公开(公告)号：US20100109431A1

公开(公告)日：2010-05-06

申请号：US12686336

申请日：2010-01-12

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02J3/14

CPC classification number: H02J9/005 ,  H01F27/341 ,  H01F27/42 ,  H02J2009/007 ,  Y10T307/297 ,  Y10T307/469

Abstract: The invention is a device and method for eliminating core excitation losses in a distribution transformer when the transformer is not supplying power to loads. The invention consists of sensors, a control circuit, a user interface and a power contactor. The power contactor is connected on the line side of a transformer and is opened or closed automatically based on preprogrammed time or load criteria determined by the control circuit. In one operational mode and when the transformer is disconnected from the line, the control board generates low power pulses at the transformer load connection points in order to “search” for loads. If a load is detected, the transformer is reconnected by way of contactor closure. If the transformer load drops to zero, for a predetermined amount of time, the transformer is again disconnected and the pulsed load search is reestablished.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于在变压器不向负载供电时消除配电变压器中的磁芯励磁损耗的装置和方法。 本发明由传感器，控制电路，用户接口和电力接触器组成。 电源接触器连接在变压器的线路侧，并根据由控制电路确定的预编程时间或负载标准自动打开或关闭。 在一种操作模式下，当变压器与线路断开时，控制板在变压器负载连接点产生低功率脉冲，以便“搜索”负载。 如果检测到负载，则变压器通过接触器闭合重新连接。 如果变压器负载下降到零，在预定的时间内，变压器再次断开并且重新建立脉冲负载搜索。

公开(公告)号：US20060039127A1

公开(公告)日：2006-02-23

申请号：US10711060

申请日：2004-08-19

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H05K1/14

CPC classification number: H05K1/144 ,  H02M7/003 ,  H05K1/0263 ,  H05K1/056 ,  H05K3/0061 ,  H05K2201/09309 ,  H05K2201/10015 ,  H05K2201/10166 ,  H05K2201/10272 ,  H05K2201/10393

Abstract: The invention is an electromechanical packaging method for high power, high reliability, high frequency, switch mode power converters where high power density is required. An Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS) Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly, with a plurality of surface mount semiconductor power devices, is interfaced to a heatsink. Low profile bus bars are used between the IMS PCB and a fiberglass PCB. The fiberglass PCB has a laminated DC bus structure and a plurality of filter capacitors electrically connected across the DC bus structure. Clamp bars, substantially following the footprint of the bus bars, are installed on top of the fiberglass PCB and are used to pull the heatsink-IMS-bus bar-fiberglass PCB-clamp bar sandwich together. The clamping action provides low contact resistance between the bus bars and the two printed circuit boards. The clamping action also supplies the pressure needed between the IMS substrate and the heatsink for good heat transfer across this interface. The assembly also provides a robust mechanical mounting method for the bus bars and printed circuit boards. The geometry and layout of the bus bars provides a connection from the IMS PCB to the fiberglass PCB with very low parasitic inductance between the surface mounted semiconductor power devices and the filter capacitors on the fiberglass PCB.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于大功率，高可靠性，高频，开关模式功率转换器的机电封装方法，其中需要高功率密度。 具有多个表面贴装半导体功率器件的绝缘金属基板（IMS）印刷电路板（PCB）组件与散热器接口。 在IMS PCB和玻璃纤维PCB之间使用薄型母线。 玻璃纤维PCB具有层叠的DC总线结构和跨DC总线结构电连接的多个滤波电容器。 基本上沿着母线的占地面积的夹杆安装在玻璃纤维PCB的顶部，用于将散热器-IMM母线棒 - 玻璃纤维PCB夹板夹在一起。 夹紧动作在母线和两个印刷电路板之间提供低接触电阻。 夹紧动作还提供IMS基板和散热器之间所需的压力，以便通过该接口进行良好的热传递。 该组件还为母线和印刷电路板提供了坚固的机械安装方法。 母线的几何形状和布局提供了从IMS PCB到玻璃纤维PCB的连接，在表面安装的半导体功率器件和玻璃纤维PCB上的滤波电容器之间具有非常低的寄生电感。

