BRPI0807015B1 - APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ENERGY FROM A SOURCE TO A LOAD - Google Patents

Abstract

MULTIPLE LOAD AND MULTIPLE SOURCE SYSTEMS EQUIPPED WITH AN ENERGY EXTRACTOR. The present invention relates to apparatus and systems capable of transferring energy from one or more energy sources to one or more loads. Input power from power sources may not be regulated, and output power to loads is managed. Energy transfer is based on a dynamic implementation of Jacobi's Law (also known as Maximum Energy Theory). In some embodiments, the power sources are selectively coupled and uncoupled from the power transfer circuitry. In some embodiments, loads are selectively coupled and uncoupled from the power transfer circuitry. The transfer of energy to the loads is dynamically controlled.

Description

RELATED REQUESTS

[001] The present application refers to Co-Pending Patent Applications No. U.S. 11/849,242, filed on August 31, 2007, and entitled "Multi-Source, multi-Load Systems with an Energy Extractor"; No. 11/774,562, filed July 7, 2007, and titled, "Energy Extractor Detecting a Power Change"; No. 11/774,563, filed July 7, 2007, and entitled, "Energy Extractor with Control Loop"; No. 11/774,564, filed July 7, 2007, and entitled, "System and Apparatuses with Multiple Energy Extractors Coupled to Different Power Sources"; No. 11/774,565, filed July 7, 2007, and entitled, "Energy Extractor for Impedance Matching"; No. 11/774,566, filed July 7, 2007, and titled, "Energy Extractor Detecting Power and Voltage Changes," and claims the benefit of priority in such applications. The present application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application 60/888,486, filed February 6, 2007, and entitled, "XPX Power Converter."

Technical Field

[002] Embodiments of the invention relate to electrical energy, and more particularly to the transfer of energy from one or more sources to one or more loads with an energy extractor.

Technique Background

[003] Traditional power transfer between a source and load involves static system configurations. Source and load configurations are traditionally known before system design. System design is performed in an effort to maximize energy transfer between source and load. Traditional systems typically regulate output by virtue of their static design principles, which result in consistent and regulated energy transfer. Without a suitable design, traditional power transfer circuits are not well adapted to various application applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[004] The description below includes the discussion of figures containing illustrations provided by way of exemplification of the implementations of the embodiments of the invention. The drawings should be understood as examples, and not in a restrictive way. As used herein, references to one or more "embodiments" are to be understood as describing a particular feature, structure or characteristic included in at least one implementation of the invention. Therefore, expressions such as "in one embodiment" or "in an alternative embodiment" appearing herein describe various embodiments and implementations of the invention, and do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. However, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

[005] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art system for charging a battery or supplying power to another load using solar energy.

[006] Figure 2 illustrates a configuration of energy sources and energy extractors to supply energy to a load, according to some embodiments of the inventions.

[007] Figure 3 illustrates a system that includes an energy source, an energy extractor, and a load configured in accordance with some embodiments of the inventions.

[008] Figure 4 illustrates the impedance matching characteristics of an energy extractor as observed from a power source, according to various embodiments of the inventions.

[009] Figure 5 illustrates the impedance matching characteristics of an energy extractor as observed from a power source, according to various embodiments of the inventions.

[0010] Figures 6 and 7 individually illustrate a system that includes an energy source, an energy extractor, and a load according to some embodiments of the inventions.

[0011] Figure 8 illustrates details of some embodiments of the system in Figure 7.

[0012] Figure 9 illustrates examples of force variation associated with the current-voltage curve (IV) and the force curve.

[0013] Figure 10 is a table illustrating operational concepts for an energy extractor according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 11 illustrates two examples of a sawtooth wave and a switching control signal, according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figures 12 and 13 are individually a block diagram illustrating a set of power gap detection circuits, according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 14 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of an integrator circuit that can be used in some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 15 illustrates various connectors for connecting the power source and load to a power extractor and/or a circuit board according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 16 shows a circuit between the power source and a node, according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 17 shows a diode between the power source and a node, according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a set of energy transfer circuits in Figure 8.

[0021] Figures 19 - 22 individually illustrate an example of the set of energy transfer circuits, according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 23 illustrates a battery in which the positive terminal of the battery is connected to ground.

[0023] Figure 24 illustrates a comparative set of circuits that can be used in some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 25 illustrates a system that includes a power source, power extractor, and load according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 26 illustrates processor control associated with a load, according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 27 illustrates two different battery loads connected to an output node through a switch, according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figures 28 and 29 illustrate various details of an energy extractor, according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 30 illustrates an energy extractor coupled between one or more batteries and a load, according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 31 illustrates a parallel configuration of batteries and energy extractors coupled to a load, according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 32 illustrates a side view of an integrated circuit that includes a photovoltaic energy source and an energy extractor, according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 33 illustrates a top view of the integrated circuit of figure 32.

[0032] Figure 34 illustrates a group of integrated circuits of figure 32 in a configuration.

[0033] Figures 35 - 37 individually illustrate a group of PV cells or panels corresponding to energy extractors, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 38 illustrates parallel groups of energy extractors in series, with each group coupled to an energy source, according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 39 illustrates parallel groups of energy extractors, with each energy extractor coupled to an energy source, according to some embodiments.

[0036] Figure 40 illustrates energy extractors and transmission lines, according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figures 41 and 42 illustrate an energy extractor used in a device, according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 43 illustrates a system with an energy extractor coupled between a regenerative generator and a battery, according to some embodiments.

[0039] Figure 44 illustrates an assembly of a planar inductive device using transformer clamps.

[0040] Figure 45 illustrates a system similar to Figure 2 with a central processor for collecting data from or providing signals to energy extractors, according to some embodiments.

[0041] Figure 46 illustrates a system with a power supply, an energy extractor, and a central station for collecting data from the energy extractor or providing signals to the energy extractor, according to some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 47 illustrates a system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and multiple loads, according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 48 illustrates a wristwatch system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 49 illustrates a wireless router system with multiple power sources, a power extractor, and multiple loads, according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 50 illustrates a pacemaker system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and a load according to some embodiments.

[0046] Figure 51 illustrates a system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and multiple AC loads, according to some embodiments.

[0047] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow below, including a description of the figures, which may represent some or all of the modalities described below, as well as a discussion of other potential modalities or implementations of the inventive concepts presented here. A general analysis of embodiments of the invention is provided below, accompanied by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The following describes a power extractor for providing DC to DC or DC to AC power from one or more power sources to one or more loads. The energy extractor is called an energy "extractor" because it operates to obtain more energy from a power source than would typically be obtained from the source without operation. In the examples provided in this description, the power extractor operates to achieve impedance matching between the power source and the power extractor and load combination, and between the load and the power source and power extractor combination. This is called universal impedance matching because it occurs both as observed from the power source and as observed from the load. This impedance matching allows the power source to deliver a greater amount of power than would be supplied without the impedance matching. In some embodiments, discussed below, the power extractor is a power extraction switching converter.

[0049] As described herein, the energy extractor can be provided in any series of dynamic adjustment applications. Systems can have one or more energy sources, which can be connected or not, and one or more loads that can be connected or not. Instead of having static settings for energy transfer, energy transfer can be applied dynamically and intelligently by the energy extractor.

[0050] In some embodiments, impedance matching occurs as a consequence of the energy extractor seeking maximum power. In some embodiments, the power extractor promotes impedance matching by altering the duty cycle of the circuitry coupled to the energy transfer circuitry of the power extractor to cause an increase in power until a maximum power is reached. Duty cycle changes are made in response to detected power variations. In some embodiments, the energy variation is detected continuously through an analog circuitry, while in other embodiments the energy variation is continuously detected through a digital circuitry. In some embodiments, the detected energy change includes an energy difference, such as an instantaneous energy difference. When the detected energy change is zero at a true maximum energy (not merely a zero local change), the energy transferred is at such a magnitude (level or amount) that the energy source delivers a maximum energy given conditions beyond control of the energy extractor. In some embodiments, the maximum available energy is typically very close. In fact, reaching a maximum available energy is an example that comes very close to this. Examples of such conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor that may apply to some energy sources include ambient conditions (e.g., amount of sunlight, temperature) and size of the energy source (e.g., larger photovoltaic cells or a number larger number of cells can provide more energy). If the impedance of the power extractor is such that power is drawn at a very high current or very high voltage power, or at a very low current or at a very low voltage, the power source will deliver less than a maximum amount power. The maximum amount of power will be obtained at a particular impedance. See Figures 9 and 10 and the related discussion.

[0051] As used herein, a DC power source (named herein power source) includes any source from which DC power can be generated and/or captured. Examples of DC power sources that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention include, among others, photovoltaic cells or panels, a battery or batteries, and sources that generate power through wind, water (e.g., hydroelectric), tides, heat (e.g. thermal couple), hydrogen power generation, gas power generation, radioactive, mechanical deformation, piezoelectric, and movement (e.g. human movement such as walking, running, etc.). Energy sources can include natural energy sources and man-made energy sources, which can be stable (providing constant energy, but of variable magnitude) and unstable (providing energy that varies over time). In some embodiments, the energy sources include sub-energy sources (e.g., a solar panel may have multiple cells), while in other embodiments, the energy source is unitary. A disadvantage of using sub-power sources is that they may have different impedances and a single power extractor may match the combined impedance, which may be less optimal than having a separate power extractor for each power source. . A "power source" can be thought of as a "power supply."

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a system that includes energy sources 32, 34, and 36 coupled to energy extractors 42, 44, and 46, respectively. The energy source 32 and the energy extractor 42 form an energy unit 52 and can be physically separated, as shown in Figure 2 and adjacent, as shown in the other figures. Likewise, energy sources 34 and 36 form energy units 54 and 56. The output of energy extractors 42, 44, and 46 are combined at a node N2 and cumulatively supply energy to node N2. Load 64 is also attached to node N2. Load 64 may include a single load or subloads, such as a battery (or batteries), an inverter, and/or another subload or other load. Nodes N1-1, N1-2, and N1-3 are between energy sources 32, 34, and 36 and energy extractors 42, 44, and 46. Energy units 52, 54, and 56 form a power assembly 58. The power assembly may include more than three power units or simply two power units. A load line 62 is illustrated. Unidirectional protection devices (e.g., diodes) can be used to prevent backflow of current to power sources, but are not mandatory.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates a system with a power source 32 containing an output impedance Z1 coupled through a conductor 60 and node N1 to the energy extractor 42. The energy extractor 42 is referred to as an impedance matcher, because , as discussed above, in at least one mode of operation, it matches the impedances as discussed. In some embodiments, the energy extractor 42 may operate in different modes. For example, in an ordinary mode of operation (hereinafter referred to as first mode), the power extractor 42 operates to match the impedance so that a maximum available power is supplied by the power source. When it is said that the power extractor 42 "operates to match the impedance so that a maximum available power is supplied" it is understood that, in practice, perfect impedance matching is typically not obtained and a maximum available power is Absolute available power is typically not obtained from the power source. However, the power extractor 42 operates to seek a perfect impedance match or to approximate a perfect impedance match under closed loop control, including a set of power analysis circuits 74 and described below. In some embodiments, under steady-state conditions, perfect impedance matching can be quite approximate.

[0054] Likewise, when it is said that the energy transfer circuitry has to transfer energy in a magnitude to cause a power source to provide the maximum energy available, given conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor energy, it is understood that the energy source approaches the maximum energy under closed-loop control of the energy extractor. In some embodiments, this maximum available energy is quite approximate. It can be said that the energy extractor seeks to operate in a way that makes the energy source provide maximum available energy. Approaching perfect impedance matching or maximum energy does not mean constantly moving toward perfect matching or maximum energy. Sometimes variations in input impedance cause the impedance match to be closest to perfect (or optimal) impedance matching, and sometimes variations in input impedance (or variations in power source impedance) makes the impedance far from perfect matching, however, the control loop promotes a significant improvement in impedance matching, compared to what it would be without the control loop. The same happens with the maximum approach energy.

[0055] In a protection mode (hereinafter referred to as second mode), the energy extractor 42 operates to protect itself and/or the load 64 and/or the source 32. The protection mode may be entered in response to a limiting condition. Examples of limiting conditions are excessive voltage, power, or current at the first node, the power extractor, or the second node; very low voltage, energy or current in the first node, in the energy extractor, or in the second node; and a device limiting condition. In some embodiments, the energy extractor 42 detects only some of these limiting conditions to determine whether to enter protective mode. Additional modes are possible and there may be more than one type of ordinary operating mode and more than one type of protection mode. For example, in at least one mode, conservation of the energy source may be more important than achieving maximum energy. This may be the case, for example, if the power source is a battery (see example in Figure 41).

[0056] The energy extractor 42 includes a set of energy transfer circuits 72 dA Figure 3 between nodes N1 and N2 and provides output power to a load 64 through a node N2 and the load line 62. By way of For illustration, energy extractor 42 is shown as partially overlapping nodes N1 and N2. However, nodes N1 and N2 can be considered to be at the limits of the power extractor 42, however, note the discussion of Figures 8 and 15. Load 64 has an input impedance Z3. The power extractor 42 includes a power analysis circuitry 74 that analyzes power and provides a circuitry control signal to control the circuitry 78. The circuitry 78 operates to at least partially control the operation of power transfer circuitry 72. Power extractor 42 includes an input impedance of Z2 and an output impedance of Z2*. When power variations are detected, the power analysis circuitry 74 responds by adjusting the timing (e.g., duty cycle) of the circuitry 78. The circuitry 78 may also react in a manner that seeks to maximize power efficiency. energy transfer through, for example, variation of a switching frequency of the circuit set 78.

[0057] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the impedance matching characteristics of the energy extractor 42 dA figure 3. In figure 4, the energy source 32 has impedance Z1, called the first impedance in figure 4. The energy extractor 42 has input impedance Z2, while load 64 has impedance Z3. In figure 4, the combination of Z2 and Z3 is called second impedance. The impedance, as seen by the power source 32 when looking at the power extractor 42, is equal to its own impedance. In other words, the power extractor 42 dynamically matches the impedance of the power source 32 (i.e., Z1 = Z2 + Z3) such that the first and second impedances are equivalent.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates that the impedance as observed by the load 64 when looking at the energy extractor 42 is also equivalent to its own impedance. In figure 5, the first impedance is Z1 and Z2* (the output impedance of the energy extractor 42) and the second impedance is Z3. The load 64 observes the output impedance Z2* at the power extractor 42. Thus, the power extractor 42 also dynamically matches the load impedance (i.e., Z3 = Z1 + Z2*), so that the first and the second impedances are matched. Since the impedance of the power extractor 42 is typically different (Z2 or Z2*) depending on whether the impedance is measured at N1 or N2, the impedances (Z2 + Z3) as observed by the power source and (Z1 + Z2 *) as observed by the load, they can be understood as virtual impedances.

[0059] In some embodiments, whether the power extractor 42 seeks impedance matching with the power source 32 depends on whether the load 64 can receive all the power that the power source 32 can provide. If the load 64 can receive more than the source 32 can supply, then the power extractor 42 seeks to match its input impedance to the output impedance of the power source 32, however, it does not necessarily seek to match its output impedance. match the input impedance of the load 64. If the load 64 can receive less than the power source 32 can supply, then the power extractor 42 can go into a mode (possibly a protective mode) in which it does not seek that its input impedance matches the output impedance of the power source 32, however, it may seek to match its output impedance to the input impedance of the load 64. If the load 64 can receive exactly or essentially exactly what the source 32 can supply, then the power extractor 42 may seek to match its input impedance to the output impedance of the power source 32 and its output impedance to match the input impedance of the load 64. In other embodiments, the power extractor 42 may match the input impedance of the load 64. energy 42 can operate differently. Impedance matching at the output node (node N2 in Figure 3) can occur when power extractors are connected together.

