For Inverter Patents (Class 363/95)
  • Publication number: 20130182476
    Abstract: An adaptive sampling circuit of the power converter according to the present invention comprises a sample-and-hold unit and a signal-generation circuit. The sample-and-hold unit is coupled to a transformer to generate a feedback signal by sampling a demagnetized voltage of the transformer in response to a sample signal. The signal-generation circuit generates the sample signal in response to a magnetized voltage of the transformer, the demagnetized voltage of the transformer, a switching signal and a code. The sample signal is used for sampling the demagnetized voltage. The feedback signal is correlated to an output voltage of the power converter. The switching signal is generated in response to the feedback signal for switching the transformer and regulating the output of the power converter. The adaptive sampling circuit is used to precisely measure the demagnetized voltage of the transformer without the limitation of the transformer design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.
    Inventor: System General Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130182475
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-phase inverter control device and a current control method for the same. The multi-phase inverter control device comprises a discrete circuit receiving CT IOCCS, CT IOCS and CT LIVS, and converting them into a plurality of DT signals; a multi-dimensional quantization circuit calculating according to an MDFQCC (Multi-Dimensional Feedback Quantization Current Control) algorithm to obtain DT IOVS for determining a plurality of switching signals; a driver circuit receiving the switching signals, and converting the switching signals into a plurality of switch driving signals; and an inverter circuit receiving the switch driving signals to output voltage across the load. The present invention decreases switching frequency, reduces switching loss and controls the inverter to output current efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hung-Chi CHEN, Wei-Yu CHEN
  • Patent number: 8482936
    Abstract: A method of connecting a photovoltaic device to an AC power grid through an inverter includes monitoring a DC voltage at an input of an inverter, and activating the inverter when the monitored DC voltage exceeds a first predetermined threshold. The method further includes synchronizing an output voltage of the inverter with a grid voltage, connecting an output of the inverter to the AC power grid upon synchronization if the monitored DC voltage exceeds second predetermined threshold, and deactivating the inverter if a detected power being fed through the inverter falls below a predetermined power threshold while maintaining the connection between the output of the inverter and the AC power grid. Lastly, the method includes disconnecting the output of the deactivated inverter from the grid if the monitored DC voltage falls below a third predetermined threshold. Further, an apparatus that performs such functionality is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Andreas Falk, Joachim Laschinski, Oliver Arend, Peter Simon, Wolfgang Reichenbaecher, Frank Greizer
  • Patent number: 8472220
    Abstract: We describe a photovoltaic (PV) panel system comprising a PV panel with multiple sub-strings of connected solar cells in combination with a power conditioning unit (microinverter). The power conditioning unit comprises a set of input power converters, one connected to each sub-string, and a common output power conversion stage, to provide power to an ac mains power supply output. Integration of the micro-inverter into the solar PV module in this way provides many advantages, including greater efficiency and reliability. Additionally, embodiments of the invention avoid the need for bypass diodes, a component with a high failure rate in PV panels, providing lower power loss and higher reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Enecsys Limited
    Inventors: Paul Garrity, Asim Mumtaz
  • Patent number: 8471409
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a power conversion circuit. A control module controls a pulse width modulation regulator to regulate a duty cycle of a DC-DC converter according to the direct current link voltage of the DC-DC converter and the output current and voltage of a renewable power supply. The control module also controls the pulse width modulation regulator to regulate a duty cycle of a DC-AC inverter according to the direct current link voltage of the DC-DC converter, output voltage of a utility power supply, and the output current and voltage of the renewable power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Jin-Ming Chang, Zhan-Yi Lin, Chen-Kun Chou, Yu-Ming Sun, Chi-Bin Wu
  • Publication number: 20130155739
    Abstract: In a light power generation system, a control device, a control method, and a program, efficient power can be supplied. The maximum power detection unit operates a MOSFET in a power converter circuit and open-circuits both ends of a solar cell panel in the maximum power detection mode. After that, the maximum power detection unit short-circuits both ends of the solar cell panel, detects a maximum power by monitoring the output power of the solar cell panel during a period from the open state to the short-circuited state, and defines the voltage of the solar cell panel as an optimal voltage when detecting the maximum power. In a tracking operation mode, the control unit performs PWM control with respect to the MOSFET by defining the optimal voltage to be a reference signal. Operations are repeated between the maximum power detection mode and the tracking operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SCHOOL JUDICIAL PERSON IKUTOKUGAKUEN
