Power supply system for recovering power from an electric cable

Abstract

A power supply that extracts power from the electromagnetic field surrounding an electrical cable of an electrical grid over a wide current range through the electrical cable. The power supply includes multiple power supply modules connected in parallel across the same input ferromagnetic core and across the same output capacitor. The power supply modules have different numbers of windings across the ferromagnetic core, and when the output voltage exceeds an allowable value for a particular power supply module, a short circuit is applied across the winding of each power supply module.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein relate to the field of power supplies that derive input power from electromagnetic fields surrounding electrical cables of an electrical grid, such as cables of an electrical transmission and / or distribution network. [Background technology]

[0002] Power supplies that provide a controlled voltage or current are well known, and such power supplies are generally designed for a specific, limited range of input voltage or a specific, limited range of input current.

[0003] Power supplies for devices suspended from electrical cables of an electrical grid, such as a transmission and / or distribution grid, are not connected to any utility power and therefore must derive their input power from the electric and / or magnetic fields surrounding the electrical cables. Such electromagnetic fields depend on the current flowing through the electrical cables. Such currents can vary over several orders of magnitude. Typical power supplies are not designed to accommodate such a wide range of input currents. Therefore, it would be highly advantageous to have a power supply that is free from the above limitations and derives input power from the magnetic fields surrounding the electrical cables of an electrical grid. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one exemplary embodiment, a system and method are provided for an electrical power supply including a ferromagnetic core configured to receive therein an electrical cable of an electrical grid, the electrical cable carrying a current I, and an output capacitor Cout configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical load. The power supply further includes a first power supply module PSA and a second power supply PSN.

[0005] The first power supply module includes a secondary winding WA wound on a ferromagnetic core and a rectifier section having an input and an output. The input is electrically coupled to the secondary winding WA, and the output is electrically coupled to an output capacitor Cout and a short circuit network having an input and an output. The input of the short circuit network is electrically coupled to the output capacitor Cout, and the output is electrically coupled to the secondary winding WA and operates to apply a short circuit across the secondary winding WA.

[0006] The second power supply module PSN includes a secondary winding WN wound on the same ferromagnetic core, a rectifier section having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the secondary winding WN and the output electrically coupled to the internal capacitor Ci, a DC / DC converter circuit having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the internal capacitor Ci and the output electrically coupled to the same output capacitor Cout, an enable control circuit having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the capacitor Ci and the output electrically coupled to a control terminal of the DC / DC converter circuit, and a short circuit network having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the same output capacitor Cout and the output electrically coupled to the secondary winding WN, the short circuit network operative to apply a short circuit on the secondary winding WN.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment, winding WN includes more windings than winding WA.

[0008] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the second power supply module PSN includes a plurality of second power supply modules PS1-PSN each having individual windings W1-WN wound on the same ferromagnetic core, with the winding WN having more windings than the winding WN-1 and the winding W1 having more windings than the winding WA.

[0009] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, each of the power supply modules PS1-PSN is configured to operate in a different current operating range of the current I.

[0010] Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, when the current I is higher than the respective current operating range, a short circuit is applied to the secondary winding WN of each of the respective rectifier sections.

[0011] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the power supply module PSA is operable to run in a pulse width modulation mode including two states, namely a charge state and a discharge state, wherein in the discharge state the short circuit network applies a short circuit on the secondary winding WA.

[0012] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the power supply modules PSA are operated to run in pulse width modulation mode when all power supply modules PSN have their individual short circuit networks and apply a short circuit respectively on their secondary windings WN.

[0013] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the enable control circuit of the power supply module PSN includes a separate internal capacitor C IN The voltage above is V CIN-HIGH When the IN The voltage above is V CIN-LOW When V CIN-HIGH VC IN-LOW Larger, V of the power supply module PSN-1 CIN-LOW is the V of the power supply module PSN CIN-HIGH Greater than.

[0014] Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, the DC / DC converter circuit of power supply module PSN-1 operates to provide an output voltage that is higher than the output voltage of the DC / DC converter circuit of power supply module PSN.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the relevant art. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Except to the extent necessary or essential in the process itself, no particular order is intended or implied for the steps or stages of the methods and processes described in this disclosure, including the figures. In many cases, the order of process steps can be varied without changing the purpose or effect of the described method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] Various embodiments are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now specifically to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and solely for purposes of illustrative discussion of preferred embodiments, and are presented to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the subject matter, and the description taken in conjunction with the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms and structures may be embodied in practice.

[0017] The drawings are as follows:

[0018] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a simplified illustration of a power harvesting grid device mounted on an electrical cable of an electrical grid.

[0019] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a simplified illustration of three power harvesting grid devices mounted on three separate electrical cables and including a wide range of power harvesting power supplies.

[0020] [Figure 2]FIG. 2 shows a simplified illustration of a cross section of a cable device 10 mounted on an electrical cable.

[0021] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of multiple windings wound on a magnetic core mounted on an electrical cable.

[0022] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a power recovery power supply.

[0023] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an N-type power supply module.

[0024] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a Type A power supply module.

[0025] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a simplified electrical diagram of a Type A power supply module.

[0026] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a simplified electrical diagram of an N-type power supply module.

[0027] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of the relationship between the power supply modules in terms of power output to the load capacitors.

[0028] [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a simplified diagram of the current through the windings of three parallel power supply modules.

[0029] [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a simplified diagram of a pulse width modulated current through a rectifier network charging a load (output) capacitor.

[0030] [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a simplified diagram of the voltages that activate the short circuit network to apply short circuits across the individual windings.

[0031] [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a simplified diagram of the voltage on the load capacitor.

[0032] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram of the relationship between the power supply modules in terms of power output to the load capacitor when the current 15 is decreasing.

[0033] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of the relationship between the voltage on the internal capacitor (CIN) and the voltage on the load capacitor as the current through the electrical cable increases. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present embodiment comprises a method and system for deriving power from the magnetic field surrounding the electrical cables of an electrical grid, the magnetic field being generated by the current flowing in the electrical cables, the value of which can vary over several orders of magnitude.

[0035] Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application(s) to the details of the organization and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0036] Elements of the drawings labeled with numbers that are not illustrated within the drawings but are illustrated in previous drawings have the same purpose and description as in the previous drawing. Similarly, elements identified in the text by numbers that do not appear in the drawing described by the text have the same purpose and description as in the previous drawing in which they are illustrated.

[0037] The drawings in this document may not be drawn to any scale. Different figures may use different scales, and different scales may even be used within the same drawing. For example, different scales may exist for different views of the same object, or different scales may exist for two adjacent objects.

