Abstract: A control apparatus (202) for a starter/generator (110) of an aircraft electrical power system is provided. During a start mode of operation, AC power is provided by the control apparatus (202) to an exciter stator (114) of the starter/generator (110) which is combined with controlled AC power supplied by a start converter (106) to a main stator (116) of the starter/generator (110) to rotate and start an aircraft engine. Alternatively, during a generate mode of operation after engine start, the control apparatus (202) provides DC power to the starter/generator (110) to produce a regulated voltage output from the starter/generator (110).

Abstract: A starter/generator electrical system for gas turbine powered aircraft with mixed power architecture to combine advantages of each. The mixed power architecture may be selected from constant frequency (CF), adjustable variable frequency (AVF) and narrow range variable frequency (NRVF) alternating current (AC) systems to suit aircraft requirements for on-board electric components and redundancy, with at least two separate power generation systems provided for each gas turbine engine on the aircraft.

Abstract: A gas turbine generating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gas turbine capable of a high-speed operation, a permanent-magnet-type generator driven at a high speed by the gas turbine, an inverter device (5) for converting alternating-current power generated by the generator into commercial alternating-current power, and a system-interconnection device (9) for interconnecting output of the inverter device to a commercial AC power supply system (10). The system-interconnection device controls the inverter device based on voltage of the commercial AC power supply system as a criterion such that output current of the inverter device is in phase with the voltage or out of phase with the voltage by a constant phase difference.

Abstract: A power conditioner 10 is provided with a maximum power follow-up control portion 12 for setting a DC operating voltage of a power converter 11, which converts output power of a power generator 2 into AC power, for making a power point corresponding to the output level of the power generator follow up with a maximum power point, and comprises an approximate function memory 25 for storing approximate functions related to the maximum power point, a follow-up control portion 34 for making the present power point reach proximate of the maximum power point on the basis of the approximate function, and a hill-climbing method follow-up control portion 35 for making the present power point reach the maximum power point by using a hill-climbing method when the present power point has reached proximate of the maximum power point.

Abstract: A system which has an electric device that functions in the system both as an electric motor for supplying power to machines and as a generator to generate electrical power. The system includes an outside source of power (an internal combustion engine, wind power, hydraulic power, human power, etc.) which powers the electric device to act as a generator, to generate electricity (electrical power). The electric device includes a stator and rotor, with a laminated iron core.

Abstract: A controller for high torque, low RPM wind turbines and ocean current turbines. The turbine consists of a large, input power shaft-mounted, rotating bull-gear with stationary powertrains mounted around its periphery. The gear teeth on the bull-gear rotate past the teeth on pinions, causing the pinions to turn and delivering power to each smaller powertrain. A controller regulates torque experienced by each powertrain to assure that torques are balanced between generators at any given system load. The control method comprises the programmatically continuously looping steps of measuring a system parameter to be controlled, such as torque and/or speed, selecting the optimal number of generators to be connected/disconnected to a utility line, incrementally connecting or disconnecting generators to achieve the point of optimal performance, measuring the parameters, such as current and/or voltage, of the connected generators and adjusting the generator parameters to fine tune the system for optimal performance.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for starting a prime mover coupled to a synchronous starter/generator. The system includes an exciter converter that provides a non-fundamental only signal to a field winding of an exciter of the synchronous generator. The non-fundamental signal provides a first rotating field for the field winding of the exciter. Exciter armature windings induce an AC signal from the rotating field where at least one rectifier rectifies the induced AC signal. A field winding of a main machine provides a flux from the rectified signal of the at least one rectifier. Armature windings of the main machine receive an AC signal via a main machine converter.

Abstract: An electrical system for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an AC output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a startup mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the AC output circuit. Thus, during the startup mode, the alternator functions as a motor to raise the speed of the turbine to a safe ignition speed and in the power out mode the electrical system outputs the AC output circuit, electrical power having a frequency unrelated to the rotation speed of the alternator.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine and a belt-driven integrated starter (B-ISG) connected to the engine. The method includes determining engine running indicators and engine stopped indicators. Based on the indicators, the method controls the engine and the B-ISG for coordinating engine stops and starts with a capability of the B-ISG to start the engine.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively connected to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A receptacle is configured to receive the electrical power from the generator and to provide a consumer with access to at least a portion of the electrical power.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment is an improved variable speed engine/generator set with an integrated power conditioning system and control method including load shedding to generate high quality AC power with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The variable speed generator control scheme allows for load adaptive speed control of engine and generator field. The transformerless power inverter topology and control method provides the necessary output frequency, voltage and/or current waveform regulation, harmonic distortion rejection, and provides for single phase, or unbalanced loading.

