Plural Output Generators Patents (Class 307/16)
  • Patent number: 10965246
    Abstract: A shutdown control system and a shutdown control method are provided. A shutdown unit is a series circuit of multiple shutdown circuits connected in series or a series-parallel circuit of multiple such series circuits connected in parallel. Each shutdown circuit is connected to at least one direct current power supply. A SCU periodically transmits a first communication signal until receiving a first user command. A TCU controls states of a electrical energy transforming unit to control the operation state of a power generation system. Each PCU determines whether the first communication signal is received during a preset time period and whether the distributed power generation system operates in a power generation state, and controls a corresponding shutdown circuit to operate in a normal operation mode if at least one of the conditions is met; and otherwise operate in a security mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yanfei Yu, Hua Ni, Zongjun Yang, Huajin Chen
  • Patent number: 10569777
    Abstract: A circuit for compensating for low battery voltage available to power a load includes a power source, an inductor electrically coupled to the power source, a first switch configured to control current flow from the power source to the inductor, and a first diode connecting a first supply rail to the inductor. The circuit also includes a second switch configured to electrically connect the anode of a second diode to the inductor, with the cathode of the second diode connected to a second supply rail. A controller is configured to cycle the first and second switches to achieve a desired voltage values at the first and second supply rails. The second supply rail is electrically connected to the load. The controller is configured to enable the second switch to switch to a closed state only when the voltage at the power source is below a first predetermined threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: S. M. Nayeem Hasan, Timothy Philippart
  • Patent number: 10559962
    Abstract: A power-outputting management method includes following steps. When a plurality of power-supplying apparatuses are in a working interval, if an output power ratio of the power-supplying apparatus in a working status is less than an output power ratio standard, at least one of the power-supplying apparatuses in the working status is turned off, so that the output power ratio of the power-supplying apparatus in the working status increases and meets the output power ratio standard. When the power-supplying apparatuses are in the working interval, if the output power ratio of the power-supplying apparatus in the working status meets the output power ratio standard, a power capping of the power-supplying apparatuses is set based on an actual power consumption of an electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: AIC INC.
    Inventors: Jen-Yuan Huang, Chun-Kai Liou, Yi-Rong Yang, Chin-Yu Yeh
  • Patent number: 10418816
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a passive islanding to grid-connection switching method for a VSC HVDC transmission system. When the VSC HVDC transmission system in an island operation state, whether the VSC HVDC transmission system enters an grid-connection state is determined by detecting whether an overcurrent phenomenon has occurred in a converter valve-side three-phase alternating-current or a converter bridge arm current, and detecting a change status of an alternating-current side voltage. The system is controlled to switch from an island operation control mode to a grid-connection control mode. At a moment of switching, the online control mode is smoothly switched to by changing a power instruction and performing phase tracking on a current grid voltage, so that continuous operation of the system is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: NR Electric Co., Ltd., NR Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yunlong Dong, Jie Tian, Zhaoqing Hu, Haiying Li, Dongming Cao, Haibin Liu, Yu Lu
  • Patent number: 10243405
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing power to a load are provided. One system includes a first reactor including a first plurality of coils. A first coil of the first plurality of coils is configured to generate a first magnetic field, and a plurality of second coils of the first plurality of coils are configured to generate a plurality of second magnetic fields that vary an intensity of the first magnetic field. The system further comprises a second reactor comprising a second plurality of coils, wherein the second plurality of coils are configured to tune the first reactor to the load. The first reactor is configured to provide the power to the load, and the second reactor is configured to increase the power provided to the load by increasing an intensity of the second magnetic fields generated by the second coils and tuning the first reactor to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Bonifacio J. Eyales
  • Patent number: 10214110
    Abstract: Power supply device includes a power supply circuit with a low voltage load circuit and a high voltage load circuit connected to a plurality of batteries connected in series. A power supply circuit includes an equalizer that can prevent uneven consumption of each battery; a disconnect switch that enables the battery on the low voltage side to be electrically cut off; and a disconnect relay that enables the battery on the high voltage side to be electrically cut off. A machine controller starts an engine controller by turning on an engine key relay after turning on the disconnect relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Atsushi Kawaguchi, Kenji Yokohata
  • Patent number: 10049811
    Abstract: A transformer comprising a core and a plurality of conductor lines. Each conductor line in the plurality of conductor lines comprises at least three windings wound around the core such that a phase voltage at an output connection point associated with a corresponding conductor line of the plurality of conductor lines is substantially a selected percentage of a line voltage for the corresponding conductor line and such that harmonic currents are reduced to within selected tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jian Huang, Ernest H. Kanning, Alan T. Bernier
  • Patent number: 10023070
