Abstract: The electrical supply system on aircraft may employ a constant speed drive (CSD) to convert variable engine speed to constant speed for operation of synchronous 400 Hz electrical generators. The heart of these devices is a differential which mechanically sums the input of two shafts and outputs this sum to a third shaft. Connected to this third shaft is a constant speed synchronous generator. Connected to one of the input shafts is the turbine generator (most likely through gearing). The second input shaft is connected to a speed compensating drive which accounts for engine speed changes. The speed compensating device disclosed herein is an electrically compensating motor/generator arrangement. Bidirectional power flow in the electric compensation link uses two high-speed, permanent-magnet, three-phase machines interconnected by a power conditioning network. One machine is operated as a brushless dc machine, while the other functions as a variable speed synchronous machine.

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: An intermittently 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 for charging the same and supplying current to a time-wise substantially constant electrical load. An electrical generator, connected to an intermittently 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 prime 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.

Abstract: An improvement in a wind electric generation system of the type disclosed in Jacobs et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,059,771, 4,228,361, and 4,228,362, with particular reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,361.

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: 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 pressure energy storage device for the storage of kinetic energy of rotation in the form of potential energy of a compressed fluid and for converting the potential energy of the compressed fluid into kinetic energy of rotation. The pressure energy storage device includes a storage reservoir, a compressor driven by a rotating source to deliver pressurized fluid to the storage reservoir, and a primary fluid motor selectively operable to generate rotary motion by drawing off a portion of the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power storage system for electric railway which comprises a motor-generator connected to a power system for feeding an electric vehicle with electric power, and a flywheel coupled to the motor-generator, and in which the motor-generator is allowed to store the electric power and thereafter discharge it in correspondence with approach of the electric vehicle to a predetermined running section and running thereof in the section.

Abstract: An energy storage device comprising three flywheels mounted mutually perpendicular on said shafts in three dimensions within a rigid enclosure. The shafts are interconnected within the enclosure through a bevel gear arrangement in which the motion of one flywheel is imparted to the other flywheels. The shafts pass through the walls of the enclosure through a bearing arrangement.

Abstract: An electric generating system is provided and consists of an external power source, an expansion engine connected to the power source, a large generator electrically connected to output of the expansion engine, a housing having a well, a pair of bearings mounted to side walls of the well, a motor having a drive shaft, the motor mounted vertically at bottom of the well, electrically connected to output of the generator with the drive shaft rotatably mounted in the bearings having an end extending therefrom, a large bevel gear driven by the drive shaft of the motor, a plurality of small bevel gears, each small bevel gear radially aligned and driven by the large bevel gear and a plurality of small generators, each small generator having a driven shaft affixed to a small bevel gear and mounted to the housing around the well to produce 100 percent output of electrical power.

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 solar powered system wherein a load such as a compressor (16) is driven by a main induction motor (14) powered by a solar array (10), and an auxiliary motor (18) shares the load with the solar powered motor in proportion to the amount of sunlight available, is provided with a power factor controller (20) for controlling voltage applied to the auxiliary motor in accordance with the loading on that motor. In one embodiment, when sufficient power is available from the solar cell array the auxiliary motor is driven as a generator by excess power from the main motor so as to return electrical energy to the power company utility lines.

Abstract: A transmission drive has a flywheel component and includes an electrical machine in the transmission path having an armature adapted for independent rotation with the driving side of the transmission drive and an independently rotatable field structure rotatable with the driven side of the transmission drive. In a vehicle drive train the field structure of the transmission drive is connected to a rotatable shaft driven by a heat engine operated at constant RPM and speed variation is effected by electrical control means connected to the armature which regulates the armature current during relative movement of the field structure and the armature thereby varying the power transmitted to the driving side.

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: A control circuit and auxiliary power supply and a switching means for connecting the load selectively to the auxiliary power supply and the main power supply.The main power supply may be a public utility power line, and the auxiliary power supply is a windmill, a motor and generator all connected together on a common shaft. A control means senses the output voltage of the generator or output frequency and controls the switch to either connect the load to the power line or the auxiliary power supply.A battery is supplied for storing excess windmill power and for driving the motor and generator during periods of low wind.

Abstract: A hydro electric generating system to produce power by changing the potential energy of water to kinetic energy to drive a turbine that is coaxially connected to a generator. Water from the ambient enters the reservoir and is directed by a valve to a conduit to the turbine which turns a generator to produce electricity. The system is constructed in such a matter that it may supply power during peak power demand and be used as a storage system during low power demand.