Abstract: A portable power supply includes an engine-driven generator that generates a first AC power. A rectifier rectifies the first AC power to a first DC power. A DC/DC converter converts a second DC power from a storage unit to a third DC power. A controller selectively enables one or both of the rectifier and the DC/DC converter to provide one or both of the first DC power and the third DC power to the input of an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power at its input to a second AC power. Alternatively, the power supply advantageously includes a second generator and a second rectifier. The outputs of the two rectifiers are summed and the sum of the two outputs is provided as an input the inverter to extend the range over which a constant second AC power can be provided.

Abstract: A power converter system advantageously employs a modular, bi-directionally symmetrical power converter assembly in a readily customizable configuration to interconnect a direct current power source to a three-phase alternating power grid. Connections external to the power converter assembly are selected to optimize the power converter system for a specific application, such as interconnecting a photovoltaic array to the three-phase electrical power grid. The electrical interconnections of various elements including isolation transformers, voltage sensors, and control switches are optimized to improve efficiency and reliability.

Abstract: Power generated by an alternator 2 and power generated by an electric motor 12 are controlled such that a power generation amount of either the alternator 2 or the electric motor 12, whichever has a higher power generation efficiency, becomes larger than a power generation amount of either the alternator 2 or the electric motor 12, whichever has a lower power generation efficiency. Consequently, power needed for power generation, that is, power consumed by an engine 1 can be decreased, thereby making it possible to improve the fuel economy of a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a microturbine, the apparatus including: a rectifier adapted for converting at least one generated voltage from the microturbine to a DC link voltage; an inverter adapted for converting the DC link voltage to at least one inverter output voltage, the at least one inverter output voltage being electrically coupled to an external power bus; a starter drive adapted for converting at least one starter input voltage to at least one starter output voltage, the at least one starter input voltage being electrically coupled to the external power bus, the at least one starter output voltage being electrically coupled to the microturbine.

Abstract: A gas turbomachinery electricity generation apparatus includes a gas turbomachinery arrangement having an associated rotary drive take-off, an electricity generating arrangement which includes a first generator stage including a first generator rotor and generator stator arrangement; a second generator stage including a second generator rotor and generator stator arrangement, at least of the first and second generator stage rotors is driven by the rotary drive take-off.

Abstract: An electrical system and apparatus for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. The operating parameters of the turbine are monitored during start-up and/or the power out mode.

Abstract: A gas turbine generating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gas turbine capable of a high-speed operation, a permanent-magnet-type generator driven at a high speed by the gas turbine, an inverter device (5) for converting alternating-current power generated by the generator into commercial alternating-current power, and a system-interconnection device (9) for interconnecting output of the inverter device to a commercial AC power supply system (10). The system-interconnection device controls the inverter device based on voltage of the commercial AC power supply system as a criterion such that output current of the inverter device is in phase with the voltage or out of phase with the voltage by a constant phase difference.

Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is an improved variable speed engine/generator set with an integrated power conditioning system and control method, used to generate high quality AC power with optimum fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The variable speed generator control scheme allows for load adaptive speed control of engine and generator field. The transformerless power inverter topology and control method provides the necessary output frequency, voltage and/or current waveform regulation, harmonic distortion rejection, and provides for single phase, or unbalanced loading.

Abstract: A system and method for using reluctance torque or a combination of both reluctance and reaction torque components of an attached synchronous machine (102) to accelerate a prime mover (116), such as a gas turbine engine, within a desired start time. The system selects a mode of starting operation, and thereafter applies reluctance torque through a synchronous machine (102) armature winding (102A) excitation as a single, sufficient starting force in a first mode, or staged reluctance and reaction torque through the additional excitation of the synchronous machine (102) field winding (102B) excitation in a second mode, using existing power electronics and controls.

Abstract: A starter-generator for an aircraft engine comprises a variable dynamoelectric machine alternatively operable as a motor or as a generator, having a rotor. A support motor is coupled to the variable dynamoelectric machine to assist the machine. A torque converter selectively couples and decouples the rotor to the engine, coupling the rotor to the engine at some point when the dynamoelectric machine is operated as a motor. The engine may be started by the dynamoelectric machine when operated as a motor through a first power train including the torque converter and may drive the dynamoelectric machine as a generator through a second power train.

