Abstract: An energy conversion apparatus, a motor, a power system, and a vehicle are provided. The energy conversion apparatus may integrate a motor drive function by using a three-phase bridge arm converter and a motor winding, and integrate an alternating current charging function by using a two-phase two-bridge-arm converter and a transformer. In this way, the energy conversion apparatus can integrate the charging function and the motor drive function. When the energy conversion apparatus is installed on an electric vehicle, a vehicle integration level can be increased, a structure layout of the electric vehicle can be simplified, and costs and a volume of the electric vehicle can be reduced.

Abstract: A dual sensor is provided having a first circuit configured for autonomous operation of the sensor and a second circuit configured for non-autonomous operation of the sensor. The dual sensor can be supplied with energy from an external power supply. The first circuit and second circuit can vary in clock frequency, measurement accuracy, and power consumption.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a sensor-controller interface, an inverter-controller electrically connected to the battery pack, and an electric machine connected to the inverter-controller and having a rotor with an angular position. The rotor powers a driven load at a torque and/or speed level controlled by the inverter-controller in response to position signals indicative of the angular position. A rotary position sensor is operatively connected to the rotor to generate and output the position signals. The sensor derives the position signals from unmodulated sine and cosine signals, and communicates the position signals and a binary sensor state of health (SOH) to the inverter-controller over the interface. The inverter-controller also decodes the position signals and the binary sensor SOH to generate decoded control data, and controls the torque and/or speed level using the decoded control data.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control system for a motor-driven vehicle is configured to provide a continuous assistant braking force by continuous reverse torque of an electric motor by enabling surplus electrical energy produced by an electric motor to be easily converted into thermal energy in generative braking, using both of a brake resistor and a heater to convert electrical energy into thermal energy, and being able to obtain an interior heating effect by using thermal energy converted by the brake resistor and the heater as heat source for interior heating without discharging the thermal energy to the outside.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes: a power storage element configured to store an electric power generated by a power generation element; and a processor configured to: calculate a power storage speed of the power storage element from a temporal change in a voltage of the power storage element; estimate a power generation amount of the power generation element based on a power consumption corresponding to a setting of wireless communication, and the power storage speed; and perform the setting of wireless communication according to the estimated power generation amount.

Abstract: A power assist device is provided herein. A motor is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle. A controller controls a mechanical resistance applied by the motor to the door to resist door swing. The mechanical resistance applied to the door is a function of an angular position of the door.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a first power supply, a second power supply, a first voltage converter, a second voltage converter, and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to control the first voltage converter to boost a first output voltage when the first power supply and the second power supply electric power to the load such that first passing power and second passing power are within a passing power range. The circuitry is configured to control the second voltage converter to stop boosting the second output voltage so as to supply the electric power from the second power supply directly to the load when the first power supply and the second power supply the electric power to the load such that the first passing power and the second passing power are within the passing power range.

Abstract: A motor control device of the present invention supplies a detection current to a motor at predetermined time intervals, detects a voltage between the both ends of a smoothing capacitor when the detection current is supplied, and determines whether a connector is inserted or unplugged based on a change in the voltage between the both ends of the smoothing capacitor. Furthermore, if determining that the connector is unplugged, the motor control device decreases the voltage between the both ends of the smoothing capacitor to or below a defined value by discharging the smoothing capacitor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system is described. The system may include a rotor, a plurality of magnets positioned adjacent to the rotor, and a stator defining a plurality of sections. Each of the plurality of sections of the stator may include a plurality of teeth. The system may also include a plurality of winding wires wound around the plurality of teeth of each of the plurality of sections of the stator. The plurality of winding wires wound around the plurality of teeth may define a plurality of single-phase sub-motors. The plurality of single-phase sub-motors have a magnetic design such that at least one of the plurality of single-phase sub-motors are rotationally offset from an adjacent single-phase sub-motor, which may improve motor performance and voltage isolation. The system may also include a plurality of inverters coupled to the plurality of winding wires.

