Abstract: A wireless charging device and an aircraft monument including the same. The device or monument includes a support surface having a visual indicator embedded therein configured to be illuminated by an underlying charging assembly to indicate a location on the support surface for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device. The wireless charging assembly further includes an induction coil aligned beneath the visual indicator and a fiber optic panel optically coupled to an electrically-powered light source. In use, visible light emitted by the fiber optic panel is transmitted through the visual indicator to illuminate the visual indicator to indicate to a user the location to place the portable electronic device to be charged.

Abstract: A power generator system includes a field winding, an alternator, a voltage regulator and a generator exciter device. The field winding generates a magnetic field based on a total excitation voltage thereacross. The alternator generates an output voltage based on the magnetic field. The voltage regulator generates a primary excitation voltage based on the output voltage. The generator exciter device generates an auxiliary excitation voltage. The generator exciter device and the voltage regulator are coupled in series across the field winding, so that the auxiliary excitation voltage and the primary excitation voltage are summed into the total excitation voltage which is not less than the primary excitation voltage in magnitude.

Abstract: A method for controlling a multi-phase electric machine, operable at least in generator mode, whose phase terminals in an active bridge rectifier are respectively connected, via addressable first current valves capable of being switched on and shut off, to a first DC voltage terminal and via second current valves to a second DC voltage terminal. The method includes: in a generator mode of the electric machine after occurrence of a load dump, repeatedly initiating and discontinuing phase short circuits of the phase terminals via the first current valves. A magnitude characterizing a natural frequency of the electric machine is ascertained, and the first current valves are addressed with a switching frequency in order to initiate and discontinue the phase short circuits on the basis of the magnitude characterizing the natural frequency of the electric machine.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to a rotary transformer configured to transmit data. In some implementations, the rotary transformer may include a primary transformer component with a primary winding magnetically coupled to a secondary transformer component with a secondary winding. The rotary transformer may also include a resonant circuit including a frequency determining element and an amplifier. The frequency determining element may consist of the primary and secondary windings connected in parallel to respective capacitors. The primary transformer component may be coupled to a fixed-frequency signal generator. The rotary transformer may include a modulator coupled to the secondary transformer component and configured to vary the phase of the resonant circuit to generate an output signal and a demodulator coupled to the primary transformer component and configured to demodulate the output signal.

Abstract: A method of distributing electric current to electrical outlets, and a program to implement same, including the steps of supplying electric current to the electrical outlets not yet connected to an electronic device upon receipt of a distribution request from the electrical outlets; determining the instantaneous current intensity supplied to the electrical outlets; comparing the determined current intensity to a threshold referred to as the maximum threshold; and when the predetermined current intensity is greater than the maximum threshold, selecting an electrical outlet and terminating the supply of electric current to the selected electrical outlet. The steps of selection and termination being carried out while continuing the step of supplying electric current to the electrical outlets not yet connected to an electronic device upon receipt of a distribution request from the electrical outlets.

Abstract: A variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) power generator includes a rotating direct current (DC) power source, rotating multi-phase generator main field windings to generate a rotating alternating current (AC) power, and a rotating inverter configured to control alternating current (AC) generator field windings in response to output AC power generated by the VSCF power generator and DC power from the rotating DC power source. At least one generator main field sensor outputs a generator main field feedback signal based on the rotating AC power applied to the rotating multi-phase generator main field windings. Stationary multi-phase generator armature windings output constant voltage constant frequency AC power controlled by the rotating AC power. An electronic rotating power line communication (PLC) controller generates a control signal that adjusts the rotating AC power based on the rotating generator feedback signal, where the output AC power is controlled by adjusting the rotating AC power.

Abstract: A transmission which is pre-eminently suitable for an electric and/or hybrid drive has an input which can be connected to an electromotor/generator, and an output which can be connected to a load. The transmission has two parallel transmission paths between the input and output, first coupling means being present in the first transmission path and second coupling means being present in the second transmission path. Furthermore, a gear reduction is present in at least either of the two transmission paths. The first coupling means are arranged such that they are not capable of dissipating significant power and the second coupling means are arranged such that they are capable indeed of dissipating significant power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine facility comprising a power generator operationally connected to an AC/AC converter adapted to receive variable frequency AC-power from the power generator, and adapted to generate substantially fixed frequency AC-power. The wind turbine facility further comprises a harmonic filter system, and a grid transformer comprising a primary winding being operationally connected to the AC/AC converter, and a secondary winding adapted to be operationally connected to an associated, substantially fixed frequency AC-power supply grid. The grid transformer further comprises a tertiary winding being operationally connected to the harmonic filter in order to suppress unwanted harmonics, such as selected harmonics generated by the AC/AC converter. The turn ratio between the primary and tertiary windings is selected in such a manner that a voltage of the tertiary winding is lower than a nominal voltage level of the associated AC-power supply grid voltage.

