To detect at least either of the states of an attachment target and a surrounding environment without any time restriction. Provided is an information processing device including: a power generation signal acquisition unit configured to acquire a power generation signal based on power generation by at least one power generation device; and a determination unit configured to determine at least either of states of an environment surrounding the power generation device and an attachment target to which the power generation device is attached, on the basis of the power generation signal.

To detect at least either of the states of an attachment target and a surrounding environment without any time restriction. Provided is an information processing device including: a power generation signal acquisition unit configured to acquire a power generation signal based on power generation by at least one power generation device; and a determination unit configured to determine at least either of states of an environment surrounding the power generation device and an attachment target to which the power generation device is attached, on the basis of the power generation signal.

A multiport multilevel converter/inverter includes a connection point with a two-line connection. The multiport multilevel converter/inverter also includes a capacitor electrically coupled across the two-line connection of the connection point. The multiport multilevel converter/inverter also has a first flying capacitor multilevel path with a first external two connection port configured to connect outside of the multiport multilevel converter/inverter, and a first interface conveying DC power and that is electrically coupled to the connection point. The multiport multilevel converter/inverter also includes a second flying capacitor multilevel path with a second external two connection port configured to connect outside of the multiport multilevel converter/inverter, and a second interface conveying DC power and that is electrically coupled to the connection point.

A power control unit (100) and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller (20) and the power control unit (100). The power control unit (100) is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller (20) using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct.

A power control unit (100) and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller (20) and the power control unit (100). The power control unit (100) is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller (20) using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct.

A method and a system for controlling the charging and discharging of one or more battery packs (8) connected to a power source (7) or an apparatus (9) driven by the battery packs. The battery pack (8) comprises a number of battery cells connected to two or more terminals for establishing an electrical connection with the power source or the apparatus. The electronic system (2) for controlling the charging of the battery pack (8) and the electronic system (6) for controlling the operation of the apparatus (9) are integrated into the battery pack (8). The battery pack (8) comprises a communications interface for communicating with other battery packs (8) and generates a charging and discharging pool, where the most effective battery pack (8) to charge or discharge is charged and discharged first.

A method and a system for controlling the charging and discharging of one or more battery packs (8) connected to a power source (7) or an apparatus (9) driven by the battery packs. The battery pack (8) comprises a number of battery cells connected to two or more terminals for establishing an electrical connection with the power source or the apparatus. The electronic system (2) for controlling the charging of the battery pack (8) and the electronic system (6) for controlling the operation of the apparatus (9) are integrated into the battery pack (8). The battery pack (8) comprises a communications interface for communicating with other battery packs (8) and generates a charging and discharging pool, where the most effective battery pack (8) to charge or discharge is charged and discharged first.

The electrical power generation system using renewable energy is particularly adapted to provide electrical power to an independent or remotely situated electrical device such as a street light, emergency call box, or illuminated road sign. The system includes a pivotally mounted venturi with vanes assuring that the venturi is oriented into the prevailing wind. A vertical axis wind turbine is installed in the venturi throat, and drives a shaft extending through the column upon which the venturi is installed to a generator at the base of the column. The venturi and vanes may include photovoltaic cells thereon for further electrical power. The venturi may be heated from a geothermal source, and may include a variable diameter internal wall to adjust the cross-sectional area of the throat of the venturi. The use of functionally graded materials and other phase change materials may also improve the performance of the device.

The electrical power generation system using renewable energy is particularly adapted to provide electrical power to an independent or remotely situated electrical device such as a street light, emergency call box, or illuminated road sign. The system includes a pivotally mounted venturi with vanes assuring that the venturi is oriented into the prevailing wind. A vertical axis wind turbine is installed in the venturi throat, and drives a shaft extending through the column upon which the venturi is installed to a generator at the base of the column. The venturi and vanes may include photovoltaic cells thereon for further electrical power. The venturi may be heated from a geothermal source, and may include a variable diameter internal wall to adjust the cross-sectional area of the throat of the venturi. The use of functionally graded materials and other phase change materials may also improve the performance of the device.

The present document describes a method for analyzing the performance of a leg of a cable communication network which uses a network power supply as the power source therefor, the method using a switched-mode power supply device and comprising: electrically connecting an AC output of the switched-mode power supply device to an auxiliary power input of a cable network access device thereby providing an electrical connection to the leg of the cable communication network; switching the power source from the network power supply to the switched-mode power supply thereby providing an AC voltage to the leg of the cable communication network by the switched-mode power supply; performing a diagnosis of the performance of the leg of a cable communication network by controlling a characteristic of the AC voltage being provided to the leg of the cable communication network by the switched-mode power supply.