Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090020151 | Method and apparatus for converting a direct current to alternating current utilizing a plurality of inverters - An apparatus for converting Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC), comprising a plurality of inverters, each inverter having a separate DC input adapted to be coupled to at least one solar cell defining an area of a solar panel. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021877 | Method and apparatus for anti-islanding of distributed power generation systems - A method and apparatus for anti-islanding of distributed power generation systems having an inverter comprising a phase locked loop (PLL), a phase shift generator for injecting a phase shift into the PLL during at least one sample period, and a phase error signature monitor for monitoring at least one phase error response of the PLL during the at least one sample period. | 01-22-2009 |
20090066357 | Method and apparatus for detecting impairment of a solar array - An apparatus for detecting an impairment of a solar array. The apparatus comprises an impairment detection module for performing a comparison of a power production profile and at least one reference profile, wherein the power production profile and the at least one reference profile are for at least one of the solar array, at least one solar subarray of the solar array, or at least one solar panel of the solar array. The apparatus determines, based on the comparison, whether the impairment exists. | 03-12-2009 |
20090079383 | Method and apparatus for power conversion with maximum power point tracking and burst mode capability - An apparatus and method for converting a DC input power to a DC output power. The apparatus comprises an energy storage module and a burst mode controller. The burst mode controller causes energy to be stored in the energy storage module during at least one storage period, and further causes the energy to be drawn from the energy storage module during at least one burst period. During the at least one burst period, the DC output power is greater than the DC input power. Additionally, the burst mode controller employs a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique for operating a device providing the DC input power proximate a maximum power point (MPP). | 03-26-2009 |
20090080226 | Method and apparatus for maximum power point tracking in power conversion based on dual feedback loops and power ripples - A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises a conversion module comprising an input capacitor, and a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP. The apparatus additionally comprises a second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP. | 03-26-2009 |
20090084426 | Universal interface for a photovoltaic module - An apparatus for providing a universal interface for a photovoltaic (PV) module. The apparatus comprises a universal retainer plate for mechanically coupling an output power module to the PV module. | 04-02-2009 |
20090086514 | Method and apparatus for providing power conversion using an interleaved flyback converter with automatic balancing - A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to DC output power. The apparatus comprises a plurality of parallel connected flyback circuits. A controller is coupled to the switches within the flyback circuits to provide accurate timing and automatic current balancing amongst the plurality of flyback circuits. | 04-02-2009 |
20090200994 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTED VAR COMPENSATION - A method and apparatus for generating on-demand power. The method comprises receiving a peak reactive current request, generating a control signal based on the peak reactive current request, and utilizing the control signal to drive a DC/AC inverter to generate reactive power commensurate with the peak reactive current request. | 08-13-2009 |
20090230782 | Apparatus for phase rotation for a three-phase AC circuit - An apparatus for providing phase rotation for a three-phase AC circuit. The apparatus comprises three phase input terminals and three phase output terminals, where a first phase input terminal is coupled with a third phase output terminal; a second phase input terminal is coupled with a first phase output terminal; and a third phase input terminal is coupled with a second phase output terminal. | 09-17-2009 |
20090243587 | Method and apparatus for measuring AC voltages - A method and apparatus for providing AC voltage measurements. The apparatus comprises an AC voltage monitor for determining at least a first and a second voltage representing an AC voltage of an AC circuit, generating a serial data stream frame comprising data representing the at least a first and a second voltage, and transmitting the serial data stream frame. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244929 | Method and apparatus for extending zero-voltage swiitching range in a DC to DC converter - Apparatus for extending a zero voltage switching (ZVS) range during DC/DC power conversion. The apparatus comprises a DC/DC converter, operated in a quasi-resonant mode, comprising (i) a transformer, (ii) a primary switch, coupled to a primary winding of the transformer, for controlling current flow through the primary winding, and (iii) a varactor, coupled to the transformer, for accelerating a downswing in a voltage across the primary switch. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244939 | Method and apparatus for resetting silicon controlled rectifiers in a hybrid bridge - A method and apparatus for resetting Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) in an H-bridge. The apparatus comprises a hybrid bridge, comprising at least one SCR and at least one switch, and an abnormal current detector, coupled to the hybrid bridge. The abnormal current detector detects an abnormal current in the hybrid bridge and drives the at least one switch to control current flow through the hybrid bridge. | 10-01-2009 |
