Abstract: A battery charging system may include a permanent magnet alternator. The system uses controlled rectifiers to supply charging output from an alternator to the battery, to control the charging current and to provide a taper charge. The system may also use a voltage regulator coupled with the controlled rectifiers. The voltage regulator progressively deactivates the controlled rectifiers, in response to the state of charge of the battery, to provide a taper charge. The alternator may be used in vehicles, including automobiles, and for other electrical generating purposes.

Abstract: The generator regulator includes a transistor power end stage (14) connected to the excitation winding (12) of the generator to provide a pulsed excitation current that passes through the excitation winding during operation and a device for activating and deactivating the transistor power end stage to turn on and off the excitation current in order to provide a predetermined pulse width for the pulsed excitation current passing through the excitation winding so as to maintain a constant output voltage. The device for activating and deactivating the transistor power end stage includes a comparator (16) for comparing a saturation voltage (U.sub.SAT) of the transistor power end stage (14) picked up between the transistor power end stage and the excitation winding with a reference voltage (U.sub.

Abstract: A control device for a motor vehicle electric generator takes into account the relationship between field currents flowing through field windings of charging generators having different generation powers and output currents. The field current is increased once and instantly at the time of loading but prior to suppressing the increasing speed of the field current. The amount of the increase of the field current is controlled to be proportional to the field current before the loading. The control device according to the invention can be used for charging generators having different power generation capacities, and the battery voltage drops at the moment when switching in a motor vehicle electric load are reduced to substantially the same level.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power signals from a fluid fuel source. The system comprises an engine and a generator. The engine burns the fuel and is connected to the generator such that the generator generates a raw power signal. An output stage generates an output power signal from the raw power signal. A control circuit controls the operation of the engine based on the output power signal. The control circuit further controls the operation of the engine based on an output current of the generator when this output current exceeds a current threshold level. The control circuit additionally controls the operation of the engine based on a temperature of the engine when the engine temperature exceeds a rated temperature level. The system thus generates sufficient power to supply a variable load but stays within an operating range defined by a rated power level and the rated temperature level.

Abstract: A power generation control apparatus to be used for a motorcar power distributor can effectively prevent any excessive charging current from flowing into the battery and consequently protect the battery against degradation. Additionally, it can minimize fluctuations in the supply voltage and functional failures in the loads of the electric equipment of the motorcar. The power generation control apparatus to be used for a motorcar power distributor comprises an alternator for generating an alternating current to be subjected to full-wave rectification by means of a rectifier to produce a direct current, said alternator being connected to the power supply route from the battery by way of an alternator supply line at a point immediately upstream relative to the branch point for branching the power supply so that the battery may be charged with power generated by the alternator and the loads may be fed respectively with the branched power supply.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle A.C. generator which is used to supply a vehicle load such as a battery. The control device includes a semiconductor switching element for controlling a field current in a field winding of the generator. The control device also includes a ground pattern conductor arranged between a power source terminal connecting the semiconductor switching element and the load and a control signal input terminal for inputting a control signal to the semiconductor switching element. The ground pattern conductor is further connected to a ground terminal of the semiconductor switching element. This arrangement affords protection from short circuiting of the power source terminal and the control terminal.

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: Rectifying elements that constitute a full-wave rectifier of an on-vehicle alternator are constituted by Schottky barrier diodes. The Schottky barrier diode has on one hand the drawback that rectifying characteristics thereof deteriorate due to the heat generation resulting from large avalanche breakdown current that is produced due to surge voltage, with the result that leakage current that occurs when reverse voltage is applied increases. However, according to the present invention, since the surge voltage is absorbed by a voltage regulation diode connected in parallel with the Schottky barrier diode, the voltage regulation diode is broken down when surge voltage has been applied. Accordingly, it does not happen that reverse voltage that exceeds the breakdown voltage of the voltage regulation diode is applied to the Schottky barrier diode. Therefore, it does not happen that the current due to surge voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage thereof flows in the Schottky barrier diode.

