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: A hybrid drive has an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator (M/G) for supplying and absorbing driving forces either alone or in combination. Two one-way devices are assembled between the engine and the M/G. One of these one-way devices permits the M/G to drive the engine at start-up and is released centrifugally at or above engine idle speed. The other one-way device permits the M/G to overrun the engine if the engine is at idle speed during dynamic braking. This permits all the dynamic braking energy of the M/G to be used in a regenerative fashion when battery charging is necessary.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system for a motor vehicle includes a final drive unit for providing tractive power to wheels of a motor vehicle, a first motor/generator operatively connected in series to a heat engine of the motor vehicle, a second motor/generator operatively connected in series to the first motor/generator and the final drive unit, and an energy storage device operatively connected in parallel to the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator.

Abstract: A turboalternator and air flow control assembly for mounting on a combustion air intake of an internal combustion engine comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet defining an air flow path, a nozzle carrier in the body defining a plurality of turbine nozzles spaced arcuately about and generally parallel with a central axis, the nozzles having inlet and outlet ends and forming a portion of the air flow path, a rotor mounted in the body on bearings for rotation on the central axis, the rotor driving an electric generator and including a turbine wheel having blades axially adjacent and radially aligned with said nozzles, a bypass passage in the body and connecting the inlet and outlet separately from the nozzles, and a bypass valve in the bypass passage and operable to control air flow through said bypass passage. Various embodiments including concentric or parallel bypass passage arrangements and having axial or radial gap alternators with permanent magnet rotors are featured.

Abstract: An electricity generating unit having a combined cycle, and comprising, mounted in succession along a common line of shafts via rigid couplings (28, 29, 31), a gas turbine (6), a steam turbine having a plurality of modules (1, 2), and an electricity generator (11), the gas turbine (6) being mounted to move in axial translation, and fixed to a moving abutment (27), said electricity generating unit being characterized in that the stator portions of the gas turbine (6) and of the first module (1) of the steam turbine are connected together via at least two links (32), in that said links (32) and the ends of the rotors of the gas turbine (6), and of the first module (1) of the steam turbine are enclosed in an enclosure (33) filled with a heat-conducting fluid, and in that each of the facing ends of the stator portions of the last two modules (1, 2) of the steam turbine is connected to a respective fixed point (34, 35).

Abstract: A pulsing drive system delivers pulsed power signals to the driven wheels of a vehicle for improving the efficiency internal combustion or an electric motor driven vehicles. A controller receives signals such as velocity and demand, and communicates to a means for selectively communicating energy wherein the means for selectively communicating energy converts the pulse signal to a correspondingly conditioned power pulse for powering the vehicle. When combined with a plurality of motors sized with optimal horsepower ranges according to a binary array, an arrangement of such motors provides for an optimally efficient operation of the vehicle by bringing on-line strategically selected combinations of the motors. A control system selectively brings on-line the multiple motors.

Abstract: An electrical power plant has a rotator means (1) that rotates one or more alternators (6, 8) to generate electrical current that is transmitted to one or more electrical storage bakeries (12, 13) from which electrical current is transmitted to an electrical motor (2) that is a rotational-power component of the rotator means. Electrical current can be transmitted from the one-or-more storage batteries to electrical items such as a vehicle motor (32, 34), electrical appliances, electric lights and electrical communication devices. The rotator means can include a prime mover (10) that can be used for particular applications such as a vehicle (30) engine in addition to rotation of one or more of the alternators.

Abstract: An electrical machine system for driving a load and for providing power generating functions is made up of at least two electrical machines and a clutch controllable transmission. The two electrical machines are operatively connected by a clutch controllable transmission to obtain the following functions: 1.) the electrical machines can either drive the load individually or together; 2.) one of the electrical machines can be driven by the load feedback for power regeneration; and 3.) one of the electrical machines can be driven by an external power input to drive the other electrical machine as a generator for charging the battery or supply power to other loads. To achieve these functions, the transmission components can be in the form of one-directional or speed-responsive clutches, while the two electrical machines can be in the form either of two separate motor/generators, or dual windings of a single armature/field generator structure.