    Inventor: Kazutaka Itako
  • Publication number: 20130155738
    Abstract: A power conversion system includes a three-phase power converter electrically couplable to a photovoltaic power source for converting DC power to three-phase AC power; sensors for measuring voltage levels of the AC power at each phase; and a controller for generating and transmitting independent reactive power commands for each phase of the three-phase power converter based at least in part on the voltage levels and an existing voltage imbalance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kathleen Ann O'Brien, Robert William Delmerico
  • Patent number: 8467197
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering energy from an input interface to an output interface. An electrical system includes an input interface, an output interface, an energy conversion module coupled between the input interface and the output interface, and a control module. The control module determines a duty cycle control value for operating the energy conversion module to produce a desired voltage at the output interface. The control module determines an input power error at the input interface and adjusts the duty cycle control value in a manner that is influenced by the input power error, resulting in a compensated duty cycle control value. The control module operates switching elements of the energy conversion module to deliver energy to the output interface with a duty cycle that is influenced by the compensated duty cycle control value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Milun Perisic, Ray M. Ransom, Lateef A. Kajouke
  • Patent number: 8467207
    Abstract: A system for converting at least one electrical input direct current into an electrical output alternating current comprising M phases and supplied to M output terminals includes N polyphase inverters, connected in parallel, each converting the input direct current into an intermediate alternating current comprising M phases and supplied to M intermediate terminals; N×M first electromagnetic coupling coils, each being connected to a respective intermediate terminal; N×M magnetic cores, each first coil being wound around a respective core. This system comprises N×M second electromagnetic coupling coils, each being connected to a respective first coil and wound around a distinct core from that of the respective first coil. The first and second coils of a same core correspond to a single phase, and generate respective common mode fluxes of opposite directions. Each output terminal is connected to the M second coils of a single phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Valentin Costan, Bernard Gollentz
  • Publication number: 20130148394
    Abstract: A power conversion system configured to provide alternating current (AC) power to a transformer is described. The power conversion system includes a power conversion device that includes a device input and a device output. The power conversion device is configured to receive power from a power source at the device input and the device output is configured for coupling to a transformer input. The power conversion system also includes a sensor coupled at a first point of interconnection between the device output and the transformer input and is configured to measure a voltage level at the first point of interconnection. The power conversion system also includes a system controller communicatively coupled to the power conversion device and the sensor. The system controller is configured to determine an impedance of the power grid based at least partially on the voltage level at the first point of interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Kathleen Ann O'Brien, Owen Jannis Schelenz
  • Publication number: 20130148393
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a power converter is described. The controller includes an input configured to receive at least one grid feedback signal, a filter, and an output. The filter is configured to receive the at least one grid feedback signal and generate an output signal that does not deviate by more than a predefined amount from the at least one grid feedback signal. The output is configured to provide a voltage command signal to the power converter that is based at least partially on the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Einar Vaughn Larsen
  • Publication number: 20130141956
    Abstract: A battery free off-grid solar inverter system includes an inverter and a controller. The inverter is used for converting a direct current voltage provided by a solar panel into an alternating current voltage. The inverter has an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal is used for coupling to the solar panel for receiving the direct current voltage, and the output terminal is used for coupling to a load for coupling the alternating current voltage. The controller is coupled to the control terminal for gradually increasing the alternating current voltage to make the direct current voltage be gradually decreased when the battery free off-grid solar inverter system is turned on. The controller stops increasing the alternating current voltage when the direct current voltage is lower than a predetermined direct current voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
