Abstract: The electrical relay device comprising a component of electrical relay type including a controllable motor, and a switching module including at least one fixed electrical contact, and at least one movable electrical contact that is mechanically coupled to the motor and configured to be placed, using the motor, in at least one position, referred to as the disconnected position, in which it does not make contact with a fixed electrical contact, or in at least one position, referred to as the connected position, in which it does make contact with the at least one fixed electrical contact.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device is provided with a main contactor part that can switch between connection and disconnection of a battery and a circuit, and a circuit breaker (10a) that can disconnect the battery. The circuit breaker (10a) is provided with: a connector connection part (41b) having a pair of connector circuit terminals (41bp, 41bn) related to passing electricity through a coil for the main contactor part; a connector (43) that is attachable to and detachable from the connector connection part (41b) and has a connector shorting terminal (43a) that shorts the pair of connector circuit terminals (41bp, 41bn) upon attachment to the connector connection part (41b); and a claw part (44a) for restricting attachment of the connector (43) to the connector connection part (41b).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously measuring the rotational speed and/or direction of a shaft, and providing control power in accordance with the shaft rotation. The apparatus includes a permanent magnet machine (PMM) having a multipole rotor and a stator. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnet poles and connection to the rotating shaft; the stator includes a winding and electrical connections, so that motion of the rotor with respect to the stator causes a voltage signal at the electrical connections. The apparatus also includes a circuit including a power conversion portion and a speed/direction sensing portion. The circuit receives the voltage signal from the PMM, and simultaneously outputs control power from the power conversion portion and a signal indicating the rotational speed and/or direction of the shaft from the sensing portion.

Abstract: A drive arrangement comprising a drive shaft, a clutch arrangement operable, upon axial movement of the drive shaft occurring, to interrupt drive to the drive shaft, an axially movable interrupt shaft, a gear arrangement whereby the interrupt shaft is driven for rotation by the drive shaft at a speed slower than the rotary speed of the drive shaft, a disconnect device operable to cause axial movement of the interrupt shaft, and a transmission device for transmitting axial movement of the interrupt shaft to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box includes an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw having axial dog teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft, an outer ball screw surrounding and normally rotating with the inner ball screw and having a spherical ball and an angled ball track between the inner and outer ball screws, a lock, and a brake for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially toward the lock thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.

Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box may include an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw. The inner ball screw may be attached to an engagement member having undercut and interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of an engagement member of the gear box. An outer ball screw may surround and normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. A brake may be provided for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially away from the gear box thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.

Abstract: A disengagement assembly for disengaging a generator from an engine or gear box may include an inner ball screw having helical threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw may have interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft. An outer ball screw may surround and may normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. An eddy current brake may slow or stop rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw may rotate relative to the outer ball screw and slide axially toward a lock thereby disengaging the generator from the engine.

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 permanent magnet machine (PMM) has a kinetic portion electrically coupled to a power conversion portion. Motive power is provided to the kinetic portion by a torque applied to a motive shaft coupled to a prime mover, such as an aircraft engine or an automobile engine. A control circuit includes a switch disposed between the kinetic portion and output feeder cables of the power conversion portion. A first sensor is effective to detect a first fault condition in either the feeder cables or the power conversion portion and a second sensor is effective to detect a second fault condition in the kinetic energy portion. The first sensor is effective to open the switch when a first fault condition is detected and the second sensor is effective to apply a voltage to a winding within the kinetic portion generating an opposing counter torque on the motive shaft where a combination of torque and counter torque exceeds a fracture yield strength of said motive shaft causing it to fracture.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor of a generator is used to excite a permanent magnet stator to generate electric power for the generator and to control a disengagement mechanism whereby the generator can disengage from an accessory, such as a gear box drive shaft, when the generator is not working properly. The permanent magnet is affixed to an outer ball screw which normally rotates with an inner ball screw that is operatively engaged to the accessory. An increased load to the permanent magnet stator slows or stops rotation of the permanent magnet rotor and outer ball screw, causing the inner ball screw to move axially from the outer ball screw and away from an accessory and toward a re-settable lock.