Abstract: Reverse current is supplied from a battery to armature coils of a three-phase synchronous power generator, via semiconductor switching devices of a three-phase full-wave rectifier, by controlling the switches. By this control, the reverse current will reduce waveform distortion of armature current of each phase so as to reduce the electromagnetic force pulsation and, therefore, reduce vibration or noise.

Abstract: An electrical generator damage protection apparatus is provided. The protection apparatus includes a circuit breaker which opens and closes an electrical circuit in response to a breaker control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the circuit breaker to generate the breaker control signal based upon periodically sensed current magnitudes output by a generator. This breaker control signal controls total current output by the generator over a predetermined time span to less than a generator damage curve. The generator damage curve corresponds to a maximum amount of total current which can be generated by the generator over the predetermined time span without damaging the generator. In addition, a electrical generator system having the protection apparatus is provided. Also, a method for protecting an electrical generator from damage with a breaker control signal which controls total current output by the generator over a predetermined time span to less than a generator damage curve is provided.

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: A voltage regulator for a DC power generation system which is comprised of a prime mover driven generator producing an AC voltage output which is rectified to a DC voltage output for use by the system senses the AC voltage output and the DC voltage output, and selects the lower of these two for comparison with a voltage reference to produce a voltage error output signal for use in controlling the DC voltage output. The voltage regulator further comprises tuned compensation of the error output signal prior to use in controlling the DC voltage output. The tuned compensation comprises a proportional-integral lead-lag network. The voltage regulator additionally senses the AC current generated by the generator, and adjusts at least one zero location of the compensation network in response thereto to improve stability margins during light loading conditions, and to improve transient performance requirements under heavier loading conditions.

Abstract: An automotive electronic control device includes an electronic control unit 6 for controlling an automotive alternator 2 and the ISCV (Idling Speed Control Valve) 8 of the engine. To improve the mileage of the automobile, the duty factor of the alternator 2 is reduced to zero when the electric load is a light load. Further, when the increase in the load current I.sub.L during the idling is above a load current threshold increment level .DELTA..sub.LT, the ISCV (Idling Speed Control Valve) 8 is controlled to increase the air intake, and, simultaneously, the duty factor of the alternator 2 is reduced to a low level for a predetermined length of time equal to the response time in which the rpm of the engine responds to the increase of the air intake effected by means of the ISCV (Idling Speed Control Valve) 8. The duty factor of the alternator 2 is gradually increased thereafter. The idling rpm of the engine can thus be stably controlled when a heavy electric load is turned on.

Abstract: An output current of an alternator and a load current are detected by current sensors 5 and 6. When the output current of the alternator has a predetermined value or lower, generation of electricity by the alternator is stopped. When the load current has a predetermined value or higher, generation of electricity is resumed. When the load current is increased, a load-responsive control for the alternator and an intake air increasing control is performed, and the generation of electricity of the alternator is stopped at an acceleration time of the engine, and the output of the alternator is gradually increased.

Abstract: The voltage-regulator circuit includes:a driver transistor whose collector-emitter path is in series with the field winding between two poles of a source of a direct-current voltage, anda control circuit adapted to drive the transistor in an on-off manner in dependence on the value assumed by the voltage supplied by the generator in comparison with a reference voltage and in dependence on the field current detected by a resistor connected to the transistor.

Abstract: Flashover protection is provided for a locomotive propulsion system including a plurality of d-c traction motors each having a commutator subject to flashovers, a traction alternator having armature and field windings and a rotor driven by a prime mover, a controllable source of excitation current connected to the alternator field, and means including an electric power rectifier for connecting the alternator to the motor commutators. It comprises means for producing a fault signal whenever a flashover occurs in any motor, a solid-state controllable electric valve connected between the excitation current source and the alternator field and having alternative conducting and non-conducting states, and means for changing the valve from conducting to non-conducting states in response to a fault signal being produced, whereupon the magnitude of excitation current in the alternator field is rapidly reduced toward zero and the alternator's output current is correspondingly decreased whenever a flashover occurs.

