Abstract: A diesel-electric propulsion and operating system may be used alone or in combination with another power supply. It has particular application to a dual mode, trolley and diesel bus. The diesel engine is controlled to supply only that power demanded by the electrical systems, including the traction motor, and to operate on a fixed power curve. This provides an optimized efficiency. Other novel characteristics include a two-speed drive axle limited to the mode selector, a backup hydraulic motor and pump, a dual mode passenger compartment tester, and a diesel engine pretester.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a trigger signal in response to a selected pattern of events includes event synchronizers for generating synchronized event signals of states indicating the current state of each event on the falling edge of each pulse of a clock signal. A programmable encoder provides a set of event encoding signals of states set according to selected patterns of synchronized event signal states. A set of bus drivers actively drives the potential of each conductor of a bus high on the falling edge of each clock signal pulse and actively drives the potential of selected conductors of the bus low on the rising edge of each clock signal pulse, the conductors being selected according to the pattern of event indicating signal states generated by the encoder.

Abstract: In a battery charging system for an automobile, the conduction rate of a switching circuit which controls field current of the generator is detected, while engine speed is also detected. Since the conduction rate represents the actual amount of electricity generated by the generator, the conduction rate as well as engine speed is used to determine optimal engine idle speed. To this end desired conduction rate values for various engine speeds within idle speed range are prestored in a memory, and a desired conduction rate is read out using detected engine speed so that a detected conduction rate will be compared with the desired conduction rate. Using the result of comparisonn, idle speed is either increased or decreased so that the actual conduction rate approaches the desired conduction rate. In one embodiment, the generator is disabled when the actual conduction rate is greater than the desired conduction rate in order to prevent engine stall.

Abstract: Thermal stress of a metal portion of a pressure-tight tube is calculated on the basis of calculated values of a temperature distribution calculator for calculating the distribution of temperature at positions equidistantly arranged in a direction of the thickness of the aforesaid tube on the basis of measured values of metal portion of the aforesaid tube, whereby the thermal stress being changed momently is accurately measured and monitored. Further, there is provided a calculation cycle setter for presetting calculation cycles on the basis of measured values of the fluid temperature in the aforesaid tube. The calculation cycles are made short when fluctuations in the measured values of the fluid temperature are large, while, the calculation cycles are made long when fluctuations in the measured values of the fluid temperature are small.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating trigger signals responsive to a selected pattern of event detection signals, the apparatus comprising an interim function bus, programmable means to selectively energize conductors of the interim function bus on detection of the selected event detection signal pattern, and programmable means to generate the trigger signal on detection of a selected pattern of interim function bus signals. The generating means are programmed for pattern recognition by binary data appearing on control lines from a shift register, the shift register being loaded by serial data from external control circuits. The apparatus also includes provisions for synchronizing the generation of signal patterns on the interim function bus to a system clock, and for synchronizing the generation of trigger signals to clocks associated with triggerable devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit pressure control device including an electronic comparator for comparing a transducer generated pressure signal from the pneumatic circuit and a desired pressure signal from a desired pressure input generator. The comparison circuit selectively actuates a solenoid-actuated valve which controls the pressure in the pneumatic circuit. Preferably, the solenoid of the solenoid-actuated valve produces an electromagnetic field for electromagnetic induction of a circuit which oscillates the solenoid-actuated valve to produce a variable orifice-like effect when small changes in pressure are demanded by the comparator circuit.

Abstract: In a prime mover, an improved control system is provided for accelerating and decelerating the prime mover through periods of critical operation.

Abstract: Utility charges associated with peak electrical power demands constitute an increasing portion of utility bills associated with large commercial consumers of electricity. The instant invention provides an apparatus for reducing the peak electrical demand of a predetermined user operational unit from an electrical power distribution network by controllably operating at least one secondary electrical generator associated with the operational unit in parallel with the utility power distribution network. The secondary electrical generator includes a switch for connecting the generator in parallel with the utility network in response to receiving a transfer command signal. A transducer senses the actual peak power demand of the operational unit from the utility network and produces a demand signal having a value responsive to the sensed actual peak power demand. A memory element controllably stores a plurality of control parameters including a demand setpoint value.