Abstract: An integrated electronic power control unit of an environmentally friendly vehicle includes an inverter and an LDC (low voltage DC-DC converter), which share a DC input terminal. In the integrated electronic power control unit, the inverter is an electronic power control unit that drives a motor by converting DC voltage into AC voltage, and the low voltage DC-DC converter serves as another electronic power control unit that charges a low-voltage battery by converting DC high voltage into low voltage DC voltage, where the inverter includes a capacitor module composed of a capacitor leveling input voltage and a capacitor removing noise of the input voltage, and the inverter and the low voltage DC-DC converter are integrated such that the output of the capacitor module of the inverter becomes the output of the low voltage DC-DC converter.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive circuit for an electric motor having an aerodynamic support of the motor shaft, wherein the drive circuit comprises at least one storage means for storing electrical energy by which the electric motor can be fed with electrical energy on a failure of the supply voltage or intermediate circuit voltage to obtain a minimum speed of the motor shaft required for the air support at least at times.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charger including a first rectifying portion that rectifies an alternating power and outputs the rectified power to a neutral point of a 3-phase motor; a second rectifying portion/inverter that charges output power of the first rectifying portion in a high-voltage battery in a charging mode and drives the 3-phase motor by switching the charged power of the high-voltage battery in a drive mode; a high-voltage charging controller that controls the first rectifying portion and second rectifying portion/inverter so as to charge the high-voltage battery in the charging mode; and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that controls the second rectifying portion/inverter so as to drive the 3-phase motor in the drive mode, and controls the high-voltage charging controller so as to charge the high-voltage battery in the charging mode.

Abstract: An integrated drive motor (IDM) power distribution architecture utilizes an IDM power interface module (IPIM) to create a control voltage that is distributed to all the IDMs in a network. This power distribution may be accomplished along a hybrid cable, for example, that includes both signal conductors and power conductors. The IPIM is capable of detecting short circuits and/or overload conditions and disabling the power supply to the IDMs. Additionally, a second power supply may be utilized in the IPIM such that when the power supply to the IDMs is deactivated, the IPIM may remain functional, for example, to report one or more fault conditions to the user. Additionally, this reporting of fault status may be accomplished via a user display integrated with or coupled to the IPIM.

Abstract: A power converter is for a rotating electrical machine including first and second winding sets, each of which has coils corresponding to phases of the rotating electrical machine. In the power converter, a first inverter energizes the first winding set, a second inverter energizes the second winding set, a current sensor detects a phase current flowing through each coil, and a control section drives the first and second inverters respectively based on first and second voltage command signals. The first inverter and the first winding set form a first system. The second inverter and the second winding set form a second system. The control section calculates the first and second voltage command signals so that average voltages applied to the first and second winding sets can be different from each other. The failure detector detects whether a short-circuit occurs between the first and second systems based on each phase current.

Abstract: A hot standby power supply for a variable frequency drive of a floating vessel is provided. The variable frequency drive may power an electric motor of the floating vessel. The hot standby power supply includes a power input for receiving electric power from a main power supply of the floating vessel. The hot standby power supply also includes a first electric connection configured to supply electric power at a first voltage level to a converter power input of the variable frequency drive, and a second electric connection configured to supply electric power at a second voltage level to control power input of the variable frequency drive. The first voltage level is higher than the second voltage level. A transformer is further provided for transforming received electric power to the first voltage level or to the second voltage level.

Abstract: A method for operating an ultracapacitor system used in a mining excavator powered by an electrical power source. The method includes the step of detecting whether a line power from the electrical power source is present. Next, a voltage level of the ultracapacitor system is measured if the line power is not present. The measured voltage level is then compared with a minimum voltage level for the ultracapacitor system. If the measured voltage level is more than the minimum voltage level, auxiliary power is supplied from the ultracapacitor system to operate mining excavator systems. The auxiliary power may be used to power electronic systems and components such as computers, displays, control systems, gas insulated switchgear and lighting systems.