[0060] Figure 6 illustrates a circuit 82 and a circuit 86 separated by a node N3 in the set of energy transfer circuits 72. The impedances of the circuits 82 and 86 can be supporting (providing mutual assistance) and are modulated so that the aggregate impedance of the power extractor 42 and the load 64 is matched to the output impedance of the power source 32. In some embodiments and situations, the aggregate impedance of the power source 32 and the power extractor 42 is matched to the input impedance of the load 64. Power is continuously transferred from the power source 32 through the circuit82. The duty cycle of S1 is dynamically adjusted to facilitate virtual impedance matching with the power source 32. When the impedances are matched, the power extracted from the power source 32 is maximized. Likewise, power is continually transferred from circuit 86 to load 64. The amount of power directed to load 64 is maximized when the impedance of circuit 86 is matched to the impedance of load 64. Control loop 70 includes a set of power analysis circuitry 74 and the switching control circuitry assembly 80. In some embodiments, the control loop 70 is partially implemented with software. Switch S1 is controlled by switch control circuitry 80. Power variation analysis circuitry 74 detects power variations from power source 32 at node N1 and communicates with control circuitry. of switching 80. Switching control circuitry 80 controls, for example, the duty cycle of S1, so as to increase power, as described below.

[0061] Figure 7 illustrates another configuration of the energy transfer circuit set that can be used in some embodiments of the invention. In Figure 7, the set of power transfer circuits 72 includes a circuit 84 between circuits 82 and 86, with node N3 between circuits 82 and 84 and node N4 between circuits 84 and 86. The set of power transfer circuits switching control 80 provides a switching signal(s) to control switches S1 and S2. In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the switching signal for S1 is the inverse of the duty cycle of the switching signal for S2. In other embodiments, the switching signals for S1 and S2 are purposefully not the inverse of each other. In some embodiments, there may be additional switches. Circuits 82, 84, and 86 may be supporting impedances and are modulated by switches S1 and S2 under the control of switching control circuitry set 80, so that the aggregate impedance of the power extractor 42 and the load 64 matches the output impedance of the power source 32, and the aggregate impedance of the power source 32 and the power extractor 42 matches the input impedance of the load 64. When the impedance of the power source 32 is matched to the combination From the energy extractor 42 and the load 64, the circuit 72 is capable of extracting the maximum energy from the power source 32.

[0062] In some embodiments, circuit 84 transfers the accumulated voltage potential from N3 to N4 without interrupting the flow of power from circuit 82 to circuit 86. Circuit 86 adapts its output impedance to facilitate impedance matching with the load 64. The duty cycle of S2 is dynamically adjusted to promote impedance matching between circuit 86 and load 64. In this way, circuit 86 is capable of transferring maximum energy to load 64. While circuit 86 is transferring power to load 64, circuit 82 continues to match its impedance to the impedance of power source 32, allowing maximum power to be transferred from power source 32 through circuit 82. This process continues while S1 and S2 are open and closed alternately according to the duty cycle of the switching signal. In some embodiments, the switching states of S1 and S2 are controlled by the switching control circuitry set 80 that receives the switching control signal from the power variation analysis circuitry set 74 based on the power variations. available in N1. Alternatively, the detected energy variation may be an energy variation at a location other than node N1, such as node N2 or within the energy extractor 42.

[0063] Figure 8 illustrates details that are included in some embodiments of Figures 5 and 7, but other embodiments include different details. Referring to FIGURE 8, the power variation analysis circuit set 74 includes the power variation detection circuit set 94 and the other circuit sets shown in other figures. The power transfer circuit set 72 includes circuits 82, 84, and 86. Circuits 82 and 84 include transformer T1 (including inductors L1 and L3) and transformer T2 (including inductors L2 and L4). Circuit 82 includes capacitors C1 and C2 and a node N5 that separates C1 and C2 and is connected to inductors L3 and L4. The power source is coupled to inductor L1 through conductor 60 of node N1, an interface connector 110, and a node N1*. As an example, connector 110 may be a plug receptacle (see also Figure 15). If the impedance difference between N1, connector 110, and N1* is relatively small, then they can be considered a node. Otherwise, they will be considered more than one node. As with the N2* node, the 112 connector, and the N2 node. Inductor L1 is between nodes N1* and N3, and inductor L2 is between nodes N4 and N2*.

[0064] The power variation detection circuitry 94 detects a power variation at node N1* and provides a switching control signal on the conductor 98 to an input of the comparative circuitry set 80. In some embodiments, the power variation detection circuitry set of energy variation detection circuitry 94 detects a difference in energy variation and can be called a set of energy variation detection circuits 94 and provides a signal indicative of the energy difference (as shown in Figure 8). In some embodiments, the energy gap is an instantaneous energy gap. Another input of the comparative circuitry 106 receives a waveform, such as a sawtooth wave from the waveform generator circuit 102. The comparative circuitry 106 controls a duty cycle of switches S1 and S2. In some embodiments, S1 and S2 are both open or both closed at the same time (with the possible exception of brief transitions when they are switching). Waveform generator circuit 102 and comparative circuitry 106 are examples of circuitry in switching control circuitry 80.

[0065] When S1 is closed, the electromagnetic fields vary in T1 and T2, while the electrostatic potential across C1 and C2 is changed and the energy from the power source 32 is distributed electromagnetically to T1 and T2, while electrostatically in C1 and C2. When S1 opens, S2 closes and the magnetic flux in T1 begins to decrease. Therefore, the energy stored in T1 flows through N3 to capacitors C1 and C2 of circuit 84, depositing part of the energy as an electrostatic field in C1 and C2, and part of the energy to T2 of circuit 86 through node N5 and the inductor L4. The residual flux at T2 also begins to decrease, transferring energy to load 64 through N2. When S1 closes and S2 opens again, the magnetic flux in T1 begins to increase while the magnetic flux in T2 also decreases, as it consumes some of the electrostatic energy that was previously stored in C1 and C2. Therefore, the energy stored in circuit 84 is released and transferred to T2 and load 64.

[0066] Multiphase energy transfer combines two or more inputs in phase to produce a resultant flux in a magnetic core equivalent to the bisector of the angle of the inputs. (Note: the angle bisector is known to be the location of the equidistant points of two rays (half lines) that form the angle). In this type of energy extractor, capacitors C1 and C2 are used to alternate the phase of the current that is applied to the secondary windings of T1 and T2 (L3 and L4, respectively). Therefore, multiphase inputs are applied to the T2 and T3 cores. The sum of the inputs from multiple phases changes the electromotive force that is present during the increase and decrease of flux in the primary windings of transformers L1 and L3. The result is the neutralization (within the operational frequency bandwidth of the power extractor) of high frequency variations in the reactive component of the impedance that circuits 82 and 86 exhibit for the source and load, respectively. Circuits 82 and 86 may be multiphase bisector power transfer circuits to promote multiphase bisector power transfer and to interface with circuit 84.

[0067] Due to the dynamic properties of the circuit 82, the power source 32 "sees" an equivalent impedance in the energy extracting inductor L1 42. Likewise, with the inductor L2 and the load 64. The input and output impedances of the power extractor 42 are adjusted by controlling the duty cycle of S1 and S2. Optimal impedance matching for the power source 32 occurs when maximum power extraction is obtained from the power source.

[0068] The power gap detection circuit set 94, the power variation indicator signal, and the comparative circuit set 106 are part of a control loop that controls the duty cycle of the circuit set 78 to obtain the maximum power extraction (i.e., ΔP/ΔV = 0) from the power source 32. The control loop may also control the switching frequency of the circuitry 78 to influence the efficiency of power transfer through the circuitry. of energy transfer 72. Merely as an example, the frequency can be in the range of 100 KHz to 250 KHz depending on the saturation limits of the inductors. However, in other embodiments, the frequencies may be substantially different. The size and other aspects of the inductors and associated cores and other components, such as capacitors, can be chosen to meet numerous criteria, including the desired energy transfer capacity, efficiency, and available space. In some embodiments, the frequency can be modified by changing the frequency of the waveform from the waveform generator circuit 102. Other figures show a control circuit 102. In some embodiments, the frequency is controlled by a control loop as a function of whether an increase in the correct moment of current is between a minimum and maximum current in a power transfer circuit.

[0069] As used herein, the duty cycle of circuitry 78 is the ratio of the correct moment of S1 to the total correct moment of S1 and S2 (i.e., duty cycle = S1/ (S1+S2) ). The duty cycle would be defined by a different ratio associated with S1 and/or S2 in other embodiments. When the voltages of the power source 32 and the load 64 are equal and the duty cycle is 50%, there is no energy transfer through the energy extractor 42 in some embodiments. If the voltages of the power source 32 and the load 64 are different, a higher or lower duty cycle may not generate energy transfer through the power extractor 42. In other words, a particular duty cycle of the circuitry 78 is not tied to a particular direction or amount of energy transfer through the energy transfer circuitry 72.

[0070] As noted, energy variation can be detected continuously and the switching control signal (from Figures 7, 8, and 11) can be updated continuously. Using analog circuits is one way to perform continuous sensing and updating. Using digital circuits (such as a processor) is another way to perform continuous sensing and updating of the switching control signal. Although the update from some digital circuits may in some way not be exactly continuous, it can be considered continuous when for all practical purposes it produces a result identical to that of a truly continuous update. As an example, the switching control signal update is also considered continuous when the variation frequency is outside the bandwidth of the control loop. In some cases, the switching control signal update can also be considered continuous when the switching frequency is within the control bandwidth. Merely as an example, in some implementations, the control loop bandwidth may be around 800 Hz. In other embodiments, the control loop bandwidth is greater than 800 Hz, and perhaps, much greater than 800 Hz In still other embodiments, the control loop bandwidth is lower than 800 Hz and, depending on desired deployment and performance, may be lower than 400 Hz.

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a typical voltage-current (I-V) curve and an energy curve. Various power sources (e.g. a solar panel) produce a relatively constant current at different voltages. However, when the voltage reaches a certain threshold in these power sources, the current begins to drop rapidly. The threshold voltage corresponds to the slope region on the I-V curve. The point of maximum energy (Pmax) also corresponds to the slope region on the I-V curve.

[0072] Figure 10 is a table illustrating the operational concepts for the energy extractor 42, according to various embodiments. Example (1), shown as an arrow (1) in Figure 9, shows that, when both energy and voltage are increasing, the operational point of the energy extractor is placed to the left of Pmax. When operating to the left of Pmax, a large volume of current is being drawn by the power extractor 42 from the power source 32 and, consequently, the power source 32 is providing less than the maximum power available from the power source 32. The maximum available energy is the greatest amount of energy that could be obtained, given the ambient conditions and other conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor 42. In order to reduce the current flow, the duty cycle of the power circuit assembly switching control 78 is decreased. This is also the case in example (2) where arrow (2) shows that when energy and voltage are both decreasing, there is also an abundance of current and less energy than the maximum energy available from power source 32. Inversely, when operating to the right of Pmax (examples (3) and (4)), very little current is being extracted by the energy extractor and less energy than the maximum energy available from the power source 32. Therefore, to increase the flow of current, the duty cycle of the switching control circuitry 89 is increased. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an implementation of the specification under special conditions. Other deployments may operate differently and involve additional factors. In a different implementation, the current could be increased by decreasing the duty cycle.

[0073] Referring again to FIGURE 9, if the energy is at Pmax for a period of time, the energy and voltage will not increase or decrease for that period of time. Consequently, the duty cycle can remain the same. In some embodiments, the control loop includes mechanisms to prevent a local maximum energy (local minimum slope), which is not a maximum energy, from being interpreted as a maximum energy, so that the duty cycle is not modified. One mechanism is natural noise, which will tend to promote fluctuations in the control loop that result in energy variation. Another mechanism is artificially induced control loop fluctuations which, in some deployments, can result in the duty cycle varying after a specific period of time if the sensing circuitry does not show variations in power or voltage.

[0074] The power gap detection circuitry 94 generates the switching control signal in response to the situation of figure 10. Figure 11 illustrates how the comparative circuitry set 106 compares the switching control signal with the form of sawtooth wave. The duty cycle of the switching control circuitry 78 varies as the area of the sawtooth wave above the switching control signal varies. For example, the area of the sawtooth wave above the switching control signal is smaller from time t3 to t4 than from time t1 to t2. The smaller area above the switching control signal corresponds to a lower duty cycle. The smaller area above the switching control signal would correspond to a higher duty cycle in other embodiments. Voltages .5 V1 and .6 V1 are used for illustration purposes and are not limiting. Furthermore, in other embodiments, other waveforms (triangle, sine, etc.) could be used in place of the sawtooth wave.

[0075] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate examples of the set of power gap detection circuits 94 that can be used in some embodiments of the invention. There are countless other ways to implement identical or similar functions. In Figure 12, a current measuring circuit 128 includes voltage measuring circuitry 130 internal to the power gap detection circuitry 94 for measuring voltage across a small resistor Rs at N1 (or elsewhere). to determine the current (I = V/R). Although a small resistor Rs is shown, there are numerous other ways to measure current, including measuring a magnetic field. The voltage-level signal from N1 (i.e., VN1) (or elsewhere) and a current-level signal from N1 (i.e., IN1) (or elsewhere) are continuous signals. (In other embodiments, the voltage is deduced indirectly.) Multiplier 134 continuously multiplies the voltage and current at N1 to determine the power at N1 (PN1).

[0076] The differentiator 136 provides a signal responsive to power variations (ΔP), while the processor 132 provides a signal responsive to voltage variations (ΔV). In some embodiments, the differentiator 136 measures the energy difference. ΔP/ΔV represents the energy of the slope at node N1 (or another location). The maximum energy is obtained when ΔP/ΔV = 0. The energy gap (or merely the energy variation) can be determined in several ways. The power gap can be an instantaneous power gap determined through the analog circuitry. Alternatively, a power gap or merely a power variation can be detected through digital circuitry, such as a processor, by comparing samples. The processor could compare the samples and determine a dip and a corresponding voltage change (or a voltage drop). Alternatively, the processor could merely determine whether the energy is increasing or decreasing and whether the corresponding voltage is increasing or decreasing. In some embodiments, the differentiator 136 merely provides a magnitude of the energy change (energy slope) and in other embodiments, it provides both the magnitude and the direction. For example, the difference in level at point (1) in Figure 9 is in a positive direction, while the difference in level at point (2) is in a negative direction, despite having a similar magnitude.

