Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (eg, a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)) The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (eg, when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (eg, when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value)

Grid regulation services for energy storage devices based on grid frequency

Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.

Hybrid cable for conveying data and power

In the case of performing self-sustained operation, when power conversion devices supply power to loads, all DC/AC conversion circuits of the power conversion devices are operated in a voltage control mode, and effective voltage (amplitude) of reference AC voltage as a control target for AC power outputted from each DC/AC conversion circuit under voltage control is adjusted in accordance with the power generation amount of a solar panel as a DC power supply, and the state of charge of a storage battery, thereby the amount of power supplied to the loads is controlled.

Power conversion device

A Virtual Electrical and Electronic Device Interface and Management System (VEEDIMS) is provided. In one example, the VEEDIMS includes a backbone network formed by cables that are configured to simultaneously carry digital data and power. A controller is coupled to the backbone network and configured to execute control instructions. A plurality of modules are coupled to the controller via the backbone network and receive data and power via the backbone network. The modules receive control signals from the controller based on the control instructions. At least one device- is coupled to one of the modules via a direct input/output (I/O) interface positioned in the module. A device specific driver contained in the module provides a communications interface between the device and a generic VEEDIMS controller driver in the controller.

System for integrating a plurality of modules using a power/data backbone network

A power control system positioned within a car is provided. In one example, the power control system includes an electrical system, a battery and a power interface coupled to the electrical system, a communication interface, a controller coupled to the electrical system and the communication interface, and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory contains instructions executable by the controller. The instructions include receiving at least one power consumption parameter from a power controller external to the car via the communication interface, actuating the electrical system to access an external power source via the power interface, and directing power from the power source to the battery via the electrical system in order to charge the battery. One or both of actuating the electrical system to access the external power source and an amount of power directed to the battery are based on the power consumption parameter.

Distributed car charging management system and method

In one technique of the present invention, DC electric power from a DC bus is inverted to provide AC electricity to one or more electrical loads, and AC power from a power generating device is rectified to provide a first variable amount of electric power to the DC bus. This technique also includes determining power applied to the electrical loads, and dynamically controlling the amount of power supplied from the power generating device and an electrical energy storage device in response to the power applied to the loads.

Management of an electric power generation and storage system

An electric power system includes a variable speed generator driven by an engine and an electrical energy storage device. The generator and the storage device are coupled to a variable voltage DC bus. An inverter converts DC electricity from the DC bus to AC electricity for one or more electrical loads. A detector is included to monitor electric current provided to the DC bus by the storage device and provide a corresponding signal. Control circuitry is responsive to this signal to regulate power output from the storage device to the DC bus.

Electric power generation system with current-controlled power boost

An electric power system includes an engine, a generator driven by the engine, an electrical energy storage device, power control circuitry coupling the generator and storage device together, and a processor coupled to the circuitry. The generator provides variable AC power and the storage device provides variable DC power to the circuitry. The processor executes operating logic to provide control signals to the circuitry to operate the generator at a first speed to provide a first level of AC electricity, increase the DC power provided from the storage device to increase the AC electricity to a second level, increase operating speed of the generator from the first speed to a second speed greater than the first speed, decrease the DC power from the storage device as the operating speed of the generator increases, and limit acceleration of the operating speed to reduce perception of a speed change.

Mitchell E. Peterson

Papers

Management of an electric power generation and storage system

Electric power generation system with current-controlled power boost

Electric power generation system and methods