IGBT/FET-based energy savings device for reducing a predetermined amount of voltage using pulse width modulation

• US 8,085,009 B2
• Filed: 08/04/2008
• Issued: 12/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Powerwise Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Powerwise Group, Inc.
• Inventors: Lumsden, John L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sterrett, Jeffrey
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jackson, Lakaisha
• Application Number:
  US12/185,442
• Publication Number:
  US 20090046490A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,240 Days
• Field of Search: 323/237, 323/241, 323/244, 323/266, 323/274, 323/283, 323/300, 323/320, 323/322, 323/223, 323/224, 323/225
• US Class Current: 323/239
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 3/158 including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 5/293 using semiconductor devices only

Abstract

An IGBT/FET-based energy savings device, system and method (1) wherein a predetermined amount of voltage below a nominal line voltage and/or below a nominal appliance voltage is saved, thereby conserving energy. Phase input connections (2) are provided for inputting analog signals into the device and system (1). A magnetic flux concentrator (3) senses the incoming analog signal (20) and a volts zero crossing point detector (5) determines the zero volts crossing point (21) of the signal (20). The positive half cycle (22) and negative half cycle (23) of the signal (20) are identified and routed to a digital signal processor (10) for processing the signal (20). The signal (20) is reduced by pulse width modulation and the reduced amount of energy is outputted, thereby yielding an energy savings for an end user.

Claims

1. An IGBT/FET-based energy savings device comprising:

at least one phase input connection for inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings device, wherein said at least one analog signal is an AC signal;

at least one sensing means connected to said at least one phase input connection for sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device;

at least one volts zero crossing point detector in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for determining at least one zero volts crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

at least one half cycle identifier in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

at least one logic device in electrical connection with said at least one volts zero crossing point detector and at least one half cycle identifier for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at least one analog signal;

said at least one digital signal processor in electrical connection with said at least one logic device for processing said at least one analog signal;

at least one voltage reducing means having at least one drive control wherein said at least one voltage reducing means is in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor for reducing said predetermined amount of incoming energy by providing pulse width modulation to the at least one analog signal to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

at least one phase output connection in electrical connection with said at least one voltage reducing means for outputting said reduced amount of energy out of said energy savings device;

wherein said at least one drive control comprises a first IGBT/FET device configured for providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal, a second IGBT/FET device configured for providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal, and a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor and a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as routing switches to clamp a back electromagnetic field;

wherein a first diode is connected across said first IGBT/FET device, and a second diode is connected across said second IGBT/FET device;

wherein said second diode is configured to be conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said second IGBT/FET device is configured to be in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation, and said first diode is configured to be conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said first IGBT/FET device is configured to be in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

wherein said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is configured to be in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation, and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is configured to be in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

2. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one analog signal conditioning device for conditioning said at least one analog signal of said energy exiting said at least one sensing means;

wherein said at least one logic device is configured to work in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

wherein said at least one logic device is configured to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

3. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 2,

wherein said at least one logic control device is configured to receive an over-current condition from said sensing means and to shut down said IGBT/FET-based energy savings device in response.

4. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 3 further comprising:

at least computing device in electrical connection with said energy savings device;

a first isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said first IGBT/FET device;

a second isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said second IGBT/FET device;

a third isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a fourth isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor.

5. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 4,

wherein said at least one sensing means comprises a magnetic flux concentrator that is configured to measure said predetermined amount of incoming energy via galvanic isolation;

and

wherein said sensing means further comprises two comparators configured as a window comparator to pass a signal to said logic device in an over current condition.

6. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 5, further comprising:

a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices.

7. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 6, further comprising

a third diode connected across said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor;

a fourth diode connected across said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

8. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 7 wherein:

said first shunt control transistor is configured to shunt said third diode when said first shunt control transistor is in an on condition; and

said second shunt control transistor is configured to shunt said fourth diode when said second shunt control transistor is in an on condition.

9. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 2 wherein:

said at least one analog signal conditioning device has a first filter for removing or reducing harmonics and transients or interfering signals of said energy exiting said at least one magnetic flux concentrator.

10. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 9 wherein:

said at least one analog signal conditioning device has a second filter for permitting at least one phase change if necessary.

11. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one sensing means is a magnetic flux concentrator that measures said predetermined amount of energy via galvanic isolation.

12. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 11 wherein:

said magnetic flux concentrator is located on at least one printed circuit board;

said at least one printed circuit board is located on at least one housing; and

said housing is removably securable to a conductor electrically connecting said at least one phase input connection to said at least one analog signal conditioning device.

13. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 12 wherein:

said at least one housing includes a top half and a bottom half hingedly secured to one another.

14. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one volts zero crossing point detector for determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one analog signal is at least one comparator and at least one Schmidt buffer.

15. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 14 wherein:

said at least one comparator has a reference point of approximately half a supply voltage.

16. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one lost phase detection device in elecrtrical connection with said at least one analog signal conditioning device.

17. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 16 further comprising:

at least one phase rotation device in electrical connection with said at least one analog signal conditioning device.

18. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one phase rotation device in electrical connection with said at least one analog signal conditioning device.

19. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one half cycle identifier identifies an absolute zero cross signal.

20. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one logic device is programmable.

21. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one logic device operates in real-time.

22. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one floating power supply in electrical connection with said at least one voltage reducing means.

23. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one phase output connection is a single phase output system.

24. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one phase output connection is a bi-phase output system.

25. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one phase output connection is a three-phase output system.

26. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 1 further comprising:

a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices.

27. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 26 further comprising:

a third diode connected across said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor;

a fourth diode connected across said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

28. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 27 further comprising:

a first isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said first IGBT/FET device;

a second isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said second IGBT/FET device;

a third isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a fourth isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor.

29. An IGBT/FET-based energy savings device comprising:

at least one power supply unit in electrical connection with said energy savings device for powering said energy savings device;

at least one phase input connection for inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings device;

at least one sensing means connected to said at least one phase input connection for sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device via galvanic isolation;

at least one analog signal conditioning device for conditioning said at least one analog signal of said energy exiting said at least one magnetic flux concentrator;

at least one volts zero crossing point detector in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for determining at least one zero volts crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

at least one half cycle identifier in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

at least one logic device in electrical connection with said at least one volts zero crossing point detector and at least one half cycle identifier for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at least one analog signal;

said at least one digital signal processor in electrical connection with said at least one logic device for processing said at least one analog signal;

at least one voltage reducing means having at least one drive control wherein said at least one voltage reducing means is in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor for reducing said predetermined amount of incoming energy to yield a reduced amount of energy by providing pulse width modulation to the at least one analog signal;

at least one phase output connection in electrical connection with said at least one voltage reducing means for outputting said reduced energy out of said energy savings device;

at least one reset switch in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor;

at least one USB communications interface in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor; and

at least computing device in electrical connection with said energy savings device;

wherein said at least one drive control comprises a first IGBT/FET device configured for providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal, a second IGBT/FET device configured for providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal, and a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor and a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as routing switches to clamp a back electromagnetic field;

wherein a first diode is connected across said first IGBT/FET device, and a second diode is connected across said second IGBT/FET device;

wherein said second diode is configured to be conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said second IGBT/FET device is configured to be in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation, and said first diode is configured to be conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said first IGBT/FET device is configured to be in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

wherein said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is configured to be in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation, and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is configured to be in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

wherein said at least one logic device is configured to work in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

wherein said at least one logic device is configured to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

30. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings device of claim 29 further comprising:

at least one phase rotation device in electrical connection with said at least one analog signal conditioning device;

a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices;

a third diode connected across said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor;

a fourth diode connected across said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors;

wherein said first shunt control transistor is configured to shunt said third diode when said first shunt control transistor is in an on condition; and

wherein said second shunt control transistor is configured to shunt said fourth diode when said second shunt control transistor is in an on condition.

31. An IGBT/FET-based energy savings system comprising:

a means for inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy into said energy savings system;

a means for sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings system;

a means for conditioning at least one analog signal of said energy;

a means for determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one conditioned analog signal;

a means for identifying at least one positive half cycle and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal;

a means for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at lest one analog signal;

a means for processing said at least one conditioned analog signal;

a means for reducing said at least one conditioned analog signal of said predetermined amount of energy to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

a means for outputting said reduced energy out of said energy savings system;

wherein said means for reducing comprises a first IGBT/FET device configured for providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal, a second IGBT/FET device configured for providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal, and a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor and a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as routing switches to clamp a back electromagnetic field; and

wherein a first diode is connected across said first IGBT/FET device, and a second diode is connected across said second IGBT/FET device.

32. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31, further comprising

at least one logic device in electrical connection with said means for determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one conditioned analog signal and said means for identifying at least one positive half cycle and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal;

wherein said at least one logic device is configured to work in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is srovidin ulse width modulation;

wherein said at least one logic device is configured to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

wherein said second diode is configured to be conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal and said second IGBT/FET device is configured to be in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

wherein said first diode is configured to be conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal and said first IGBT/FET device is configured to be in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

33. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 32 further comprising:

a means for communicating with at least one computing device.

34. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 32 further comprising:

a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices;

a third diode connected across said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor;

a fourth diode connected across said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

35. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 34 further comprising:

a first isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said first IGBT/FET device;

a second isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said second IGBT/FET device;

a third isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor; and

a fourth isolated optically coupled driver configured to turn-on and turn-off said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor.

36. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 35 further comprising:

a means for powering said energy savings system;

wherein said means for sensing comprises a magnetic flux concentrator that is configured to measure said predetermined amount of incoming energy via galvanic isolation; and

wherein said means for sensing further comprises two comparators configured as a window comparator to pass a signal to said logic device in an over current condition.

37. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 wherein:

said means for sensing said predetermined amount of energy entered into said energy savings system is at least one magnetic flux concentrator that measures current with galvanic isolation.

38. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 wherein:

said means for conditioning at least one analog signal of said energy is at least one analog signal conditioning device that substantially reduces harmonics and any transients or interfering signals in said at least one analog signal.

39. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 wherein:

said means for determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one conditioned analog signal is at least one volts zero crossing point detector having at least one comparator and at least one Schmidt buffer.

40. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 wherein:

said means for identifying at least one positive half cycle and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal is at least one half cycle identifier.

41. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 wherein:

said means for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at least one analog signal is at least one logic device.

42. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 41 wherein:

said at least one logic device is programmable.

43. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 wherein:

said means for processing said at least one conditioned analog signal is at least one digital signal processor that performs a pulse width modulation function.

44. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 further comprising:

a means for communicating with at least one computing device.

45. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 33 further comprising:

a means for communicating with at least one computing device.

46. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 further comprising:

a means for resetting said energy savings system.

47. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 further comprising:

a means for detecting loss of said means for inputting a predetermined amount of energy into said energy savings system.

48. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 47 wherein:

said means for detecting loss of said means for inputting a predetermined amount of energy into said energy savings system is at least one lost phase detection device in electrical connection with said means for conditioning said at least one analog signal of said energy.

49. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 31 further comprising:

a means for rotating said means for inputting a predetermined amount of energy into said energy savings system.

50. The IGBT/FET-based energy savings system of claim 49 wherein:

said means for rotating said means for inputting a predetermined amount of energy into said energy savings system is at least one phase rotation device in electrical connection with said means for conditioning said at least one analog signal of said energy.

51. A method for using an IGBT/FET-based energy savings device comprising at least one phase input connection for inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one alternating current analog signal into said energy savings device;

at least one sensing means connected to said at least one phase input connection for sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device;

at least one volts zero crossing point detector in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for determining at least one zero volts crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

at least one half cycle identifier in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

at least one logic device in electrical connection with said at least one volts zero crossing point detector and at least one half cycle identifier for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at least one analog signal;

said at least one digital signal processor in electrical connection with said at least one logic device for processing said at least one analog signal;

at least one voltage reducing means having at least one drive control wherein said at least one voltage reducing means is in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor for reducing said predetermined amount of incoming energy by providing pulse width modulation to the at least one analog signal to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

at least one phase output connection in electrical connection with said at least one voltage reducing means for outputting said reduced energy out of said energy savings device, said method comprising steps of;

a. inputting a predetermined amount of energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings device;

b. sensing said predetermined amount of energy entered into said energy savings device;

c. determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

d. identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

e. routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to said at least one digital signal processor;

f. processing said at least one analog signal;

g. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

h. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

i. conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first diode connected across said first IGBT/FET device;

j. conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second diode connected across said second IGBT/FET device;

k. turning on said second IGBT/FET device when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

l. turning on said first IGBT/FET device when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

m. turning on a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

n. turning on a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

o. reducing said predetermined amount of energy by providing pulse width modulation to said at least one analog signal; and

p. outputting said reduced amount of energy out of said energy savings device.

