Plural Prime Mover Patents (Class 290/4R)
  • Patent number: 6160318
    Abstract: Energy supplying system in which effective use of waste heat from a solar power generator and an engine power generator. Electric power generated by an SLCS (sunlight cogeneration system) 1 and an EGCS (engine cogeneration system) 2 is supplied to a power consuming apparatus while its relevant waste or exhausted heat is transferred to a heat consuming apparatus 3. The power generated by the SLCS 1 varies depending on the local climate and is monitored with a power meter 6 or a power monitor apparatus 7. When the power from the SLCS 1 is declined, it is compensated by increasing the power output of the EGCS 2. Since the total power generated by the SLCS 1 and the EGCS 2 is maintained constant and the total waste heat released from the SLCS1 and the EGCS 2 is relatively stable, the heat consuming apparatus 3 as well as an power consuming apparatus 5 are steadily energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norio Komura
  • Patent number: 6150731
    Abstract: A marine power distribution arrangement utilizes generators driven at standard or higher than normal speeds and/or having a number of poles to produce electric power at a standard 50/60 Hz frequency or substantially higher than the standard 50/60 Hz frequency, such as 400 Hz. Each generator is a multi-phase, multi-circuit generator supplying isolated outputs on a plurality of lines to a propulsion power converter having isolated inputs to provide variable frequency, variable voltage power to a ship propulsion motor and to a service power converter to provide ship service power at a standard AC frequency or DC and at standard voltage for a service load. With this arrangement, power conversion transformers can, for the most part, be eliminated, thereby reducing the size and weight of the distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Rinaldi, Edgar S. Thaxton
  • Patent number: 6107693
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Solo Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv K. Mongia, George L. Touchton, Robert W. Dibble, Martin L. Lagod
  • Patent number: 6107691
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating electrical power from multiple vehicles powered by fuel cells while the vehicles are parked in a parking lot. A plurality of spaced-apart electrical receptacles are provided for receiving an electric cable for connection to a parked vehicle for electrically connecting the fuel cell in each of the parked vehicles to the plurality of electrical receptacles. An electric power grid is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles for transferring D.C. electrical power from the fuel cells in the parked vehicles to the electric power grid. At least one electric power collection station is electrically connected to the electric power grid for collecting at a common point the D.C. electric power in the electric power grid. In addition, at least one inverter is electrically connected to the electric power collection station for converting the D.C. electric power to A.C. electric power. Apparatus is provided for supplying the A.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: GRoW International Corp.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Gore, Wayne K. Wittman, Harry T. Roman, Robert A. Gore, Michael D. Gore
  • Patent number: 6100600
    Abstract: A maritime power plant system for producing, storing and consuming regenerative energy has a support structure on which energy producing devices for producing a continuous supply of energy by at least two different methods from regenerative energy sources are provided. The regenerative energy sources are ocean water, ocean waves, wind, and solar radiation. At least one industrial production facility is also connected to the support structure. A submarine reverse osmosis device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Tassilo Pflanz
  • Patent number: 6066897
    Abstract: An automatic load distributing apparatus for generators is of simple construction and occupies a small space and can automatically distribute loads evenly on respective engines upon parallel load operation of generators of different capacities and provide labor saving of operation. The automatic load distributing apparatus for generators comprises a plurality of engines for driving a plurality of generators connected in parallel to a common load, a plurality of fuel injection pumps and a plurality of load distributing units for distributing outputs corresponding to the load to the engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6051891
    Abstract: an electric power generating station characterised by a solar array (1) source of electrical power connected to drive a compressor/condenser liquifier (9, 18) to condense compressed gas to liquid state and cryogenic temperature. The liquified gas is then evaporated in a finned heat exchanger (22) and the gas vapor is then conveyed to cool the compressor motor (9), a generator (55), and thereafter directed to the bottom of a liquid tower (41), subjacent a set of inverted buckets (49) spaced on an endless belt (50) engaged on pulleys (48, 52), all submerged in the tower liquid and one of which is engaged to drive the generator. As the buckets are turned around the upper pulley (52), the gas trapped therein is released and conveyed by a return line (45) back to the condensing-evaporation cycle. The use of a gas cycle liquified at cryogenic temperatures exposes the cooled motors (9, 32) and the cooled generator (55) to temperature at which superconductivity may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Eduard G. Surodin
