13437results about "Ac network circuit arrangements" patented technology

A power supply rail controller operates on an analog component having a signal input, a power input and a signal output. A voltage controller provides a control output responsive to the signal output. A power supply generates a voltage for the power input, where the voltage is responsive to the control output. The voltage is reduced in magnitude to reduce power dissipation and increased in magnitude to avoid signal distortion.

This disclosure describes techniques for operating a corded electronic device in which a battery and a power control unit manage power draw from an external power source electrically coupled to the corded electronic device using a physical cord, such as a universal serial bus (USB) cable. The power control unit automatically supplements an electrical current continuously drawn by the corded electronic device from the external power source with an electrical current from the battery, when needed. Moreover, the power control unit operates to limit the current drawn from the external power source and the physical cord so as to ensure the current does not exceed any limitations or requirements associated with the external power source or the physical cord.

A power management system for a lighting circuit may include a grid shifting controller that includes a processor and a connection to an external power source. The power management system may also include a communication interface associated with the grid shifting controller. The grid shifting controller may be configured to provide control information to a processor of at least one grid shifting electrical fixture over the communication interface, the control information being configured to direct the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture on the use of power from the external power source and an energy storage device associated with the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture.

Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer involving photovoltaic panels. Described are methods and designs that use electric energy from a photovoltaic module to energize at least one wireless energy source to produce an oscillating magnetic field for wireless energy transfer. The source may be configured and tuned to present an impedance to a photovoltaic module wherein said impedance enables substantial extraction of energy from said photovoltaic module.

A sequential power transmission between a portable user-carried battery and first and second independent accessories. At least one primary inductive coupling coil is mounted on an article of apparel worn by the user, so as to place a primary coil adjacent a first intermediary inductive coupling coil on the first independent accessory. The energizing of the first intermediary coil energizes a second intermediary coil on the first independent accessory. The second intermediary coil, when energized, energizes a secondary coil on the second independent accessory for powering the use, including the charging of the batteries of that accessory.

An apparatus for converting power includes at least one impedance matching network which receives an electrical signal. The apparatus includes at least one AC to DC converter in communication with the impedance matching network. Also disclosed is a method for powering a load and an apparatus for converting power and additional embodiments of an apparatus for converting power.

Exemplary systems and methods are provided for collecting / harvesting direct current (DC) power received from a power source(s). The system comprises a controlled impedance power controller comprises a power converter configured to present a positive equivalent resistive load to the at least one power source over a range of input power levels. Exemplary systems and methods are provided for collecting radio frequency (RF) power. An exemplary system comprises at least two rectenna elements, a power controller, and a DC combining circuit. The DC combining circuit is associated with the at least two rectenna elements and the DC combining circuit is configured to dynamically combine the at least two rectenna elements in one of a plurality of series / parallel configurations. The power controller is configured to control the DC combining circuit to achieve a desired overall power output from the at least two rectenna elements.

Power converter system topologies comprise a first DC / DC converter to pull a positive rail of a high voltage bus up, while a second DC / DC converter pushes a negative rail of the high voltage bus down. One or both the DC / DC converters may be bi-directional. Such topologies are suitable for use with separate primary power sources, and / or auxiliary power sources. Such topologies may include a DC / AC converter, which may be bi-directional. Such topologies may include one or more auxiliary DC / DC converters, which may be bi-directional. Multiple substrates, including at least one stacked above another may enhance packaging.

A system for network-controlled charging of electric vehicles comprises charge transfer devices networked as follows: charge transfer devices and electric vehicle operators communicate via wireless communication links; charge transfer devices are connected by a local area network to a data control unit, which is connected to a server via a wide area network. The server stores consumer profiles and utility company power grid load data. A charge transfer devices comprises: an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector for recharging an electric vehicle; an electric power line connecting the receptacle to a local power grid; a control device on the electric power line, for switching the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device on the electric power line, for measuring current flowing through the receptacle; a controller for operating the control device and monitoring the output from the current measuring device; a local area network transceiver connected to the controller, for connecting the controller to the data control unit; and a communication device connected to the controller, for wireless communication between the operator of the electric vehicle and the controller.