Abstract: An induction generator system is disclosed for utilization with an oil producing well having casing gas available at the wellhead and an existing electrical power system. An electric motor is coupled to the existing electrical power system and is utilized as a generator to drive a submersible pump or other electrical load. A gas engine which is powered by the casing gas is mechanically coupled to the electric motor by means of a drive belt and is utilized to drive the electric motor at a speed greater than the synchronous speed of the motor. While the electric motor is driven at a speed greater than its synchronous speed it will generate electrical energy which can be utilized to carry the electrical load. A novel control system is utilized to control the operation of the engine/motor generator system in response to variations in motor speeds, engine operating parameters and load/voltage conditions.

Abstract: A starter relay disposed in the housing of an electric starter of an internal combustion engine. The starter relay has a pair of stationary contact members electrically connected by a movable bar contact. The movable bar contact is mechanically linked to an annular relay armature which is axially displaceable by an annular electromagnetic coil. A coil spring produces a force biasing the relay armature away from the electromagnetic coil and the movable bar contact away from the contact members. In the preferred embodiment the operation of the power relay is transparent to the operation of the starter drive mechanism and the annular electromagnetic coil is the electromagnetic coil of the existing started drive mechanism.

Abstract: A turbine shutdown control system for controlling a turbine powering two load groups. Upon loss of one load group, a first control valve will close to interrupt the fluid flow to the turbine. A second modulating valve in parallel with the first valve remains open to provide sufficient fluid flow to the turbine to power the second load group.

Abstract: A steam generator in an electric power generating system is controlled by controlling turbine steam flow with control signals generated by a programmed digital computer system during startup, synchronization and load operation. The digital computer control signals are generated as a function of monitored turbine system conditions and parameters, the digital computer having means for interrupting the normal computing of the control signals when predetermined operating conditions are monitored. Turbine system parameter signals are periodically scanned and operated on so as to condition them for use in generating the control signals.

Abstract: A stationary spark ignition internal combustion engine which normally operates unattended continuously for long periods of time is modified to eliminate problems in electrical systems. The battery and voltage regulator of the engine is removed and the electrical generator replaced by a magnetic generator which produces low power levels which are sufficient only to operate the spark ignition system. A plastic bushing and "O" rings are used to mount a disc magnet to the magnetic generator shaft.

Abstract: The inventive control system introduces the current (.DELTA.I) and voltage (.DELTA.C) deviations simultaneously with the injection set point (C) to define a new injection set point (C') that is utilized in conjunction with the measurement of diesel engine speed (V.sub.rD) to adjust the injection and with the measurement of the injection flow rate C.sub.r to adjust the generator excitation current.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a failure in the speed sensing system of a rotating shaft prime mover. The control system for the rotating shaft prime mover includes a speed sensing system for measuring the rotational speed of the shaft, a speed feedback system for providing actual rotational speed, and a monitoring system for monitoring the speed sensing system. The monitoring system detects loss of speed signal and overspeed conditions. The speed pickup sensing system includes at least a first, second and third speed sensor. The monitoring system senses with the speed pickup sensors the rotational speed of the shaft to provide signals representative thereof. It selects between the first and second speed signal the signal representative of the actual rotational shaft speed to produce a primary speed signal. The system compares the primary speed signal to the third speed signal for producing a speed feedback fault signal when the primary signal deviates from the third signal by a predetermined value.

Abstract: An idling speed feedback control method for use with an internal combustion engine having electrical load equipment and a generator for supplying electric power to said electrical load equipment, said generator being driven by said engine, wherein an idling speed feedback control amount is effected as a function of the difference between an actual engine speed and a target idling speed. The method comprises the steps of detecting a generating state signal as a function of the field coil current of the generator which represents the generating state of the generator; detecting the actual engine speed; determining an electrical load correction value as a function of the generating state signal and the actual engine speed; and correcting the feedback control amount during idling by an amount corresponding to the correction value.

