Abstract: A mean vehicle speed Va and a mean variation .DELTA.Va are factors reflecting a current driving condition and an expected driving condition of a vehicle, which relate to a charge-discharge amount of a battery. A target state SOC* of the battery is calculated from the mean vehicle speed Va and the mean variation .DELTA.Va. The charge-discharge amount of the battery increases with an increase in mean vehicle speed Va and mean variation .DELTA.Va. The lower charging state of the battery results in the higher charge-discharge efficiency. The structure of the present invention sets the target state SOC* of the battery and controls the actual state of the battery to the target state SOC*, thereby enhancing the charge-discharge efficiency of the battery and ensuring a sufficient supply of electric power required for driving the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is adapted to provide a method for dynamically determining optimal governor dynamics, i.e., gains, for a fuel control system supplying fuel to an engine. The method determines a mode of the engine, then determines the governor gain in response to the engine mode. The mode or condition of the engine includes a transmission mode, a throttle mode, and a cruise control mode. The governor gains are determined by determining the current engine mode, selecting the appropriate gain look-up table in response to the engine mode, and responsively selecting a gain value from the look-up table in response to at least one of the desired and actual speed. The gain maps are determined using empirical data and classical control system design methods, and storing the results in gain maps, or tables. The governor gain values are used in a forward and a feedback path PID control algorithm.

Abstract: An engine operated generator is arranged to constantly respond to a change in the load with a margin of power. The output current of the generator 1 driven by an engine 2 is rectified by a converter 3 composed of a thyristor bridge structure. A direct current released from the converter 3 is converted by an inverter 4 to an alternate current at a commercial frequency and connected to a load 5. A thyristor driver circuit 9 controls the conduction of thyristors so that the voltage at the input of the inverter 4 is constant. A fuel flow controller 10 detects the conduction angle of the thyristors and the revolution of the engine 2 is controlled so that the conduction angle is converged on a target conduction angle. Since the target conduction angle is set within a predetermined range smaller than the maximum conduction angle, the generator is maintained with margins of its output and can thus provide a stable level of voltage and respond quickly to a change in the load.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an engine as a propulsive power unit for the hybrid vehicle, an electric energy storage device for storing electric energy, and a generator motor operable alternatively as an electric motor for generating an assistive output power to be added to an output power generated by the engine, from the electric energy stored by the electric energy storage device, and as an electric generator for regenerating electric energy to be charged into the electric energy storage device.

Abstract: Electrical machine cycloconverter devices are provided that produce output signals in which the frequency, amplitude and phase are independent of rotor speed. The cycloconverters produce highly efficient increased output by providing multi-tap armatures that include multiple armature coils arranged such that at least two coils may be connected in series to an electrical load. Such configurations produce output signals that include multiple distinct voltage amplitude steps. In preferred embodiments, either rotating permanent magnets or field coils in conjunction with rotating steel teeth induce a voltage in the armature coils. The level of induced voltage is determined by the switching sequence of one or more armature coils that are switched ON and OFF in series, parallel, or series and parallel by semiconductor switches.

Abstract: Various forms of energy, such as mechanical, electrical, and/or heat energy are produced by an energy conversion mechanism which includes a spool, the spool including a shaft on which a compressor and turbine are mounted. A generator is operably connected to the energy conversion mechanism for converting mechanical energy thereof into electrical energy. Fuel and air are supplied separately to the compressor. A regenerator type heat exchanger has a cold side for conducting compressed air traveling from an outlet of a compressor to an inlet of the microturbine, a hot side for conducting hot waste gas from the energy conversion mechanism, and a rotary core movable sequentially through the cold and hot sides for absorbing heat in the hot side and giving up heat in the cold side. A catalytic combustor combusts the fuel at a location upstream of the turbine. During start-up, the catalytic combustor is preheated independently of the heat exchanger by an electric heater.