Abstract: A bidirectional flexible coupling device with variable transmission characteristics including one or multiple first input/out end and one or multiple second input/out end, indicating the transmission of specific or controllable flexibility or torque value when the first input/output end drives the second input/output end for transmission; and according to operation requirements, the transmission may be of specific or controllable flexibility or torque value or of rigid without revolution difference when the second input/output end drives the first input/output end.

Abstract: A generator having a field coil L, and an SW1 control circuit 2 for controlling field current flowing through the field coil L. When a generating operation of the generator is to be ended, a switch 1 SW1 is turned off to interrupt the field current flowing through the field coil L, and a switch 2 SW2 is turned off to allow the field current remaining the field coil L to the current path including a resistance element 1 with a resistance element capable of quickly attenuating the field current.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating DC power using a synchronous reluctance machine (12) or a salient-pole synchronous machine (102) and a power converter (110). The present invention can be used to achieve power production for a synchronous reluctance machine (12), or can be used to achieve partial production of power from a traditional salient-pole synchronous machine/starter (102) in the case where the salient-pole synchronous machine/starter has degenerated into a synchronous reluctance machine due to, for example, a loss of excitation. In a power generation system, a control system and method can include a power converter (110), controlled by a voltage command and at least one of a measured DC link (120) voltage or DC link (120) current, for use with a synchronous reluctance machine armature winding (102A) and a prime mover (116), such that movement of the synchronous reluctance machine rotor of the synchronous reluctance machine can be used to produce at least partial DC power generation.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicular generator, includes: a voltage controlling device 1 for adjusting a generator output voltage of a generator 10 connected to an in-vehicle battery 4 to a predetermined voltage, the voltage controlling device 1 including an external voltage sensing terminal S for detecting an external voltage of the generator 10, and the generator output voltage being adjusted through on/off control of a field current of the generator 10 in accordance with the external voltage, in which an external control unit 5 is inserted between the external voltage sensing terminal S and the battery 4 to cause a voltage drop. Consequently, it is possible to dispense with an exclusive input terminal for external signal, thereby enabling simple system configuration cost reduction.

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 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: 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: In an AC module, if an interconnection relay is provided in an inverter, the inverter increases in size, and disconnection status between the AC module and a system upon occurrence of abnormal condition cannot be easily checked by a user. Accordingly, a plug is connected to an outlet, thereby an output of the inverter is supplied to the system or a load via a coupler. If leakage of direct current, ground fault of a solar cell or the like, a fault or abnormal condition of the inverter, or an abnormal condition of the system is detected, the inverter outputs a signal to separate the plug from the coupler.

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: 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: In an AC module, if an interconnection relay is provided in an inverter, the inverter increases in size, and disconnection status between the AC module and a system upon occurrence of abnormal condition cannot be easily checked by a user. Accordingly, a plug is connected to an outlet, thereby an output of the inverter is supplied to the system or a load via a coupler. If leakage of direct current, ground fault of a solar cell or the like, a fault or abnormal condition of the inverter, or an abnormal condition of the system is detected, the inverter outputs a signal to separate the plug from the coupler.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus is provided to enable a clutch to be re-engaged without creating a shock when there is rollback of the wheels, which are driven by an electric motor via the clutch. The vehicle apparatus comprises a travel direction command determining section, a travel direction command determining section and a wheel rotational direction determining section. The travel direction command determining section is configured to determine whether a forward travel command or a reverse travel command has been issued. The travel direction command determining section is configured to detect a counterelectromotive force of an electric motor that drives a wheel of a vehicle.

