Abstract: A battery-charging system configured to charge a battery of a device to a nominal voltage includes a load-detection circuit, memory storing controller-executable instructions, and a controller configured to execute the instructions, which cause the controller to detect a load coupled to the battery above a first threshold load using the load-detection circuit, and control the battery-charging circuit to charge the battery to a high voltage in response to detecting the load above the first threshold load, wherein the high voltage is above the nominal voltage. The controller can be configured to execute other instructions, such as outputting a notification that the battery is being charged to a high voltage and/or controlling the battery-charging circuit to discharge the battery in response to detecting a reduced load or a user command.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system. A detector circuit of a lighting control module detects a line voltage of an electrical line connected to a power terminal of the light control module. The lighting control module is configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module. The lighting control module reduces a flow of electricity transmitted to the lighting circuit to turn off the respective light fixture in response to detecting substantially no change in the line voltage over a pre-specified period of time.

Abstract: A novel and useful adaptive antenna tuner and associated calibration mechanism for passive adaptive antenna matching networks. The tuner is suitable for use with cellular antennas and in one embodiment uses MEMS based tunable devices. The tuner contains voltage and current sensors inserted before the antenna matching network. The sensed complex impedance generates one or more update control signals for the tuning algorithm which drives the MEMS-based tunable devices.

Abstract: In a power converter, switch-off of the synchronous rectification switch while the auxiliary switch is on causes the first capacitance of the main switch and the second capacitance of the synchronous rectification switch to resonate with the inductance of the second magnetic component. A parameter obtainer detects a voltage across a selected one of the main switch and the synchronous rectification switch, and obtains a parameter indicative of a corresponding one of rising and falling waveforms of the voltage across the selected switch while the selected switch is switched. A controller controls a switching control signal for the auxiliary switch to adjust switch-on timing of the auxiliary switch as a function of the parameter obtained by the parameter obtainer.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power combiner operable to interconnect multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings is disclosed. The DC power combiner may include a device adapted for disconnecting at least one photovoltaic string from the multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string connectible by a first and second DC power line. The device may include a differential current sensor adapted to measure differential current by comparing respective currents in the first and second DC power lines. A first switch is connected in series with the first DC power line. A control module is operatively attached to the differential current sensor and the first switch. The control module may be operable to open the first switch when the differential current sensor measures the differential current to be greater than a maximum allowed current differential, thereby disconnecting the photovoltaic string from the interconnected photovoltaic strings.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing and modeling operation of a transformer includes a controller connected to a power transformer. The controller is configured to calculate theoretical information related to operation of the power transformer, assess information related to actual operation of the power transformer, and manipulate one of more parameters associated with one or more equations used to calculate the theoretical information so that the calculated theoretical information more closely approximates the information associated with the actual operation of the power transformer. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to automatically manipulate the parameters associated the theoretical calculation of operation of the power transformer although the controller may also be configured to request user confirmation of manipulation of one or more of the parameters of the equations associated with the theoretical calculations related of expected actual operation of the power transformer.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power combiner operable to interconnect multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings is disclosed. The DC power combiner may include a device adapted for disconnecting at least one photovoltaic string from the multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string connectible by a first and second DC power line. The device may include a differential current sensor adapted to measure differential current by comparing respective currents in the first and second DC power lines. A first switch is connected in series with the first DC power line. A control module is operatively attached to the differential current sensor and the first switch. The control module may be operable to open the first switch when the differential current sensor measures the differential current to be greater than a maximum allowed current differential, thereby disconnecting the photovoltaic string from the interconnected photovoltaic strings.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for receiving a network event in a network format, mapping the network event into a format expected by a central monitoring system, and communicating the mapped network event to the central monitoring system. The system may employ a variety of communication protocols and physical architectures. The system may include an access controller that may connect a plurality of intelligent electronic devices and may be the primary interface with an information system or central monitoring system. The access controller may include a programmable logic engine in compliance with the IEC-61131-3 standard. The access controller may further be configured to implement rules designed to govern actions taken as a result of network information.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power combiner operable to interconnect multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings is disclosed. The DC power combiner may include a device adapted for disconnecting at least one photovoltaic string from the multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string connectible by a first and second DC power line. The device may include a differential current sensor adapted to measure differential current by comparing respective currents in the first and second DC power lines. A first switch is connected in series with the first DC power line. A control module is operatively attached to the differential current sensor and the first switch. The control module may be operable to open the first switch when the differential current sensor measures the differential current to be greater than a maximum allowed current differential, thereby disconnecting the photovoltaic string from the interconnected photovoltaic strings.

