Abstract: A method includes generating a duty cycle expression for heating, ventilation, air condition (HVAC) systems. The method includes estimating a baseline cycling percentage that maintains an indoor temperature at a particular setpoint based on the generated duty cycle expression and a curtailed cycling percentage that maintains the indoor temperature within a particular temperate interval of the particular setpoint. The method includes calculating a baseline-off-duration in which the HVAC system is in an off state during a normal operating cycle and a curtailed-on-duration implemented during a curtailment period. The method includes adjusting the curtailed-on-duration and the baseline-off-duration to satisfy a minimum-time-on and a minimum-time-off constraint of each HVAC system. The method includes identifying one or more HVAC systems to include in a micro DR event.

Abstract: A method includes separating a collection of devices configured for participation in a demand response (DR) event into an On-to-Off DR device set (On-to-Off set) and an Off-to-On DR device set (Off-to-On set). The method includes forming latency groups from devices of the Off-to-On set and the On-to-Off set based on a lower curtailment margin and an upper curtailment margin defined for a macro DR event. The method includes portioning one or more transition groups from the devices of the Off-to-On set and the On-to-Off set. The portioning is based on device curtailment capacities of the devices of the Off-to-On set and the On-to-Off set, a dynamic lower curtailment margin, and a dynamic upper curtailment margin. The method includes creating transition group pairs from the transition groups and executing a micro DR event such that an energy curtailment remains within the curtailment band.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for automatically adapting power grid usage by controlling internal and/or external power-related assets of one or more users in response to power regulation and/or frequency regulation functions in a manner beneficial to both the power grid itself and the users of the power grid.

Abstract: In a power generation controlling method, if a first peak of the inverse of the rotation number measured in a first cycle following a plurality of successive cycles is not equal to or lower than a second threshold, it is judged whether or not the first peak is equal to or higher than a third threshold, which is higher than the first threshold. Furthermore, if a second peak of the inverse of the rotation number measured in a second cycle following the first cycle is equal to or lower than a fourth threshold, a target voltage of power generation by a generator a rotating shaft of which is connected to a crank shaft of the four-stroke engine is changed from a normal state voltage to an in-acceleration voltage, which is lower than the normal state voltage.

Abstract: A power generator device includes a heavy gyro body, at least one rotation-driving device and a control unit. The heavy gyro body is coupled to a power source and an induction power generator, the power source drives the heavy gyro body to rotate so as to drive the induction power generator to produce electricity. The rotation-driving device is located at an edge of the heavy gyro body and conducting a contact or non-contact interaction with an annular part in reaction to drive the heavy gyro body to rotate about a vertical spindle. The control unit is configured for starting the rotation-driving device to accelerate the speed of the heavy gyro body when a rotation speed of the heavy gyro body is less than a first predetermined rotation speed.

Abstract: In a power generation controlling method, if a first peak of the inverse of the rotation number measured in a first cycle following a plurality of successive cycles is not equal to or lower than a second threshold, it is judged whether or not the first peak is equal to or higher than a third threshold, which is higher than the first threshold. Furthermore, if a second peak of the inverse of the rotation number measured in a second cycle following the first cycle is equal to or lower than a fourth threshold, a target voltage of power generation by a generator a rotating shaft of which is connected to a crank shaft of the four-stroke engine is changed from a normal state voltage to an in-acceleration voltage, which is lower than the normal state voltage.

Abstract: A hybrid working machine has an electric power accumulator charged by a generator driven by an engine and has an electrical load driven with electric power from the electric power accumulator. The hybrid working machine includes a direct-current bus electrically connected to the electric power accumulator, a voltage detector configured to detect the voltage of the direct-current bus, and a drive control part configured to control the driving of the generator based on the detected voltage value of the voltage detector. The drive control part is configured to control the generator based on the deviation between the detected voltage value and a voltage command value.

Abstract: Hydraulic system for driving an auxiliary power source is provided, which is specifically adapted for use with a system for controlling hydraulically driven AC generator. The system includes a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor that are connected by a fluid circuit. The hydraulic motor drivably connected to an AC generator and is operated in a manner to generate a stable AC power output. The system may include a valve which bypasses fluid around the motor or a variable displacement pump so that the fluid flow rate through the hydraulic motor is controlled in a manner to maintain the desired AC generator output level.