[0077] Power gap detection circuitry set 94 includes voltage variation detection circuitry set 132, which may be a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other set of circuits. Circuitry 132 may also perform scaling as discussed. In some embodiments, circuitry 94 detects a decline in voltage variation, and in other embodiments, it merely detects whether the voltage is increasing or decreasing. It can detect variation through an analog or digital circuitry. In some embodiments, only the direction (i.e., not the magnitude) of the voltage variation is relevant. Referring again to FIGURE 9, example (1) involves an increasing (positive) voltage, while example (2) involves a decreasing (negative) voltage. Thus, in example (2) of Figure 10, when the differentiator 136 indicates a decrease in power, the set of voltage variation detection circuits 132 indicates a decrease in voltage. When there is a decrease in voltage, the controlled inverter 138 inverts the negative output of the differentiator 136, which results in a positive number corresponding to the positive energy difference at point (2). Therefore, by combining the results of the differentiator 136 and the voltage difference detection circuitry 132, the power difference detection circuitry 94 can determine whether to decrease or increase the current. As shown in Figure 10, when the energy difference is positive (examples (1) and (2)), the duty cycle of the circuit set 78 is decreased; when the power gap is negative (examples (3) and (4), the duty cycle is increased. In some embodiments, the output of the controlled inverter 138 is scaled by a scalar (amplifier A1) 140, which inputs the signal into the suitable range to be compared with the waveform (as shown in Figure 11).Also, in some embodiments, an integrated 144 can be used to act as a low-pass filter and otherwise smooth out rapid variations.

[0078] In some embodiments, the switching control signal is dependent on the slope of the energy slope or the amount of energy variation, and in other embodiments, the variations are increasing. In some embodiments, circuitry 94 does not model a power curve, it merely responds to detected voltage and current variations to move toward maximum energy, without knowing where maximum energy is on a curve. In fact, it is not necessary what the energy curve would resemble. In other embodiments, circuitry 94, or another circuitry, such as processor 172 in Figure 25 models a power curve.

[0079] In some embodiments, the input (e.g., voltage and/or current) and the control loop may define the saturation threshold for each of the inductors in the power transfer circuitry 72. In other words, the The saturation limit of each of the inductors can be independent of the energy extractor output and the switching frequency.

[0080] Figure 13 shows how voltage variations can be detected by the analog detection circuitry set 148 (e.g., differentiator, etc.) in some embodiments. Additionally, an external current sensor 146 can measure the amount of current that is transferred by the energy extractor and communicates this information to the power gap detection circuitry 94. The amplifier 140 can also be controlled by a processor, ASIC, or FPGA 150 based on various conditions that include, but are not limited to, weather conditions and charging level of the load (e.g. battery).

[0081] Figure 14 illustrates an example of the optional integrator 144 of Figures 12 and 13. The integrator 144 may be included in some embodiments of the power gap detection circuitry set 94 to dampen the switching control signal from the set. of power gap detection circuits 94. Integrator 144 includes a resistor R1 at the output of an operational amplifier 152 and a resistor R2 in parallel with a capacitor C. The charge stored in the capacitor is "drained" by the resistor R2. The draining of charge by resistor R2 causes the output of integrator 144 to be lower over time than the input (as received from the power gap detection circuitry). This reduced output reduces the impact (i.e., dampens) of the switching control signal on the duty cycle of circuitry 78.

[0082] There are several other ways to obtain the switching control signal. Examples include running all analysis on one processor. Other examples involve consideration of inductor saturation levels. An example is illustrated in association with Figure 28. A phase-locked loop (PLL) can be used to detect the on and off times of switches S1 and S2. This information would be provided to the processor, who may use the information for different purposes. Two phase-related signals can be used in association with duty cycle control.

[0083] Figure 15 shows various connectors (110, 112, 116, 118, 122, and 124) for connecting the power source 32 and the load 64 to the power extractor 42 and/or the circuit board 156, as shown . The circuit board 156 may be in a housing 158. The circuit board 156 and housing 158 may be in a wide variety of shapes, including, for example, a specific case. Alternatively, the circuit board 156 could be a consumer electronic device, (e.g., cell phone, personal data assistant (PDA)) or be a computer card, in which case the charge could similarly be integrated into the accommodation, or on a variety of other deployments. As described below, in some deployments, the power source could be integrated into the housing. If the connector has a substantially different impedance than adjacent nodes, then the different nodes (e.g., N1, N1*, N1**) can be considered separate nodes. If the connector has relatively little impedance to adjacent nodes, then the different nodes can be considered one node.

[0084] Figure 16 shows that a circuit 160 can be included between the power source 32 and node N1 in some embodiments. Figure 17 shows that a diode 162 can be included between the power source 32 and N1 in some embodiments.

[0085] Figure 18 reproduces the set of energy transfer circuits of Figure 8 for convenience of comparison with the alternative set of energy transfer circuits illustrated in Figures 19-22. The values of resistors, capacitors, and inductors (such as R1, R2 C1, C2, C3, C4, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, and L6) are not necessarily the same in Figures 18-22.

[0086] Figure 23 illustrates a battery 164 whose positive battery terminal is connected to ground. N2 represents the node at the output of the energy extractor 42. In some embodiments, the battery 164 is connected to N2, such that the negative terminal of the battery 164 is tied to N2 and the positive terminal is tied to ground. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, one of the reasons for the configuration of Figure 23 is that, in some embodiments, the voltages at N4 and N3 have opposite polarities. For example, if the voltages at N3 and N4 are VN3 and VN4, respectively, VN3 may be -VN4. In other embodiments, the battery 164 may be connected so that the positive terminal is connected to N2 and the negative terminal is connected to ground. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the voltage at N4 and N3 are not opposite voltages.

[0087] Figure 24 illustrates an example of the comparative circuit set that can be used in some embodiments of the invention. The comparative circuitry 106 may be any circuitry used to compare the signal indicative of the power change 98 with the reference signal (e.g., a voltage reference, Vref) to regulate the duty cycle of the circuitry.

[0088] Figure 25 is similar to FIGURE 8, but includes an additional circuit set, including a processor/ASIC/and/or field programmable gate array (FPGA) 172 (hereinafter referred to as processor 172), a of scaling circuits 176, current sensors 184, 186, and 188. The processor 172 receives signals indicative of the detected current as well as the voltage of node N1*. The letters A and B show the connections between the current sensors 184 and 186 and the processor 172. In some embodiments, the processor 172 also gathers information and/or provides control for the subload inverter 64-1, battery 64-2 , and/or other load 643 of load 64. Current information can be used to indicate such information as the rate, amount, and efficiency of energy transfer. One of the reasons for gathering this information is for the processor 172 to determine whether it is in protective mode (such as the second mode) or ordinary operating mode (such as the first mode). In a protection mode, several things can be done by processor 172 to provide power extractor 42 or load 64. One option is to open switch S3. Another option is to open a switch S4 shown in Figure 26. Another option is to provide an oscillation signal to scale circuitry 176, which is combined in circuitry 178 with a signal indicative of the power difference to generate the signal. switching control on conductor 98. For example, if the oscillation signal causes the switching control signal to be too high, the duty cycle would be low, causing a small current. Power regulation in protection mode can be to completely cut off power or merely reduce power. In protection mode, the goal is no longer to maximize the energy transferred. In some embodiments, the oscillation signal is set for purposes other than merely protection mode.

[0089] Figure 26 illustrates a processor control line for controlling a switch, S4, which can be opened to stop any transfer of power from power extractor 42 to a load (e.g., inverter 64-1, battery 64-2, and/or other load 64-3). Processor 172 also controls the routing of power between different subloads (e.g., inverter 64-1, battery 64-2, or other load 64-3) in some embodiments. Furthermore, temperature sensors 192-1, 192-3, and 192-3 are shown as connected to different loads. Based on temperature (e.g., excessive heat), the processor may cause switch S4 to open or close or otherwise regulate power, such as through the oscillation signal or open switch S3. The energy extractor 42 may operate in a protective mode based on some limiting condition of the device. Examples of device limiting conditions include one or more of the following: excess heat, voltage, energy, or current in N1, energy extractor 42, and/or N2. Other device limiting conditions may occur. The power extractor can detect the state of external switches, such as dip switches, or obtain updates through a memory (such as a flash memory) to determine load characteristics that can be considered in deciding whether to enter protection mode.

[0090] Figure 27 illustrates two different battery loads, 64-1-1 and 64-1-2, connected to output node N2 by a switch, S5. This configuration illustrates the functional flexibility of the energy extractor 42 in numerous embodiments. With both source-side and load-side impedance matching characteristics provided, the power extractor 42 automatically adapts to the load and supplies power to the load. In other words, the output of the power extractor 42 is power - the output voltage and output current comprising the power are not fixed. The output voltage and output current automatically adapt to the load, without reducing power. In other words, the energy extractor 42 can operate independently of any voltage. Therefore, the output power can be deregulated, with the exception of protection mode.

[0091] For example, in some embodiments, the energy extractor 42 can extract 60 Watts of energy from the power source 32 to be transferred to the battery 186-1. If the 64-2-1 battery is a 12 Volt battery, then the power extractor 42 can supply 5 A of current at 12 Volts to charge the battery. If the 64-2-1 battery is switched or exchanged for a 15 Volt 64-2-2 battery, then the power extractor 42 will still provide 60 Watts of power to charge the battery in the form of 4 A of current at 15 Volts. . While this example illustrates the adaptability/flexibility of the energy extractor 42, it should be noted that the output voltage of the energy extractor may need to be slightly higher than the battery voltage to cause current to flow to the battery. .

[0092] In the example above, and in some other embodiments, the feedback point of the energy extractor may be based on the transfer of output energy, rather than in traditional systems, where the feedback point is based on the output current or voltage. exit. Other modalities operate differently.

[0093] Figure 28 illustrates a complementary detail of the energy extractor 42, according to other embodiments. Current sensors 222 and 224 provide signals indicative of the current through switches S1 and S2, which are summed at the totalizer 202. The energy may be related to the average current coming from the totalizer 202. These may be supplied to an integrator 206 to provide a signal indicative of energy, which is differentiated by differentiator 212 and amplified by amplifier 214. Voltage variation (or voltage difference) can be considered as mentioned above.

[0094] Figure 29 illustrates voltage regulators 232 and 236 that take the unregulated voltage of the energy extractor 42 and provide a regulated voltage, as needed (for example, to power various circuits inside the energy extractor 42). Unregulated power is supplied to the regulator 232 through a transformer T2 (inductors L5 and L6) and diode D1. Unregulated power is supplied to the regulator 236 through a transformer T4 (inductors L7 and L8) and diode D2.

[0095] The energy extractor 42 can be used to transfer energy from one or more batteries 272 to a load 64, which may include another battery. Figure 30 illustrates a battery or batteries 272 as the energy source. One reason for using the power extractor 42 with batteries as the source is that lower energy and lower voltage batteries can be used to charge other batteries, including those with a lower or higher voltage. Since the power extractor 42 extracts DC power in any available form (e.g., not at a specific or fixed voltage or current) and produces power in any form required by the load (e.g., not at a specific or fixed voltage or current ), the energy extractor 42 is flexible and adaptable - within safe or other reasonable limits, there are no restrictions on the type of source and/or load that can be connected to the energy extractor 42. For example, the energy extractor 42. Power 42 can transfer the energy available in a 9 Volt battery to charge a 15 Volt battery. In another example, the energy extractor 42 can transfer energy from two 5 Volt batteries to a 12 Volt battery. The flexibility and adaptability of the power extractor 42 contrasts with traditional charge controllers and other power transfer systems, where the transfer of power from input to output is a by-product of output voltage regulation. 31 illustrates parallel power extractors 42 and 44 that receive power from battery power sources 276 and 278, respectively, and supply power to load 64.

[0096] Figure 32 illustrates a side view of an integrated circuit chip (IC1) that includes a photovoltaic energy source 284 and energy extractor 286 manufactured on an IC1 substrate 282. The energy extractor 286 may be identical or slightly different from the energy extractor 42. Figure 33 shows a top view of IC1 that includes the photovoltaic power source 284, energy extractor 286, first and second nodes and a chip interface 288. There may be a diode between the energy extractor 286 and the source 284. In practice, the outline would be slightly different with the photovoltaic power source 284, covering a larger or smaller service area than shown. Likewise, the energy extractor could cover a larger or smaller service area than that shown. Figure 34 shows a plurality of IC chips IC1, IC2, ... IC25 similar to IC1 of Figures 32 and 33 brought together by a frame 296. The integrated circuit may also contain several sets of functional circuits, in addition to the power extractor and the power supply. Figure 32 illustrates that the energy extractor can be on a much smaller scale. Conversely, the energy extractor 42 can be on a much larger scale, for example, in high energy modalities. Figure 40 may be an example of such high energy embodiments. For example, portions of the control loop, such as the power gap detection circuitry 94, may be a substantial distance from node N1. In some embodiments, the distance is less than one meter, and in other embodiments, it is greater than one meter and may be substantially greater than one meter. Alternatively, the energy gap detection circuitry and the energy transfer circuitry may be in close proximity in the same container or housing. Optical coupling or magnetic coupling can be used in several locations, including between the N1 node and the energy variation detector.

[0097] Figures 35, 36, and 37 illustrate different configurations for connecting one or more energy extractors (energy extractors 1, 2, and 3) to one or more (PV) photovoltaic sources, according to various embodiments. For example, in Figure 35, PV power sources (e.g., PV cells or PV panels) are directly connected together and to power extractors 1, 2, and 3, via connectors 320-1, 320-2, and 320. -3, and 322-1 and 322-2, which may be glues, adhesives, mounting brackets, and/or other connectors in various embodiments. In Figure 36, the PV sources 1, 2, and 3 and the energy extractors 1, 2, and 3 are directly connected, while the entire unit is supported by an external frame 320. In Figure 37, the PV sources are connected between itself and to energy extractors 1, 2, and 3 through frame elements 330, 334-1, 334-2, 338-1, 338-2, and 228-3.

[0098] Figures 38 and 39 illustrate numerous configurations for connecting multiple energy sources and multiple energy extractors, according to various modalities. For example, Figure 38 shows power extractors PE11, PE12, and PE13 in series to increase the voltage from power source S1. The parallel power extractors PE21, PE22, and PE23 in series with the PS2 power source, and PE31, PE32, and PE33 in the PS3 power source in series are combined to increase the current. Figure 39 is similar, however, each energy extractor is coupled to an energy source (PS11 to PE11, PS12 to PE12, PS13 to PE13, PS21 to PE21, PS22 to PE22, and PS23 to PE23).

[0099] Figure 40 illustrates the placement of energy extractors on one or more transmission lines. Naturally, the magnitude of the energy that can be transferred through the energy extractors 1, 2, and 3 in Figure 40 is much greater than that which can be transferred in the integrated circuit of Figures 32-34.

[00100] The energy extractor of the invention can be used in association with different types of devices. For example, Figure 41 illustrates the use of an energy extractor 358 in a device 350, such as a pacemaker. A pacemaker device is used in this example for illustration only; other types of devices may be used similarly in other embodiments. The energy extractor 358 extracts energy from the battery or batteries 354 for energy from a load 312 (e.g., the pacemaker itself). The power extractor 358 includes a processor/ASIC/ or other circuitry 360 for determining battery usage and/or battery life in the pacemaker. The information can be communicated through an antenna 366. Based on this information, a doctor or technician or any other person can send control information to the processor 360 to oscillate the energy extractor so that battery power is conserved, optimized, etc. on device 302 as desired. That is, it is not necessarily desirable to use the battery at maximum power, and energy conservation may be more desirable instead. The oscillation signal in figure 25 can be useful to help conserve the battery.

