Abstract: A hydraulic power generation system is provided with a control unit which controls the power supply circuit to perform a normal operation of supplying power from the power system to a predetermined electric device provided at the water channel and an autonomous operation of supplying the power generated by the electric generator to the electric device. The control unit executes the autonomous operation when the power system fails.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery, a DC voltage intermediate circuit connected to the battery, an inverter connected to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and an electric motor connected to the inverter. The DC voltage intermediate circuit includes a capacitor, and the battery includes a battery module line having a plurality of battery modules which are connected in series, and a control unit. Each battery module includes a coupling unit and at least one battery cell which is connected between a first input and a second input of the coupling unit. The coupling unit is configured to connect the at least one battery cell between a first terminal of the battery module and a second terminal of the battery module in response to a first control signal, and to connect the first terminal to the second terminal in response to a second control signal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system that generates a sufficient level of electricity through access to a municipal water supply line to run a furnace during below freezing temperatures. The system includes an inlet that draws water from a water supply line. A first conduit, in communication with the inlet, transports the water into a DC generator that includes an impeller to generate electricity. Water is then routed through a second conduit which then returns the water to the water supply line through an outlet. A solenoid valve may be positioned between the inlet and first conduit which remains closed when the electric grid runs normally but will open during a power outage to supply water to the DC generator. A lithium battery stores power created by the DC generator, which may include a voltage regulator and inverter to convert to DC.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic system that extracts energy from a gas stream, which includes an injector that injects a first species of particles having the same polarity into the gas stream, wherein particle movement with the gas stream is opposed by a first electric field; an electric field generator that generates a second electric field opposing the first, such that the net electric field at a predetermined distance downstream from the injector is approximately zero; an upstream collector that collects a second species of particles having a polarity opposite the first particle species; a downstream collector that collects the charged particle; and a load coupled between the downstream collector and the upstream collector, wherein the load converts the kinetic energy of the gas stream into electric power.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: A technique is provided for operating a wind farm at increased rated power output. The technique includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the wind turbine generator, assessing the plurality of operating parameters with respect to respective design ratings for the operating parameters, and intermittently increasing a rated power output of the wind turbine generator based upon the assessment.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine, comprising the steps of measuring a meteorological value and using the measured meteorological value to preset a desired value for the turbine operation, to select an operation condition and/or to determine a boundary condition for the turbine operation, wherein the measured meteorological value is an air mass flow caused by the wind.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement having an electric machine, comprising a stator (4) and a rotor (1) and an infrared temperature sensor, wherein the detection field of the infrared temperature sensor is directed at an outer surface of the rotor (1). The infrared temperature sensor is a thermopile (6) for radiometrically contactlessly detecting a temperature of the rotor (1), the thermopile being arranged in a slot of the stator (4) and being compatible with standard slot-sealing-wedge components of the electric machine with regard to assembly, and thus enables the operational monitoring of the thermal state of an electric machine in a novel manner, such that adapted power states can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wind powered apparatus for recharging batteries in an electric powered vehicle, the system includes at least one generator adapted to alternately recharge batteries that supply power to the vehicle, and at least one windmill with turbine blades that automatically adjust blade pitch and operate the generator. Each adjusting turbine blade includes at least one fluid handling system that contains a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid, the handling system including means to reposition the non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid between a first location and a second location within the fluid handling system in response to a fluid viscosity is changed by shear created from blade rotation, the blade pitch changed by a shift in blade center of gravity from the repositioned fluid.

Abstract: A variable volume and velocity water electric generator system for use in a narrow channel in which variable amounts of water flow. The system includes an electric generator/water wheel unit mounted on a rigid frame vertically aligned within the channel. The unit includes an electric generator and the water wheel assembly that are axially aligned. When the frame is vertically aligned and lowered into the channel, the water wheel assembly is transversely aligned in the channel and its fixed vanes optimally positioned into the path of the water flowing through the channel. The generator's outer casing is connected to an end plate on the water wheel assembly so that the outer casing and the water wheel assembly rotates as one unit. A programmable inverter is connected to the generator that measures the voltage output and controls the amperage load exerted on the electric generator to electrical power extracted from the water is optimized.