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 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 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: An electrical machine (10) suitable for use as a starter/alternator for an automotive vehicle, has an inverter circuit (12), a rectifier circuit (14), and a stator circuit (16) that couples the inverter circuit (12) to the rectifier circuit (14). In addition, a switch circuit (18) having a first switch, switch A, and a second switch, switch B, is used to couple inverter circuit (12) to rectifier circuit (14). By controlling the operation of switch circuit (18) so that in a start up mode the switches are closed and in a generating mode the switches are open, a high output torque may be obtained from the electrical machine while a wide operating speed range may be also achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle AC-generator controller includes a storage battery to be charged by a rectification output of an AC generator having a field coil, a voltage regulator for controlling an output voltage of the AC generator to a predetermined value by controlling a field current flowing through the field coil, an indicator lamp for indicating a power-generation state and a no-power generation state of the AC generator, an indicator-lamp driving element for turning on and off the indicator lamp, a power-supply driving element for driving power supply of the voltage regulator in accordance with a turn-on-lamp output of the indicator-lamp driving element, and a power-supply cutoff element for cutting off the power-supply driving apparatus by controlling the turn-on-lamp output to the ground potential when the AC generator is brought into the no-power-generation state.

Abstract: The switchgear comprises a circuit breaker having an open position for isolating a generator from the network, and a closed position for connecting the generator to the network, together with a disconnector having a fixed pole connected to the generator and a contact connected to the fixed pole and movable relative thereto to occupy, when the circuit breaker is open, a first position connecting the generator to a starter circuit and a second position connecting the generator to ground. The moving contact of the disconnector also possesses a third position in which it forms an equipotential appendix for the fixed pole when the circuit breaker is closed. The moving contact does not carry the steady electric current of the generator, thus making it possible advantageously to reduce its dimensions so that they are capable merely of withstanding transient electrical conditions when in the first and third positions.

Abstract: A system for producing electrical power on a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a wheeled vehicle that has a chassis carried upon a plurality of wheel units where each wheel unit is rotatably coupled to the chassis. The wheel unit includes a wheel and a hub upon which the wheel rotates relative to the chassis. At least one of the wheel units is adapted to generate electricity and has at least one length of reactive wire and a magnetic field generator positioned in the wheel unit for relative motion therebetween during rotation of the wheel. The configuration induces an electrical flow in said length of reactive wire thereby producing electricity.

Abstract: Electrical hybrid vehicle propulsion system in which a generators run directly from the drive shaft are employed to provide trickle charging of the battery when the vehicle is in operation. Mounted on the drive shaft is a rubber base molded adaptor with conical end walls and rubber wheels extending from the generators to engage the adaptor.

Abstract: A motor housing for a variable speed scroll saw or other operating tool is disclosed. The motor housing includes a motor as well as a printed circuit board mounted in the motor housing adjacent the motor. A switch is attached to the printed circuit board and extends outside of the motor housing. The switch is also attached to the motor housing. A switch lock-out is operably associated with the housing for disabling the switch until the switch lock-out is disengaged. Preferably, the switch lock-out is a releasable locking mechanism such as a padlock.

Abstract: When the remaining capacity of a battery on a hybrid vehicle is smaller than a threshold value or the battery is unable to output the amount of electric energy required to propel the hybrid vehicle with a propulsive electric motor, the engine is started by a generator which operates in a motor mode. After the engine has been warmed up, the generator operates in a generator mode to generate electric energy which is supplied to the battery and the propulsive electric motor. The threshold value for the remaining capacity of the battery is greater as the atmospheric pressure is lower. Therefore, if the hybrid vehicle is running under a low atmospheric pressure such as on a highland, the electric energy is supplied from the generator to the battery and the propulsive electric motor at an early stage where the capacity of the battery is relatively high.

Abstract: The opening of the intake air control valve of an engine which actuates a generator on a hybrid vehicle is basically controlled by an intake air control valve control assembly to cause the engine to produce a power output corresponding to a target generated output which is determined by a target generated output setting assembly based on an operating condition of the hybrid vehicle. When regenerative braking of a propulsive electric motor is detected by a regenerative braking detector, the opening of the intake air control valve is corrected in a direction to decrease. Even when the load on the engine drops sharply or is greatly reduced by regenerative braking of the propulsive electric motor, the engine is prevented from racing, and from discharging unwanted exhaust emissions and also from suffering undue vibrations.