Abstract: An exciter assembly for supplying a field current to the rotor windings of a superconducting synchronous machine includes a pulse transformer having a stationary primary winding, a secondary winding and a tertiary winding. A switched mode power supply supplies a pulsed voltage to the primary winding of the pulse transformer. The pulsed voltage developed at the secondary winding of the pulse transformer is supplied to the rotor windings through a pair of transfer leads. A controller controls synchronous rectification of the pulsed voltage supplied to the rotor windings based on a signal from the tertiary winding of the pulse transformer.

Abstract: A power conditioner for circuit breaker panel and method of use. The apparatus comprises an electric motor electrically connected to distribution power lines into the breaker panel. The electric motor drives an electric generator. Electric power from the electric generator is fed into sector circuit breaker bus bars in the circuit breaker panel, which in turn power sector circuit breakers mounted to the sector circuit breaker bus bars. The circuit breaker panel may incorporate a main breaker between the distribution power lines and the sector circuit breaker bus bars. The apparatus may include a transmission between the motor and the generator. The method steps include using electric power from the distribution power line to run the electric motor, using the electric motor to drive the generator, and feeding power from the generator to the sector circuit breaker bus bars.

Abstract: A device and method for using a field-responsive material that changes temperature when subjected to a respective field in combination with a thermal to electrical energy converter to accomplish the generation of electrical energy. The field-responsive material, such as an electrocaloric or magnetocaloric material, changes temperature when subjected to a change in a respective electric or magnetic field. The changing field applied to the field-responsive material causes a temperature change in the field-responsive material to heat or cool the field-responsive material. A thermal to electrical energy converter is in thermal contact with the field-responsive material, such that temperature changes in the field-responsive material in turn changes the temperature of the thermal to electrical energy converter, which the converter then converts into electrical energy.

Abstract: In installations including fixed and mobile structural elements and a rotary current motor as a drive, the rotary current motor can be used for the wireless transmission of both energy and/or data. The transmission from the fixed structural elements to the mobile structural elements of the rotary current motor is especially inductive. In the corresponding device including a rotary current motor including a stator and a secondary element, the secondary element is not embodied as a solid conductor with or without a laminated core, according to prior art, but rather as a laminated core including integrated windings which is the same as, or similar to, the stator.

Abstract: A power supply system for a wireless control device includes a plurality of power generation units for generating electric power, a power output unit coupled to the plurality of power generation units and a system circuit of the wireless control device for outputting electric power generated by the plurality of power generation units to the system circuit, and a microprocessor coupled to the plurality of power generation units for controlling the plurality of power generation units.

Abstract: The alternator comprises a wound rotor and a stator with a number of phases connected to a rectifier bridge equipped with switches (7) in the form of MOS type transistors, such as MOSFET type transistors, characterised in that the transistors (7) are voltage-rated to work by avalanche effect or linearly in the case of a load dump.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system and a power generation system are provided. The method includes coupling at least one electrical generator to at least one prime mover, wherein the at least one generator includes at least one of a stator and a rotor wherein at least one of the stator and the rotor includes superconducting windings therein, and coupling at least one cryogenic refrigeration system to the superconducting windings, wherein the at least one cryogenic refrigeration system is coupled in flow communication with the superconducting windings to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of the superconducting windings.

Abstract: A system for a battery powerable portable computer with keyboard input that extends the battery charge lifetime during time periods when the computer is being operated in a battery powered mode comprising the combination of a battery providing power to the computer, a keyboard providing input to the computer through user keystrokes, apparatus operatively associated with each of a set of keys in the keyboard for converting the mechanical motion respectively applied to each of the set of keys during keystrokes to generate an electrical current, and an electrical connector for applying the electrical current to charge said battery. The apparatus for converting the mechanical motion to generate an electrical current should include at least one electrical generator.

Abstract: The switchgear comprises a circuit breaker connected between a generator and a transformer, together with a disconnector connected between the circuit breaker and the transformer, the disconnector having a fixed pole common to three positions: a first position and a second position respectively for connecting together or isolating the transformer and the circuit breaker when the circuit breaker is respectively closed or open; and a third position for grounding the fixed pole when the circuit breaker is open. The fixed pole of the disconnector is electrically connected to the transformer, thereby making it possible to interconnect or to isolate or to ground the tranformer while using only one disconnector included in the switchgear.

