A solar panel is disclosed that can be daisy-chained with other solar panels. The solar panel automatically generates output alternative current (AC) power that is in parallel with input AC power coming into the solar panel when the solar panel senses the input AC power so that the solar panel operates as a slave in this state. The solar panel automatically generates standalone AC output power when the solar panel fails to detect input AC power coming into the solar panel where the solar panel operates as a master in this state. The solar panel generates the standalone output AC power without any reliance on input AC power generated by a utility grid and/or other AC power sources external to the solar panel.

In an example, a method of controlling power distribution in a powered furniture system including a first article of powered furniture having a first controller and a first number of power outlets and a second article of powered furniture having a second number of power outlets and a second controller can include determining a first total number of power outlets in the system, wherein the first total number of power outlets includes at least the first number of power outlets of the first article of powered furniture. The method can include controlling application of power to the first number of power outlets associated with the first article of powered furniture using the determined first total number of power outlets in the system, and transmitting the first total number of power outlets to a second controller of a second article of powered furniture having a second number of power outlets.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery energy storage system (BESS) that can be used to store energy that is produced by conventional sources (e.g., coal, gas, nuclear) as well as renewable sources (e.g., wind, solar), and provide the stored energy on-demand.

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for verification of time sources. In various embodiments, one or more secondary time sources may be used to verify the accuracy of a primary time source prior to relying on a time signal created by the primary time source. In one embodiment, a first interface is configured to receive the primary time signal from a primary time source, and a second interface in communication with a secondary time source is configured to receive a secondary time signal. A time assessment subsystem is configured to determine an occurrence of a verification criteria. Upon the occurrence of the verification criteria, the system may compare the primary time signal and the secondary time signal to determine whether that the primary time signal is consistent with the secondary time signal. If the signal is consistent, the primary time source may be utilized by the system.

A power system within a battery-powered node includes a primary cell, a secondary cell, and a battery controller. The battery controller includes a constant current source that draws power from the primary cell to charge the secondary cell. The battery-powered node draws power from the secondary cell across a wide range of current levels. When the voltage of the secondary cell drops beneath a minimum voltage level, the constant current source charges the secondary cell and a charging signal is sent to the battery-powered node. When the voltage of the second cell exceeds a maximum voltage level, the constant current source stops charging the secondary cell and the charging signal is terminated. The battery-powered node records the amount of time the charging signal is active and then determines a battery depletion level based on that amount of time. Battery replacement may then be efficiently scheduled based on the depletion level.

A method for controlling electrical power usage by at least one power consuming device connectedvia a telecommunications networkto at least one electrical power generating and/or storing component includes: in a first step, an electrical power consumption profile information is transmitted to or accessed by an electrical power management entity, the electrical power consumption profile information being related to the at least one power consuming device or to a mode of operation thereof; and in a second step, subsequent to the first step, a first electrical power control information and/or a second electrical power control information is transmitted, by the electrical power management entity, to the at least one power consuming device, the first electrical power control information indicating to activate a power consumption mode of operation corresponding to the electrical power consumption profile information transmitted to or accessed by the electrical power management entity.

Apparatuses including power electronics circuitry are provided. The power electronics circuitry includes at least one power converter that is coupled to a DC bus. Moreover, in some embodiments, the at least one power converter is configured to regulate a voltage of the DC bus. Related methods of operating an apparatus including power electronics circuitry are also provided.

Apparatuses including power electronics circuitry are provided. The power electronics circuitry includes at least one power converter that is coupled to a DC bus. Moreover, in some embodiments, the at least one power converter is configured to regulate a voltage of the DC bus. Related methods of operating an apparatus including power electronics circuitry are also provided.

An information processing apparatus includes: a detector that detects a voltage of a power system to which the information processing apparatus itself is connected, from among a plurality of power systems to which are respectively connected a plurality of electrical devices respectively available for communication; a receiver that receives running information expressing running conditions of each of the plurality of electrical devices; and a reporting unit that uses a detection result of the detector and a reception result of the receiver to report whether or not an electrical device corresponding to the running information received by the receiver is connected to the power system to which the information processing apparatus itself is connected.

Some embodiments of the invention include a method and system for metering an electrical grid comprising at least one processor executing instructions from a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of an electrical grid fault detection system. In some embodiments of the system, the instructions cause a processor to calculate a prediction of whether power delivery to at least a portion of the electrical grid is functioning abnormally using voltage sensing devices coupled to at least one feeder, where one or more of the voltage sensing devices are responsive to a determination that the power delivery is functioning abnormally. Further in some embodiments, the determination includes the electrical grid fault detection system receiving at least one signal or voltage reading from the electrical grid based at least in part on a sensed or received voltage level or range of voltage level.