  • Patent number: 8456867
    Abstract: An isolated switched mode power supply (SMPS) is disclosed. The SMPS comprises a switching controller to generate start-up and operational switching control signals. The SMPS further includes a transformer, having a primary winding, and a full-bridge drive circuit to drive the primary winding. The full-bridge drive circuit comprises a first switching element, a boot-strap dnving circuit, and a second switching element. The switching controller is further used to start up isolated SMPS by determining a duty cycle for operational control signals and generating the start-up switching control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Magnus Karlsson, Anders Kullman, Jonas Malmberg, Fredrik Wahledow
  • Patent number: 8456877
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inverter system (1) with several inverters (2), each of which having at least one control unit (6), with at least one line (7) each being provided between the inverters (2) for data exchange, as well as to an inverter (2), and to a method of operating several inverters (2) in such an inverter system (1). To achieve a high transmission safety, and a high data-transmission rate, it is provided that each inverter (2) has a communication device (8) which is connected to a control unit (6) of the inverter (2) and to the data lines (7) of two neighboring inverters (2), and which has a switching device (13), the switching device (13) being configured to switch the data lines (7) between a ring system and between a bus system logically based on this ring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Angerer, Hannes Heigl, Harald Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 8456878
    Abstract: A power storage system and a method of controlling the same include supplying power to a load by connecting a power generation system and a grid. The system includes a power converting unit that operates in one of at least two control modes including a maximum power point tracking control mode in which the power generation system is controlled to generate maximum power and a voltage control mode in which a boosting ratio is adjusted according to a change in the amount of power consumed by a load. The system also includes a direct current (DC)/DC converter for converting an output voltage of the power converting unit into a DC link voltage, an inverter for converting the DC link voltage into an alternating current (AC) voltage appropriate for the grid, and a central controller for controlling operations of the power converting unit, the DC/DC converter, and the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byeong-Seon Min
  • Patent number: 8451626
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for both power and control signal transmission through a single coupled inductor. A current driver generates a cyclical current signal on a primary winding of a coupled inductor, to induce a voltage signal at the secondary winding corresponding to the cyclical current signal. A rectifier module is coupled with the secondary winding and configured to rectify the signal induced at the secondary winding. A control timing signal module is coupled with the primary winding and configured to induce voltage pulses on the secondary winding, the induced voltage pulses having an insubstantial impact on the output of the rectifier module. A switching module coupled with the secondary winding is configured to receive the voltage pulses and control a switching signal for a power switch coupled with the output of the rectifier and provide power to a load coupled with the output of the rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Microsemi Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Coleman
  • Patent number: 8446743
    Abstract: This patent document discloses power electronic transformers having a high-frequency link. An example apparatus include a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the transformer is configured to receive a primary power signal having a first frequency, a primary converter configured to selectively oscillate polarity of the primary windings with respect to the secondary windings at a second frequency, the second frequency substantially substantially higher than the first frequency, a secondary converter coupled to the secondary winding, the secondary converter configured to provide a load power signal using a high frequency power signal generated using the secondary winding. The secondary converter can be configured to reduce current flow in the primary winding when the polarity of the primary winding is switched, the reduced current follow is configured to reduce disturbances resulting from leakage inductance of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Ranjan Kumar Gupta, Krushna Keshab Mohapatra, Ned Mohan, Gysler Castelino, Kaushik Basu, Nathan Weise
  • Publication number: 20130099788
    Abstract: A gradient amplifier for driving a gradient coil is disclosed. The gradient amplifier includes a direct current (DC) bus for receiving DC voltage generated from a series resonant converter, an inverter coupled to the DC bus configured to receive the DC voltage at the DC bus and convert the DC voltage to generate an output voltage to be applied to the gradient coil, and an inverter controller coupled to the inverter. The inverter controller is configured to generate control signals to control operation of the inverter based at least on a DC voltage feedback signal measured at the DC bus, an output voltage feedback signal measured at the output of the inverter, and a reference output voltage signal indicative of a desired voltage to be achieved at the output of the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130094259