Abstract: A generator set controller verifies the status of a synchroscope mode selector to determine whether the generator set controller is operating in a synchroscope mode. When operating in a synchroscope mode, the generator set controller uses an existing display panel to create an indication of the difference between the phase of the power on a power bus and the phase of the power output of the generator.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system includes an internal combustion engine with an output shaft. An energy converter is connected to the output shaft via a coupling. The energy converter has first and second rotors which are rotatable at different speeds in relation to each other. At least one of the rotors is provided with one or more windings which are supplied with current from a current converter. The current converter is supplied with direct current from a direct current source. A transmission with variable gear ratio is coupled to one of the rotors. The transmission and the current converter cooperate via a control arrangement. The control arrangement comprises a control unit for controlling rotational speed and torque of the internal combustion engine and the energy converter.

Abstract: An on-board electrical powered regeneration system for vehicles propelled by an electric traction motor and having an electrical storage cell bank composed of a rotatable flywheel operatively connected to an impeller, a fuel combustor arranged to emit a stream of gas directed to impinge on the impeller, a supply of fuel for the combustor, a generator driven by the flywheel, and electric power control means connected between the generator and the cell bank to convert the electrical output of the generator to a form compatible with the cell bank. Use of the flywheel as a power retainer and booster is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbogenerator/motor controller with a microprocessor-based control system having a synchronous condenser, line commutated inverter, and a battery coupled to the turbogenerator/motor controller. When a load transient occurs, the gas turbine engine and the synchronous condenser, which draws its power from the line commutated inverter and battery, provide the power required to successfully meet the transient until the gas turbine engine controls respond by commanding the gas turbine engine to a higher speed, producing more power out of the turbogenerator. In the event of a sudden reduction in load, an auxiliary load device temporarily draws load until the gas turbine engine controls can respond and reduce the output power of the turbogenerator.

Abstract: A power output apparatus 20 includes a clutch motor, an assist motor, and a controller. The clutch motor and the assist motor are controlled by the controller to enable the power output from an engine to a crankshaft 56, and expressed as the product of its revolving speed and torque, to be converted to the power expressed as the product of a revolving speed and a torque of a drive shaft and to be output to the drive shaft. The engine can be driven at an arbitrary driving point defined by a revolving speed and a torque, as long as the energy or power output to the crankshaft is identical. A desired driving point that attains the highest possible efficiency with respect to each amount of output energy is determined in advance. In order to allow the engine to be driven at the desired driving point, the controller controls the clutch motor and the assist motor as well as the fuel injection and the throttle valve position.

Abstract: A portable generator system includes an interface mounting element for supporting a selected engine, from a plurality of engines, with a vertically oriented output shaft when the generator system is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. A generator is directly coupled to the output shaft of the engine and rotates therewith about a common axis. The generator is selectable from a plurality of generators having different output power characteristics. A movable support cart supports interface, engine and generator and is formed of a single piece of tubular stock. The tubular stock is bent to form two substantially parallel, displaced, U-shaped regions bounded by a third U-shaped region substantially perpendicular thereto wherein the interface element, the selected engine and the selected generator are supported and protected. The cart supports first and second displaced wheels which rotate about a common axis which extends between the first and second regions, parallel to the third region.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain comprises an internal combustion engine 10 and an electric motor 14 capable of producing driving or braking torque for the vehicle. The exhaust system for the engine 10 includes a catalytic converter 22. A control unit 18 monitors the temperature of the catalytic converter 22 using a sensor 32 and controls the driving or braking torque produced by the electric motor 14 so that the load on the engine produces exhaust gases of a suitable temperature to keep the catalytic converter within its optimum operating temperature range while maintaining the desired total output of torque from the powertrain.

Abstract: An electrical power generating apparatus is developed as an internal combustion acoustically resonant engine. It has left and right acoustic formations (39), which are formed into the apparatus closure and constitute a multiple degree of freedom vibratory system. A shuttle (12) is suspended inside and between these acoustic formations and reciprocating when two fuel injectors (35), which are positioned symmetrically at each end of said shuttle in the body of said closure, do their alternate operation and create oscillations of said shuttle. A linear generator rotor (30) is attached to said shuttle with magnetic elements producing a magnetic field when rotor reciprocates together with the shuttle. A linear generator stator with windings is attached to said closure. The fuel injectors create mechanical oscillations of the shuttle, the shuttle creates oscillations of the rotor, and magnetic field of said rotor crosses the windings of the stator for generating of an electrical energy.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and a motor/generator as a rotary driving source. A differential device has a first shaft connected to the engine, a second shaft connected to the motor/generator, and a third shaft connected to a transmission device. The first and the second shafts can be coupled by a direct clutch. At the time of start of the vehicle with the engine in an idling condition, the motor/generator is controlled to enter a reverse rotation power generating condition, and the engine speed is maintained near an idling speed. After the start of the vehicle, when the motor/generator is in a forward rotation condition, the motor/generator is controlled to operate as a motor to maintain the engine speed at a target speed, and when the engine speed and the motor/generator speed coincide with each other, the direct clutch is made to enter a coupled condition thereby to prevent the occurrence of coupling shock, and also to reduce a driving time of the motor/generator.