Abstract: The propulsion control system of a diesel-electric locomotive includes means responsive to the rotational speed and the gross horsepower of a locomotive engine for controlling the rate at which traction load is added to the engine, when more load is called for, so that the loading rate will increase (between predetermined minimum and maximum limits) as the product of speed and horsepower increases. The loading rate is also increased in response to the ratio of combustion air to diesel fuel increasing above a predetermined no-smoke threshold.

Abstract: An idling speed feedback control method for use with an internal combustion engine having electrical load equipment and a generator for supplying electric power to the electrical load equipment, the generator being driving by the engine. The idling speed feedback control amount is effected as a function of the difference between an actual engine speed and a target idling speed. The method comprises the steps of detecting a generating state signal as a function of the field coil current of the generator which represents the generating state of the generator; detecting the actual engine speed; determining an electrical load correction value during a time period starting at or before the time when the electrical load correction value changes and ending at the time at or after the electrical load correction value changes.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller for an extraction type steam turbine-generator unit capable of selecting from a variety of predetermined control strategies and implementing corresponding valve position control loops by generating appropriate valve position control signals in accordance with operator-chosen setpoint signals and turbine operating level signals. In a particular control strategy, automatic system frequency correction is achieved in a load control mode upon separation of the turbine-generator from the utility power grid, by detecting turbine speed deviation beyond predetermined limits and correcting turbine speed to synchronous speed without the need for operator intervention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control the flow of data from a plurality of independent turbine-generator data sources includes converting each serial stream of data from each source into parallelly formatted digital characters. These characters are stored in a dedicated buffer. When the buffer is full or when a specified time lapses for each partially filled buffer, the buffer is emptied through a parallel to serial converter into the data logger.

Abstract: A speed feedback loop for load control regulation of a steam turbine. A difference between rated and actual turbine speed results in a speed error to which a deadband function is applied. Operation is such that the deadband, rather than being centered about a fixed value, moves as a function of speed error.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an intake system provided with a valve for controlling the intake air flow in an idling operation. There is provided a control system including an engine speed detector and a control circuit which compares the engine speed signal from the engine speed detector with a reference value corresponding to a desired idling speed to produce a feedback signal for adjusting the valve. There is also provided an external load detector for producing a modifying signal when an external load is applied to the engine in the idling operation. The control system functions to interrupt the feedback control under the feedback signal for a predetermined time when the external load is applied or removed so as to stabilize the engine speed in a transient period.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a thermoelectric power generating plant, in which the operation of the steam generating equipment and the turbine is controlled in accordance with the plant operation parameters obtained from given patterns of start up and operation of the plant.

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant is provided with an industrial gas turbine which drives a rotating brushless exciter generator coupled to a power system through a breaker. One or more of the turbine-generator plants are operated by a hybrid digital computer control system during sequenced startup, synchronizing, load, and shutdown operations. The program system for the computer and external analog circuitry operate in a multiple gas turbine control loop arrangement. Automatic synchronization is achieved with a hybrid subsystem which includes the programmed computer and external phase detection circuitry. An automatic synchronization program for the computer is divided into rough speed and voltage matching, fine speed matching and breaker closure subprograms.

Abstract: Method of and device for producing electric energy from a cyclic combustion process. The device includes two oppositely disposed aligned spark ignited internal combustion engine cylinders axially spaced from each other, means rigidly connecting the pistons so that they reciprocate in unison in their respective cylinders, and a reciprocable electrical linear generator-motor unit driven by said reciprocatory piston system. The generator-motor unit includes a very light coreless (ironless) coil rigidly attached to and reciprocatory with the piston system, the said coil reciprocating through a constant strength magnetic field. The beginning of the combustion process (or cycle) in each combustion chamber takes place at the lowest possible compression ratio sufficient for the initial ignition of the fuel-air mixture, the combustion process proceeding at a diminishing volume under the pressure from the compression- and combustion-forces of the opposite combustion chamber-piston system.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, means are provided for sensing changes in electrical power demanded from an electrical generator driven by a gas turbine engine. In response, other means change the rate of fuel and air delivery to the engine in proportion to the demand changes and keep the combustor fuel-air ratio substantially constant.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle electrical system which is operative when the vehicle engine is running but the vehicle is not in motion to sense vehicle storage battery voltage and, when that voltage is below a predetermined threshold, to enable an electrically controllable device to open somewhat the engine throttle raising engine speed and increasing the output of an engine driven electrical source. The control circuit finds particular utility in emergency vehicles such as ambulances and the like where that vehicle may remain at an emergency site for an extended period of time with the engine idling and with numerous electrical demands on the vehicle electrical system to increase the engine speed when those electrical demands have sufficiently exceeded the output of an engine driven alternator with the engine running at idle.