  • Patent number: 6005297
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoichi Sasaki, Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 5847470
    Abstract: An auxiliary motor drive system including a driving device and an auxiliary motor. The driving device is powered by the engine of a motor vehicle and in turn drives the auxiliary motor. The auxiliary motor in turn drives the drive shaft of the motor vehicle, thus allowing the engine power output to be applied to the vehicle drive shaft while bypassing the vehicle's transmission. The driving device can be a hydraulic pump, a compressor, or an electric generator, while the auxiliary motor is a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or an electric motor respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Herman Roosevelt Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5828136
    Abstract: A combined power system includes an active power source and an auxiliary power source. The rotation speed signal of the active power source and the rotation torque difference between the active power source and an output shaft of the combined power system is used as a basis for controlling the auxiliary power source to provide proportional auxiliary speed driving, or proportional auxiliary torque driving, or reverse damping from regenerative braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5816870
    Abstract: An electric drive system for launches and sailboats utilizing standard three-phase industrial motors, directly driving low speed propellers without the use of gearboxes. The motor is driven with a standard industrial inverter and is operated in the constant torque mode to achieve the desired shaft horsepower at 30% to 40% of full motor rating. The inverter is powered by a battery bank of a series connected cells achieving a nominal voltage of 300 VDC which feeds the DC bus of the inverter directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Mathew Rubin
  • Patent number: 5780932
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Electromecanique SA
    Inventor: Patrick Laffont
  • Patent number: 5767584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating electrical power from multiple vehicles powered by fuel cells while the vehicles are parked in a parking lot. A plurality of spaced-apart electrical receptacles are provided for receiving an electric cable for connection to a parked vehicle for electrically connecting the fuel cell in each of the parked vehicles to the plurality of electrical receptacles. An electric power grid is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles for transferring D.C. electrical power from the fuel cells in the parked vehicles to the electric power grid. At least one electric power collection station is electrically connected to the electric power grid for collecting at a common point the D.C. electric power in the electric power grid. In addition, at least one inverter is electrically connected to the electric power collection station for converting the D.C. electric power to A.C. electric power. Apparatus is provided for supplying the A.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: GRoW International Corp.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Gore, Harry T. Roman, Wayne K. Wittman, Robert A. Gore, Michael D. Gore
  • Patent number: 5684690
    Abstract: Engine driven turbines respectively drive separate propulsion and service ternators to supply power to propulsion motors and service equipment on naval combat ships through propulsion and service controls. Rechargeable batteries are connected through the service controls to the service alternators and to service loads through dc bus lines. The propulsion controls interconnect the propulsion motors with the propulsion alternators to which the electrically operated weapons are also connected through rectifiers and a pulse forming network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William J. Levedahl
  • Patent number: 5646458
    Abstract: An UPS (uninterruptible power system) includes an UPS power conditioning unit that provides conditioned AC power to a critical load. The UPS power conditioning unit includes a variable speed drive that operates in response to AC utility power or to a standby DC input by providing a motor drive signal. The UPS power conditioning unit further includes a motor-generator that operates in response to the motor drive output by providing the conditioned AC power to the critical load. In response to an outage in the utility AC power, standby DC power is provided by a standby DC power source that includes a variable speed drive and a flywheel motor-generator connected to the variable speed drive. Both the UPS power conditioning unit and the standby DC power source are initially operated in response to the utility AC power, the flywheel motor-generator storing kinetic energy in a rotating flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Atlas Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Bowyer, Geoffrey West
  • Patent number: 5612579