20090244947 | Method and apparatus for resetting a silicon controlled rectifier bridge - A method and an apparatus for resetting at least one Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) in an H-bridge. The apparatus comprises a current interruption device for controlling current flow through the H-bridge, and a negative voltage detector for detecting a negative voltage at the H-bridge and driving the current interruption device to control the current flow through the H-bridge. | 10-01-2009 |
20100085035 | Method and apparatus for determining AC voltage waveform anomalies - A method and apparatus for determining AC voltage waveform anomalies. The apparatus comprises a threshold generator for generating at least one time-variant threshold based on information regarding an AC voltage waveform. The apparatus further comprises a threshold detector for comparing a sample of the AC voltage waveform to the at least one time-variant threshold to identify an AC voltage waveform anomaly. | 04-08-2010 |
20100091532 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED BURST MODE DURING POWER CONVERSION - A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises an input capacitor, a DC-AC inverter, a burst mode controller for causing energy to be stored in the input capacitor during at least one storage period and the energy to be drawn from the input capacitor during at least one burst period, wherein the AC output power is greater than the DC input power during the at least one burst period; a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the DC-AC inverter proximate the MPP; and a second feedback loop for determining a difference in a first power measurement and a second power measurement, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the DC-AC inverter to drive toward the MPP. | 04-15-2010 |
20100106438 | Method and apparatus for determining an operating voltage for preventing photovoltaic cell reverse breakdown during power conversion - A method and apparatus for determining an operating voltage lower bound for preventing photovoltaic (PV) cell reverse breakdown during power conversion. The method comprises determining a PV cell operating temperature; computing, at a controller, an operating voltage corresponding to a maximum power point (MPP) based on the PV cell operating temperature; and determining, at the controller, an operating voltage lower bound based on the operating voltage. | 04-29-2010 |
20100176534 | Method and apparatus for potting an electronic device - Method and apparatus for potting an electronic device. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having a first inner volume with the electronic device disposed therein; a fill control element disposed within the first inner volume, wherein a second inner volume of the fill control element is fluidly coupled to the first inner volume; and a sealant disposed within a remaining portion of the first inner volume, the remaining portion not occupied by the electronic device or the fill control element, wherein air is trapped within at least a first portion of the second inner volume. | 07-15-2010 |
20100181830 | Method and apparatus for characterizing a circuit coupled to an AC line - A method and apparatus for characterizing a circuit coupled to an AC line. The apparatus comprises a consumption measurement unit (CMU), adapted for coupling, independent of voltage and current polarity, to the AC line and the circuit. The CMU comprises a discovery module adapted for (i) generating a circuit current signature based on current samples representative of current on a phase of the circuit, (ii) generating at least one AC line current signature based on AC line current samples representative of current on each phase of the AC line, and (iii) determining, based on the circuit current signature, the at least one AC line current signature, and at least one of a source profile or a load profile, at least one of a type or a voltage characteristic for the circuit. | 07-22-2010 |
20100195357 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A CORRECTED MONITORING VOLTAGE - A method and apparatus for determining a corrected monitoring voltage, at least a portion of the method being performed by a computing system comprising at least one processor. The method comprises generating power at a first location; monitoring the generated power by measuring a first voltage proximate the first location; measuring a second voltage proximate a second location, the first and the second locations electrically coupled; and determining, based on the measured second voltage, a corrected monitoring voltage to compensate the measured first voltage for a distance between the first and the second locations. | 08-05-2010 |
20100222933 | Method and system for distributed energy generator message aggregation - A method and system for aggregating messages. The method comprises obtaining, at a controller, a first plurality of messages related to operation of a distributed energy generator; generating, at the controller, a second plurality of messages from the first plurality, wherein each message in the second plurality has a start-time within a first time window; and generating, at the controller, a third plurality of messages from the second plurality, wherein each message in the third plurality has an end-time within a second time window and is associated with an indicia of a message group. | 09-02-2010 |
20100263704 | Apparatus for coupling power generated by a photovoltaic module to an output - Apparatus for coupling power generated by a photovoltaic (PV) module to an output. The apparatus comprises a universal connector assembly, comprising a connector housing, adapted for coupling to the PV module, comprising a DC connection assembly for coupling power from the PV module to a power module via a first plurality of connectors; and a base for supporting the power module spaced apart from the PV module in a manner that exposes at least a portion of the power module facing the PV module to the air and prevents air from being trapped between the power module and the PV module. | 10-21-2010 |