Abstract: A piston-type fuel pump is provided. The fuel pump includes a housing bounding an internal cavity with a cylindrical tube disposed in the internal cavity. The cylindrical tube provides a bore extending along an axis and a piston is disposed in the bore. A spring is configured to bias the piston in a first direction along the axis. A coil is disposed about the cylindrical tube and a control circuit is disposed in the internal cavity. The control circuit is configured in electrical communication with the coil. The voltage supplied to the control circuit can be varied, with the control circuit compensating for the variable supply voltage to regulate the actuation of the coil from a de-energized state to an energized state. The piston is biased in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to the coil being actuated.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus is for another apparatus including a number of insulators, a number of temperature sensors operatively associated with the number of insulators, and a number of conductors operatively associated with the number of insulators. The electrical switching apparatus includes a number of separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a number of sensors structured to sense a number of currents flowing through the separable contacts and through the conductors, a processor structured to input the sensed currents from the sensors, and an output. The processor calculates at least one of: (a) a thermal age of the other apparatus from a number of sensed temperatures from the temperature sensors, and (b) the thermal age of the other apparatus from the sensed currents. The output includes the thermal age of the other apparatus.

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided that includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a direct current (DC) link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive. The propulsion system further includes a multi-channel bi-directional boost converter coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system such that the second energy storage system is decouplable from the DC link, wherein the second energy storage system comprises at least one battery coupled in series with at least one ultracapacitor.

Abstract: Commercial AC voltage applied to an input terminal (90) from a commercial power supply external to the vehicle is boosted by a transformer (86) to a voltage level higher than the voltage (VB) of an electricity storage device (B) to be applied to neutral points (N1, N2). In a charging mode of the electricity storage device (B) from a commercial power supply, all npn transistors of an inverter (20, 30) are turned off. The AC voltage applied to the neutral points (N1, N2) is rectified by an anti-parallel diode of the inverter (20, 30) to be supplied onto a power supply line (PL2). A boost converter (10) controls the charging current from the power supply line (PL2) towards the electricity storage device (B).

Abstract: A motor controller that outputs a drive signal to a direct-current brush motor to drive the motor is provided. The motor controller includes a drive signal generating section that generates the drive signal. The drive signal generating section generates the drive signal by superimposing on a direct-current voltage a compensation voltage for generating a compensation torque that can cancel rotation torque fluctuations in a no-load rotation state of the motor.

Abstract: A drive system for operation of a tap changer for voltage regulation of a transformer on load. An electric motor is connectible to a movable part of the tap changer for moving the movable part for carrying out a tap change operation. An electric converter connects an electric power supply to the electric motor. A control arrangement is adapted to control the electric converter for controlling the operation of the motor and by that of the tap changer.

Abstract: In a rotary electric system, a controller works to turn high-side and low-side switching elements of first and second multiphase inverters on and off to thereby cause: the first multiphase inverter to intermittently supply a first phase current to the first star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase to charge first electromagnetic energy in first star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase, the first electromagnetic energy charging a capacitor; the second multiphase inverter to intermittently supply a second phase current to the second star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase to charge second electromagnetic energy in the second star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase, the second electromagnetic energy charging the capacitor. The first phase current for each phase and the second phase current for a corresponding one phase have a predetermined second phase difference from each other, and the first phase difference is matched with the second phase difference.

Abstract: An electric power system comprises an AC motor, a first DC voltage unit, an inverter as a power converter, being connected between the AC motor and first DC voltage unit, for exchanging power between these two components; and a controlled DC power supply which is connected between an arbitrary spot of a coil of the AC motor and a positive or negative electrode of the first DC voltage unit and which connects at least one semiconductor switching element and a battery as a second DC voltage unit in series.

Abstract: To propose a control apparatus for an electric train, in which the regenerative energy of a DC power feed circuit can be consumed without disposing the brake chopper or electric-double-layer capacitor of the DC power feed circuit. A control apparatus for an electric train according to this invention includes an AC electric motor which drives the electric train, and a variable-voltage variable-frequency inverter which controls the AC electric motor, and further includes an auxiliary power source device connected to a DC power feed circuit, and load control means for controlling a load connected to the auxiliary power source device, wherein the load control means receives an inverter state signal representative of an operation state of the variable-voltage variable-frequency inverter from the it, and the load control means controls the load in accordance with the inverter state signal.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) includes a motor generator (MG) and an inverter (14) driving the motor generator (MG). A power source apparatus for the vehicle includes a battery (B) as an electric storage device, a step-up converter (12) stepping up a voltage of the electric storage device and supplying it to the inverter, and a controller (30) indicating a target step-up voltage in accordance with a target state of operation of the motor generator (MG) to the step-up converter (12). If it is determined that a current operation state signal of the motor generator (MG) is abnormal, the controller (30) increases the target step-up voltage to a maximum value. Preferably, the vehicle (100) further includes a resolver (20) detecting rotation speed of a rotor of motor generator (MG). The controller (30) determines that the operation state signal is abnormal if an output of the resolver (20) does not satisfy a prescribed condition.