    Abstract: It provides the effective power conversion control technique which it can control which it made use of a characteristic (nature) of each A/D converter in. It comprises the third control part including the third operating circuit it inputs signal from third A/D converter inputting the detecting signal which is different from the detecting signal which is the same as the detecting signal or the detecting signal and above third A/D converter, and to generate the third operating signal, and the above actuating management circuit manages the actuating of an above first control part and the second above control part and the third above control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Nagasaki University, National University Corporation
    Inventor: Fujio Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 8415830
    Abstract: A method and system for managing loads powered by a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control unit to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. The loads are shed in a sequential order based upon the priority circuit to which the load is applied. Once a required load has been shed, the control unit determines whether any of the lower priority loads can be reconnected to the generator without exceeding the rating of the generator while one of the higher priority circuits remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Sie Teong Lim, Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair
  • Publication number: 20130082611
    Abstract: A DC to DC converter receives a DC input voltage and generates an output DC voltage. A current sensor measures a DC input current. A control circuit is coupled to the current sensor for controlling the DC to DC converter to have a constant DC input current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Isaac Cohen
  • Patent number: 8410768
    Abstract: A power supply having an input and an output, includes a power converter coupled between the input and output of the power supply including at least one switch that is controlled by comparing a sensed voltage, the sensed voltage corresponding to a current flowing through the switch, to a reference voltage. A controller, in response to a change detected in a switching frequency of the switch, reduces audible noise generated by the power supply by at least one of: adjusting the reference voltage; adjusting the current sense voltage; or adjusting a resistance used to generate the sensed voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Laszlo Huber, Milan M. Jovanović, Chien-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 8410745
    Abstract: When a short-circuit failure of any of switch portions (13) including switch elements (11) and parallel-connected feedback diodes (12) of an inverter circuit (7) is detected during the operation of a motor (1), a switch portion (13) where the short-circuit failure has occurred is checked for whether it is on the positive polarity side or the negative polarity side. The switch elements (11) are so controlled that all the switch portions (13) on the same polarity side as where the short-circuit has occurred are brought into a conducted state and all the others are disconnected. This prevents a large electric current from flowing into each switch portion of the inverter circuit without requiring any switch to block the power distribution between a motor and the inverter circuit when a short-circuit failure of the switch portion of the inverter circuit occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Hosoda, Yuji Saito, Yasuyuki Danjo, Hideki Inoue, Tetsu Sugiyama, Junji Kato
  • Patent number: 8410633
    Abstract: A method and system for managing electrical loads on a standby generator. The method includes utilizing a transfer switch control to selectively shed loads each associated with one of a series of priority circuits. Priority values are initially assigned to each of the electric loads based upon the initial hard-wired connection of the electric loads to a main breaker panel during set up. The control unit of a transfer switch allows the user to reassign priority values to each of the electric loads based upon a user preference. The control unit includes one or more predefined priority assignment programs that can be selected to modify the priority values assigned to the electric loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Kenny J. Stair, Sie Teong Lim
  • Patent number: 8412479
    Abstract: Memory power estimation by means of calibrated weights and activity counters are generally presented. In this regard, in one embodiment, a memory power is introduced to read a value from a memory activity counter, to determine a memory power estimation based at least in part on the value and a calibration, and to store the memory power estimation to a register. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Howard S. David, Eugene Gorbatov, Ulf R. Hanebutte, Minh Le, Rahul Khanna
  • Publication number: 20130077366