Abstract: An integrated power transmission has an internal combustion (IC) for engine power input, an electrical motor power input and a combining planetary transmission coupled with both power inputs. The power transmission also includes a multi-speed transmission input. The combining planetary transmission can be driven by the electric motor input only with a one-way device providing a reaction path for the combining planetary transmission and a stationary power input at the IC engine. A friction clutch member is provided to selectively establish a drive path including both power input members in a multi-speed transmission input. This clutch permits both power sources, electrical and internal combustion, to provide power to the combining planetary and also permits starting of the IC engine while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: An electric energy storage and distribution system for a fluid-driven propeller, the propeller being connected to drive an AC generator, includes a planetary gear system by means of which rotation of the propeller is transferred to the AC generator motor, via a ring gear and a sun gear attached to a DC generator/motor, the DC generator/motor being connected to a battery. When the speed of the propeller is insufficient to drive the AC generator at a desired frequency and voltage, the DC motor is driven by the battery to either assist rotation of the propeller or the propeller can be braked such that the DC motor alone drives the AC generator. When an excess propeller speed is obtained, the propeller drives both the AC generator and the DC generator, the DC generator charging the battery. Conversely, when excess power is available through the power grid, the AC generator can be used as a motor to drive the DC generator via the ring gear, planetary gear, and sun gear to charge the battery.

Abstract: Proximity switches and circumferentially movable stator windings allow a motor-generator to simultaneously sense and switch from a synchronous motor position to a synchronous generator position. This mechanism replaces the conventional separate sensing and switching of motor-generator functions. Automatic rotational repositioning of the stator maintains constant voltage and prevents the generation of transient voltages or harmonics. The stator flux leads the rotor magnetic flux slightly in an import power or motor position, creating a torque on the rotor and a counter torque on the stator reacted by the fixed casing of the apparatus. As the stator field weakens due to a failure of the normal power supply, the counter torque also weakens and the stator windings are biased to begin to turn with the rotor until the rotor and stator fields are in step, i.e., when virtually no current is generated or consumed or until a full export power or generator position is reached.

Abstract: An integrated aircraft power unit providing the electrical and other forms of energy needed during auxiliary power unit operating conditions-while the aircraft is on the ground, and also providing airborne or emergency power including high altitude flight emergency conditions power wherein the power unit uses an oxidant supply carried by the aircraft. In this high altitude operating condition the power unit provides lower electrical output, but lower losses and improved efficiency over previous power units. The disclosed power unit includes separate electromechanical transducers or motor generator devices coupled to a segregated pair of rotational shaft members, one for the inlet or compressor fan and one for the outlet or exhaust turbine fan with electrical coupling and then friction clutch coupling of these shafts accomplished for low altitude high energy output operation of the power unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission that is interposed between the internal combustion engine and the drive ratio selection transmission of a vehicle. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the power transmission, and the power transmission selectively adds and subtracts torque provided by the motor/generator to the torque provided by the internal combustion engine. The power transmission effects the operative interconnection between both the internal combustion engine and the motor/generator to the drive ratio selection transmission. The power transmission employs compounded first and second planetary gear sets. A common gear member serves not only as the ring gear for the first planetary gear set but also as the sun gear for the second planetary gear set. The power transmission provides operating advantages not possible with prior art mechanisms, and these advantages allow the internal combustion engine to operate with desirable engine emissions.

Abstract: A hybrid power source includes a constant speed drive having an input coupled to a prime mover which develops variable speed motive power, an output driven at a substantially constant speed and a speed compensation link which transmits motive trim power at a magnitude determined by the speed of the prime mover. A first generator is coupled to the output of the constant speed drive and develops constant frequency AC power for AC loads. A second generator is coupled to the speed compensation link and is driven by the motive trim power such that the second generator develops power for DC loads and frequency insensitive loads wherein the power developed by the second generator is at a frequency which varies in accordance with the magnitude of the trim power.

Abstract: A speed trimming integrated drive generator 18 includes a differential 24 having inputs coupled to a prime mover 20 and to a wild frequency generator 48, the output thereof being coupled to a main generator 14. In order to control main generator speed, and thus the frequency of the power generated by the main generator 14, resistive load management for the wild frequency generator 48 is utilized. Particularly, a generator control unit 58, responsive to the main generator frequency, selectively couples resistive loads 56 to an output 52 of the wild frequency generator 48 to provide trimming power. Fine tuning of the trimming power is provided by controlling the output voltage from the wild frequency generator 48 responsive to sensed frequency.

Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive which is speed limited so that power flow through the speed compensation link is unidirectional includes a permanent magnet generator which is interconnected with a permanent magnet motor by a power converter. The permanent magnet generator and the permanent magnet motor are controlled by first and second independent control loops. The power converter includes an AC/DC converter coupled to electrical power windings of the permanent magnet generator, a filter coupled to the output of the AC/DC converter and an inverter coupled between the filter and electrical power windings of the permanent magnet motor. The permanent magnet generator, AC/DC converter, filter and the first control loop together develop a voltage on a DC bus.

Abstract: A turbine helper drive apparatus includes a turbine for driving a load, a motor coupled to the turbine, and a power converter for controlling an output from the motor based on a predetermined power reference. The power converter controls the motor so that the motor performs either a motoring operation, wherein the motor drives the load together with the turbine, or a regenerating operation, wherein the motor serves as a load for the turbine to generate an electric power.

Abstract: A bi-directional DC/DC converter includes a first switch coupled to a first input/output of the converter, a first input/output energy storage element coupled to the first input/output of the converter, a second input/output energy storage element coupled to a second input/output of the converter, an intermediate energy storage element coupled between the second input/output and the first switch and a second switch coupled to the intermediate energy storage element and to the first switch. A pulse width modulator operates the first switch between on and off states while the second switch is maintained in an off state to operate the converter as a buck converter, during which time the power is transferrred from the first input/output to the second input/output.

Abstract: A turbine helper drive apparatus has an induction motor coupled to a turbine, and a power converter for power-controlling the motor. Part of the load of the turbine is shared by the motor in accordance with preset power for power control, so that auxiliary drive to compensate for the insufficient capacity of the turbine is performed and cheaper, late-night electric power is effectively utilized.

Abstract: An electrically-compensated constant speed drive according to the present invention includes a speed summer having first and second input shafts and an output shaft at which constant speed motive power is developed wherein the first input shaft is coupled to a prime mover output shaft. A speed-compensating permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to the second input shaft of the speed summer and electrical power windings. A control permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to either of the first or output shafts of the speed summer and also includes electrical power windings.

Abstract: An electromechanical constant speed drive generating system is provided with a mechanical differential having first, second and third rotatable shafts, wherein the speed of the second shaft is equal to the speed of the first shaft multiplied by the first contant plus the speed of the third shaft multiplied by a second constant. The first shaft is coupled to an external engine and is driven at a variable speed ranging between predetermined lower and upper limits. A constant speed generator is connected to the second shaft for producing a constant frequency output.

Abstract: An electrically-compensated constant speed drive according to the present invention includes a speed summer having first and second input shafts and an output shaft at which constant speed motive power is developed wherein the first input shaft is coupled to a prime mover output shaft. A speed-compensating permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to the second input shaft of the speed summer and electrical power windings. A control permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to the output shaft of the speed summer and also includes electrical power windings.

Abstract: An AC power generating system includes an array of permanent magnet alternators. The stator windings of these alternators are electrically connected in series and the total output voltage of the alternator array is regulated by adjusting the relative angular positions of the stators to control the phase angle of the output voltage of each alternator. The alternators employ an inside-out design wherein a plurality of permanent magnets are positioned at circumferentially displaced locations on an internal surface of a nonmagnetic support structure to form the rotor. A stator having a core with longitudinal slots for receiving a stator winding is positioned within the rotor structure such that relative rotation between the stator and rotor induces a voltage in the stator winding.

Abstract: Two high frequency AC generators are enabled to deliver a low frequency AC output to a load, by means of heterodyning and rectifying circuitry.

Abstract: In a power plant which furnishes low-grade heat to a Rankin cycle turbo generator operating with an organic fluid, a fast-starting prime mover is selectively coupled to the generator, the generator capacity of the generator is oversized relative to the individual capacities of the turbine in the prime mover.

