared to total solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte weight and between 50% and 90% solid glass electrolyte by weight as compared to the total solid metal polymer/glass electrolyte weight. The solid glass electrolyte includes a working cation and an electric dipole. The heat energy-powered electrochemical cells may be used to capture heat from a variety of sources, including solar hear, waste heat, and body heat. The heat energy-powered electrochemical cells may be fabricated at large-area, thin cells.

Abstract: A power supply controller controlling a connection between a power source and a capacitor coupled between a first node and a second node and a load circuit operating with electric charge of the capacitor, includes a first controller configured to output a first control signal in accordance with an electric potential difference between the first node and the second node, a first switch configured to couple or uncouple the capacitor to or from the load circuit in response to the first control signal, a first resistor coupled between the first node and the first controller, a second resistor coupled between a node being located between the first resistor and the first controller and a third node for outputting the first control signal, and a second switch coupled in parallel to the first resistor and putting into on or off state in response to the first control signal.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric element and a DC to DC converter. The thermoelectric element converts heat energy into electric energy. The DC to DC converter increases an input voltage applied by the thermoelectric element. The input voltage is higher than a voltage which is half an open voltage of the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is configured to include a first battery; a second battery; a first converter configured to step-down an electric power of the first power line and supply the stepped-down electric power to a second power line with which the second battery is connected; a third battery; a solar charging device configured to generate electric power using sunlight and supply the generated electric power to the third battery; and a second converter configured to transmit electric power accompanied with a change in a voltage between the second power line and a third power line with which the third battery is connected. The motor vehicle of this configuration is configured to provide permission for relief charging that is charging of the third battery using an electric power on a first power line side, when a voltage of the second battery is not lower than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus formed with a plurality of power subsystems, and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus is formed with plurality of local controllers to control an operating characteristic of at least one of the plurality of power subsystems. A central controller of the apparatus is configured to receive an indication of an overall power produced by the plurality of power subsystems, selectively command a first local controller of the plurality of local controllers to change a value of the operating characteristic of a first power subsystem of the plurality of power subsystems, receive an indication of a change in the overall power in response to the change in the value of the operating characteristic of the first power subsystem, and store, in memory, the change in the value of the operating characteristic of the first power subsystem if the overall power is increased.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface, a display exposed through the first surface of the housing, a conductive coil disposed inside the housing and forming a portion of the second surface of the housing, a movable member operatively connected to at least a portion of the housing and including one or more magnets that generate a magnetic field that passes through the conductive coil, a first charging circuit electrically connected to the conductive coil for wirelessly receiving power from an external device using the conductive coil and supplying the received power to a battery of the electronic device, and a second charging circuit electrically connected to the conductive coil for supplying, to the battery of the electronic device, power that is induced in the conductive coil based on movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A Hybrid Electric Light Pole System (HELPS) generating energy from wind and solar and collecting it in storage or transferring it to the grid and, supplying uninterrupted power to light bulb(s) (107) is disclosed. The system comprises a monopole (106) and a wind turbine (101) attached on the top of the pole, two leaves (103) symmetrically attached to the pole with “C” shape branches (105), where each “C” shape (105) crosses the pole (106) at two support points. The top surface of the leaves is designed to handle flexible solar panel(s) (104). Some embodiments may be equipped with additional rigid solar panel(s) (102) if required. The bottom surface of the leaves is designed to handle the light bulb(s) (107). The generator—wind/solar and the load—lightbulbs are wired to the controller (109), capable of maintaining battery (110) charge and turning ON and OFF the lights based on the preset parameters.

Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.

