Abstract: Three phase power flow analysis of an unbalanced power distribution system decouples voltage changes resulting from nodal admittance matrix into one contribution from a real part, conductance matrix, and other contribution from an imaginary part, and a susceptance matrix. A first voltage change and second voltage change resulting from conductance and susceptance matrices are determined respectively. The voltages of a node of the power distribution system are determined as a combination of first and second voltages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a signal indicative of one or more types of individual measurable device characteristic/s that are unique to a given electronic device by providing a signal indicative of the measurable and unique device characteristic/s in a passive manner from the electronic device. The signal indicative of one or more types of individual measurable device characteristic/s may be so provided without requiring operational power to be applied to any active electronic circuitry of the device, and without requiring any power to be generated by the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for a circuit which allows a user to connect various adaptors to a common interface to provide a device with power and data signals. The circuit may provide a device, in which the circuit is incorporated, with the ability to discern whether a connected adaptor is providing power or data at any given time. If the adaptor is providing power at a particular moment, then the power/data circuit can identify that power is being provided and signal the device to accept power. When the adaptor is providing data at a particular moment, then the circuit can identify that power is being provided and signal the device to accept power. The circuit may include a power/data input, a vehicle connector, an internal power source connector, a reference voltage source, a comparator, and sensor.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring a wind turbine generator 1 configured to generate power by transmitting energy of wind from a rotor 4 including a blade 5 and a hub 6 to a generator 18 via an energy transmission pathway arranged from the rotor 4 to the generator 18: energy transmission efficiency in a monitoring object part located on the energy transmission pathway, such as a hydraulic transmission 10, is calculated from input energy inputted to the monitoring object part and output energy outputted from the monitoring object part; temporal change of the energy transmission efficiency is obtained from the calculated energy transmission efficiency in the past; energy transmission efficiency in the future is estimated based on the temporal change; and maintenance timing is determined based on the estimated energy transmission efficiency.

Abstract: The method for estimating corona power loss in a dust-loaded electrostatic precipitator numerically solves Poisson's equation and current continuity equations in which the finite element method (FEM) and a modified method of characteristics (MMC) are used. The system is a computerized system that produces results showing how different parameters such as discharging wire radius, wire-to-wire spacing, wire-to-plate spacing, fly ash flow speed and applied voltage polarity influence corona power loss and current density profiles.

Abstract: To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground.

Abstract: A digital power meter communication system includes terminal network communication devices, at least one concentrator network communication device and a digital power meter communication device. The digital power meter communication device is electrically connected with the at least one concentrator network communication device. Each of the terminal network communication devices is electrically connected with a terminal digital power meter. The digital power meter communication device includes a storage unit and a processing unit. The storage unit stores pieces of electrical connection information and digital power meter communication programs. The processing unit constructs a virtual tunnel to build connection with the target network communication device through the network.

Abstract: A method for a three phase power flow analysis of an ungrounded power distribution system partitions a topology of the power distribution system into a mainline system and a set of tap systems, wherein the mainline system is formed by mainline buses connecting a swing bus and a set of constant active power and voltage magnitude (PV) buses, wherein the tap system is formed by one or many tap buses, such that a root bus of each tap system corresponds to a mainline bus. Next, the method determines voltages of the mainline buses based on a function of a total load of each tap system; and determines voltages of tap buses based on a voltage of the corresponding root bus of the mainline and load of each tap bus.

Abstract: Electric power grid monitoring methods and apparatus are described. According to one aspect, an electric power grid signal processing method includes accessing a plurality of signals which are individually indicative of a characteristic of electromechanical energy within an electric power grid, using the plurality of signals, generating a composite signal, and analyzing the composite signal to provide information regarding an oscillatory mode within the electric power system.