Abstract: In an electrical power generation unit with a prime mover having an output shaft rotating at a speed .omega. which determines an output power function having at each value of .omega. an output-power/.omega. slope M.sub.d, and a generator developing electrical power responsive to shaft rotation, a generator electrical impedance is selected to provide a generator output-power/.omega. slope M.sub.g to approximate the M.sub.d slope, so that .omega. can be controlled to maximize efficiency.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for a motor vehicle comprises an engine, an electrically-conductive structural portion of the vehicle and a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The system also includes a starter motor having an electrical current return electrically coupled to the engine and an electrical generator having an electrical current return electrically coupled to the engine. Also, the system comprises an electrical current return path from the structural portion to the engine and an electrical current return conductor electrically and mechanically coupled between the engine and the structural portion. In addition, the system contains a capacitor coupled in series with the electrical current return conductor. In a variation of the disclosed system, the connections to the structural portion of the vehicle are made to the body and/or chassis of the vehicle. Systems built to according to the present invention have been demonstrated to have very advantageous properties.

Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus for a vehicle which is capable of improving the response in restarting an engine during the running of a vehicle. As a result, a shock due to deceleration can be reduced. The hybrid drive apparatus for a vehicle incorporates an engine, a motor generator, a clutch, a transmission unit and a control unit for controlling the other elements. The control unit incorporates a standby control device for realizing a constant cranking characteristic to improve the starting response at the start of the engine by transmitting the power of the motor generator to the engine and controlling the engagement pressure of the clutch, thus revolving the engine to a cranking start position.