Abstract: The control device detects the B-terminal voltage by a B-terminal voltage detection section. When an abnormal voltage detection section detects that a voltage value of the detected B-terminal voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage value, all switching elements of the negative pole-side arm in a power conversion section are brought into conduction by a negative pole-side arm short-circuiting section, whereas all switching elements of a positive pole-side arm are interrupted. In addition, a field current is limited to zero or to a limit value by a field current control section.

Abstract: An automatic generation control (AGC) augmentation system and method for wind power plant integration for controlling the power contribution to a grid by the wind plant is disclosed that provides for the calculation of the area control error (ACE) by actively communicating to the wind plant ramp rate limits and curtailment requests contributing to the ACE calculation. The augmented control of the ACE minimizes the amount of lost energy production by the wind plant.

Abstract: A method for the determination of a control reserve of one or plural wind energy plants, for the operation of which a desired value for at least one electric variable is preset, and for which a control unit is provided which has a power curve, which contains a maximum value of the electric variable depending on values of the wind, the method having the following steps: the control unit determines a maximum value of the electric variable from the actual value of the wind and subtracts a current value of the electric variable from the same, the control unit transmits the determined maximum value and/or the difference as a control reserve to a higher order control unit and/or an external utility.

Abstract: A method for the operation of a wind energy plant, with control of a reactive electric variable which is to be provided, wherein a desired value for the reactive electric variable is determined as follows: a first upper and/or a first lower limit value of the grid voltage is defined for the grid voltage, when the real value of the grid voltage exceeds the first upper limit value and/or the real value of the grid voltage falls below the first lower limit value, the desired value of the reactive electric variable is increased or diminished such that the deviation of the real value of the grid voltage from its desired value is counter-acted, wherein the desired value of the reactive electric variable is continuously increased or diminished further over the time, as long as the real value of the grid voltage exceeds the first upper limit value or falls below the first lower limit value.

Abstract: A power train for a wind power plant includes a rotor (1) for driving a gear (4), wherein the rotor blades (2) of the rotor are pivotally arranged around the longitudinal axis thereof on the hub of the rotor (1). A three-phase generator (5) is connected to the gear (4) and a power supply network (12). The gear (4) is also provided with an auxiliary variable speed drive (7). Each rotor blade (2) is provided with a drive for individually rotating around the longitudinal axis thereof for levelling the rotation speed and/or the torque of the power train.

Abstract: This invention provides an electric generating system with energy transfer device for accumulating and transferring the compressed medium to produce driving force for generating electric power. Once the electric generator start generating electric power, the driving force can be transmitted simultaneously to a medium compressor to compress the medium in the pressure reservoir for accumulating pressure. The compressed medium can be released automatically and properly to push the fan wheel to rotate by a pressure release valve when the driving force of the electric generator is stopped so as to provide extra driving force to operate the electric generator continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending the power-capture region of a wind turbine during certain operating conditions is disclosed. The actual set point of an operational parameter is selected so as to be maintained at a predetermined number of standard deviations away from an operating limit during certain operating conditions. For example, the operational parameter may be a rotor/generator speed and the operating condition may be a mean wind speed that exceeds a predetermined wind speed.

Abstract: A power generator is connected with an air pipe through which compressed air is supplied to drive a valve arranged in a plant. The power generator generates power by utilization of the difference between the pressure of the compressed air and the atmospheric pressure. The power generator is used as a supply source of electricity to the battery or a power source to a wireless sensor. The battery is used as a power source for the wireless sensor.

Abstract: An interface device transmits a reactive power command depending on a power system from a voltage regulation device of the power system to a wind power generation apparatus electrically connected to the power system, and the wind power generation apparatus receives the reactive power command. Then, the wind power generation apparatus outputs reactive power according to a value obtained by adding, to a reactive power command, another reactive power command for suppression of voltage fluctuation caused by output power of the wind power generation apparatus.

