214 results about "Distributed power systems" patented technology

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

A protection method in a distributed power system including of DC power sources and multiple power modules which include inputs coupled to the DC power sources. The power modules include outputs coupled in series with one or more other power modules to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the string and produces output power. When the inverter stops production of the output power, each of the power modules is shut down and thereby the power input to the inverter is ceased.

A distributed power system including multiple (DC) batteries each DC battery with positive and negative poles. Multiple power converters are coupled respectively to the DC batteries. Each power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is adapted for coupling to the positive pole. The second terminal is adapted for coupling to the negative pole. The power converter includes: (i) a control loop adapted for setting the voltage between or current through the first and second terminals, and (ii) a power conversion portion adapted to selectively either: convert power from said first and second terminals to said third and fourth terminals to discharge the battery connected thereto, or to convert power from the third and fourth terminals to the first and second terminals to charge the battery connected thereto. Each of the power converters is adapted for serial connection to at least one other power converter by connecting respectively the third and fourth terminals, thereby forming a serial string. A power controller is adapted for coupling to the serial string. The power controller includes a control part adapted to maintain current through or voltage across the serial string at a predetermined value.

A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.

A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.

A power supply unit with improved charge / discharge operation for use in distributed power supply system or electric vehicles. The power supply unit includes a storage battery comprising a plurality of circuits connected in series. Each of the plurality of circuits includes a first cell group and a second cell group connected in parallel. The first cell group includes lithium secondary cells or electrical double layer capacitors. The second cell group utilizes an electrolyzable electrolytic solution, or is capable of generating recombinable gas. The second cell group may include lead cells, nickel hydrogen cells, nickel cadmium cells and / or fuel cells. A charger / discharger is provided for controlling charge / discharge of the storage battery adapted to charge the storage battery up to a voltage at which the electrolytic solution of the second cell group is electrolyzed, or to a voltage at which the generated gas is recombined.

A distributed power system delivers DC power to a plurality of loads. The distributed power system includes a plurality of power converter modules having an associated DC to DC power conversion operation. Each of the modules includes a power regulation section for receiving a distributed input power from a distributed power line to generate a DC output by controlling the operation of the switching pulse generator. A processing section within the module interfaces with a data communications line for interfacing with the commands. The processing section is capable of operating in both a slave mode to receive commands from said data communication bus and a master mode for generating the commands. In at least one of the modules operating in the master mode, the processing section generates the commands for transmission over the data communications line to an address of one of the other modules. Processing sections in the slave mode of operation are configurable to monitor the operation of said power regulation section. Processing sections in the slave mode of operation are further able to negotiate among active slaves for assignment of a selected module as a new master responsive to the failure of a previous master.

A power supply unit, a distributed power supply system and an electric vehicle loaded therewith, capable of charge / discharge operation are disclosed. A first cell group is connected in parallel to a second cell group in which the electrolytic solution can be electrolyzed or the generated gas can be recombined. A plurality of the parallel circuit pairs are connected in series, and the series circuit is connected with a charger / discharger to constitute the power supply unit. The charger / discharger charges the power supply unit up to a voltage at which the electrolytic solution of the second cell group is electrolyzed or the generated gas is recombined.

A distributed power system for delivering DC power to a plurality of loads. A plurality of power converter modules having associated therewith a DC / DC power conversion operation are provided, each disposed proximate an associated one of the loads, each of said converter modules having associated therewith a switching pulse generator for generating switching pulses. A distributed power line distributes input power to each of the modules. A data communication line distributes command data between the modules. Each of the modules includes a power regulation section for receiving the input power to generate a DC output by controlling the operation of the switching pulse generator. It also includes a processing section for interfacing with the data communication line for interfacing with the commands, the processing function operating in at least a slave mode to receive commands from the data communication bus. At least one of the modules operates in both a slave mode and a master mode. In the master mode, the processing section generates commands for transmission over the data communication line to an addressed one of the other of the modules and internally for use in the local slave mode of operation. The processing section in the slave mode of operation is operable to configure and monitor the operation of the power regulation section.

A distributed power system for delivering DC power to a plurality of loads. A plurality of switching DC / DC converter modules are provided, each disposed proximate one of the loads, and each having associated therewith a switching pulse generator for generating switching pulses. A distributed power line distributes input power to each of the modules and a data communication line distributes command data between the modules, each of the modules uniquely addressable over the data communication line. A timing communication line is also provided for distributing timing information to each of the switching pulse generators. A master controller generates commands and communicates them to the data modules over the data communication line, the master controller operable to generate timing information over the timing communication line to each of the modules for controlling the associated switching pulse generator.