公开(公告)号：US20050040711A1

公开(公告)日：2005-02-24

申请号：US10604876

申请日：2003-08-22

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02M1/10 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H03K17/687 ,  H02H7/00

CPC classification number: H02M7/4807 ,  H02J3/387 ,  H02J7/35 ,  H02J2001/004 ,  H02J2009/067 ,  H02M1/10 ,  H02M3/3374 ,  Y02B10/72 ,  Y02B90/14 ,  Y10T307/50 ,  Y10T307/615 ,  Y10T307/625 ,  Y10T307/658 ,  Y10T307/707

Abstract: This invention is a multi-port power converter where all ports are coupled through different windings of a high frequency transformer. Two or more, and typically all, ports have synchronized switching elements to allow the use of a high frequency transformer. This concept and type of converter is known. This invention mitigates a number of limitations in the present art and adds new capabilities that will allow applications to be served that would otherwise not have been practical. A novel circuit topology for a four-quadrant AC port is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage boost capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage buck capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit for a high efficiency, high frequency, bi-directional, AC semiconductor switch is also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种多端口功率转换器，其中所有端口通过高频变压器的不同绕组耦合。 两个或更多个通常所有端口具有同步的开关元件以允许使用高频变压器。 这种转换器的概念和类型是已知的。 本发明减轻了本技术中的许多限制，并增加了将允许应用程序被服务的新功能，否则这些应用将不实用。 公开了一种用于四象限AC端口的新型电路拓扑。 公开了一种具有升压能力的单向DC端口的新型电路拓扑。 公开了一种具有电压降压能力的单向DC端口的新型电路拓扑。 还公开了一种用于高效率，高频率，双向AC交流半导体开关的新型电路。

公开(公告)号：US09106087B2

公开(公告)日：2015-08-11

申请号：US13250367

申请日：2011-09-30

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H01F27/34 ,  H02J9/00 ,  H01F27/42

CPC classification number: H02J9/005 ,  H01F27/341 ,  H01F27/42 ,  H02J2009/007 ,  Y10T307/297 ,  Y10T307/469

Abstract: The invention is a device and method for eliminating core excitation losses in a distribution transformer when the transformer is not supplying power to loads. The invention consists of sensors, a control circuit, a user interface and a power contactor. The power contactor is connected on the line side of a transformer and is opened or closed automatically based on preprogrammed time or load criteria determined by the control circuit. In one operational mode and when the transformer is disconnected from the line, the control board generates low power pulses at the transformer load connection points in order to “search” for loads. If a load is detected, the transformer is reconnected by way of contactor closure. If the transformer load drops to zero, for a predetermined amount of time, the transformer is again disconnected and the pulsed load search is reestablished.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于在变压器不向负载供电时消除配电变压器中的磁芯励磁损耗的装置和方法。 本发明由传感器，控制电路，用户接口和电力接触器组成。 电源接触器连接在变压器的线路侧，并根据由控制电路确定的预编程时间或负载标准自动打开或关闭。 在一种操作模式下，当变压器与线路断开时，控制板在变压器负载连接点产生低功率脉冲，以便“搜索”负载。 如果检测到负载，变压器通过接触器闭合重新连接。 如果变压器负载下降到零，在预定的时间内，变压器再次断开并且重新建立脉冲负载搜索。

公开(公告)号：US07931202B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-26

申请号：US12206245

申请日：2008-09-08

Applicant: Richard Galloway ,  Rick West ,  Bill Galloway

Inventor： Richard Galloway ,  Rick West ,  Bill Galloway

IPC: G06K19/00

CPC classification number: G06K19/07

Abstract: An electronic business and information card device having sound recording means and sound producing means operably connected to sound storing means, all disposed within a business-card sized housing. The device is battery powered and features three-button operation. Sound information may be pre-recorded. The device has a lockout means to prevent inadvertent erasure of pre-recorded information and to selectively permit recording of new sound information over previous sound information. The surfaces of the housing are provided with identifying information such as names, logos and contact information. Alternatively, the surfaces of the housing may be left blank for customization by intermediate- or end-users.