20100309695 | Method and apparatus for improved burst mode during power conversion - A method and apparatus for coupling power to an AC power grid. In one embodiment, the method comprises interleaving a storage period and a burst period, wherein (i) energy is stored during the storage period for a predetermined number of grid voltage cycles, and (ii) stored energy is converted to AC power and coupled to the AC power grid during the burst period. | 12-09-2010 |
20110007537 | Method and apparatus for single-path control and monitoring of an H-bridge - A method and apparatus for controlling and monitoring an H-bridge via a single communication path. The apparatus comprises a first control and monitor module coupled to a first switch within the H-bridge; and a first pulse transformer coupled to a first control signal to the first control and monitor module, wherein the first control and monitor module (i) generates, based on the first control signal, a first driver signal for operating a first switch of the H-bridge during DC/AC power conversion, (ii) monitors at least a portion of the H-bridge for at least one fault, and (iii) communicates, upon detecting the at least one fault, a first fault indication to a main controller of the H-bridge via the first pulse transformer. | 01-13-2011 |
20110012429 | Method and apparatus for converting direct current to alternating current - A method and apparatus for power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least two power stages, each power stage of the at least two power stages capable of converting DC input power to DC output power; and a controller for dynamically selecting, based on a first DC power, one or more power stages of the at least two power stages for converting the first DC power to a second DC power. | 01-20-2011 |
20110016147 | Method and apparatus for identifying redeployed distributed generator components - A method and apparatus for identifying a redeployment of a distributed generator component, at least a portion of the method being performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a first identification (ID) for a first component of a distributed generator (DG) and a second ID for a second component of the DG; generating an association between the first identifier and the second identifier, wherein the association identifies a relationship between the first and the second components; and comparing the association to a plurality of documented associations to determine whether the association has changed. | 01-20-2011 |
20110019444 | Method and apparatus for detection and control of dc arc faults - A method and apparatus for managing DC arc faults. At least a portion of the method is performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises analyzing a signature of a signal of a power converter and determining, based on analysis of the signature, whether an arc fault exists. | 01-27-2011 |
20110051820 | Power line communications apparatus - Apparatus and system for communicating data via a power line. The apparatus comprises a transmitter comprising a modulator for generating a second digital signal based on input data; a digital buffer for amplifying the second digital signal to generate a third digital signal; a filter for filtering the third digital signal to generate an analog output waveform; and a coupler for coupling the analog output waveform to the power line. | 03-03-2011 |
20110089766 | Apparatus for phase rotation for a three-phase AC circuit - An apparatus for power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of AC power sources, wherein each AC power source in the plurality of AC power sources has a phase rotation circuit coupled to a DC/AC inverter for converting DC input power to AC output power, wherein (i) a first phase rotation circuit has first three phase output terminals coupled to second three phase input terminals of a second phase rotation circuit; (ii) the second phase rotation circuit has second three phase output terminals coupled to third three phase input terminals of a third phase rotation circuit; and (iii) the third phase rotation circuit has third three phase output terminals coupled to either fourth three phase input terminals of a fourth phase rotation circuit or to a commercial power grid. | 04-21-2011 |
20110101786 | Method and apparatus for anti-islanding of distributed power generation systems - A method and apparatus for identifying an islanding condition. In one embodiment, the method comprises altering a phase error response within a phase locked loop (PLL), and determining whether the islanding condition exists based on the altered phase error response. | 05-05-2011 |
20110169479 | Method and apparatus for measuring AC voltages - A method and apparatus for measuring an AC voltage. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an AC voltage monitor, comprising a solid state electrical isolation device, enabled to (i) generate at least a first voltage measurement of an AC power source, (ii) generate a serial data stream frame based on the at least a first voltage measurement, and (iii) transmit the serial data stream frame via the solid state electrical isolation device. | 07-14-2011 |
20110170222 | Method and apparatus for determining an operating voltage for preveting photovoltaic cell reverse breakdown during power conversion - A method and apparatus for preventing photovoltaic (PV) cell reverse breakdown during operation of a PV module. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a first temperature value; and restricting an operating voltage of the PV module based on the first temperature value. | 07-14-2011 |
20110183537 | Method and apparatus for interconnecting distributed power sources - A method and apparatus for power wiring. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a splice box comprising (i) a plug having a plurality of plug pins, each plug pin of the plurality of plug pins for coupling to a conductor within a cable adapted for coupling to a power line; (ii) a first pin receptacle for coupling to a first guide pin of a connector; and (iii) a first pair of retention bars disposed within the first pin receptacle, the first pair of retention bars for retaining the first guide pin. | 07-28-2011 |