The present invention teaches a solar array, and also a network of solar arrays for providing energy for industrial, residential and transportation use. A solar array of the present invention can be made to resemble a palm tree, a deciduous tree, an evergreen tree, or other type of natural foliage, and meet the aesthetic demands of landscape architecture. A network of solar arrays can extend for many miles along transportation right of ways including, but not limited to, roads, highways, railways, pipelines, or canals, and can further include means for storing and transmitting energy. A solar array can include or be coupled with a recharging station for use by electric and hybrid transportation vehicles. Moreover, an individual solar array or network of solar arrays can include means for wireless communication and transmission of energy for recharging an energy storage device and provide energy to an electric or hybrid transportation vehicle.

The present invention is a system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC / DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC / DC converter. In one form the system for providing power from solar cells includes one or more solar generators wherein each of said solar generators has one to nine solar cells; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, each of said maximum power tracker includes a buck type DC / DC converter without an output inductor, each of said maximum power trackers are operatively connected in series with each other; an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers; and means for providing electrical power from the inductor to load means, wherein each of said maximum power trackers is controlled so that the operatively associated solar generator operates at its maximum power point to extract maximum available power.

A system for electric grid utilization and optimization comprising a communications interface executing on a network-connected server and adapted to receive information from a plurality of iNodes, the plurality of iNodes comprising a source iNode, a sink iNode, a plurality of transmission or distribution iNodes, an event database coupled to the communications interface and adapted to receive events from a plurality of iNodes via the communications interface, a modeling server coupled to the communications interface, and a statistics server coupled to the event database and the modeling server, wherein the modeling server, receives a request to establish an allocation of at least one of transmission losses, distribution losses, and ancillary services to a specific sink iNode, computes at least one virtual path for electricity flow between a source iNode and the specific sink iNode, the computed path being determined based on optimization of perceived comfort of users in affected areas.

The instantaneous power consumption of an appliance is used to determine the status of the appliance, from which further actions may be taken. This invention is premised on the observation that most appliances have a characteristic power consumption pattern that can be used to determine the state of operation of the appliance. An electric coffee pot, for example, consumes high power substantially continuously during the brewing state, then reduces its power level, or power duration, or both, while keeping the pot warm, then terminates its power consumption when it is turned off. In like manner, the power consumption patterns of other appliances, such as toasters, washing machines, dryers, and so on may also be used to determine the state of each appliance. The communicated state may be used by a home-automation system to effect a variety of actions, including notifying the user, terminating the available power to the appliance, initiating an action by another appliance, and so on.

An underwater cable arrangement includes systems and method for distributing and / or transferring power and / or data to internal devices and external devices disposed along an underwater cable. Under water coupling systems and underwater electrical devices may be used in the distribution and / or transfer of the power and / or data.

A power supply, comprising a boost converter which provides voltage to a first load, and a flyback converter which provides voltage to a second load and which utilizes an inductive element of the boost converter as a primary winding of a transformer of the flyback converter. Also, a power supply comprising a MOSFET which is disposed between solid state elements and a second reference potential and which controls current flowing through the solid state elements. Also, a circuit comprising a transformer, a first circuit portion comprising the primary winding of the transformer and a second circuit portion comprising the secondary winding of the transformer. Also, a power supply comprising means for using a common transformer for providing a boost converter and a flyback converter. Also, a power supply comprising a transformer, means for providing a boost converter utilizing the transformer, and means for providing a flyback converter utilizing the transformer.

An energy controller (10) as a communication device for transmitting and receiving data by transmitting a signal for establishing transmission and reception of the data to network-connected home appliances (11a to 11c), the energy controller (10) including: a power saving control unit which determines a transmission period such that the transmission period during which the signal is transmitted is increased as a power value difference increases, which is a value obtained by subtracting the total power consumption value of a power consumption appliance from available power supply value to the power consumption appliance including the network-connected home appliances (11a to 11c); and wireless communication IF (22) for transmitting the signal containing the information indicating the transmission period to the network-connected home appliances (11a to 11c) in order to set the network-connected home appliances (11a to 11c) in an active state with a period according to the transmission period.

A method and system for dynamically routing electric power in real time in accordance with parameters submitted by buyers and sellers of electric power using a feedback control scheme. A control node is arranged for receiving the parameters via a wide area network and to generate a route plan based on the parameters as well as current supply and demand in a network. The control node is also connected to the transmission and distribution systems to dynamically route electric power between matched buyers and sellers to effect the route plan.