    Abstract: Provided are a solar energy generation system having an adaptive maximum power point tracking function and a method thereof. The solar energy generation system includes: a minimum maintenance voltage determination unit configured to output a minimum maintenance voltage which enables the inverter to maintain an operation thereof corresponding to a grid voltage of the grid; a maximum power point tracking controller configured to determine a maximum power point tracking voltage at a maximum power point of the photovoltaic module, using the minimum maintenance voltage and an output voltage and output current of the photovoltaic module, and to output a reference voltage to track the maximum power point; a voltage calculator configured to calculate a difference between the reference voltage and the output voltage of the photovoltaic module; and a voltage adjuster configured to generate a reference current value using an output of the voltage calculator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Kyoung Hwan KIM, Young Sang Bae, Seong Jin Oh
  • Patent number: 8406022
    Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for controlling the power quality of a power generation system. According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling the power quality of a power generation system including a DC/AC inverter converting DC voltage into AC voltage and supplying inverter current to a grid, including: a grid voltage phase follower generating a grid signal; a fundamental extractor extracting a magnitude of a fundamental wave of a load current introduced into a non-linear load connected between the DC/AC inverter and the grid; a first calculator subtracting a preset current compensation value from the magnitude of the fundamental wave from the fundamental extractor; and a second calculator generating an inverter current instruction value for the DC/AC inverter by using the output value of the first calculator and the grid signal and the load current from the grid voltage phase follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd., Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Tae Hoon Kim, Jae Hyung Kim, Jun Gu Kim, Yong Hyok Ji, Chung Yuen Won, Doo Young Song, Byoung Kuk Lee, Dong Seong Oh, Tae Won Lee, Jin Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20130070496
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating power production. In one embodiment, the method comprises comparing a line voltage level to a first threshold and a second threshold, wherein the line voltage level is a level of a line voltage at an output of a power converter; and modifying power produced by the power converter by (i) a first modification when the line voltage level is between the first and the second thresholds, and (ii) a second modification when the line voltage level exceeds the second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Enphase Energy, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130063993
    Abstract: An alternating current (AC) line emulator includes an AC power supply and an automatic regulating load. The AC power supply is used for providing an AC line frequency and an AC line voltage. The automatic regulating load is coupled between the AC power supply and a grid-connected power generation system for functioning as a test load of the grid-connected power generation system, and preventing current from reversing to the AC power supply and shutting down the AC power supply. When the grid-connected power system is tested, power consumption of the automatic regulating load is equal to a sum of output power of the grid-connected power generation system and output power of the AC power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Liu, Kuo-Hsin Chu, Hsu-Chin Wu, Hwai-Ching Shi, Wei-Kang Liang
  • Publication number: 20130057069
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a value for an electrical output of a converter of renewable energy. The method comprises obtaining a signal representing the electrical output of the converter wherein that electrical output has an initial value. The method further comprises applying a pulse signal to the signal representing the electrical output, wherein the pulse signal comprises a positive portion and a negative portion. The method further comprises obtaining a measurement of electrical power produced by the converter during application of the pulse signal, removing the pulse signal and then obtaining a measurement of electrical power produced by the converter in the absence of the pulse signal. An error value is determined from the obtained electrical power measurements and that error value is applied to the initial value to obtain a target value for the electrical output of the converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Alan Meredith-Jones, Stephen Turner, Michael Cade
  • Publication number: 20130051098
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power converter is provided. The method includes the following steps. A switching signal coupled to switch a transformer for regulating the output of the power converter is generated in accordance with a feedback signal and a ramp signal. The ramp signal is generated in accordance with a switching current signal and a slope compensation signal. The slope compensation signal is generated in response to an input voltage signal. The input voltage signal is generated in response to the level of the input voltage of the power converter. The feedback signal is generated in accordance with the output of the power converter, and the switching current signal is correlated with a switching current of the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.