    Abstract: A battery operating apparatus, an auxiliary battery unit, and a battery control method are provided. The battery operating apparatus includes a master battery manager (BM), a fixed battery unit configured to supply a fixed power to a load, the fixed power remaining unchanged over time, and a removable auxiliary battery unit configured to supply a variable power to the load, the variable power varying over time, wherein the master BM is configured to control the fixed battery unit to supply the fixed power among a power needed by the load, and to control the auxiliary battery unit to supply the variable power among the power needed by the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-young Jeong, YoungJae Kim, Hyosun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9973124
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator which provides electrical power to an electrical load. The generator includes two field coils. A first switch circuit is coupled with the first field coil and a second switch circuit is coupled with the second field coil. A control device, included in the electrical system, operates the first and second switch circuits to regulate the generator output voltage and, in the alternative, to further reconfigure and/or deactivate the switch circuits based on their operating states. The generator maybe further coupled with an electrical energy absorbing device and the control device maybe further configured to operate on a switch, coupled with the electrical energy absorbing device, in response to a shutdown condition, RPM, rate of change of RPM, and voltage transient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Dimitar Delevski, Issam Jabaji
  • Patent number: 9941814
    Abstract: Method for detecting an islanding condition of a grid connected energy conversion system and related DC/AC converter apparatus, adapted to optimize performance in terms of preservation of the power quality, provide synchronized perturbation for all the inverters of a plant, provide shut down capability within the time requested by utilities and safety standards and provide immunity to grid frequency fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Luca Farese, Sauro Macerini
  • Patent number: 9806638
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a grid-connected inverter is disclosed. The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to promote an increase in efficiency of grid-connected inverter system and to improve a current THD by generating a voltage command by changing an offset voltage in response to size of DC-link power voltage and size of apparent power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: An No Yoo, Eun Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 9698621
    Abstract: A portable generator system having an internal combustion engine, a starting device for starting the internal combustion engine and a power generating device for generating an AC signal for powering a charger assembly, the charger assembly adapted to receive the AC signal and to generate a DC charging signal. The charger assembly includes a first user controllable switch and a second user controllable switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Usselman, Dalton E. McFarland, Jeffrey P. Grant
  • Patent number: 9673620
    Abstract: An energy supply network, especially for an aircraft or spacecraft, including a first coupling device, the first coupling device being configured to couple the energy supply network to an external energy source, a first high voltage direct current, HVDC, segment, the first HVDC segment being coupled to the first coupling device and a second HVDC segment, the second HVDC segment being coupled to the first coupling device. Also provided is a corresponding method and an aircraft or spacecraft incorporating such an energy supply network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Johannsen, Torben Schroeter, Lucien Prisse, Jerome Mavier, Martina Hinze
  • Patent number: 9627909
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a power supply device having one or more converters (DC/DC and/or AC/DC) that convert input power supplied from one or more power sources, and a secondary battery which is charged by receiving power supplied from power sources. In addition, however, the power supply device has the unique feature of increasing power output by serially connecting the secondary battery to the DC/DC converter and/or AC/DC converter. In this regard, the secondary battery may comprise a Lithium Ion battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IKS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Imai
  • Patent number: 9595857
    Abstract: An electrical machine comprising a stator and a member arranged to move relative to said stator. The stator comprises a first stator structure incorporating a first plurality of windings disposed along the direction of relative motion and displaced from the movable member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion, and a second stator structure incorporating a second plurality of windings displaced in a second direction from the movable member, so that the movable member lies between the two stator structures. The movable member is arranged to electrically couple with the windings. The first plurality of windings includes a single phase winding connected to a first single-phase ac supply, and the second plurality of windings includes a single phase winding of the same pole pitch being displaced in the direction of relative motion from first plurality of windings and connected to a second single-phase ac supply whose phase is displaced from that of the first supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Openhydro IP Limited
    Inventors: Simon Cawthorne, Edward Spooner
  • Patent number: 9312683
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted electric rotating machine includes a field winding wound on a rotor for magnetizing a field pole of the rotor, a stator winding for generating an AC voltage in accordance with a rotating magnetic field generated by the field pole, a power converter for converting the AC voltage to a DC voltage and outputting the DC voltage through a first power supply line connected to an output terminal thereof, and a load dump handling section for performing a load dump protection operation when a voltage of the output terminal of the power converter exceeds a threshold voltage. The load dump handling section is supplied with operating power through a second power supply line provided separately from the first power supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Nakayama, Harumi Horihata