Abstract: A generator controller for controlling a permanent magnet generator where each phase of the generator is connectable to a DC link via electrically controllable switches, the controller characterized by a data processor adapted to receive a measurement of generator current output and a demand current, and to form a current error between the demanded value and the measured generator current; derive a target voltage as a function of the current error; and form control signals for the electrically controllable switches as a function of the target voltage.

Abstract: A method of switching the operating voltage of a portable generator system includes operating an electrical generator to produce a first electrical signal and connecting a terminal assembly to the electrical generator. The terminal assembly is arranged in a first arrangement to output a second electrical signal at a first voltage. The method also includes operating an auxiliary system in response to the second electrical signal at the first voltage, re-arranging the terminal assembly in a second arrangement to output the second electrical signal at a second voltage, and actuating a switch with a portion of the terminal assembly when the terminal assembly is in the second arrangement. The method further includes re-configuring the auxiliary system in response to the actuation of the switch such that the auxiliary system operates in response to the second electrical signal at the second voltage.

Abstract: A generator controller for controlling a permanent magnet generator where each phase of the generator is connectable to a DC link via electrically controllable switches, the controller characterised by a data processor adapted to receive a measurement of generator current output and a demand current, and to form a current error between the demanded value and the measured generator current; derive a target voltage as a function of the current error; and form control signals for the electrically controllable switches as a function of the target voltage.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing belt-related noise in an engine, wherein the belt is engaged with an alternator pulley connected with an alternator, and a crankshaft pulley connected to an engine crankshaft. The method includes controlling rotor current in the alternator in a manner to selectively synchronize variations in rotor speed with variations in crankshaft speed, thereby preventing large variations in belt tension to reduce noise.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine combining the functions of an exciter, a turning motor, and a starting motor for a turbine. The machine operates in a first mode where the slip between a first stator winding and a first armature winding is positive and thus the magnetic fields interact and operate as a motor to turn the turbine. In a second mode the slip is negative as the turbine turns the shaft and the first stator winding and the first armature operate as an exciter for supplying excitation to the rotating field winding of a main generator.

Abstract: A wound field synchronous machine control system comprises: an auxiliary winding for obtaining auxiliary AC voltage from the wound field synchronous machine; a phase controlled rectifier for rectifying the auxiliary AC voltage and supplying rectified DC voltage to the wound field synchronous machine; and a controller. The controller is configured for using a voltage signal across the auxiliary winding to obtain volt-second values of the auxiliary winding and using the volt-second values for firing angle control of switches of the phase controlled rectifier. Alternatively or additionally, the controller is configured for obtaining airgap flux values of the wound field synchronous machine and using the airgap flux values for firing angle control of switches of the phase controlled rectifier.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system includes permanent magnet generator, and an ac regulator. The ac regulator includes an inverter shunt-connected to the permanent magnet generator, and an inverter control for causing the inverter to regulate voltage at output terminals of the generator by providing reactive power (either leading or lagging) that circulates between the inverter and the generator.

Abstract: A device for increasing an extreme low voltage from a heat to electrical voltage thermopile is shown. The device has an oscillator including two MOSFET transistors coupled to a transformer having four bifilar windings wound on a core having a high permeability. The two transistors operate alternately to generate an intermediate voltage which is increased in magnitude by a voltage doubling and rectifying circuit to obtain the substantially constant operating output voltage. The output voltage is further maintain constant by a current control cirucit including an adjustable potentiometer adjustable to vary the current.

Abstract: A power converter includes a shunt resistor constituted by a shunt resistance and a plurality of main electrodes made of a sheet-like resistive material. In the shunt resistor, plates lower in volume electric resistivity than the resistive material, higher in thermal conductivity than the resistive material and thicker in thickness than the resistive material are fixedly attached by solder, to the side surfaces of the main electrodes opposite to the side surfaces with which the main electrodes are fixedly attached to an insulating layer. At least one plate main electrode for electrically connecting with main circuit wiring is provided in each of the plates. At least one constricted portion is formed between each of the plate main electrodes and the shunt resistance. Plate detection electrodes for detecting a voltage between the opposite ends of the shunt resistance is provided on the plates near the shunt resistance portion.

Abstract: The throttle opening setting value provided from a throttle controller 108 may exceed the actual controllable range of the throttle opening. The value stored in an output voltage setter 20 is read out in response to its throttle opening setting value and transferred to a correction signal generator 21. The generator 21 supplies a correction signal determined by the output voltage setting to a modulator 23. PWM signal is transferred to an inverter 3 for determining the output voltage. When receiving the opening setting value indicative of overloading, the output voltage setter 20 releases a smaller value to decrease the output of the generator.

