Field Or Secondary Circuit Control Patents (Class 318/521)
  • Patent number: 8604735
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for control of an alternating current electric motor with field weakening, including setting a required operating point for a motor field voltage component as a function of a difference between actual and required motor field current components, and setting a required operating point for a motor torque voltage component as a function of a difference between actual and required motor torque current components. The method also includes setting a field weakening constituent for the required operating point for the motor field voltage component as a function of a difference between a required operating point and an available value of the motor torque voltage component and as a function of a difference between actual and required motor torque current components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Filka, Peter Balazovic
  • Publication number: 20130093377
    Abstract: A PWM output apparatus includes a calculating circuit configured to calculate an output width of a PWM output signal of a first signal and a second signal, which have phases different from each other, based on a command value of a PWM output. A comparing circuit compares the output width and a reference period which is set longer than a predetermined dead time period. A PWM output signal generating circuit outputs the PWM output signal to a dead time inserting block as a corrected PWM output signal, when a set/clear signal generating circuit outputs the set signal, and carries out a correction of setting the first signal of the PWM output signal to be inactive to output to the dead time inserting block as the corrected PWM output signal, when the set/clear circuit outputs the clear signal. The dead time inserting block corrects the corrected PWM output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Renesas Electronics Corporation
  • Publication number: 20120306423
    Abstract: A control system for use with a motor is disclosed. The control system may have a controller that is configured to receive a torque command for the motor and receive a rotor angular velocity signal indicative of an angular velocity of a rotor of the motor. The controller may also be configured to generate a field weakening command by adding a field weakening adjustment signal to the rotor angular velocity signal, and generate a torque voltage command and a flux voltage command based on the torque command and the field weakening command. Further, the controller may be configured to convert the torque voltage command and the flux voltage command into phase voltage commands and output the phase voltage commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Baojun SI, Seok-Hee Han, Osama Mohammad Alkhouli
  • Patent number: 8228014
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for balancing current for each of a plurality of similar phases of a DC/DC boost converter. The method includes the step of measuring a voltage drop of each of the plurality of similar phases at predetermined times by measuring the voltage drop across each phase switching device when current is flowing through the switch. The method also includes the steps of calculating current information for each of the plurality of similar phases in response to the voltage drop measured for each of the plurality of similar phases and balancing current for each of the plurality of similar phases in response to the current information of each of the plurality of similar phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Seok Jang, Christopher P. Henze, George R. Woody
  • Publication number: 20120033472
    Abstract: A drive system for driving a multi-phase motor (such as a three-phase AC motor) or other load. Where a transformer is used, the transformer may have a disconnected wye configuration on the secondary side. The system may also utilize the average or other combination of DC bus voltages of inverters for each load phase, to provide feedback control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oka, Mike Daskalos, John Kleinecke
  • Publication number: 20110083467
    Abstract: At a time of a heating high-load operation, a harmonic current is flown in an armature winding to induction-heat rare-earth magnets, thus reducing a residual magnetic flux density. Thereby, the number of rotations of a radial gap type motor is improved. The rare-earth magnets are provided near a cooling medium passage extending substantially in parallel with a flow line of a cooling medium, so that the cooling medium recovers heat of the heated rare-earth magnets. At a time of a cooling high-load operation, a greater number of rotations are obtained with respect to the same torque command value, by a field weakening control by means of a current-phase advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshinari Asano, Tomomi Sakamoto, Nobuyuki Kifuji, Hirofumi Higashi, Shintarou Araki
  • Publication number: 20110025248
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for balancing current for each of a plurality of similar phases of a DC/DC boost converter. The method includes the step of measuring a voltage drop of each of the plurality of similar phases at predetermined times by measuring the voltage drop across each phase switching device when current is flowing through the switch. The method also includes the steps of calculating current information for each of the plurality of similar phases in response to the voltage drop measured for each of the plurality of similar phases and balancing current for each of the plurality of similar phases in response to the current information of each of the plurality of similar phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: SEOK-JOO JANG, CHRISTOPHER P. HENZE, GEORGE R. WOODY
  • Publication number: 20100296671
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a circuit device includes a pulse edge control circuit to receive at least one pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal from a PWM source. The pulse edge control circuit is adapted to selectively apply a phase shift operation to the at least one PWM signal at integer submultiples of a frame repetition rate to produce at least one modulated PWM signal having a changed power spectrum. The pulse edge control circuit provides the at least one modulated PWM signal to at least one output of the pulse edge control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SILICON LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Khoury, Richard Gale Beale