  • Patent number: 9190945
    Abstract: A voltage regulator coupled between a batteryless alternator and a ground includes an under-voltage detection circuit and an exciting current regulating unit. The under-voltage protection circuit includes a voltage detection unit, a plurality of switching circuits, and a power switch. The voltage detection unit generates a first control signal according to an output voltage of the batteryless alternator. The switching circuits are connected in series and controlled by the first control signal. The power switch is coupled to one of the switching circuits and a rotor coil of the batteryless alternator. The exciting current regulating unit controls the operation of the power switch according to the output voltage of the batteryless alternator. The voltage detection unit detects whether the output voltage is lower than a threshold and selectively cuts off the power switch by sequentially controlling the operations of the switching circuits according to the detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD., UNIVERSAL GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Hung Wu
  • Patent number: 9110195
    Abstract: An electromagnetic and its combined surveying apparatus and method, utilizing small-sized one or three-dimensional magnetic field sensors with high dynamic range and high sensitivity, which can be used together with highly populated receivers for the electromagnetic exploration. The electrical field could be derived from the vertical component of the magnetic field of the highly populated receivers and the magneto-telluric data could be derived by measuring the three components of the magnetic data. Moreover, by means of connecting the same populated receivers with geophones or MEMS accelerometers, and moving the seismic sources together with the mobile electromagnetic source, seismic survey could be carried out. It is therefore able to undertake the interpretation of the seismic, electromagnetic and magneto-telluric data and perform a combined field exploration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Wen J. Whan, Dakun Xu
  • Patent number: 8423312
    Abstract: A method is provided for preventing islanding of a power source connected to an electric AC grid via an interface. The method senses an output voltage waveform of the interface, controls an output current waveform of the interface to track a reference current waveform having a mathematical relationship with the sensed output voltage waveform, and discontinues the output current waveform when the output voltage waveform is sensed to be outside a predetermined waveform range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip T. Krein
  • Patent number: 8278868
    Abstract: An environmental power generation device may include a base, a turbine mounting structure carried by the base and a wind turbine carried by the turbine mounting structure. The environmental power generation device may also include a power generator in communication with the wind turbine. The power generator may include a rotor in communication with the wind turbine, and a stator in rotational communication with the rotor. The environmental power generation device may further include a solar cell mounting structure connected to the base, and a solar cell connected to the solar cell mounting structure and positioned to overlie the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Guy Caudill
  • Patent number: 8089179
    Abstract: An electrical generation system utilizes a variable frequency generator operating in combination with a constant frequency generator. Also disclosed and claimed are an aircraft electrical architecture, and a gas turbine engine incorporating the above electrical generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Craig R. Legros
  • Patent number: 8068352
    Abstract: A control system for a power inverter is disclosed. The power inverter may be configured to supply power to a grid. The control system may include a plurality of output voltage sensors and a plurality of output current sensors configured to measure output line voltages and output line currents of the power inverter. The control system may further include a controller coupled to the power inverter. The controller may be configured to provide a control signal associated with a disturbance frequency to the power inverter. The controller may be further configured to determine an output power of the power inverter based on the output line voltages and output line currents, and determine an amplitude of oscillation in the output power caused by the disturbance frequency. The controller may also be configured to detect an islanding condition, if the amplitude of oscillation is below a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dachuan Yu, Mahesh Sitaram Illindala, Osama Mohammad Alkhouli
  • Patent number: 8035369
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for detecting an isolated network for an inverter (2) carrying a converter voltage that is adapted for connection in parallel with a grid (5) having a mains frequency and electric loads and that is decoupled from the grid (5) by a choke (3), a test signal being superimposed upon the converter voltage at a test frequency the frequency of which is smaller than the mains frequency, the amplitude of the test signal being much smaller than the nominal voltage amplitude of the mains voltage on the one side but still just large enough on the other side for changes in reactive power to be detectable as a result of the test signal, a reactive power share being determined, which oscillates with the test frequency, this share not being allowed to fall below an imposed minimum for an isolated operation to be reliably excluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Neidhardt Bechtel, Christian Hardt
  • Patent number: 8005580
