Abstract: A device for safe control of at least one driver module for controlling a semiconductor switch of an inverter, wherein the driver module controls the semiconductor switch in dependence on a pulse signal, wherein a switching arrangement which is connected with the driver module is provided and that this has a switching connection for applying an inhibition signal and a first connection for applying the pulse signal, in order to either inhibit or switch the pulse signal applied to the first connection through to the driver module, depending on the inhibition signal.

Abstract: A power distribution system is disclosed. The power distribution system may have a generator, a first load interruption device associated with the generator, and a load powered by the generator. The power distribution system may also have a second load interruption device associated with the load, and a generator controller. The generator controller may be configured to control the generator, determine existence of a fault condition associated with electric service between the generator and the load, and selectively activate the second load interruption device based on the determination. The generator controller may be further configured to determine if activation of the second load interruption device isolated the fault condition, and selectively activate the first load interruption device when activation of the second load interruption device fails to isolate the fault condition.

Abstract: In a voltage controller for a vehicle, voltage controlling means controls an output voltage of a power generator mounted on the vehicle and a terminal voltage of a battery connected to the power generator, by controlling of a field current passing through a field winding of the power generator. This control is performed by operating switching means connected to the field winding so that the switching means is conducted intermittently. Signal generating means generates a power generator state signal by measuring a state of the power generator at predetermined measurement periods. Signal averaging means performs an exponentially weighted averaging of the power generator state signal. The signal averaging means executes the averaging within a predetermined averaging period and updates the averaging at every predetermined measurement period.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, an apparatus for controlling electric power generation for vehicles, which controls energization of an excitation winding of a generator driven by an internal-combustion engine controlled by a controller to control output voltage of the generator. The apparatus includes a restraining unit that restrains electric power generation of the generator in response to a given signal, and a releasing unit the releases the restraint by the restraining unit when generated voltage of the generator is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. The apparatus further includes a detecting unit that detects starting of the internal-combustion engine, a measuring unit that measures elapsed time from the detection of the starting by the detecting unit, and a prohibiting unit that prohibits the release of the restraint by the releasing unit until a predetermined time is measured by the measuring unit.

Abstract: Synchronous control for an output of a generator is disclosed. A desired output level at the output of the generator is received. An off time to achieve the desired output level is determined. A timing for the off time is determined. One or more coil outputs are caused to switch off for the off time at the determined timing for the off time. The one or more coil outputs contribute to the output of the generator in the event that the one or more coil outputs are switched on.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a generator configured to be connected to a bus. The system also includes a timing reference signal generator circuit configured to detect a timing variation of a voltage on the bus and to generate a timing reference signal from a timing reference other than the voltage on the bus in response to detection of the variation. The system further includes a generator control circuit configured to synchronize operation of the generator to the timing reference signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, an apparatus for controlling electric power generation for vehicles, which controls energization of an excitation winding of a generator driven by an internal-combustion engine controlled by a controller to control output voltage of the generator. The apparatus includes a restraining unit that restrains electric power generation of the generator in response to a given signal, and a releasing unit the releases the restraint by the restraining unit when generated voltage of the generator is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. The apparatus further includes a detecting unit that detects starting of the internal-combustion engine, a measuring unit that measures elapsed time from the detection of the starting by the detecting unit, and a prohibiting unit that prohibits the release of the restraint by the releasing unit until a predetermined time is measured by the measuring unit.

Abstract: An electrical power generator includes a controller for making a full power capacity of the generator available for consumption by at least one intelligent load coupled to an output of the generator. The controller obtains data from which both a present output power of the generator and a power capacity of the generator can be determined. The controller then provides the intelligent load with data indicative of both the present output power and the power capacity of the generator for use by the load in controlling its power consumption.

Abstract: In a voltage controller for a vehicle, voltage controlling means controls an output voltage of a power generator mounted on the vehicle and a terminal voltage of a battery connected to the power generator, by controlling of a field current passing through a field winding of the power generator. This control is performed by operating switching means connected to the field winding so that the switching means is conducted intermittently. Signal generating means generates a power generator state signal by measuring a state of the power generator at predetermined measurement periods. Signal averaging means performs an exponentially weighted averaging of the power generator state signal. The signal averaging means executes the averaging within a predetermined averaging period and updates the averaging at every predetermined measurement period.