Abstract: Method and arrangement in connection with a motor fed with a frequency converter provided with an intermediate voltage circuit. The method comprises steps of feeding motor voltage to the motor along a motor cable with a frequency converter for controlling the motor, rectifying the voltage of the motor cable and restricting the magnitude of the voltage of the motor cable at the end of the motor cable on the side of the motor with a clipper circuit coupled in parallel with the motor, using the rectified voltage for rotating one or more cooling fans of the motor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dynamic sampling of a back electromotive force (BEMF) measurement are provided. A device has hardware, including a voice coil motor (VCM) for receiving a VCM command signal and a correction circuit, for obtaining the VCM command signal and a coil voltage measurement from the hardware, where the correction circuit removes a transient voltage measurement due to a change in the VCM command signal from the coil voltage measurement and outputs an estimated BEMF measurement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accelerating a multi-phase motor having a rotatable rotor are disclosed. A first commutation state in which the rotor resides is identified, after which a Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) control routine is executed for closed loop control of an acceleration of the rotor from a stopped position to an intermediate velocity, after which back electromotive force (Bemf) commutation is used to control the motor. The PID control routine utilizes a loop gain value optimized through voltage feedback indicative of a response of windings of the rotor to an application of a drive current across the windings. Based on the voltage feedback a controller programmed with the PID control routine provides an updated commanded current for each successive commutation state of the motor for use by a motor driver circuitry, which drives the motor through each commutation state until attainment of the intermediate velocity.

Abstract: A method of using an externally powered HVAC system for an over-the-road motor coach includes coupling the HVAC system to an external shore power source at a temporary stop location for the over-the-road motor coach while the over-the-road motor coach is parked and vehicle engine is turned off; receiving electrical power from the electrical outlet to power the HVAC system; and using the HVAC system to circulate refrigerant for heating or cooling an interior cabin of the over-the-road motor coach and power HVAC fans to ventilate the interior cabin of the over-the-road motor coach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature tripping device for reliably shutting down a load, especially a motor, having at least one input for receiving at least one temperature-dependent sensor signal as an input signal, a first evaluation circuit for generating a first output signal if the input signal reaches a preset value, and means for generating a trip signal if the output signal is generated. In addition, a second, redundant, evaluation channel is provided which is supplied with the same input signal as the first evaluation channel and which generates a second output signal if the input signal reaches the preset value, wherein the means for generating a trip signal are connected to the two evaluation channels and generate the trip signal if at least one of the two output signals is generated.

Abstract: A method of using an externally powered HVAC system for an over-the-road motor coach includes coupling the HVAC system to an external shore power source at a temporary stop location for the over-the-road motor coach while the over-the-road motor coach is parked and vehicle engine is turned off; receiving electrical power from the electrical outlet to power the HVAC system; and using the HVAC system to circulate refrigerant for heating or cooling an interior cabin of the over-the-road motor coach and power HVAC fans to ventilate the interior cabin of the over-the-road motor coach.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tractive effort, the apparatus comprising: an energy source adapted for generating a high DC voltage; a motor drive adapted for generating a motor voltage from the high DC voltage; and a motor adapted for producing the tractive effort from the motor voltage, the energy source comprising: a heat engine adapted for generating mechanical power by burning a fuel; an alternator adapted for generating an alternating voltage from the mechanical power; a rectifier adapted for rectifying the alternating voltage and producing a low DC voltage; an energy battery adapted for storing and delivering energy derived from the low DC voltage; and a traction boost converter adapted for boosting the low DC voltage to produce the high DC voltage, the motor drive comprising: a power battery adapted for storing energy and delivering power at the high DC voltage; and a traction converter adapted for generating the motor voltage from the high DC voltage during motoring operation and for generating the high

Abstract: An object is to provide an inverter device capable of detecting the welding of a switching device in early stages, and in summary, the inverter device is equipped with a parallel circuit of a charging circuit and a switch connected between a battery and an inverter module, and comprises a capacitor charged from the battery via the charging circuit; a resistor to discharge the capacitor; a serial circuit including resistors to detect a voltage after the switch; and a diode connected between a connection point of the serial circuit including the resistors on a positive line and a connection point of the capacitor, and directed forward to the capacitor side.

