IP Library Granted Patent US 9,219,406
Granted Patent B1
US 9,219,406 · App. 14/182,256 · Granted Dec 22, 2015

Systems and methods for assessing current in a resonant circuit

Inventor: William C. Alexander (Spicewood, TX)
Assignee: IDEAL POWER INC.
H02M1/08H02M3/33507H02M5/4585
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,219,406
App. No.
14/182,256
Granted
Dec 22, 2015
Kind
B1
Abstract

Methods and systems for assessing current flowing through a link inductor in a resonating current is disclosed. The method includes first integration of an actual voltage measure to obtain an integrated current. A scaling factor can be applied to the integrated current to obtain an actual current. The scaling factor can be determined by a second integration to the integrated current, which can result in an integrated voltage. The integrated voltage can then be compared with actual measured voltage. Subsequently, the scaling factor can be adjusted according to the comparison between the actual and the integrated voltage. A match between the actual and the integrated voltage can serve as an indication that application of the scaling factor to integrated current can result in a match to actual current.

Claims (7)

1. A method of operating a power-packet-switching power converter which passes energy through a parallel combination of an inductor plus a capacitor, using phase legs which include switches with bidirectional current conduction capability, comprising the actions of:

a) monitoring voltages at the terminals of the inductor;

b) measuring current through said inductor;

c) updating estimates of the parasitic resistance and parasitic capacitance of the inductor, and the inductance of the inductor, and the capacitance of the capacitor;

d) simulating the present current carried on said inductor, using the variation of the voltages with time to estimate the rate of change of the current, and using said estimates of the parasitic resistance and parasitic capacitance of the inductor; and

e) controlling the operation of multiple phase legs, each including two bidirectional switches, which pump power into and out of said inductor, in partial dependence on said simulating step d);

f) performing steps a-e in a cycle which includes periods when the inductor-capacitor combination is totally disconnected.

Assignments (6)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 2, 2020
From: CE+T ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.
To: CE+T GROUP SA
Reel/Frame 052810/0773 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 25, 2019
From: IDEAL POWER INC.
To: CE+T ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 051112/0840 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 11, 2019
From: PATHION HOLDINGS, INC.; PATHION, INC.
To: IDEAL POWER INC.
Reel/Frame 050341/0761 →
COURT ORDER Recorded Sep 4, 2019
From: PATHION, INC.; PATHION HOLDINGS, INC.
To: IDEAL POWER INC.
Reel/Frame 050270/0702 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 1, 2019
From: IDEAL POWER INC.
To: PATHION HOLDINGS, INC.
Reel/Frame 049934/0768 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 14, 2015
From: BARRON, GUY MICHAEL; ALEXANDER, WILLIAM C.
To: IDEAL POWER, INC.
Reel/Frame 035403/0333 →
Continuity (1)
Provisional Application 61765132 · Feb 15, 2013