Abstract: An energy storage device for providing electrical energy storage of high specific energy density for use in consumer and commercial devices and for storing power to be provided to an electrical power grid. An example of the energy storage device has a plurality of layers of high dielectric constant material, such as Barium Titanate or Hexagonal Barium Titanate, sandwiched between electrode layers made up of a variety of possible conducting materials. The example device includes additional insulating layers, such as Diamond-Like Carbon Coating, between the electrodes that provide for very high breakdown voltages.

Abstract: A power source generation circuit includes a regulator circuit which receives an external power source voltage VDDA from an external power source, and generates a predetermined internal power source voltage on a given terminal VDD; and a charging circuit which connects the external power source and the given terminal when the external power source voltage VDDA supplied from the external power source is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold voltage.

Abstract: In a calibration process, a capacitor unit is removed from end terminals, or namely, respective capacitors are not connected to terminals. A prescribed voltage (a known voltage) is applied between these end terminals. Among bypass switches of a bypass circuit, the bypass switches connected to one terminal or two or more consecutive terminal pairs from the positive end terminal side are ON. Terminal voltages other than the negative end terminal are obtained and stored as calibration information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: An arrangement which includes two or more energy storage units for electrical energy connected in series, and two or more balancing resistor units. Each balancing resistor unit is connected in parallel with one of the energy storage units. The arrangement also includes means for determining a voltage over all of the series-connected energy storage units and means for determining the energy storage unit voltages between poles of the energy storage units. One or more of the balancing resistor units include a base resistor unit and a control resistor unit connected in series and a switching device connected in parallel with the control resistor units.

Abstract: A two-wire smart load control device, such as an electronic switch, for controlling the power delivered from a power source to an electrical load comprises a relay for conducting a load current through the load and an in-line power supply coupled in series with the relay for generating a supply voltage across a capacitor when the relay is conductive. The power supply controls when the capacitor charges asynchronously with respect to the frequency of the source. The capacitor conducts the load current for at least a portion of a line cycle of the source when the relay is conductive. The load control device also comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch, which is controlled to minimize the inrush current conducted through the relay. The bidirectional semiconductor switch is rendered conductive in response to an over-current condition in the capacitor of the power supply, and the relay is rendered non-conductive in response to an over-temperature condition in the power supply.

Abstract: A concentrator-driven, photovoltaic power generator system and method for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing a reflector having a concave reflecting surface for concentrating electromagnetic radiation to a focal point.

Abstract: Procedures for the connection of a very capacitive load to a voltage bus of an electric distribution system, by using a solid state power controller, where the current through the SSPC is controlled actively by maintaining one of its parameters (the current and/or the derivative of the current) constant during the entire connection time of said very capacitive load or during each one of a set of stretches of said connection time. The invention also refers to SSPCs structured to carry out said procedures.

Abstract: A device and related method for producing electrical energy, in the form of current flowing in a load. The said method uses two solutions with different ionic concentration as energy source. The said device includes at least two electrodes immersed at least partially in a liquid contained in a cell. The method includes a plurality of phases. Among them, a phase in which the electrodes and are brought into contact with a first solution; a phase in which they are electrically charged; a phase in which they are brought into contact with a second solution; a phase in which at least a part of the accumulated charge is let flow through the load. The energy provided to the load is more than the energy used to charge the electrodes.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus that receives electric power from a power generation apparatus having a varying output and supplies electric power to an outside, the apparatus comprising: a power storage device that has a larger amount by which electric power is stored and/or a lower self-discharge rate than a capacitor device used as a passive device and also has higher charge and discharge efficiency and/or higher responsiveness than a secondary battery, the power storage device receiving electric power from the power generation apparatus and discharging electric power to the outside; a current control unit that controls a current supplied from the power storage device to the outside; and a control unit that controls a current and a voltage of the power generation apparatus by charging and discharging the power storage device so as to maximize an amount of power generation by the power generation apparatus.

Abstract: An activate circuit for an electronic device includes a first node, a first transistor including a source coupled to a ground, a drain coupled to the first node, and a gate coupled to a battery voltage, a first diode including an anode coupled to an activate signal, and a cathode a first resistance coupled between the cathode of the first diode and the first node, a capacitor coupled between the first node and the ground having a logic low level, and a second transistor including a source coupled to the ground, a drain coupled to the activate signal, and a gate coupled to the first node.