    Abstract: An electric power distribution center for use on aircraft comprises a space frame having a first surface defining a plurality of sockets, and a second, generally parallel, surface defining a plurality of connector ports; a plurality of conducting bus bars utilizing a three dimensional routing configuration encapsulated within the space frame; current sensors integrally mounted within the space frame for monitoring the flow of electrical current through the conducting bus bars; and a printed circuit board encapsulated within the space frame for providing electrical circuit pathways within the power distribution center. Further, a plurality of load protection and control devices, seated within the sockets of the first surface, provide a switchable coupling between the bus bars and the printed circuit board to control the distribution of electric power to the individual aircraft loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Wisbey, Lee R. Rateike
  • Patent number: 5563451
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus comprises a generator (5) that can generate electric power used for welding, lighting, and electric tools and is installed under a load carrying platform (2) of a vehicle (1), a speed-increasing gear (3) that is installed at one side of the generator (5), a power switchboard (4) that is installed at the other side of the generator (5) as integral with the generator (5), and a propeller shaft (14) connecting a side PTO (12) installed on a transmission case (13) to the speed-increasing gear (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Aichi Sangyo Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 5536976
    Abstract: An electrical generation system and method for switching a plurality of isolated circuits between a generator and an electrical source. A current signal of each isolated circuit is sensed and the current signal is emitted to a computer. A generator output signal is sensed and emitted to the computer. An available power signal of the electrical source is sensed and also emitted to the computer. The computer or a microprocessor computes, as a function of the sensed load signals, a sensed generator output signal, and the sensed available power signal, whether each solid state load switch should be individually switched to connect each corresponding isolated circuit to either the generator or the electrical source. The computer or microprocessor then emits a switching signal to each solid state load switch for electrically connecting each corresponding isolated circuit to either the generator or the electrical source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Churchill
  • Patent number: 5512787
    Abstract: A facility for the generation of electrical power and products for the refueling of clean air vehicles (CAV's) and marine craft and for use by the facility and/or general market. A host of electrical power generation devices including solar panels, solar collectors, wave action generators, reverse osmosis water purification apparatus, electrolizers, hydrogen/oxygen purifiers and compressors, storage units, fuel cells, AC/DC motors and generators and the various connectors, gauges and networks used for interconnecting and dispensing the products of a combined source system are used jointly and severally in a unique siting about an elevated roadway or railway. The idealized site for this combined system is a bridge, or other elevated structures such as lock superstructures, dam faces and otherwise towering facilities. The siting structure is most desirably located adjacent a water source, be it a river, bay, tidal estuary or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Robert Dederick
  • Patent number: 5512788
    Abstract: A system which utilizes wasted or exhausted air flow from one or more ventilation systems of a bounded area such as a mine, a tunnel or some other area requiring ventilation. The exhaust fan of the ventilation system expels air causing air velocities to be directed out of the bounded area at one or more locations. The exhaust air from these necessary ventilation systems is captured and converted to electrical energy by existing wind-powered electrical energy generating equipment suitably positioned in front of the exhaust fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Robert M. Berenda, Jack Ferenci
  • Patent number: 5495128
    Abstract: An electrical power generating system that uses wind power to drive hydraulic pumps or motors that in turn drive electrical generators. The system uses a plurality of squirrel-cage type fans or turbines arranged with their axes in different intersecting planes to more efficiently utilize the wind. The wind turbines are mounted on a partially enclosed supporting structure that directs the wind for the most efficient use of the turbines, and the entire unit is rotatable about a pivot support so that the unit can swing through a full circle to orient itself to the wind direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Fred L. Brammeier
  • Patent number: 5476293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5434454
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Otto Farkas
  • Patent number: 5373198
    Abstract: The system ensures electric feed for which purpose it has an alternating current motor (1) coupled to an alternator (2) which is coupled to a hydraulic motor (8) which in turn is coupled to a diesel engine (7.)The alternating current motor is coupled by means of a clutch (6) to a high pressure pump (5.)All the elements are governed by a control circuit (4) so that in the absence of network, it simultaneously drives the diesel engine (7) and the hydraulic motor (8) the latter initially maintaining the angular speed of the alternator, until the diesel engine (7) attains its normal working conditions; as of when it is mechanically coupled to the alternator (2), the hydraulic motor (8) remaining turned off.The high pressure pump is capable of being directly coupled to the diesel engine (7) with which the hydraulic motor (8) is the one which maintains the angular speed of the alternator (2) at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Investigation Tecnica Industrial, S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Lopez Jimenez