20110260824 | TRANSFORMER - A transformer assembly. In some embodiments, the transformer assembly comprises a transformer, comprising a magnetic core; a primary winding wound around the magnetic core, wherein the primary winding comprises one or two turns of a first conductive material; and a secondary winding wound around the magnetic core, wherein the secondary winding comprises a plurality of turns of a second conductive material, and wherein a diameter of the magnetic core is sized such that the transformer achieves a first inductance with a core loss comparable to a winding loss. | 10-27-2011 |
20110267857 | Method and apparatus for distributed power generation - A method and apparatus for generating AC power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a DC/AC inversion stage capable of generating at least one of a single-phase output power, a two-phase output power, or a three-phase output power; and a conversion control module, coupled to the DC/AC inversion stage, for driving the DC/AC inversion stage to selectively generate the single-phase output power, the two-phase output power, or the three-phase output power based on an input power to the DC/AC inversion stage. | 11-03-2011 |
20110273302 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDICATING A DISCONNECTION WITHIN A DISTRIBUTED GENERATOR - A method and apparatus for indicating a disconnection within a Distributed Generator (DG). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an alarm module electrically coupled to a conductive portion of a component within the DG, wherein the conductive portion is grounded via a ground rod system, and wherein the alarm module (i) is further coupled to a ground line, (ii) couples a monitoring current to the conductive portion, (iii) monitors flow of the monitoring current to determine a change in the flow, and (iv) generates, as a result of the change in the flow, a notification of the disconnection. | 11-10-2011 |
20110292701 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED BURST MODE DURING POWER CONVERSION - A method and apparatus for power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a DC-AC conversion stage; an intermediate capacitor coupled across the DC-AC conversion stage; and a burst mode controller coupled to the intermediate capacitor and the DC-AC conversion stage, wherein the burst mode controller (i) maintains a voltage of the intermediate capacitor below a preset limit during a storage period and (ii) drives the DC-AC conversion stage to convert DC input to AC output during a burst period, wherein the storage and burst periods occur during a burst mode operation. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292705 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWER CONVERTER INPUT VOLTAGE REGULATION - A method and apparatus for regulating an input voltage to a power conversion module. In one embodiment, the method comprises computing a voltage regulation threshold based on an output voltage for the power conversion module; comparing an input voltage of the power conversion module to the voltage regulation threshold; and generating, when the input voltage satisfies the voltage regulation threshold, an average input voltage less than the voltage regulation threshold, wherein the average input voltage is generated from the input voltage. | 12-01-2011 |
20120020122 | LOSSLESS COMMUTATION DURING OPERATION OF A POWER CONVERTER - A method for operating a DC-DC converter. The method comprises: matching, based on a turns ratio of a transformer of the DC-DC converter, a primary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter and a secondary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter to result in a matched capacitance; and operating the DC-DC converter with at least one operating parameter set to cause a primary current to oscillate between a peak value and zero such that a valley of the primary current coincides with a zero crossing of a secondary switching element voltage. | 01-26-2012 |
20120089660 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GENERATOR MESSAGE AGGREGATION - A method and system for aggregating messages. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of distributed generators (DGs) and a controller, communicatively coupled to the plurality of distributed generators, for (i) receiving a plurality of messages from the plurality of DGs, (ii) correlating at least two messages in the plurality of messages based on at least one time parameter, and (iii) generating a summary message based on the at least two messages. | 04-12-2012 |
20120099661 | POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS - Apparatus and system for communicating data via a power line. The apparatus comprises a transmitter comprising a modulator for generating a second digital signal based on input data; a digital buffer for amplifying the second digital signal to generate a third digital signal; a filter for filtering the third digital signal to generate an analog output waveform; and a coupler for coupling the analog output waveform to the power line. | 04-26-2012 |
20120139349 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING AN ELECTRIC FIELD TO A PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT - A method and apparatus for applying an electric field to a photovoltaic element. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one photovoltaic (PV) cell having a P-N junction; and a voltage supply for (i) converting a first voltage to an e-field voltage, the first voltage generated local to the at least one PV cell, and (ii) coupling the e-field voltage to the at least one PV cell to create an electric field extending across the P-N junction. | 06-07-2012 |