[0038] The phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctions and disjunctions in operation. For example, the expressions "at least one of A, B and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" each mean "A only," "B only," "C only," "A and B together," "A and C together," "B and C together," or "A, B, and C together." The term "a" or "an entity" refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0039] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and "having" are all inclusive and open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, and can be used synonymously. In particular, these terms may imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but may not imply the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising," such as "comprise" and "comprises."

[0040] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0041] As used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more than two. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as "connected," although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

[0042] The term "grid" or "electric grid" can refer to an electric power transmission and / or distribution network and any portion of such a network between one or more power plants or one or more storage plants and a load or one or more homes. Such a grid can include any number of electric cables carrying voltage and / or current.

[0043] The terms "electric cable" or "phase conductor cable" or simply "cable" may refer to any cable of an electrical grid. Such a cable may be referred to as a power line or a feeder, etc. Such a cable may generate an electromagnetic field around the cable. Such an electromagnetic field may include an electric field and a magnetic field.

[0044] The term "power recovery" may refer to a power supply that derives input power from the electromagnetic field surrounding an electrical cable and supplies controlled power to an electrical network or any other electrical load. The recovered electromagnetic field may include an electric field and a magnetic field. Such a power recovery power supply may derive power from the electric or magnetic field surrounding the cable and supply a controlled voltage or current to the load.

[0045] 1A and 1B, which are simplified illustrations of a power harvesting grid device 10 mounted on an electrical cable 11 of an electrical grid 12, according to one exemplary embodiment. Power harvesting grid device 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as device 10) may include a wide range of power harvesting power sources 13 that may harvest power from a magnetic field 14 generated by a current 15 flowing through cable 11. This current 14 may have a very wide range of values, reaching several orders of magnitude.

[0046] 1B, cable device 10 may include a box or body 16 through which electrical cable 11 passes. Cable device 10 may therefore be mounted on an energized cable 11, i.e., when cable 11 is fully energized and / or carrying voltage and / or current.

[0047] Box 16 is therefore constructed from two parts that can be opened and then closed around cable 11. Alternatively, box 16 can be constructed from one part that encloses most of the cable diameter and has an opening on one side, such as slot 17, through which cable 11 is inserted and the box is attached to cable 11.

[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified illustration of a cutaway view of a cable device 10 mounted on an electrical cable 11, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Optionally, the illustration of cable device 10 in Figure 2 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the illustration of cable device 10 in Figure 2 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applicable to the following description.

[0050] 2, cable device 10 may include a power recovery power supply 13, which may include any number of power supply modules 18. The input of each of power supply modules 18 may be electrically coupled to a respective winding 19. Winding 19 may be a coil wound on a magnetic core 20.

[0051] The magnetic core 20 may be mounted around the electrical cable 11. The magnetic core 20 may be constructed in two parts, one in each of the two parts of the box 16, and the two parts of the magnetic core 20 are closed around the electrical cable 11 when the box 16 is attached to and closed on the electrical cable 11.

[0052] However, optionally, particularly for high voltage cables, the magnetic core 20 may be open in the sense that it has a slot into which the electric cable 11 may be inserted, the slot not being closed in the second part of the magnetic core 20 .

[0053] The magnetic core 20 typically derives a magnetic field from the current flowing in the electrical cable 11. The windings 19 typically derive a current from the magnetic flux in the magnetic core 20. The windings 19 may be electrically coupled to a power source module 18, which typically provides a voltage to other modules of the cable device 10. It should be understood that any of the cable device 10, and / or the power recovery power source 13, and / or the power source module 18 may derive power from a single electrical cable 11.

[0054] 2 shows the power recovery power supply 13 including two power supply modules 18 electrically coupled to a magnetic core 20 via individual windings 19. However, the power recovery power supply 13 may have any number of power supply modules 18. Such configurations of multiple power supply modules 18 with their individual windings 19 wound around the same single magnetic core 20 are discussed further below.

[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified illustration of multiple windings 19 wound on a magnetic core 20 mounted on an electrical cable 11, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0056] Optionally, the illustration of Figure 3 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the illustration of Figure 3 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applicable to the following description.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the magnetic core 20 may be shaped as a donut or similar shape with a hole 21 through which the cable 11 may pass. Figure 3 shows the cable 11 as multiple metal wires bundled together, as is commonly used. However, other types and shapes of cables 11 and magnetic cores 20 are also contemplated.

[0058] The magnetic core 20 may have two portions. Portion 20A may include a slot 22 for mounting the magnetic core 20 onto the cable 11. Portion 20B may then be used to close the slot 22 and complete the donut shape of the core 20. Figure 3 shows portions 20A and 20B closed together and in contact (or not) with each other after mounting the magnetic core 20 onto the cable 11. It should be understood that portions 20A and 20B may be separated to allow the cable 11 to pass through the slot 22.

[0059] As a non-limiting example, Figure 3 shows four windings 19 wound on magnetic core 20. The four windings are listed as 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D. Each of windings 19 has a pair of electrical contacts 23, listed as 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D, and may be electrically coupled to input terminals of a respective power supply module 18 (not shown in Figure 3). It should be understood that any number of windings 19 is possible and contemplated.

[0060] The windings 19 may be made from conductive wire, and each winding 19 may have a different number of turns (loops) of wire. As a non-limiting example, winding 19D may have twice the number of turns (loops) of wire wound around core 20 as winding 19C, which may have twice the number of turns (loops) of winding 19B, which may have twice the number of turns (loops) of winding 19A. It should be understood that any ratio between the number of turns (loops) of any two windings 19 is possible and contemplated. Optionally, the width or gauge of the wire making up windings 19 may vary between windings 19.

[0061] The magnetic core 20, the cable 11, and the windings 19 may collectively be considered an electrical transformer, e.g., a current transformer, with the cable 11 serving as a primary winding and each of the windings 19 serving as a secondary winding.

[0062] 2 , cable device 10 may include a controller or processing module 24, one or more electrical measurement devices 25, one or more physical measurement devices 26, and a backhaul communication module 27. Optionally, cable device 10 may also include a local area communication module 28, a remote sensing module 29, and a propulsion control module 30. Optionally, cable device 10 may also include a cable, a clamp portion 31, and a GPS module 32.

[0063] The backhaul communication module 27 and the local area communication module 28 may each and / or both be coupled to one or more antennas 33. The remote sensing module 34 may be coupled to and control various sensors, one or more cameras 35, one or more microphones 36, etc. It should be understood that the cameras may be mounted on a system of axes that provide three-dimensional rotation. Alternatively, multiple or arrays of fixed cameras may be mounted to cover a wide field of view, if desired.