    Inventors: Ta-Yung Yang, Li Lin, Yue-Hong Tang
  • Patent number: 8385086
    Abstract: A converter has a network-side and a load-side power converter that are connected together on the DC side in an electrically conductive manner. An upper and a lower valve branch of each phase module, respectively, of the load-side power converter has at least one two-poled subsystem. At least one multiphase network-controlled power converter is provided as the network-side power converter. In this way, a converter is obtained, in particular an intermediate voltage circuit converter for intermediate voltages, which combines a simple and cost-effective feed circuit on the network side with a modular multilevel converter on the load side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Hiller, Rainer Sommer
  • Patent number: 8385090
    Abstract: A power supply system includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter circuit, a rectifier and filter circuit, a switch circuit, a transformer, a feedback circuit and a controller. The feedback circuit includes a voltage divider circuit, a filter circuit, and a voltage and temperature compensation circuit. The voltage divider circuit generates a voltage dividing signal, and includes a first lossless element and a second lossless element connected in series between an output of the transformer and the ground, and the voltage dividing signal is generated at a node of the first and second lossless elements. The filter circuit filters the voltage dividing signal into a direct current (DC) signal. The voltage and temperature compensation circuit does voltage compensation and temperature compensation to the DC signal to generate a feedback signal, and sends the feedback signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ampower Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chan Ger, Tsung-Liang Hung
  • Publication number: 20130043724
    Abstract: An electrical power supply arrangement includes a solar power device that converts sunlight into DC electrical power. A DC load runs on the DC current electrical power. The DC load may be controlled or adjusted to consume a maximum amount of the electrical output of the solar power device. A DC-to-AC converter converts the DC electrical power into AC electrical power. A controller enables the DC-to-AC converter to receive a portion of the DC current electrical power from the solar power device only if all of the DC current electrical power cannot be consumed by the DC load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: Robert Boach GmbH, Robert Bosch LLC
    Inventors: Eric Daniels, John Saussele
  • Publication number: 20130043723
    Abstract: An electrical power supply arrangement includes a solar power device that converts sunlight into DC electrical power. A DC load runs on the DC current electrical power. The DC load may be controlled or adjusted to consume a maximum amount of the electrical output of the solar power device. A DC-to-AC converter converts the DC electrical power into AC electrical power. A controller enables the DC-to-AC converter to receive a portion of the DC current electrical power from the solar power device only if all of the DC current electrical power cannot be consumed by the DC load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch LLC
    Inventors: Eric Daniels, John Saussele
  • Patent number: 8374011
    Abstract: A power converter includes at least two power conversion sections operating in parallel. The power converter receives a variable input power and generates an AC output voltage. When the power source is generating enough power to supply a DC voltage to the power converter greater than or equal to the peak magnitude of the desired AC voltage output, each power conversion section operates in parallel, converting the DC voltage to the desired AC voltage output. When the power generated by the variable power source results in a DC voltage having a magnitude less than the peak magnitude of the desired AC voltage output, the power conversion sections operate in series. One power conversion section operates as a boost converter to boost the DC voltage level to a suitable level for the second power conversion section, which generates the desired AC output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Magnetek, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Wirth
  • Patent number: 8374002
    Abstract: An isolated switching power supply apparatus includes a direct-current input power supply, a power transmission transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding, at least one main switching element configured to perform switching control on a direct-current voltage applied to the primary winding of the power transmission transformer, a rectification circuit that includes at least one rectification switching element and is connected to the secondary winding of the power transmission transformer, a smoothing circuit connected to the secondary winding of the power transmission transformer, a power conversion circuit configured to obtain an output voltage from the smoothing circuit, and a control circuit configured to control an operation of the power conversion circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadahiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8374003
    Abstract: A control IC including a full-bridge circuit is disposed on a primary side and a secondary side. Bidirectional communication is performed between the primary side and the secondary side in a state in which they are isolated. A control signal output from the primary side or the secondary side earlier is preferentially processed. As a result, the authority to control a switching element can be freely given to a primary-side control IC or a secondary-side control IC, and any control processing can be performed with software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadahiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130027993