Abstract translation: 一种具有声音记录装置和声音产生装置的电子商务和信息卡装置，其可操作地连接到声音存储装置，全部设置在商务卡尺寸的外壳内。 该设备是电池供电的，并具有三键操作。 声音信息可能是预先记录的。 该装置具有锁定装置，以防止预先记录的信息的意外擦除，并且有选择地允许在先前声音信息上记录新的声音信息。 外壳的表面设有标识信息，如名称，标识和联系信息。 或者，外壳的表面可以留空，以供中级或终端用户定制。

公开(公告)号：US07521914B2

公开(公告)日：2009-04-21

申请号：US12006472

申请日：2008-01-02

Applicant: Arthur F. Dickerson ,  Rick West

Inventor： Arthur F. Dickerson ,  Rick West

IPC: G05F1/40

CPC classification number: H02J7/35 ,  H02M7/537 ,  Y02E10/566 ,  Y02E10/58

Abstract: An apparatus and method of control for converting DC (direct current) power from a solar photovoltaic source to AC (alternating current) power. A novel DC-to-AC power converter topology and a novel control method are disclosed. This combination of topology and control are very well suited for photovoltaic microinverter applications. Also, a novel variant of this control method is illustrated with a number of known photovoltaic DC-to-AC power converter topologies. The primary function of both control methods is to seek the maximum power point (MPP) of the photovoltaic source with novel, iterative, perturb and observe control algorithms. The control portion of this invention discloses two related control methods, both an improvement over prior art by having greatly improved stability, dynamic response and accuracy.

Abstract translation: 用于将来自太阳能光伏源的DC（直流）功率转换为AC（交流）功率的装置和方法。 公开了一种新颖的DC-AC电源转换器拓扑结构和新颖的控制方法。 拓扑和控制的这种组合非常适合于光伏微逆变器应用。 此外，该控制方法的新颖变型用许多已知的光伏DC-AC电力变换器拓扑结构示出。 两种控制方法的主要功能是利用新颖，迭代，扰动和观察控制算法寻求光伏源的最大功率点（MPP）。 本发明的控制部分公开了两种相关的控制方法，即通过大大提高稳定性，动态响应和精度来改进现有技术。

公开(公告)号：US07319313B2

公开(公告)日：2008-01-15

申请号：US11161639

申请日：2005-08-10

Applicant: Arthur F. Dickerson ,  Rick West

Inventor： Arthur F. Dickerson ,  Rick West

IPC: G05F1/40

CPC classification number: H02J7/35 ,  H02M7/537 ,  Y02E10/566 ,  Y02E10/58

Abstract: An apparatus and method of control for converting DC (direct current) power from a solar photovoltaic source to AC (alternating current) power. A novel DC-to-AC power converter topology and a novel control method are disclosed. This combination of topology and control are very well suited for photovoltaic microinverter applications. Also, a novel variant of this control method is illustrated with a number of known photovoltaic DC-to-AC power converter topologies. The primary function of both control methods is to seek the maximum power point (MPP) of the photovoltaic source with novel, iterative, perturb and observe control algorithms. The control portion of this invention discloses two related control methods, both an improvement over prior art by having greatly improved stability, dynamic response and accuracy.

公开(公告)号：US20070273338A1

公开(公告)日：2007-11-29

申请号：US11308896

申请日：2006-05-23

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: G05F1/00

CPC classification number: H02M7/493 ,  H02M1/12 ,  H02M7/501 ,  H02M2001/007 ,  Y02E10/56 ,  Y10S323/906