Abstract: A method for calculating efficiency of a power supply system includes: displaying a parameter selection interface on the display unit for selecting power supply parameters and transmission line parameters. Obtaining power supply parameters and transmission line parameters selected by the user via the parameter selection interface when determining the user has finished the selection. Determining a efficiency of a selected power supply of the power supply parameters according to the relationship table, and calculating a sum efficiency according to the obtained power supply parameters and the transmission line parameters and the efficiency of the selected power supply. And calculating a total efficiency of the power supply system according to each sum efficiency when determining that all of the power supplies of the power supply system have been selected.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicular power source unit having an external electric power supply controlling element (94) configured to control the operation of a heater (16) and a recharger (22) operated by an electric power supplied from a commercial power source (70) via an external power source connector (25) according to a terminal voltage and temperature of a fuel cell (10) detected by a fuel cell state detecting element (91) and a state of a battery (20) detected by a battery state detecting element (92) when a fuel cell vehicle is halted, the supply of reactant gas to the fuel cell (10) by a fuel cell controlling element (93) is stopped and the external power source connector (25) is connected to the commercial power source (70).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring batteries is disclosed. There is provided a plurality of sensors each adapted to communicate with one of the batteries, and to provide information concerning a characteristic of the battery in response to application of a stimulus to the battery. A controller that communicates with the sensors is also provided. In one embodiment, the sensor includes the battery.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a central processing unit (CPU), a number of power supply units (PSUs), a north bridge, a south bridge, and a baseboard management controller (BMC). The number of power supply units (PSUs) supplies power to the CPU. Each PSU has a rated power. The north bridge is connected to the CPU. The south bridge is connected to the north bridge. The BMC is connected to the CPU by the north and south bridges. The BMC detects power supply states of each PSU and controls the north bridge to adjust a power consumption of the CPU according to the power supply states of the PSUs.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided in connection with a photovoltaic power generator composed of series-connected photovoltaic modules. The method includes determining a maximum power point voltage (UMPP) and a maximum power point current (IMPP). The method also includes determining the ambient temperature (Tamb), calculating an estimated maximum power point voltage (Uest) by using maximum power point current (IMPP) and the determined ambient temperature (Tamb), comparing the estimated maximum power point voltage with the determined maximum power point (UMPP), and determining on the basis of the comparison whether the generator is operating under uniform conditions or in conditions with two maximum power points.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for assessing and monitoring voltage security in a power system. More specifically, a method and device for assessing and monitoring the value of reactive power load when changes in reactive power outputs of at least some of the generators in the electrical power system cause all of the generators in the system to reach the combined operating limit of their reactive power output. In response thereto, the method and device are further adapted to initiate suitable control measures such as switching of transformer banks and/or capacitor/reactor banks, as well as shedding loads whenever necessary to mitigate an impending voltage stability problem.

Abstract: A method for early detection and anticipatory control of consumer-end load shedding in a single-phase or polyphase electrical grid supplied with single phase or polyphase by at least one generator driven by at least one rotating machine includes measuring a current and a voltage between the at least one generator and the electrical grid and/or a current and a voltage in the electrical grid, deriving at least one signal from the measured current and voltage and using the at least one derived signal to act on the at least one rotating machine.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device with constant calibration capabilities for high accuracy measurements and method thereof are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the electric grid and predicting failures and/or other issues. Streams of data about a power grid are received from a plurality of remote power grid sensors and converted into a univariate time sequence. Anomaly patterns are identified in the univariate time sequence and analyzed or simulated to predict the power grid disruption. The anomaly patterns are compared to power disruption contingencies stored in a database to simulate and/or predict the present or future power disruption represented by the anomaly pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method estimates a plurality of synchronized phasors at predetermined times referenced to a common time standard in an electrical power system. The method includes acquiring and determining a frequency of a power system signal, sampling the power system signal at a sampling interval rate based on a frequency of the power system signal to form signal samples, and generating a plurality of acquisition time values based on an occurrence of each of the signal samples at a corresponding plurality of different times referenced to the common time standard. The method further includes adjusting a phasor of each of the signal samples based on a time difference between a corresponding selected acquisition time value and a predetermined time referenced to a common time standard to form the plurality of synchronized phasors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measures electrical power usage and quality, while mitigating the effects of noise on measured signals or parameters. Specifically, a digital electrical power and energy meter employs a method in which a processor averages a parameter, such as voltage or current, over a plurality of cycles of a time-varying signal, such as an AC electrical signal. The method employed by the meter samples a parameter over the plurality of cycles and computes the average of the samples corresponding to the same phase angle of the signal to produce an average signal.