Abstract: An electrical power generator includes a controller for making a full power capacity of the generator available for consumption by at least one intelligent load coupled to an output of the generator. The controller obtains data from which both a present output power of the generator and a power capacity of the generator can be determined. The controller then provides the intelligent load with data indicative of both the present output power and the power capacity of the generator for use by the load in controlling its power consumption.

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 method and apparatus for generating power in a demand responsive manner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller monitoring power demand conditions to determine activation of an energy delivery system. The energy delivery system responds to the controller by providing rotational energy through release of a power transfer and brake unit, which permits descent of a suspended mass as a means for providing rotational energy. The rotational energy is transferred to a generator through a combining gear box and transmission communicating with the energy delivery system. The controller modulates the power transfer and brake unit to maintain the rate at which the mass descends to assure that a predetermined, substantially constant RPM of the generator is maintained for generation of power by steps for generating power.

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting a rotation by utilizing a residual magnetism remaining in a core, when a field current attenuates gradually through a current return diode during a deceleration period for the stop of rotation, there occurs an AC demagnetizing action which causes the field current to attenuate, so that also during the deceleration period, the supply of electric power to a control circuit and field current to a field coil are continued.

Abstract: A method of regulating voltage output from an alternator of a vehicle charging system is provided in response to transient alternator loads during idle speed operating conditions. The method comprises the steps of: (a) delivering a first alternator field control signal to the alternator; (b) detecting an impulse electrical load based on a variation in battery voltage; and (c) gradually increasing the alternator field control signal duty-cycle over a time period, such that the time period is based on the magnitude of the alternator field control signal duty-cycle, with respect to a maximum alternator field control signal duty-cycle, and based on the engine rotational speed of the vehicle, thereby regulating voltage output and torque load of the alternator.

Abstract: Battery voltage is compared by a comparator so that when the voltage of a normally-charged battery becomes higher than a normal reference voltage, it is regulated to be as high as a normal reference voltage. When an average value of the battery voltages in a period encompassing a typical operating speed of the engine becomes higher than an upper level, the reference voltage is lowered. On the other hand, when the average of the battery voltages in such period becomes lower than a lower level, the reference voltage is increased.

Abstract: A control system controls a hybrid vehicle having an engine for rotating a drive axle, an electric motor for assisting the engine in rotating the drive axle, and electric energy storage unit for supplying electric energy to the electric motor.

Abstract: A vehicular generator unit includes an alternator and a generator control system that controls the alternator. The alternator is driven by an engine to achieve the power generation for charging a battery. The generator control system includes a transistor for intermitting a field current therethrough so as to control the power generation of the alternator. The system further includes a switching circuit which suppresses the duty of the transistor to a low value, where the alternator can not perform the power generation for the battery, until complete engine start-up or self-rotation is detected. On the other hand, when start-up is detected, the duty of the transistor is switched to a value where the alternator can perform the power generation for the battery. The duty of the transistor is then increased gradually to 100%.

Abstract: A controller for a starter/generator used with an aircraft engine, includes means for monitoring field return current in a generator field winding; means for monitoring generator voltage; and microprocessor control means for adjusting generator field current as a function of the field current and voltage and field return current. The field return current and output voltage monitoring functions allow for open field, field integrity, over voltage, field weakening and torque limiting functions to be realized in an integrated programmable system configuration.

Abstract: An alternator control system controls a field current passing an alternator so as to regulate a terminal voltage of a vehicle battery to a target voltage, based on a deviation of the terminal voltage from the target voltage, by feedback control. The field current is corrected based on a delay in current generation of the alternator.

Abstract: A method for controlling an AC generator includes a first step of varying the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated signal as a function of an output voltage appearing across at least one output winding so as to increase the duty cycle as the output voltage decreases and to decrease the duty cycle as the output voltage increases. A second step controls the current flow within a rotor winding in accordance with the pulse width modulated signal so as to decrease the current flow when the output voltage increases and to increase the current flow when the output voltage decreases. The method further includes the steps of (a) monitoring a current flow through the at least one output winding so as to detect an unloaded condition and, in response to detecting an unloaded condition, (b) delaying a first predetermined period of time; and (c) initiating an idle condition by slowing the speed of the drive engine.