Abstract: An electrical generator system integrated controller device utilizing PID control and capable of regulating voltage or current, and frequency simultaneously. The device utilizes a micro-controller (30.1) to monitor the engine generator set (20), then determines the appropriate signal to deliver to the electrical generator set (20) to regulate the engine throttle (21) and the generator (22) field windings. The micro-controller (30.1) also provides for real and reactive load sharing with additional generator sets (40) while also providing for an integrated circuit interrupter module (500) to open the line from the generator (22) to the load bus (42). Additionally, serial communications (34) are provided as well as displays (35), meters (37), and operator input (36). Finally, the permissive paralleling module (700) provides that the engine electrical generator set (20) will not be allowed to be connected to the load bus (42) until standards of voltage and phase have been achieved for a set period of time.

Abstract: A voltage regulator (4) for a generator (1), particularly for use in motor vehicles, is provided which produces an average field current in the exciting winding (2) of the generator (1) by switching on and off the field current by a controlled semiconductor switch in cooperation with a recovery diode in such a way that the generator voltage remains approximately constant independently of the load and the speed. The voltage regulator (4) contains an integrally acting component for compensating for load-dependent and speed-dependent errors, which component is produced by a nonlinearly working integrator for the relative turn-on period of the current through the exciting winding (2) and is fed back into the regulating circuit of the voltage regulator (4).

Abstract: An alternating current generator for vehicles in which the exciting current flowing in the field winding (2) is detected and the current thus detected is suppressed not to exceed the maximum exciting current under the hot condition by the field current limiting circuit (5) for aiming at eliminating the generation of the maximum output under the cold condition to reduce the size of a pulley to result in a reduced vehicle weight and preventing the variation of the maximum output characteristic under the hot condition.

Abstract: A method of regulating the output voltage of an electric power source combines a status signal representative of the output voltage of the power source with a reference signal to produce a first control signal. A status signal representative of the output current of the power source is combined with the reference signal to produce a second control signal. A bias voltage signal is applied to a junction point and the first and second control signals are connected through an OR network to the junction point, thereby forming an output signal at the junction point. The power source output is then controlled in response to this output signal. Under normal operating conditions, the magnitude of the control signal corresponding to the power source output voltage is less than the magnitude of the bias voltage signal, and the magnitude of the control signal representative of current is greater than the magnitude of the bias voltage signal, such that the voltage sensing loop is in control of the power source output.

Abstract: A separately power-feeding welding generator having at least two main generating windings for supplying power to loads by rectifying an induced voltage and adapted to permit the power being fed from the two main generating windings to the loads to be separately controlled, in whicha thyristor is provided in a rectifying circuit for rectifying a voltage induced in at least one of the two main generating windings;an a-c voltage detector for detecting the voltage induced in at least one of the two main generating windings anda thyristor control signal generator for controlling the conduction angle of the thyristor on the basis of the detected signal of the a-c voltage detector and the reference level obtained by extracting the level of the current being fed to the loads are provided;a diode which conducts when a positive half-wave is applied in parallel with the thyristor is connected in series with a resistor element;a first control power supply for rectifying a voltage induced in at least one of the two main g

Abstract: A generator voltage regulator circuit is provided with a switching circuit for alternatively connecting or disconnecting a generator exciter field winding to a DC power source. A discharge circuit is provided for conducting current, produced by a collapsing magnetic field in the exciter winding following disconnection of the winding by the switching circuit, in a revese direction through the DC power source. A driving circuit controls the switching circuit with a series of turn-on pulses. Each of the turn-on pulses is initiated in response to a transition in a clock signal and is terminated alternatively when the current in the exciter field winding reaches a predetermined magnitude or when a second transition occurs in the clock signal. This invention also encompasses a method of regulating exciter field current performed by this circuit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system that has two alternating current generators for supplying current to the electrical loads on the vehicle including a storage battery. Both alternating current generators are connected to rectifier means which supply direct current to the loads. The output voltage of one of the generators is controlled by a voltage regulator. The direct current output of the rectifier means is sensed and the field current of the other generator is controlled such that its output current is slaved to and follows the output current of the generator that is controlled by the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for a diesel engine driven alternator includes speed dip control permitting engine recovery, and a voltage signal circuit and a speed signal circuit producing a linear volts per hertz signal for controlling the RMS voltage of the alternator. A speed sensor is connected to the output of the permanent magnet generator. The signal is a filtered square wave with an accurate 50% mark-to-space ratio and converted to a pulse train coincident with the zero crossovers. A ramp circuit followed by a threshold detector and filter produces a linearly increasing voltage with decreasing speed. A level amplifier produces an output at a selected level. A rate amplifier responds to a derivative of the speed signal and clamps the level amplifier off at speed changes below a selected rate. A large and rapid speed change creates an output signal coupled to the reference side of an error amplifier to unload the alternator. The degree and rate of unloading is limited.