Abstract: A wiper control device controls a drive section for driving a wiper to operate at a target speed, thereby causing the wiper to perform wiping operation. The wiper control device includes a voltage monitoring section, which monitors a power source voltage supplied to the drive section, and a target speed setting section, which sets the target speed. When the power source voltage is lower than or equal to a threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed in accordance with the power source voltage. When the power source voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the target speed setting section sets the target speed at a constant value.

Abstract: A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.

Abstract: A system for modeling a topology of an electrical power system may include a memory device to maintain a component database, a component control engine, and a power system topology modeling engine. A display device can be configured for displaying the topology of the electrical power system. An input device can be operative to select one of a plurality of power system components stored in the component database as a selected component, position the selected component within a framework, and interface the selected component with other selected components within the framework. A processor can be operative to execute instructions within the component control engine to control the position of the selected components within the framework and execute instructions within the power system topology modeling engine to render the topology of the electrical system after the selected components have been positioned.

Abstract: A system for controlling voltage on a distribution feeder includes a plurality of capacitor banks that can be connected to or disconnected from the distribution feeder. A first bank is configured to connect to the distribution feeder when a first voltage is below a first lower threshold value and to connect to the distribution feeder when the first voltage is above a first upper threshold value. The first upper threshold and first lower threshold are determined based off an operational set point. The system further includes a sensor configured to measure the first voltage and a controller in operable communication with the plurality of capacitor banks configured to determine the operational state of the first and second capacitor banks and, based on the first voltage, send a first instruction to the first capacitor bank, the first instruction causing the capacitor bank to vary the operational set point.

Abstract: A voltage control and conservation (VCC) system is provided, which includes three subsystems, including an energy delivery (ED) system, an energy control (EC) system and an energy regulation (ER) system. The VCC system is configured to monitor energy usage at the ED system and determine one or more energy delivery parameters at the EC system. The EC system may then provide the one or more energy delivery parameters to the ER system to adjust the energy delivered to a plurality of users for maximum energy conservation.

Abstract: A voltage regulator (10) for regulating a power distribution system voltage during forward or reverse power flow. The voltage regulator (10) accommodates multiple configurations of a tertiary winding (30) and a potential transformer (36) connected across source-side bushings (S/SL) or load-side bushings (L/SL). The invention simulates operation of a potential transformer (36), and the output voltage therefrom, connected across the source-side (S/SL) or load-side bushings (L/SL). The invention also produces a corrected voltage compensating a non-standard turns ratio of the tertiary winding (30). The regulator (10) controls a tap changer (18) to regulate the system voltage according to a digital value representing the voltage across the source-side (S/SL) or load-side bushings (L/SL), comprising a measured voltage, the corrected voltage or the simulated voltage.

Abstract: A voltage control and conservation (VCC) system is provided, which includes three subsystems, including an energy delivery (ED) system, an energy control (EC) system and an energy regulation (ER) system. The VCC system is configured to monitor energy usage at the ED system and determine one or more energy delivery parameters at the EC system. The EC system may then provide the one or more energy delivery parameters to the ER system to adjust the energy delivered to a plurality of users for maximum energy conservation.

Abstract: Regulation of a remote load center voltage from a local location of a voltage regulator and a voltage regulator control using voltage measurements from the remote load center obtained using a metering device at the load center in communication with the voltage regulator control. The metering device may obtain remote voltage information at the load center and communicate such to the voltage regulator control using a direct communications line, a wide area network, or the like. The communications may include electrical (e.g. copper cable), light (e.g. infrared over fiber optics), radio frequency, or the like. The voltage regulator control may be configured to use local measurements and a line drop compensation algorithm in the event that the remote voltage information becomes unavailable.