Abstract: A pump assembly for pumping a liquid and a method of controlling the pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor coupled to a pump, and an electronic switch assembly electrically connected to the motor to control the current through the motor. The electronic switch assembly includes an electronic switch, a generator that provides a substantially periodic pulsing signal, a circuit control configured to provide a second signal, and decision logic connected to the generator, the circuit control, and the electronic switch. The decision logic receives the periodic pulsing and second signals and generates a control signal that selectively controls the electronic switch based on the periodic pulsing and second signals.

Abstract: An electric energy storage system (EESS) for providing a power management solution for a multi-subsystem energy storage in electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles. The EESS has a controller that determines when to draw power from each subsystem as needed by the vehicle.

Abstract: A control device for a motor-driven 4WD (four-wheel-drive) vehicle includes a 42v alternator (motor-generator) driven by an engine to generate three-phase AC power with 42 volts, a step-up and step-down inverter rectifying and stepping down three-phase AC power, generated by the 42v alternator, to DC power with 14 volts, and a 14V battery supplied with and charged with DC power with 14 volts outputted from the step-up and step-down inverter. A diode bridge circuit rectifies AC power with 42 volts, generated by the 42V alternator, to DC power by which a motor is rotationally driven to render the vehicle operative in 4WD drive mode.

Abstract: A voltage converting circuit for electric vehicles that is capable of stably performing precharge control from a high voltage battery to an inverter. The voltage converting circuit includes a high voltage battery for supplying electric power to a vehicle drive motor; and an inverter, which is interposed between the high voltage battery and the vehicle drive motor and has a capacitor, for converting a direct current, supplied from the high voltage battery, to an alternating current and supplying to the vehicle drive motor.

Abstract: A power conversion system for converting a dc voltage to a pulsed ac voltage includes a dc voltage source providing three or more electric potentials, and a switching circuit arranged to connect one of the potentials selectively to an output terminal. A controller produces a pulsed ac output voltage at the output terminal from the potentials of the dc voltage source by controlling an on time for connecting each of the potentials to the output terminal.

Abstract: A protective circuit, for reducing electrical disturbances or interference during operation of a DC motor, features a series transistor (62) arranged in a supply lead from a DC voltage source (12) to a DC motor; an auxiliary voltage source (52), associated with that series transistor, having a substantially constant auxiliary voltage which is configured to make the series transistor (62) fully conductive when a supply voltage furnished by the DC voltage source is substantially free of electrical interference; and an analyzer circuit (32, 34, 36) for analyzing the supply voltage, which analyzer circuit is configured, upon the occurrence of electrical interference in the supply voltage, to increase the resistance of the series transistor (62) correspondingly, in order to reduce the influence of that electrical interference on the operation of the DC motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a reversible, multi-phased rotating electrical machine which can operate in alternator or motor mode. The inventive device comprises a main battery (4), an electric network (5) and a unit (3) for controlling and commanding an inverter and a rectifier bridge (P) for selection in alternator mode or starter mode. According to the invention, the machine is powered by the inverter which is connected to a start-up control unit which can provide a voltage greater than that provided by the main battery (4) over the network (5). The inverter is connected to the positive terminal of the secondary voltage source via a first switch (K1) in motor mode, while the rectifier bridge (P) is connected to the positive terminal of the main battery via a second switch (K2) in alternator mode.

Abstract: In a load driving arrangement, electric power is supplied from an auxiliary battery to a main power supply when the power stored by charging in the main power supply is scarce at the startup of the system. The power is supplied to the main power supply by closing relays to connect the auxiliary battery to the neutral point of an auxiliary motor, operating a switching transistor of a bottom arm of an auxiliary-related inverter based on a command from a control circuit, stepping up the voltage from the auxiliary battery by using a coil of the auxiliary motor as a reactor, and supplying the step-up voltage to the main power supply thereby charging the main power supply. At this time, a drive-related inverter and a DC/DC converter are stopped. When the main power supply is charged to a sufficient degree, the relays are opened to drive each load.