    Abstract: Aircraft power systems, aircraft galley systems, and methods and systems for managing power distribution to aircraft galley systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system can include an aircraft power source and at least first and second galley appliances operably coupled to the aircraft power source. The aircraft system can further include a controller operably coupled to the first and second galley appliances. The controller can be configured to receive a first power request from the first galley appliance and a second power request from the second galley appliance. The controller can be further configured to sort the first and second power requests and distribute power to the first and second galley appliances from the aircraft power source based on the sorting of the first and second power requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael B. McAvoy
  • Patent number: 7679219
    Abstract: Power supply devices for vehicle electrical systems in particular, including two voltage systems, i.e., vehicle electrical systems, each having its own generator. The first generator and the battery belong to the same voltage system, and the second generator belongs to the second voltage system. If the two voltage systems were decoupled, the second generator would not have the excitation current required for starting, so means are consequently provided here to connect the second generator to a charge storage device after actuation of the ignition switch, thereby generating an excitation current; this charge storage device may also be the battery of the first voltage system and the connection is kept conductive until the second generator starts and is generating an output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Labitzke, Andre Micko
  • Publication number: 20090008993
    Abstract: An electromechanical power transfer system that transfers power between a prime mover and a combination of multiphase alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical power systems, comprises: a dynamoelectric machine that has a rotor assembly coupled to the prime mover, a main stator with a multiphase alternating current (AC) winding coupled to a main stator bus and a control coil with a winding that varies the output of the main stator with the application of control coil current; a matrix converter coupled to the main stator bus for converting AC on the main stator bus to AC of a desired electrical frequency and potential on an AC system bus; an active rectifier coupled to the main stator bus for converting AC on the main stator bus to DC of a desired potential on a DC bus; and a system control unit for generating the control coil current with a level that regulates the output of the main stator on the main stator bus, controlling the output of the matrix converter to regulate the output of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Vijay K. Maddali, Vietson M. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7408268
    Abstract: An electrical power supply system connected to an electrical grid, includes at least one source of electrical power, an inverter which receives power from the electrical source and delivers power to a local load, and a connection to the electrical grid. The system also includes a control unit for controlling the inverter, which interrupts the delivery of power by the inverter when at least one electrical parameter of the system exceeds a threshold value. The system also includes anti-islanding logic which detects at least one symptom of an islanding condition of the system and, when the symptom is detected, to cause a variation in the power level delivered by the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Magnetek, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Danio Nocentini, Sauro Macerini
  • Patent number: 7105946
    Abstract: A plurality of distributed power generation systems are connected via the Internet to a managing apparatus in a managing company. A power company communicates with the managing apparatus via another line. At peak times of power consumption in the midsummer and so forth, the power company requests the managing company to supply the power. The managing company controls to remotely set generation capacity of the distributed generation systems at maximum so as to reverse surplus power therefrom to a power system. A normal power rate is discounted for a user of the distributed generation system for his/her cooperation with the power company. The managing company charges the power company based on the surplus electric energy supplied to the power company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Akiyama, Masatoshi Ueda, Nobuyoshi Nishizawa, Kazuhiro Tajima, Masataka Kadowaki, Osamu Tajima, Takeshi Kanai
  • Patent number: 5684341
    Abstract: An electromagnetic generator for working electrically conducting objects with current and magnetic field pulses having a high rate of rise as expressed by dI/dt and dB/dt includes primary windings of a pulse transformer that are arranged in pairs so that their primary currents generate a single current pulse on the secondary side of the pulse transformer. The pulse transformer has as secondary coil comprised of a longitudinally slit pipe on which the insulated primary windings are placed. Contact blocks are attached as current outputs next to the longitudinal slit and in the middle of pipe for the connection of an external low-ohmic peak-current loop which encloses a magnetic field concentrator that is made in one or several parts and that can accept one or several metal work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Magnet-Physik Dr. Steingroever GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Steingroever
  • Patent number: 5606244
    Abstract: A mobile AC power source is described for generating AC electrical power that is powered by any rotational energy source such as a vehicle engine. The output of the mobile generator is sinusoidal but could have other shapes as well and is stable with variations in load and engine RPM. The AC output can vary in voltage from approximately 100 to 500 VAC RMS and in frequency from approximately 40 to 400 Hz. The mobile AC power source employs an alternator driven by the vehicle engine or any other rotational source and incorporates two stator windings and one rotor, or two stators, four windings and two rotors on a common shaft. The stator windings are insulated electrically from each other. AC output voltage is held constant by using the voltage produced by the alternator as feedback and controlling the alternator rotor current. A voltage step up circuit boosts the voltage from the alternator if it is below a threshold value as occurs at low engine RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ofer Energies Ltd.