Abstract: A voltage regulator (10) for regulating a power distribution system voltage during forward or reverse power flow. The voltage regulator (10) accommodates multiple configurations of a tertiary winding (30) and a potential transformer (36) connected across source-side bushings (S/SL) or load-side bushings (L/SL). The invention simulates operation of a potential transformer (36), and the output voltage therefrom, connected across the source-side (S/SL) or load-side bushings (L/SL). The invention also produces a corrected voltage compensating a non-standard turns ratio of the tertiary winding (30). The regulator (10) controls a tap changer (18) to regulate the system voltage according to a digital value representing the voltage across the source-side (S/SL) or load-side bushings (L/SL), comprising a measured voltage, the corrected voltage or the simulated voltage.

Abstract: A heat exchange cooler capable of eliminating continuous radiation of high-frequency noise waves and reducing the man hour for the installation work, and a power circuit driving device used for it are provided. A commercial power transformer (311), which transforms commercial AC power (307) supplied from a heat generating element storing box to a specified range of voltage, is provided. Moreover, first relay (210) and second relay (212) are used for automatically switching a plurality of taps disposed at the coil of commercial power transformer (311) which keeps a wide range of commercial AC voltage from 200V to 250V in nominal voltage within a specified range of output voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating power is disclosed. The present invention provides circuits and methods for current sensing variations, static droop settings, mismatched phase outputs, and temperature variations in a multiphase power regulator. The circuits may include a calibration controller that senses and regulates both a current sensing circuit and the droop in a power regulator over a range of temperatures thus equalizing phase outputs. The present invention includes the schematic organization and implementation of the circuit, the circuit's calibration, its use, and implementation. This invention advantageously provides circuits and methods to properly power a processor or IC chip according to the unique power specifications of the processor or chip.

Abstract: A control system providing a universal input for receiving a control signal for actuating tap-changing equipment. The system accommodates virtually any signal voltage level commonly used for control of the tap-changing equipment, modifies the received signal to a desired format, and inputs the modified signal to a controller for decoding and actuation of the tap-changing motor. The system is fully electronic, eliminating the use of electromechanical contacts for control of the tap-changer and providing a flexible approach to monitoring and diagnostics even from a location remote from the tap-changing equipment.

Abstract: A tap changing assembly for power transformers having vacuum interrupters each of which is associated with a radio interrogated surface wave sensor capable of detecting whether the respective vacuum interrupter opens circuit in a timely manner. The sensors are interrogated by an interrogating unit transmitting high-frequency signals to the sensors and associated with a monitoring circuit responsive to signals received by the interrogating unit for signalling the status of the vacuum interrupter.

Abstract: A power regulation system is coupled to an AC power source outputting an input voltage. The system has a first transformer to receive the input voltage and generate a control voltage. The system also has a second transformer that has a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil and secondary coil of the second transformer are electromagnetically coupled to each other and so arranged that when the control voltage from the first transformer is applied to the primary coil, an output voltage is generated between a first end and a second end of the secondary coil, wherein the output voltage is substantially 180° out of phase from the input voltage so as to generate an effective voltage applied to the load, and wherein the effective voltage is less than the input voltage and substantially equals to the difference between the input voltage and the output voltage, resulting a reduction in power consumption of the load.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for power regulation of electrical loads to provide reduction in power consumption by the electrical loads. The power regulation system is coupled to an AC power source outputting an input voltage between a first node and a second node. Included in the system is a first transformer having a winding having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is electrically coupled to the first node and the second end is electrically coupled to the second node to receive the input voltage, and a movable wiper arm having a wiper, an output node and a body therebetween, wherein the movable wiper arm is movable continuously between the second end and the first end of the winding so that a control voltage is generated between the output node and the second end within a range of from 0 volts to at least the input voltage.

Abstract: A power regulation system is coupled to an AC power source outputting an input voltage. The system has a first transformer to receive the input voltage and generate a control voltage. The system also has a second transformer that has a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil and secondary coil of the second transformer are electromagnetically coupled to each other and so arranged that when the control voltage from the first transformer is applied to the primary coil, an output voltage is generated between a first end and a second end of the secondary coil, wherein the output voltage is substantially 180° out of phase from the input voltage so as to generate an effective voltage applied to the load, and wherein the effective voltage is less than the input voltage and substantially equals to the difference between the input voltage and the output voltage, resulting a reduction in power consumption of the load.