  • Patent number: 5311062
    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 is 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Otto Farkas
  • Patent number: 5309029
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Earl M. Gregory, James S. Tschantz
  • Patent number: 5199912
    Abstract: An electric power system for large marine vehicles in which one or more AC generators are shared as the ship's propulsion power source and the ship's electrical service power source. The voltage from the AC generator(s) is rectified to a reduced DC voltage such that voltage transients in the propulsor motor do not reflect into the ship service power system. Silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) bridges are utilized to convert the generator's AC voltage into a reduced DC voltage. As a supplement for emergency power, a rechargeable battery is included to provide power for propulsion and ship service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: Thomas B. Dade, Kenneth W. Leiding, Peter P. Mongeau
  • Patent number: 5083037
    Abstract: This device for controlling the operation of at least two thermal engines coupled to the same drive shaft of an alternator, comprising a regulator for regulating the rotational speed of the engines and proportional actuators for adjusting the position of a member controlling the injection of fuel into each engine, which are controlled in response to an output signal from the regulator. The device includes a closed-loop servo-control of the position of each control member as a function of the output signal from the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pugnet
  • Patent number: 5023537
    Abstract: The problem of detecting low frequency faults is solved in a VSCF control system which is operated in a start mode to start an engine (18) using a brushless synchronous generator operating as a motor (12). The motor (12) receives power through a feeder (52) from a converter (36) which is coupled through an additional feeder (44) to a source (42) of AC power. During normal, non-fault conditions, the sum of the input currents to the converter (36) and the sum of the output currents from the converter (36) must each be zero. When a fault condition exists, then one or both of these currents will be non-zero, depending upon the location of the fault. A single current sensor (56) is used to sense feeder faults by positioning the sensor to read the current through the converter input feeder (44). As long as no feeder to ground fault condition exists, then the current sensor (44) senses zero current. If a non-zero current is sensed, then it is assumed that a fault condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Baits
  • Patent number: 4982569
    Abstract: An intermitently operable non-fuel-consuming power generator, such as a photovoltaic array or a wind generator, is connected through a control circuit to a battery for charging the same and supplying current to a time-wise substantially constant electrical load. An electrical generator, connected to an intermitently operable prime mover, charges the battery and supplies current to the electrical load when the prime mover is operated. A sensor circuit senses at least one electrical parameter, such as a failure of the power generator to produce current, for controlling the operation of the primer mover (i.e., starting of the prime mover). The sensor circuit also senses a second electrical parameter, such as the charge level of the battery. The prime mover is made operational only if the battery capacity is less than a predetermined threshold level when the power generator fails to produce current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Ormat Turbines, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lucien Y. Bronicki
  • Patent number: 4967097
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Bryon R. Mehl
  • Patent number: 4967096
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bus configuration for a dual channel variable speed constant frequency motor/generator aircraft power system providing for both power generation and engine starting. The subject invention provides for isolation of faults which can occur in long power feeders. Further, the subject invention provides for a novel start mode of operation which allows one channel to provide power to the other channel, thereby avoiding inefficient multiple converter operation and potentially faulty power buses. The bus configuration provides for coupling a first motor/generator to a second motor/generator via a first converter to thereby allow th first motor/generator, operating as a generator, to supply variable frequency power to the first converter, the first converter supplying variable frequency power to the second motor/generator to operate the second motor/generator as a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Diemer, Michael D. Teagardin
  • Patent number: 4942493