    Abstract: An exemplary power conversion system is disclosed including a DC bus for receiving DC power; a line side converter electrically coupled to the DC bus for converting the DC power to AC power; and a voltage source controller to provide control signals to enable the line side converter to regulate the AC power. The voltage source controller comprises a signal generator to generate the control signals based at least in part on a power command signal and a power feedback signal. The voltage source controller further comprises a current limiter to, during a transient event, limit the control signals based at least in part on an electrical current threshold. The voltage source controller further comprises a voltage limiter to, during the transient event, limit the control signals based at least in part on a DC bus voltage feedback signal and a DC boundary voltage threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Zhuohui Tan, Xinhui Wu, Xueqin Wu, Maozhong Gong, Xiaoming Guo
  • Publication number: 20130027997
    Abstract: An exemplary power conversion system comprises an MPPT unit, a DC bus, a power converter, and a converter controller. The MPPT unit receives a feedback current signal and a feedback voltage signal from a power source and generates an MPPT reference signal based at least in part on the feedback current and voltage signals. The DC bus receives DC power from the power source. The power converter converts the DC power on the DC bus to AC power. The converter controller receives the MPPT reference signal from the MPPT unit and an output power feedback signal measured at an output of the power converter; generates control signals for AC power regulation and maximum power extraction based at least in part on the MPPT reference signal and the output power feedback signal; and sends the control signals to the power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Zhuohui Tan, Xueqin Wu, Xinhui Wu, Maozhong Gong
  • Patent number: 8358517
    Abstract: A switching power conversion circuit receives an input voltage and generates an output voltage to a system circuit. The switching power conversion circuit includes a power circuit, a feedback circuit, a control circuit, and an initiation circuit. The power circuit includes a first switch circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback signal according to a power-status signal and the output voltage. The first switching circuit is conducted or shut off according to the feedback signal under control of the control circuit, so that the input voltage is converted into the output voltage and the first auxiliary voltage by the power circuit. If the power-status signal is in an off status, a ratio of the feedback signal to the output voltage is equal to a first feedback ratio and the magnitude of the first auxiliary voltage is lower than a normal operating voltage value, so that the control circuit is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Tsai Chiang
  • Patent number: 8345451
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting DC electricity to AC electricity, the AC electricity having a sine wave shape. DC electricity is supplied to a pulse width modulator. A pulse width modulated signal is formed from the DC electricity, the pulse width modulated signal comprising a plurality of pulses, each pulse having a duration representing an amplitude of the sine wave during an interval of the sine wave represented by the pulse, the pulse width modulated signal comprising a plurality of pulses (or a pulse train) during one sine wave period. The sine wave is generated from the pulse width modulated signal, values of the sine wave during successive sine wave intervals responsive to the duration of the pulse that represents the sine wave interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: James V. Wernlund, Roger F. Wernlund, Zachary J. Wernlund, Christian J. Wernlund
  • Patent number: 8339093
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an AC motor drive includes a control system programmed with an energy algorithm configured to optimize operation of the motor drive. Specifically, the control system receives input of an initial voltage-frequency command to the AC motor drive, receives a real-time output of the AC motor drive generated according to the initial voltage-frequency command, and determines a real-time value of a motor parameter based on the real-time output of the AC motor drive. The control system also inputs a plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands to the AC motor drive, determines the real-time value of the motor parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands, and identifies an optimal value of the motor parameter based on the real-time values of the motor parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Bin Lu, Charles John Luebke, Joseph Charles Zuercher, John Charles Merrison, Thomas M. Ruchti
  • Publication number: 20120320644
    Abstract: The present invention provides a DC to AC converter including a device enabling separation of electric current into a positive portion of the circuit and a negative portion of the circuit, each portion of the circuit including an electronic switch, wherein one portion of the circuit is adapted to produce a wave form in a positive half cycle, the second portion of the circuit is adapted to produce a wave form in a negative half cycle, the voltage of the output current is fed to a polarity switch as feedback to change the polarity, and wherein the carrier duty cycle is adapted to change from 0 to 100 percent in each polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: SHLOMO RAN BET ESH