Abstract: A continuous power system assembly is provided that includes an integrated shaft-driven unit. The unit contains a turbine, an alternator, a flywheel and a feed pump, all of which are coupled to the shaft. During various modes of operation, any of the turbine, alternator or flywheel may provide the torque used to drive the shaft. When the alternator is not providing the necessary torque to drive the shaft, it is operated as a generator that provides back-up power to a load. The present invention also includes a unique nozzle design that improves the ease with the nozzles may be manufactured in comparison to known designs. The nozzle is manufactured as two halves which are mated as part of the manufacturing process. The individual nozzles may, because only half of the nozzle segments exist on either half of the nozzle block, be easily manufactured using conventional machining.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine, such as an aircraft starter-generator, includes an exciter that has its stator windings divided into a number of sections. A plurality of switches are electrically coupled to the exciter stator winding sections and are configured and controlled so that the exciter stator winding sections may be selectively coupled in series or in parallel with one another, and selectively coupled to receive either DC or AC power.

Abstract: A method for starting a combustion turbine generator 10 includes configuring the generator so that the generator's rotor 16 is connected to receive all DC electrical power from the armature 30 of a DC-field brushless exciter 20 after rectification by a rotating rectifier. The method also includes causing the DC-field brushless exciter 20 to provide all of the DC electrical power to the rotor 16 by rotating a shaft 12 with a turning gear 22 to drive the DC-field brushless exciter 20 and rotor 16. The method further includes supplying electrical power to the generator's stator 18 as the shaft 12 is rotating so that the stator 18 provides an accelerating torque to operate as a synchronous motor to bring the rotational speed of the shaft 12 up to a starting rotational speed. A combustion turbine generator includes a starting controller 28 to control the rotational speed of the shaft 12 and the supply of electrical power to the stator 18.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for producing a three-phase AC current from a low-power generator (10 kW to 5 MW) and for feeding the current into a power grid has a forward mode where energy flows from the generator to the power grid or to an energy-storage device and a reverse mode where energy flows from the power grid or from the energy-storage device back to the generator. To support the forward mode, the circuit has a generator-adjacent circuit stage with diode rectifiers and booster circuits, an intermediate circuit stage with two capacitor groups arranged in series, and a grid-adjacent circuit stage with an inverter. To support the reverse mode, the circuit has diode rectifiers and booster circuits in the grid-adjacent circuit stage, the two capacitor groups of the intermediate circuit stage, and an inverter in the generator-adjacent circuit stage.

Abstract: An electrical system and method for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. During the power out mode, output voltage is continuously measured and the inverter circuit is controlled to compensate for output voltage fluctuations.

Abstract: An electrical system for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. During start-up the frequency and voltage of the electrical power to the inverter is controlled as a function of the time and/or rotation speed.

Abstract: An electrical system and apparatus for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. The operating parameters of the turbine are monitored during start-up and/or the power out mode.

Abstract: An electrical system and method for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. During the power out mode, current data is sensed and is used for current limit and/or power balancing.

Abstract: A clamp pressure controller for a variable ratio belt drive system for a generator is provided. The controller monitors the voltage at the output of the generator. If this falls the controller increases the clamp pressure so as to prepare the drive system for the additional torque/force it will be required to transmit. The increase in clamp pressure is rapid so as to prevent belt slip from occurring.

Abstract: The switched reluctance machine providing soft chopping in the output current controls the voltage across the phase winding. When the current through the phase winding in the generating mode reaches a first predetermined value, the voltage across the phase winding is reversed and as a result, the current through the phase winding decreases. When the phase winding current reaches a second value, the phase winding is shorted so that the current increases due to the positive back-EMF through the phase winding until the first predetermined value is again reached, at which time the voltage across the phase winding is again reversed.

Abstract: A generator structure is provided for generating an AC power for a load. The generator structure includes a generator connectable to a load and an engine operatively connected to the generator for driving the same. A generator controller is operatively connected to the engine for controlling operation thereof and operatively connected to a generator for controlling the AC power generated thereby. A communications link connects the generator control to a network.

Abstract: An electrical system for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft comprises an inverter circuit connectable either to an AC output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a startup mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the AC output circuit. Thus, during the startup mode, the alternator functions as a motor to raise the speed of the turbine to a safe ignition speed and in the power out mode the electrical system outputs to the AC output circuit, electrical power having a frequency unrelated to the rotational speed of the alternator.