Abstract: The performance of a generator is improved in a higher range of the output by correcting a decrease in the average direct current voltage supplied to an inverter. An average calculator calculates an average of direct current voltage inputs to the inverter for comparing with a target voltage (level) VDC. When it is judged by an average voltage deviation detector that the average is smaller by a specific amount than the target voltage level, the target voltage level is increased by an adjusting unit. A conductor angle setting unit determines the conduction angle of thyristors to change the voltage input of the inverter to an adjusted target voltage level VDCm. A thyristor drive circuit controls the conduction of the thyristors in the converter according to the conduction angle.

Abstract: A solar-based power generating system including an electrical alternator or generator for generating electrical power in which the alternator or generator is driven by a refrigerant circulating through a closed-loop heat transfer system including an evaporator exposed to solar energy and a condenser disposed within a large heat sink such as a body of water.

Abstract: A generation control device of a hybrid electric vehicle is able to satisfactorily generate power with an excellent responsiveness with respect to a high output requirement from a motor. If a charge level SOC sensed by a charge level sensing device is not greater than a generation start value SOCsta, a generator starts a normal output generation (P(G)=P1). The normal output generation is continued until the charge level SOC reaches a generation end value SOCend larger than the generation start value SOCsta. If a required power consumption Pm of a traction motor sensed by a required power consumption sensing device is not less than Ph, a high output generation (P(G)=P2) with a higher output than the normal output generation is executed instead of the normal output generation.

Abstract: The generator having two pairs of differential PWM outputs (11-12, 21-22), comprises

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (“APU”) system and methods used to bring such system on-line and off-line are disclosed. An APU generator forming part of an APU system, is brought “on-line” smoothly in order to replace a primary generator operating at a steady-state rotational speed that is interconnected with a load. A controller forming part of the APU system controls rotational speed of the APU and thereby the generator so that it approaches a rotational speed beneath the steady-state rotational speed of the primary generator. The controller then connects the APU generator to the load and the primary generator. This causes the APU generator to motor at the steady-state rotational speed dictated by the primary generator. Thereafter, the controller may increase rotational speed of the APU generator until it provides power to the load and the primary generator may be disconnected from the load.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven welding machine employs a closed loop control system for maintaining a constant speed of a generator. A feedback device produces a controlled frequency proportional to the actual generator frequency. The controlled frequency is compared with a reference frequency preset in the machine. Any error between the controlled and referenced frequencies is used to control a proportional flow control valve to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic motor that rotates the generator to maintain a constant generator speed under varying welding conditions. The source of the hydraulic fluid may be a hydraulic system of a motor vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, an adjustable orifice produces a pressure drop in the hydraulic system. A change in generator speed changes the pressure drop. The pressure drop is used to control a valve that diverts the proper amount of fluid flow to the hydraulic motor to maintain a constant pressure drop and thus a constant generator speed.

Abstract: An initial output of a secondary battery on an electrically propelled vehicle is set to a value which is at least the sum of an established power output of a motor, an output reduction due to the memory effect of the secondary battery, and an allowable output reduction due to aging of the secondary battery. Since the established power output of the motor is determined taking into account the output reduction due to the memory effect and the output deterioration due to the aging, a minimum power output which the battery has as its capability is prevented from dropping below the established power output within the prescribed number t=n of times that the battery is charged and discharged, even when the output reduction and deterioration take place. Therefore, the driver, which is the user of the electrically propelled vehicle, does not feel a reduction in the power performance of the electrically propelled vehicle, i.e.

Abstract: A controller 20 for a vehicle powertrain, the powertrain comprising an electric motor 16 powered by a battery and an engine 14 powered by fossil fuel. The engine 14 is typically an internal combustion petrol engine. The controller 20 is operative to use maps stored in memory to control the torque contributions from the engine and the motor so as to maintain a desired relationship between the contributions of the electric motor 16 and the engine 14 towards the powering of the vehicle, and the controller is adaptive in that it is arranged to adapt said maps by altering one or more values stored therein to obtain a desired relationship.