20120170324 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESONANT CONVERTER CONTROL - A method and apparatus for controlling resonant converter power production. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining accumulated charge processed by a resonant converter; dynamically determining a level of the accumulated charge that generates a predetermined output power; and controlling a switching cycle of the resonant converter based on the level of the accumulated charge. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170341 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESONANT POWER CONVERSION - A method and apparatus for providing multi-phase power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cycloconverter controller for determining a charge ratio based on a reference waveform; and a cycloconverter, coupled to the cycloconverter controller and to a multi-phase AC line, for selectively coupling an alternating current to each line of the multi-phase AC line based on the charge ratio. | 07-05-2012 |
20120206843 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION AND CONTROL OF DC ARC FAULTS - A method and apparatus for managing DC arc faults. At least a portion of the method is performed by a controller comprising at least one processor. In one embodiment, the method comprises identifying, based on a first signature of a power converter, an arc fault; determining, based on the first signature, a type of the arc fault; and performing an action on the power converter based on the type of the arc fault. | 08-16-2012 |
20120287688 | FOUR QUADRANT BIDIRECTIONAL SWITCH - A four quadrant bidirectional switch. In one embodiment, the four quadrant bidirectional switch comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch, wherein (i) the first and second switches are normally-off switches, (ii) the third switch is a dual-gate, bidirectional, normally-on switch, and (iii) the first, the second, and the third switches are coupled to one another in a bi-cascode configuration. | 11-15-2012 |
20120294045 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING RESONANT CONVERTER OUTPUT POWER - A method and apparatus for controlling power conversion. In one embodiment, the method comprises computing a voltage ratio based on a voltage conversion in a resonant converter; comparing the voltage ratio to a threshold; and controlling, independent of switching frequency of the resonant converter, power output from the resonant converter based on whether the voltage ratio satisfies the threshold. | 11-22-2012 |
20120294057 | RESONANT POWER CONVERSION CIRCUIT - An apparatus and system for power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings; and a cyclo-converter comprising a plurality of switch pairs for converting an alternating current to an AC current, wherein each switch pair in the plurality of switch pairs (i) is coupled between two lines of an AC output and (ii) has a different secondary winding of the plurality of secondary windings coupled between its switches. | 11-22-2012 |
20120300524 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING SINGLE-PHASE POWER FROM A THREE-PHASE RESONANT POWER CONVERTER - A method and apparatus for providing AC power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cycloconverter controller for determining a DC value based on a reference waveform and a three-phase cycloconverter, coupled to the cycloconverter controller, for selectively coupling, based on the DC value, an alternating current to an AC line to generate a single-phase AC output. | 11-29-2012 |
20130021006 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-PHASE POWER TRANSFER - A method and apparatus for power conversion. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a power conversion module for converting a first current to a second current, wherein the first current or the second current is an AC current having at least two phases; and a waveform modification module, coupled to the power conversion module, for modifying the AC current to generate a modified AC current, wherein each phase of the modified AC current has a value of zero at the beginning of an AC line cycle. | 01-24-2013 |
20130021730 | RESILIENT MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES - An apparatus for mounting a power module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of mounting points that (i) are flexibly connected to one another and (ii) flexibly mount the power module proximate a photovoltaic (PV) module. | 01-24-2013 |
20130027025 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING AC VOLTAGES - A method and apparatus for measuring an AC voltage. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an AC voltage monitor coupled to a plurality of AC lines for (i) generating a first measurement based on an AC voltage across a first resistor, (ii) generating a second measurement based on an AC line voltage of an AC line of the plurality of AC lines, and (iii) generating a serial data stream frame based on the first and the second measurements. | 01-31-2013 |
20130093554 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING PRESSURE EFFECTS ON AN ENCAPSULATED DEVICE - A method and apparatus for reducing pressure effects on an encapsulated device. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power module comprising an equipment box assembly containing (i) an equipment module housing, (ii) a potted electronic device disposed within the equipment module housing, and (iii) a resilient expansion absorption layer disposed between at least a portion of the potted electronic device and at least a portion of the equipment module housing. | 04-18-2013 |
20130135802 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POTTING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Method and apparatus for potting an electronic device. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing an enclosure having a first inner volume with the electronic device disposed therein; placing a fill control element within the enclosure such that a second inner volume of the fill control element is fluidly coupled to the first inner volume; and filling a remaining portion of the first inner volume, the remaining portion not occupied by the electronic device or the fill control element, with a sealant such that air is trapped within at least a first portion of the second inner volume. | 05-30-2013 |