Abstract: An electrical supply system with two power generators and several items of electrical equipment has a processor that controls disconnection of the equipment if demand should exceed supply. The processor has a hardware switch controlled by outputs from the generators. The processor runs two different programs at the same time but the switch supplies only one of these to the output. When equipment needs to be disconnected, the switch changes to supply the results of the other program to the output and this effects the disconnection. When sufficient supply is restored, the switch changes back to its original state to supply the results of the first program to the output of the processor.

Abstract: A charging system includes a high capacity charging circuit having the original internal engine alternator connected substantially in parallel with an auxiliary alternator by a simple wiring harness arrangement that easily plugs into the existing connectors for the internal engine alternator circuit so that the outputs of the alternators are cumulative. The auxiliary alternator is relatively compact, and the original engine alternator circuit remains substantially unaltered. The regulators for the two alternators include sensory inputs which are connected to each other. The alternators provide redundancy and a fail-safe backup mode so that if one of the systems fails, that system can be quickly disconnected from the remaining system without disabling the entire vehicle.

Abstract: A reasonably priced power supply circuit for a motor vehicle with two different load voltages, viz. the normal vehicle supply system voltage and a voltage higher than this for operation of a window heating glazing with a thin-film heating resistor. A generator is designed for the higher voltage, which corresponds at least to the voltage required for operation of the window heating glazing. With the window heating glazing switched off, the voltage supplied by the generator is adjusted to the vehicle supply system voltage by a controller. With the window heating glazing switched on, the vehicle supply system voltage is derived from the higher voltage. To ensure a safe operating condition, a time switch for the temporary reduction of the exciter current for the generator during change-over of the load switch, a main timer for limitation of the heating time and a threshold voltage switch for limitation of the generator voltage are provided as additional monitoring elements.

Abstract: A variable speed, constant frequency electrical generating system has a variable speed, engine driven generator. The system operates in either a generate or an engine start mode. A bidirectional filter connected between the rectifier-converter and the AC bus traps or blocks switching harmonics from the rectifier-converter. Shunt trap circuits are connected either phase-to-phase or phase-to-neutral.

Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive (ECCSD) according to the present invention includes a pair of power transmission paths between the prime mover and a load wherein each power transmission path includes a mechanical differential having a first input coupled to the output of the prime mover and an output coupled to the load. A second input of each of the differentials is coupled to a permanent magnet machine and a power converter interconnects the electrical power windings of the permanent magnet machines. In operation, one of the permanent magnet machines is always operated as a generator while the other permanent magnet is operated as a motor so that power flow through the power converter is unidirectional. The ECCSD of the present invention results in a substantial reduction in the maximum control power and hence efficiency is increased and complexity is reduced.

Abstract: An emergency power generating system according to the present invention includes an emergency power converter which is selectively coupled to the output of a permanent magnet machine forming a part of a constant speed drive in the event of a failure of a main generator so that the permanent magnet machine and the emergency power converter provide emergency power to one or more loads.

Abstract: The system is intended primarily for use in multi-engined aircraft although it has great utility in any installation having an engine and a generator driven thereby. A kit for each engine includes a generator drive train connected to the engine to be driven thereby, a driving formation for connection to a generator, and a coupling or clutch in the drive train to decouple the generator in case of mechanical or electrical failure. Signal means may be located in the cockpit in the pilot's field of view to indicate generator failure. A switch operable by the pilot in response to the failure signal acts to remotely cause decoupling of the generator. The active signal operates means to deactivate any other decoupling switch to prevent mistakenly decoupling a properly functioning generator. Cross-connection switch means are connected to all engines and generators and may be actuated to electrically connect an active generator to the engine having the decoupled generator.

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.