    Inventor: Victor Migdal
  • Patent number: 5334926
    Abstract: An electric power system for an automotive vehicle is provided with a generator to which a 48-volt battery, a blower motor and a DC--DC converter are connected in parallel. An output terminal of the converter is connected to a load which is constituted by a 12-volt battery, a head lamp, a vehicle speed sensor and a resistance to which a switch is connected in series. The system is further provided with a voltmeter for detecting a voltage value of the 12-volt battery and an ammeter for detecting a load current applied to the load, a controller for controlling the converter and the switch. The controller controls the converter to start operation and the switch to be turned on when the voltage value detected by the volt-meter is lower than a first predetermined value and the load current detected by the ammeter is smaller that a second predetermined value. Accordingly, an operating period of the converter is shortened and therefore an energy loss generated in the system is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 5321231
    Abstract: An electrical system for supplying power to an electrical resistive heater that heats the catalyst of a catalytic converter. The electrical system includes an alternating current generator that has an output winding and a field winding that is carried by the rotor of the generator. The rotor is driven by an engine on a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle loads, including a storage battery are supplied with current by a first bridge rectifier that is connected to the output winding of the generator. The resistive catalyst heater is supplied with current by a circuit that includes a step-up transformer connected between the output winding of the generator and a second bridge rectifier that feeds the heater. The system can be operated in a high power mode for supplying a higher level of power to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Truman T. Schmalzriedt, Paul A. Battiston, David R. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 5317299
    Abstract: A summing transformer having a core structure, first primary and secondary windings wound on the core structure for establishing a rotating electromagnetic field when the first primary winding is energized, and second primary and secondary windings wound on the core structure for establishing a rotating electromagnetic field when the second primary winding is energized, and wherein the second first and second secondary windings are connected together so that voltages induced therein are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: P. John Dhyanchand, Jayant Vaidya, Rajhunath Mokadam, Richard Arbanella
  • Patent number: 5168207
    Abstract: An electrical control system for a voltage sensitive load having switch means for selecting from single or multiple rectified phases of a multi-phase alternator/generator to provide multiple output levels of DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: William C. Follmer
  • Patent number: 5164655
    Abstract: A dual state power system utilizing power drivers to switch an alternator from 12 volt to 24 volt charging. A 12-24 volt alternator regulator charges a 12 volt battery or a 24 volt battery depending on the position of a mode switch. The invention allows the use of one alternator/engine combination to charge either a 12 volt or 24 volt system. The invention uses a 12 volt mode priority to override a 24 volt charging mode. The 24 volt charging mode is interrupted to provide voltage to a 12 volt battery for a predetermined time period. A voltage controller drives a smart electrical current driver which controls the output of an alternator. A reset circuit determines from system parameters reported from system components whether the charging system to a reset error circuit whether or not the alternator is operating correctly. A sense lamp driver indicates to the user that the system is in a non functioning state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Dimensions Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick D. Heavey
  • Patent number: 5093611
    Abstract: An output circuit for a portable generator having a plurality of output windings provided separately from each other, and control winding provided separately from the output windings. A plurality of thyristor bridge circuits each having thyristors are connected respectively to the output windings. A superposing circuit superposes outputs from the thyristor bridge circuits one upon another to provide a first superposed output voltage. A rectifier circuit is connected to the control winding. The rectifier circuit is disposed such that its output voltage is superposed upon the first superposed output voltage to provide a second superposed output voltage. A control circuit is responsive to the second superposed output voltage for concurrently controlling voltages applied respectively to the gates of the thyristors of the thyristor bridge circuits to thereby maintain the first superposed output voltage at a constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Nakamura, Shigeru Fujii
  • Patent number: 5068589
    Abstract: A supplementary heating system particularly suitable for an automotive vehicle comprises a step down transformer coupled to the stator windings of the vehicle's alternator and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistivity heater electrically connected intermediate the stator windings and the transformer in parallel with the transformer. Due to the presence of the transformer the voltage regulator causes the alternator to operate at a higher than customary voltage to provide the conventional 14.4 volts for the vehicle's normal electrical loads with the high voltage used to energize the heater. The heater can be in the form of a so-called "honeycomb" having a plurality of parallely extending passages or cells disposed in the air stream going from the main heater into the passenger compartment and can be either a multiphase, single phase or direct current type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen B. Offiler, Peter G. Berg, Keith W. Kawate