  • Publication number: 20100275810
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gibson V. Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S. Runyon, Larry Conrad, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Publication number: 20090256514
    Abstract: A power system having a DC electric motor is disclosed. The DC electric motor may include an armature and a field coil electrically connected in series with the armature, the field coil having an input and an output. The power system may also include an additional electrical path. Additionally, the power system may include one or more current-control elements that control one or more aspects of electrical activity in the additional electrical path, which may include, when inductance of the field coil generates a higher voltage at the output than at the input in response to a decrease in electric current through the field coil, allowing electric current to flow from the output, through the additional electrical path, to the input without flowing through the armature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Walter Earle Earleson
  • Publication number: 20090206786
    Abstract: A method of preparing a reversible electric machine with a phase for starting a heat engine of a vehicle that is equipped with an automatic start/stop system, whereby said machine comprises a rotor which is connected to the heat engine. The method comprises the following steps consisting in detecting an action prior to a heat engine start command and applying a magnetizing electric current to the rotor of the machine upon detection of the action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: VALEO EQUIPEMENTS ELECTRIQUES MOTEUR
    Inventors: Brice Lecole, Magall Laurence
  • Patent number: 7276876
    Abstract: A synchronous motor driving apparatus having a power converter which applies AC variable voltages having variable frequency to a synchronous motor includes a pulsating current application unit for applying pulsating current to the synchronous motor and a magnetic pole position presumption unit. The magnetic pole position presumption unit detects two current values ?Idcp1 and ?Idcp2 on the positive side and two current values ?Idcn1 and ?Idcn2 on the negative side of the pulsating current and presumes the magnetic pole position of the synchronous motor on the basis of difference between change rates of ?Idcp1??Idcp2 and ?Idcp1??Idcp2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daigo Kaneko, Yoshitaka Iwaji, Kiyoshi Sakamoto, Tsunehiro Endo, Tomofumi Okubo
  • Patent number: 7242160
    Abstract: The methods for starting a Hall-less single-phase BLDCM having an asymmetrical air gap are proposed. The provided methods are employed to input a specific amount of current impulse and stop the current impulse at a specific time such that the rotor of the single-phase BLDCM having an asymmetrical air gap can be realized to rotate in the pre-determined direction through one of the cogging torque and the rotor inertia after that specific time so as to accomplish the normal starting of a motor without the Hall-effect sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Weizi Wang, Zhigan Wu, Wanbing Jin, Jianping Ying, Lijian Wu, Shih-Ming Huang, Wen-Shi Huang
  • Patent number: 7132808
    Abstract: A solid state series motor control includes first and second FORWARD DRIVE elements, first and second REVERSE DRIVE elements, first and second diodes, a current sensor, and a capacitance. The series motor control is configured to be interconnected with controlling logic or a processor, the field and armature of a series wound motor, and an external DC power source. The FORWARD DRIVE elements and REVERSE DRIVE elements can be IGBTs or similar semiconductors. The current sensor is configured to measure current passing through the motor armature. The capacitance is a combination of a line filter and source impedance reduction for IGBT switching. The solid state series motor control can control the speed and direction of a series wound motor using solid state components while maintaining the series connection of the armature and the field winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Graham S. Thexton, Andrew S. Thexton
  • Patent number: 6930457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motor control circuit including a motor with a motor winding and a brush, a battery, a relay, and a ground return circuit. The battery is for energizing the motor. The relay selectively provides connection between the battery and the motor. A ground return circuit is in communication with the brush. The ground return circuit creates a path from the brush through the relay to an electrical ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Zack, Charlie Richlie
  • Publication number: 20040108683
    Abstract: A bicycle electrical control circuit provides power and control signals to a plurality of bicycle components. The circuit comprises a power circuit that provides a power signal for the plurality of bicycle components, a control circuit that provides a control signal that controls at least one of the plurality of bicycle components, and a power stabilizing circuit coupled to the power circuit. The power stabilizing circuit stabilizes power provided from the power signal to at least one of the plurality of bicycle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Kouji Oohara
  • Patent number: 6741059
    Abstract: The direct torque control (DTC) principle is used to control the torque of a wound ring rotor slip induction machine, also known as a doubly fed or cascade machine, by utilizing a solid state inverter on the rotor side. In addition, the DTC principle is used to control the power factor at the stator terminals of the doubly fed machine to a desired level and also to perform the task of synchronization of stator voltage to the grid voltage. An integrated controller is used to implement these three functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignees: ABB Automation Inc., ABB Industry Oy
    Inventors: Kalyan P. Gokhale, Douglas W. Karraker, Samuli J. Heikkilä
  • Patent number: 6448735
    Abstract: The direct torque control (DTC) principle is used to control the torque of a wound ring rotor slip induction machine, also known as a doubly fed or cascade machine, by utilizing a solid state inverter on the rotor side. In addition, the DTC principle is used to control the power factor at the stator terminals of the doubly fed machine to a desired level and also to perform the task of synchronization of stator voltage to the grid voltage. An integrated controller is used to implement these three functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignees: ABB Automation Inc., ABB Industry Oy
