Patents by Inventor John F. Defenbaugh

John F. Defenbaugh has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11905029
    Abstract: System and methods for passive power sharing of parallel sources are provided. Aspects include a first DC power supply including a first generator and a rectifier circuit, a second DC power supply including a second generator and a second rectifier, wherein a first output of the first DC power supply and a second output of the second DC power supply are commonly coupled at a common bus point, a first current sensing device coupled between the first output of the first DC power supply and the common bus point, a first generator controller configured to receive a first current signal from the first current sensing device, analyze the first current signal to determine a first voltage droop value based on the first current signal, and operate the first DC power supply to reduce a first voltage output of the first DC power supply by the first voltage droop value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Harke, John F. Defenbaugh, William S. Heglund
  • Patent number: 11885850
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method can include measuring a voltage across a DC link of a generator system when a generator exciter is inactive and a generator permanent magnet is active, and detecting a short or open permanent magnet generator (SOPMG) fault condition in the generator system with a DC link monitor operatively connected to measure the voltage across the DC link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Mykola Kravchenko, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 11671038
    Abstract: A method and controller for controlling a Wound Field Synchronous Machine (WFSM) of an electric power generation system (EPGS) having a field winding and a stator armature winding is provided. The controller includes an adjustable component coupled to the generator and a power factor controller for adjusting the adjustable component to lower the power factor of the WFSM as a function of power output to a load of the EPGS to stabilize a current in the field winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Harke, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20230144976
    Abstract: A high voltage DC (HVDC) system can include a generator configured to output alternating current (AC), a rectifier connected to the generator via AC phase lines, the rectifier configured to convert the AC to DC to output the DC to DC feeder lines, and a crowbar system. The crowbar system can include a switch module operatively connected to the AC phase lines to prevent AC from flowing to the rectifier in a cutoff state. The crowbar system can be configured to determine whether at least one cutoff condition exists. The at least one cutoff condition can be or include one or more of a DC overcurrent downstream of the rectifier, a DC overvoltage downstream of the rectifier, an AC overcurrent from the generator, or an arc fault. The crowbar system can be configured to control the switch module to the cutoff state if the at least one cutoff condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Tom A. Utecht, John F. Defenbaugh, Robert L. Seagren
  • Publication number: 20230142245
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method can include measuring a voltage across a DC link of a generator system when a generator exciter is inactive and a generator permanent magnet is active, and detecting a short or open permanent magnet generator (SOPMG) fault condition in the generator system with a DC link monitor operatively connected to measure the voltage across the DC link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Mykola Kravchenko, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 11641101
    Abstract: A method includes detecting an initial fault in a system and opening a contactor to isolate a load bus from the system for a window of time. During the window of time, the method includes detecting whether current flows from a generator of the system. If current flows from the generator of the system during the window of time, the method includes isolating the load bus from the generator. If current does not flow from the generator to the system during the window of time, the method includes isolating the load bus from all sources including the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Berg, Jef William Good, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20220371744
    Abstract: System and methods for passive power sharing of parallel sources are provided. Aspects include a first DC power supply including a first generator and a rectifier circuit, a second DC power supply including a second generator and a second rectifier, wherein a first output of the first DC power supply and a second output of the second DC power supply are commonly coupled at a common bus point, a first current sensing device coupled between the first output of the first DC power supply and the common bus point, a first generator controller configured to receive a first current signal from the first current sensing device, analyze the first current signal to determine a first voltage droop value based on the first current signal, and operate the first DC power supply to reduce a first voltage output of the first DC power supply by the first voltage droop value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Harke, John F. Defenbaugh, William S. Heglund
  • Patent number: 11482955
    Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian R. Golden, Adrian E. Vandergrift, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 11300600
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a system is provided. The system includes feeders, sensors, and a controller. The feeders connect a panel to a generator and a load. The sensors are on the feeders. The controller receives sensor signals from the sensors. The controller evaluates the sensor signals to determine a fault location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: John F. Defenbaugh, Jef William Good, Joshua Berg
  • Publication number: 20210320491