Abstract: This application relates to a network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard. The technology disclosed provides diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.

Abstract: An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for quantifying, measuring and verifying the results of demand side energy management programs in a smart grid by the selection of a smart grid device from the universe of smart grid devices participating in the demand side energy management program by a selecting energy collection server and collecting data from the selected smart grid device in order to reduce the load on the network. An agent resident on the selected smart grid device transmits data to the selecting energy collection server which utilizes the data to verify the demand side energy management program.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for managing and monitoring a plurality of emergency power supply systems (EPSS's) at a facility via an emergency power management system (EPMS). The EPMS generally comprises EPSS equipment, a management computer system for managing, monitoring, and testing the operational characteristics of the EPSS equipment, and a plurality of interface modules for providing unified communication capabilities between the management computer system and the EPSS equipment. Additional aspects relate to methods for easily and efficiently creating and installing an EPMS at a facility. Further aspects are directed to providing predictive analyses related to the EPSS equipment. Also, aspects of the present disclosure relate to normalizing EPSS equipment information across varying vendors, makes, and models of equipment so as to provide a unified view of all equipment across a given facility.

Abstract: A high-resolution Subspace-Least Mean Square (S-LMS) method for harmonic and interharmonic measurement in power systems is provided. The eigenvector corresponding to the smallest eigenvalue is used to calculate the frequencies of the signal, and the least mean square method is used to estimate the amplitude and phase angle of harmonic and interharmonic components based on the computed frequencies and time domain measurements of the signal. Three schemes, namely sparsity, catch-and-pinpoint, and hybrid are presented. The S-LMS method provides accurate phasor, harmonic and interharmonic measurements for power system monitoring. The speed, accuracy, and resilience of the S-LMS method can be further increased by each of the three schemes. The method has a wide range of applications in power quality analyzers, synchronized phasor measurement, situational awareness, dynamic equivalencing, and smart meters.

Abstract: A calibration system for a generator set controller is disclosed. The calibration system may have a source of electric power, a controller in communication with the source and configured to monitor a parameter of the electric power and produce at least one output corresponding to the monitored parameter, and a power meter configured to measure the parameter of the electric power. The calibration system may also have a processor in communication with the source of electric power, the controller, and the power meter. The processor may be configured to direct electric power having a first test voltage from the source to the controller, and directly relate a value of the at least one output corresponding to the first test voltage and a value of the measured parameter to an offset error.

Abstract: Systems and methods for profiling power cycle characteristics in a device powered at least by a battery are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: detecting a series of power cycle events, examining the series of power cycle events for at least one indication of reduced life of the battery; storing the indication; and notifying a user of the device about the indication. Each power cycle event indicates a transition between line power and battery power.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for receiving monitor data from a lighting equipment monitor. A data stream is created based upon the monitor data. The data stream is spread with a common pseudo-noise (PN) code that is used by a plurality of nodes in communication with an access point. A frequency offset to the spread data stream based at least in part on a timing of the access point is applied. The spread data stream is transmitted with a randomly selected timing offset.

Abstract: A method comprises operating a processor at a first power control strategy. Such a method further comprises determining whether a workload of a task running on a processor has fallen below a lower threshold, and changing to a second power control strategy to operate the processor based on determining that the workload of the task has fallen below the lower threshold.

Abstract: A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes an input that receives current measurements generated by a current sensor based on a current of the power supply. The sensor module also includes a processor. The processor is connected to the input, determines a maximum continuous current for the electric motor, and selectively compares the current measurements with a value equal to the maximum continuous current multiplied by a predetermined value. The maximum continuous current is set based on at least one of a type of refrigerant used by the compressor and actual refrigeration system conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detection apparatus including: a resonant circuit provided with a Q-factor measurement coil and one or more capacitors to serve as a circuit for receiving pulses; a response-waveform detecting section configured to detect the waveform of a response output by the resonant circuit in response to the pulses; and a Q-factor measuring section configured to measure a Q factor of the resonant circuit from the response waveform detected by the response-waveform detecting section. It is possible to increase the precision of detection of a metallic foreign substance existing between a power transmitting side and a power receiving side.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system. A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source. The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis. Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source. Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel. Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building.