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

Abstract: A manually operated voltage generating device provides an electrical voltage for operating an electronic unit such as a remote control handheld unit. The device has a permanent magnet mounted in a horizontal manner at the underside of a mild steel plate. The magnet is normally located in a spaced manner from the central post of an E-shaped core. A winding is wound on the central post. A compression spring mounted over the core maintains the magnet normally spaced above the core. The mild steel plate is operative in an up and down manner against the spring force of the spring to move the magnet in a reciprocating movement relative to the core so as to generate a current in the winding. The current charges a capacitor, and the voltage across the capacitor provide the electrical voltage for operating the electronic unit.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a permanent magnet alternator that uses a boost mode controller to improve performance at low and high wind speeds. The boost mode controller also allows the permanent magnet alternator to be slowed so that the wind turbine can be stall controlled. A rectifier bridge circuit includes a power electronic switching device on each phase to selectively short the voltage on that phase. The duty cycle of the switching devices is controlled to give the desired wind turbine performance. The switching frequency of the power electronic switches is continuously modulated at low wind speeds in order to minimize tonal acoustic emissions. The controller simplifies the design of the wind turbine by accomplishing the necessary control functions without adding additional complexity to the wind turbine. This improves the cost-effectiveness of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A control system utilizing fuzzy logic adaptive control to control the operation of a wind turbine driven electric power generator to control power generator speed and hence power frequency while maximizing the power output of the power generator. Wind turbulence effects are eliminated and airgap magnetic flux of the power generator is controlled.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical energy includes at least one a.c. generator which is coupled to a turbine driven by a flowing medium and is connected via capacitive elements to a rectifier with impressed output voltage. The capacitive elements are rated or are able to be controlled in relationship to the inductances existing in the generator electric circuit in a way that allows the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit made up of the capacitive elements and the inductors to lie above the highest frequency that occurs under field conditions.

Abstract: An electric power system has an air compressor unit with a reservoir tank, an air powered motor and an electric generator. The air compressor unit has an air compressor that provides compressed air to the reservoir tank. The air compressor is driven by an electric motor. The air powered motor is driven by compressed air from the reservoir tank. The air powered motor provides rotary power to an input shaft of the electric generator, wherein the generator produces electrical power. The system can be mounted onto a mobile platform for ease of transport. Also, storage batteries can be connected to the electric output of the generator. The output of the batteries can be connected to the electric motor of the air compressor unit.

Abstract: An electrical supply system (10) for use with low current loads (12) disposed in hazardous areas, is described. Electricity is supplied to the low current load (12) from a local source (46) in response to mechanical energy from a fluid medium supplied from a remote pressure source (24).

Abstract: An accessory is provided for a shower having a shower outlet. The accessory includes a housing having a front, a back and a fluid passageway extending between the front and the back of the housing. The housing is attached to the water outlet so that the fluid passageway registers with the outlet and so that water flow through the outlet also flows through the fluid passageway. An electrically powered device, such as a radio, is contained within the housing. Additionally, an impeller coupled to a generator is positioned within the fluid passageway. The electrical outlet from the generator is connected to the radio so that fluid flow through the fluid passageway drives the impeller and its attached generator in order to electrically power the radio.

Abstract: A charge exhaustion preventing apparatus of a storage battery, includes a generator disposed on a waterway, a storage battery charged by the generator, an electromagnetic valve which opens and closes the waterway by the storage battery as the power source, a control portion which controls the action of the electromagnetic valve, and a capacity detecting portion which detects the capacity of the storage battery. The control portion actuates the electromagnetic valve to open so as to produce a stream of water when the capacity decreases below a certain capacity based on a detection signal from the capacity detecting portion, thereby to actuate the generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a variable speed power generation system in which the generated output of an induction generator is adjusted by controlling current in the secondary side of the induction generator. Rotation speeds of the induction generator coupled to a prime mover are detected, a secondary current command for controlling a difference between a detected rotation speed and a speed command to be zero is generated, and current in the secondary side of the induction generator is controlled on the basis of the secondary current command.