20130215981 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THREE-PHASE POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS - Method and apparatus for generating a balanced three-phase power line communication signal. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating a plurality of modulation signals based on at least one data stream; modulating a plurality of carrier signals by the plurality of modulation signals to generate a balanced three-phase PLC signal comprising a first phase signal, a second phase signal, and a third phase signal; and coupling the balanced three-phase PLC signal to a three-phase power line. | 08-22-2013 |
20130215983 | POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS - A system for communicating data. In one embodiment, the system comprises a photovoltaic (PV) module; an inverter, coupled to the PV module, for receiving DC power from the PV module and converting the DC power to AC power; and an inverter controller communicably coupled to the inverter, wherein the inverter and the inverter controller communicate using power line communications (PLC). | 08-22-2013 |
20130225005 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERCONNECTING DISTRIBUTED POWER SOURCES - An apparatus and system for coupling power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a trunk cable comprising a first conductor, a second conductor, and a third conductor; a first connector, wherein a first terminal of the first connector is conductively coupled to the first conductor; a second connector, wherein a first terminal of the second connector is conductively coupled to the second conductor; and a third connector, wherein a first terminal of the third connector is conductively coupled to the third conductor, and wherein the first, the second, and the third connectors are each adapted to couple to a different DC-AC power converter and an output of the trunk cable comprises three-phase AC power. | 08-29-2013 |
20130250624 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWER CONVERSION - A method and apparatus for converting a first power to a second power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power conversion circuit for receiving the first power and a controller, coupled to the power conversion circuit, for dynamically selecting between a regular mode and a quasi-resonant mode for operating the power conversion circuit to convert the first power to the second power. | 09-26-2013 |
20130250634 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWER CONVERSION - A method and apparatus for converting a first power to a second power. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a power conversion circuit for receiving the first power; and a controller, coupled to the power conversion circuit, for dynamically selecting between a non-interleaved mode and an interleaved mode for operating the power conversion circuit to convert the first power to the second power. | 09-26-2013 |
20130301322 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED BURST MODE DURING POWER CONVERSION - A method and apparatus for power conversion. In one embodiment, the method comprises operating an inverter in bursts by (i) enabling power production by the inverter during a first plurality of periods, and (ii) disabling power production by the inverter during a second plurality of periods. | 11-14-2013 |
20140016372 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING POWER CONVERSION USING AN INTERLEAVED FLYBACK CONVERTER WITH AUTOMATIC BALANCING - Method and apparatus for converting DC input power to DC output power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first flyback circuit and a second flyback circuit, coupled in parallel, for providing DC-to-DC conversion; and a controller for (i) determining a first peak current, based on a predetermined peak current, for operating the first flyback circuit, (ii) determining a second peak current, based on the predetermined peak current, for operating the second flyback circuit, and (iii) operating the first and the second flyback circuits at switching frequencies dependent on the first and the second peak currents, respectively, to achieve timing synchronization for interleaved operation of the first and the second flyback circuits. | 01-16-2014 |
20140070619 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BIDIRECTIONAL POWER PRODUCTION IN A POWER MODULE - Method and apparatus for generating power. In one embodiment the method comprises determining a value of a DC parameter pertaining to a DC power source providing DC power to an inverter; comparing the value to a threshold; and operating the inverter to generate positive power or negative power based on a result of comparing the value to the threshold. | 03-13-2014 |
20140077609 | SERIALLY CONNECTED MICRO-INVERTER SYSTEM WITH TRUNK AND DROP CABLING - A system and apparatus for serially coupling a plurality of inverters. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cable assembly for (i) coupling the plurality of inverters in series to form a string, and (ii) coupling AC power generated by the plurality of inverters to the AC grid, wherein the cable assembly comprises (A) a trunk cable comprising at least one phase conductor and a neutral conductor, wherein the neutral conductor is conductively continuous throughout the trunk cable; and (B) a plurality of junction boxes, positioned at locations along the trunk cable, for coupling the plurality of inverters to the trunk cable, wherein at each junction box of the plurality of junction boxes the at least one phase conductor is discontinuous for being coupled to a corresponding inverter of the plurality of inverters. | 03-20-2014 |
