Abstract: The invention provides a power generation unit (100) having a generator (8) driven from shaft (112) and which has a transformer (24) connected to its output terminals for transforming the output voltage from 220V AC to a required voltage of 18V AC peak-to-peak. One or more secondary generators (20) in the form of standard vehicle 3-phase AC alternators are driveable by the shaft (112). The first generator (8) transformer output terminals are connected to a rectifier circuit where the transformer output of 18 V AC peak-to-peak is rectified to the excitation voltage of the one or more secondary generators field coils such that the total transformed electrical power of the transformer (24), after being rectified, is used to excite or energise these field coils which in turn generates an electrical output at the output terminal diode banks (21) which is fed to the welding cable connector terminals (15).

Abstract: The invention provides a power generation unit (100) having a generator (8) driven from shaft (112) and which has a transformer (24) connected to its output terminals for transforming the output voltage from 220V AC to a required voltage of 18V AC peak-to-peak. One or more secondary generators (20) in the form of standard vehicle 3-phase AC alternators are driveable by the shaft (112). The first generator (8) transformer output terminals are connected to a rectifier circuit where the transformer output of 18 V AC peak-to-peak is rectified to the excitation voltage of the one or more secondary generators field coils such that the total transformed electrical power of the transformer (24), after being rectified, is used to excite or energise these field coils which in turn generates an electrical output at the output terminal diode banks (21) which is fed to the welding cable connector terminals (15).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of providing a substantially stable supply of electrical energy under loading conditions. The method includes the steps of: 1. connecting a first generator connectably with a drive shaft of a drive means; 2. connecting a second generator to the drive shaft; 3. electrically connecting the first generator to the second generator such that, in use, substantially all the electrical energy generatable by the first generator energizes field coils of the second generator. The invention further provides an electrical power generation unit for carrying out the method. Yet further, the invention provides a portable welding unit including the electrical power generation unit of the invention.