52. The method of claim 51 further comprising the steps of:

working said at least one logic device in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

working said at least one logic device in real time to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

53. The method of claim 52 further comprising the step of:

sending an over-current condition signal from said sensing means to said at least one logic control device and shutting down said IGBT/FET energy savings device in response.

54. The method of claim 52 further comprising the steps of:

sending a first drive signal to said first IGBT/FET device with a first isolated optically-coupled driver;

sending a second drive signal to said second IGBT/FET device with a second isolated optically-coupled driver;

sending a third drive signal to said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor with a third isolated optically-coupled driver; and

sending a fourth drive signal to said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor with a fourth isolated optically-coupled driver.

55. The method of claim 54 further comprising the step of:

clamping a first spike of energy during a first switching operation with a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices.

56. The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of:

clamping a second spike of energy during a second switching operation with a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

57. The method of claim 55 further comprising a step after processing said at least one analog signal of:

conditioning said at least one analog signal.

58. The method of claim 51 further comprising a step prior to step a of:

powering said energy savings device.

59. The method of claim 51 further comprising a step prior to step a of:

programming an energy savings amount into said energy savings device.

60. The method of claim 51 further comprising a step after step h of:

programming an energy savings amount into said energy savings device.

61. The method of claim 60 further comprising a step after powering said energy savings device of:

programming an energy savings amount into said energy savings device.

62. The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of:

pulse width modulating said at least one analog signal.

63. The method of claim 51, wherein said steps of turning said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors on prevents a collapsing magnetic field from occurring.

64. The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of:

clamping a first spike of energy during a first switching operation with a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices.

65. The method of claim 64 further comprising the step of:

clamping a second spike of energy during a second switching operation with a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising the steps of:

sending a first drive signal to said first IGBT/FET device with a first isolated optically-coupled driver;

sending a second drive signal to said second IGBT/FET device with a second isolated optically-coupled driver;

sending a third drive signal to said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor with a third isolated optically-coupled driver; and

sending a fourth drive signal to said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor with a fourth isolated optically-coupled driver.

67. A method for using an IGBT/FET-based energy savings comprising a means for inputting a predetermined amount of energy into said energy savings system;

a means for sensing said predetermined amount of energy entered into said energy savings system;

a means for conditioning at least one AC analog signal of said energy;

a means for determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one conditioned analog signal;

a means for identifying at least one positive half cycle and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one conditioned analog signal;

a means for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at lest one analog signal;

a means for processing said at least one conditioned analog signal;

a means for reducing said at least one conditioned analog signal of said predetermined amount of energy; and

a means for outputting said reduced energy out of said energy savings system, said method comprising steps of;

a. inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings system;

b. sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings system;

c. determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

d. identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

e. routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to said at least one digital signal processor;

f. processing said at least one analog signal;

g. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

h. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

i. conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first diode connected across said first IGBT/FET device;

j. conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second diode connected across said second IGBT/FET device;

k. reducing said predetermined amount of energy by providing pulse width modulation to said at least one analog signal to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

l. outputting said reduced amount of energy out of said energy savings system.

68. The method of claim 67 further comprising the steps of:

turning on said second IGBT/FET device when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

turning on said first IGBT/FET device when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

turning on a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

turning on a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

working a logic device in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

working said logic device in real time to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

69. The method of claim 68 further comprising the steps of:

clamping a first spike of energy during a first switching operation with a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices; and

clamping a second spike of energy during a second switching operation with a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

