Power controller system and method

• US 20040135436A1
• Filed: 10/03/2003
• Published: 07/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Joel B. Wacknov, Mark G. Gilbreth, Simon R. Wall
• Original Assignee: Joel B. Wacknov, Mark G. Gilbreth, Simon R. Wall
• Inventors: Wacknov, Joel B., Wall, Simon R., Gilbreth, Mark G.
• Application Number:
  US10/677,480
• Publication Number:
  US 20040135436A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/18
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/10 Parallel operation of dc sources
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/14 Balancing the load in a network

Abstract

A power controller provides a distributed generation power networking system in which bi-directional power converters are used with a common DC bus for permitting compatibility between various energy components. Each power converter operates essentially as a customized bi-directional switching converter configured, under the control of the power controller, to provide an interface for a specific energy component to the DC bus. The power controller controls the way in which each energy component, at any moment, will sink or source power, and the manner in which the DC bus is regulated. In this way, various energy components can be used to supply, store and/or use power in an efficient manner. The various energy components include energy sources, loads, storage devices and combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A power controller for distributing power among a plurality of energy components, comprising:

a DC bus; and

a plurality of power converters, each of which is connected between one of said energy components and said DC bus and is responsive to said power controller, wherein said power controller provides a distributed generation power system by controlling the way each energy component sinks or sources power and said DC bus is regulated.