Abstract: A discharge circuit unit for minimizing standby power occurring in a standby mode and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The discharge circuit unit is connected to an input line of alternating current (AC) power and discharges a capacitive element for reducing noises. The discharge circuit unit includes a discharge circuit including first and second resistance units connected in series to discharge the capacitive element in response to a discharge control signal generated when an input of the AC power is interrupted, and a detection circuit that detects whether the input of the AC power is interrupted, and includes third and fourth resistance units connected in series so as to generate the discharge control signal when it is detected that the input of the AC power is interrupted. Each of the first to fourth resistance units includes at least one of a resistor and a switch.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a drive system is provided for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle that provides reduces electromagnetic emissions. The system includes, but is not limited to, an electric motor and a transmission having a collar for receiving a portion of a drive shaft. The collar has an inside diameter proportioned to an outside diameter of the drive shaft to cause capacitive coupling between the transmission and the drive shaft thereby reducing electromagnetic emissions along the drive shaft.

Abstract: A discharging circuit includes a filter unit connected between the input lines of a commercial AC power supply, a switch whose operations are controlled by the filter unit; and a discharging unit which discharges voltage of the capacitance element when the switch unit is turned on.

Abstract: A system that balances voltages between battery banks. The system includes battery banks, including a first bank and a second bank, and a first capacitor. The system also includes a first set of switching devices which selectively couple first and second terminals of the first capacitor to first and second terminals of the first bank, and to first and second terminals of the second bank. The system includes a clocking circuit which generates clock signals with substantially non-overlapping first and second clock phases. This clocking circuit is configured so that during the first phase the first and second terminals of the first capacitor are coupled to the first and second terminals of the first bank, respectively, and during the second phase the first and second terminals of the first capacitor are coupled to the first and second terminals of the second bank, respectively.

Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.

Abstract: A controller controls a voltage-source power converter and a current-source power converter based on a detection value of a rail voltage input to the voltage-source power converter and a detection value of a charging voltage output from the current-source power converter, at the time of charging operation.

Abstract: A set of electric motor drives for recapturing otherwise unused electrical energy from electric motors and methods of using same are disclosed that provide electrical energy in addition to mechanical energy by recapturing electrical energy that would be unused if conventional technologies were followed. Such recapturing motor drives can provide recaptured electrical energy to other loads, can transfer recaptured electrical energy to storage devices for future use, and/or can recirculate recaptured electrical energy back through a recapturing motor drive. By recapturing unused electrical energy, the recapturing motor drives enable significantly greater useful energy output for any given electrical energy input drawn from a power source as compared to conventional technologies, materially increasing the efficient use of electrical energy drawn from the power source and dramatically reducing the relative consumption of electrical energy drawn from the power source.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided which includes a pre-charge circuit connected in parallel with a solid state switching device of, for example, a power distribution network. The pre-charge circuit pre-charges a load capacitance at a load side of the switching device prior to activation of the switching device. The pre-charge circuit includes a threshold waveform generation circuit and an over-current detect circuit. The threshold waveform generation circuit synthesizes a maximum acceptable charging waveform for the pre-charge circuit in charging the load capacitance, and the over-current detect circuit signals an over-current fault condition upon a charging current through the pre-charge circuit exceeding the synthesized, maximum acceptable charging waveform. The pre-charge circuit includes a sense resistor coupled to a power input side of the solid state switching device, with charging current through the pre-charge circuit being monitored via the sense resistor.

Abstract: A touch detection method for a touch control device including a touch panel includes examining whether a charging capacity for charging a measured capacitor of the touch panel and a discharging capacity for discharging the measured capacitor are determined; charging and discharging the measured capacitor by using the charging capacity and the discharging capacity when the charging capacity and the discharging capacity are determined and receiving a count value representing the capacitance of the measured capacitor, examining whether a base count value is set, calculating a difference between the count value and the base count value when the base count value is set, for determining whether the touch panel is touched, examining whether the count value is in a predetermined range, and performing a charging and discharging capacity setting process when the count value is out of the predetermined range, for adjusting the charging capacity and the discharging capacity.

Abstract: A power control unit is provided with a converter; a filter capacitor that is connected onto one side of converter; a smoothing capacitor that is connected onto the other side of converter; an MG-ECU that is operated to control converter with power supplied from filter capacitor; and a casing that houses these constituent elements therein. In order to electrically discharge filter capacitor and smoothing capacitor, an MG-ECU controls converter in such a manner as to alternately repeat ON/OFF of an npn-type transistor for a lower arm of an IPM and ON/OFF of an npn-type transistor for an upper arm of IPM, and further, to set a time of ON of npn-type transistor for the upper arm longer than that of ON of npn-type transistor for the lower arm.