[00101] Figure 42 illustrates the use of an energy extractor 388 on another device 382, such as a cell phone. Again, a cell phone is used as an example and illustration; other devices may incorporate an energy extractor in a similar way. Energy extractor 388 is included in device 382 for extracting energy from a power source 384. Exemplary energy sources may include light energy (including solar), heat (e.g., body heat), energy from movement (e.g., walking , running, general body movement, etc.), wind, battery, conversion of infrared to electrical energy, etc. Any electrical energy that can be generated by power source 384 can be extracted by power extractor 388 and transferred to load 392 to power device 382. Processor 390 can be used to control a desired mode, e.g., obtaining maximum power from the solar cell or thermal couple power source, or attempt to convert battery power when the battery runs low. The device may have a combination of power sources. Thus, in some embodiments, the power extractor 388 can be used to charge, either partially or fully, a cell phone battery without having to plug the device 382 into a traditional electrical outlet.

[00102] As another example, Figure 43 illustrates a vehicle wheel 404 with a regenerative brake generator 408 that supplies energy to the energy extractor 418 to charge a battery 418. The energy extractor 418 can obtain the maximum energy from the generator 408 .

[00103] Figure 44 illustrates transformer clamps 512-1, 512-2, 512-3, and 512-4 that can be used to provide cooling to planar inductive devices, such as planar induction coils or planar transformers, including the cores -I 514-1, 514-2, 514-3, and 514-4 and the E-cores 518-1, 518-2, 518-3, and 518-4 supported by a circuit board (PCB) fabrication printed 520 placed on a chassis 522. The chassis 522 may be attached to the back of the solar cell, solar panel, or other power source. The 512 clamps may be made of aluminum, copper, or some other thermally conductive material. A thermal heat mass or other heat conductor can be used to aid heat conduction. Naturally, the system of Figure 44 is not used in many embodiments.

[00104] Figure 45 is similar to FIGURE 2 except that a processor 484 communicates with energy extractors 42, 44, and 46. Communication can be in one direction only or in both directions. Examples of the data or other information communicated are provided in connection with FIGURE 46. Memory 488 may retain data for future analysis.

[00105] Figure 46 illustrates a system with a power source 550 for supplying power to a power extractor switching converter (PESC) 552, which may be the same power extractor 42. In addition to controlling the PESC functions, a processor (such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor) in the PESC 552 can collect statistical information about all stages of power conversion and communicate real-time telemetry, power statistical data, and power statistical data to a central station and also receive real-time data power control algorithms, administrative information, sensor administration commands and new software images from the central station. The gathered information (including one or more of the following: situation, statistics, energy extractor configuration, GPS (global positioning system) information, and environmental information) is provided by the processor in the PESC 552 to a processor at a central station 564 through wired or wireless communication (560). The processor 484 and memory 488 in Figure 45 are examples of components of the central station 564. A communications subsystem (e.g., Ethernet) allows communication between the processor and the central station 564. The processor in the PESC 552 may include sensors for DC current and voltage on the input line side, current sensors and the output voltage on the power stage, DC signal detection on the output side and DC sensors on the output line side.

[00106] Several additional components can be used in the components illustrated above. For example, a fuse and a blocking diode can be placed in parallel with the load. If the fuse is blown because the diode is swung forward, it can be used to provide information that there was excessive current or voltage. The information may be of immediate use to place the system in protection mode or may be of use for delayed diagnostic information. A fuse may be in series between the extractor and the load.

[00107] In some embodiments, the circuitry such as a thermal couple device can be used to recapture heat from the energy extractor and generate energy from it.

[00108] In some embodiments, energy can be transmitted in separate packets.

[00109] Figure 47 illustrates a system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments. System 600 provides a general use case scenario for energy extractor 630. Energy extractor 630 is an example of an energy extractor, in accordance with any embodiment described herein. There may be only one or more power sources 612-614 coupled to the power extractor 630. Note that different power sources may require different coupling hardware. Input coupling hardware 620 includes interface circuitry that couples input power sources to power extractor 630. In some embodiments, interface circuitry 622 is different from interface circuitry 624. However, they may be the same.

[00110] Power sources 612-614 can be any type of DC power source (referred to as a power source or a power supply). Examples of DC power sources that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention include, without limitation, photovoltaic cells or panels, a battery or batteries, and sources that derive energy through wind, water (e.g., hydroelectric), tidal forces, heat (e.g. thermal couple), hydrogen power generation, gas power generation, radioactive, mechanical deformation, piezoelectric, and movement (e.g. human movement such as walking, running, etc.). Energy sources may include natural energy sources and man-made energy sources, and may be stable (providing constant energy but of varying magnitude) and unstable (providing energy that varies over time. Power coupling hardware input 620 may be considered to include the entire interface (e.g., from the cable/wire/trace to the connector/pin to the circuitry), or simply include the circuitry of the interface. The interface may include any type of separate components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors/transformers, diodes, etc.) as described herein, and in another manner known in the art.

[00111] Additionally, in some embodiments, input coupling hardware 620 includes switches (e.g., energy field effect transistors (FETs)) or other similar mechanisms that allow one or more power sources to be selectively disconnected or decoupled from the energy extractor 630. Coupling and decoupling of energy sources can be performed, for example, via control signals from a management portion of the energy extractor.

[00112] Similar to the input side, the energy extractor 630 includes, or is further coupled to the energy extractor 630 in the system 600, the output coupling hardware 640. Output coupling hardware 640 includes interface elements 642-644 . There may be a one-to-one relationship between interface elements 642-644 and loads 652-654, but said relationship is not strictly necessary. One or more loads can be coupled via the same output coupling hardware. A similar configuration may exist in input coupling hardware 620 - the relationship of elements to sources may be one-to-one, or some other ratio. With a ratio other than one-to-one, there may be restrictions on placing individual sources or loads connected and disconnected. These constraints could result in reduced efficiency (from an otherwise potentially achievable ideal) in impedance matching, even though group matching may not be less efficient. Thus, loads and/or sources can be manipulated in groups, which can be connected or disconnected as a group, and impedance matched as a group.

[00113] Loads 652-654 can also be selectively coupled to the energy extractor 630 via output coupling hardware 640. One or more loads can be coupled or uncoupled via a control signal, according to a management strategy. . Power transfer manager 634 generally represents any type of power transfer management circuit, and may include one or more processing circuitry elements, such as microprocessors, field programmable gate array (FPGA), circuits application-specific integrated devices (ASIC), programmable logic matrices (PLAs), microcontrollers, etc. Power transfer management is performed by a power transfer manager 634, which can be considered to operate in accordance with the power transfer management strategy. Said strategy controls how energy will be transferred, or how the energy transfer manager 634 will operate to manage the energy transfer. The operation to manage power transfer may include adjusting the output lines to an active or inactive state (for example, by pivoting a microprocessor I/O pin), or otherwise sending configuration controls to other circuits.

[00114] The power transfer manager 634 monitors input power for power variations to determine how to control the operation of the power transfer circuitry 632. The power transfer circuitry 632 is described above, and in general allows the energy extractor 630 to convert energy from sources into energy to transmit to loads. Note that the ability to selectively couple and decouple sources and loads, power transfer manager 634 may include logic to adjust power transfer according to a range of power transfer scenarios. Said capability allows variations of the dynamic system configuration, while the energy extractor 630 maintains transmission efficiency. The power transfer manager 634 and power extractor 630 can dynamically and continuously adjust to system settings, as well as continuously monitor input and/or output power curves. The logic will be responsible for the load(s) needs and the source(s) input. In some embodiments, load needs can be determined by monitoring the hardware. A simpler method is to include power profiles of the intended loads, which tell the power transfer manager 634 how to control the output for particular loads. The power transfer manager 634 can identify which loads are present, and therefore which profiles are applicable, based on load detection/monitoring, and/or via indication of a load by an external source (e.g. , the load itself sends a signal such as a push of a load pin on a microprocessor, or a system management entity indicates that loads are present, etc.).

[00115] An inefficiency of traditional systems is the "always on" aspect to switching supplies. That is, the energy transfer technology consumed energy even when the loads did not require energy, and/or even when a source was not available. In other words, some part of the set of energy transfer circuits was always consuming energy. In some embodiments, energy transfer manager 634 may automatically turn on and off the energy extractor 630 based on the presence of energy and/or load. That is, for example, the power transfer manager 634 may automatically enter a sleep state if the input power drops below a threshold (e.g., 1.0mA at 5V). When the power is above the threshold, the power transfer manager 634 can determine whether any loads are or should be connected. In the absence of the source and/or load, the power transfer manager 634 may not provide control signals, which results in no power transfer, or may produce signals to disable the active circuitry. The power transfer manager 634 may be sophisticated and further, or alternatively, include a timer mechanism that allows the system to wake up after a period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) to recheck the condition of the system.

[00116] In some embodiments, power management concepts as embodied by power transfer manager 634 may be considered to include multiple aspects. For example, energy management may include standards and activity control, where each standard may control a different aspect of energy control, or control the same aspect of energy control differently. Activity and control standards can be implemented as hardware, software, or some combination. Activity standards can be broken down into planning standards, which are strategic standards that can observe impedance matching or monitor the power curve. Organizational norms can be tactical norms that determine how to deal with multiple inputs and outputs. The standards may provide and/or implement parameters that provide the particular functionality of the energy extractor 630. The control may implement actions or effect the standards of the activity. For example, in some embodiments, impedance matching may match only a single power source. Selective matching would be performed for the input source that produces the most sense for the match.

[00117] In some embodiments, determining how to transfer power to loads or determining a power transfer strategy includes determining or identifying and selecting power distribution norms. Energy transfer then occurs according to the selected energy distribution standard. Energy distribution standards can be simple or complex, and can generally be classified as follows.

[00118] Hierarchical norms result in a simple precedence of one load over another. As the source energy fluctuates up and down, the energy transferred to the loads can serve to give preferential treatment to one load over another. An example might be favoring the operational circuitry of the mission-critical device while giving lower preference to recharging one of the backup batteries.

[00119] List connection standards establish a schedule for power distribution. For example, power may be distributed to one load for one period of time, then to another, then to another. Thus, all loads would receive some portion of the energy distributed in a given period of time. Allocation-based standards may institute fixed allocations for each load. For example, a system might allocate 80% of the distributed power to charging a main battery, leaving 20% for one or more other loads.

[00120] Time-based standards allow energy distribution to be based on the time of day, or time of week. For example, a system could be programmed with a sunrise/sunset schedule and have logic to determine solar peak hours. Thus, power can be expected to be at peak from a solar panel at particular times of the day. Based on the time of day, the system can distribute energy according to one strategy or another. In another scenario, a system may have historical data that indicates peak load usage. Energy can be distributed at certain times of the day, according to intended use. Note that, as described below, peak input power and peak load can be actively determined and dynamically accounted for. Time-based norms can then act as a skeleton for other norms to be applied. For example, during certain hours of the day, list calling may be used, while a demand-based strategy is employed at other times of the day.

[00121] Functionality-based standards allow the system to allocate energy according to the functionality of the load or the purpose in the system. For example, in a pacemaker, the functional circuitry may take priority over charging the battery. Similarly, navigational equipment may have preferential treatment over cabin lights on an aircraft. Demand-based standards can adjust energy transfer to be commensurate with load demand. Demand-based standards may require the addition of sensing circuitry (not shown) to output coupling hardware 640. In some embodiments, power extractor 630 includes load balancing logic (hardware and/or software). to implement demand-based standards. In some embodiments, command-based standards may also be applied. That is, the central station or other controlling entity may provide a standard for how power should be distributed, which may override any other standards in the system.

[00122] As already suggested, power distribution standards can be applied consistently, or can be adjusted for any number of scenarios (change in demand, time of day, number/resistance of power sources, etc.).

[00123] The power transfer manager 634 may include or have an associated impedance control 635. Impedance control 635 may refer to hardware and software that matches the impedance of the input coupling hardware 620 and/or output coupling hardware 640 to the associated sources or loads, respectively. Techniques for impedance matching are described above, and will not be repeated here.

[00124] In some embodiments, energy extractor 630 includes presentation logic 636. Presentation logic 636 may include hardware and software to generate potentially user interface functionality and condition production for the energy extractor 630 or system 600. In In some embodiments, presentation logic 636 is coupled to power extractor 630, and is not necessarily part of power extractor 630. In said implementations, presentation logic block 636 may represent the coupling components for connecting the power extractor. 630 to presentation logic. Presentation logic 636 may provide operational condition 662 to an entity external to energy extractor 630. Examples include a heartbeat signal, or more detailed information about parameters and operations passed to other hardware. Presentation logic 636 may include display control capabilities that allow system 600 to generate textual and/or graphical representations to present to a user. In some embodiments, presentation logic 636 may include messages that indicate information about how to operate the system. For example, in a system dependent on solar energy sources, presentation logic 636 may indicate that the user should discover a light source to prevent the machine from stopping due to loss of power. The reader skilled in the art will understand that many other similar applications are possible.

[00125] In some embodiments, information is exchanged with an entity that is separate from system 600. Said entity may be a managing entity or central station, or some other entity. Transceiver 638 provides power extractor 630 with the ability to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 638 can transmit telemetry, which indicates an operational condition 662, such as where the system 600 is located, what hardware/software version is present, what memory is available, what the configuration is currently on the system, how much power is left. battery, etc. The 638 transceiver may receive algorithms, configuration parameters, power profiles, updated firmware, or other control information. The 638 transceiver can communicate over wired and wireless links, over networks or to single devices, and potentially provide secure communication.

[00126] Interface 660 is intended to represent a standard interface that can couple the energy extractor 630 with any type of local circuitry, user input mechanisms or other interface not explicitly discussed herein.

[00127] Figure 48 illustrates a wristwatch system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and multiple loads according to some embodiments. Watch 700 represents a wristwatch that has two power sources, solar source 712 and thermal source 714. Solar source 712 may include solar panels on the face or body of the watch. When used, solar cells will provide energy from ambient light. The thermal source 714 may be located on the distal side of the watch. Thus, when used, the thermal source will be close to the wearer's arm and can generate energy from the heat emitted by the wearer. No source is a stable source of energy. There will not always be light present, and the wearer may take off the watch and thus remove the heat source (assuming "room temperature" heat is not a sufficient heat source).

[00128] Energy extractor 720 receives energy from both sources 712 and 714, which can be transferred to multiple loads. In the clock 700, one load is the clock mechanism 730. The other load is the battery 740. The clock mechanism 730 represents the internal mechanisms that allow the clock to keep time, calculate dates, perform stopwatch functions, store data, generate a display, moving hands or any other functionality is available from the watch 700. The battery 740 is a rechargeable battery, and therefore is a charge. The power extractor 720 provides power to the clock mechanism 730 from one or both of the power sources when the power sources are available. At times when neither the power source 712 nor 714 is available, the battery 740 powers the clock mechanism 730.

[00129] In some embodiments, the clock mechanism 730 is a higher priority load than the battery 740. That is, the energy extractor 720 first supplies power to the clock mechanism 730 before charging the battery 740. In certain conditions operational, the power sources 712-714 will provide more power than is needed to operate the clock mechanism 730, and power extractor 720 will charge the battery 740. In a deployment where impedance matching is performed, the power extractor 720 can select impedance matching for just a single load. In some embodiments, the highest priority load available will be impedance matched, and other loads will not be matched.