Abstract: An electrical DC-to-AC power conversion apparatus is disclosed that is primarily intended for use with solar photovoltaic sources in electric utility grid-interactive applications. The invention improves the conversion efficiency and lowers the cost of DC-to-AC inverters. The enabling technology is a novel inverter circuit topology, where the bulk of the throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed only once. The inverter does not require an isolation transformer and can be connected directly to a 480/277 Vac utility grid. The invention also allows the power converter to start into photovoltaic array having higher open circuit voltages. The invention also uses active ripple current cancellation to substantially reduce the cost, size and weight of the main filter inductors.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种主要用于电力电网交互应用中的太阳能光伏源的电DC-AC电力转换装置。 本发明提高了转换效率并降低了DC-AC逆变器的成本。 启用技术是一种新颖的逆变器电路拓扑，其中从DC源到AC电力的大部分吞吐量功率只被处理一次。 变频器不需要隔离变压器，可直接与480/277 Vac电网连接。 本发明还允许功率转换器开始具有较高开路电压的光伏阵列。 本发明还使用主动纹波电流消除来显着降低主滤波电感器的成本，尺寸和重量。

公开(公告)号：US07248093B2

公开(公告)日：2007-07-24

申请号：US10710958

申请日：2004-08-14

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H03K17/16

CPC classification number: H02M7/538 ,  H03K17/063

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for supplying both positive and negative gate drive power supply potentials to the top switch, in a typical half-bridge semiconductor power topology, from the bottom switch gate drive power supplies and without the use of transformer, capacitive or optical isolation. A known method of providing the positive top switch gate drive supply is enhanced and used in conjunction with a new and novel method for providing the negative top switch gate drive supply. The negative top switch gate drive supply is provided by an additional, lower power semiconductor switch, which is substantially synchronized with the bottom semiconductor switch, except for a slight turn-on delay. When this additional switch is gated “on” and conducting, the negative bottom switch gate drive power is connected to the negative top switch gate drive supply energy storage capacitors.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于在典型的半桥半导体功率拓扑中从顶部开关栅极驱动电源向顶部开关提供正和负栅极驱动电源电位的方法和装置，并且不使用变压器，电容或 光隔离。 增强了提供正顶部开关栅极驱动电源的已知方法，并结合用于提供负极开关栅极驱动电源的新颖且新颖的方法使用。 负顶部开关栅极驱动电源由附加的低功率半导体开关提供，该开关基本上与底部半导体开关同步，除了轻微的导通延迟。 当该附加开关选通“导通”时，负底开关栅极驱动电源连接到负极开关栅极驱动电源储能电容器。

公开(公告)号：US07102251B2

公开(公告)日：2006-09-05

申请号：US10604876

申请日：2003-08-22

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02J7/00

CPC classification number: H02M7/4807 ,  H02J3/387 ,  H02J7/35 ,  H02J2001/004 ,  H02J2009/067 ,  H02M1/10 ,  H02M3/3374 ,  Y02B10/72 ,  Y02B90/14 ,  Y10T307/50 ,  Y10T307/615 ,  Y10T307/625 ,  Y10T307/658 ,  Y10T307/707

Abstract: This invention is a multi-port power converter where all ports are coupled through different windings of a high frequency transformer. Two or more, and typically all, ports have synchronized switching elements to allow the use of a high frequency transformer. This concept and type of converter is known. This invention mitigates a number of limitations in the present art and adds new capabilities that will allow applications to be served that would otherwise not have been practical. A novel circuit topology for a four-quadrant AC port is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage boost capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit topology for a unidirectional DC port with voltage buck capabilities is disclosed. A novel circuit for a high efficiency, high frequency, bi-directional, AC semiconductor switch is also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种多端口功率转换器，其中所有端口通过高频变压器的不同绕组耦合。 两个或更多个通常所有端口具有同步的开关元件以允许使用高频变压器。 这种转换器的概念和类型是已知的。 本发明减轻了本技术中的许多限制，并增加了将允许应用程序被服务的新功能，否则这些应用将不实用。 公开了一种用于四象限AC端口的新型电路拓扑。 公开了一种具有升压能力的单向DC端口的新型电路拓扑。 公开了一种具有电压降压能力的单向DC端口的新型电路拓扑。 还公开了一种用于高效率，高频率，双向AC交流半导体开关的新型电路。