Abstract: Controller 40 receives accelerator opening and brake depressing amounts, and the output of an ammeter 30 and voltmeter 32 as inputs. In response to the state of these input signals, the controller 40 determines the timing to detect the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 10 and detects the SOC of the battery 10. That is, it is first judged that the SOC is not more than a predetermined value if the voltage of the battery 10 is not more than a predetermined value when the accelerator opening is not more than a predetermined value. It is next judged that the SOC is not more than a predetermined value if the voltage of the battery 10 is not more than a predetermined value when the brake is depressed beyond a certain degree. In these cases, the engine 24 is driven to cause a generator 22 to perform generation of electricity to charge the battery 10.

Abstract: Compressed air-driven electrical generator supplies electric current to resistance heating element on demand in a baseboard heating system. A thermostat in communication with an air valve actuator, allows compressed air to flow from an air holding tank to an air motor which drives the electric generator whenever the temperature in the control space drops below a pre-selected temperature. An electrical relay switch in series with the electric generator and an electrical resistance heating element opens the electrical circuit between the electric generator and the heating element whenever the temperature sensed by the thermostat drops below the pre-selected temperature.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a voltage regulated electric alternator driven by an engine for supplying power to drive electrical loads and to charge a vehicle battery, a method of maintaining battery state-of-charge includes adaptively learning a system voltage set-point during a first mode of engine operation probabalistically resulting in an electrical system operative in set-point regulation. The method further determines from the adaptively learned system voltage set-point and a present system voltage during a second mode of engine operation that the electrical system is operative in auto-regulation. Idle speed is controlled in response to the regulation state of the electrical system to maintain the system in set-point regulation to ensure adequate battery charge or minimal battery discharge during the second mode of engine operation.

Abstract: An idling engine speed controlling apparatus for an engine having a generator driven by an engine to charge a battery, a switching means for controlling the supply and interruption of an exciting current to a field winding for the generator so that a voltage generated from the generator or a voltage of a battery becomes a predetermined level, a continuous detecting means for detecting a total excitation time of the field winding during each rotational time period, and a regulator means having a control unit responsive to an output of continuous detecting means for adjusting a quantity of intake air supplied to the engine by detecting an excitation time of the field winding for each time period of the engine.

Abstract: A peak hold circuit and a sample-and-hold circuit are provided for accurately and immediately detecting variations in a load connected to a generator. The peak hold circuit holds a peak voltage of a waveform voltage signal having an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the load. The peak hold circuit is responsive to a reset signal from a reset circuit to be reset during a time interval between a point after the peak of the waveform voltage signal and a point before a subsequent peak of the waveform voltage signal, so that the peak hold circuit is reset, thereby renewing the peak voltage held in the peak hold circuit. When the sample-and-hold circuit receives a sampling instruction signal from a sampling instruction circuit during a time interval between a point after the peak of said waveform voltage signal and a point before said reset signal is outputted, the sample-and-hold circuit operates in a sampling mode to sample the peak voltages outputted from the peak hold circuit.

Abstract: In a marine propulsion system including an internal combustion engine driving a voltage generator (14) supplying system voltage (line 26) which is supplied to ignition circuitry (10) providing spark ignition for running the engine in normal operation, overvoltage protection is provided for both the voltage generator regulator (12) and the ignition circuitry. If sensed system voltage is below a given threshold (V.sub.T), normal operation of the engine is continued. If sensed system voltage is above the given threshold, engine speed is reduced to reduce the generated voltage.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for auxiliary equipment is disclosed which has a planetary cone reduction gear housed within a pulley which belt drives auxiliary equipment including a charging generator. An adjusting mechanism for adjusting the reduction ratio of the speed change gear is controlled by an electrical control circuit which is responsive to the rotational speed of the pulley. The voltage induced at the output terminal for one of the phases of a charging generator driven by the pulley is used as an electrical signal indicating the speed of the pulley.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine electrical system is disclosed which is adapted to use an internal combustion engine as a driving source. The generating system is constructed in a manner such that the output of an A.C. generator driven by the engine is rectified by a rectifier circuit, and the output of the rectifier circuit is inverted into an A.C. output by an inverter circuit adapted to use, a commutation command signal, the output of an oscillator circuit which generates a signal of a constant frequency.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular charging generator utilizing various sensors which detect an unstable rotation during the starting of an engine, the acceleration/deceleration condition of the engine, an overload condition of the engine etc. to regulate the output voltage of the generator by a micro-computer, whereby the rotation of the engine is stabilized and the acceleration performance is enhanced due to a reduction of the load of the generator while and over-discharge of the battery is effectively compensated. Also, various abnormal conditions are detected by the sensors and indicated.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle electrical system which is operative when the vehicle engine is running but the vehicle is not in motion to sense vehicle storage battery voltage and, when that voltage is below a predetermined threshold, to enable an electrically controllable device to open somewhat the engine throttle raising engine speed and increasing the output of an engine driven electrical source. The control circuit finds particular utility in emergency vehicles such as ambulances and the like where that vehicle may remain at an emergency site for an extended period of time with the engine idling and with numerous electrical demands on the vehicle electrical system to increase the engine speed when those electrical demands have sufficiently exceeded the output of an engine driven alternator with the engine running at idle.