[0064] The backhaul communication module 27 and the local area communication module 28 may use any type of communication technology and / or communication network, such as, but not limited to: The terms “communication technology” or “communication network” or simply “network” refer to any type of communication medium, including, but not limited to, fixed (wire, cable) networks, wireless networks, and / or satellite networks, fixed or wireless wide area networks (WANs) including various types of cellular networks, fixed or wireless local area networks (LANs) including Wi-Fi®, fixed or wireless personal area networks (PANs) including Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, and NFC, power line carrier (PLC) communication technologies, etc. The terms “communication network” or “network” may refer to any number of networks and any combination of networks and / or communication technologies.

[0065] Optionally, cable device 10 may also include a Global Positioning Service (GPS) module 32, which may be used to measure, monitor, and / or control the position of cable device 10 along electrical cable 11. GPS module 32 may also provide an accurate universal clock, for example, to accurately determine the absolute time of measurements.

[0066] The controller module 24 may include a processor unit, one or more memory units (e.g., random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory such as flash memory, etc.), and one or more storage units (e.g., including a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive, etc.) that may be used to store and / or execute software programs and associated data and to communicate with external devices.

[0067] The propulsion control module 30 may be coupled to one or more actuation devices, such as an electric motor 37, which may be coupled to one or more wheels 38. The wheels 38 may be mounted on the cable 11 and allow the propulsion control module 30 to control the electric motor 37 to move the cable device 10 along the cable 11.

[0068] It should be understood that the propulsion system of the cable device 10 (including, but not limited to, the propulsion control module 30, one or more electric motors 37, one or more wheels 38, etc.) may operate to move the cable device 10 along the cable 11 and / or rotate the cable device 10 around the cable 11.

[0069] It should be understood that electric motor 37 herein represents any type of technology suitable for steering cable device 10 along and / or around cable 11, including, but not limited to, AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors, pneumatic pumps and / or motors, hydraulic pumps and / or motors, or any other type of actuator.

[0070] Cable clamp portion 31 may include, for example, a cable holder portion 39 that may be pressed against cable 11 to securely attach cable device 10 to cable 11. Cable holder portion 39 may be manipulated (e.g., up and down) by electrical means and / or by mechanical means such as threaded rod 40. Threaded rod 40 may be operated by an electrical actuator or by shaft 41 or by a rod inserted into socket 42.

[0071] Cable device 10 may also include one or more voltage regulators 43 to provide operating voltages to the individual modules of cable device 10.

[0072] It should be understood that the various components of the cable device 10 as described above with reference to FIG. 2 are merely one example of an electrical load or power consumer, and that other structures and components are possible and contemplated.

[0073] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified block diagram of power recovery power supply 13, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0074] Optionally, the block diagram of Figure 4 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the block diagram of Figure 4 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applicable to the following description.

[0075] 4 illustrates that the power recovery power supply 13 may include multiple power supply modules 18 connected to separate windings 19 wound on a magnetic core 20. As a non-limiting example, the power recovery power supply 13 of FIG. 4 illustrates three power supply modules 18, designated as 18A, 18B, and 18N. However, the power recovery power supply 13 may include any number of power supply modules 18. As a non-limiting example, the power recovery power supply 13 may include one power supply module 18A (Type A) and one or more power supply modules 18B-18N (Type N), as described further below.

[0076] For convenience, Fig. 4 shows magnetic core 20 shaped as a straight rod; however, it should be understood that in practice, core 20 is shaped as a donut or similar closed shape with a hole for cable 11 (not shown in Fig. 4), as shown in Fig. 3. By way of non-limiting example, Fig. 4 shows three windings 19, designated 19A, 19B, and 19N, having different numbers of wire turns. It should be understood that windings 19A-19N represent any number of windings 19 having different numbers of turns.

[0077] The output 23 of each winding 19A-19N is connected to the input of a respective power supply module 18A-18N. It should be understood that power supply modules 18A, 18B, and 18N represent any number of power supply modules 18, which may be designated as 18A, 18B, 18C-18N. As a non-limiting example, the recovered power supply 13 may include one power supply module 18A (A-type) and at least one power supply module 18N (N-type).

[0078] As a non-limiting example, the individual outputs of power supply modules 18A, 18B, and 18N all have load capacitors (C L ) 44, which can be connected in parallel across a load (R L ) 46, which may represent, for example, the remainder of the electronic circuitry of FIG.

[0079] It should be appreciated that the power recovery power supply 13 may also charge an energy storage bank, such as a rechargeable battery, or a capacitor, such as a supercapacitor, to serve as an energy backup to the load, for example, in the event of a grid outage or failure. The energy bank may hold the load for at least several minutes.

[0080] Load capacitor (C L ) 44 also collectively provides an operating voltage 47 to the power supply module 18 and the power recovery power supply 13. It should be understood that the load 46 may also include a regulated power supply to provide a regulated voltage or voltages, for example, to the electronic circuitry of FIG.

[0081] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified block diagram of a power supply module 18N (N-type), according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0082] Optionally, the block diagram of Figure 5 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the block diagram of Figure 5 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applicable to the following description.

[0083] The block diagram of Figure 5 may represent any of the power supply modules 18B-18N. The letter N in the reference numerals of Figure 5 therefore corresponds to a particular power supply module 18B through power supply module 18N and may be replaced with any of the letters BN representing elements of an individual power supply module (18B-18N).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply module 18N includes an input contact 23N connected to a winding 19N (not shown in FIG. 5) and a load capacitor (C L ) 44. Input contact 23N may represent any of input contacts 23B-23N that are connected to individual winding 19B-wire 19N.

[0085] The power supply module 18N may also include a short circuit network (SCn) 49N electrically coupled to the input contacts 23N. The short circuit network 49N may apply a short circuit between the input contacts 23N and across the individual windings 19N. The short circuit network 49N may apply a short circuit across the voltage V across the load capacitor 44 as measured (by a first control circuit (CTRLN) 50N). CL , can be controlled by a first control circuit (CTRLN) 50N (to apply a short circuit between the input contacts 23N).

[0086] The power supply module 18N may also include a rectifier network (RECn) 51N. The input of the rectifier network 51N may be electrically coupled to the input contact 23N through a short circuit network 49N. The output of the rectifier network 51N is coupled to an internal capacitor (C in ) 52N. The rectifier network 51N converts alternating current (AC) received from the winding 19N via the input contact 23N into a rectifier current (AC) through an internal capacitor (C in ) 52N.