Abstract: A self-discharging capacitor may include a capacitor and a resistor coupled in parallel to the capacitor. The self-discharging capacitor may also include a housing such that the capacitor and the resistor may be enclosed within the housing. The housing may also enclose a potting material that is thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive.

Abstract: A power distributor includes a large reservoir capacitor, a switch coupled between at least one power supply line and the large reservoir capacitor, and a controller configured to turn on or off the switch based on whether a circuit block connected to the power supply line is in operation or not.

Abstract: A high voltage dc power source for providing a charging current to an electronic device, including one or more strings connected in parallel, each string being subdivided into dc power source units connected in series and each string being provided with a solid-state switch configured to connect and disconnect the string, and a control unit adapted to turn on and turn off the solid-state switch, and the control unit is configured, upon receiving an order to connect the string, to control the switch of the string to be alternately turned on and off so that a soft charging of the electronic device is achieved.

Abstract: A handheld device includes an electronic instrument and a capacitive power supply for storing and delivering power to the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply includes at least one capacitor, and an electronic circuit operable to boost a voltage from the capacitor to a higher voltage for use by the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply can be rapidly recharged.

Abstract: A power converter circuit is coupled to an AC power input, a backup power input, a first capacitive element and a second capacitive element. The power converter circuit is configured to, in a line mode of operation and during a positive portion of an AC input voltage, convert the AC input voltage into a positive DC output voltage through a first inductive element and provide a charging voltage to a backup power source through a second inductive element using a negative DC output voltage stored in the second capacitive element, and, in the line mode of operation and during a negative portion of the AC input, convert the AC input voltage into the negative DC output voltage through the second inductive element and provide the charging voltage to the backup power source through the first inductive element using the positive DC output voltage stored in the first capacitive element.

Abstract: A control unit and a method for triggering personal protection devices are proposed, which charge an energy reservoir for the control unit via a charging circuit. The charging circuit sets a charging rate for charging as a function of a signal generated outside the charging surface.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device. In some implementations, the receiver unit includes a capacitor charging circuit and battery to power the receiver unit and drive and control a latching solenoid.

Abstract: Provided is a renewable energy power generation system (10) having a renewable energy power generating apparatus (12) arranged to generate electric power; and a hydrogen power generation module (20) having a separation unit (22) adapted to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, and a fuel cell unit (28) adapted to receive air or oxygen, and hydrogen from said separation unit or from a hydrogen storage; the fuel cell unit being arranged to produce electric power in the presence of hydrogen and oxygen; wherein the hydrogen power generation module being adapted to receive electric power from the at least one renewable energy power generating apparatus at least prior to production of electric power by the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A method in a controller for energizing a chain-link converter including one or more phase legs, each phase leg including a number of series-connected converter cells, each converter cell including four valves arranged in an H-bridge connection with a DC capacitor. Each valve in turn includes a semiconductor switch in parallel with a diode. The method includes the steps of: charging the DC capacitor of each converter cell to a voltage level at which the semiconductor switches are controllable but below their nominal voltage; diagnosing the converter cells so as to detect failed components thereof; bypassing faulty components in a controlled manner; charging the DC capacitors to their nominal voltage. The invention also relates to a controller, computer programs and computer program products.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system for supplying power to an application with a fluctuating load profile, such as, for example, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, wind energy harvesting equipment and solar energy harvesting equipment. The hybrid energy storage system includes an ultra-capacitor electrically connected to a DC bus and a power source electrically connected to the DC bus via a controlled switch. The hybrid energy storage system further including a DC/DC converter connected between the power source and the ultra-capacitor, the DC/DC converter boosting a voltage of the power source to charge the ultra-capacitor. The DC/DC converter is preferably controlled to maintain a voltage of the ultra-capacitor at a higher value than the voltage of the power source.

Abstract: A system and method of discharging a bus capacitor of a bidirectional matrix converter of a vehicle are presented here. The method begins by electrically shorting the AC interface of the converter after an AC energy source is disconnected from the AC interface. The method continues by arranging a plurality of switching elements of a second energy conversion module into a discharge configuration to establish an electrical current path from a first terminal of an isolation module, through an inductive element, and to a second terminal of the isolation module. The method also modulates a plurality of switching elements of a first energy conversion module, while maintaining the discharge configuration of the second energy conversion module, to at least partially discharge a DC bus capacitor.