Abstract: An electrical alternator system is capable of being driven by either of two prime movers and of being automatically transferred therebetween without substantial variation in the electrical output of the alternator. A planetary gear system having two mechanical drive inputs and one output is interposed between the normally used prime mover and an alternator. One mechanical input to the planetary gear system is provided with a controlled variable speed input N.sub.R from the prime mover which is controlled so as to compensate for speed variations in the other mechanically input N.sub.E from the prime mover thus maintaining the output speed N.sub.S substantially equal to a desired reference speed N.sub.O.

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.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel electric transmission system is made up of three electric machines and a flywheel and is adapted for use in an automobile. The first electric machine is driven or energized by a prime mover such as a heat engine and is selectively clutched to the second machine. The flywheel and the armatures for both the first and second machines rotate as a unit. The third machine is connected to the second machine through gearing and, under the control of a computer, supplies excess electrical power to or consumes excess electrical power from the first and second machines that are functioning as either a motor or generator as required. In a second embodiment, the energy source is a battery pack.

Abstract: A reaction engine driven electrical generating system comprising an electrical generator having an armature and a reaction engine driven to rotate the armature for generating electricity. The reaction engine drive includes a generally cylindrical housing with an internal truncated cone which internally divides the housing into two sections. A drive shaft extends generally horizontally into the housing and a reaction force rotation unit carrying a plurality of reaction engines is mounted upon the drive shaft. An enlarged air port is fashioned within one end of the housing and cooperates with an air inlet disc fixedly connected to the drive shaft. A plurality of air inlet aperatures extend through the air inlet disc and air conduits connect the inlet aperatures directly to corresponding intakes of said plurality of reaction engines. A monitor is operably connected to the armature or drive shaft and serves to provide a readout of speed of rotation of the drive shaft and generator armature.

Abstract: An internal combustion reciprocating engine is operable as a compressor during slack demand periods utilizing excess power from a power grid to charge air into an air storage reservoir and as an expander during peak demand periods to feed power into the power grid utilizing air obtained from the air storage reservoir together with combustible fuel. Preferably the internal combustion reciprocating engine is operated at high pressure and a low pressure turbine and compressor are also employed for air compression and power generation.

Abstract: A control system is provided for turbines in the utility part of an industrial plant using cogeneration so that control is maintained over the relative quantities of steam supplied to a common steam header from both the back pressure and the extraction turbines where the header supplies process steam at a predetermined pressure. The steam flow from a stage of the extraction turbine is controlled to maintain the header pressure at its desired value. The steam flow thus controlled is measured and a control means is provided to control the steam flow from a back pressure turbine supplying the same header so as to maintain a predetermined relationship between the two steam flows while maintaining electrical generation from the generators driven by the turbine at a maximum consistent with maintenance of an adequate control range for the header pressure control.

Abstract: A power plant for generating electrical power comprises opposed piston assemblies each at the end of a rack and pinion mechanism conformed to pass through a linear inductor. Thus on each piston firing stroke the linear translation of the rack is used to produce electrical power. This is achieved by an interdigitated magnetic structure attached to each rack. In this manner a linear inductor is utilized to take benefit of each stroke in the course of generating electricity. Each pair of opposed pistons includes its own throttle control system, thus allowing for convenient balancing of the total power. The throttle control system operates a mixture mechanism which combines combustion air with fuel and water to form a charge which is injected into the firing chamber.

Abstract: This invention introduces the concept that on an interconnected electric power system, the area-caused components of memory parameters system time deviation and the total inadvertent interchange of each constitutent control area are separable and measurable. Methods and means are disclosed for separating each of the components and determining its magnitude, utilizing known or measurable parameters, thereby providing new long-desired area memory parameters which are precise measures of the control performance of each area. The portion of system time deviation and the portion, designated primary inadvertent, of total area inadvertent interchange caused by an area's own regulating deficiencies, and the portion, designated secondary inadvertent, of total area inadvertent interchange caused by regulating deficiencies of each remote area, are identified.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing natural energy in the production of electricity having an alternating current is disclosed wherein the natural energy is utilized to pressurize hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is temporarily stored within high pressure storage tanks to be utilized in the production of electricity. This electricity is supplied as needed to various consumers. Excess electricity which is generated by hydro electric devices driven by the pressurized hydraulic fluid is utilized to pressurize additional hydraulic fluid. The additional hydraulic fluid is then supplied to the high pressure storage tanks to be used at a later time for the production of electricity. In this way, excess electricity that is produced from the pressurized hydraulic fluid is reconverted into pressurized hydraulic fluid which may be stored in the high pressure storage tanks until needed.

Abstract: AC electrical power system comprising an electrical alternator and a primary power source which is alternatively and automatically utilizable with an emergency power source when the primary power source fails, the primary power source being either a wind-driven impeller or a water-driven turbine which are selectively and alternatively utilized.