[0087] The power supply module 18N may also include a DC / DC network (DC / DCn) 53N. The input of the DC / DC network 53 is connected to an internal capacitor (C in ) 52N, and the output of DC / DC network 53 may be electrically coupled to load capacitor 44 via output contact 48N.

[0088] The DC / DC network 53 may be controlled by a second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N. The input of the second enable control circuit 54 is connected to an internal capacitor (C in ) 52N. The second enable control circuit 54 may be connected to an internal capacitor (C in ) 52N (by second enable control circuit 54), DC / DC network 53 may be activated and / or deactivated.

[0089] Typically, the first control circuit (CTRLn) 50N controls the voltage across the load capacitor (CL) 44 to a predefined value VSCN When the voltage Vcc exceeds 1.0 V, the short circuit network 49N may be activated and a short circuit may be applied across the individual winding 19N.

[0090] Typically, the second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N is connected to an internal capacitor (C in )52N is V CIN-HIGH When the voltage is equal to or higher than in ) 52N to the voltage provided by the load capacitor (C L ) 44. The second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N can then convert the internal capacitor (C in )52N is V CIN-LOW When the voltage is equal to or lower than 0 V, the DC / DC network 53 may be shut down.

[0091] V CIN-LOW and V CIN-HIGH However, hysteresis may be implemented, in which case the DC / DC network 53 operates in a manner similar to that described above, such that when a short circuit is applied to terminal 23 and the voltage level on the internal capacitor 52 rises to V CIN-HIGH and V CIN-LOW It should be appreciated that the load capacitor (CL) 44 may operate to discharge the internal capacitor 52 and charge the load capacitor (CL) 44 when the load capacitor (CL) 44 is between . . .

[0092] Typically, V for each power supply module 18 of power supply modules 18B-18N CIN-LOW , V CIN-HIGH , and V SCN The predefined values ​​of , as well as the number of turns (loops) of the individual windings 19B-19N, are arranged so that each power supply module 18 can provide power to the load capacitor 44 within different ranges of currents 15 flowing through cable 11 (FIG. 1B). Typically, these different ranges of currents 15 follow a continuum from low currents 15 for power supply module 18N to high currents 15 for power supply module 18A.

[0093] Typically, the power supply modules 18B-18N are connected to load capacitors (C L) 44 is electrically coupled to each of the power supply modules 18B-18N via electrical connections 47 and is connected to a first control circuit (CTRL N ) 50N and a second enabling control circuit (EN N ) 54N. The power supply module 18A operates the load capacitors (C L ) 44 is below the minimum operating voltage, and the load capacitor (C L ) 44 to at least a minimum operating voltage.

[0094] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified block diagram of a power supply module 18A (Type A), according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0095] Optionally, the simplified block diagram of Figure 6 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified block diagram of Figure 6 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 6, power supply module 18A includes an input contact 23A connected to winding 19A (not shown in FIG. 6) and a load capacitor (C L ) 44. Similar to power supply module 18N, power supply module 18A may include a short circuit network (SCA) 49A electrically coupled to input contacts 23A. Short circuit network 49A may apply a short circuit between input contacts 23A and across individual windings 19A. Short circuit network 49A may control a first control circuit (CTRL A ) 50A.

[0097] The power supply module 18A also includes a rectifier network (REC A) 51A. The input of rectifier network 51A may be electrically coupled to input contact 23A through short circuit network 49A. Rectifier network 51A may rectify alternating current (AC) received from winding 19A through input contact 23A into direct current (DC). However, the output of rectifier network 51A may be coupled directly to a load capacitor (C L ) 44.

[0098] Therefore, power supply module 18A is first activated and operated to charge load capacitor (CL) 44. When the voltage across load capacitor 44 reaches a sufficient level, all power supply modules 18A-18N may have operating voltage via connection 47.

[0099] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified electrical diagram of a power supply module 18A (Type A), according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0100] Optionally, the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 7 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 7 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Additionally, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0101] 7, the power supply module 18A (Type A) may include a filter circuit 55A electrically coupled between the input terminal 23A, the short circuit network (SCA) 49A, the first control circuit (CTRLA) 50A, and the rectifier network 51A. As a non-limiting example, the filter circuit 55A may include a resistor and a capacitor in series.

[0102] As a non-limiting example, the short circuit network (SCA) 49A may include two electrically controlled switches 56, such as two thyristors, two silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), triacs, or similar devices. Figure 7 shows, as a non-limiting example, an implementation of the electrically controlled switches 56 using MOSFET transistors. The electrically controlled switches 56 may be connected between ground (or a common terminal) and individual input terminals 23A. The control terminals of the electrically controlled switches 56 may be electrically coupled together to an output terminal of the first control circuit (CTRLA) 50A, specifically, to an operational amplifier 57 or similar device.

[0103] As a non-limiting example, the first control circuit (CTRLA) 50A may include an operational amplifier 57A (or similar device). A first input terminal of the operational amplifier 57A may be electrically coupled to a stable voltage source 58A (e.g., a regulated power supply), and a second input terminal of the operational amplifier 57A may be electrically coupled to a voltage divider. The voltage divider may include a first resistor 59A connected between the second input terminal of the operational amplifier 57A and the output of the rectifier network 51A, and a second resistor 60A connected between the second input terminal of the operational amplifier 57A (designated as point 61A) and ground (or common terminal). At least one of the first resistor 59A and the second resistor 60A may be a variable resistor that controls a voltage level V ... SCA This voltage level is then applied to the load capacitor (C L ) 44, and the first control circuit (CTRLA) 50A measures the voltage across the load capacitor (C L )44 is V SCA may activate the short circuit network (SCA) 49A.

[0104] As a non-limiting example, the rectifier network 51A may include a full-bridge rectifier made from four diodes 62A. As a non-limiting example, the four diodes 62A may be Schottky diodes. Alternatively, the rectifier network 51A may include a half-bridge rectifier made from two diodes 62A, where the switching elements 56A include their own diodes or diodes connected in reverse.

[0105] Reference is now made to Figure 8, which is a simplified electrical diagram of power supply module 18N (N-type), according to one exemplary embodiment. The simplified electrical diagram of power supply module 18N may represent the electrical circuitry of any of power supply modules 18B-18N.