Abstract: A controller controls a voltage-source power converter and a current-source power converter based on a detection value of a rail voltage input to the voltage-source power converter and a detection value of a charging voltage output from the current-source power converter, at the time of charging operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chip comprises a capacitor and a resistor. The capacitor comprises a first capacitor terminal, a second capacitor terminal, and a dielectric layer between the first and second capacitor terminals. The second capacitor terminal and the resistor are both fabricated from a resistor metal layer.

Abstract: Various systems, processes, and techniques may be used for converting alternating current power to direct current power for an electro-chemical reactor. In certain implementations, a system and a process may include the ability to receive an alternating current power signal, convert the alternating current signal to a direct current signal, and distribute the direct current signal to at least two power conversion modules coupled to a mounting structure. Each power conversion module may be able to convert a portion of the direct current signal to a high-frequency alternating current signal, adjust the voltage of the high-frequency alternating current signal, convert the voltage-adjusted high-frequency alternating current signal to a direct current power signal, and filter the direct current power signal. The system and the process may include the ability to combine the direct current power signals from the modules into an output direct current power signal for an electro-chemical reactor.

Abstract: A downhole power system is provided that includes an energy storage adapted to operate at high temperatures, and a modular signal interface device that serves to control the energy storage component as well as offer a means of data logging at high temperatures. The controller is fabricated from pre-assembled components that may be selected for various combinations to provide desired functionality. The energy storage may include at least one ultracapacitor.

Abstract: An energy storage (ES) circuit, including: a plurality of terminals configured to: connect to a pulse load having an input voltage and drawing a low current during a first interval and a high current during a second interval; and connect to a power supply having a source voltage and delivering a source current; an energy storage capacitor connected to the plurality of terminals; and a bidirectional direct current (DC) to DC converter configured to: recharge, during at least a portion of the first interval, the energy storage capacitor using a plurality of charge drawn from the source current; and reduce a drop in the input voltage during the second interval by delivering a difference between the source current and the high current to the pulse load using the plurality of charge stored in the energy storage capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system with energy recovery for driving a machine, in particular for driving a crane, wherein the drive system includes at least one fuel cell unit, at least one capacitive energy storage unit and at least one drive motor, and wherein the fuel cell unit and the energy storage unit are connected in parallel and feed at least one drive motor. According to the invention, the capacitive energy storage unit is dimensioned such that the differential voltage occurring during operation between the fuel cell unit and the capacitive energy storage unit is minimized to such an extent that the current caused by the voltage within the parallel connection of fuel cell unit and energy storage unit does not exceed a defined safe limit value, wherein the fuel cell unit and the energy storage unit are directly coupled with each other and with the remaining drive components without DC/DC converter.

Abstract: Circuit and method for heating a battery. The heating circuit includes a switch unit, a switching control module, a one-way semiconductor component, a damping component and a transformer. The switching control module is electrically connected with the switch unit. The battery, the damping component, a first winding of the transformer, and the switch unit are connected in a first loop with each other to constitute a battery discharging circuit. The battery, the damping component, a second winding of the transformer, and the one-way semiconductor component are connected in a second loop with each other to constitute a battery charging circuit.

Abstract: Power transmission device that causes a power supply circuit to supply a first voltage to a first active electrode when power transmission is performed, causes the power supply circuit to supply a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage to the first active electrode and causes power reception device detection means to perform frequency sweeping at a first time interval until the power reception device is mounted, or causes the power supply circuit to supply a third voltage that is lower than the first voltage to the first active electrode and causes the power reception device detection means to perform frequency sweeping at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval until the power reception device is removed.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes an inverter, a smoothing capacitor, power-converting drivers, a power-converting power supply circuit, and discharging drivers. The inverter includes switching circuits comprised of series-connected two IGBTs. The power-converting drivers apply an output voltage of the power-converting power supply circuit to the switching circuits to drive them, thus performing power conversion. The discharging drivers simultaneously turn on IGBTs of the switching circuit to discharge the smoothing capacitor when the output voltage of the power-converting power supply circuit is equal to or lower than a threshold. This prevents discharging of the smoothing capacitor during power converting operations.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter is configured with a voltage-source power converter at a primary side of a transformer, a current-source power converter at a secondary side of the transformer, and a controller. The DC-DC converter is connected between a storage battery and an inverter that drives an electric motor. The controller generates a first control input based on a voltage between input and output terminals of the voltage-source power converter, a second control input based on a voltage between input and output terminals of the current-source power converter, and a command value for PWM or PFM control based on the first and second control inputs and an input-output current flowing between one of the input and output terminals of the voltage-source power converter and the current-source power converter. Therefore, it is easy to switch between a powering state and a regenerating state.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter is configured with a voltage-source power converter provided at a primary side of a transformer, a current-source power converter provided at a secondary side of the transformer, and a controller. The controller generates a first control input based on a voltage between input and output terminals of the voltage-source power converter, a second control input based on a voltage between input and output terminals of the current-source power converter, and a command value for PWM or PFM control based on the first and second control inputs and an input-output current flowing between one of the input and output terminals of the voltage-source power converter and the current-source power converter. Therefore, it is easy to switch between a powering state and a regenerating state in the DC-DC converter.