Abstract: An electrical and thermal energy supply system for buildings is disclosed wherein electricity is generated by an engine driving a generator either inside or in close proximity to the building. Heat generated by the engine is recovered and supplied to the building. The electrical generating system is activated on demand for electricity from within the building. Optionally, the output of the generator may be used to electrically heat water or air, or both, to supplement the heat recovered from the operation of the engine. Additionally, a battery-inverter, chargeable by the generator, may be included to reduce the duty cycle of the engine. A wind powered generator may be further added to charge the battery and conserve fuel, especially in warmer time periods.

Abstract: A turbomachine plant comprises a gas turbine, a synchronous electrical machine operable as a motor or generator, and a compressor all mounted on the same shafting and adapted to be coupled together for two optional operating modes. In a first operating mode, the gas turbine serves to drive the synchronous electrical machine for generation of electrical power and the compressor is not utilized. In the second operating mode, the synchronous electrical machine operating as a motor serves to drive the compressor for gas compression and the gas turbine is not utilized. When in the first operating mode the compressor is not disconnected by conventional clutch means from the gas turbine-synchronous electrical machine group but rather always remains connected to that group and is arranged by suitable valving so as to rotate in a vacuum type of operation with a power loss which is slight in relation to the gas turbine.

Abstract: A power plant of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,563 is housed in a pressure chamber filled with a body of water having a standpipe relatively upstanding thereabove to pressurize the water.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of steam-heating power plants to optimize the use of energy in producing the required steam and electrical power comprising means for sensing steam and electricity demands, means for comparing these sensed demands with the electricity and steam output of turbine means in the plant, and means for adjusting operating set points of the turbines and steam generator for coordinated control of power plant energy consumption and production.

Abstract: A high power wind turbine with kinetic accumulator is disclosed. The invention includes a circular wall, a wall turbine movably mounted to the circular wall so that it can be moved to face the wind, a non-linear generator connected to the wind turbine to generate electrical power, a fly wheel, and a drive wheel disposed in contact with the fly wheel to drive the fly wheel. A reversible non-linear motor is connected to the drive wheel to drive the drive wheel or to be driven by the drive wheel. The non-linear generator is connected to the reversible motor to rotate the drive wheel to rotate the fly wheel when the non-linear generator generates excess electrical power. The fly wheel rotates the drive wheel to drive the reversible motor to generate electrical power when the non-linear generator does not generate sufficient electrical power.

Abstract: The housing of the power plant defines a chamber at a level below the surface of a surrounding body of water; and also a series of penstocks which open into the water at points between the level of the chamber and the surface of the water, and which discharge into the chamber. The hydroelectric power generating means in the plant include turbines in the penstocks, and means for discharging the tailwater from the respective turbines including nipples on the housing which communicate with the chamber and open into the body of water at levels below that of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing power to run essential machinery ordinarily run by an electrical main powered motor has a stand-by engine coupled by automatic clutch to the machinery to be driven. A compressed air system is fed by an electric motor driven compressor deriving its power from the electric supply main and by the stand-by engine driven compressor during periods of power failure. This system holding compressed air in reserve in a storage tank is used for powering a pneumatic motor to start the engine upon failure of power in the electric supply main. The supply of compressed air to the starter motor and to operate an engine operation switch is controlled by a power failure detector system also air operated which normally withholds compressed air from the pneumatic starter motor, but upon failure allows passage of the air to the starter motor.

Abstract: A conversion means converts the energy available from a source, such as the wind or sun, into a corresponding amount of d.c. electrical power. A switching circuit, typically a thyristor bridge, is connected between the conversion means and an a.c. load and across a.c. power mains energizing the load. The switching circuit is operable to periodically connect the conversion means to the a.c. load in a power supplying manner. The a.c. mains impart suitable voltage and frequency characteristics to the electrical power so supplied. In the event the supplied power exceeds the power required by the a.c. load, the difference is taken by the a.c. power mains.

Abstract: Instead of supplying all electrical current for residences or similar buildings from a single central station by way of distribution power lines, each building is also provided with its own engine-driven electrical generator the output terminals of which are connected to the power lines. The heat from the engine in each building is used in satisfying the thermal load for that building, for example to heat the building and the domestic hot water, and/or to supply heat for heat-input forms of air conditioners or refrigerators. Thermostatic control is used to turn the engine on and off as needed to perform its heating function. The electrical current generated while the engine is running is used to supply part or all of the electrical load in the building, and any excess is supplied to the distribution power lines. A two-way watt-hour meter registers the net electrical power flow in or out of the building to enable securing of credit for the current delivered to the power lines from each building.