Abstract: When a target generated output established for a generator by a target generated output setting unit depending on an operating condition of a hybrid vehicle varies, an intake air control valve control unit starts varying the opening of an intake air control valve of an engine in order to equalize the power output of the engine to a new varied target generated output. A delay time estimating unit estimates a delay time after the opening of the intake air control valve has started to vary until the engine eventually produces a power output corresponding to the new target generated output according to a preset correlation based on the present rotational speed of the engine. Upon elapse of the estimated delay time after the opening of the intake air control valve has started to vary, a generator controller increases or reduces the generated output of the generator into agreement with the target generated output.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating the voltage at which a battery is charged by an alternator compares a reference with first data derived from the alternator voltage to generate a first excitation control signal. The circuit further comprises:means for storing second variable data;means comparing a reference with said second data to generate a second excitation control signal;control means for the second data an acting on the first and second control signals to cause said second data to vary in correspondence with variations in the first data, but at a slower rate, whenever there is a sudden increase in current demand on the alternator; andselector means active under such circumstances to cause excitation to be controlled by means of said second control signal, thereby ensuring that excitation of the alternator is increased progressively.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a generator having an inverter, an engine directly coupled to the generator, and a mode selection switch which manually selects either of a low load mode or a high load mode. In the control apparatus for the generator, when an excessive load is determined to be applied to the inverter during the selection of the low load mode, the inverter is temporarily interrupted so that the engine is accelerated up to a rated revolution speed and, thereafter, the inverter is automatically returned in its operating state.

Abstract: A speed stabilization apparatus for use in a two shaft gas turbine is disclosed which includes a speed detector for detecting a rotational speed of a driving shaft of a turbine for driving a generator, a governer for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to a cumbustor, a plurality of delay circuits for providing load charging delay signals after predetermined time periods from when load charging commands are generated, and a forcible fuel supply control circuit. The governer usually controls the amount of fuel to the combustor in accordance with the detected speed signal from the detector so as to stabilize a rotational speed of the generator. When a load charging command is generated, the forcible fuel supply control circuit causes the governer controlling such that the full amount of fuel in supplied to the combustor. After the predetermined time duration from that, the corresponding charging load is connected to an output of the generator.

Abstract: A regulator is responsive to an input signal proportional to the system supply voltage for adjusting the current flowing in the field windings of an electrical alternator which controls the output power thereof. The primary regulation loop of the regulator generates a pulse train having a duty cycle inversely proportional to the amplitude of the input signal while an oscillator provides a sawtooth signal at a predetermined frequency which controls the response frequency of the regulator. The regulator limits the rate of increase in the duty cycle of pulse train upon detecting a decrease in the system supply voltage by converting the duty cycle of the pulse train to a charging signal for developing a voltage across a capacitor proportional to the duty cycle of the pulse train. The voltage across the capacitor is compared to the sawtooth signal and triggers a latch which disables the output signal of the regulator as the duty cycle lengthens in response to the decrease in the system supply voltage.

Abstract: In a system comprising an asynchronous generator rotatable at variable speeds, and a main electrical network carrying power at a substantially constant voltage and frequency, the improvement comprising a synchronizer having an electronic optimization controller connected in circuit between the generator and the network, the synchronizer being capable of receiving electrical power at variable voltages and frequencies from the generator and controllably and continuously injecting the power into the network at substantially constant voltage and frequency. A method for optimizing the generation of electrical power into the mains is also claimed.

Abstract: A reference signal generator generates a variable reference signal with which a signal indicating the momentary rotational speed of the prime mover (such as a gas turbine) for a generator is compared, to produce a rotational speed control signal in accordance with a signal representing the load applied to the prime mover, so as to compensate for the rotational speed fluctuation caused by load connection by holding the rotational speed of the prime mover above the desired level during no-load operation and at the desired level under load.

Abstract: A load connection command signal is utilized to raise the rotational speed of a power turbine of an electric generator above a rated speed thereof while the same signal is used to connect load to the generator after a predetermined period of time. A load disconnection command signal is utilized to lower the rotational speed of the power turbine below the rated speed while the same signal is used to disconnect load from the generator with a time delay.