Abstract: A load detecting device for a generator driven by an engine and supplying power to a load includes a rotary angle detector for producing a pulse signal at every predetermined rotary angle of the generator or engine, a load detector for detecting a load current of the generator, and an output unit for receiving the outputs from the rotary angle detector and load detector, and outputting a load signal of the generator. The load detector produces a voltage signal corresponding to a detected load current. The load signal output unit takes out a voltage value of the voltage signal from the load detector at every rotary angle capable of detecting a load change on the base of the pulse signal from the rotary angle detector, and outputs said voltage value as the load signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a generator control system for use in a power supply system for vehicles in which a battery and an engine-driven generator are connected in parallel with a load. The total load current fed to the load is detected and the generated voltage level is changed by performing field regulation for the generator in accordance with the detected value. Switching of the generated voltage level of the generator is controlled according to the state of the load applied so as to improve power generation efficiency. Certain parameters, such as battery state, engine speed, auto choke and load state, can be provided as an input or inputs to a voltage regulator for the generator.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a charging generator against a short-circuit of a field winding of an a.c. generator included therein is disclosed, in which an output transistor of a voltage regulator of the charging generator is on-off controlled when a collector current of said output transistor exceeds a predetermined high value.

Abstract: A protective relay having an operational boundary matched substantially to the output performance limit characteristics of a generator to enhance the protection. The protective relay generates a signal representative of a discriminating impedance based on measurements of the generator's terminal voltage and current. The relay utilizes two pairs of predetermined values which characterize in part the generator's output performance limit curves. Two corresponding pairs of vector signals are generated by the relay based on their respectively corresponding pairs of predetermined values and the generated discriminating impedance signal. The angles between the vector pairs are measured by the relay and are compared with predetermined angle values which also represent in part the generator's output performance limitations. Leading and lagging conditions of at least one of the vector pairs affects the selection of the predetermined angle value used in the comparison with the measured angle associated therewith.

Abstract: In case of short circuit the overcurrent which passes through a detecting resistance in series with the excitation winding of the alternator operates a threshold current generator, which reduces the voltage of the central node of a voltage divider. A trigger interposed between said central node and an actuator circuit (for example a Darlington circuit) placed in series with the excitation winding of the alternator and with the above mentioned resistance turns off said actuator circuit, thus interrupting the current passage through the excitation winding. A filtering condenser associated to the voltage divider restores with delay the initial condition. The cycle is periodically repeated until the short circuit condition remains.

Abstract: An electric generating device of the self-excited, self-regulated, brushless, synchronous type includes an alternator-exciter for producing an electrical output and an adjusting means for adjusting or setting the output voltage of the alternator-exciter substantially independently of the winding arrangement thereof to control the no-load or light load voltage of the electrical output. A deactivating device deactivates the adjusting control when maximum field current is demanded by a load.

Abstract: A motor driven generator has a generator control unit which incorporates a programmed microprocessor to control generator operation. A generator voltage regulator utilizes the microprocessor of the generator control unit to develop an error voltage which is added to the average phase voltage of the generator, controlling the generator field current. In the event of a phase failure the generator control unit senses an abnormally high phase voltage condition, disables the average phase voltage circuit. In the event of an abnormal difference between the high and low phase voltages, the gain of the error signal circuit is reduced.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to a field winding to maintain excitation of an alternating current generator during excessive output current conditions, the generator having a plurality of output lines for supplying power to a load and the field winding being supplied during normal operating conditions by a shunt type voltage regulator responsive to the output voltage of the generator. The system includes a current transformer having a primary winding in series with an output line of the generator, a secondary winding, and a tertiary winding shunted by a capacitance. A rectifier circuit rectifies the voltage supplied by the secondary winding, the output terminals of the rectifier circuit being connected in series with the regulator output terminals to supply power to the field winding. A control circuit, connected to the output of the generator and responsive to output current conditions enables the rectifier circuit output during excessive output conditions.