Abstract: A method for dynamically determining tap position in a step voltage regulator is disclosed. A present tap position is determined and the value of an applied voltage across a tap changing mechanism is measured. Based upon the value of the applied voltage, a directional change in the tap position is detected. A trigger signal is also generated which is responsive to a detected change in tap position. Finally, a new tap position is calculated based upon the present tap position and the directional change in the tap position, when the trigger signal indicates that a change in tap position has taken place.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a secondary voltage (US) in a transformer device connected to a power network with a given system frequency (f1), which transformer device comprises a tap-changer (TC) which, in dependence on a supplied control signal (RCS), influences the voltage ratio (RAT) of the transformer device, a voltage variable (uE) is formed in dependence on the secondary voltage. The voltage variable comprises at least one first control component (u1, &phgr;1) which represents a fundamental component of the secondary voltage, and a control quantity (EPV, EEV) is formed in dependence on the voltage variable. The control signal is formed in dependence on a deviation (DPV, DEV) between the control quantity and a given reference value (PVR, EVR) therefor and is supplied to the tap-changer. The actual fundamental frequency (f1*) of the power network is continuously sensed and the voltage variable is formed in dependence thereon.

Abstract: During the production of, for example ozone, an electric corona discharge is generated in atmospheric air by means of the high-voltage generator, so that ozone is formed from atmospheric oxygen. The high-voltage generator applies a high voltage between two electrodes (4, 14) in a discharge chamber; the electrodes are insulated from one another by a high-voltage insulator (6) which also acts as a dielectric. Electric breakdowns can occur through the insulator (6), so that in the course of time the surface of the insulator is damaged. The insulator then loses its insulating effect. In order to counteract this phenomenon, the exceeding of a predetermined current threshold value by the discharge current is detected in the high-voltage generator; a microprocessor (46) determines the number of times that said threshold value is exceeded per predetermined time interval, and the high voltage is controlled to a lower value if the number of times per predetermined time interval is too high.

Abstract: A power system relay combining the functions of tapchanger control, capacitor control, substation data monitoring and communications.

Abstract: A voltage regulator controller having integral expansion ports. The expansion ports are provided by way of an I/O expansion chassis which is electrically coupled to the controller's microprocessor.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based tap-changer controller including apparatus for keeping track of an electrically closed tap position and for automatically changing the tap setting of load tap-changing transformers and regulators; the tap-changer controller further utilizes the "keep-track" tap position to calculate the source voltage of the regulator for reverse power operations; and, a method for paralleling tap-changing transformers and regulators utilizing the circulating current of the units.

Abstract: A co-controller provides communication between a standard voltage regulator controller and an LTC transformer, to enable the standard controller to be used in the operation of the LTC transformer. The co-controller generally consists of an interface circuit and a control circuit. The interface circuit receives status signals pertaining to the operation of an LTC transformer, as well as control signals from a voltage regulator controller, and buffers these signals for presentation to the control circuit. The control circuit is microprocessor based, and modifies the input signals from the interface circuit to provide the appropriate control signals required for the operation of the LTC transformer. The control circuit also implements a number of functions not available through a standard controller, such as current balance paralleling, overvoltage protection and correction for faults.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling tapchanger operation on voltage regulating transformers includes a plurality of transducers to obtain real time voltage, wattage and reactive power readings, along with status readings for breakers associated with circuitry. A processor includes components to convert the analog transducer signals to digital signals, and process those signals utilizing preprogrammed and predetermined multipliers. A processor can read programmable files that dictate operational set points and ranges of set points. The software program allows evaluation of the real time actual parameter readings in comparison with set point and range set points to issue instructions to change the tapchangers on the transformers to maintain control of and regulate the voltage from the transformer. Other features and advantages are described herein.

Abstract: An electronic device for compensating voltage fluctuations in an electrical power distribution circuit controls operation of a transformer of the type having a TCUL voltage regulator by automatically calculating the voltage bandwidth of the transformer based upon a stored value for peak current in the distribution circuit. The peak current value is automatically updated when the actual current in the circuit exceeds the stored peak current value for a predetermined sustained period of time indicating a change in overall loading patterns in the circuit but, regardless of increases in actual current in the distribution circuit, the apparatus prevents the output voltage from exceeding a preset absolute maximum.