    Abstract: A method includes detecting an initial fault in a system and opening a contactor to isolate a load bus from the system for a window of time. During the window of time, the method includes detecting whether current flows from a generator of the system. If current flows from the generator of the system during the window of time, the method includes isolating the load bus from the generator. If current does not flow from the generator to the system during the window of time, the method includes isolating the load bus from all sources including the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Berg, Jef William Good, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20210293871
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a system is provided. The system includes feeders, sensors, and a controller. The feeders connect a panel to a generator and a load. The sensors are on the feeders. The controller receives sensor signals from the sensors. The controller evaluates the sensor signals to determine a fault location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: John F. Defenbaugh, Jef William Good, Joshua Berg
  • Publication number: 20210044231
    Abstract: A method and controller for controlling a Wound Field Synchronous Machine (WFSM) of an electric power generation system (EPGS) having a field winding and a stator armature winding is provided. The controller includes an adjustable component coupled to the generator and a power factor controller for adjusting the adjustable component to lower the power factor of the WFSM as a function of power output to a load of the EPGS to stabilize a current in the field winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Harke, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20200007057
    Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Brian R. Golden, Adrian E. Vandergrift, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 10469011
    Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian R. Golden, Adrian E. Vandergrift, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 10326394
    Abstract: An aircraft main power generation system includes a rotor shaft, a main power generator a permanent magnet, an exciter, an aircraft power bus, and a generator control unit. The generator control unit is configured to provide a control current to the exciter in response to a speed of the main power generator reaching a threshold speed and electrically couple the main power generator to the aircraft power bus in response to the speed of the main power generator reaching a minimum operating speed, the threshold speed being lower than the minimum operating speed; or provide a control current to the exciter in response to the speed of the main power generator reaching a predetermined speed and electrically coupling the main power generator to the aircraft power bus in response to a time period elapsing after the speed of the main power generator has reached the predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Diego A. Rocha, Dhaval Patel, Jonathan C. Dell, John F. Defenbaugh, Eric A. Brust, Andreas C. Koenig
  • Publication number: 20190123669
    Abstract: An aircraft main power generation system includes a rotor shaft, a main power generator a permanent magnet, an exciter, an aircraft power bus, and a generator control unit. The generator control unit is configured to provide a control current to the exciter in response to a speed of the main power generator reaching a threshold speed and electrically couple the main power generator to the aircraft power bus in response to the speed of the main power generator reaching a minimum operating speed, the threshold speed being lower than the minimum operating speed; or provide a control current to the exciter in response to the speed of the main power generator reaching a predetermined speed and electrically coupling the main power generator to the aircraft power bus in response to a time period elapsing after the speed of the main power generator has reached the predetermined speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Diego A. Rocha, Dhaval Patel, Jonathan C. Dell, John F. Defenbaugh, Eric A. Brust, Andreas C. Koenig
  • Publication number: 20190052204
    Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Brian R. Golden, Adrian E. Vandergrift, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20150137786
    Abstract: A method of limiting a generator voltage in an overvoltage condition includes the steps of determining an amount of overvoltage of a generator output voltage exceeding a specified voltage and calculating a reference threshold voltage based upon the duration of overvoltage. A switch is modulated according to a voltage error between the output voltage and the reference threshold voltage. The current flow within the generator is interrupted based upon the voltage error to limit the output voltage to a desired voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Vijay K. Maddali, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 8970183
    Abstract: A generator includes a permanent magnet generator, an exciter and a main generator mounted for rotation on a shaft. The main generator is configured to produce a voltage output. A generator control unit includes a circuit configured to provide current from the permanent magnet generator to the exciter. A switch is provided in the circuit and is configured to change between open and closed conditions. The switch is configured to flow current in the circuit in the closed condition and interrupt current flow in the open condition. An overvoltage limit controller is programmed to determine an amount of overvoltage of the output voltage exceeding a desired voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay K. Maddali, John F. Defenbaugh
  • Patent number: 8941955
    Abstract: An example method of detecting a generator overvoltage condition includes predicting a primary control current to provide a predicted control current, monitoring the primary control current, and detecting a generator overvoltage condition based on a comparison of the predicted control current to the primary control current. The method interrupts the primary control current based on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Carl A. Wagner, John F. Defenbaugh, Vijay K. Maddali, Richard L. Young