Abstract: A modular power plant comprises an internal combustion engine coupled to an electrical machine. The electrical machine may be used to start the engine and to generate electrical energy. The power plant is provided with an electronic control and protection system comprising an electronic processing and control unit arranged to operate in a first mode when the power plant is used alone, and in a second mode when the power plant is used together in a coordinated manner in an installation comprising a further n power plants. In this second mode of operation the processing and control unit may act as a master unit for controlling and coordinating the operation of the processing and control units of the other n power plants in a predetermined manner, or as a slave unit controlled by another control and processing unit of one of the other n power plants. Means are provided for assigning the roll of master unit to one of the control and processing units of the n+1 power plants.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling the distribution of load among a plurality of generators with some of those generators responding quickly to control and some being slow in response. The area control error signal is divided into portions to provide a unit error signal assigned to each generator. A control is utilized which responds to the unit error signal to reposition the governor motor until the error signal is reduced to zero. Applying that control to slow responding units requires anticipation of the generation changes to be expected after full response. Control of the governor motor position so as to modify generation is from the unit error signal as modified in accordance with the difference between the desired generation for the units as required for economic considerations and the actual generation with that difference being modified by a signal which is a function of the anticipated generation. That function is expressable in one form by the equation ##EQU1## where: K is a constantP.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing valves mounted in parallel for controlling fluid flow powering an expander is disclosed. A large slow acting valve and a smaller faster acting valve are combined to obtain the desired control including a damped response. A start-up control based on shaft speed is further disclosed.

Abstract: A system for regulating the idle speed of an internal combustion engine. The engine has an alternator, and a voltage regulator having a Darlington circuit connected between an end of a field winding of the alternator and the ground. The Darlington circuit is responsive to the output voltage of the alternator for controlling the current flowing a field winding of the alternator so as to regulate the output voltage of the alternator. The system has an integrator for integrating the voltage across the Darlington circuit and a comparator for comparing the output voltage of the integrator with a reference voltage and for producing an output voltage dependent on the comparison.A solenoid is operatively connected to a throttle valve of the engine.A switching transistor circuit is provided to respond to the output voltage of the comparator for allowing the current to pass through the solenoid and for actuating the throttle valve to regulate the idle speed.

Abstract: A digital processor implemented electronic governor for engine-generator units including a first control loop for producing a speed error and controlling fuel delivery setting as a function thereof and a second control loop for detecting rack error and producing a field excitation current control signal as a function thereof. Power dips and overruns are voided by modifying rack error as a function of engine acceleration. Means are provided for developing speed errors and rack control signals despite a breakdown in the rack position indicator. Open loop lower power setting controls are provided. Wheel-slip control, power limiting and variable acceleration functions are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing a gas turbine-driven generator to an AC power system by employing optimal time control theory to directly drive the turbine-generator to a synchronizing point. The fuel commands, synchronization points, and trajectories are selected in view of the need to minimize thermal stress on the turbine hot-gas-path parts, while also minimizing time required for synchronization. Digital computer and analog implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: In a combined cycle type electric power generation system including a plurality of shafts each coupling together a gas turbine, a steam turbine and an electric generator, there is provided an output control system including a plurality of control apparatus for respective shafts. Each apparatus is contracted such that in response to an output command from a central power dispatching station or an output of a load setter, a frequency deviation and a total load of the system and load of each shaft, the total load is equally or unequally distributed among respective shafts.