  • Publication number: 20120319490
    Abstract: A distributed power system wherein a plurality of power converters are connected in parallel and share the power conversion load according to a prescribed function, but each power converter autonomously determines its share of power conversion. Each power converter operates according to its own power conversion formula/function, such that overall the parallel-connected converters share the power conversion load in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SOLAREDGE LTD.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Gazit, Tzachi Glovinski, Yaron Binder
  • Patent number: 8334618
    Abstract: An area electric power system includes a number of direct current power sources, and a number of inverters operatively associated with the number of direct current power sources. Each of the number of inverters is structured to provide real power and controlled reactive power injection to detect islanding. An output is powered by the number of inverters. A number of electrical switching apparatus are structured to electrically connect the number of inverters to and electrically disconnect the number of inverters from a utility grid. A number of devices are structured to detect islanding with respect to the utility grid responsive to a number of changes of alternating current frequency or voltage of the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Bhavaraju, Richard P. Peplinski, Anish Prasai, Uday Mhaskar
  • Publication number: 20120313443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for intelligently inverting DC power from DC sources such as photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to single-phase or three-phase AC power to supply power for off-grid applications. A number of regular or redundant off-grid Mini-Inverters with one, two, three, or multiple input channels in a mixed variety can easily connect to one, two, three, or multiple DC power sources such as solar PV modules, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate and supply AC power to electrical devices that are not connected to the power grid including motors, pumps, fans, lights, appliances, and homes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CYBOENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: George Shu-Xing Cheng, Steven L. Mulkey, Andrew J. Chow
  • Patent number: 8331112
    Abstract: System and method for regulating an output voltage of a power conversion system. The system includes an error amplifier coupled to a capacitor. The error amplifier is configured to receive a reference voltage, a first voltage, and an adjustment current and to generate a compensation voltage with the capacitor. The first voltage is associated with a feedback voltage. Additionally, the system includes a current generator configured to receive the compensation voltage and generate the adjustment current and a first current, and a signal generator configured to receive the first current and a second current. The signal generator is further configured to receive a sensing voltage and to generate a modulation signal. Moreover, the system includes the gate driver directly or indirectly coupled to the signal generator and configured to generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaomin Huang, Lieyi Fang
  • Publication number: 20120306406
    Abstract: A power distribution system includes controller of a switching power converter to control the switching power converter and determine one or more switching power converter control parameters. In at least one embodiment, the controller determines the one or more switching power converter control parameters using a resonant period factor from a reflected secondary-side voltage and an occurrence of an approximate zero voltage crossing of the secondary-side voltage during a resonant period of the secondary-side voltage. In at least one embodiment, the switching power converter control parameters include (i) an estimated time of a minimum value of the secondary-side voltage during the resonant period and (ii) an estimated time at which a current in the secondary-side of the transformer decayed to approximately zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Robert T. Grisamore, Zhaohui He
  • Patent number: 8320146
    Abstract: A power converter system includes a power converter system including: a DC-to-AC power converter; a first output configured to be coupled to a power grid; a first input configured to be coupled to the power grid; second outputs each configured to be coupled to a corresponding AC load; a power-grid switch coupled to the converter and to the first output; load switches coupled to the converter, the second outputs, and the first input; and a controller coupled to the load switches and to the first output and configured to determine whether energy from the power grid satisfies at least one criterion, the controller being further configured to control the power-grid switch and the load switches to couple the converter to the first output and to couple the first input to the second outputs if the at least one criterion is satisfied and otherwise to control the power-grid switch and the load switches to isolate the converter from the first output and to couple the converter to at least one of the second outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Lance P. Haines, Vishwas M. Deokar