[0106] Optionally, the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 8 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified electrical diagram of Figure 8 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Additionally, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0107] The electrical diagram of Figure 8 may represent any of the power supply modules 18B-18N. The letter N in the reference numbers of Figure 8 therefore corresponds to a particular power supply module 18B-18N and may be replaced with any of the letters BN representing elements of an individual power supply module (18B-18N).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply module 18N includes the elements described with reference to the power supply module 18A, plus an internal capacitor (C IN ) 52N, DC / DC circuitry 53, and a second enable control circuit (ENN) 54N.

[0109] An optional filter network 55N may be connected to input terminal 23N, which may be connected to winding 19N. As a non-limiting example, filter network 55N may include a resistor and a capacitor in series.

[0110] The short circuit network 49N may be connected to the input terminal 23N across a filter network 55N. As a non-limiting example, the short circuit network 49N may include a pair of MOSFET transistors 56N, which, including their own diodes, operate as electrically controlled switches and are controlled by a first control circuit (CTRLn) 50N.

[0111] As in power supply module 18A, a first control circuit (CTRLn) 50N of power supply module 18N may include an operational amplifier 57N, the output of which controls a MOSFET transistor 56N. One input of operational amplifier 57N may be connected to a stable voltage source 58N. A second input of operational amplifier 57N may be connected to a point 61N between a first resistor 59N and a second resistor 60N.

[0112] As in power supply module 18A, resistors 59N and 60N are connected to the load capacitor (C L ) 44 and ground (common terminal). Resistors 59N and 60N prevent short circuit network 49N from affecting a load capacitor (C L ) 44V voltage CLN Either the first or second resistor is a variable resistor (potentiometer) for adjusting a threshold voltage, which may activate short circuit network 49N. The short circuit threshold (activation) voltage may be different for each of power supply modules 18A-18N.

[0113] Typically, the first control circuit (CTRLn) 50N controls the voltage across the load capacitor (CL) 44 to a predefined value V SCN , the first control circuit (CTRLn) 50B may activate a short circuit network 49N to apply a short circuit across the individual winding 19N when the voltage across the load capacitor (CL) 44 exceeds a predefined value V SCB When the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, the short circuit network 49B may be activated to apply a short circuit across the individual winding 19N.

[0114] The rectifier network 51N may be connected to the input terminal 23N across the filter network 55N and the short circuit network 49N. As a non-limiting example, the rectifier network 51N may include a full-bridge rectifier including a diode 63N. As another non-limiting example, the rectifier network 51N may include a half-bridge rectifier, for example, when the pair of MOSFET transistors of the short circuit network 49N, including their own diodes, are considered part of the rectifier network 51N. The rectifier network 51N may include an internal capacitor (C IN ) 52N can be charged.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 8, the input of the second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N is connected to an internal capacitor (C IN ) 52N, and the output of the second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N may be connected to the control terminal of the DC / DC converter 53N.

[0116] The input network of the second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N is connected to an internal capacitor (C IN )52N across the voltage V CIN To measure the internal capacitor (C IN ) 52N. The voltage divider may include a first input terminal of operational amplifier 65N and an internal capacitor (C IN ) 52N, and a fourth resistor 66N connected between the first input terminal of operational amplifier 57 and ground (or common terminal).

[0117] The control circuit (ENn) 54N may include, as a non-limiting example, an operational amplifier 65N, which may have one input (designated as point 67N) connected between a third resistor 64N and a fourth resistor 66N, and a second input connected to a stable voltage source 68N. The output of the operational amplifier 65N may be connected to a control terminal of the DC / DC converter 53N. Either the third or fourth resistor may be connected to a threshold voltage V EN , which activates the DC / DC converter 53N and the internal capacitor (CIN ) 52N voltage across the load capacitor (C L ) 44 to a charging voltage. The DC / DC converter threshold (start-up) voltage may be different for each of the power supply modules 18A-18N.

[0118] Resistor 66N is V CIN-HIGH Resistor 69N may be a variable resistor that can be used to set a voltage level such as V CIN-HIGH and V CIN-LOW It should be appreciated that the hysteresis level or difference between

[0119] The power input of the DC / DC converter 53N is connected to an internal capacitor (C IN ) 52N. A control terminal of DC / DC converter 53N may be connected to the output of operational amplifier 65N. A feedback terminal of DC / DC converter 53N may be connected to point 61N, and a reference terminal of DC / DC converter 53N may be connected to stable voltage source 70N, which may be connected to ground via stable voltage source 58N. Each of DC / DC converters 53B-53N has a load capacitor (C L ) 44 different voltages V CLB -V CLN The charger 10 can be controlled to charge the battery 10 up to 1000 kJ / s.

[0120] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a simplified diagram of the relationship between power supply modules 18 in terms of power output to load capacitors 44, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0121] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 9 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified diagram of Figure 9 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0122] 9 shows how power supply modules 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18N of recovery power supply 13 operate as a function of increasing current through their mutual magnetic cores 20. It should be understood that arrows 71 indicating increasing current 15 through electrical cables 11 that provide power to recovery power supply 13 are presented for diagrammatic purposes only and therefore lack any scale.

[0123] FIG. 9 also shows the voltages produced by power supply modules 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18N as curved lines for diagrammatic purposes only.

[0124] Recovery power supply 13 employs, by way of non-limiting example, four power supply modules 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18N, although it should be understood that any number of power supply modules 18 is contemplated. In particular, recovery power supply 13 may employ a single power supply module 18 of type A (as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7) and any number of power supply modules 18 of type N (as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8). As a non-limiting example, recovery power supply 13 of FIG. 9 may use three power supply modules 18 of type N, designated 18B, 18C, and 18N.

[0125] FIG. 9 also shows that the power supply modules 18A-18N each have a load capacitor (C L )44V that can be charged CTRLA -V CTRLN These voltage values ​​respectively trigger first control circuits 50A-50N, which trigger respective short circuits 49 on respective terminals 23.

[0126] Figure 9 also shows the different scales V CI At this time, the voltage V on the individual internal capacitors 52B-52N CIB -V CIN , which triggers the second enable control circuits 54B-54N to activate the respective DC / DC converters 53B-53N.

[0127] V CLA -V CLN and V CTRLA -V CTRLN It should be understood that the visual distances between lines in FIG. 9 showing voltage values ​​such as V reflect a general relationship (e.g., greater than ), but do not reflect any precise voltage value or value difference. CIB -V CIN The visual distances between the lines in FIG. 9 showing voltage values ​​reflect a general relationship (e.g., greater than ~), but do not reflect any precise voltage values ​​or value differences.