A power and control architecture employing circuitry that sequentially regulate power flows from independent solar-array sources or a mixture of power sources providing power to a common load. The device may be used on a satellite with solar-array sources; however it may also be used on ground based systems. Stiff bus voltage regulation is obtained by tightly controlling the most recently activated power-processing channel while keeping the previously activated power-processing channels in the Maximum Power Tracking mode to supply maximum power to a common load. The remaining power-processing channels are turned off or operated in stand-by mode. In an alternative system, with primary design goal of uniform power sharing among solar-array sources, all solar array sources are activated with uniform power sharing at light load and, as load demand increases, sequentially controlled to operate in the Maximum Power Tracking mode one solar array source at a time as necessary.

A technique is provided for operating a wind farm at increased rated power output. The technique includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the wind turbine generator, assessing the plurality of operating parameters with respect to respective design ratings for the operating parameters, and intermittently increasing a rated power output of the wind turbine generator based upon the assessment.

The electrical vehicle energy storage system permits the electric refueling of the electric vehicle just like an automobile would be refueled with gasoline at a gas station. Circuitry on board the vehicle accessible by the electric refueling station enables the determination of the energy content of the battery module or modules returned to the electric refueling station and the owner of the vehicle is given credit for the energy remaining in the battery module or modules which have been exchanged. Selective refueling may take place for given battery modules by removing them from the battery system and charging them at home, office or factory. A process for operating an electric vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.

A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the first and second locations. The first and second locations are distally spaced along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current. The induction choke is located about an electrically choked portion of the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure, such that the induction choke is adapted to route time-varying current within the piping structure between the electrical connection location for the first communication device and the electrical connection location for the second communication device, and such that the first communication device can communicate with the second communication device via the piping structure. A preferred application of the present invention is a well for producing petroleum products (e.g., oil, natural gas), comprising a communication system as described above.

A string over-voltage protection system and method for arrays of photovoltaic panels. The system and method includes a device for use in a photovoltaic array power system. The device includes a voltage converter. The voltage converter is adapted to be coupled to a photovoltaic panel in a string of photovoltaic panels. The device also includes a string over-voltage protection circuit. The string over-voltage protection circuit is coupled to the voltage converter. The string over-voltage protection circuit senses a string voltage and determines if a string over-voltage condition exists. Additionally, the string over-voltage protection circuit is configured to disable the voltage converter in the event of a string over-voltage condition.

During periods of vehicle inactivity, a vehicle-based APU electric generating system may be coupled into a regional electric grid to send electricity into the grid. A currently-preferred APU is a solid oxide fuel cell system. When a large number of vehicles are thus equipped and connected, substantial electric buffering can be effected to the grid load. A vehicle-based APU can also function as a back-up generator to a docking facility in the event of power failure of the grid. Gaseous hydrocarbon is readily supplied by pipe in many locations as a commercial and residential heating fuel source, and a hydrocarbon reformer on the vehicle can be attached to the fuel source, enabling an APU to operate as a stationary power source indefinitely. An optional storage tank on the vehicle may be refueled with gaseous fuel, for example, while the battery is being electrically recharged by the grid.

Disclosed is a power line broadband communication system having broadband coupler devices capable of direct electrical connection to an energized power line. The coupler includes a conductive portion movable by an adjustable member from a non-conducting retracted position spaced apart from the power transmission line to a forward conducting position in electrical contact with the power line. An insulated arm supports the coupler on the power line. A base on the coupler is engageable with a remotely activated tool in order to accomplish the electrical connection in a safe and secure manner. Broadband data signals are sent to and from customer premises along the shared energized power lines. New coupler connections to the energized power lines allow the additional broadband customers and / or repeaters to join the communication system. Also couplers may provide connections to control electronics, routers, wireless transceivers, and may allow the broadband signals to bypass transformers on the power lines. The invention helps to minimize risk by allowing an installer to be remotely spaced from the energized power line while making the electrical coupling contact with the energized power line.

Embodiments of the present invention provide power flow analysis and may process electrical power distribution system data in real time to calculate load, current, voltage, losses, fault current and other data. The power flow analysis system may include a detailed data model of the electrical power distribution system, and may accept a variety of real time measurement inputs to support its modeling calculations. The power flow analysis system may calculate data of each of the three distribution system power phases independently and include a distribution state estimation module which allows it to incorporate a variety of real time measurements with varying degrees of accuracy, reliability and latency.

An inductive power transfer system (1) comprises a primary unit (10) operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device (30), separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.