Abstract: When the amount of charge of a temporary battery exceeds a predetermined amount of charge, a solar ECU31 constitutes a charge controller pumps up and boosts power stored in the battery collaborating with a solar charger of a power supply portion, and carries out pumping charge in a main electric storage. While the solar ECU31 carries out the pumping charge, the power supply portion solar charger supplies the generated power from an in-vehicle solar cell to solar ECU31 when the power generated by the in-vehicle solar cell is a predetermined power or less, and supplies the generated power from an in-vehicle solar cell to solar ECU31 and main battery when the power generated by the in-vehicle solar cell is larger than the predetermined power. Even where the pumping charge is being carried out, the power which the in-vehicle solar cell is continuously generating can be used without being discarded futilely.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a touch display device, including: a panel including a plurality of sensing electrodes which are arranged under a dielectric layer and in a matrix configuration; a rectification unit including at least one rectifier configured to be connected to at least two sensing electrodes; and an energy storage unit including at least one capacitive element which is connected to the rectifier.

Abstract: A solar powered satellite system is provided. A power control system, for example, of the solar powered satellite system may include, but is not limited to, a first interface configured to receive a power signal from the satellite receiver, a voltage converter electrically coupled to the first interface, the voltage converter configured to reduce a voltage of the power signal received from the satellite receiver to a predetermined voltage, a second interface configured to receive a power signal from the solar panel assembly, a third interface configured to be coupled to at least one power consumer of a satellite antenna system, and a source selection circuit electrically coupled to the voltage converter, the solar panel assembly and the third interface, the source selection circuit configured to output a selected power signal based upon a comparison between the predetermined voltage and a voltage of the power signal from the solar panel assembly.

Abstract: Power is provided to a remote device by receiving external energy from a laser source and storing the energy in a storage battery. A photovoltaic receiver capable of alignment in a preferred reception direction for receiving energy is used to receive energy from a source of excitement energy, and is configured to receive energy from a laser which is directed to the photovoltaic receiver. A charging circuit receives power from the photovoltaic receiver and is used to charge the storage battery.

Abstract: An energy storage device, a power management device, a mobile terminal, and a method for operating the same are discussed. The energy storage device includes a battery pack, a communication module to transmit power-on information or energy storage amount information to a power management device and to receive a charge command or discharge command from the power management device, a connector to receive AC power from the internal power network based on the charge command or to output AC power to the internal power network based on the discharge command, and a power converter to, when the charge command is received from the power management device, convert the AC power from the internal power network into DC power based on the charge command, or, when the discharge command is received from the power management device, convert DC power in the battery pack into AC power based on the discharge command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are herein disclosed for efficiently allowing current to bypass a group of solar cells having one or more malfunctioning or shaded solar cells without overwhelming a bypass diode. This can be done using a switch (e.g., a MOSFET) connected in parallel with the bypass diode. By turning the switch on and off, a majority of the bypass current can be routed through the switch, which is configured to handle larger currents than the bypass diode is designed for, leaving only a minority of the current to pass through the bypass diode.

Abstract: A light and bioelectric therapy pad that delivers light and bioelectric stimulation to adjacent tissue. The therapy pad includes an electrical tracing circuit containing elongated, parallel and spaced-apart approximate linear tracings (ALT) that provide current flow in opposite directions along the ALT during alternating positive and negative drive cycles of an alternating current (AC) supply. The ALT includes first and second header tracings wired to a row of light emitting diodes (LEDs), with the anodes of a first group of LEDs wired to the first header tracing, and the anodes of the remaining LEDs wired to the second header tracing. The ALTs are wired into the circuit with current flowing to the first header tracing at one end of the row of LEDs, and to the second header tracing at the opposite end, so that adjacent ALT provide current flow in opposite directions during both positive and negative drive cycles.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling charging of a portable terminal equipped with a solar battery that converts solar energy into an electrical energy, the apparatus including a thermistor in which a resistance value changes according to a temperature change; a comparator which outputs a first signal when a temperature surrounding the thermistor is less than a preset reference temperature as determined by the resistance value change of the thermistor according to the temperature change and outputs a second signal when the temperature is at least the preset reference temperature or more; and a charging unit which is activated and receives the electrical energy from the solar battery to charge a battery when the first signal is inputted from the comparator, and is deactivated and blocks the charge of battery in case the second signal is inputted.