70. A method for using an IGBT/FET-based energy savings comprising at least one phase input connection for inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one AC analog signal into said energy savings device;

at least one magnetic flux concentrator connected to said at least one phase input connection for sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device;

at least one volts zero crossing point detector in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for determining at least one zero volts crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

at least one half cycle identifier in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

at least one logic device in electrical connection with said at least one volts zero crossing point detector and at least one half cycle identifier for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at lest one analog signal;

said at least one digital signal processor in electrical connection with said at least one logic device for processing said at least one analog signal;

at least one voltage reducing means in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor for reducing said predetermined amount of incoming energy by providing pulse width modulation to the at least one analog signal to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

at least one phase output connection in electrical connection with said at least one voltage reducing means for outputting said reduced energy out of said energy savings device, said method comprising steps of

a. inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings device;

b. sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device;

c. determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

d. identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

e. routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal to said at least one digital signal processor;

f. processing said at least one analog signal;

g. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

h. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

i. conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first diode connected across said first IGBT/FET device;

j. conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second diode connected across said second IGBT/FET device;

k. turning on said second IGBT/FET device when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

l. turning on said first IGBT/FET device when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

m. turning on a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

n. turning on a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

o. reducing said predetermined amount of energy by providing pulse width modulation to said at least one analog signal to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

p. outputting said reduced amount of energy out of said energy savings device.

71. The method of claim 70 further comprising the steps of:

sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy via galvanic isolation with said magnetic flux concentrator;

sending an over-current condition signal through two comparators configured as a window comparator to said logic device; and

shutting down said IGBT/FET-based energy savings device in response.

72. The method of claim 71 further comprising the steps of:

working said logic device in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation; and

working said logic device in real time to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation.

73. A method for using an IGBT/FET-based energy savings comprising at least one phase input connection for inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings device;

at least one magnetic flux concentrator connected to said at least one phase input connection for sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device;

at least one volts zero crossing point detector in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for determining at least one zero volts crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

at least one half cycle identifier in electrical connection with said at least one phase input connection for identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

at least one logic device in electrical connection with said at least one volts zero crossing point detector and at least one half cycle identifier for routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal and said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal processor for processing said at lest one analog signal;

said at least one digital signal processor in electrical connection with said at least one logic device for processing said at least one analog signal;

at least one voltage reducing means in electrical connection with said at least one digital signal processor for reducing said predetermined amount of energy by providing pulse width modulation to the at least one analog signal; and

at least one phase output connection in electrical connection with said at least one voltage reducing means for outputting said reduced energy out of said energy savings device, said method comprising steps of;

a. inputting a predetermined amount of incoming energy having at least one analog signal into said energy savings device;

b. sensing said predetermined amount of incoming energy entered into said energy savings device;

c. determining at least one volts zero crossing point of said at least one analog signal;

d. identifying at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal;

e. routing said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal to said at least one digital signal processor;

f. processing said at least one analog signal;

g. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

h. providing pulse width modulation to said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second IGBT/FET device of said at least one drive control;

i. conducting said at least one negative half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a first diode connected across said first IGBT/FET device;

j. conducting said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal with a second diode connected across said second IGBT/FET device;

k. turning on said second IGBT/FET device when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

l. turning on said first IGBT/FET device when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

m. turning on a first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

n. turning on a second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor configured as a routing switch to clamp a back electromagnetic field when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

o. working said at least one logic device in real time to insure that said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said second IGBT/FET device and said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said first IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

p. working said at least one logic device in real time to insure that said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor is in an off condition and said first IGBT/FET device and said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor are in an on condition when said second IGBT/FET device is providing pulse width modulation;

q. reducing said predetermined amount of incoming energy by providing pulse width modulation to said at least one analog signal to yield a reduced amount of energy; and

r. outputting said reduced amount of energy out of said energy savings device.

74. The method of claim 73 further comprising a step after step d of:

identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal.

75. The method of claim 74 further comprising a step after identifying at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal of:

routing said at least one positive half cycle of said at least one analog signal to said at least one digital signal processor.

76. The method of claim 73, further comprising:

clamping a first spike of energy during a first switching operation with a first transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET devices; and

clamping a second spike of energy during a second switching operation with a second transorb device connected across said first and second IGBT/FET shunt control transistors.

77. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

sending a first drive signal to said first IGBT/FET device with a first isolated optically-coupled driver;

sending a second drive signal to said second IGBT/FET device with a second isolated optically-coupled driver;

sending a third drive signal to said first IGBT/FET shunt control transistor with a third isolated optically-coupled driver; and

sending a fourth drive signal to said second IGBT/FET shunt control transistor with a fourth isolated optically-coupled driver.