[00130] In some embodiments, the power extractor 720 matches the impedance to the power sources 712-714. The 720 power extractor can match only a single source. In said deployment, the power extractor 720 may select to match the impedance to the source with the highest power input.

[00131] The battery 740 and the clock mechanism 730 will have associated energy profiles. Along similar lines, both solar source 712 and thermal source 714 will have input power capability. Consider that the solar source 712 provides 0.3W of power in good lighting conditions, and the thermal source 714 provides 0.1W for a total of 0.4W. If the clock mechanism 730 requires only 0.3 W of power, the energy extractor 720 may choose to disconnect the connection to the thermal source 714 when the battery 740 does not require charging (e.g., its energy level is greater than a threshold). At lower light levels, the 712 solar source may drop to 0.25W. Therefore, the energy extractor 720 will connect the thermal source 714 to compensate for the difference. If the combined sources do not meet the needs of the clockwork, the power extractor may choose to have the battery operate the clockwork, and channel all incoming power to charge the battery. The flexibility of the 720 Energy Extractor provides the ability to apply energy to a number of different scenarios.

[00132] Continuing the discussion of the standards above, in some embodiments, the clock 700 includes a dynamic power distribution strategy. For example, you can use a dynamic hierarchy. Said implementation could operate as follows: when neither the source 712 nor the source 714 are available, turn off the battery clock 740; when the thermal source is available, disconnecting the clock mechanism 730 from the thermal source 714; when the solar source 712 and thermal source 714 are both active, disconnect the clock mechanism 730 from the thermal source, and charge the battery 740 with the solar source 712. Other scenarios could be employed.

[00133] Figure 49 illustrates a wireless router system with multiple power sources, an energy extractor, and multiple loads, according to some embodiments. System 800 illustrates wireless router 810 with power extractor 812 coupled to two power sources, wind turbine 832, and solar panel 834. Power extractor 812 selectively transfers power from power sources 832-834 to the array of wireless route circuitry 810, such as routing circuitry 814, and for battery 816. The routing circuitry represents the functional circuitry of the wireless router 810. The functional circuitry converts energy into useful work . Specifically, the wireless router 810 provides inter-network communication functionality for wireless communication devices.

[00134] Consider that the energy extractor 812 includes an energy profile for the routing circuitry 814. An energy profile as described herein may be a dynamic profile. In other words, the energy profile may depend on certain conditions. For example, the wireless router 810 may be accessed more frequently during peak daytime hours, or in the evenings, for example. During the middle of the night or the middle of the day, there may be much less demand for routing services. In this way, the profile can specify the use of activity norms that vary with the time of day and/or device activity. In a deployment where load priorities are established, priorities can be switched under certain circumstances.

[00135] For example, if the wireless router 810 experiences less traffic during hours of high sunlight when more efficient use of the solar panel 834 could occur, the priority may be to use the solar panel 834 to charge the battery 816. In some embodiments, battery 816 includes multiple battery technologies. An energy profile for battery 816 may include standards that indicate how the energy extractor should transfer energy to battery components, which may be considered separate loads. For example, peak sun hours might be best for charging a lead-acid battery (e.g., a main battery), and off-peak hours would be best for charging a Ni-Cad battery (e.g., a battery). reservation).

[00136] System 800 illustrates the use of multiple sources and multiple loads. At least one of the loads may be complex, or consist of multiple loads. The concept of complex energy profiles is also illustrated. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wireless router 810 includes telemetry 818, which represents data about the operational condition of the wireless router 810. The communication controller 820 may be employed to communicate the telemetry 818 to a remote or separate entity. The communication controller 820 may also receive data from the separate entity. Communication controller 820 may operate via wireless transceiver 822 and/or wired connection 824. Wired and wireless communication technologies are common, and understood by those skilled in the art. Any suitable technology and means of communication can be employed.

[00137] Figure 50 illustrates a system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and a load according to some embodiments. The 910 pacemaker illustrates a system with multiple energy sources and a single load. Any combination of numbers of sources and loads can be used, depending on what makes sense for a given application.

[00138] The pacemaker 910 includes an energy extractor 912, coupled to two energy sources, the battery 922 and the thermal coupling 924. Activity norms may indicate the use of the thermal coupling 924 as much as possible, or use it constantly to drain the charge 922 battery constantly, or some other scenario. The energy extractor 912 transfers energy from one or more sources to the operating circuitry 914, which performs the functionality of the pacemaker 910.

[00139] The pacemaker 910 includes operational parameters 916, which represent data indicative of the state of the pacemaker, which may include critical information about how the machine is operating, and whether it is efficient, whether it needs repair, etc. The operating parameters 916 may also include information (e.g., configuration standards) related to the operation of the energy extractor 912. Therefore, the energy extractor 912 may obtain data from the operating parameters 916 for execution. In some embodiments, this information is transmitted or received via a passive wireless communications system (e.g., radio frequency identifier (RFID) technology).

[00140] The pacemaker 910 includes an integrated RFID communication circuit (comm IC) 930. The IC 930 controls the antenna 932, including generating messages to be sent via an antenna 932, and receiving and processing signals received via antenna 932. Typical operation of a circuit such as that shown with the RFID communication IC 930 and antenna 932 would be as follows. An electromagnetic (EM) wave is generated close to the 910 pacemaker (e.g., millimeters or centimeters). The EM wave collides with the 932 antenna, which then generates a charge and creates energy potential. The IC 930 stores the energy potential (e.g. in a capacitor) and benefits from the potential to power the IC. The IC then generates a message from operating parameters 916 and transmits the message. In the case of receipt, the receiving IC 930 processes the message and stores one or more items in operational parameters 916 for use by the energy extractor 912.

[00141] Figure 51 illustrates a system with multiple energy sources, an energy extractor, and multiple AC loads according to some embodiments. System 1000 represents a power transfer system provided with an inverter. As understood in the art, an inverter is an electronic device or system that produces alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC). In general, the DC to AC conversion is performed as a conversion from square wave DC current to sinusoidal AC current. The inverter is generally the critical component in traditional photovoltaic (PV) power systems and other renewable energy systems, as it is responsible for the flow of electricity between these power systems and various electrical loads. The inverter performs conversion of the variable CODE DISK source into a clean 50-60 Hz sinusoidal alternating current (AC). The inverters also perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) ostensibly to keep power generation as efficient as possible. possible. An inverter as described herein may also have a communication interface to a central station for transmitting statistics and alerts.

[00142] As illustrated, the energy extractor 1022 may be a component of the inverter 1020. That is, the inverter system may include an energy extractor as an energy transfer element. System 1000 includes one or more DC sources 1012-1014, which can be dynamically coupled and uncoupled to power extractor 1022 to provide DC current. The operation of the energy extractor 1022 may be identical to the embodiments already described here. The difference in the system 1000 in relation to the one previously described is that the consumer of the production of the energy extractor 1022 is a set of inversion circuits 1024. One or multiple AC loads 1042-1044 can be selectively, dynamically coupled and uncoupled from the inverter. 1020 to receive power from the inverting circuitry 1024.

[00143] The inversion circuitry 1024 generally converts the output energy transferred efficiently from the energy extractor 1022 and converts and filters the energy efficiently. The result is an inverter with much higher efficiency than systems implemented with traditional technologies. The above discussions regarding power distribution strategy, power distribution to one or more loads, etc., apply equally to system 1000 as well as to the above-mentioned embodiments. The difference is that the loads consume AC power instead of DC power. Similar issues of monitoring output power will be applied in the inversion circuitry 1024 as performed in the power extractor 1022. The mechanisms for monitoring power output may be different in the inversion circuitry 1024 than those in the power extractor 1022 .

[00144] Inversion circuitry 1024 is an algorithmically operated nonlinear current mode power converter. The inverter 1020, via the inversion circuitry 1024, uses a geometric structure or topology to perform its current switching from the output provided by the power extractor 1022. The current switching topology technology converts DC power into AC power under the processor microcontrol. The microprocessor may be a separate microprocessor from that which may be employed in the power extractor 1022. The load requirements of the AC loads 1042-1044 for voltage, frequency, and/or phase may be detected under software control and thereby deployed for a desired voltage, frequency, and/or phase. Alternatively, or additionally (e.g., as a cancellation), the load requirements for voltage, frequency, and/or phase can be controlled by configuration.

[00145] Load monitor 1026 represents one or more components, whether hardware, software, or a combination (e.g., hardware with firmware control facility), that monitors the output of the inversion circuitry 1024 for voltage (V). , frequency (FREQ), and/or phase. Based on what is detected and/or based on standards or external input, the load monitor 1026 may provide configuration for the inverting circuitry 1024. Note that even when the load monitor 1026 is implemented in hardware, its input to the inversion circuitry1024 may be considered "software control" if input to a microprocessor of the inversion circuitry1024. The load monitor 1026 may also include a communications connection (not shown) to, for example, a central station that sends configuration parameters that are transmitted to the inversion circuitry 1024.

[00146] In addition to, or as an alternative to, load monitor 1026, inverter 1020 may include more "manual" configuration mechanisms. Such configuration mechanisms may include switches (for example, "DIP" configuration (double in-line package) switches. Other switches or comparable mechanisms could also be used. DIP switches typically have a row of slides or rockers (or even screw-type rotary mechanisms) that can be adjusted to one position or another. Each switch position can set a different item, or the composite of all switch positions are provided as a binary "number" input to a microprocessor. frequency selection 1032 represents a setting mechanism for adjusting the output frequency of the inverter 1020. The voltage selection 1034 can be used to select the output voltage of the inverter 1020. The phase selection 1036 can be used to select the phase of input of inverter 1020. Use of frequency selection 1032, voltage selection 1034, and phase selection 1036 may allow inverter 1020 to operate correctly, even in cases where information about voltage, frequency, or phase is incorrectly supplied from a grid on which the 1020 inverter operates.

[00147] In one embodiment, as described here is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor for transferring energy between the first and second nodes, wherein, when the energy extractor operates in the first mode, the energy extractor is operated so that the magnitude of the energy transferred is at least partially dependent on a change of continuously detected energy, and in which the voltage and current at the first and second nodes are not regulated. The detected energy variation may include an instantaneous energy difference. The magnitude of the energy transferred can also be dependent on the voltage variation simultaneously with the continuously detected energy variation.

[00148] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an energy source coupled to the first node and in which the energy extractor transfers energy in a magnitude that causes the energy source to approach the maximum available energy supply, given the conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor, and the magnitude of energy transferred is partially dependent on the maximum energy available. In one embodiment, the energy extractor must transfer the maximum energy provided by the energy source, given the inefficiencies of the energy extractor. In one embodiment, the energy extractor may not typically and effectively obtain an absolute maximum energy from the energy source, given conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor, and may not obtain the absolute maximum transfer of the energy provided by the energy source. energy due to the inefficiencies of the energy extractor.

[00149] In one embodiment, the energy variation is a variation in energy among one of the following: in the first node, in the second node, or internal to the energy extractor. At times the energy extractor may operate in a second mode, which is a protective mode in which energy transfer is regulated in response to at least one of the limiting conditions.

[00150] In one embodiment, under certain conditions, regulation involves preventing the transfer of all energy and under other conditions, regulation involves reducing energy transfer below an otherwise available amount. In one embodiment, at least one detected limiting condition includes one or more of the following: excessive voltage, energy, or current at the first node, energy extractor, or second node; very low voltage, energy, or current at the first node, energy extractor, or second node; and a device limiting condition. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a load coupled to the second node, wherein a detected excessive temperature is an example of a limiting condition of the device.

[00151] In one embodiment, when the energy extractor operates in the first mode, the magnitude of energy transferred is partially dependent on a value of an oscillation signal. In one embodiment, the power extractor adaptively matches the impedances between the power source and the combination of the power extractor and the load.

[00152] In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes a first energy transfer circuit connected to the first node to continuously transfer energy, a second energy transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer energy, and a power transfer circuit energy intermediate connected between the first and second energy transfer circuits to discontinuously transfer energy between the first and second energy transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the first and second power transfer circuits may be multiphase bisector power transfer circuits to promote multiphase bisector power transfer and to promote interfacing with the intermediate discontinuous power transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the power extractor includes circuitry for modulating voltages at a third node between the first power transfer circuit and the intermediate, and at a node between the second power transfer circuit and the intermediate. In one embodiment, the operating frequency of the circuitry may be dynamically adjusted to maximize the efficiency of power transfer between the first and second nodes. In one embodiment, the first and second power transfer circuits individually include an inductor, and the intermediate power transfer circuit may include capacitors. In one embodiment, the first, second, and intermediate power transfer circuit individually include at least one capacitor.

[00153] In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes a set of circuits with a duty cycle that is at least partially dependent on the detected energy variation and the magnitude of the energy transferred is at least partially dependent on the duty cycle.

[00154] In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes: a set of energy transfer circuits for transferring energy between the first and second nodes; set of analysis circuits to promote a switching control signal; and assembly of circuitry for controlling the magnitude of energy transferred in response to the switching control signal. In one embodiment, the analysis circuitry includes a set of power variation detection circuits for continuously determining the power variation and providing a signal indicative of the power variation indicative of the power variation, and the switching control signal is the same as the sign indicating the energy variation.

[00155] In one embodiment, the set of analysis circuits further includes: set of energy variation detection circuits for determining the energy variation and providing a signal indicative of the energy variation indicative of the energy variation; set of processing circuits for creating an oscillation signal in at least one mode of operation; set of scaling circuits for scaling the oscillation signal; and combination circuitry for combining the scaled oscillation signal with the signal indicating the power variation to generate a switching control signal in at least one mode of operation.

[00156] In one embodiment, the energy extractor is a switching converter. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the first node, wherein the power source includes at least one of the following types of power sources: photovoltaic, wind power, a hydrogen power generator, a battery, piezoelectric, hydroelectric, thermal couple, mechanical deformation, and other stable and unstable energy sources

[00157] In one embodiment, as described here is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and a power extractor for transferring energy between the first and second nodes, wherein the energy extractor serves to transfer energy between the first and second nodes, but does not regulate the input voltage or input current at the first node and does not regulate the output voltage or output current at the second node, wherein the energy extractor includes a set of protection circuits to regulate the transfer of energy between the first and second node in response to an indication of the limiting condition.

[00158] In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes a set of energy variation detection circuits for energy variations and a magnitude of the transferred energy may be at least partially dependent on the detected energy variations. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the energy transferred may also be dependent on voltage variations simultaneously with continuously detected energy variations. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the first node, where the power extractor is to transfer power in a magnitude that causes the power source to approximate providing a maximum available power, given the conditions. beyond the control of the energy extractor, and the magnitude of energy transferred is partially dependent on the maximum energy available. In one embodiment, the energy extractor operates to transfer a maximum of the energy supplied by the energy source, given inefficiencies of the energy extractor, where the extractor typically does not obtain a maximum energy from the energy source, given conditions beyond control. of the energy extractor, and typically does not obtain the maximum absolute energy transfer provided by the energy source, given the inefficiencies of the energy extractor. In one embodiment, the energy extractor operates in different modes, where in a first mode the energy extractor is intended to transfer the maximum available energy, but does not regulate the input voltage or input current at the first node and does not regulate the output voltage or output current at the second node, and in a second mode which is a protection mode in which power transfer is regulated in response to at least one detected limiting condition and one or more of the input voltage, Input current, output voltage, or output current can be regulated.