    Abstract: Generating systems are operable in a starting mode to provide motive power to a prime mover to bring it up to a self-sustaining condition. However, a malfunction in a component connected between the generating system and the prime mover or in the prime mover itself may cause a potentially damaging condition to arise. In order to overcome this problem, a system for detecting, for example, the failure of a prime mover to achieve a self-sustaining condition continuously senses speed and acceleration of the prime mover, determines a minimum acceleration during a particular speed range, compares the minimum acceleration to prime mover acceleration at a point outside of the speed range and develops a signal to indicate no ignition if the minimum acceleration is greater than the acceleration at the point outside of the speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Paul G. Baits
  • Patent number: 4908565
    Abstract: A power supply system for developing electrical power from variable-speed motive power produced by a prime mover includes a differential speed summer having a first shaft coupled to the prime mover and further having second and third shafts coupled to first and second generators, respectively, a power conditioner coupled to the second generator for conditioning the power developed thereby and means for regulating the conditioned power developed by the second generator so that the first generator develops constant-frequency AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Cook, Richard W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4888493
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore D. Fluegel
  • Patent number: 4868406
    Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive includes a mechanical differential having first and second input shafts and an output shaft wherein a prime mover is coupled to the first input shaft, a brushless generator is coupled to the differential output shaft and includes a control permanent magnet generator (PMG) and a main generator which develops output power and a speed compensation link is coupled between the control PMG and the second differential shaft. The speed compensation link includes a dynamoelectric machine coupled to the second differential input shaft and a power converter which interconnects armature windings of the control PMG and electrical power windings of the dynamoelectric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy F. Glennon, William E. McCracken
  • Patent number: 4827152
    Abstract: An uninterruptible rotating power supply incorporates a sensor of motion and distortion of a stator during interruptions of normal power supply acting on the stator within a synchronous motor, which normally rotates an alternator supplying power to the electric load. When a distortion (unacceptable normal power supply) is sensed, transient power is supplied by a flywheel and hydraulic motor driven by hydraulic fluid stored under pressure in a reservoir. Long term emergency power is supplied by a diesel engine driving the generator or hydraulic pump. The dual supply of transient power allows redundancy for large amperage critical applications or downsizing of flywheel to minimum levels in less critical applications or where a portion of the load is not critical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Otto Farkas
  • Patent number: 4807437
    Abstract: The power plant employs fluid flow passages between the nipples and the pressure and tailwater collection chambers, which are restricted as to flow, and there are valve means in one passage employed to enable the nipples to discharge the tailwater to the pressure chamber, and then restabilize at the pressure of the same, when the offset vessels are extended and retracted with respect to the nipples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Charles Pelin
  • Patent number: 4802100
    Abstract: Control sub-systems, modularized on both a hardware and software basis are configurable to supplement an existing cogeneration system package, controlling and/or monitoring only essential control points of such cogeneration system to select thermal or electrical load following modes, or on and off modes, and to optimize the operation of the cogeneration system handling only a few control points. Various inputs of the cogenerator system are sensed and used in generating diagnostic or performance evaluation routines. Personality modules adapt the sub-systems to a particular cogeneration package type, and permit tailoring for economic considerations, such as local rates and schedules, performance characteristics and operating constraints of the associated cogeneration package and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert K. Aasen, Donald C. Turck, Anoop K. Mathur
  • Patent number: 4785227
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile emergency medical vehicle having a main transport engine and a medical equipment, supply and patient compartment or module, with such compartment having an independently operated electrical generating means powered by an auxiliary engine capable of providing all of the electrical power requirements of the compartment including exterior and interior electrical lighting, vacuum generating means, power outlet means, compartment air conditioning, heating and the like. The electrical generating means is capable of supplying both 115 volt AC and 12 volt DC power through a converter to the compartment. Switching means is provided to facilitate switching at least a portion of the 12 volt DC power requirements of the patient compartment including exterior and interior lighting and vacuum generating means to the electrical system of the main transport engine upon failure of the compartment electrical generating means or auxiliary engine for any reason.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Frazer, Inc.