Abstract: A hydraulic driven electric generator and air conditioning system for simultaneously generating controlled quality electrical power and producing air conditioning in a desired area has a variable displacement hydraulic pump for pumping a hydraulic fluid is driven by a prime engine means. The pump is hydraulically connected to a fixed displacement hydraulic motor which is powered by the fluid flow. The first motor drives an electrical generator means for generating electricity having a rotating blower fan mounted within a generator housing. A second hydraulic motor is hydraulically connected to the output of the first motor and is used to provide power to an air conditioning means. Means monitoring the passage of blower teeth of the rotating blower fan produces an electric output responsive to changes detected in the rotation of the blower fan.

Abstract: A regulator system for both the Diesel and the electric portions of a Diesel electric locomotive allowing more reliable operation at all locomotive speeds. Said regulator has a regulator to regulate the electric power by varying the excitation (43) of the main generator by means of orders coming from a driver control (1, 8) which set a reference current level and (17) a voltage reference level (19) for the main generator and a Diesel engine gas oil reference level (18). These levels are compared with measurements of true corresponding values (24, 30, 27) and orders (43) for increasing or decreasing excitation are delivered so that the excitation of the main generator remains inside the scope delimited by the various reference levels and a Diesel power regulator which sends out orders to increase or decrease the gas oil injection in accordance with a predetermined Diesel engine speed/injection law and in comparison with the true measurements of the injection and of the Diesel engine speed.

Abstract: A driving mechanism comprises an electric motor assembly having an output shaft drivingly connected to a vehicle accessory device and arranged to be connected to an internal combustion engine, the motor assembly being designed to generate a high output torque on the output shaft in its first activated condition and to generate a low output torque on the output shaft in its second activated condition, an electrically operated actuator for connecting the output shaft to the engine upon energization thereof and disconnecting the output shaft from the engine upon deenergization thereof, and an electric control circuit for energizing the actuator and the motor assembly to start the engine under the first activated condition of the motor assembly, for deenergizing the actuator after start of the engine, for switching over the motor assembly to its second activated condition from its first activated condition when the accessory device is unloaded and for switching over the motor assembly to its first activated condi

Abstract: In a power control for a turbo-generator, the acceleration power of the difference between the mechanical power supplied to the turbo-generator set and the power delivered by it is determined and, if the supplied power preponderates, a correction signal directed toward closing control valves is fed to the power control by means of a valve positioning controller, Thereby, the power control need not be disconnected in the event of disturbances such as load shedding and network short circuit, but can practically remain engaged continuously.

Abstract: A plurality of selected fixed hydraulic geometry turbine generators are programmed for operation at rated efficiencies by interrupting flow to the turbines under control of a programmable power controller receiving water level, flow and power monitoring inputs. The turbines selected are of discreet sizes simultaneously operative only under maximum flow conditions of the hydropower source, and otherwise operated in accordance with an optimum duty schedule to match varying flow conditions.

Abstract: A control system for a prime mover may include a proportional speed control, a primary overspeed control and an emergency overspeed control. The proportional speed signal is obtained from select highest value logic, whereas overspeed and loss of speed signals are submitted to two out of three logic and two out of four logic, respectively. A passive emergency overspeed channel is provided in combination with the primary overspeed channel to respective de-energize and energize trip relays connected to electrohydraulic trip devices.

Abstract: A method and system for delaying mechanical loading of an internal combustion engine by an alternator during start-up and transitional phases of the engine by inhibiting the field winding current of the alternator until the engine reaches a predetermined operational condition for a continuous predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A power supply monitor is disclosed for monitoring the finely regulated voltage in a two-stage tracking power supply which is driven by a gas turbine engine and which has a coarsely regulated and a finely regulated stage. A reference voltage is generated using power taken from the coarsely regulated stage and the reference voltage is compared with a voltage derived from an output of the finely regulated stage. If an unacceptable difference between the compared voltages is detected, controls are activated which prevent acceleration of the engine. The monitor is activated only after the engine reaches a selected speed and testing circuitry is provided.

