公开(公告)号：US07710752B2

公开(公告)日：2010-05-04

申请号：US11308896

申请日：2006-05-23

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02M7/493

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：US20080106921A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-08

申请号：US12006472

申请日：2008-01-02

Applicant: Arthur Dickerson ,  Rick West

Inventor： Arthur Dickerson ,  Rick West

IPC: H02M7/537

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：US07646275B2

公开(公告)日：2010-01-12

申请号：US10250145

申请日：2003-06-06

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H01F30/12

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：US20070035975A1

公开(公告)日：2007-02-15

申请号：US11161639

申请日：2005-08-10

Applicant: Arthur Dickerson ,  Rick West

Inventor： Arthur Dickerson ,  Rick West

IPC: H02M7/537

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：US20120074787A1

公开(公告)日：2012-03-29

申请号：US12892285

申请日：2010-09-28

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02J1/10

CPC classification number: H02H7/20 ,  H02H3/05 ,  H02H3/08 ,  Y10T307/696

Abstract: A combiner circuit and voltage protection circuit is disclosed. A plurality of photovoltaic sources is provided. A set of fuses, each having one side coupled to one of the plurality of photovoltaic sources is provided. A set of contacts, each having one side coupled to the other side of one of the fuses is provided. The other side of the contacts are coupled together to combine the output of the photovoltaic sources to an output interface, the output interface being coupled to the load. A set of diodes are each coupled to each of the set of fuses and form a current path around the set of contacts. A transistor is coupled to each of the diodes and the load interface. The transistor has an on state completing the flow of current through the diodes around the set of contacts to the load interface.

Abstract translation: 公开了组合器电路和电压保护电路。 提供多个光源。 提供了一组熔丝，每组熔丝具有耦合到所述多个光伏源之一的一侧。 提供了一组触点，每个触点具有联接到一个保险丝的另一侧的一侧。 触点的另一侧耦合在一起以将光伏源的输出组合到输出接口，输出接口耦合到负载。 一组二极管各自耦合到该组熔丝中的每一个并且形成围绕该组触点的电流路径。 晶体管耦合到每个二极管和负载接口。 晶体管具有导通状态，其完成了通过该组触点周围的二极管流到负载接口的电流。

公开(公告)号：US20100059983A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-11

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: B42D15/00

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：US07463500B2

公开(公告)日：2008-12-09

申请号：US11306580

申请日：2006-01-03

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02J1/00 ,  H02J1/10 ,  H02J1/12 ,  H02J3/00 ,  H02J5/00 ,  H02J3/32 ,  H02J3/34 ,  H02J7/34 ,  H02J7/00 ,  H02J9/00 ,  H02M3/00 ,  H02M3/335 ,  H02M5/45 ,  H02M5/458 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H02M7/537 ,  H02M7/5387 ,  H02M7/538 ,  G05F1/12 ,  G05F1/46 ,  G05F1/24 ,  G05F1/00 ,  H03K19/00

CPC classification number: H02J3/383 ,  H02M7/48 ,  H02M2001/007 ,  H02M2001/0093 ,  Y02E10/563 ,  Y10T307/511 ,  Y10T307/516 ,  Y10T307/527 ,  Y10T307/625 ,  Y10T307/653 ,  Y10T307/707

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 throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed a maximum of 1½ times instead of 2 times as in prior-art inverters. The AC inverter output configuration can be either single-phase, split-phase or poly-phase.

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，其中从直流电源到交流实用工具的吞吐量功率最多被处理1½倍，而不是现有技术逆变器中的2倍。 交流逆变器输出配置可以是单相，分相或多相。

公开(公告)号：US20060034107A1

公开(公告)日：2006-02-16

申请号：US10710958

申请日：2004-08-14

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02M3/24

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：US08482893B2

公开(公告)日：2013-07-09

申请号：US12892285

申请日：2010-09-28

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02H3/08 ,  H02H9/02

CPC classification number: H02H7/20 ,  H02H3/05 ,  H02H3/08 ,  Y10T307/696

Abstract: A combiner circuit and voltage protection circuit is disclosed. A plurality of photovoltaic sources is provided. A set of fuses, each having one side coupled to one of the plurality of photovoltaic sources is provided. A set of contacts, each having one side coupled to the other side of one of the fuses is provided. The other side of the contacts are coupled together to combine the output of the photovoltaic sources to an output interface, the output interface being coupled to the load. A set of diodes are each coupled to each of the set of fuses and form a current path around the set of contacts. A transistor is coupled to each of the diodes and the load interface. The transistor has an on state completing the flow of current through the diodes around the set of contacts to the load interface.

Abstract translation: 公开了组合器电路和电压保护电路。 提供多个光源。 提供了一组熔丝，每组熔丝具有耦合到所述多个光伏源之一的一侧。 提供了一组触点，每个触点具有联接到一个保险丝的另一侧的一侧。 触点的另一侧耦合在一起以将光伏源的输出组合到输出接口，输出接口耦合到负载。 一组二极管各自耦合到该组熔丝中的每一个并且形成围绕该组触点的电流路径。 晶体管耦合到每个二极管和负载接口。 晶体管具有导通状态，其完成了通过该组触点周围的二极管流到负载接口的电流。

公开(公告)号：US20120019963A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-26

申请号：US13250367

申请日：2011-09-30

Applicant: Rick West

Inventor： Rick West

IPC: H02H7/045

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。