[00159] In one embodiment, as described here is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and a switching converter for transferring power between the first and second nodes, wherein the switching converter is sensitive to variations in power as it is transferred between the first and second nodes, and the switching converter continually operates to seek a maximum energy by detecting energy gaps and varying the energy transferred so that the energy gap approaches zero.

[00160] In one embodiment, the magnitude of the energy transferred is at least partially dependent on the detected energy differences and voltage variations simultaneously with the detected energy differences. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source coupled to the first node, where the switching converter is a power extractor to transfer power in a magnitude that brings the power source closer to providing a maximum power. available given conditions beyond the control of the switching converter, and the magnitude of energy transferred is partially dependent on the maximum energy available. In one embodiment, the switching converter operates in different modes, and where in a first mode, the switching converter is intended to approximate maximum available power transfer, but does not regulate the input voltage or input current. at the first node and does not regulate the output voltage or output current at the second node, and in a second mode, which is a protection mode in which power transfer is regulated in response to at least one detected limiting condition and one or more Most of the input voltage, input current, output voltage, or output current can be regulated.

[00161] In one embodiment, as described here is a system comprising: a power source coupled to a first node; a load coupled to a second node; an energy extractor for transferring energy between the first and second nodes, wherein, when the energy extractor operates in a first mode, the energy extractor is operated such that the magnitude of the energy transferred is at least partially dependent on variations in energy continuously detected, and in which the voltage and current at the first and second nodes are unregulated.

[00162] In one embodiment, the energy extractor may include a processor to detect variations and to perform statistical analysis of the gathered data. In one embodiment, the power source includes subpower sources and the load includes subloads. In one embodiment, the system further includes additional energy sources and energy extractors, and may further include a central station for receiving information from the energy extractors.

[00163] In one embodiment, as described here is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor that includes: set of circuits; the control loop to control the switching of the circuit set; and set of energy transfer circuits for transferring energy between the first and second nodes under control of the set of circuits, and wherein, when the energy extractor operates in a first mode, the control loop controls the set of circuits to make cause the energy transfer circuitry to transfer energy of a magnitude to bring the energy source closer to providing a maximum available energy, given conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor.

[00164] In one embodiment, the control loop includes the set of power variation analysis circuits to detect power variations and provide switching control signals in response thereto, and in the first mode, the control loop controls the set of circuits in response to the switching control signal. In one embodiment, the control loop further includes comparative circuitry for comparing the switching control signal to the reference voltage and for providing a switching signal for controlling a switching duty cycle in response thereto. In one embodiment, the power variance analysis circuitry includes the power gap detection circuitry for detecting a power gap from the power variances. In one embodiment, the power gap detection circuitry further detects an instantaneous power gap. In one embodiment, the control loop includes circuitry for detecting voltage variations corresponding to power variations, and the control loop considers both power variations and voltage variations in determining the switching control signal. In one embodiment, the energy variations may be one of the following energy variations: the first node, the second node, or internal to the energy extractor.

[00165] In one embodiment, the control loop controls the frequency of the circuitry and the frequency influences the efficiency of the power transfer circuitry. In one embodiment, the power extractor is a switching converter and the control loop controls a duty cycle of the circuitry. In one embodiment, the power source is part of the apparatus, and in another, the power source is outside the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first connector and a first node between the first node and the energy extractor, and a second connector and an additional second node between the second node and the load coupled to the second node. In the embodiment, the energy extractor is intended to transfer a maximum of the energy provided by the energy source, given the inefficiencies of the energy extractor.

[00166] In one embodiment, the energy extractor sometimes operates in a second mode, which is a protective mode in which energy transfer is regulated in response to at least one detected limiting condition. In one embodiment, under certain conditions, regulation involves preventing the transfer of all energy and under other conditions, regulation involves reducing the transfer of energy below another available amount. In one embodiment, the control loop may include a processor that generates an oscillation signal, and when the energy extractor operates in the second mode, the magnitude of the energy transferred is at least partially dependent on a value of the oscillation signal. In one embodiment, the control loop includes a processor that generates an oscillation signal, and when the energy extractor operates in the first mode, the magnitude of the energy transferred is partially dependent on a value of the oscillation signal.

[00167] In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry includes a first power transfer circuit connected to the first node to continuously transfer power, a second power transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer power, and a intermediate energy transfer circuit connected between the first and second energy transfer circuits to transfer energy discontinuously between the first and second energy transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the circuitry is intended to modulate voltages at a third node between the first and intermediate power transfer circuit, and at a fourth node between the intermediate and second power transfer circuit.

[00168] In one embodiment, during the first mode of operation, the magnitude of the energy transfer is typically such that the energy source provides close to the maximum energy available. In one embodiment, the circuitry, the control loop, and the power transfer circuitry are supported by a printed circuit board that is confined in a housing.

[00169] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor that includes: set of circuits; the control loop to control the switching of the circuit set; and set of energy transfer circuits for transferring energy between the first and second nodes under control of the set of circuits, and wherein, when the energy extractor operates in a first mode, the control loop controls the set of circuits to seek cause the power transfer circuitry to transfer power in a magnitude that causes the power source to deliver the maximum power available, given conditions beyond the control of the power extractor.

[00170] In one embodiment, the control loop includes a set of power variation analysis circuits to detect power variations and provides a switching control signal in response thereto, and wherein in the first mode, the control loop control controls the circuitry in response to the switching control signal. In one embodiment, the control loop further includes a comparative circuitry for comparing the switching control signal with the reference voltage and for providing a switching signal for controlling a switching duty cycle in response thereto. In one embodiment, the power variance analysis circuitry includes the power gap detection circuitry for detecting a power gap from the power variances. In one embodiment, the power gap detection circuitry is intended to detect an instantaneous power gap. In one embodiment, the control loop includes circuitry for detecting voltage variations corresponding to power variations, and the control loop considers both power variations and voltage variations in determining the switching control signal. .

[00171] In one embodiment, as described here, it is a system comprising: a first node and a second node; the set of power transfer circuits for transferring power between the first and second nodes; set of circuits for controlling the transfer of energy between the first and second nodes, and the control loop that includes the set of circuits for detecting power variations and for controlling a duty cycle of the set of circuits in response to variations in power. detected energy, in order to control the set of energy transfer circuits.

[00172] In one embodiment, the set of circuits for detecting energy variations is at a distance of more than one meter from the set of energy transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the set of energy variation detection circuits and the set of energy transfer circuits are in a common container. In one embodiment, energy variations are determined by measuring signals in at least one of the following positions: at the first node, in the energy transfer circuit set, or at the second node. In one embodiment, the control loop includes a signal generator for generating a signal used in duty cycle control. In one embodiment, the system further includes a power source coupled to the first node. In one embodiment, the system further includes the load coupled to the second node. In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry includes a first power transfer circuit connected to the first node to continuously transfer power, a second power transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer power, and a power transfer circuit power transfer intermediate connected between the first and second power transfer circuits to discontinuously transfer power between the first and second power transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the circuitry is intended to modulate voltages at a third node between the first and intermediate power transfer circuit, and at a fourth node between the second and intermediate power transfer circuit.

[00173] In one embodiment, as described herein, it is a method comprising: transferring energy at a first node through a set of energy transfer circuits to a second node; detect energy variations; in a first mode of operation, generating a switching control signal in response to detected power variations; generating a switching signal to control switches in response to the switching control signal; and modulate the set of energy transfer circuits through opening and closing of switches.

[00174] In one embodiment, the switching signal is generated by comparing the switching control signal with a reference signal. In one embodiment, the method further includes generating an oscillation signal that is used in creating the switching control signal. In one embodiment, the oscillation signal is used in creating the switching control signal in the first mode and in a protection mode. In one embodiment, the modulating power transfer circuitry receives power from a power supply coupled to the first node and approaches the maximum amount available given conditions beyond the control of the power transfer circuitry.

[00175] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; a photovoltaic energy source; and a power extractor for transferring power from a photovoltaic power source between the first and second nodes, wherein the power extractor, the first node, the power source, and the second node are individually part of a single circuit integrated.

[00176] In one embodiment, the energy extractor seeks to match an input impedance of the energy extractor with an output impedance of the energy source. In one embodiment, the energy extractor is operated to seek to transfer a magnitude of energy from an energy source such that the energy source provides the maximum energy available given conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a third node and a fourth node; a second photovoltaic energy source; and a second energy extractor for transferring energy from the second photovoltaic power source between the third and fourth nodes, wherein the energy extractor, the third node, the energy source, and the fourth node are individually part of a single integrated circuit , in which the second and fourth nodes are joined to each other.

[00177] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node; and a first energy extractor for transferring first energy between the first and second nodes, including providing a first current to the second node, and wherein the first energy extractor includes a first set of energy variation analysis circuitry for detecting the first energy changes, and wherein the first energy extractor transfers the first energy in magnitudes that are at least partially dependent on the first energy changes; and a second energy extractor for transferring the second energy between the third and fourth nodes, including providing a second current to the fourth node, and wherein the second energy extractor includes the second set of energy variation analysis circuitry for detecting the second energy variations, and wherein the second energy extractor transfers the second energy in magnitudes that are at least partially dependent on the detected second energy variations.

[00178] In one embodiment, a first load is coupled to the second node and the second node is coupled to the fourth node. In one embodiment, the second and fourth nodes are connected to each other, and the load is coupled to the first and fourth nodes. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first power source coupled to the first node and a second power source coupled to the third node. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a frame for supporting the first and second energy sources and the first and second energy extractors. In one embodiment, the first energy source is adjacent to the first energy extractor and the second energy source is adjacent to the second energy extractor. In one embodiment, the first energy extractor is operated such that in at least one mode the first energy extractor seeks to match impedance to the first energy source, the second energy extractor is operated such that in at least one mode the second energy extractor seeks to match the impedance with the second energy source.

[00179] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a central station for obtaining information from the first and second energy extractors. In one embodiment, the central station is further intended to provide information to the first and second energy extractors.

[00180] In one embodiment, as described herein, it is a system comprising: a first energy source and a second energy source; a first node, a second node, and a third node; a first energy extractor coupled to the first energy source through the first node to transfer energy from the first energy source through the first node to the second node; and a second energy extractor coupled to the second energy source through the third node to transfer energy from the second energy source through the third node to the second node, wherein a first current from the first energy extractor is combined with a second current coming from the second energy extractor at the third node.

[00181] In one embodiment, the system further includes a load at the second node to receive the combined first and second currents. In one embodiment, the system further includes a frame to which the first and second power sources are rigidly coupled. In one embodiment, the system further includes a frame to which the first and second energy sources and the first and second energy extractors are rigidly coupled.

[00182] In one embodiment, the first energy extractor is positioned adjacent to a first energy source, and the second energy extractor is positioned adjacent to the second energy source. In one embodiment, an amount of energy supplied by the first energy extractor depends at least in part on the characteristics of the first energy source, and an amount of energy supplied by the second energy extractor depends at least in part on the characteristics of the second energy source. . In one embodiment, the first and second energy extractors selectively transfer energy from the first and second energy sources, and sometimes the first and second energy extractors do not transfer energy from the first and second energy sources. In one embodiment, the system further includes additional power extractors to supply current to the second node from the additional power sources. In one embodiment, the energy source includes at least one of the following energy sources: photovoltaic, wind energy, hydrogen power generator, a battery, piezoelectric, hydroelectric, thermal couple and other stable variable energy sources and other energy sources unstable.

[00183] In one embodiment, the system further includes a central station to obtain information from the first and second energy extractors. In one embodiment, the central station is also intended to provide information to the first and second energy extractors.

[00184] In one embodiment, as described here, it is a system comprising: a node; a group of energy sources arranged in a frame and a group of energy extractors so that each one provides electrical energy from only one of the energy sources to the node.

[00185] In one embodiment, the energy extractors are individually positioned adjacent to one of the energy sources. In one embodiment, the energy sources are photovoltaic energy sources. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic power sources are panels that individually include multiple photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic power sources are individually a single photovoltaic cell.

[00186] In one embodiment, the system further includes additional power sources disposed in the frame, and additional power extractors electrically coupled between one of the additional power sources, respectively, and the node, wherein each of the additional energy extractors is positioned adjacent to one of the additional power sources. In one embodiment, the energy extractors and corresponding sources of energy sources are separated by a portion of the frame. In one embodiment, the energy extractors and corresponding energy sources are joined together. In one embodiment, the energy extractors and corresponding energy sources are joined together using an adhesive material.

[00187] In one embodiment, the system further includes a central station to obtain information from the first and second energy extractors. In one embodiment, the central station is also intended to provide information to the first and second energy extractors.

[00188] In one embodiment, as described herein, it is a system that includes: first, second, and third nodes; a power source for supplying power to the first node; a first energy extractor for transferring energy from the first node to the second node; and a second power extractor to transfer power from the second node to the third node and increase the power voltage at the second node.

[00189] In one embodiment, the energy source is a photovoltaic cell. In one embodiment, the system further includes a transmission line between the second and third nodes. In one embodiment, the system further includes: fourth and fifth nodes; a second power source to supply power to the fourth node; a third energy extractor to transfer energy from the fourth node to the fifth node; and a fourth power extractor to transfer power from the fifth node to the third node and increase the power voltage at the fifth node. In one embodiment, the first and second energy extractors provide impedance matching. In one embodiment, the system further includes the central station to obtain information from the first and second energy extractors.

[00190] In one embodiment, as described herein, it is a system comprising: a power supply that provides an unregulated source voltage and a source current; a load; a power extractor for transferring energy between the power supply and the load, wherein the power extractor transfers energy with a magnitude at least partially dependent on the continuously sensed power variation, and wherein the output voltage and output current of the energy extractor are deregulated.

[00191] In one embodiment, the power supply includes at least one of a stable power supply or an unstable power supply. In one embodiment, the power source includes one or more of a solar energy source, a tidal energy source, a piezoelectric energy source, a wind energy source, a mechanical energy source, a thermally coupled heat source, and a thermally coupled heat source. , a fuel cell, a battery, or a kinetic energy coupling.

[00192] In one embodiment, the power supply is a first power supply, and the system further includes a second power supply that provides a source voltage and source current. In one embodiment, the second power supply is a different type of power supply than the first power supply. In one embodiment, the system further includes logic to dynamically select zero or more power transfer from the first and second power supplies. In one embodiment, the logic dynamically selects to transfer power from the first and/or second power supply based at least in part on the energy profile of the load. In one embodiment, the logic dynamically adjusts a magnitude of energy transferred from the first and/or second power supply based at least in part on an energy profile of the load.

[00193] In one embodiment, the load comprises one or more of an energy storage component or element that converts energy into useful work. In one embodiment, the load comprises one or more batteries. In one embodiment, the battery is one of a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hybrid battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery. In one embodiment, the load comprises one of a capacitor, a supercapacitor, or a fuel cell. In one embodiment, the power extractor further dynamically matches the impedance of the power supply. In one embodiment, the power extractor further dynamically matches the load impedance. In one embodiment, the system further includes a power supply detection circuit to identify possible power sources coupled to the power extractor.