Abstract: An automatic garage door closing system to be used in combination with a garage door opener. The automatic garage door closing system includes a control box, a power source and a door sensor switch. The control box includes a timer. The timer has a first predetermined time period which is set by a user and activates the garage door opener to close a garage door. The timer has a second predetermined time period which is fixed and which shuts down and resets the automatic garage door closing system. The power source is connected to the control box to activate and power the control box, including the timer of the control box. The door sensor switch senses opening of the garage door and activates the power source to activate the control box.

Abstract: Power from a high voltage battery (10) (for example 36V) is supplied through an inverter (12) to a motor generator (14). A low voltage battery (20) (for example 12V) is connected through a reactor (18) to the neutral point of the motor generator (14). A voltage ratio of the low voltage battery (20) to the high voltage battery (10) is preferably from 1:2 to 1:4. In order to set the neutral point voltage to a desired charging voltage into the low voltage battery (20), the inverter (12) is controlled so as to follow a current distortion phenomenon. In this way, in a dual-power source system with a voltage ratio of a low voltage battery (20) to a high voltage battery (10) between 1:2 and 1:4, voltage switching means for use in charging a charge voltage of a high voltage side into a low voltage source can be implemented at low cost.

Abstract: A system 10 provides a variable output voltage to a DC brush motor. The system includes a DC brush motor 14, a DC voltage source 12, a step-up, step-down DC/DC converter 16 including a switch 18. The DC/DC converter is constructed and arranged to step-up and step-down voltage from the source to provide an output voltage to the motor between 0 and 42 volts. A control unit 22 is constructed and arranged to receive an input signal 20 and to control the switch based on the input signal to control the motor.

Abstract: A motor controlling device for an AC/DC driven motor is used for an AC and DC motor. The motor controlling device comprises an AC/DC converting unit, a voltage stabilizing unit, a phase detecting/controlling unit, and a high voltage driving unit. The AC/DC converting unit receives an AC power source to convert the AC power source into a high voltage DC voltage. The voltage stabilizing unit receives the high voltage DC voltage to convert it into a low voltage DC voltage. The phase detecting/controlling unit detects a polarity of the permanent magnet to output a first detecting and a second detecting signals accordingly, so as to provide automatically a shut down protection when the motor is locked. The high voltage driving unit receives the first detecting and the second detecting signals to drive the motor accordingly.

Abstract: An automatic garage door closing system to be used in combination with a garage door opener. The automatic garage door closing system includes a control box, a power source and a door sensor switch. The control box includes a timer. The timer has a first predetermined time period which is set by a user and activates the garage door opener to close a garage door. The timer has a second predetermined time period which is fixed and which shuts down and resets the automatic garage door closing system. The power source is connected to the control box to activate and power the control box, including the timer of the control box. The door sensor switch senses opening of the garage door and activates the power source to activate the control box.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motor controller for a motor with a feedback potentiometer, preferably for central air valve actuation. In the field of climate control, for example for utility vehicles and motor vehicles, the air ducts in heating, air conditioning and/or ventilation systems have valves to control the flow of air or water. These valves are adjusted either mechanically, e.g. by Bowden cables or flexible shafts, or using motors. It is proposed that a continuous rotation potentiometer be employed as a feedback potentiometer and specially designed control electronics be used to control a motor with the continuous rotation potentiometer. In the control electronics for the motor controller, an angular difference between an adjusted control potentiometer and the motor feedback potentiometer is determined in order to determine therefrom the shortest adjustment path to the chosen setpoint position for the motor when the angular difference is greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system 10 provides a variable output voltage to a DC brush motor. The system includes a DC bush motor 14, a DC voltage source 12, a step-up, step-down DC/DC converter 16 including a switch 18. The DC/DC converter is constructed and arranged to step-up and step-down voltage from the source to provide an output voltage to the motor between 0 and 42 volts. A control unit 22 is constructed and arranged to receive an input signal 20 and to control the switch based on the input signal to control the motor.