  • Patent number: 5013991
    Abstract: A silicon controlled rectifier is connected between the output of each stator winding of a conventional alternator and a terminal of a lower voltage battery, and a control electrode of each silicon control rectifier is connected to a switching control circuit for switching the silicon control rectifiers to switch stator current alternatively to a lower voltage battery or to a higher voltage battery connected across the alternator stator. A voltage regulator is connected between the alternator field coil and the lower and higher voltage batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Sure Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyle R. Brune
  • Patent number: 4999563
    Abstract: A separately power-feeding welding generator having at least two main generating windings for supplying power to loads by rectifying an induced voltage and adapted to permit the power being fed from the two main generating windings to the loads to be separately controlled, in whicha thyristor is provided in a rectifying circuit for rectifying a voltage induced in at least one of the two main generating windings;an a-c voltage detector for detecting the voltage induced in at least one of the two main generating windings anda thyristor control signal generator for controlling the conduction angle of the thyristor on the basis of the detected signal of the a-c voltage detector and the reference level obtained by extracting the level of the current being fed to the loads are provided;a diode which conducts when a positive half-wave is applied in parallel with the thyristor is connected in series with a resistor element;a first control power supply for rectifying a voltage induced in at least one of the two main g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Sawafui Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4973896
    Abstract: An automobile generator apparatus for producing commercial line power when driven by an automobile engine comprises a generator, an inverter unit, a controller for controlling the generator field and an accelerator actuator.The accelerator actuator is mounted opposite the accelerator pedal in such manner as to prevent erroneous operation thereof.The generator field is controlled while monitoring both the low-voltage side output and the high-voltage side output so as to prevent a large output current from flowing through the low-voltage side load. A circuit is further provided for preventing the occurrence of an overvoltage as a result of field control transistor malfunction.The switching elements constituting the output stage of the inverter unit are controlled to vary the duty ratio of the output waveform so as to stabilize the inverter output voltage and controlled to remove the center portion of the output waves so as to cope with the startup load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Toyo Densan Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomichi Shiga, Hisatoshi Tsuchiya, Yasuyuki Sakakibara, Katsumi Kibe
  • 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: 4967137
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high voltage electrical power supply device for an auxiliary circuit CA of a motor vehicle.The device comprises an alternator 1 having two identical stator windings 11 and 12, each connected to a rectifier bridge 13 and 14 supplying a rectified alternator voltage on a terminal B+1, B+2 an excitiation regulator 2 enabling the regulation of the excitation current of the inductor winding of the alternator and means for parallel-series/series-parallel switching of the stator windings. Alternator output terminals B+1, B+2 are provided for generating a nominal value voltage or a high voltage. A control logic is interconnected with the excitation regulator 2 and the switching means 3 to ensure the starting of the high voltage operation conditionally with respect to status parameters of the vehicle such as the engine speed, the clutch position, the temperature of the vehicle, and the supply voltage of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Equiepments Electroques Moteur
    Inventors: Didier Canitrot, Christian Ducrot, Jean-Francois Terasse
  • Patent number: 4956598
    Abstract: Prior variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) generating systems which utilize an inverter to derive constant frequency power from variable frequency power developed by a generator driven by a prime mover have controlled system output voltage by controlling the excitation of the generator. Such a control technique, however, does not provide voltage regulation of individual phases and minimize undesirable distortion in the system output. In order to overcome the foregoing problem, a control for a VSCF system having a generator and an inverter which receives DC power from a rectifier coupled to the generator controls switches in the inverter to maintain the voltage of the AC power developed by the inverter at a desired level and controls the power applied to an exciter of the generator to maintain the voltage of the DC power at a particular level relative to the voltage of the AC power developed thereby. Distortion in the inverter output is thereby minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley J. Recker, Thong-Meng Cheng, Derrick I. Roe, Christopher J. Rozman
  • Patent number: 4868480
    Abstract: Accessory for a motor vehicle alternator which is delta wound and has a full wave rectifier bridge to provide output selected from normal operation of vehicle electrics, arc welding, fast battery charging and high voltage supply to extraneous appliances. A double pole single throw switch selects either normal voltage regulated shunt excitation or disables voltage regulation, provides battery excitation and charge warning via a light which indicates not only alternator failure but also supply for welding, fast charging or extraneous appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Hendrik S. van der Linde