Abstract: A power output apparatus 110 includes a planetary gear 120 having a planetary carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, an engine 150 having a crankshaft 156 linked with the planetary carrier, a first motor MG1 attached to the sun gear, and a second motor MG2 attached to the ring gear. Part of the torque generated by the engine 150 is output to a power feed gear 128 via the ring gear, while the first motor MG1 receives the residual torque. The second motor MG2 outputs a torque having a greater magnitude than and an opposite direction to this torque, so as to rotate the ring gear reversely. The electric power consumed by the second motor MG2 is supplied by the electric power regenerated by the first motor MG1. This structure enables the power output from the engine 150 to be converted to a power of reverse direction and output to the ring gear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling low engine idle RPM without discharging a vehicle battery by monitoring the vehicle alternator field modulation. The apparatus includes an engine control module, an alternator, electrical loads and a switch module. The engine control module includes a first input and a first output forming a portion of a first feedback loop. The first input and first output enable the engine control module to sense and control the idle RPM of the engine. The alternator includes an armature and a field coil where rotation of the armature and modulation of the field coil controls the amount of current supplied by the alternator. The switch module modulates the field coil upon receipt of a drive signal from the engine control module.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a diesel electric traction vehicle of the type including a synchronous generator driven by a diesel engine for producing alternating current (AC) electric power, the AC electric power being converted to direct current (DC) electric power and transferred over a DC link to a plurality of DC to AC inverters, and each of the inverters being coupled to transfer controlled frequency power to at least one AC electric traction motor coupled in driving relationship to at least one wheel-axle set of the vehicle. A computer-based control system controls operation of the engine, generator and inverters in response to a power command signal. The control system computes power supplied by the generator from calculated torque developed by the AC traction motors and electric power losses in the inverters and other circuit elements coupling power from the generator to the motors.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a synchronous generator system has: a voltage instruction generator for generating voltage instructions (V.sub.u *, V.sub.v *, V.sub.w *) based on an output power reference (P*) of the synchronous generator, currents (I.sub.u, I.sub.v) flowing through the synchronous generator and position information (.theta..sub.0, .omega..sub.r) of magnetic poles of the synchronous generator; a zero crossing point detector for detecting a point that the voltage (V.sub.u) of the synchronous generator passes through zero volt.; and a magnetic pole position calculator for calculating the information (.theta..sub.0, .omega..sub.r) on the position of magnetic poles of the synchronous generator on the basis of the voltage instruction (V.sub.u *) and the power reference (P*) when the synchronous generator is under the generation mode, and on the basis of an output signal of the zero crossing point detector when the synchronous generator is under the stand-by mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restarting a generator set following a nuisance shutdown.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a pretrip diagnosis and identification of generator set problems which could cause shutdown or undesired operation of the generator set.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply for a battery power system includes an engine-driven dynamo which provides auxiliary charging and power supply functions for maintaining optimal performance under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A series hybrid vehicle includes a generator to be driven by an engine, a battery to be charged by the output power of the generator, and a motor for driving the vehicle using the output power sent from the generator and the output power sent from the battery. In an engine control system for the series hybrid vehicle, the values of power demanded by the vehicle when the vehicle is running (i.e., power demand values) are derived based on various engine operation indicative sensor signals, and a running state of the vehicle is estimated based on a frequency distribution of the power demand and a mean value of such power demand values. The system selects one of prestored control patterns depending on the estimated vehicle running state and controls the engine based on the selected control pattern so as to further control the output power of the generator. The system is also applicable to a parallel hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, including an engine, a motor/motor, an automatic transmission disposed between the engine and a vehicle drive wheel, a regenerative braking device for applying to the vehicle a regenerative braking force corresponding to an amount of electric energy generated by the motor/generator during an operation of the motor/generator by a kinetic energy of the running vehicle, and at least one of (a) a shift inhibiting device for inhibiting a shifting action of the automatic transmission during an operation of the regenerative braking device so as to prevent a change of an engine braking force applied to the vehicle, (b) a braking shift control device which is operated when the regenerative braking device is inoperable to provide the required regenerative braking force, for changing the speed ratio of the automatic transmission to increase the engine braking force, or operated prior to the operation of the regenerative braking device, for controlling the speed ratio of the tra

Abstract: A control system for a vehicular drive unit having an engine, a motor-generator for acting as a motor and a generator, a planetary gear including at least three rotary elements, a battery for storing electric power as generated by the motor-generator and for feeding electric power to drive the motor-generator, an engine controller for causing the engine to output a target output value on a best mileage curve; and a motor-generator controller for controlling the motor-generator. When the output of the motor-generator corresponding to a target output value of the engine is within an outputtable region of the motor-generator, the motor-generator controller causes the motor-generator to output a reaction torque corresponding to the output torque of the engine.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for limiting visible exhaust emissions from a diesel-electric traction vehicle system including a multi-cylinder diesel engine connected for driving a synchronous generator to produce AC electric power, a rectifier connected for converting the AC electric power to DC electric power on a DC link, at least one inverter coupled to the DC link for providing controlled frequency AC power to at least one electric traction motor coupled in driving relationship to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The air-fuel ratio at the engine is regulated to minimize any difference between actual air-fuel ratio and a predetermined preferential air-fuel ratio as a function of engine speed. The air-fuel ratio of an operating engine is measured while monitoring actual visible exhaust emissions in order to create a table of preferential air-fuel ratios as a function of engine speed so that the table values can be used to control visible exhaust without direct monitoring.