Abstract: A power storage apparatus provided with a capacitor module and a power storage control circuit is connected between a generator and an electrical load. The capacitor module includes a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of switching devices which are connected in series with the capacitors, respectively, the capacitors and the switching devices together constituting a plurality of series circuits which are connected parallel to each other. When starting up the generator, the power storage control circuit controls only the specified switching device to become ON in order to quickly charge the capacitor which is connected in series with the switching device so that a voltage of the capacitor module is increased and a power source for starting up the generator is produced as high speed.

Abstract: Circuit and method for heating first and second batteries. The heating circuit includes first and second switch units, first and second damping components, first and second current storage components, switching control module and energy storage component. The first battery, first damping and current storage components, energy storage component and first switch unit are connected in a first loop to constitute a first charging/discharging circuit. The second battery, second damping and current storage components, energy storage component and second switch unit are connected in a second loop to constitute a second charging/discharging circuit. When the energy storage component is charged/discharged, current in the second charging/discharging circuit is reverse to current in the first charging/discharging circuit.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and systems for extracting energy from the endocochlear potential (EP) in animal subjects (e.g., human subjects) and using the extracted energy to operate circuits (e.g., electronic device, sensors, and transmitters). The subject matter of this disclosure is embodied, for example, in a system for extracting energy from an endocochlear potential of an animal, wherein the system includes a pair of electrodes, and a circuit coupled to the pair of electrodes. The circuit includes a boost converter, an energy buffer component configured to receive voltage from the boost converter, a start-up rectifier configured to provide voltage to the energy buffer component, and a control component configured to provide control signals to the boost converter. The power extracted from the endocochlear potential is equal or larger than the quiescent power of the circuit.

Abstract: Circuit and method for heating first and second batteries. The heating circuit includes first and second switch units, first and second damping components, first and second current storage components, switching control module and charge storage component. The first battery, first damping and current storage components, first switch unit and charge storage component are connected in a first loop to form a first charging/discharging circuit. The second battery, second damping and current storage components, charge storage component and second switch unit are connected in a second loop to form a second charging/discharging circuit. When the charge storage component is charged or discharges, charging/discharging current in the second charging/discharging circuit is reverse to that in the first charging/discharging circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a battery, an electric motor configured so as to generate the driving force of the vehicle by use of the electric power stored in the battery, a charger configured so as to supply the electric power outputted from the power supply outside of the vehicle to the battery, and an ECU configured so as to control the state of charge of the battery when the battery is charged. The ECU calculates an index value indicating the state of charge of the battery, and sets the control range thereof. The ECU raises the upper limit of the index value so that the possible travel distance of the vehicle becomes not less than the target distance when predetermined conditions on degradation of the battery are satisfied.

Abstract: An antitheft system of a charger for an electric vehicle that prevents theft of a charger during charging a battery of the electric vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, a first signal generating portion is provided at the charger, receives a decoupling will of the charger, and generates a decoupling signal. A second signal generating portion generates a position signal, so that anyone who is allowed to handle the electric vehicle possesses the second signal generating portion. A control portion generates an operating signal when both the decoupling signal of the first signal generating portion and the position signal of the second signal generating portion are received by the control portion. Once received, an actuator decouples the charger from the connector once the operating signal from the control portion is received.

Abstract: In various embodiments a circuit is provided including: an input terminal to receive an input voltage; a switch, a first controlled input of which being coupled to the input terminal; an inductor, a first terminal of which may be coupled in series to a second controlled input of the switch; a freewheeling diode, wherein a first diode terminal may be coupled with the second controlled input of the switch and with the first terminal of the inductor, and wherein a second diode terminal may be coupled with a reference potential; a capacitor coupled with a second terminal of the inductor; and a controller configured to operate the switch and the inductor in continuous current mode to charge the capacitor.