Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

A power distribution circuit for providing electric power from a plurality of power supplies to a plurality of loads comprises a combiner of power outputs of the power supplies to provide power at a given voltage to a plurality of hot swap modules that are each electrically connected to the combiner and to a power input of a corresponding load. Each hot swap module verifies one or more conditions selected from the given voltage being at least equal to a minimum voltage threshold, the given voltage not exceeding a maximum voltage threshold, and a current consumed by the load not exceeding a maximum current threshold. Each hot swap module delivers power to the power input of the corresponding load when all selected conditions are met and isolates the power input of the corresponding load from the power supplies when any one of the selected conditions is not met.

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

A modular power converter system includes a plurality of active power link modules (APLMs) coupled to each other, each APLM having a plurality of switching devices including first and second switching devices coupled to each other, and at least one first-type energy storage device (ESD) coupled in parallel with both of the first and second switching devices, the first-type ESD configured to induce a first direct current (DC) voltage. The system also includes a plurality of relays coupled to the first-type ESD, and a charge controller coupled to at least one APLM of the plurality of APLMs and coupled to at least one of an electrical power source and a discharge circuit. The charge controller is configured to alternately charge and discharge the first-type ESD in response to a plurality of switching states including switching states of the plurality of switching devices and the plurality of relays.

This system is directed to a mobile platform having a solar array carried by the mobile platform, connected to a distribution hub adapted to provide power to a base power source; an input controller having input computer readable instructions adapted to deliver power to a set of storage units from the base power source, the set of storage power units carried by the mobile platform; an output controller connected to the set of storage units having output computer readable instructions adapted to receive charge requirements from a load connected to the output controller, retrieving from a device lookup table included in the output controller a load type having charge specifications, and delivering power to the load according to the charge specifications; and, an external power source connected to the distribution bus for proving power to the base power source from the external power source.

In an embodiment, an airport electric vehicle charging system includes a current transducer electrically coupled with a power source; a solid state converter electrically coupleable with an aircraft at or near an airport gate and configured to provide and maintain power to the aircraft; and a controller. The system further includes a first feedback loop between the controller and the current transducer; a second feedback loop between the controller and the solid state converter; and a battery charger electrically coupled with the power source and configured to charge one or more electric vehicles. The first feedback loop provides a first feedback signal generated by the current transducer to the controller. The second feedback loop provides a second feedback signal generated by the solid state converter to the controller. The battery charger is configured to consume power from the power source in accordance with the first and second feedback signals.

The present disclosure is generally directed to an integrated charging and data transfer station for an electric vehicle. The integrated station includes a charger to transfer electricity to the electric vehicle. A data transfer system of the integrated station includes a fiber optic system to connect the electric vehicle to a network. Optionally, the integrated station can include a roof with a landing station for an unmanned aerial vehicle.

A hot plugging type power module including a circuit board, a main battery, an assistant battery, a main control unit, and a detection unit is provided. The main battery is demountably disposed at the circuit board and coupled to the main control unit. The assistant battery is disposed at the circuit board. The main control unit is disposed at the circuit board and selectively and electrically connected to the main battery and the assistant battery. The main control unit detects a capacity of the main battery and the assistant battery. The detection unit is disposed at the circuit board and coupled to the main control unit and the main battery and is adapted for detecting a relative position between the main battery and the circuit board.

A solar power generation system includes a string, an inverter, and a first shut-off device. The string includes a plurality of solar cell modules connected in series. The inverter converts DC power output from the plurality of solar cell modules to AC power. The first shut-off device is connected to electrical paths connecting the plurality of solar cell modules to each other. The string includes a plurality of solar cell module groups each including the plurality of the solar cell modules. The plurality of solar cell module groups include at least a first group and a second group connected to the first group. The first shut-off device shuts off a first electrical path connecting the first group and the second group and a second electrical path connecting the plurality of solar cell modules belonging to the first group to each other in response to a control signal from the inverter.

An intermediate power supply unit for distributing lower voltage power to remote devices is disclosed. The intermediate power supply unit includes a higher voltage power input configured to receive power distributed by a power source and a power coupling circuit configured to couple the higher voltage power input to a plurality of power coupling outputs. If it is determined that a wire coupling the power source to the higher voltage power input is touched, the higher voltage power input is decoupled from the power coupling outputs. The intermediate power supply unit also includes a power converter circuit configured to convert voltage on higher voltage inputs to a lower voltage applied to one or more lower voltage outputs. The power converter circuit is also configured to distribute power from the one or more lower voltage outputs over a power conductor coupled to an assigned remote device.