20140084695 | SERIALLY CONNECTED MICRO-INVERTER SYSTEM HAVING CONCERTINA OUTPUT VOLTAGE CONTROL - The present invention is directed towards a serially connected micro-inverter (SCMI) system comprising a plurality of power sources for producing DC power, a plurality of micro-inverters, where each micro-inverter is coupled to at least one power source of the plurality of power sources, for converting the DC power into AC power, an AC bus for coupling the plurality of micro-inverters in series to form a string and for coupling the AC power an AC line; and a controller, coupled to the string, for measuring an output signal of one or more strings of series coupled micro-inverters, comparing the measured output signal to a desired signal for the string; and adjusting a phase angle of an output from each micro-inverter in the one or more strings until a difference between the measured output signal and the desired signal is less than a predetermined threshold value. | 03-27-2014 |
20140085757 | SURGE BLOCKING INDUCTOR - A surge blocking inductor. In one embodiment, the surge blocking inductor comprises a core; a first winding wound about the core in a first direction; and a second winding wound about the core in a second direction, wherein the first winding and the second winding are magnetically independent when the core is in a non-saturated state, and wherein the first winding and the second winding are coupled magnetically when the core is in a saturated state. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089029 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SCHEDULING MAINTENANCE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS - A method and apparatus for optimizing the cost of scheduling maintenance of a distributed energy generator. In one embodiment, the method comprises obtaining information, from a controller, related to impaired operation of at least one component in a distributed energy generator, wherein the distributed energy generator comprises a plurality of components; calculating a cost to restore non-impaired operation of the distributed energy generator; calculating a cost of lost power due to the impaired operation of the distributed energy generator; and determining an optimal time to schedule maintenance of the distributed energy generator based on the calculated cost to restore non-impaired operation and the calculated cost of lost power. | 03-27-2014 |
20140168835 | SMART JUNCTION BOX FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for a smart junction box including: a first set of switches connected across input terminals adapted for connection to output terminals of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) modules, a plurality of diodes connected across input terminals of each respective switch in the first set of switches, at least one reverse current detection device on at least one output terminal of the smart junction box, a second set of switches to selectively disconnect and short circuit output terminals of the smart junction box when a reverse current is detected, and wherein at least one switch of the second set of switches is located across the output terminals, a controller for controlling the first and second set of switches. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168913 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING STRESS ON MOUNTED ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A continuous substrate including a first portion with a plurality of electronic components, and at least one strain relief area located proximate a fastening location, wherein the at least one strain relief area is located between the first portion and the fastening location. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169055 | NON-ISOLATED DC/AC INVERTER - A method and apparatus for converting DC power comprising: a boost circuit comprising two switches and a capacitor where the two switches are serially connected and coupled in parallel to the capacitor, a voltage source inverter (VSI) comprising at least four switches in an H-bridge configuration, and a controller coupled to the boost circuit and VSI for selectively energizing the switches wherein no more than two switches are toggling in a time period for operating the apparatus in either the buck mode or boost mode. | 06-19-2014 |
20140185344 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A CORRECTED MONITORING VOLTAGE - A method and apparatus for correcting a locally measured inverter voltage. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a voltage compensation to compensate for a voltage drop along an AC bus between an inverter and a remotely located point on the AC bus; obtaining a voltage measurement at the inverter; applying the voltage compensation to the voltage measurement to determine a corrected voltage measurement; comparing the corrected voltage measurement to a voltage requirement; and performing a corrective action at the inverter when the corrected voltage measurement does not meet the voltage requirement. | 07-03-2014 |
20140239726 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REACTIVE POWER CAPABLE INVERTERS - A system, method, and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power, including a DC-AC inverter employing: a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the DC-AC inverter proximate the MPP. A second feedback loop for determining a difference between a first power measurement and a second power measurement, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the DC-AC inverter to drive toward the MPP, where the first power measurement and the second power measurement are each determined based on a phase shift between an AC output voltage from the DC-AC inverter and an AC output current from the DC-AC inverter. | 08-28-2014 |