Abstract: A system includes a permanent magnet generator, a dc link, an inverter coupled between the generator and the dc link, and a control for the inverter. The control regulates dc link voltage by adjusting the load angle and voltage magnitude of inverter ac terminal voltage with respect to emf of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid motive power vehicle capable of performing a regenerative power generation using an electric motor without causing a strange feeling for a driver. A buffer clutch 5 adjustable in connection force is arranged in a power train system common to the electric motor 1 and an internal combustion engine 2. During an engine braking, the connection force of the buffer clutch 5 is maintained in a half-clutch state to transmit rotation of driving wheels to the electric motor 1 for regenerative power generation. Sliding of the buffer clutch 5 is utilized to prevent transmission of a rotation resistance of the electric motor 1 increased by the regenerative power generation, to the driving wheels, so as to enable to obtain a stable engine brake force without torque fluctuation.

Abstract: A genset controller that is configurable for controlling a variety of types of gensets, as well as a method of configuring a genset controller for controlling a genset, are disclosed. The genset controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of software routines, a personality profile data set, and a user-settable data set, and further includes a processor coupled to the memory for executing the software routines and reading data from the personality profile data set and the user settable data set to control the genset. The genset controller additionally includes an input port coupled to the memory for enabling changes to the personality profile data set and the user-settable data set to be downloaded into the memory. The personality profile data set and the user-settable data set include data that configures the genset controller for operation with a particular genset.

Abstract: The control system for the hybrid vehicle of the present invention, having an engine for producing a driving force for the vehicle, a motor for producing an assist driving force to assist the output from the engine, and a battery for supplying electric energy to the motor and storing energy regenerated by the motor which acts as a generator, the control system comprises: a voltage detector for detecting a voltage from the battery; a full charge judgement device for judging full charge of the battery based on the voltage detected by the voltage detector; a charging electric power variation detector for detecting variation in a charging electric power for charging the battery; and a full charge judgement prevention device for preventing judging of full charge when the charging electric power variation detector detects the variation in the charging electric power.

Abstract: In an electric power generation system (20) which includes a turbine (22) and a turbine generator (25) connected to the turbine (22) along a common shaft (21), an alternating current (AC) induction exciter (30) is provided which is connected to the turbine generator (25) for starting the turbine generator (25). The AC induction exciter (30) preferably includes an AC input (31), an exciter rotor (36), and a stationary alternating current output provider (35) responsive to the AC input (31) and positioned in electrical communication with the exciter rotor (36) for providing an alternating current output (34) to the exciter rotor (36) so that a voltage is generated regardless of the speed of the exciter rotor (36).

Abstract: A unique electrochemical process fills oxygen vacancies in dielectrics while reducing oxidation of nearby electrodes and conductors. Preferably, an electromagnetic field or bias is applied to a dielectric. The bias causes oxygen vacancies in the dielectric to migrate to the surface of the dielectric. As the oxygen vacancies migrate toward the surface, oxygen ions fill the oxygen vacancies. In one embodiment, a unique plasma treatment provides the oxygen ions that react with the oxygen vacancies. In another embodiment, a unique electrolysis treatment provides the oxygen ions that react with the oxygen vacancies.

Abstract: An electrical generator has at least one rotating ring of field magnets which produce a circular array of magnetic fields, and a ring of generator output coils which are in the magnetic fields. The field magnets are permanent magnets or electromagnets. The generator output coils are movable in a displacement path toward and away from a null position at which they are exposed to zero net flux from the magnetic fields. Movement of the coils by an actuator varies the amplitude of the voltage induced in these coils by the rotating field magnets. The actuator is energized by an alternating current to create a mechanical oscillation of the generator output coils in their displacement path. The coils provide a raw amplitude-modulated signal that has a carrier frequency which is a function of the rotational velocity of the field magnets and a modulation frequency that is proportional to the mechanical oscillation of the generator output coils.

Abstract: A conventional motor controlling circuit is adapted to control an inverter that drives a permanent magnet generator as a motor to spin an engine to a speed sufficient to permit the engine to start. The commutation frequency is adjusted as a function of speed utilizing an automatic commutation frequency adjustment circuit. This circuit has multiple commutation frequency ranges that overcome a large initial bearing drag during low speed operation while still permitting high speed operation. The automatic commutation frequency adjustment circuit preferably generates first and second voltage ramps that overcome the initial bearing drag and accelerate the generator at a rate fast enough for sufficient back EMF to be generated for a closed-loop commutation phase. A speedup circuit operates during the closed-loop commutation phase to achieve the high speeds typically necessary for engine starting. The inventive circuits even permit a turbine type engine to be successfully started.