Abstract: An electronic water flow control device, which includes a mini-scale electrical generator which changes the mechanical energy from water flow into electrical energy for storage in a battery and for further use in driving a motor, by means of the control of a control circuit, to carry a piston rod to move forward or backward through the operation of a speed reducing gear set, so as to push a ball valve away from a water inlet for the passing therethrough of water flow or permit such a ball valve to block up the water inlet.

Abstract: A water or fluid driven system is provided for use in a water open or closed loop system. The water driven system includes a flow control valve connected to a water line of the water open or closed loop system for controlling the flow of water into the water driven system, a turbine operatively connected to the flow control valve for receiving under controlled conditions the water, and a generator operatively connected to the turbine. The generator generates electricity in response to the operation of the turbine.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining a substantially constant output of electrical power includes an engine for operating upon receipt of a signal, an electric motor, a flywheel mounted to rotate when either the engine or the motor is operated, a generator for producing electrical power when operated, and a hydraulic coupling system for driving the generator when the flywheel is rotated. A control unit allows application of power from a conventional power source to the electrical motor so long as the output power level from the conventional power source is adequate and thus the flywheel is rotated and the generator is driven to provide output power to a load. The control unit also allows application of power directly from the power source to the load. Upon interruption of power from the conventional power source, the control unit causes cut-off of power from the source to both the motor and the load, and applies a signal to the engine to start the engine.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained power conversion unit is disclosed that is attached to an outlet for a pressurized fluid system, such as the nozzle for a garden hose. An impeller mounted in the body of the unit and is rotated by the discharge of pressurized fluid through the unit. The rotational energy of the impeller is converted into electrical energy by a generator, and/or used directly in rotating tools attached to the impeller, such as grinding wheels, rotary saws, rotary brushes, drill bits, and the like.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting mechanism, particularly suitable for a battery-powered industrial truck, including a hydraulic lifting cylinder, a hydraulic unit, operating as a pump in the load lifting operational mode, and supplying the lifting cylinder with pressure medium, and operating as a motor in the load lowering operational mode during which mode it is actuated by the pressure medium exiting from the lifting cylinder, and a DC generator coupled with the hydraulic unit operating as an electromotor in the load lifting operational mode and as a generator in the load lowering operational mode. A control valve arrangement is provided at the halfway point in the pressure path between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic unit, which is controlled by a lifting mechanism control. In addition, the lifting mechanism control controls a regenerative brake circuit supplied by the DC generator in the load lowering operational mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a variable speed wind turbine-generator at improved efficiencies is disclosed. The method and apparatus of the invention control the rotor tip speed below the limiting torque of the wind turbine at a selected constant velocity ratio with respect to wind speed and, above the limiting torque, control the rotor tip speed at speeds greater than those dictated by the constant velocity ratio up to a speed or power limit. This may be accomplished by controlling tip speed above the point where limiting torque is attainable to maintain optimal wind turbine performance along the performance envelope.

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine includes a frequency converter which converts variable frequency AC from a turbine driven AC generator to fixed frequency AC for delivery to a power grid. The frequency converter is typically an electronic cycloconverter or rectifier-inverter and is also used to control the power flow from the AC generator to the grid which thereby controls the air gap torque between the generator stator and rotor. The turbine speed is maneuvered to increase efficiency by precisely controlling the air gap torque according to a schedule defining sensed generator speed versus sensed generated power.

Abstract: A control system for a hydroelectric power plant of the run-of-river type wherein the load on the turbine-generator units is matched to the flow of the river so that the units operate at the maximum head available for existing flow conditions to produce the maximum energy available from the river flow for the installed capacity of the plant and within the allowable, safe operating capability range of the turbine-generator units. Reservoir water level sensors provide a signals indicative of changing water level, sensors for generator electrical and thermal operating characteristics provide a signals related thereto, and a control connected to the water level sensors, to the generator sensors and to the turbine governor adjusts the turbine flow control devices to change the turbine power in response to changing river level within the safe and allowable operating range of the generator.