Abstract: Governor devices are described for use on single or multi-engine plants, some of whose engines or whose load experiences periodic torque variations, which act upon the torque regulator of at least one of the engines to maintain engine torque equal to load torque and to maintain shaft speed essentially constant.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive system for a waste heat recovery system driven alterna having a rotor, comprises a hydraulic drive means for driving the alternator rotor and means for engaging and disengaging the hydraulic drive means and the alternator rotor. The hydraulic drive means and the alternator rotor are engaged for the hydraulic drive means to drive the alternator rotor and disengaged when the alternator rotor speed is marginally above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: The invention is an all electric environmental control system. The primary power for the system is provided in a first embodiment by a compressor (C.sub.1) driven by an electric motor (14). The system includes the primary heat exchanger (16), an expansion cooling system (20), and a water separator (26). The electric motor (14) may be utilized in another embodiment to drive a compressor (23) within the expansion cooling system (20'). A vapor-cycle cooling system including the freon-compressor (34), the condenser (36) and the evaporator (38) may optionally replace the expansion cooling system (20). To compensate for pressure variations during flight, the electric motor (32) is mounted to a planetary gearbox (44) with a "makeup"/"subtract" differential electric motor (42) such that the compressor (C.sub.1) is run at the desired speed. The compressor (C.sub.

Abstract: A prime mover (4), such as an internal combustion engine, and a wind rotor (1) are connected to an AC generator (2) by a differential gear (3) having its planetary-gear carrier meshing with the shaft of the AC generator (2), and having one of its half-shafts connected to the prime mover (4) and the other of its half-shafts connected to the wind rotor (1). Thus the AC generator (2) produces electrical power of a constant frequency.

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: The invention is an "electric" constant speed/variable speed drive/generator assembly (10), which finds use in aircraft, and in particular, in "all-electric" aircraft. The assembly (10) includes a planetary differential (20) whose output is controlled by a "make-up" induction motor (12). The induction motor (12) includes a squirrel-cage rotor (14) which is rotatable about a rotor-shaped stator (16). The assembly also includes a primary power generator (30) which includes a permanent magnet rotor (18) and an output winding (22). The rotor (18) is co-axial with and rotatable about, the outside of the rotor (14). The outer rotor (18) is driven by the planetary differential (20) in such a manner that the planet-carrier (24) is driven by the aircraft's engine, the ring-gear (26) drives the generator (30), and the sun-gear (32) is connected to the induction motor (12).

Abstract: The invention is an aircraft power generation system which includes a tandem generator (10) which includes left and right generators (14, 15) arranged within a single housing (12). The left and right generators (14, 15) are driven at the anti-drive end of the tandem generator (10) by a gear arrangement including gears (22), (24) and (26). A phase indexer (36) including a phase adjust nut (38) is arranged in conjunction with driven gear (26) to provide for "vernier" phase-alignment of the generator rotors. In an alternative embodiment, phase-alignment of the generator rotors is accomplished by arranging them in-line to form an in-line tandem generator (10').In a preferred arrangement, an in-line generator (70) is arranged to be isolated from an aircraft engine via an electromechanical disconnect (108).

Abstract: A waste kinetic energy reclaiming system for an engine-driven vehicle includes a generator, and a variable torque-ratio coupling connecting the generator and the vehicle engine. The system also includes a clutch which selectably disconnects the coupling from the engine in response to whether or not braking of the vehicle is required so that the connection between the coupling and the engine is established only when braking is required.

Abstract: An oil shear clutch-brake unit includes a housing rotatably supporting an input shaft and an output shaft in axial alignment, and the housing encloses a set of interfitting clutch plates and discs for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft and a set of interfitting brake plates and discs for braking the output shaft. A non-rotating piston is also enclosed within the housing and is fluid actuated in both directions from a spring biased neutral position for either clamping the clutch plates and discs or clamping the brake plates and discs. A cooling and lubricating oil is circulated within the housing and between the plates and discs, and the pressure of the fluid for actuating the piston is adjustable for selecting the torque transmitted through the clutch and brake.

Abstract: The present device is power system for providing an uninterruptible power supply to an external load comprising a flywheel generator, a first motor, a standby generator, and a transfer controller. The flywheel generator is adapted to supply energy to the external load. The first motor is drivingly connected to the flywheel generator. The first motor is adapted to be connected to a source of power external to the power system. The standby generator is electrically connected to the first motor. A standby motor is drivingly connected to the standby generator. The transfer controller is adapted to switchably interconnect the first motor to the source of power and to interconnect the standby generator to the first motor. The flywheel generator comprises a flywheel having a vertical axis, a shaft connected to the flywheel, and a synchronous A.C. generator arranged about the shaft. The standby motor is a diesel engine having an electric starter.