20140268944 | SURGE BLOCKING INDUCTOR - A surge blocking inductor. In one embodiment, the surge blocking inductor includes a core; a first winding wound about the core in a first direction; and a second winding wound about the core in a second direction, wherein the first winding and the second winding are magnetically independent when the core is in a non-saturated state, and wherein the first winding and the second winding are coupled magnetically when the core is in a saturated state. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268961 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTED POWER GENERATION - A method and apparatus for generating AC power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a DC/AC inversion stage capable of generating at least two of a single-phase output power, a two-phase output power, and a three-phase output power; and a conversion control module, coupled to the DC/AC inversion stage, for driving the DC/AC inversion stage to (i) generate the single-phase output power while an input power is less than a first threshold, and (ii) operate in burst mode while the input power satisfies a burst mode threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140293669 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED BURST MODE DURING POWER CONVERSION - A method for converting DC input power into AC output power comprising operating in a continuous mode, while the DC input power is at a first level, wherein DC input power is continuously converted into AC output power and applied to an AC power grid and upon detecting the DC input power is at a second level, operating in a burst mode, wherein a burst of AC output power for a half grid cycle is followed by a period of energy storage lasting an integer number of grid cycles. | 10-02-2014 |
20140306541 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING PV MODULE FILL FACTOR USING A VOLTAGE CLAMPING CIRCUIT - A method and apparatus for voltage clamping including: measuring a DC voltage across the PV module at an input of a power converter, comparing the measured DC voltage to the overvoltage threshold, determining the measured DC voltage exceeds the overvoltage threshold, and operating a clamping circuit to clamp at least a portion of the DC voltage prior to input to the power converter. | 10-16-2014 |
20140340942 | RESONANT POWER CONVERSION CIRCUIT - An apparatus and system for power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings; and a cyclo-converter comprising a plurality of switch pairs for converting an alternating current to an AC current, wherein each switch pair in the plurality of switch pairs (i) is coupled between two lines of an AC output and (ii) has a different secondary winding of the plurality of secondary windings coupled between its switches. | 11-20-2014 |
20140361703 | LED LIGHTING CONVERTER - A method and apparatus for light emitting diode (LED) lighting power conversion including a full bridge rectifier circuit coupled to a first half-bridge rectifier circuit and a resonant tank circuit supplying AC power to a LED circuit and forming a first port to the LED circuit. The apparatus further includes a second half-bridge rectifier circuit and energy storage device receiving and supplying DC power to the LED circuit as determined by a controller to form a second port of the LED circuit, wherein the LED circuit further comprises a rectifier circuit for the LED circuit, and at least one LED. | 12-11-2014 |
20140376278 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING POWER CONVERSION USING AN INTERLEAVED FLYBACK CONVERTER WITH REACTIVE POWER CONTROL - A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to DC output power with reactive power control. The apparatus includes a plurality of flyback circuits, coupled in parallel, and a DC-AC inversion circuit coupled across an output of each flyback circuit of the plurality of flyback circuits. The apparatus also including a reactive power control circuit coupled to an output of one flyback circuit of the plurality of flyback circuits, and across an output of the DC-AC inversion circuit; and a controller operative to coordinate timing of switches in each flyback circuit of the plurality of flyback circuits and the reactive power control circuit to generate AC output power of a desired power factor. | 12-25-2014 |
20150048854 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING - A method and apparatus for monitoring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) by measuring, external to a device that performs the MPPT, a DC current and a DC voltage to obtain a DC current value and a DC voltage value, wherein the DC current and the DC voltage are from a distributed generator (DG) coupled to the device. The method determining, external to the device, a constellation of data points, wherein each data point of the constellation comprises a DC voltage change and a corresponding DC current change resulting from an AC waveform, and determining, a dynamic resistance of the DG based on the constellation. The method computes a ratio of the DC voltage value to the DC current value, compares the dynamic resistance to the ratio, and determines, based on the comparison of the dynamic resistance to the ratio, if the DG is biased at a maximum power point (MPP). | 02-19-2015 |
20150049518 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI PHASE SHIFT POWER CONVERTER CONTROL - A method and apparatus for multi phase shift control of a power converter. In one embodiment, the method comprises controlling a phase shift between a left leg and a right leg of a first bridge of the power converter during operation of the power converter; and controlling a phase shift between the first bridge and a second bridge of the power converter during the operation of the power converter, wherein the phase shift between the left and the right legs and the phase shift between the first and the second bridges are controlled based on an input voltage of the power converter and a required output voltage of the power converter. | 02-19-2015 |
20150078463 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS DISTORTION COMPENSATION - A method and apparatus for harmonic distortion compensation in power line communications. In one embodiment, the method comprises analyzing a waveform generated by a transmitter of a power line communications transceiver (PLCT), wherein the waveform is analyzed to determine harmonic information for one or more harmonics of a carrier waveform of the PLCT; computing, based on the harmonic information, one or more harmonic compensation coefficients; and pre-distorting, based on the one or more harmonic compensation coefficients, the carrier waveform such that the one or more harmonics are reduced below a threshold. | 03-19-2015 |