Abstract: A system having unified diagnostics where an electrical energy storage device may supply an actuator. Various techniques may be used to determine energy storage capacity and actuator current usage. Measured storage capacity and actuator current may indicate the health of the energy storage device and the actuator, respectively. Also, operation of a service switch for the actuator may be checked relative to its state.

Abstract: A method for detecting unbalance in a 3-phase voltage signal includes sampling the signal over an observation widow to determine a set of observations, and detecting the unbalance of the signal based on a probability density function (pdf) of the set of observations.

Abstract: A method distinguishes electrical signals corresponding to an activation or deactivation of a single electrical power consuming device from an electrical signal that supplies electricity to multiple electrical power consuming devices has been developed. The method includes generating signatures corresponding to activation and deactivation of a plurality of electrical devices from a transformation of an electrical power signal using sparse deconvolution to cluster and then identify the activation and deactivation of one of the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: Performing power quality and synchrophasor analysis on a resampled signal. A first signal may be initially received which corresponds to a power system. The first signal may have a plurality of cycles and may have a frequency that varies over time. One or more parameters may be determined from the first signal. Based on the one or more parameters, the first signal may be resampled to produce an even angle signal. Various power quality measurements may be performed on the even angle signal. Similarly, further processing may be performed to perform synchrophasor measurements, e.g., to determine phasor, frequency, and/or rate of frequency change for the first signal. In some embodiments, the resampling processing elements (e.g., circuitry, programmable hardware elements, processors and memories, etc.) may be shared between the two analyses.

Abstract: Performing power quality and synchrophasor analysis on a resampled signal. A first signal may be initially received which corresponds to a power system. The first signal may have a plurality of cycles and may have a frequency that varies over time. One or more parameters may be determined from the first signal. Based on the one or more parameters, the first signal may be resampled to produce an even angle signal. Various power quality measurements may be performed on the even angle signal. Similarly, further processing may be performed to perform synchrophasor measurements, e.g., to determine phasor, frequency, and/or rate of frequency change for the first signal. In some embodiments, the resampling processing elements (e.g., circuitry, programmable hardware elements, processors and memories, etc.) may be shared between the two analyses.

Abstract: A power supply unit of an information handling system determines that a power consumption module of the information handling system is available. If the power consumption module is available, the power supply unit measures input power of the power supply unit and provides a representation of the input power to the power consumption module in response to receiving a power measurement request from the power consumption module. If the power supply unit determines that the power consumption module is not available, the power supply unit measures input power of the power supply unit and stores a representation of the input power at the power supply unit independent of a power measurement request from the power consumption module.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for quantifying and identifying diversion of electrical energy are provided. Bypass and tap diversions may be identified in an electric utility power distribution inventory zone having both bypass and tap diversions. Bypass diversion factors for consumer nodes in an inventory zone are determined by finding a solution to a system of load balance equations having slack variables representing aggregate tap loads for the inventory zone and in which consumer load profile data is scaled by the bypass diversion factors, which solution minimizes an objective function whose value is positively related to the sum of the slack variables representing the aggregate tap loads.

Abstract: The present inventors recognized a need to leverage the data from Advanced Metering Systems (AMIs) in the management of electrical outages. To address this and/or other needs, the present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that not only intelligently filter and communicate AMI outage data to Outage Management Systems (OMSs), but also facilitate communications between OMSs and multiple types of AMI systems. One exemplary system includes an outage management module that receives AMI outage data in the form of “last gasp” messages from meters and determines whether the OMS is already aware of a power outage associated with those meters. If the OMS is already aware of an outage associated with these meters, the outage management module excludes the outage reports from its communications with the OMS, thereby preserving its capacity to handle new outage information and overcoming a significant obstacle to using AMI data within OMSs.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system that determines a condition associated with an integrated circuit disposed on a circuit board are described. During operation, the system receives electromagnetic-interference (EMI) signals from one or more antennas while the integrated circuit is operating, where the one or more antennas are disposed on the circuit board. Then, the system analyzes the received EMI signals to determine the condition.

