Patent ID: 7830687
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: H02M

Abstract:
1. An adaptive hybrid energy system, the system comprising: a first DC electrical energy source that generates a first DC electrical output by converting energy from a first energy source into an electrical output; at least a second DC energy source that generates a second DC electrical output by converting energy from a second energy source into an electrical output; and a cascaded multilevel converter electrically connected to the first and second DC energy sources to convert a DC electrical output into a time-varying electrical output when at least one of the first and second DC energy sources is operable, wherein the converter comprises a first H-bridge connected to the first DC energy source and a second H-bridge and comprising a capacitor connected to the second DC energy source in a cascade arrangement with the first H-bridge, wherein a plurality of switching elements in the first and second H-bridges are configured to operate using a fundamental frequency switching method when the second DC energy source is inoperable so that the capacitor remains balanced over a complete energy cycle, and wherein a capacitor-load time constant of the converter is at least ten times the time of the complete energy cycle.