[0128] When the current 15 through the cable 11 (shown in FIG. 1B) increases from zero (or another low current value), the voltage V across the individual capacitor 52 (FIG. 5) CI is too low to trigger the individual second enable control circuits 54 and activate the individual DC / DC converters 53, so all DC / DC converters 53 are inoperative. Therefore, only the power supply module 18A is operational, and the load capacitor (C L ) 44 (FIG. 4). In particular, the power supply module 18A charges the load capacitor (C L ) 44 to an operating voltage, which enables the operation of operational amplifiers 57 and 65 and DC / DC converter 53.

[0129] As the current 15 through the cable 11 further increases, the charging time of the capacitor 52 (shown in FIG. 5) may decrease. Eventually, the voltage on the capacitor 52N will decrease to V CIN-HIGH may reach a value of , triggering the second enable control circuit 54N to activate the DC / DC converter 53N. Capacitor 52N may be charged to a higher voltage relative to capacitors 52B and 52C because winding 19N outnumbers windings 19B and 19C (see FIG. 4).

[0130] The DC / DC converter 53N may begin to charge the load capacitor (CL) 44, and when the voltage on point 61N (of the voltage divider 59N-60N) increases above the reference voltage 58N, the amplifier 57N activates the short circuit network 49N, connecting it to the terminal 23N and charging the internal capacitor (CIN ) 52N charging may be stopped.

[0131] At this point, capacitor 52N can begin to discharge through DC / DC converter 53N into load capacitor 44. The voltage on point 67N (of voltage divider 64N-66N) rises to reference voltage 68N (V CIN-LOW ), the control amplifier 65N may disable the DC / DC converter 53N.

[0132] Thereafter, when the load may discharge the load capacitor 44, causing the voltage across the load capacitor 44 to decrease below the voltage of the stable voltage source 58N, the short circuit on terminal 23N is removed and the operational amplifier 57N may disable the short circuit network 49N so that charging of the internal capacitor 52N may resume.

[0133] The duty cycle of the charge and discharge cycles of the internal capacitor 52N may depend on the magnitude of the current 15 through the cable 11 and the magnitude of the load on the load capacitor (CL) 44.

[0134] As current 15 increases, the charging time of capacitor 52N becomes so short that winding 19N can be shorted almost constantly. In parallel, the voltage on capacitor 52C increases to a value V CIC-HIGH , triggering the second enable control circuit 54C and activating the DC / DC converter 53C. As the current 15 through the cable 11 (FIG. 1B) further increases, the power supply module 18C increases the load capacitor (C L ) 44. Finally, power supply module 18C charges load capacitor (C L )44 to V CTRLN It can be charged up to V CTRLN At this point, power supply module 18N may activate short circuit network 49N, applying a permanent short circuit onto terminal 23N (and winding 19N).

[0135] It should be appreciated that the short circuit network 49N can protect the electrical circuitry of the power supply module 18N against increasing current 15. It should also be appreciated that the relatively large number of windings that are shorted implies that shorting winding 19N can have a relatively minimal effect on the current through the other windings 19.

[0136] The above operations can be repeated for all power supply modules 18N through 18B. For example, as the current 15 through cable 11 further increases, the voltage on capacitor 52C increases to a value V CIB-HIGH to trigger the second enable control circuit 54C and activate the DC / DC converter 53C. The power supply module 18C then L ) 44. Power supply module 18C then charges load capacitor (C L )44 to V CTRLC It can be charged up to V CTRLC At this point, power supply module 18C may activate short circuit network 49C and apply a short circuit onto terminal 23C (and winding 19C).

[0137] Finally, the power supply module 18B is connected to the load capacitor (C L )44 to V CTRLB It can be charged up to V CTRLB At , power supply module 18B may activate shorting network 49B and apply a short circuit on terminal 23B (and winding 19B). At this point, operation returns to power supply module 18A, as all windings 19B-19N are now shorted by respective shorting networks 49B-49N.

[0138] Due to the very high current 15, the power supply module 18A is L )44 to V CTRLA It can be charged up to V CTRLAAt this point, power supply module 18A may activate short circuit network 49A and apply a short circuit on terminal 23A (and winding 19A). At this point, power supply module 18A (and recovery power supply 13) enters pulse width modulation (PWM) mode 72, as described below with reference to Figures 10A-10D.

[0139] When the power supply module 18N operates in pulse width modulation (PWM) mode and the current 15 through the cable 11 (FIG. 1B) decreases, the load 46 (FIG. 4) receives a voltage V below the short circuit start-up voltage. CLA , discharging the load capacitor (CL) 44 until the power supply module 18A exits pulse width modulation (PWM) mode.

[0140] It should be understood, therefore, that the power supply module 18 having the greatest number of turns (loops) on the winding 19 is set to charge the load capacitor 44 to the lowest voltage, and that each power supply module 18 having fewer turns (loops) on the winding 19 is set to charge the load capacitor 44 to a higher voltage.

[0141] Returning to FIG. 4 and referring to FIGS. 5-8, the power recovery power supply 13 first activates the power supply module 18A and charges the load capacitor (C L )44 to V CLA It should be understood that the battery may be charged up to V CLA may be high enough to power the components of the power supply modules 18B-18N, such as operational amplifiers 57 and 65 and DC / DC converter 53.

[0142] The power supply module 18A is connected to a load capacitor (C L ) 44 can be charged (and V CLA before reaching , the power supply modules 18B-18N IN ) 52B-52N. IN )Voltage V across any of 52B-52N CIN are the individual thresholds (V CINWhen the (-HIGH) value is reached, the second enable control circuit (ENn) 54N activates the respective DC / DC converters 53N-53B to convert the voltages on the respective internal capacitors and load capacitors (C L )44 individual V CLN -V CLB It can be charged up to

[0143] For power supply modules 18B-18N, the individual internal capacitors (C IN )52 voltages across the individual thresholds (V CIN-LOW The individual DC / DC converters 53 still operate using their respective internal capacitors (C IN )52 to) load capacitor (C L It should be understood that the battery 44 may be charged.

[0144] The current drop through the electrical cable 11 causes the power supply module 18B to L )44 to V CLB If the power supply module 18A is unable to charge the load capacitor (C L )44 to V CLA However, all power supply modules 18B-18N are disabled.

[0145] The power supply module 18A acts as the main power supply module 18 and the load capacitor (C L ) 44, the main power supply module 18A may operate in pulse width modulation mode (PWM). As a non-limiting example, when the power supply module 18A operates as the main power supply module 18, the width of the charging pulses may be adjusted to a value equal to the short circuit network (SC A ) is the time for applying a short circuit between the input contacts 23A.