    Inventors: Kalyan P. Gokhale, Douglas W. Karraker, Samuli J. Heikkilä
  • Patent number: 6362588
    Abstract: A system for providing DC current to a rotating superconducting winding is provided. The system receives current feedback from the superconducting winding and determines an error signal based on the current feedback and a reference signal. The system determines a control signal corresponding to the error signal and provides a positive and negative superconducting winding excitation voltage based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen D. Umans, David J. Driscoll
  • Patent number: 5869942
    Abstract: Noise suppression system for a relay-switched windshield wiper, wherein reversal of current to a motor driving the wiper causes the motor to reverse. Filters contained within the motor, together with filters and shielding located external to the motor, suppress rf emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Miller, John R. Suriano, Peter H. Thompson, Roger A. Heimberger
  • Patent number: 5793175
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a D-C motor which is constructed to propel a golf car. The motor is controlled to provide performance according to a predetermined field current map which calls for a particular performance response to specified performance events. The performance events are detected by sensing actual speed and armature current and the performance response is triggered by adjustment of the field current. A performance map correlating actual speed to various events and specifying the field current response is designed for the motor used. In addition an armature current performance map is similarly constructed correlating armature current to particular performance events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Journey
  • Patent number: 5642023
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a DC motor which is constructed to propel a golf car. The motor is a shunt wound motor having independently excited armature and field windings. The basic input to the armature of the motor is supplied through a pulse modulated chopper circuit which varies the width of the pulse in response to the throttle of the golf car. Full control of the input to the field winding is gained by the supply of power to an H bridge circuit. Armature current is continuously sensed to provide an indication of the status and performance of the car during operation. At a predetermined level of armature current the field current is adjusted to provide a higher torque at a specific speed. When armature current indicates a predetermined overspeed condition, field current is adjusted to enhance regeneration and the resultant braking. In addition, the stopped condition is continuously monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Journey
  • Patent number: 5451856
    Abstract: A device for the transmission of electrical power signals of variable frequencies and phases from a stationary assembly to a rotary assembly wherein the primary winding of a rotary transformer is supplied by an electrical power source of fixed frequency, and the power output from the secondary winding of the transformer is supplied to a chopping feed of a signal generating system including a digital memory storing a digital signal having the desired characteristics of the signal to be generated, a digital-to-analogue converter for receiving the digital signal from the memory under the control of a clock pulse generator, and an amplifier connected to the converter to give the desired power to the analogue signal received from the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Francis Girard, Jean-Pierre G. Pouget, Christian Roger
  • Patent number: 5412298
    Abstract: A motor control circuit provides series or compound excitation during starting and shunt excitation during normal running. A switch responsive to the motor speed, the armature current, the armature EMF, or the like, includes terminals connected to the series winding and a series winding bypass to permit switching between a compound series and a shunt configuration. In addition, a tap may be provided on the series winding for providing intermediate characteristics, and separate switches for the series and shunt field windings may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5022294
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus for forming a noncircular cross-section on a workpiece that includes a tool advancing and retreating device. The tool advancing and retreating device includes a central shaft on which is to be mounted a tool, a journal for supporting the central shaft, a movable plate fixed to the central shaft, and electromagnets positioned opposite to one another such that the movable plate is interposed between the electromagnets with a clearance between the plate and the electromagnets. A device is provided for detecting the rotational angle of the main shaft and a displacement sensor is included for detecting the longitudinal displacement of the central shaft. A speed sensor detects the speed of the longitudinal displacement of the central shaft and an arrangement is provided for controlling the electric current passing through the electromagnets based on the output signals from the rotational angle detecting device, from the displacement sensor and from the speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Izumi Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Higuchi, Hazime Izumi, Minoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4048550
    Abstract: A direct current motor control apparatus includes corrective circuit for eliminating the influence of non-linearities on speed regulation as a result of load variations. A summer circuit at the input of the speed regulator algebraically combines signals representing respectively the armature current and voltage to derive a signal representing the counter-electromotive force of the motor. The latter signal is compared in the summer circuit with a signal representing motor speed for supplying a corrective error signal to the speed regulator, thereby to keep the air gap flux constant and provide a speed-load characteristic which is linear in relation to the armature current drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Walter R. Harris