Abstract: If a decelerating-state detecting device detects a decelerating state of a vehicle, an electricity-generation control device allows a dynamo to generate electricity through a regulator, thereby recovering a kinetic energy of the vehicle, wastefully consumed by braking, as electric energy to charge a battery. At the same time, a braking-force control device controls the opening of a throttle valve through an actuator, thereby decreasing the braking force generated by a pumping load of an engine to prevent a variation in total braking force, so that a sense of incompatibility is prevented from being felt by a driver. Even if the opening of an exhaust valve of an exhaust brake device is controlled instead of controlling the opening of the throttle valve, a similar function and effect can be achieved. Thus, it is possible to avoid a variation in braking force during deceleration of the vehicle, while suppressing the consumption of an engine power output due to the driving of the dynamo to a minimum.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for optimizing performance of a pump-turbine unit while operating normally in the pumping mode by identifying gate positions resulting in optimization of certain parameters of interest. Influences of gate positions on the optimized parameters is determined and used to evaluate the combined effect of the gate position on the parameters. Weighting coefficients may be used to alter the relative importance of each parameter in the gate position ultimately selected. Gate positions are optimized for each location in a multi-dimensional virtual cam matrix as conditions defining the locations are encountered. A parameter error or evaluation routine is provided for evaluating the consistency of monitored parameter values and for identifying trends that may require reconfiguration of the virtual cam matrix or alterations in the optimization routine, such as changes in the weighting of various parameters.

Abstract: In order to prevent an acceleration slip in an early stage of acceleration even in starting, an acceleration slip control system has a predicting section for predicting an acceleration slip of a drive wheel of a vehicle, a prediction control section for determining an initial value of a driving force reduction quantity and decreases the driving force by increasing the driving force reduction quantity to the initial value to prevent an occurrence of an acceleration slip when the acceleration slip is predicted, and a modifying section for modifying the initially set driving force reduction quantity in accordance with a sensed actual slipping condition during a prediction control of the prediction control section.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including an engine, an electric motor operated by an electric energy stored in a storage device, a power transmission having a rear-drive position, a shift lever for selecting the rear-drive position, a rear-drive shifting device for placing the power transmission in the rear-drive position when the shift lever is operated to a reverse position for selecting the rear-drive position, and a rear-drive mode control device which is operated when the shift lever is operated to the reverse position, for operating the electric motor to drive the vehicle in the rearward direction when the amount of the electric energy stored in the storage device is not smaller than a predetermined lower limit, and for operating the engine to drive the vehicle in the rearward direction when the stored electric energy amount is smaller than the lower limit.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, having a power drive state in which there is available a power drive mode in which an engine and an electric motor are both operated as a drive power source for driving the vehicle, and wherein a manually operated power drive selector is provided for selecting the power drive mode, and a power drive restricting device is provided to inhibit the vehicle from being driven in the power drive state and therefore in the power drive mode if the power drive selector is not manually operated. The hybrid drive system may have an engine assist drive mode in which the electric motor is operated as an auxiliary drive power source, together with the engine operated as a primary drive power source, according to a selected one of different drivability modes of the vehicle selected by a manually operated drivability performance selector.

Abstract: An operating strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) manages the flow of energy to both supply the motive demand power of the HEV and maintain the charge of the energy storage system (ESS). A controller operates the main power unit (HPU) and ESS and, using an optimal fuel cost strategy, scans all possible combinations of power from the HPU and ESS that satisfy the motive demand power. The combination with the lowest fuel cost is selected and the ESS is charged, when possible, using marginal charging; but, if the state of charge of the ESS falls below a certain level, fast charging is invoked. A minimum power threshold strategy can be used rather than the fuel cost strategy. The minimum power threshold strategy determines the optimal compromise of HPU operation and ESS operation to maximize fuel economy by using a motive power threshold below which the HPU is not operated except to recharge the ESS.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle generator, by obtaining a first correction volume of an opening of an ISC valve (ISCPI) based on a deviation of a rotation number of an internal combustion engine from a target rotation number, obtaining a driving volume of an excitation coil of a generator based on a deviation of a battery voltage from a target voltage, and obtaining a second correction volume of an opening of the ISC valve (EL) that takes account of an electrical load variation based on a driving volume of the excitation coil and a rotation number of the internal combustion engine, to obtain a driving volume of the ISC valve (ISCDTY) based on the first and second correction volumes of the opening of the ISC valve.