Abstract: A synchronous condenser has a rotor, a rotor shaft on which the rotor is mounted, and collector rings electrically connected to a source of D.C. voltage. A fluid drive has an output shaft connected to the synchronous condenser rotor shaft through a quick disconnect mechanism, an input shaft, and a motor connected to drive the input shaft. In bringing the synchronous condenser onto line, the speed of rotation of the output shaft of the fluid drive is brought to a speed slightly greater than the synchronous speed, a D.C. voltage is applied to the collector rings of the rotating field to generate a polyphase A.C. voltage in the windings in the stator core, and the polyphase breaker is closed just as the phases are brought into synchronization with the corresponding phases of the power grid. After the synchronization is complete, the disconnect coupling is operated to separate the starting mechanism and the starting mechanism is shut down. The entire process can be accomplished by remote control.

Abstract: A solid state control circuit controls handlebar heaters on a snowmobile or similar responding loads. Circuit is supplied by AC voltage with variations in frequency and waveform of the AC input. A portion of this input is rectified and compared with a rectified portion of the output voltage. The difference between these two signals is used to supply two amplifying devices. A control signal to a switching device selectively connects one polarity of the AC to the load. The circuit is adapted to be disabled by the application of an external voltage typically from a brake light switch and bulb. The opposite polarity of the waveform is controlled from the AC to the load by sensing the DC component across the load and using a second switching device to drive this DC value to a negligible value. Components are incorporated that are sensitive to temperature and also waveform to produce higher output heating at high vehicle speed and lower operating ambient temperatures or airflows.

Abstract: A process for generating electrical power in a gas turbine cycle including an air compression stage, first and second gas combustion stages, and a series of first and second gas expansion stages. Mechanical power is provided for the generation of electrical power in a rotating power generator. The first combustion stage is operated on hydrogen-depleted fuel gas at high pressure using air from the air compression stage. The hydrogen-depleted fuel gas is obtained by endothermic catalytic steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feed gas. Heat for the endothermic steam reforming is supplied by indirect heat exchange with heat from hot exhaust gas from the second expansion stage. The second combustion stage is operated at lower pressure than the first combustion stage on exhaust gas from the first expansion stage and the hydrogen-enriched gas separated form the hydrogen depleted gas. The hydrogen-enriched gas is separated from the hydrogen-depleted fuel gas during the catalytic steam reforming of the feed gas.

Abstract: An embodiment of the the present invention is a computer system comprised of a main computer circuit having an interruptible CPU, a control program stored in memory connected to the CPU with interrupt procedures, and a power supply that has a mainspring and winder, a generator, a regulator, a power supply, and an internal battery. The power supply is able to accept electrical power from the generator-regulator combination, house current (line voltage) through a standard outlet plug, and the battery. A user is able to input his own kinetic energy into the system by turning a winding key. The action is similar to winding up a large windup alarm clock. A pair of detectors connected to the mainspring sense when the mainspring is fully wound and when it is almost unwound. The unwound condition will interrupt the CPU and one of the interrupt procedures will bring the system to a controlled shut-down. The fully-wound condition will cause the system to be re-enabled to run normally.

Abstract: A conventional turbine driven generator is converted to a synchronous condenser. The generator has a generator shaft; the turbine has a turbine shaft axially aligned with the generator shaft. The turbine shaft is disconnected from the generator shaft and an extension shaft is mounted on the generator shaft. The extension shaft has a journal bearing adjacent an axially outer end of the extension shaft, a thrust bearing, and provision for balancing the extension shaft and generator (now synchronous condenser) rotor.

Abstract: A power system provides various levels of electrical power at various radio frequencies to specific input locations of a neutral particle beam accelerator system. Both the power system and the accelerator system are mounted on a space platform. The power system includes separate modules mounted on two hinged members of the platform. The modules utilize turbines, generators and fuel cells to provide the needed electrical power which is amplified to the desired levels required by the accelerator system. In addition, a fuel cell is utilized to power a pulse drive motor to drive the generators during turbine start up in order to provide high voltage output power during the start up. A regenerator produces hydrogen and oxygen from the water effluent produced by the fuel cells and the combustors which powers the turbines thereby recycling the fuel and working fluid and consequently making the power system generally non-contaminating and fuel efficient.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrically generating mechanical braking torque employs direct field drive incorporating an AC alternator plus a current regulator. The stator windings of the alternator are directly coupled to the field winding via a full wave rectifier and the current regulator. The invention simplifies electrical circuitry for generating braking torque, provides wide dynamic range of torque generation, limits voltages and currents to easily manageable levels, and reduces mechanical drive train requirements. The invention produces a constant power mechanical load from essentially 0 to over 1,000 watts from an alternator of the size typically used for automotive applications.