Abstract: A device for detecting current imbalance between phases of a polyphase alternating current generator. A detector responds to the maximum peak current in the generator, and detecting means generates an output for each phase proportional to the peak current of each phase. Comparing means generates an output when the maximum peak current exceeds the phase peak current.

Abstract: In a generating system having a shunt-type regulator for exciting the field of a generator during normal operating conditions, circuitry is provided for supplying voltage to a field winding to maintain excitation of the generator during excessive output current conditions. This circuitry senses the low voltage indicative of a fault or overload condition and in response boosts the field of the field winding during such an excessive output current condition an amount sufficient to maintain generator excitation during that particular condition. It does this by impressing a voltage, supplemental to that supplied by the regulator, upon the field winding during the condition. As a result the excitation of the generator is maintained.

Abstract: A field control apparatus for a generator having a field winding comprises a terminal voltage control unit for controlling a field current of the generator in accordance with a difference between a terminal voltage signal of the generator and a reference voltage signal, which control unit has at least one of a line drop compensation function, an under-excitation limitation function, an over-excitation limitation function, a power factor regulation function, an armature winding over-current compensation function and a cross-current compensation function. The field control apparatus includes a detector as a common signal source for detecting active power and reactive power components at an output terminal of the generator and means responsive to the output of the detector for performing scalar operation in accordance with a function of the added compensation/control function described above.

Abstract: An ergometer including a generator, a cooling fan for the generator, and an electronic circuit control for compensating for the mechanical losses thereof whereby the electrical load of the generator can be maintained within pre-set values.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided for regulating a three-phase generator which includes: a circuit for sensing the average of the three-phase voltages; a circuit for sensing the highest phase voltage; and a circuit for sensing the highest phase current. The output of each of these circuits is compared to reference currents which represent an average voltage setting and high phase voltage and current limits, and an error signal is generated that is integrated over time. The integrated error signal is utilized as input to a comparator circuit which generates a pulsewidth modulated signal that represents deviation from the desired operating parameters. The pulsewidth modulated signal is applied to an output amplifier circuit which in turn serves to control the current through the generator's exciter field. An exciter field current detector is connected between the output amplifier and the input of a gain and compensation circuit in order to provide a negative current feedback circuit to minimize transients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the mechanical stresses on the shaft of a turboset and on the shaft of the generator coupled thereto upon the occurrence of a three-pole mains short circuit near the generator and upon the subsequent elimination of the three-pole short circuit. A generator switch is connected between the output of the generator and the mains, and a resistor, whose size is adapted to the size of the load on the generator, is connected in parallel with the generator switch. The generator switch is opened upon the occurrence of a short circuit to switch the resistor into the load circuit of the generator and the resistor is again bridged when the short circuit is switched off of the mains.

Abstract: An excitation control circuit for a brushless synchronous welding generator, in which the stator-mounted excitation winding is fed from a separate voltage source via two parallel-connected power transistors with independently adjustable base circuits, one transistor controlling the excitation current in the idling mode, the other in the welding mode. A change-over switch, responding to an electromagnet in the welding current circuit, alternatingly energizes one transistor, while blocking the other.

Abstract: An electric generator arrangement has at least two wind or water wheels rotatably mounted on a common stationary shaft and coupled such that they rotate in opposite directions with a given ratio or a progressively variable ratio. The wheels carry the two cooperating parts of a first generator and may also each carry the rotor of a second or third generator cooperating with a stator on the shaft, the field excitation or current loading of the second and/or third generator being used to control the speed of the wheels.

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.