Abstract: A method for analyzing an electrical power system includes analyzing data representing a signal of interest of the power system, the data containing at least one power system event; and based on the analysis, associating the power system event with a root cause. A computer program product is also provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a power grid uses power line sensors to measure time-stamped data representing AC current carried by the power grid at a multiple locations on the power grid, communicates the measured data from the power line sensors to a grid analysis device where the data measured by the power line sensors is synchronized and unwrapped to produce absolute phase data. The absolute phase data is then analyzed to generate predictions of instability of the power grid. The resulting unwrapped angle could also be called the “angle distance” from the reference.

Abstract: A source-measure unit (SMU) may be implemented with respective digital control loops for output voltage and output current. The digital control loop associated with the output that is being regulated may be the setpoint control loop while the digital control loop associated with the other output may be the compliance control loop. The digital loop controller may switch between the setpoint control loop and the compliance control loop without generating a mode-change glitch, by maintaining a single integrator. The compliance methods may differ in how and when the decision is made to select which of the measured signals provides the error signal to the integrator. Thus, there may be no issue with integrator wind-up, which might be the case if there were two complete control loops operating continuously.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for predicting electrical power output from wind farms using statistical methods and measured wind speeds near boundaries of control volumes that encompass the wind turbines of interest. These systems, methods, and apparatus can provide electrical power output predictions of up to 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours in advance of actual power reaching the grid.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus includes a power calculation unit configured to receive voltage information and temperature information from a power generation module, and calculate power generation information of the power generation module based on the received voltage information and temperature information.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus report energy usage status by a networked device. In response to a request, a set of power usage data is retrieved from a non-volatile memory located within the networked device, the power usage data having been previously stored in the non-volatile memory in advance of positioning the networked device for normal use. The set of power usage data includes information related to energy usage of the networked device. The networked device calculates a best estimate of the energy usage status of the networked device based on the set of power usage data retrieved from the non-volatile memory, without measuring electrical parameters of a power source of the networked device during normal use. The best estimate of the energy usage status by the networked device is then sent over the network as a reply to the energy usage status request.

Abstract: A system for automatic identification of a device or appliance includes: at least one sensor associatable with the device or appliance to be identified, and able to monitor an evolution in time of an electrical quantity indicative of device or appliance energy consumption; an analyzer communicating with the at least one sensor including receiving reports of the monitored electrical quantity, and automatically identifying the device or appliance by analyzing the evolution in time of the monitored electric quantity. The analyzing calculates a cross-correlation between the evolution in time of the monitored electric quantity and at least one reference pattern representative of at least one sample device or appliance; and when more than one sample device or appliance is included in a candidate list, identifies the device or appliance by performing a selection among the candidates based on characteristic parameters related to the respective calculated cross-correlations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for minimizing power consumption of a sensor unit that is capable of detecting an object. Main circuitry operates the sensor unit in a high power mode of operation when the sensor unit detects an object. Low power control circuitry operates the sensor unit in a low power mode of operation when the sensor unit does not detect an object within a pre-determined period of time. The low power control circuitry also comprises a counter to periodically determine when to restore the sensor unit to a high power mode of operation. One advantageous embodiment of the sensor unit is a fingerprint sensor unit for detecting a finger to obtain fingerprint information.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for determining a characteristic curve (9) for an electric variable (Pel, Q, ?, cos ?, IP, IQ) of a wind energy plant (1). According to the present invention, it is provided that at least one characteristic value of the electric variable (Pel, Q, ?, cos ?, IP, IQ) is measured for at least one value of the wind (vW), and for the at least one value of the wind (vW), a characteristic value of the electric variable (Pel, Q, ?, cos ?, IP, IQ) is adapted from a predetermined characteristic curve (7) containing characteristic values of the electric variable (Pel, Q, ?, cos ?, IP, IQ) as a function of different values of the wind (vW), taking into account the characteristic value measured for the at least one value of the wind (vW).