Abstract: In the case of the multiphase switching system (1), each (for example L.sub.3) of the phase conductors is arranged in the course of a generator output line (2), which is arranged between a generator (7) and a network transformer (8), together with a switching apparatus, in encapsulation (5) which is insulated by air gaps, in a manner isolated from the other phase conductors.The switching system is intended to allow virtually all the switching, protection, and measurement functions occurring in a generator arrangement to be executed despite a compact and space-saving construction.This is achieved by the switching apparatus (three-position interrupter switch 10) having at least two switching positions. A first of these two switching positions is arranged between the generator (7) and an output of the switching system (1) which acts on the network transformer (8).

Abstract: A switched reluctance generator system, including a converter for coupling a dc voltage via a dc excitation bus (or excitation nodes) to a switched reluctance generator and thereby providing excitation thereto, has a separate generator bus for providing the output voltage of the switched reluctance generator. The generator bus is separate and distinct from the dc excitation bus such that the average current generated by the switched reluctance generator is substantially independent of the generator output voltage. As a result, the switched reluctance generator is capable of resuming generating operation after occurrence of an overload, without requiring a relatively large power source to supply the overload, clear the fault (e.g., via a fuse) and re-excite the generator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrically generating mechanical braking torque employs direct field drive incorporating an AC alternator plus a current regulator. The stator windings of the alternator are directly coupled to the field winding via a full wave rectifier and the current regulator. The invention simplifies electrical circuitry for generating braking torque, provides wide dynamic range of torque generation, limits voltages and currents to easily manageable levels, and reduces mechanical drive train requirements. The invention produces a constant power mechanical load from essentially 0 to over 1,000 watts from an alternator of the size typically used for automotive applications.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted engine generator system is disclosed for supplying electricity to external electrical appliances and equipment used inside a camping car or outdoors in the camping site, which comprises a secondary water-cooled internal combustion engine of relatively small size and an engine generator electrically connected to the engine. The secondary engine has its cooling jacket connected to a cooling line supplying it with cooling water for engine cooling. Also, the cooling line is connected to a radiator connected to the main internal combustion engine of water-cooled type so that the heated cooling water through the secondary engine is cooled by the same radiator as for the main engine. Also, the secondary engine is electrically connected to the battery for the main engine in such a manner that the battery can be recharged from the secondary engine as well.

Abstract: The generator set comprises an internal combustion engine (5) driving a three-phase generator (6). The latter is surmounted by a casing (7) containing a converter (8) which is supplied with power by the generator (6) and provides a current of 42 V at 200 Hz at the socket (11).

Abstract: A single phase, multipole alternator with inertial and/or electromagnetic energy storage is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention involves a high energy pulsed alternator which is capable of generating a variety of pulse signals by ready modification of the angle between the magnetic axes of the excitation field coil and the compensating coil or conducting shield.

Abstract: Coupling of the asynchronous machine to the AC mains is effected in the way that the contacts arranged for the purpose are closed when the voltage across them before coupling is at a maximum. Coupling can be done by several stages, from two and upwards. The coupling device, which primarily aims at coupling of windmill generators, has the effect that because of the precise coupling relative to the maxima of the voltages, the DC link in the current will be negligible, with the result that the transient torques will become insignificant. In this way, it is avoided that coupling will cause the rotary system of the windmill to oscillate. The lack of DC will also result in small voltage drops in the mains. If the windmill has no transformer of its own, the current surges can be dampened further by effecting coupling over impedances which are cut out stepwise at voltage maxima over these.

Abstract: A generator circuitry for connecting a generator to or disconnecting the same from a bus connected to a power supply. The circuitry comprising a first disconnector, a breaker and a second disconnector connected in series with one another between the bus and the generator further includes a detecting circuit to detect the generator output and an operating circuit to prohibit an action of opening the second disconnector during detection of the generator output by the detecting circuit. Since the disconnector is opened in the state where the generator output is not detected, the disconnector is released from the duty to interrupt the charge current flowing to the interelectrode capacitance of the breaker, whereby the use of a small-sized disconnector is rendered possible.