Abstract: A battery management system that monitors and controls the charging and discharging of a battery pack in the most versatile way at the block level with little dissipative loss but fast balancing is disclosed. The system has capability of using blocks of cells using different chemistry in the same battery pack. Such versatility makes it very useful for usage with erratic grid conditions, solar, wind and other natural energy sources for charging the battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automobile electrical system including a solar subsystem. Components collect and store solar energy in an advanced energy storage subsystem including a base portion and, in some embodiments, a solar-energy buffer. The components use the solar energy selectively to meet vehicle loads, including selectively using one or more of: energy obtained directly from the solar subsystem; energy from the advanced energy storage system; and energy from a high-voltage energy converter such as an alternator or accessory power module.

Abstract: A replaceable solar bulb assembly generates electrical energy that includes a photo voltaic cell for converting solar energy into electrical energy. A housing includes at least one reflector for focusing the solar energy on the photo voltaic cell. A connector removably and mechanically connects the housing to a solar receiver array and electrically connects the photo voltaic cell to the solar receiver array.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes: a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells; a junction box including a dc/dc converter unit to convert the level of DC power supplied from the solar cell module; a plate on one surface of the solar cell module and disposed between the solar cell module and the junction box; and a coupling member attaching and detaching the junction box from the solar cell module.

Abstract: A charging control system for charging a secondary battery from a solar battery, including a first path for transmitting power from the solar battery to the secondary battery, a second path for sensing the voltage of the secondary battery, and a comparison unit for comparing the solar battery voltage with the sensed voltage of the secondary battery. The first path includes a first interrupter, controlled by the comparison unit, which interrupts the first path to prevent discharge of the secondary battery through the solar battery when the solar battery voltage falls below the secondary battery voltage. The second path includes a second interrupter that interrupts the second path after the first path is interrupted, to prevent the secondary battery from discharging through the second path when not being charged through the first path.

Abstract: An apparatus for perpetually harvesting ambient near ultraviolet to far infrared radiation to provide continual power regardless of the environment, incorporating a system for the harvesting electronics governing power management, storage control, and output regulation. The harvesting electronics address issues of efficiently matching the voltage and current characteristics of the different harvested energy levels, low power consumption, and matching the power output demand. The device seeks to harvest the largely overlooked blackbody radiation through use of a thermal harvester, providing a continuous source of power, coupled with a solar harvester to provide increased power output.

Abstract: A charging control system for charging a secondary battery from a solar battery, including a first path for transmitting power from the solar battery to the secondary battery, a second path for sensing the voltage of the secondary battery, and a comparison unit for comparing the solar battery voltage with the sensed voltage of the secondary battery. The first path includes a first interrupter, controlled by the comparison unit, which interrupts the first path to prevent discharge of the secondary battery through the solar battery when the solar battery voltage falls below the secondary battery voltage. The second path includes a second interrupter that interrupts the second path after the first path is interrupted, to prevent the secondary battery from discharging through the second path when not being charged through the first path.

Abstract: A mobile device has a solar cell and a rechargeable battery and may be connected with an external power source. A method for a power control of the mobile device allows a continuous and reliable power supply through selective connections with the solar cell, the battery and the external power source. In one embodiment, if the battery is unavailable or absent, the mobile device executes at least one function thereof by using electric power supplied from the solar cell. In another embodiment, if the battery is available with the mobile device powered off, the mobile device charges the battery by using electric power supplied from the solar cell. In still another embodiment, if the battery is available with the mobile device powered on, the mobile device executes at least one function thereof by using electric power supplied from both the solar cell and the battery.

Abstract: A management system for a battery cell pack, the management system including a controller determining an adjustable charge profile for the battery cell pack wherein the adjustable charge profile includes an operational parameter identifying a next operation drive range mode from a set of drive range modes for the battery cell pack wherein each the drive range mode includes a state of charge (SOC) window between a charge SOC and a discharge SOC, with the set of drive range modes including a first drive range mode having a first SOC window and including a second drive range mode having a second SOC window less than the first SOC window; and one or more energy transfer stages to produce the charge SOC of the next operation drive range mode in the battery cell pack.