[0146] Load capacitor (C LThe time or length of the pulse that charges output terminal 45 may vary according to the value of the current through electrical cable 11, and / or according to the load applied to output contact terminal 45, and / or according to the maximum output current of the DC / DC converter (when any of power supply modules 18B-18N is operating as the main power supply module 18).

[0147] In particular, with respect to the power supply module 18A, the load capacitor (C L The time or length of the pulse that charges the capacitor 44 can be much shorter than the sine wave of the alternating current flowing through the electrical cable 11 (i.e., much less than 20 milliseconds for a 50 Hz AC current).

[0148] Here, reference is made to the following:

[0149] FIG. 10A (current I through winding 19A according to one exemplary embodiment) WA , the current I through the winding 19B WB , and the current I through the winding 19N WN (This is a simplified diagram of

[0150] FIG. 10B (load capacitor (C L ) 44 via a rectifier network 51A charging the pulse-width modulated current I RECA (This is a simplified diagram of

[0151] FIG. 10C (a simplified diagram of the voltages activating the short-circuit network 49A and applying a short across an individual winding 19A, according to one exemplary embodiment)

[0152] FIG. 10D (load capacitor (C L ) A simplified diagram of the voltage on 44

[0153] Optionally, the simplified diagrams of Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified diagrams of Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0154] The power supply module 18A supplies the load capacitor (C L In a non-limiting example of pulse width modulation charging the load 46 (FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the discharge current through the load 46 (FIG. 4) is at least I WA It is substantially constant within a cycle of AC current. Therefore, the load capacitor (C L ) are substantially similar. However, the discharge period of the load capacitor (C L ) charging cycle is I WA Varying with the value of WA produces a shorter charging cycle.

[0155] Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified diagram of the relationship between power supply modules 18 in terms of power output to load capacitor 44 when current 15 is decreasing, according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0156] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 11 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified diagram of Figure 11 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0157] 11 shows how power supply modules 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18N of recovery power supply 13 operate as a function of decreasing current 15 through their mutual magnetic cores 20. It should be understood that arrows 75 indicating decreasing current 15 through electrical cables 11 that provide power to recovery power supply 13 are presented for diagrammatic purposes only and, therefore, are shown to a lack of any scale.

[0158] FIG. 11 also shows the voltages produced by power supply modules 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18N as curved lines for diagrammatic purposes only.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 11, when the current 15 decreases, the power supply module 18A connects the load capacitor (CL) 44 to the voltage V CTRLB Therefore, short circuit network 49B is deactivated, thereby removing the short across individual winding 19B. At this point, power supply module 18B may resume charging load capacitor (CL) 44. Power supply module 18A may now stop charging load capacitor (CL) 44 because its input voltage in winding 19A is lower than the voltage applied by power supply module 18B on load capacitor (CL) 44.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 11, when the current 15 decreases further, the power supply module 18B decreases the voltage V CTRLC Therefore, short circuit network 49C is deactivated, thereby removing the short across individual winding 19C. At this point, power supply module 18C may resume charging load capacitor (CL) 44.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 11, when the current 15 decreases further, the power supply module 18C turns on the voltage V CTRLNTherefore, the short circuit network 49C is deactivated, thereby removing the short across the individual winding 19N. At this point, the power supply module 18N may resume operation to charge the load capacitor (CL) 44.

[0162] When the current 15 decreases further, the power supply module 18N charges the load capacitor (CL) 44 to V so that the power supply module 18A can resume charging the load capacitor (CL) 44. CLN It may not be possible to charge to a voltage below this.

[0163] It will be understood that the non-limiting examples shown and described with reference to Figures 4-8 are implemented using analog circuitry, which may be replaced in whole or in part by any form of digital circuitry capable of replicating the same logic described above with reference to Figures 9-11. Such digital circuitry may alternatively or additionally be embodied using one or more processors, or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which may, for example, use computer code and / or software programs to replicate the logic described above.

[0164] Here, according to one exemplary embodiment, as the current 15 through the cable 11 increases, the internal capacitor (C IN Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is a simplified diagram of the relationship between the voltage on load capacitor 44 and the voltage on load capacitor 52.

[0165] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 12 may be viewed in the context of the details of previous figures. However, it should be understood that the simplified diagram of Figure 12 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may be equally applied to the following description.

[0166] In particular, FIG. 12 shows the internal capacitor (C IN)52V CIN-HIGH But V CIN-LOW Bigger, V CIN-LOW is V CIC-HIGH Bigger, V CIC-HIGH is V CIC-LOW Bigger, V CIC-LOW is V CIB-HIGH Bigger, V CIB-HIGH is V CIB-LOW Greater than.

[0167] It should be appreciated that, optionally, each DC / DC converter 53 is adjusted to charge the load capacitor (CL) 44 to a slightly different voltage. For example, DC / DC converter 53B charges the load capacitor (CL) 44 to V CLB DC / DC converter 53C charges load capacitor (CL) 44 to V CLC DC / DC converter 53N can charge load capacitor (CL) 44 to V CLN It can be charged up to V CLB >V CLC >V CLN is.

[0168] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, DC / DC converter 53N connects load capacitor (CL) 44 to V CLC >V CLN When charging to V, DC / DC converter 53N may stop charging load capacitor (CL) 44 because the voltage on load capacitor (CL) 44 is already higher than its output voltage. CLB >V CLC When charging to , DC / DC converter 53C may stop charging load capacitor (CL) 44 because the voltage on load capacitor (CL) 44 is already higher than its output voltage.

[0169] 8, it will be appreciated that operational amplifier 57N has an input reference voltage in the form of stable voltage source 58N. Operational amplifier 57N is therefore activated (to activate short circuit network 49N) when the voltage on point 61N is higher than the reference voltage.

[0170] It will be appreciated that the DC / DC converter 53N has an output reference voltage in the form of a stable voltage source 70N. This reference voltage sets the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 53N. The stable voltage source 70N is connected in series with the stable voltage source 58N so that the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 53N is always higher than the reference voltage of the operational amplifier 57N. This therefore synchronizes the DC / DC converter 53N and the first control circuit (CTRLn) 50N and eliminates latching of the two circuits.

[0171] Furthermore, it should be understood that when the DC / DC converter 53N charges the load capacitor 44 to a voltage high enough to initiate a short across the terminal 23N, the power supply module 18N (N-type) may enter a pulse width modulation mode 76 (FIG. 12).

[0172] Returning to FIG. 12, pulse width modulation mode 76 may be illustrated with respect to power supply module 18N, power supply module 18C, and power supply module 18B.