Abstract: An electronic governor (34) to control a main steam valve (22) of a steam turbine (10) for controlling the rotational speed of a main drive shaft (16). The electronic governor (34) has a housing (36) in which an electric generator (104) is mounted to supply electrical energy to an electronic module (100) mounted on the housing (36). A hydraulic fluid pump (52) is mounted on the housing (36) and supplies fluid to a fluid operated piston (62) to effect a predetermined rotation of an output control shaft (32) and movement of main steam valve (22). Output signals from a microprocessor (116) to solenoid operated valves (96, 98) control the movement of fluid operated piston (62). Pump shaft (46) and generator shaft (48) are in axial alignment with and driven by the main drive shaft (16) to provide all of the power for operation of the electronic governor (34).

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for an automotive vehicle having an electric motor and an engine operated by combustion of a fuel, the drive control apparatus including a drive source selecting device for selecting an engine drive mode or a motor drive mode on the basis of a first value in the engine drive mode of a physical quantity relating to a condition of the engine and a second value of the same physical quantity reflecting energy conversion efficiencies of the electric motor, an electric generator and an electric energy storage device during an electricity generating mode. The physical quantity is preferably a fuel consumption amount by the engine. The drive control apparatus may also include an engine output determining device that optimizes the efficiency of the system by determining the output of the engine so as to power the vehicle and also provide surplus power to operate the electric generator and charge the electric energy storage device.

Abstract: A charge control system for an internal combustion engine which is capable of suppressing electromagnetic noise due to a control signal to a generator, and which prevents overcharging a battery even if an input terminal receiving the control signal is grounded. The charge control system is composed of a generator 1 driven by an engine of a motor vehicle and a battery 4 charged with the output of the generator 1. Also included in the system is a computer unit 2 comprising a microcomputer CPU for calculating a target voltage Vreg on the basis of the operational states of the motor vehicle for comparison with a battery voltage Vb so as to output a drive signal in accordance with the comparison result. This drive signal operates a transistor Tr, incorporated into the generator, to control a field current 1f of the generator 1 so that the quantity of the power generation of the generator 1 increases and decreases to control the quantity of the charge to the battery 4.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system includes a heat engine having an output member operatively coupled to the rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. System output power is controlled by varying an electrical parameter of the dynamoelectric machine. A power request signal is related to an engine speed and the electrical parameter is varied in accordance with a speed control loop. Initially, the sense of change in the electrical parameter in response to a change in the power request signal is opposite that required to effectuate a steady state output power consistent with the power request signal. Thereafter, the electrical parameter is varied to converge the output member speed to the speed known to be associated with the desired electrical output power.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power generation system (20) generates electrical power for an electrical utilization system (72). A controller (42) obtains a requested output electrical power level from a hydro-turbine unit (70) by using a signal indicative of water head (h.sub.meas) to control speed of an asynchronous rotary converter (50) coupled to the hydro-turbine unit and to control gate position of the hydro-turbine unit. The requested output electrical power level is applied from the hydro-turbine unit via the rotary converter to the electrical utilization system. In one embodiment, the controller (42B) accesses an updatable memory wherein Hydraulic Hill Chart information is stored. In another embodiment, the controller (42C) also includes a real-time automatic governor which uses a signal indicative of ac transmission frequency to the electrical utilization system to control the output electrical power level of the rotary converter.

Abstract: An idling speed control method and apparatus in which the field current of an alternator is turned on and off to control the power generation rate of the alternator in accordance with the terminal voltage of a battery, and the air intake of an internal combustion engine is increased and decreased to keep the engine speed at a target speed during an idle operation of the engine such that the field current of the alternator is gradually increased toward a field current value corresponding to an electric load when the electric load is increased suddenly. A battery current consumption value is estimated from the detected state of the battery, a generated current value of the alternator is detected, the value of an electric load current to be outputted from the alternator is obtained in accordance with the sum of the estimated battery current consumption value and the generated current value of the alternator, and the air intake is increased when a set value is exceeded by the electric load current value.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine equipped with an engine generator suppresses fluctuation and pulsation of rotation number of a crank shaft to realize optimal engine operation, enhanced fuel-cost performance and improved exhaust gas purification. An electronic controller for controlling an exciting current of the engine generator and an actuator for a throttle valve includes a unit for determining and storing a desired output power of the engine generator for a load voltage, a unit for determining and storing a desired torque of the engine generator as demanded for generating the desired output power on the basis of the load voltage and a rotation number of the crank shaft, a unit for arithmetically determining an exciting current required for making the demanded torque of the generator coincide with the desired torque, and a unit for driving an excitation coil assembly with the exciting current as determined.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine particularly adapted for driving a vehicle, such as a watercraft, that includes accessories and an engine management system for controlling certain functions of the engine electrically. In order to prevent misadjustment in the event of low available battery voltage, a number of arrangements are depicted for maintaining battery voltage when the normal battery voltage falls. This may be done by increasing engine speed when operating in neutral, discontinuing the operation of other accessories and/or switching a second battery into the power circuit. In addition, an arrangement is provided wherein a battery may be supplied for utilization in starting of the engine to avoid depletion of the main battery's voltage so that the engine control can be maintained even during starting.