Abstract: Solar powered battery charging circuitry is provided. A charge controller receives electrical energy from a photovoltaic panel. Timer circuitry provides a control signal. A duty cycle of the control signal is determined by way of comparing a time-varying capacitor voltage to a lesser threshold voltage and a greater threshold voltage. The control signal is characterized by time-variable charging states and time-equal shunting states. Transfer of electrical energy from the photovoltaic panel to the storage battery is regulated by a shunting element using the control signal.

Abstract: A battery-free wireless network is provided with one or more series or parallel capacitive networks. One or more solar panels are used to charge the capacitive networks and one or more charging circuits are used to control the charging of the capacitive networks. One or more DC-DC converters maybe used to provide a voltage to a wireless router, switch or other network device, the timer/clock circuitry, and a user interface. In those instances when it is desired that the timer/clock circuitry remain powered at all times, the timer/clock circuitry is preferentially preserved at the expense of the network device such that if, for any reason, the capacitive network is drained after running the network device, there will still be sufficient power stored in the capacitive network to maintain the timer/clock circuitry.

Abstract: A maximum power point tracking charge controller for photovoltaic systems tracks the maximum power point voltage of a PV array, and employs a coupled inductor multi-phase buck converter for converting the maximum power voltage to the voltage required to charge one or more batteries. The phase configurations are phase shifted from one another. One of the phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the output power is low. A first switch or a second switch of the phase configuration that is shut down is turned on to conduct electrical current when predetermined conditions are satisfied. A method of controlling battery charging in a photovoltaic system involves operating a coupled inductor multi-phase buck converter so that one of the phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the power output is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A charging control system for charging a secondary battery from a solar battery, including a first path for transmitting power from the solar battery to the secondary battery, a second path for sensing the voltage of the secondary battery, and a comparison unit for comparing the solar battery voltage with the sensed voltage of the secondary battery. The first path includes a first interrupter, controlled by the comparison unit, which interrupts the first path to prevent discharge of the secondary battery through the solar battery when the solar battery voltage falls below the secondary battery voltage. The second path includes a second interrupter that interrupts the second path after the first path is interrupted, to prevent the secondary battery from discharging through the second path when not being charged through the first path.

Abstract: A battery-charging device, having a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function, for a stand-alone generator system includes a DC/DC power converter and a control circuit used to control the DC/DC power converter.

Abstract: An energy management system for a transport device, in particular for a motor vehicle running on fuel and electricity, includes an energy source, an intermediate energy store and an electric energy consumer, in particular an electric drive. Control and/or regulation of the provision of energy, which is dependent on information relating to future energy requirements and supplied by means of at least one part of the transport device, can be carried out by the energy management system by means of the intermediate energy store and/or the energy requirements.

Abstract: A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller for photovoltaic (PV) systems employs a maximum power point tracking algorithm for tracking the maximum power point voltage of a PV array at which the PV array produces maximum power voltage, and a buck converter for converting the maximum power voltage to the voltage required to charge one or more batteries. The buck converter includes multiple buck converter phase configurations phase shifted from one another. Each of the buck converter phase configurations has a phase inductor, and the phase inductors are combined on a single core to form a coupled inductor. One of the buck converter phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the output power is low. A first switch or a second switch of the buck converter phase configuration that is intentionally temporarily shut down is turned on to conduct electrical current when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a control circuit includes a comparator circuit that compares a solar cell voltage and a battery voltage and responsively activates a charging control signal if the solar cell voltage is greater than the battery voltage. If the solar cell voltage is not greater than the battery voltage, the comparator circuit de-activates the charging control signal.

Abstract: A battery-charging device, having a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function, for a stand-alone generator system includes a DC/DC power converter and a control circuit used to control the DC/DC power converter.