A power distribution system in which a power source is configured to supply an amount of high-frequency input power to a centralized frequency converter unit. The centralized frequency converter unit is configured to convert the high-frequency input power into low-frequency converted power. Passenger Electronic Device Controllers receive the converted power and distribute it to outlet units. Power management functions may be integrated with the distribution system. For instance, the centralized frequency converter unit can cause to be disabled unused outlet units when the power drawn by the used outlet units exceeds a predetermined threshold.

A power controller system comprises multiple power controllers that receive a periodic waveform input and that apply power to multiple loads. A switch-on time and a switch-off time is for each of the power controllers within a cycle of the periodic waveform input. The power controllers generate output waveforms to be applied to the loads that are partial segments of the cycle of the periodic waveform input. Each of the power controllers includes a switchable power component that can be switched on and switched off at any time and that can conduct current in both forward and reverse directions.

An apparatus includes a controlled field alternator or utility source of electrical power, a segmented waveform converter, and a controller. The source of electrical power is configured to generate a polyphase signal. The synchronous inverter includes multiple switches connected between the polyphase signal of the source of electrical power and an output filter. The controller is configured to provide a control signal for the switches based on measured electrical quantities associated with the output filter and may provide a field control signal to the controlled field alternator. The apparatus may be applied to a vehicle, a lawnmower, a zero turn radius lawnmower, or another type of machine.

A circuit and method for converting an input AC voltage of a source to an output AC voltage of a destination is disclosed. The circuit may include a main switch cell coupled to the source, a freewheeling switch cell coupled to the main switch cell, a first inductor coupled to the main switch cell, the freewheeling switch and the destination, and a second inductor coupled to the first inductor, the main switch cell, the freewheeling switch and the destination. The circuit may also include a plurality of current paths when at least one of the main switch cell and/or the freewheeling switch cell is on. In some implementations, the main switch cell and the freewheeling switch cell are controlled using a switching method.

A circuit and method for converting an input AC voltage of a source to an output AC voltage of a destination is disclosed. The circuit may include a main switch cell coupled to the source, a freewheeling switch cell coupled to the main switch cell, a first inductor coupled to the main switch cell, the freewheeling switch and the destination, and a second inductor coupled to the first inductor, the main switch cell, the freewheeling switch and the destination. The circuit may also include a plurality of current paths when at least one of the main switch cell and/or the freewheeling switch cell is on. In some implementations, the main switch cell and the freewheeling switch cell are controlled using a switching method.

A matrix converter includes a power converter circuit connectable on one side thereof with an alternating-current supply via a high- frequency filter and connectable on another side thereof with an alternating-current motor; a snubber circuit connected with a one-side line for connecting the high-frequency filter and the power converter circuit; a discharge switch discharging a charge accumulated in the snubber circuit depending on a voltage of the snubber circuit; and a control circuit configured to execute controlling the power converter circuit on the basis of a carrier frequency in test such that a test voltage is applied to the alternating-current motor, changing the carrier frequency in test on the basis of an operation state of the discharge switch, and determining constants of the alternating-current motor on the basis of a response state of the alternating-current motor at the time when the test voltage is applied.

A matrix converter includes a power converter circuit connectable on one side thereof with an alternating-current supply via a high- frequency filter and connectable on another side thereof with an alternating-current motor; a snubber circuit connected with a one-side line for connecting the high-frequency filter and the power converter circuit; a discharge switch discharging a charge accumulated in the snubber circuit depending on a voltage of the snubber circuit; and a control circuit configured to execute controlling the power converter circuit on the basis of a carrier frequency in test such that a test voltage is applied to the alternating-current motor, changing the carrier frequency in test on the basis of an operation state of the discharge switch, and determining constants of the alternating-current motor on the basis of a response state of the alternating-current motor at the time when the test voltage is applied.

A matrix converter includes a power converter circuit connectable on one side thereof with an alternating-current supply via a high-frequency filter and connectable on another side thereof with an alternating-current motor; a snubber circuit connected with a one-side line for connecting the high-frequency filter and the power converter circuit; a discharge switch discharging a charge accumulated in the snubber circuit depending on a voltage of the snubber circuit; and a control circuit configured to execute controlling the power converter circuit on the basis of a carrier frequency in test such that a test voltage is applied to the alternating-current motor, changing the carrier frequency in test on the basis of an operation state of the discharge switch, and determining constants of the alternating-current motor on the basis of a response state of the alternating-current motor at the time when the test voltage is applied.

A matrix converter includes a power converter circuit connectable on one side thereof with an alternating-current supply via a high-frequency filter and connectable on another side thereof with an alternating-current motor; a snubber circuit connected with a one-side line for connecting the high-frequency filter and the power converter circuit; a discharge switch discharging a charge accumulated in the snubber circuit depending on a voltage of the snubber circuit; and a control circuit configured to execute controlling the power converter circuit on the basis of a carrier frequency in test such that a test voltage is applied to the alternating-current motor, changing the carrier frequency in test on the basis of an operation state of the discharge switch, and determining constants of the alternating-current motor on the basis of a response state of the alternating-current motor at the time when the test voltage is applied.

A power controller system comprises multiple power controllers that receive a periodic waveform input and that apply power to multiple loads. A switch-on time and a switch-off time is for each of the power controllers within a cycle of the periodic waveform input. The power controllers generate output waveforms to be applied to the loads that are partial segments of the cycle of the periodic waveform input. Each of the power controllers includes a switchable power component that can be switched on and switched off at any time and that can conduct current in both forward and reverse directions.