[00194] In one embodiment, the system further includes a set of processing circuits coupled to the energy extractor to manage the transfer of energy from the power source to the load. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry comprises one of a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In one embodiment, the system further includes a set of display circuits that displays the operational condition of the energy extractor. In one embodiment, the presentation circuitry further provides operating suggestions for the system based on the operating condition of the energy extractor. In one embodiment, the system further includes a transceiver for communicating with the central station, wherein the communication includes transmitting telemetry and receiving configuration management information.

[00195] In one embodiment, the system further includes an inverter to receive the direct current provided by the energy extractor and generate a sinusoidal alternating current from the direct current. In one embodiment, the inverter senses a load output frequency requirement, and generates alternating current with a frequency in Hertz based on the load output frequency requirement. In one embodiment, the inverter generates alternating current with frequency in Hertz based on one or more of a software control parameter or switch setting. In one embodiment, the inverter supplies sinusoidal alternating current at a voltage. In one embodiment, the inverter senses an output voltage requirement of the load, and generates alternating current with an output voltage based on the output voltage requirement of the load. In one embodiment, the inverter generates alternating current at voltage based on one or more of a software control parameter or switch setting. In one embodiment, the inverter supplies sinusoidal alternating current at a voltage and in one or more phases. In one embodiment, the inverter senses a phase requirement of the load, and generates alternating current at voltage with phase based on the phase requirement of the load. In one embodiment, the inverter generates the alternating current in the phase based on one or more of a software control parameter or a switch configuration.

[00196] In one embodiment, as described herein, it is an apparatus comprising: input coupling hardware having hardware for selectively coupling to one or more unregulated power supplies, each of which provides input power at a current of the source at a source voltage; output coupling hardware having interface hardware for selectively coupling to one or more loads to provide an unregulated output power to the loads as an output current at an output voltage; or as an output voltage into an output current; or in combination; and assembly of power transfer circuits to receive the input power, continuously detect the power variation, and provide the output power with a magnitude at least partially dependent on the continuously detected power change.

[00197] In one embodiment, the input coupling hardware has interface hardware for selectively coupling the power supply that provides at least one of a different source current or a different source voltage. In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry provides output power with at least one of a different output current or a different output voltage for different loads. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power transfer manager that has load profiles, wherein the load profiles indicate an output voltage and an output current for each load, where the set of power transfer circuits provides the output power according to the load profile of the load. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a transceiver for communicating with a remote management entity, which includes sending condition information and receiving configuration information. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an impedance controller for dynamically controlling the impedance of the input coupling hardware and the output coupling hardware to match the impedance of a power supply or a load, respectively.

[00198] In one embodiment, as described herein, it is a method in an energy transfer system, which comprises: receiving from the energy source a source current deregulated at a source voltage; identify one or more loads; determine a power transfer management strategy to transfer power from the power source to one or more loads; and transferring energy in accordance with the determined strategy, which includes transferring an unregulated output energy with the magnitude at least partially dependent on the continuously detected energy variation.

[00199] In one embodiment, receiving the source current deregulated at a source voltage further includes: detecting one or more energy sources; and selectively coupling and decoupling power sources to manage input power to the power transfer circuitry; wherein the power management logic dynamically adjusts a magnitude of power transferred from one or more power sources based at least in part on an energy profile of the loads.

[00200] In one embodiment, determining the power transfer management strategy further includes determining the power consumption of the load. In one embodiment, determining the energy consumption of the load further includes obtaining an energy profile of the load. In one embodiment, determining the power transfer management strategy further includes determining the power distribution standard; wherein transferring the energy preferably comprises supplying energy to the loads based on the determined energy distribution standard. In one embodiment, transferring energy further includes: detecting one or more charges; and selectively couple and decouple loads to manage output power to the loads; and wherein the power management logic dynamically adjusts a magnitude of energy transferred to the one or more loads based at least in part on an energy profile of the loads. In one embodiment, the method further includes communicating to a remote management entity information related to an operational power transfer condition of the system. In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving from the remote management entity information related to the application of the energy transfer management strategy.

[00201] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor for transferring energy between the first and second nodes, wherein the energy extractor includes the set of sensing circuitry for detecting energy variations, and wherein in a first mode of operation, the energy extractor shall be operated such that an input impedance of the power extractor is dynamically varied in response to detected power variations to approximate the matching of the first impedance outside the power extractor, including a power source impedance coupled to the first node .

[00202] In one embodiment, the input impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor and the load coupled to the second node as observed from the first node. In one embodiment, in the first mode of operation, the power extractor is to be operated such that an output impedance of the power extractor is dynamically varied in response to detected power variations, such that, under certain load conditions, the The output impedance of the power extractor approximates the matching of the second impedance outside the power extractor, including a load impedance coupled to the second node. In one embodiment, the output impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor and the power source as viewed from the second node. In one embodiment, the energy extractor and the load are individually outside the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first connector between the power source and the energy extractor, and a second connector between the energy extractor and the load, and wherein the first impedance includes an impedance of the first connector and the second impedance includes an impedance of the second connector. In one embodiment, the impedances of the first and second connectors are negligible.

[00203] In one embodiment, in practice, the input impedance typically does not precisely match the power source impedance, and the output impedance typically does not precisely match the load impedance, however, dynamic variations lead to matching close to the impedances. In one embodiment, when power variations are zero and power is at a global power maximum, the first and input impedances are essentially matched, resulting in a power source that provides the maximum available power given conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor. In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes a set of circuits to prevent energy from remaining at a local energy maximum where one of the energy variations is zero. In one embodiment, the power extractors sometimes operate in a second mode of operation, which is a protection mode in which the impedances are not matched. In one embodiment, the impedances are matched disregarding the voltage or current of the power source at the first node and disregarding the voltage or current of a load coupled to the second node, within the limit of certain parameters.

[00204] In one embodiment, the detected energy variations include a continuously detected instantaneous energy difference. In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes a first energy transfer circuit connected to the first node to continuously transfer energy, a second energy transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer energy, and an intermediate energy transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer energy. between the first and second energy transfer circuits to discontinuously transfer energy between the first and second energy transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the first power transfer circuit matches the input impedance of the power extractor with the first impedance. In one embodiment, the second power transfer circuit matches an output impedance of the power extractor with the second impedance that includes a load coupled to the second node. In one embodiment, the power extractor includes a set of circuitry to modulate voltages at a third node between the first power transfer circuit and the intermediate, and at a fourth node between the second power transfer circuit and the intermediate. In one embodiment, the energy extractor includes circuitry with a duty cycle that is at least partially dependent on detected energy variations and the magnitude of energy transferred is at least partially dependent on the duty cycle. In one embodiment, the frequency of the switching circuits also controls the power transfer efficiency and thereby affects the amount of power transferred to the second node.

[00205] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: an input port and an output port; set of power transfer circuits to transfer power between input and output ports; and the set of power variation detection circuits for continuously detecting the power variations, and wherein the apparatus is operated to seek to match the input impedance of the set of power transfer circuits with a first impedance outside of the power transfer circuitry, wherein the first impedance includes a power source impedance.

[00206] In one embodiment, the input impedance of the power transfer circuitry equals the combined impedance of the power transfer circuitry and the load coupled to the output port as observed from the input port. In one embodiment, the energy source and the energy load are outside the apparatus. In one embodiment, the power source and the power load are part of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the power source is part of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a first connector between the power source and the power transfer circuitry, and wherein the first impedance includes an impedance of the first connector.

[00207] In one embodiment, in practice, the input impedance typically does not precisely match the first impedance. In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry is operated to transfer power in a magnitude to cause the power source to approximate the maximum available power supply, given conditions beyond the control of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the load is coupled to the second port and the apparatus is operated such that under certain load conditions, the power transfer circuitry has an output impedance that seeks to match the second impedance outside the power transfer circuitry. power transfer, where the second impedance includes a load impedance. In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry includes a first power transfer circuit connected to the input node to continuously transfer power, a second power transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer power, and a power transfer circuit. energy transfer intermediate connected between the first and second energy transfer circuit to transfer energy discontinuously between the first and second energy transfer circuit.

[00208] In one embodiment, as described here is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor for transferring energy between the first and second nodes, wherein the energy extractor includes the set of sensing circuitry for detecting energy variations, and wherein in a first mode of operation, the energy extractor must be operated so that the input and output impedances of the power extractor between the first and second nodes are dynamically varied in response to detected power variations to seek to match the input impedance of the power extractor with the first impedance, including an impedance of the power source coupled to the first node.

[00209] In one embodiment, the power extractor is intended to approximate the output impedance match of the power extractor with the second impedance, including an impedance of a load coupled to the second node. In one embodiment, the input impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor and the load as observed from the first node, and the output impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor. and the power supply as observed from the second node.

[00210] In one embodiment, as described here, it is a system comprising: the energy source coupled to a first node, and the load coupled to the second node; and an energy extractor for transferring energy between the first and second nodes, wherein the energy extractor includes a set of sensing circuits for detecting energy variations, and wherein in a first mode of operation, the energy extractor must be operated so that an input impedance of the power extractor is dynamically varied in response to detected power variations to approximate matching the first impedance, including a power source impedance.

[00211] In one embodiment, under certain load conditions, an output impedance of the power extractor is dynamically varied in response to detected power variations to approximate matching the second impedance, including a load impedance. In one embodiment, the input impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor and the load as observed from the first node, and the output impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor and the load. power supply as observed from the second node. In one embodiment, in practice, the input impedance typically does not precisely match the power source impedance, and the output impedance typically does not precisely match the load impedance, but the dynamic variations lead to a very approximate impedance matching.

[00212] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and a power extractor for supplying power between the first and second nodes, wherein the power extractor is to be operated such that an impedance of the power extractor is dynamically varied with the intention of matching impedances to obtain the power output. maximum of the energy source outside the device that is coupled to the first node, given conditions beyond the control of the energy extractor.

[00213] In one embodiment, the impedance of the power extractor equals the combined impedance of the power extractor and the load as viewed from the first node. In one embodiment, in practice, the input impedance typically does not precisely match the impedance of the power source.

[00214] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and a power extractor for supplying power between the first and second nodes, wherein the power extractor is to be operated to dynamically match the first impedance of the power source outside the apparatus coupled to the first node with the second impedance of a load coupled to the first node. second node, even when the first impedance varies and even when the second impedance varies.

[00215] In one embodiment, the power source and the load are individually part of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the power source and load are individually outside the apparatus.

[00216] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor that includes: a set of energy transfer circuits for transferring energy containing a current between the first and second nodes; and a set of power variation analysis circuits to detect the energy variation and the voltage variation and to at least partially control the magnitude of energy that is transferred in response to the detected power variation and the voltage variation.

[00217] In one embodiment, the energy extractor further includes: a set of circuits for controlling the set of energy transfer circuits; and a set of switching control circuits for controlling a duty cycle of the circuit set; and wherein the power variation analysis circuitry operates in different modes and wherein in an ordinary mode of operation, under certain conditions, the power analysis circuitry causes the power transfer circuitry to decrease the work cycle, if the energy change and the voltage change are both increasing or both decreasing, and to increase the work cycle of the transferred energy, if the energy change is decreasing and the voltage change is increasing or if the energy variation is increasing and the voltage variation is decreasing. In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry includes a first power transfer circuit connected to the first node to continuously transfer power, a second power transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer power, and a power transfer circuit power intermediate connected between the first and second power transfer circuits to discontinuously transfer power between the first and second power transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the circuitry is intended to modulate voltages at a third node between the first power transfer circuit and the intermediate, and at a fourth node between the second power transfer circuit and the intermediate. In one embodiment, the operating frequency of the circuitry is dynamically adjusted to maximize power transfer efficiency between the first and second nodes. In one embodiment, the first and second power transfer circuits individually include an inductor and the intermediate power transfer circuit includes capacitors. In one embodiment, the first, second, and intermediate power transfer circuit individually include at least one capacitor.

[00218] In one embodiment, the energy extractor further includes: a set of circuits for controlling the set of energy transfer circuits; and a set of switching control circuits for controlling a duty cycle of the circuit set; and wherein the power variation analysis circuitry operates in different modes and wherein in an ordinary mode of operation, under certain conditions, the power analysis circuitry causes the power transfer circuitry to increase the duty cycle, if the energy change and the voltage change are both increasing or both decreasing, and to increase the work cycle of the energy transferred, if the energy change is decreasing and the voltage change is increasing or if energy variation is increasing and the voltage variation is decreasing. In one embodiment, the power transfer circuitry includes a first power transfer circuit connected to the first node to continuously transfer power, a second power transfer circuit connected to the second node to continuously transfer power, and a power transfer circuit power intermediate connected between the first and second power transfer circuits to discontinuously transfer power between the first and second power transfer circuits. In one embodiment, the circuitry is intended to modulate voltages at a third node between the first power transfer circuit and the intermediate, and at a fourth node between the second power transfer circuit and the intermediate. In one embodiment, the first and second power transfer circuits individually include an inductor and the intermediate power transfer circuit includes capacitors. In one embodiment, the first, second, and intermediate power transfer circuit individually include at least one capacitor.

[00219] In one embodiment, the power analysis circuitry operates in different modes, and in an ordinary mode of operation, the power analysis circuitry at least partially controls the magnitude of the current in response to variation of power and voltage variation detected, and in at least one other way, the power analysis circuitry at least partially controls the magnitude of the current in response to at least one different factor.

[00220] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a set of circuits for interacting with the set of energy transfer circuits, and wherein the set of energy analysis circuits controls a duty cycle of the set of circuits for at least partially control the magnitude of the current. In one embodiment, the power analysis circuitry also controls the frequency of the circuitry to at least partially control the magnitude of the current. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a power source to supply power to the first node and power analysis circuitry seeks to control the circuitry to maximize power transfer through the power transfer circuitry, given the conditions beyond the control of the energy analysis circuitry, and given the inefficiencies of the device. In one embodiment, the power source is a photovoltaic power source and one of the conditions beyond the control of the power analysis circuitry is an amount of sunlight on the power source. In one embodiment, there is at least one intermediate node between the power supply and the first node.

[00221] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a load coupled to the second node. In one embodiment, the power variation analysis circuitry is intended to detect a power difference and a voltage difference. In one embodiment, the energy extractor operates by seeking to match the input impedance of the energy transfer circuit set with the output impedance of the energy source.

[00222] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and a set of energy transfer circuits for transferring energy containing a current between the first and second nodes; and a set of power analysis circuits to detect the power variation and to increase the current, provided the power variation presents an increase in energy, and to decrease the current, provided the energy variation presents a decrease in energy. In one embodiment, the power analysis circuitry includes a set of circuits to mitigate sudden changes in power variation.

[00223] In one embodiment, as described here, it is an apparatus comprising: a first node and a second node; and an energy extractor that includes: a set of circuits; a set of energy transfer circuits for transferring energy containing a current between the first and second nodes, wherein the magnitude of the current is at least partially responsive to a duty cycle of the circuit set; and a set of power analysis circuits to detect the power variation of the power and voltage variation and control the duty cycle responsive to the detected power variation and voltage variation.

[00224] In one embodiment, the power analysis circuitry operates in different modes and in an ordinary mode of operation, under certain conditions, the power analysis circuitry causes the transfer circuitry to of energy decreases the transferred current, if the energy variation and the voltage variation are both increasing or both decreasing, and to increase the current, if the energy variation is decreasing and the voltage variation is increasing or if the energy variation is is increasing and the voltage variation is decreasing. In one embodiment, the power analysis circuitry also controls the frequency of the circuitry to at least partially control the magnitude of the current. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a source coupled to the first node and a load coupled to the second node.