Abstract: Power unit for automobile vehicle utilizing an internal combustion engine down to the lowest rotation speeds.Power unit for automobile vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine with its conventional inertia flywheel, a reversible electric machine, a storage battery, a speed variator coupling the electric machine to the internal combustion engine and an electric control circuit, the assembly being arranged to enable the internal combustion engine to operate at rotational speeds considerably lower than those normally afforded by its inertia flywheel by regularizing its output torque through instantaneous, alternately positive and negative exchanges of mechanical energy between the internal combustion engine and the electric machine and of electrical energy between the electric machine and the storage battery.

Abstract: A solar pond power plant has a solar pond with a heat storage layer for storing heat absorbed from solar radiation incident on the pond, and a low-temperature, closed Rankine-cycle turbogenerator operating on heat extracted from the heat storage layer. The turbogenerator has a generating capacity of Q.sub.I watts/m.sup.2 of pond area, this capacity being in excess of Q.sub.e watts/m.sup.2 of pond area where Q.sub.e is the net electrical energy that can be generated by the turbogenerator when heat is extracted from the heat storage layer at substantially the same average rate at which heat is absorbed by the layer. According to the invention, the generating capacity Q.sub.I of the turbogenerator is in the range 2-10 times Q.sub.e, whereby the solar pond power plant can be utilized for peak power requirements of a regional electrical generating system.

Abstract: Governor devices are described for use on multi-engine plants, some of whose engines experience periodic torque variations, which act upon the torque regulator of at least one of the engines to maintain a steady torque and speed of the common final power output shaft of the plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power supply system having the capability of furnishing to a load sensitive to electrical faults and interruptions, electrical power for prolonged periods of time after a utility or other external power supply source thereto is interrupted. The system comprises a main A.C. generator furnishing A.C. potential at a selected frequency and a selected voltage to the sensitive load, an auxiliary A.C. generator connected operatively thereto and a driving means for the generators energized with electricity from the external power supply source which is subject to outages and faults. The auxiliary generator generates A.C. potential at a much higher frequency than from the main A.C. generator and this higher frequency A.C. is supplied to a high speed A.C. induction motor and a flywheel unit in a sealed chamber, which unit can store large amounts of kinetic energy at full speed. Upon interruption of electricity from the utility or other external power source, the high speed A.C.

Abstract: Steam generation means in a closed system having a pressured steam boiler positioned within a closed heated feed water chamber. The steam generated in the boiler is used to drive a turbine and an associated electrical generator whose output augments the outside primary source of electrical power which is fed to one or more electrical resistance units located in the boiler. The exhaust steam from the turbine at reduced pressure is used to supply heat in any closed steam consuming device such as a space heating system. The condensate is returned to the feed water chamber where it is held in preheated condition ready to be pumped into the boiler to maintain the boiler water level. The efficiency of the system is substantially increased by having means for raising the temperature of the turbine and turbine housing thereby to lessen the temperature drop of the steam entering and leaving the turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the waste heat energy of an internal combustion engine in which a turbine is driven by the exhaust gases from the engine and drives an electrical generator. In order to permit a direct coupling between the turbine and the generator and to utilize completely the electrical energy recoverable from the waste heat energy, the generator is a synchronous machine with a non-wound rotor, the generator being connected via an electrical converter to an electric motor which is drivingly coupled to the internal combustion engine to relieve the load therein.

Abstract: A drive system having a power input subsystem which operates and regulates the input power to the drive system in response to the demand placed thereon, and apportions the input power in accordance with the individual loads placed on the drive system by separate driven entities.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for a load wherein two prime movers, a gas turbine and a synchronous electric motor receiving its motive energy from a source of electric power, such as a public utility, are utilized to simultaneously drive an electric generator. A fuel controller, which is responsive to the output of the generator, operates in an isochronous mode and regulates the supply of fuel to the gas turbine from a fuel source to bring the turbine, generator, and motor up to operating speed. A paralleling controller, which is responsive to both the output of the generator and the output of the utility power source connects the motor to the utility when the outputs of the generator and utility are of equal frequency and phase so that the motor shares the load in driving the generator.