A communications network for communication between at least one power electronics element and at least one control unit is disclosed. According to one or more embodiments, the communications network can be described as a communications network having parts or portions thereof employing multi-hop and/or hybrid communication.

Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Embodiments may include apparatuses, systems, and methods for direct current power distribution. An apparatus includes a first power contact, a second power contact, and a controller coupled to the first power contact and the second power contact. The first power contact is coupled to a first power distribution line supplying DC power to the first power contact at a first voltage level. The second power contact is coupled to a second power distribution line supplying DC power to the second power contact at a second voltage level different from the first voltage level. The controller is to control a first power connection established with the first power contact based on a first power contract, or a second power connection established with the second power contact based on a second power contract. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

A traction voltage system in a vehicle includes a junction box with multiple connectors for electrical components, which components include electrical supplies and electrical loads, and an electronic control unit arranged to monitor current flowing flow to or from the components. A controller or a circuit breaker is arranged to control the supply of power to each respective component, and at least all but one of the connectors are provided with a current sensor arranged to transmit a signal representing detected current values to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is arranged to determine an instantaneous current value flowing to or from each component, to compare the instantaneous current value with a predetermined limit value for each connector, and to take action in response to the comparison. A method for controlling the traction voltage system is also provided.

Systems, methods and apparatus for electric power grid management and communications are disclosed. At least one active grid element is constructed and configured in network-based communication with a server via at least one coordinator. The at least one active grid element communicates Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages with the server via the at least one coordinator in real time or less than 15 minutes interval. The at least one active grid element participates actively in an electric power grid. The at least one active grid element has an energy consumption pattern or an energy supply pattern. The IP-based messages comprise at least one IP packet including a content, a priority, a security, and a transport route. The content comprises an amount of power available for the electric power grid or an amount of curtailment power available at an attachment point of the at least one grid element.

An electrical distribution grid energy management and router device, or GER device, may be installed in a distribution grid, and route power from power supply to one or more power consumers. The GER devices described herein may provide platforms to add one or more features to a distribution transformer, provide additional features and benefits to both the utility company and end consumer, and may serve as a platform for providing other features, such as multi-layer protection systems for detecting, among other things, one or more fault conditions, and responding to such conditions when detected. A GER device may include sensors to measure electrical properties of incoming and outgoing power, and may include an electrical circuit layer having a central DC power stage.

An electrical distribution site energy management and router device, or SER device, may be installed between a customer premises and a distribution grid, and one or more alternative energy sources and energy storage devices may be electrically connected to the SER device. The SER device may intelligently route power from alternative energy sources to the customer premises, energy storage devices, even to the grid, through various modes of operation. The SER device may efficiently and economically route power during peak electricity price periods and outside of peak periods.

An apparatus for a system power device utilized in an interconnected power system. The interconnected power system may include multiple system power devices connected to various inter connections of groups of direct currents (DC) from power sources which also may be connected in various series, parallel, series parallel and parallel series combinations for example. The apparatus may include a processor connected to a memory and a communication interface operatively attached to the processor. The communication interface may be adapted to connect to a mobile computing system of a user in close proximity to the system power devices. A graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile computing system may allow various operational and re-configuration options for the interconnected power system which may include installation, maintenance and monitoring schedules in the interconnected power system when the user of the GUI is in close proximity to the system power devices.

An electrical distribution grid energy management and router device, or GER device, may be installed in a distribution grid, and route power from power supply to one or more power consumers. The GER devices described herein may provide platforms to add one or more features to a distribution transformer, provide additional features and benefits to both the utility company and end consumer, and may serve as a platform for providing other features, such as communications services, local and remote management, and intelligence to components of the distribution grid. A GER device may include sensors to measure electrical properties of incoming and outgoing power, and may include an electrical circuit layer having a central DC power stage. A GER device may also include a communications platform for one or more communication devices to communicate with a utility, power consumers, other electrical devices/parties, and/or other GER devices to form a micro-grid.

A power conversion system includes a first controller, a system output end, at least one system input end, at least one power conversion component, and a bus communication apparatus coupled between each power conversion component and the first controller. Each system input end is in a one-to-one correspondence with each power conversion component. Each power conversion component is configured to convert an alternating current input through a first input end of each power conversion component into a direct current, and output the direct current through an output end of each power conversion component.