[00225] In one embodiment, the energy extractor operates in different modes and in an ordinary operating mode, the energy analysis circuitry controls the duty cycle responsive to energy variation and detected voltage variation, and in another mode, which is the protection mode, the power analysis circuitry controls the duty cycle responsive to at least one different factor. In one embodiment, the at least one different factor includes the detection of at least one limiting condition. In one embodiment, the limiting condition includes any one or more of the following: excessive voltage, energy, or current at the first node, energy extractor, or second node; very low voltage, energy, or current at the first node, energy extractor, or second node; and a device limiting condition.

[00226] The background section of this description provides various detailed information, which is supposed to be correct, however, which may inadvertently contain some errors. Such errors, if they exist, in no way invalidate the inventions described and claimed herein. The Detailed Description section may also include some inadvertent errors, which do not invalidate the invention. Furthermore, the Detailed Description section includes some theoretical explanations of the operation of the illustrated energy extractor. Such theoretical explanations are believed to be correct, however, if they are partially incorrect, they do not invalidate an enabling description, nor do they invalidate the described and claimed inventions.

[00227] It would be interesting if the figures included block diagrams and schematic representations that could be implemented in numerous ways and that effective implementations could include several additional components and conductors.

[00228] As used herein, the term "modality" refers to an implementation of some aspects of the inventions. Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, circuitry, or characteristic is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Different references to "some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same "some embodiments."

[00229] When element "A" is said to be coupled to element "B," element A may be directly coupled to element B or may be indirectly coupled through, for example, element C. When the specification or claims state that a component, resource, circuit, structure, process, or characteristic A acts in response to a component, resource, circuit, structure, process, or characteristic B, merely means that A is at least partially responsive to B (but may also be responsive to C, or B and C at the same time). In other words, when it is said that A acts in response to B, A could act in response to B and C at the same time. Likewise, when A is said to cause B, A is at least a partial cause of B, but there could be other causes of B, either separately or in combination with A.

[00230] If the specification states that a component, feature, structure, circuitry, or characteristic "may" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, circuitry, or characteristic is not necessarily included. If the specification or claim refers to "one" structure, it does not imply the existence of only one structure.

[00231] In addition to what has been described here, several modifications can be made to the described embodiments and implementations of the invention, without departing from its scope. Therefore, the illustrations and examples herein should be interpreted in an illustrative, not restrictive, manner. The scope of the invention must be measured with reference to the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. Apparatus for transferring energy from a source to a load, comprising: an input port (110) configured to connect to a power source (32, 34, 36); an output port (112) configured to connect to a load (64); and characterized by the fact that it further comprises: a set of energy transfer circuits (72) configured to transfer energy from the source (32, 34, 36) to the load (64), the set of energy transfer circuits (72) ) including: (a) a first transformer (82) including a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein one end of the primary winding is coupled to the input port (110) and the other end of the primary winding is coupled to a node ( 84) by means of a first capacitor (C1) and in which one end of the secondary winding is coupled to a circuit set ground and the other end of the secondary winding is coupled to the node (84); and (b) a second transformer (86) including a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein one end of the primary winding is coupled to the output port (112) and the other end of the primary winding is coupled to the node (84) by means of a second capacitor (C2) and in which one end of the secondary winding is coupled to a circuit set ground and the other end of the secondary winding is coupled to the node (84); (c) wherein the node (84) is coupled through the secondary winding of the first transformer (82) to the circuit set ground and the node (84) is coupled through the secondary winding of the second transformer (86) to the set ground of circuits, and wherein the set of power transfer circuits (72) comprises a first set of switching circuits between the primary winding of the first transformer and the first capacitor and the second set of switching circuits coupled between the primary winding of the second transformer and the second capacitor, wherein the first set of switching circuits are configured to adjust the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the first transformer (82) and the second set of switching circuits are configured to adjust the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the second transformer (86) in accordance with a continuously detected power change; (d) wherein the output port is configured to connect to a variable load (64); and further comprises: (e) a set of sensing circuits (94) configured to detect power changes and wherein, in a first mode of operation, the set of power transfer circuits is configured to dynamically change the input impedances and output of the apparatus in response to power changes detected in the source (32) and a capacity of the load (64) to receive power generated by the power source (32); (f) wherein a duty cycle of the first and second sets of switching circuits are controlled such that adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the second transformer is changing an output impedance as seen at the output port to a load impedance when the load (64) cannot receive all the energy generated by the power source (32); (g) wherein the duty cycle of the first and second sets of switching circuits is controlled such that adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the first transformer is changing an input impedance as seen at the input port to a power source impedance when the load (64) can receive more energy than that generated by the power source (32); and (h) wherein the duty cycle of the first and second sets of switching circuits is controlled such that adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the second transformer is to change the output impedance to match an input impedance of the load and adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the first transformer is to change the input impedance to match an output impedance of the power source when the load (64) can receive all of the power generated by the power source (32 ). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of energy transfer circuits (72) includes a first set of energy transfer circuits (72) connected to the first node configured to transfer energy continuously, a second set of energy transfer circuits (72) configured to transfer energy continuously, and an intermediate set of energy transfer circuits (72) connected between the first and second sets of energy transfer circuits configured to transfer energy discontinuously. te between the first and second sets of energy transfer circuits. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of energy transfer circuits (72) includes a set of switching circuits (78, 80) with a duty cycle dependent on the change in detected energy. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the set of energy transfer circuits (72) includes: set of switching circuits (78, 80) responsive to a duty cycle; a control loop configured to control the duty cycle of the switching circuitry set (78, 80), wherein the control loop includes power change analysis circuitry set (74) configured to provide switching control signals to the control loop; and a set of sensing circuits (94, 132, 148) configured to continuously detect variations in power and power levels at the first node, voltage levels of the load, and an amount of current that the load is capable of absorbing. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the power change analysis circuitry (74) is configured to detect an instantaneous power change and a voltage change at the first node, and to control a magnitude of power that is transferred in response to the detected instantaneous power change and the voltage change at the first node, the current being set to decrease when the power change and the current change at the first node are both increasing, and when the change of energy and the voltage change at the first node are both decreasing, and will increase when the energy change at the first node is decreasing and the voltage change at the first node is increasing, and when the energy change at the first node is increasing and the voltage change at the first node is decreasing. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the set of energy transfer circuits (72) further comprises: set of switching circuits (78) configured to control the set of energy transfer circuits; and switching control circuitry assembly (80) configured to control a duty cycle of the switching circuitry assembly (78); and wherein the power change analysis circuitry (74) causes the power transfer circuitry (72) to reduce the current of the energy to be transferred by decreasing the duty cycle of the control circuitry. switching circuit (80), and increasing the current of energy to be transferred by increasing the duty cycle of the switching circuit set (80). 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power transfer circuitry (72) is configured to transfer unregulated power relative to the load (64) from the source under control of the switching circuitry. (78, 80), and wherein when the set of energy transfer circuits (72) operates in a first mode, in which a control loop is responsive to the set of detection circuits (94, 132, 148) to modulate power transfer with respect to both the first operating impedance and the second operating impedance. 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the source comprises a variable load (1042, 1044); and wherein the set of energy transfer circuits (72) includes a set of sensing circuits (94) configured to detect energy changes, and wherein, in a first mode of operation, the set of energy transfer circuits (94) (72) is configured to dynamically change the input impedance and output impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) between the first and second nodes in response to power changes detected in the source (32) and the capacity of the charge (1042, 1044) of receiving energy generated by the power source (32); wherein an output impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) when observed from the second node is configured to change dynamically when the load (1042, 1044) cannot receive all of the power generated by the power source (32 ), to approximate the matching of a first impedance when viewed from the power transfer circuitry (72) from the second node, the first impedance including an impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) and the energy source (32) coupled to the first node. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the input impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) when observed from the first node is configured to be dynamically changed when the load (1042, 1044 ) can receive more energy than the energy generated by the power source (32), to approximate the matching of a second impedance when observed from the power transfer circuitry (72) of the first node, the second impedance including an impedance of the energy transfer circuitry (72) and a load (1042, 1044) coupled to the second node; wherein both the output impedance and the input impedance are configured to change dynamically when the load (1042, 1044) can receive all the power generated by the power source (32). 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the energy source comprises a photovoltaic energy source (284); and wherein the power transfer circuitry (72) and the power source (284) are part of a single integrated circuit (282). 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power transfer circuitry (72) is configured to be operated to dynamically change the impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) in response to detected power changes and an ability of the load (64) to receive power generated by the power source (284); the set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to change the output impedance when the load (64) cannot receive all the energy generated by the power source (284), to approximate the matching of the first impedance external to the set of energy transfer circuits (72), the first impedance including an impedance of the set of energy transfer circuits (72) and the energy source (284); the power transfer circuitry (72) is configured to change the input impedance when the load (64) can receive more power than the power generated by the power source (284), to approximate matching a second external impedance to the power transfer circuitry (72), the second impedance including an impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) and the second load (64); and the power transfer circuitry (72) being configured to change both the output impedance and the input impedance when the load (64) can receive all of the power generated by the power source (284). 12. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of energy transfer circuits (72) includes a set of detection circuits (94) configured to detect energy changes in both the source and the load, wherein in a first mode of operation, the power transfer circuitry (72) is configured to dynamically change an input impedance of the power transfer circuitry (72) in response to detected power changes to approximate the matching a first external impedance to the set of energy transfer circuits (72) including a power source impedance (32). 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the load comprises a first load, and wherein the input port comprises a first input port, wherein the power source comprises a first power source, and wherein the set of energy transfer circuits (72) comprises a first set of energy transfer circuits (72), and further comprises: a second load (64), and a second input port; wherein the first set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to be operated to dynamically change the impedance of the first set of power transfer circuits (72) in response to first detected changes of power and a capacity of the first load (64) receiving energy generated by the first energy source (32, 34, 36); the first set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to change the output impedance when the first load (64) cannot receive all of the power generated by the first power source (32, 34, 36), to approximate the matching the first external impedance to the first set of energy transfer circuits (72), the first impedance including an impedance of the first set of energy transfer circuits (72) and the first power source (32, 34, 36 ) coupled to the first input port; the first set of power transfer circuits (72) being configured to change the input impedance when viewed from the first input port when the first load (64) can receive more power than the power generated by the first set of power transfer circuits. power transfer (72), to approximate matching a second impedance external to the first set of power transfer circuits (72) when observed from the first input port, the second impedance including an impedance from the first set of input ports (72) energy transfer circuits (72) and the first load (64) coupled to the first load; the first set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to change both the output impedance and the input impedance when the first load (64) can receive all of the power generated by the first power source (32, 34, 36 ); and a second set of energy transfer circuits (72) is configured to transfer the second energy between the second energy source and the second load, including supplying a second current to the second load, and wherein the second set of transfer circuits (72) includes a second set of energy change analysis circuits (74) for detecting second energy changes from the second energy source (32, 34, 36), and wherein the second set of energy transfer circuits (72) of energy (72) transfers the second energy in magnitudes that depend on detected second energy changes; wherein the second set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to be operated to dynamically change the impedance of the second set of power transfer circuits (72)) in response to second detected power changes and a capacity the second load (64) receiving energy generated by the second energy source (32, 34, 36); the second set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to change the output impedance when the second load (64) cannot receive all of the power generated by the second power source (32, 34, 36) to approximate matching of a third impedance external to the second set of power transfer circuits (72), the third impedance including an impedance of the second set of power transfer circuits (72) and the second power source (32, 34, 36 ) coupled to the second input port; the second set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to change the input impedance when viewed from the second input port when the second load (64) can receive more power than the power generated by the second power source ( 32, 34, 36), to approximate matching a fourth impedance external to the second set of power transfer circuits (72) when viewed from the second input port, the fourth impedance including an impedance from the second set of power transfer circuits (72) transferring energy (72) and the second load (64) coupled to the second load; and the second set of power transfer circuits (72) is configured to change both the output impedance and the input impedance when the second load (64) can receive all of the power generated by the second power source (32, 34, 36); and a frame (320) is configured to support the first and second power sources (32, 34, 36) and the first and second sets of power transfer circuits (72). 14. Method comprising the step of: continuously detecting energy changes in an input port (110) connected to a source (32, 34, 36) and in an output port (110) connected to a load (64); characterized by the fact that it further comprises: transferring energy from the input port (110) through the set of energy transfer circuits (72) to the output port (112), including: receiving input energy at one end of a winding primary winding of a first transformer (82) having a primary winding and secondary winding, wherein the other end of the primary winding is coupled to a node (84) by means of a first capacitor (C1) and wherein one end of the secondary winding is coupled to a circuit ground and the other end of the secondary winding is coupled to the node (84); and generating output power from one end of a primary winding of a second transformer (86) having a primary winding and a secondary winding, where the other end of the primary winding is coupled to the node (84) through a second capacitor (C2) and wherein one end of the secondary winding is coupled to a circuit ground and the other end of the secondary winding is coupled to the node (84); wherein the node (84) is coupled through the secondary winding of the first transformer (82) to the circuit ground, and the node (84) is coupled through the secondary winding of the second transformer (86) to the circuit ground; wherein the set of power transfer circuits (72) comprises the first set of switching circuits (S1) between the primary winding of the first transformer and the first capacitor (C1) and the second set of switching circuits (S2) coupled between the primary winding of the second transformer and the second capacitor (C2); wherein the power transfer comprises the first set of switching circuits (S1) adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the first transformer (82) and the second set of switching circuits (S2) adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the second transformer (86) according to the continuously detected power changes; wherein the output port is configured to connect to a variable load (1042, 1044); and further comprises: in a first mode of operation, dynamically changing input and output impedances in response to power changes detected in the source (32) and a capacity of the load (1042, 1044) to receive power generated by the power source ( 32); controlling a duty cycle of the first and second sets of switching circuits (S1, S2) such that adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the second transformer changes an output impedance as seen at the output port to an impedance of the load when the load (1042, 1044) cannot receive all the energy generated by the power source (32); control the duty cycle of the first and second sets of switching circuits (S1, S2) so that adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the first transformer is to change an input impedance as seen at the input port to an impedance from the power source when the load (1042, 1044) can receive more energy than that generated by the power source (32); and controlling the duty cycle of the first and second sets of switching circuits (S1, S2) so that adjusting the switching of the other end of the primary winding of the second transformer is changing the output impedance to match an input from the load ( 64) and adjusting the switching to the other end of the primary winding of the first transformer is to change the input impedance to match an output impedance of the power source (32) when the load (1042, 1044) can receive all the power generated by the energy source (32). 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: creating a switching control signal in response to detected power changes; generating a switching signal in response to the switching control signal; and modulating the set of power transfer circuits (72) by opening and closing the sets of switching circuits (S1, S2). 16. Method, according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: receiving from a source (32) a variable source current at a source voltage; identify one or more charges (652, 654); determining a power transfer management strategy for transferring power from the source (32) to one or more loads (652, 654); and transferring power in accordance with the determined power transfer management strategy, including transferring unregulated output power between the source and the one or more loads, the power having a magnitude that depends on a continuously sensed power change, wherein a power output voltage is not regulated to a constant voltage level, and an output current is not regulated to a constant current value.