Abstract: A stabilized control system and method for smoothly connecting and disconnecting an induction generator to the utility power grid is described. Thyristor switches are interposed between each phase of the mains and the generator. The thyristors are gated so as to decouple the generator from the mains for a period during each mains half-cycle, the decoupling period decreasing as the generator power factor angle increases as the generator is driven by the prime mover to its synchronous speed and above. A feedback circuit processes the generator terminal voltage to produce an analog feedback signal level proportional to the thyristor blocking voltage. The feedback signal is used to increase the thyristor gate delay angle as the generator voltage increases with increasing generator output power. This causes the rate-of-change of the generator voltage with respect to generator speed to be less than it would be with no feedback signal present.

Abstract: An alternating current electrical power generating system in which the generator is driven by a prime mover, such as a fluid-driven turbine, whose speed may vary, the generator rotor being coupled to the output shaft of a differential drive unit, one input of which is coupled to the prime mover and the other input of which is coupled to a synchronous generator whose output is fed to a thyristor controlled variable load.

Abstract: The shaft of a wind driven propeller is coupled to the rotor shaft of an electrical generator through an over-running centrifugal clutch and a speed changer mechanism. When the wind attains a certain velocity, a propeller shaft speed responsive device closes a switch that connects the output terminals of the generator to an energized electric distribution system so the generator runs as a motor long enough to accelerate up to rated speed and concurrently get the speed changer mechanism up to speed. The clutch engages the propeller shaft to the speed changers at this time and the generator begins to supply supplemental power to the system. Because all rotating parts are brought up to matching speeds together, the inertia shock that would result from connecting the propeller to a speed changer and generator that are at a standstill is avoided. When wind velocity drops, the generator runs as a motor for a moment and causes the over-running clutch to disengage.

Abstract: The field voltage of a wind-driven alternator or generator is automatically controlled in response to the output voltage developed in the load with the objective of always maintaining the maximum power output. In this manner, the tip-speed/wind-speed ratio is indirectly maintained at an optimum constant value, thereby optimizing the performance of the machine without the need to continuously and precisely monitor the wind speed and rotational speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for governing a generator which generator comprises micro-hydropower generating equipment usable in run-of-the-stream situations. A plurality of dump loads are associated with the electrical output of the generator and changes in frequency of the output phase voltage of the generator are detected. The dump loads are switched into or out of association with the generator in response to the frequency changes so as to cause substantially compensating frequency changes. The rate at which the compensating frequency changes occurs are damped desirably by use of a flywheel.

Abstract: An improvement in a wind electric generation system of the type disclosed in Jacobs et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,059,771, 4,228,361, and 4,228,362, with particular reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,361.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the level of power transferred through a stand-alone wind power generating system utilizing a wind turbine whose output is converted to electrical power by means of an induction generator are disclosed. In the disclosed system, the velocity of the wind incident upon the blade of the turbine is sensed by a velocity sensor. This information is then used to vary the excitation frequency applied to the generator to adjust the shaft speed of the turbine in proportion to the change in wind velocity. The excitation frequency is adjusted in accordance with a control algorithm so that the power output of the system is equal to a maximum fraction of available wind power at wind velocities below a pre-determined power/velocity point.

Abstract: A prime mover (4), such as an internal combustion engine, and a wind rotor (1) are connected to an AC generator (2) by a differential gear (3) having its planetary-gear carrier meshing with the shaft of the AC generator (2), and having one of its half-shafts connected to the prime mover (4) and the other of its half-shafts connected to the wind rotor (1). Thus the AC generator (2) produces electrical power of a constant frequency.

Abstract: An electrical energy source, particularly suitable for portable emergency equipment such as cardiac defibrillators, uses a small explosive charge of which the energy is converted into a short intense electrical pulse by an electromechanical convertor for example a piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: What is proposed is an electrical energy generator that uses air pressure from a pressurized source for breathing purposes in an underwater or smoke environment wherein a conduit passes the air pressure to a turbine generator that operates at high speed in response to the flow rate of the pressure drop therethrough for generating an electrical output while the user of the device breathes through a mouthpiece connected via conduit to the generator.

Abstract: The output of an electrical generator driven by a meter is coupled to a load through circuitry for limiting the reflected forces placed on the meter.