Abstract: A power supply monitor is disclosed for monitoring the finely regulated voltage in a two-stage tracking power supply which is driven by a gas turbine engine and which has a coarsely regulated and a finely regulated stage. A reference voltage is generated using power taken from the coarsely regulated stage and the reference voltage is compared with a voltage derived from an output of the finely regulated stage. If an unacceptable difference between the compared voltages is detected, controls are activated which prevent acceleration of the engine. The monitor is activated only after the engine reaches a selected speed and testing circuitry is provided.

Abstract: A frequency control system for an n-phase induction machine having an input shaft and at least one output line, where n is an integer. The system includes a generator that provides an electrical frequency control signal, f.sub.e, which is representative of the difference between the phase of the voltage on the output line and the phase of a reference signal. The system further includes a generator for providing a mechanical frequency control signal which is representative of the frequency of rotation of the input shaft to the induction generator. Another generator provides a torque generator control signal which is representative of the difference between the electrical frequency control signal and the mechanical frequency control signal. A torque generator, such as an internal combustion engine, is adapted to be responsive to the torque generator control signal for applying a torque to the input shaft of the induction machine, where the applied torque is related to the torque generator control signal.

Abstract: A unitary portable flashlight assembly incorporating a hand operated generator and rechargeable batteries, such as the pressure vented nickel-cadmium type with welded electrodes. The generator is designed and operated to charge th batteries at a high rate for a short time to provide extended operation of the load during a later discharging mode. The batteries also serve to regulate the voltage during the charging mode thus protecting the load if it be connected during the charging period. The battery assembly can provide the necessary energy to operate such devices as radio receivers and transmitters, electric fire starters, etc., as well as providing a mechanical output.

Abstract: A battery charging device which is driven by a torsional spring. A gear train driven by the spring is coupled with a wheel having peripheral teeth. A control lever is reciprocated pivotally by a small spring to engage the teeth of the wheel in a manner to control its rotation. The wheel in turn applies impulses which help to keep the lever in motion. The gear train is also coupled with an alternator such that the intermittent movement of the gear train is used to drive the alternator. The electrical current produced by the alternator is used to recharge a battery. An electric motor operates in combination with the switch mechanism to automatically wind up the torsional spring when it has been unwound below a preselected tension level.

Abstract: Device for regulating the source of electric energy on a hybrid electric vehicle comprising at least an electric motor for driving the driving wheels of the vehicle and supplied with current by said source of energy and a generating set comprising a heat engine with which there is associated a current generator supplying current to said source of electric energy. This device comprises a circuit for determining the state of charge of the source of electric energy, a circuit for controlling the excitation winding of the generator of the generating set in accordance with the state of charge of said source, and a logic circuit for operating and stopping the heat engine and controlled by said circuit determining the state of charge of said source of electric energy.

Abstract: A battery charging mechanism which is driven by a coil spring. A gear train driven by the spring includes a wheel having peripheral teeth. A control lever is reciprocated pivotally by a small spring to engage the teeth of the wheel in a manner to control its rotation. The wheel in turn applies impulses which help to keep the lever in motion. Links connected with the lever turn gears which drive alternators in order to deliver charging current to the battery. An electric motor acts to automatically wind up the drive spring when it has uncoiled below a preselected tension level.

Abstract: A system for protecting a turbine-generator power plant governed by signals representative of turbine mechanical power and generator electrical power to reduce at times the turbine mechanical power, with an electronic filter included therein for the purposes of filtering a periodic time varying component of the electrical power signal having a response time within adequate protective limits, is disclosed. More specifically, the electronic filter generates a train of fixed time durations wherein during each fixed time duration the maximum and minimum amplitudes of the electrical power signal are selected. A signal is sampled at the end of each fixed time duration and held constant for each next fixed time duration, said signal being representative of the average of the maximum and minimum amplitudes selected during each fixed time duration.