Abstract: A turbogenerator/motor controller with a microprocessor based inverter having multiple modes of operation with an energy storage and discharge system including an ancillary electric storage device, such as a battery, connected to the generator controller through control electronics. Electrical energy can flow from the ancillary electric storage device to the turbogenerator controller during start up and increasing load and vice versa during self-sustained operation of the turbogenerator. When utility power is unavailable, the ancillary electric storage device can provide the power required to start the turbogenerator. When a load transient occurs, the gas turbine engine and the ancillary electric storage device provide the power required to successfully meet the transient.

Abstract: An arrangement for voltage supply with an electrical machine that can be operated as a generator or as a starter is proposed, which is operated by the engine in the generator mode and which brings the engine to the requisite minimum rpm in the starting mode. The electrical machine is connected via a changer to a voltage converter that is connected to the battery of the on-board electrical system. In the starting mode, the voltage converter is bypassed by a switch element, so that the starter is supplied directly from the battery. In the generator mode, the switch element is opened, so that the generator can be operated with elevated voltage compared to the on-board electrical system voltage, and this elevated voltage is converted to the on-board electrical system voltage in the voltage converter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a diesel electric traction vehicle of the type including a synchronous generator driven by a diesel engine for producing alternating current (AC) electric power, the AC electric power being converted to direct current (DC) electric power and transferred over a DC link to a plurality of DC to AC inverters, and each of the inverters being coupled to transfer controlled frequency power to at least one AC electric traction motor coupled in driving relationship to at least one wheel-axle set of the vehicle. A computer-based control system controls operation of the engine, generator and inverters in response to a power command signal. The control system computes power supplied by the generator from calculated torque developed by the AC traction motors and electric power losses in the inverters and other circuit elements coupling power from the generator to the motors.

Abstract: A secondary power system for an aircraft utilizes a variable frequency electrical distribution system that provides power to one or more loads that can tolerate distortion components. In addition, a DC distribution system is coupled to the variable frequency distribution system and is isolated from a fixed frequency electrical distribution. Distortion caused by rectification for the DC system is isolated from the fixed frequency system, thereby improving the power quality in the fixed frequency system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a pretrip diagnosis and identification of generator set problems which could cause shutdown or undesired operation of the generator set.

Abstract: The startability of an internal combustion engine at low temperatures is improved and the revolution stability of the internal combustion engine right after start-up is increased by setting the predetermined maximum value of field current to a low level at low temperatures and to a high level at high temperatures by field current limit setting means.

Abstract: A generator, for miniature power consuming devices in particular, comprises a rotor wheel (4), which is coupled to a driven shaft and which has magnetized poles, a stator (5) having a plurality of windings for providing an electric voltage, a driving means (2, 33) for driving the driven shaft (3), and a transmission means having a resilient body (34) for providing a resilient transmission between said driving means and said driven shaft. Interrupting means (37) are provided for at least substantially interrupting the transmission between said driving means and said driven shaft as a function of the spring tension of said resilient body. The interrupting means preferably comprise a number of leaf springs, arranged around a disc, or a free-wheel clutch (37).

Abstract: A motor generator system in accordance with the invention includes a prime mover (21) for driving an output shaft (18); a main motor generator (16, 105), having a rotor driven by the output shaft, for producing electrical power on a plurality of stator phase windings (36a-36c) in response to the prime mover rotating the output shaft and for driving the output shaft in response to operation as a motor, an exciter (14, 102), having a rotor driven by the output shaft, for applying excitation to a field winding (34) of the main motor generator during operation for producing electrical power on the plurality of phase windings and for applying current to the field winding of the main motor generator to produce a magnetic field in the field winding during operation of the main motor generator as a motor, a time varying signal source (200) for applying a time varying signal having a fundamental frequency 202 to a field winding (28) of the exciter, a main inverter (114), responsive to signal (302) representing a rotar

Abstract: An electrical generator has at least one rotating ring of field magnets which produce a circular array of magnetic fields, and a ring of generator output coils which are in the magnetic fields. The field magnets are permanent magnets. The generator output coils are movable in a displacement path toward and away from a null position at which they are exposed to zero net flux from the magnetic fields. Movement of the coils by an actuator varies the amplitude of the voltage induced in these coils by the rotating field magnets. The actuator is energized by an alternating current to create a mechanical oscillation of the generator output coils in their displacement path. The coils provide a raw amplitude-modulated signal that has a carrier frequency which is a function of the rotational velocity of the field magnets and a modulation frequency that is proportional to the mechanical oscillation of the generator output coils.