  • Patent number: 4749935
    Abstract: A regulated chopped DC power supply comprising an alternator with a stator and a rotor, the alternator having a three-phase winding for providing a high voltage output (1, 2, 3) and a star-connected three-phase winding for providing a low voltage output. Also included is a control circuit (14) for controlling a rectifier (12) which is connected to the high voltage output (1, 2, 3) of the alternator to produce a regulated chopped dc output (52) for powering electrical appliances. The control circuit (14) periodically interrupts the rectifier (12) at a frequency to interrupt substantially simultaneously all of the phases of the high voltage output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Unipower International Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ewart T. Osborne
  • Patent number: 4745340
    Abstract: A power supply system for portable floodlighting equipment employing high-intensity electric discharge lamps comprises an alternating current generator having three or more independent armature windings, one for producing independently current at a voltage sufficiently high for starting a discharge lamp in series with a capacitor. The windings are out of phase with one another and interference with the operation of the lamps energized by the separate and independent windings and electric apparatus energized by the standard voltage generator is effectively eliminated. The use of the generator winding for starting and energizing the lamps eliminates the usual starting ballast and decreases the weight and cost of the portable floodlighting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Herbert F. Koether
    Inventor: Michael J. Wanasz
  • Patent number: 4723105
    Abstract: A dual voltage motor vehicle electrical system wherein batteries are series connected across the direct voltage output terminals of a generator. The system has a DC to DC converter that operates in a first mode as an equalizer to maintain the batteries in a substantially equal state of charge. When an electric starting motor is energized to crank the engine of the vehicle the converter is switched to a second mode of operation wherein it provides a substantially constant output voltage that is applied to certain electrical loads on the vehicle that require a stable voltage. The converter responds to a first reference voltage that is provided by a voltage divider connected across the batteries when operating in the first mode and responds to a second reference voltage provided by a constant voltage device when operating in the second mode. The system switches between the reference voltages, depending upon the mode of operation that is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Matouka, Thomas A. Radomski, Larry J. Leaf
  • Patent number: 4692684
    Abstract: An automotive electrical system with a generator has outputs for loads requiring a high and low voltage, e.g., a heater and a battery. A field-controlled a.c. generator with three-phase output windings has a low voltage main terminal and an auxiliary terminal for high voltage loads. A step-down transformer and a first rectifier connect the windings and the main terminal while a second rectifieer directly connects the windings and the auxiliary terminal. A selector switch having a open and closed positions is connected between the main terminal and the auxiliary terminal. A voltage regulator for controlling current through the generator field is connected to the main terminal. When the selector switch is open the generator provides a dual voltage output i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Eric S. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 4684873
    Abstract: Prior types of generating systems for producing AC and DC output power have utilized integrated drive generators for producing the AC power and means for rectifying the AC power developed by the drive generator to produce the DC power. However, such types of systems encounter various disadvantages, including less than desirable reliability of the DC power, distortion in the AC power caused by rectification thereof to produce the DC power and reduced efficiency. In order to overcome these problems, a hybrid generating system according to the present invention comprises an AC power generating section driven by a prime mover for generating AC output power and a DC power generating section independent of the AC power generating section, also driven by the prime mover for generating the DC output power wherein each of the AC and DC power generating sections includes a permanent magnet generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy F. Glennon
  • Patent number: 4672294
    Abstract: A dual voltage, dual battery electrical supply system for automotive vehicles is disclosed. Two batteries are connected in series and a high voltage regulator regulates the voltage across the series connected batteries and a low voltage regulator regulates the voltage across the lower battery of the series connection. Overvoltage protection is provided for the lower battery by a control circuit which resets the high voltage regulator to a reduced voltage in response to a predetermined voltage across the lower battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Peter Norton
  • Patent number: 4944916
    Abstract: Corrosion of metals such as silver and copper by sulfur and chlorine containing entities are substantially prevented by surrounding these materials with a suitable polymeric structure. The structure should be a polymer containing a material such as copper or aluminum that reacts readily with corrosive gases. In one advantageous embodiment a polymer bag containing approximately 35 weight percent of dispersed, powdered copper is employed to enclose a metal containing structure such as a printed circuit board. Use of this expedient substantially reduces corrosion of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventor: John P. Franey