Abstract: An adjustable speed gas turbine power generation apparatus can maintain a rated output of the gas turbine generation apparatus irrespective of ambient temperature change. For this purpose, the rotational speed of the secondary winding of the generator is controlled by the gas turbine and alternating current excitation of the secondary winding is determined on the basis of the ambient temperature. The sucked air quantity (flow rate by weight) in the compressor can be increased by increasing the rotational speed of the gas turbine when the ambient temperature increases, so that an output from the gas turbine becomes nearly the rated output, while maintaining the desired frequency at the primary winding.

Abstract: In a control device for a small-scale series-type hybrid automobile using an electric motor and an internal combustion engine as power sources, energy generated by the drive motor is applied to a motor/generator through a generator inverter so that the motor/generator drives the internal combustion engine to apply a braking force thereto. In this way, energy generated during regenerative braking which cannot be absorbed by a saturated battery (for example, when the vehicle is travelling downhill) can be used to help brake the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for an AC diesel electric locomotive allowing for continued operation of the locomotive even in the instance of failure of current sensors providing current feedback information. The system is coupled to a plurality of DC to AC inverters with each of the inverters being connected for supplying controlled AC power to at least one AC electric traction motor coupled in driving relationship to wheels of the locomotive. The control system controls the power output of the inverters in response to an operator's command and to sensed operating conditions of the locomotive. One of the sensed operating conditions is power output of the converter determined by measuring its voltage and current output, the latter measurement using a series connected current monitor. The system incorporates apparatus for sensing failure of the current monitor and, in response thereto for modifying the control system to substitute a selected value for the sensed power output of the converter.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine driven auxiliary electric power unit which includes a turbine (9), an air compressor (7) for supplying compressed air to the turbine and driven by the turbine, fuel supplying means (2) for supplying gaseous fuel to the turbine, a generator (10) driven by the turbine for generating electrical output power which is fed to a main electric user supply (14), first detecting means (15) for monitoring turbine shaft speed, second detecting means (19) for monitoring the output power of the generator, first modulating means (16,18,13) for modulating the turbine shaft speed to cause it to coincide with a predetermined shaft speed (17) by means of controlling current flow from the generator to the main electric user supply, and second modulating means (20,22,23) for modulating the flow of gaseous fuel which is supplied from the fuel supplying means to the turbine so as to cause the monitored output power to coincide with a predetermined output power (21).

Abstract: When a target generated output established for a generator by a target generated output setting unit depending on an operating condition of a hybrid vehicle varies, an intake air control valve control unit starts varying the opening of an intake air control valve of an engine in order to equalize the power output of the engine to a new varied target generated output. A delay time estimating unit estimates a delay time after the opening of the intake air control valve has started to vary until the engine eventually produces a power output corresponding to the new target generated output according to a preset correlation based on the present rotational speed of the engine. Upon elapse of the estimated delay time after the opening of the intake air control valve has started to vary, a generator controller increases or reduces the generated output of the generator into agreement with the target generated output.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a thermal power plant comprises a master controller controlling a turbine in response to an externally applied load command signal, and producing a boiler input command signal by correcting the load command signal on the basis of the detected pressure of main steam generated from a boiler, and a water/steam process controller, a fuel process controller, a combustion process controller and a draft process controller to all of which the boiler input command signal is applied from the master controller. The process controllers apply control signals to equipments controlling a water/steam process, a fuel process, a combustion process and a draft process respectively among the terminal actuating equipments of the various parts of the boiler.