    Inventor: John Griffin
  • Patent number: 4777376
    Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive includes controllable gear boxes in the speed compensation link of the drive which permit the overall speed ranges of the permanent magnet machines to be controlled, thus leading to a desirable decrease in size and weight of the machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan W. Dishner
  • Patent number: 4743812
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan W. Dishner
  • Patent number: 4734626
    Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive (ECCSD) according to the present invention includes a pair of power transmission paths between the prime mover and a load wherein each power transmission path includes a mechanical differential having a first input coupled to the output of the prime mover and an output coupled to the load. A second input of each of the differentials is coupled to a permanent magnet machine and a power converter interconnects the electrical power windings of the permanent magnet machines. In operation, one of the permanent magnet machines is always operated as a generator while the other permanent magnet is operated as a motor so that power flow through the power converter is unidirectional. The ECCSD of the present invention results in a substantial reduction in the maximum control power and hence efficiency is increased and complexity is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Sutrina, Bryan W. Dishner
  • Patent number: 4721861
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Suzuo Saito, Teruo Nakagawa, Akio Hirata, Tadao Mose, Kohsaku Ichikawa, Kazuto Kawakami, Tsugunori Kuga
  • Patent number: 4709203
    Abstract: The invention relates to an on board power supply, particularily for a ship propelled by a variable speed diesel engine (1), comprising a first alternator (2) coupled to a diesel engine, an electronic regulator (4) for the first alternator, a rectifier (5) for rectifying the output current of the first alternator, a direct current motor (6) powered from the output of the rectifier, and a second alternator (8) coupled to the direct current motor.It also comprises means (13) for selectively feeding the regulator of the first alternator from the output (12) of the first alternator or from the output (11) of the second alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Moteurs Leroy-Somer
    Inventors: Yves M. J. P. Roux, Patrice G. L. Pitaud
  • Patent number: 4697090
    Abstract: Prior generating systems utilizing electrically-compensated constant speed drives (ECCSD) have typically required a separate starter motor for starting a prime mover which supplies motive power to the ECCSD, thereby increasing the size and weight of the system. In order to overcome this problem, a generating system is provided with circuitry coupled to the electrical power windings of a permanent magnet machine (PMM) forming a part of the ECCSD for causing the PMM to develop motive power which causes an output shaft of a differential of the ECCSD to rotate at increasing speeds. When the output shaft of the differential reaches a predetermined speed, a generator coupled to the output shaft of the differential is supplied external or ground power which in turn causes the generator to operate as a motor and return motive power through the differential to the prime mover to start same and bring it up to operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Baker, Bryan W. Dishner
  • Patent number: 4694187
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Donal E. Baker
  • Patent number: 4686375
    Abstract: A power system for providing an uninterrupitible power supply comprising a first generator connected to a primary external load, a second generator connected to a secondary external load, and a prime mover connected to said first and second generators by a common shaft. The first generator is electrically isolated from the secondary external load. The prime mover is an internal combustion engine that supplies rotational movement to the common shaft. The secondary external load is an electrical utility. A thermal recovery system is connected to the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Power Group International Corp.
    Inventor: Carlos F. Gottfried
  • Patent number: 4672296
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile emergency medical vehicle having a main transport engine and a medical equipment, supply and patient compartment or module, with such compartment having an independently operated electrical generating means powered by an auxiliary engine capable of providing all of the electrical power requirements of the compartment including exterior and interior electrical lighting, vacuum generating means, power outlet means, compartment air conditioning, heating and the like. The electrical generating means is capable of supplying both 115 volt AC and 12 volt DC power through a converter to the compartment. Switching means is provided to facilitate switching at least a portion of the 12 volt DC power requirements of the patient compartment including exterior and interior lighting and vacuum generating means to the electrical system of the main transport engine upon failure of the compartment electrical generating means or auxiliary engine for any reason.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Frazer, Inc.
    Inventor: John Griffin
  • Patent number: 4661714
    Abstract: An AC marine propulsion system which provides a constant continuous rated horsepower availability at the standard rated engine RPM, over the full useful operating range of the propeller. A prime mover diesel engine is operated at its continuous rated speed to provide for maximum fuel efficiency. An alternator connected to the prime mover is driven at a speed which is higher than the standard rated alternator speed, thus producing higher than standard rated voltage and frequency. The combination of prime mover and alternator provides for an optimum system mass to power ratio. An AC motor is coupled through a gearbox to a fixed pitch propeller system. A frequency converter is dispsoed between the alternator and AC motor. Propeller RPM is controlled by changing the frequency of the voltage supplied to the AC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventors: J. Glenn Satterthwaite, George B. Field, Jr.