Abstract: A stability control system for a free piston Stirling engine/alternator power unit whose engine power is an exponential function on the engine piston stroke and whose alternator power demand is also an exponential function of the piston stroke, and wherein the engine exponent is normally equal to or greater than the alternator exponent, includes a connection through a rectifier between the alternator output terminals and the alternator field windings. This increases the alternator exponent above the engine exponent to make the system stable. The large time constant of the field winding inductance, which would tend to slow the response time during transients, can be avoided by adding a suitable resistance in series with the field winding.

Abstract: A voltage source is connected in series with the neutral secondary winding on a generator step-up transformer through an electrical reactance. A control circuit and a pair of thyristor banks are employed to apply the voltage source to the transformer winding to dampen sybsynchronous resonance currents and to prevent torsional mode vibrations from occurring within the generator.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilizer of the type which is utilized to compensate or stabilize the effect of subsynchronous resonance oscillations in a turbine generator system is taught. Silicon controlled rectifiers are connected in series with inductors between the lines of the electrical system. The silicon controlled rectifiers may be maintained at two quiescent conduction intervals of 90.degree. and 135.degree. depending upon the peak value of rotor oscillation. If the peak value of rotor oscillation is sufficiently small the lower conduction interval of 90.degree. is utilized as this is sufficient to stabilize low level oscillations. Furthermore, it has great advantage in the fact that the losses represented by 90.degree. quiescent conduction interval are relatively small when compared with the larger quiescent conduction interval.

Abstract: A method of converting inertial mechanical energy into a high energy direct current electrical pulse of short time duration is disclosed. Apparatus for practicing the method is described. According to the invention, a rotating mass is provided together with electrical conductor means for producing a localized magnetic field at the surface of the mass. A localized magnetic flux compression means is also provided at the surface of the mass and either the electrical conductor means or the flux compression means is rotated with the mass to produce periodic compression of the flux of the localized magnetic field in response to the rotation of the mass. A load is connected across the electrical conductor during such flux compression which converts a major portion of the inertial energy of the rotary mass into an exponentially rising pulse of direct current through the load with a very rapid decay.

Abstract: Alternator having a pulsed excitation. Means are provided to supply short current pulses into the pick-up coils at a suitable time so to magnetize the circuit. As a consequence the shape of the magnetic circuit can be simplified and the weight of iron and copper can be reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electromechanical energy converter with inertial energy storage. The device, a single phase, two or multi-pole alternator with stationary field coils, and a rotating armature is provided. The rotor itself may be of laminated steel for slower pulses or for faster pulses should be nonmagnetic and electrically nonconductive in order to allow rapid penetration of the field as the armature coil rotates. The armature coil comprises a plurality of power generating conductors mounted on the rotor. The alternator may also include a stationary or counterrotating compensating coil to increase the output voltage thereof and to reduce the internal impedance of the alternator at the moment of peak outout.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is provided for supplementing an electrical power distribution network. The supplemental system of this invention is devised to utilize available sources of energy that are otherwise unused and converting that energy to power which is added to and utilized in the normal or primary electrical power distribution network. The system of this invention includes electrical generation means of a type that is adapted to be powered by a specific energy source and develops electrical energy which is stored for intermittent or periodic transfer into the primary power system. An electrical circuit is provided for sensing of the electrical power that is stored and includes a switching circuit that is responsive to the stored electrical power for connecting an electrical energy storage device to the primary electrical network and affect a transfer of electrical power.

Abstract: A brushless rotary signal transducer having a novel configuration to provide A.C. output voltages in stator windings proportional to the speed of rotation of a rotor and the voltage of a D.C. excitation signal applied to an excitation winding is provided. The excitation winding and stator are disposed within a magnetic permeable housing substantially axially aligned about the axis of the housing. A rotor formed of magnetic permeable material is rotatably mounted on the housing axis, at least the portion thereof in radial registration with the stator being magnetically asymmetrically distributed about said axis. A rotating closed flux path is defined by the rotor, stator and housing.

Abstract: The machine comprises a rotary assembly comprising a hollow shaft containing the inductor, a passive screen for protecting the inductor against rapid variations in field due to disturbances in the armature. An auxiliary winding borne by the shaft creates a rotary magnetic field of intensity and frequency such that it completes the compensation of the magnetic fields created by the armature. The machine is useful for synchronous power alternators.