Flex has been granted a patent for a multi-power source system featuring two parallel power sources, a controller, and a series of field effect transistors (FETs). The system allows for dynamic switching between power sources to drive a load, with provisions for charging the second power source. GlobalData’s report on Flex gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Flex, Photovoltaic roof tiles was a key innovation area identified from patents. Flex's grant share as of July 2024 was 44%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Multi-power source system with controlled power source switching
The patent US12068634B2 describes a multi-power source system designed to optimize the management of energy from two distinct power sources, specifically a first power source and a second power source, which operate in parallel. The system includes a controller that is connected to both power sources and a series of field effect transistors (FETs) that facilitate the switching between the two sources to drive a load. Notably, the first power source can be an array of solar panels, potentially configured as a solar tracker, while the second power source is identified as a battery. The FETs are arranged to enable charging of the second power source from the first by controlling the current direction across an inductor, which is also part of the system.
The claims further elaborate on the operational parameters of the system, including the use of a capacitor in parallel with a drive motor that powers the solar tracker. The system monitors the bus voltage across the capacitor, with specific actions taken based on whether the voltage is below a low threshold, above a high threshold, or within a defined range. If the bus voltage is low, the FETs are modulated to charge the battery using the solar panels. Conversely, if the voltage is high, the FETs are disabled. Additionally, the system incorporates proportional, integral, and derivative controllers to compare the outputs of the two power sources, ensuring efficient energy management. The design allows for flexible control of the power flow, enhancing the overall efficiency of energy utilization in applications such as solar energy systems.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