Abstract: A combined cycle electric power plant includes in interconnected relationship a steam turbine, two gas turbines, three electric generators, two heat recovery steam generators, a hybrid computer control system, a plant protection system and various items of auxiliary equipment. A computerized simulator is interfaced with the control system at the factory site to test the controls and the control system is then modularly disassembled in various structures and shipped to the field site for reassembly without need for extensive field testing. The control system includes a digital control computer, a digital monitor computer and modular analog controls for the turbines. Various levels of automated control can be employed including coordinated plant control which involves supervisory operation of the analog controls by the control computer. In analog control, complete plant operation is produced by operation of the analog controls without the control computer.

Abstract: Signal conditioning apparatus for reducing the noise frequencies of a speed sensing means signal being fed into a compensating means for compensating the output of a synchronous generator for the effect of torsional oscillation between masses in the main AC generator system. The signal conditioning apparatus includes two speed sensing transducers mounted 180.degree. apart on opposite sides of a tooth gear wheel and summing the two FM output signals from the transducers to eliminate odd harmonics of the synchronous frequency in FM noise due to eccentricity. The preferred embodiment of the invention reduces the remaining noise from the sensed speed signal by the use of a three-pole Butterworth low-pass filter in combination with a notch filter tuned to the turbine-generator synchronous frequency to thereby reduce the unwanted noise to a large degree while providing a minimal phase shift to the sensed speed signal.

Abstract: A coordinated control technique and arrangement for a steam power generating system is disclosed in which combined megawatt error and turbine pressure error signal are used to control the turbine control valve and the fuel flow to the boiler.

Abstract: An electric power plant, including a fossil fired boiler and a steam turbine, is operated by a control system including a plant unit master. The control system includes a boiler control for determining the inputs of fuel, air and water, and a turbine control for determining the position of the throttle valves introducing steam from the boiler to the turbine. The plant unit master provides a load demand reference in parallel to the boiler control and to the turbine control, whereby the turbine and the boiler are operated in a coordinated manner. Measuring means provide indications of throttle pressure, power generated by the system and turbine rotor speed. Distinct controllers, each including a controller and responsive to one of the aforementioned indications and its corresponding reference, modify the load demand reference before it is applied to the turbine control or to the boiler control.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a control system for synchronizing the frequency of electrical current produced by a generator with the frequency of electrical current in an electric power grid so that the output of the generator can be provided to the grid. The generator is driven by an expansion turbine which utilizes hot pressurized gas from a process in which the pressure must be maintained constant.

Abstract: A load control for a system comprised of a plurality of energy converters wherein increases in total energy demand from the system is compensated by increasing only the rate of energy conversion of that converter producing energy conversion at least cost and decreases in total energy demand from the system is compensated by decreasing only the rate of energy conversion of that converter producing energy conversion at highest cost.

Abstract: A steam turbine is provided with an electrohydraulic control system having an automatic control which includes a digital computer and further having a manual backup control for operating the turbine on automatic or operator switchover to backup control. The automatic control includes control elements and logic elements associated with valve control loops coupled to the turbine and high and low limits and other constants, setpoints and other parameters are characteristic to these control and logic elements and the interrelations among them and the turbine. A switch arrangement is provided for generating parameter value signals corresponding to changed values for the system parameters and for coupling the parameter value signals to the automatic control system where they are registered. The automatic control system is structured to reject invalid parameter value changes and to register only those parameter value changes which can be validly entered as part of the system structure.

Abstract: An electrical power plant with gas turbine plant operating with a fluidized bed combustion chamber and a gas turbine-driven electrical generator includes at least one device for rapidly influencing the speed of the generator upon synchronizing the generator for connecting its output into an electrical network. This device may comprise a resistor connectible to the generator output to decelerate the generator, an electrical machine connectible to the generator which is capable of accelerating or decelerating the generator, flow control valves in various gas conduits to rapidly influence the gas flow through one or more of the turbines thereof, an injection nozzle for the injection of water or steam into the combustion gases from the combustion chamber, or an auxiliary combustion chamber for augmenting the thermal output of the fluidized bed combustion chamber.