Abstract: A protection circuit is provided for a tap switching line voltage regulator of the type which selectively switches in one of a predetermined number of taps on a winding of a transformer. The selective switching of the taps is controlled in response to the sensed load voltage to provide a regulated voltage to a load in the presence of a varying input line voltage. The tap switching line voltage regulator in response to the sensed load voltage controls the conductive state of a solid state series switching element in each of the switched tap lines. The protection circuit provides current limiting inductors in series with each of the solid state switching elements with all the inductors being wound on a common magnetic core. When switching from one tap to another tap, the tap switching line volage regulator in response to the sensed voltage operates to select an adjacent tap to the tap currently selected. Thus, tap switching proceeds in a sequential fashion up and down along the taps.

Abstract: A load-compensating power distribution regulator system includes a plurality of circuit regulators interfaced to a single microcomputer, the microcomputer sensing for each circuit a regulator voltage and an output current. The microcomputer compares a computer line-drop compensated actual circuit voltage with a dynamically determined desired circuit voltage using a variably offset deadband for controlling regulator action depending on whether the output current is changing favorably for bringing the actual circuit voltage toward the desired circuit voltage. The number of regulator actions in a time period is also monitored for adjusting the magnitude of the deadband to limit wear-and-tear of the regulator.

Abstract: A control device for regulating the output voltage of a voltage regulator wherein the output from that regulator would normally be variable includes inputting that voltage to the control device. There are two overlapping bands which define an effective bandwidth between the upper limit of the lower band and lower limit of the upper band. The output of the device provides a signal responsively regulated in the effective bandwidth such that the output from the regulator can be similarly regulated. In power generation systems a narrow bandwidth can be effectively maintained to permit narrow variations of voltage. A micro-processor facilitates changing the regulated levels for the control device such that the output from the control device can be selectively and controllably changed as desired.

Abstract: A position angle transducer for voltage compensating tap changing transformers provides secondary tap number or tap position analog output signals which accurately reflect the secondary tap position even if a non-linear relationship obtains between the shaft angle and tap number. A shaft angle sensor generates shaft angle analog signals and an analog-to-digital converter converts the shaft angle analog signals to shaft angle digital words. A digital-to-digital converter receives the shaft angle digital words and provides at its output tap number digital words according to the transfer function or functional relationship of tap changing shaft angle to tap number for the particular transformer. A programmable read-only memory performs the digital-to-digital conversion and is flexibly programmed according to the transfer function of the transformer and in order to establish any desired transfer functional relationship.

Abstract: The following specification discloses an electrical power controller that has been specifically directed toward the control of lighting. The invention is directed toward reducing electrical energy consumption of high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and fluorescent lamps. The controller is connected at its input to a power line to light a bank of lamps or other electrical energy consuming devices. The output of the controller to the lamps can effectively be optimized at a substantially lower level, providing a high degree of lighting while effectuating a substantial energy saving. The output is controlled by a variable autotransformer having a drive motor that is in turn controlled by an amplifier comparator circuit. A bidirectional ramp generator provides increases and decreases of voltage in a manner to maintain the lights in their optimum operating condition.

Abstract: A voltage regulating transformer utilizing a microprocessor and a versatile multipurpose set of hardware modules and software modules it is described. A standard tap changing mechanism is driven in response to an analog control signal to change the output voltage of the transformer in response to digitally sampled values of voltage and current which have been transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain through a software program using Fourier transform techniques. The output current is also transformed and digitally processed to determine the power factor and the direction of power flow through the transformer. By inserting the digital values of the line characteristics to the load, line drop compensation is provided for. The difference in voltage across the input and output transformers is transformed to a digital signal and internally processed to provide an indication of the position of the tap changing mechanism without relying upon mechanical devices.

Abstract: Automatic voltage reduction is provided by a voltage regulator by monitoring utility load currents and comparing the load currents to a predetermined current value. When the predetermined current value is exceeded, the voltage input to the voltage regulator control is increased by a fixed predetermined amount causing the voltage regulator output to decrease. One embodiment of the automatic voltage reduction control circuit utilizes a current transformer for receiving a signal from a utility line in proportion to the amount of line load current. The current signal is compared to a predetermined current value by means of a differential amplifier to determine when the predetermined current is exceeded. The differential amplifier output then operates a relay to connect an auxiliary voltage source in series with the sensing transformer within the voltage regulator control unit.