[0173] It should be understood that certain features that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0174] While the description has been provided above in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art.

Claims

1. A power supply, the power supply comprising: a ferromagnetic core configured to receive therein an electric cable of an electric grid, said electric cable carrying an electric current I; an output capacitor Cout configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical load; A first power supply module PSA, the first power supply module PSA comprising: a secondary winding WA wound on the ferromagnetic core; a rectifier section having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the secondary winding WA and the output electrically coupled to the output capacitor Cout; a short circuit network having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the output capacitor Cout and the output electrically coupled to the secondary winding WA, the short circuit network operative to apply a short circuit on the secondary winding WA; a first power supply module PSA comprising: A second power supply module PSN, wherein the second power supply module PSN comprises: a secondary winding WN wound on the same ferromagnetic core; a rectifier section having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the secondary winding WN and the output electrically coupled to an internal capacitor C; a DC / DC converter circuit having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the internal capacitor Ci and the output electrically coupled to the identical output capacitor Cout; an enable control circuit having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the capacitor Ci and the output electrically coupled to the control terminal of the DC / DC converter circuit; a short circuit network having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the same output capacitor Cout and the output electrically coupled to the secondary winding WN, the short circuit network operative to apply a short circuit on the secondary winding WN; a second power supply module PSN, A power supply source comprising:

2. The winding WN has more windings than the winding WA; The second power supply module PSN includes a plurality of second power supply modules PS １ ~PS Ｎ each of which is a separate winding W wound on the same ferromagnetic core. １ ~W Ｎ and the winding W Ｎ is the winding W Ｎ－１ It has more windings, and the winding W １ has more windings than the winding WA; The power supply module PS １ ~PS Ｎ configured to operate in a different current operating range of the current I; When the current I is higher than the individual current operating range, a short circuit occurs in the secondary winding W of each of the individual rectifier sections. Ｎ and 10. The power supply of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

3. The power supply module PSA is operated to operate in a pulse width modulation mode with two states: a charging state and a discharging state; In the discharge state, the short circuit network applies a short circuit on the secondary winding WA.

10. The power supply of claim 1, further comprising:

4. The power supply module PSA operates in pulse width modulation mode when all power supply modules PSN have their respective short circuit networks and apply a short circuit to their secondary windings WN, respectively.

3. The power supply of claim 2, further comprising:

5. The activation control circuit of the power supply module PSN is connected to a separate internal capacitor C ＩＮ The voltage above is V ＣＩＮ－ＨＩＧＨ When ＩＮ The voltage above is V ＣＩＮ－ＬＯＷ and operating to shut down the individual DC / DC converter circuits when V ＣＩＮ－ＨＩＧＨ is V ＣＩＮ－ＬＯＷ It's bigger and Power supply module PS Ｎ V of ＣＩＮ－ＬＯＷ However, the power supply module PS Ｎ－１ V of ＣＩＮ－ＨＩＧＨ Bigger and 3. The power supply of claim 2, further comprising:

6. Power supply module PS Ｎ－１ The DC / DC converter circuit is connected to a power supply module PS Ｎ and operating to provide an output voltage higher than the output voltage of the DC / DC converter circuit of 3. The power supply of claim 2, further comprising:

7. Setting the output voltage of the DC / DC voltage converter circuit is associated with setting a trigger voltage of a first control circuit that activates the short circuit network, synchronizing the operation of the circuit.

3. The power supply of claim 2, further comprising:

8. 1. A method for extracting power from an electromagnetic field surrounding an electrical cable of an electrical grid, the method comprising: providing a ferromagnetic core substantially surrounding the electrical cable, the electrical cable carrying an electrical current I; providing an output capacitor Cout configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical load; 1. Providing a first power supply module PSA, said first power supply module PSA comprising: a secondary winding WA wound on the ferromagnetic core; a rectifier section having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the secondary winding WA and the output electrically coupled to the output capacitor Cout; a short circuit network having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the output capacitor Cout and the output electrically coupled to the secondary winding WA, the short circuit network operative to apply a short circuit on the secondary winding WA; and providing a second power supply module PSN, said second power supply module PSN comprising: a secondary winding WN wound on the same ferromagnetic core; a rectifier section having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the secondary winding WN and the output electrically coupled to an internal capacitor C; a DC / DC converter circuit having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the internal capacitor Ci and the output electrically coupled to the identical output capacitor Cout; an enable control circuit having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the capacitor Ci and the output electrically coupled to the control terminal of the DC / DC converter circuit; a short circuit network having an input and an output, the input electrically coupled to the same output capacitor Cout and the output electrically coupled to the secondary winding WN, the short circuit network operative to apply a short circuit on the secondary winding WN; To have A method comprising:

9. The winding WN has more windings than the winding WA; The second power supply module PSN includes a plurality of second power supply modules PS １ ~PS Ｎ each having a separate winding W1 to WN wound on the same ferromagnetic core, Ｎ is the winding W Ｎ－１ It has more windings, and the winding W １ has more windings than the winding WA; The power supply module PS １ ~PS Ｎ configured to operate in a different current operating range of the current I; When the current I is higher than the individual current operating range, a short circuit occurs in the secondary winding W of each of the individual rectifier sections. Ｎ and The method of claim 8 , further comprising at least one of:

10. The power supply module PSA is operated to operate in a pulse width modulation mode with two states: a charging state and a discharging state; In the discharge state, the short circuit network applies a short circuit on the secondary winding WA.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

11. The power supply module PSA operates in pulse width modulation mode when all power supply modules PSN have their respective short circuit networks and apply a short circuit to their secondary windings WN, respectively.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

12. The activation control circuit of the power supply module PSN is connected to a separate internal capacitor C ＩＮ The voltage above is V ＣＩＮ－ＨＩＧＨ When ＩＮ The voltage above is V ＣＩＮ－ＬＯＷ and operating to shut down the individual DC / DC converter circuits when V ＣＩＮ－ＨＩＧＨ is V ＣＩＮ－ＬＯＷ Bigger, and Power supply module PS Ｎ－１ V of ＣＩＮ－ＬＯＷ However, the power supply module PS Ｎ V of ＣＩＮ－ＨＩＧＨ Bigger and 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

13. Power supply module PS Ｎ－１ The DC / DC converter circuit is connected to a power supply module PS Ｎ and operating to provide an output voltage higher than the output voltage of the DC / DC converter circuit of 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

14. Correlating the setting of the output voltage of the DC / DC voltage converter circuit with the setting of a trigger voltage of a first control circuit that activates the short circuit network, thereby synchronizing the operation of the circuit.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

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