Patents Assigned to GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Ltd.
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Patent number: 9793827Abstract: A power conversion system includes a first converter effectively connected in series to a second converter. Each converter has a plurality of output levels. A phase-shifted transformer is coupled to the converters. The phase-shifted transformer has a delta-wound winding and an open star winding. The first converter is coupled to the open star winding and the second converter is coupled to the delta winding. The open star winding is configured for direct connection to either of a load or the open star winding of a second phase-shifted transformer, having a delta winding connected to a third converter. One or more DC voltage sources are each connected to the first and second converters by a respective DC link capacitor. Each DC voltage source is connected to a common power grid by an isolated multiphase transformer winding.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Luis Jose Garces, Cyrus David Harbourt, Richard S Zhang, Allen Michael Ritter, Rajib Datta
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Publication number: 20170250534Abstract: A system for regulating energy provided to an electricity grid from an energy source, the system includes a converter configured to receive the energy from the source. The converter is configured to dynamically predict real-time maximum reactive power capability as a function of at least one from the group including (i) a direct current link maximum voltage, (ii) an instantaneous grid network voltage, and (iii) a line current. The predicted maximum reactive power capability is configured for optimizing regulation of the energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: August 31, 2017Applicant: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventors: Hao YU, David SMITH
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Patent number: 9748860Abstract: A device includes a transformer configured to supply a pre-charge voltage to a capacitor and a converter configured for coupling to the transformer and responsive to an increasing modulation index. The modulation index increases for a time quanta after the capacitor becomes substantially fully charged and the pre-charge voltage is substantially constant during the time quanta.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Tao Wu, Yan Liu
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Patent number: 9748947Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for operating insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). For example, there is provided a method that can include detecting a desaturation condition in an IGBT and initiating a turn off procedure when desaturation is detected. The turn off procedure can include holding a gate of the IGBT at at least one voltage level intermediate between a positive rail voltage and a negative rail voltage of an operational range of the IGBT.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, Tobias Schuetz, Todd David Greenleaf, Terry Michael Tackman
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Patent number: 9748861Abstract: A method for operating an N-level K-phase electrical power converter, wherein N is greater than or equal to 3 and K is greater than or equal to 1. The method includes: providing a plurality of N connection points that each correspond to a definable potential, wherein a first connection point corresponds to a first potential, a second connection point corresponds to a second potential, and at least one further connection point corresponds to a further potential which is lower than the first and greater than the second potential; providing a plurality of K output connections that are each selectively connected to a respective one of the connection points via at least one switching device; and having at least one current flowing into the at least one further connection point.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Martin Janssen, Niels Weitendorf
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Patent number: 9716444Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling operation of semiconductor gates in a power conversion system including one or more multilevel inverters coupleable to a modulator and a controller. The method includes generating, via the controller, a control signal responsive to an output current power factor associated with the inverters and producing a discontinuous pulse width modulation reference signal based upon the control signal and a target output power, the discontinuous pulse width modulation reference signal being indicative of shifting a phase angle between current and voltage. A gating signal is generated for output from the modulator, as a function of the reference signal and a carrier waveform. The gating signal adjusts the phase angle to prevent switching of the semiconductor gates.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, Cheng Luo, Siddharth Pant
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Patent number: 9683628Abstract: The present invention relates a rotor assembly for an electrical machine (e.g. motor or generator) where a tuned vibration absorber adapted to provide radial damping is mounted directly to the rotor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LTDInventor: Stuart Ian Bradley
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Patent number: 9681568Abstract: A compact stacked power module including a positive direct-current-bus-voltage plate having a positive-plate surface and a negative direct-current-bus-voltage plate having a negative-plate surface. The compact stacked power module also includes an alternating-current output plate having opposing first and second output-plate surfaces, a first semiconductor switch contacting the negative-plate surface and the first output-plate surface, and a second semiconductor switch contacting the positive-plate surface and the second output-plate surface. The compact stacked power module further includes a capacitor contacting the negative-plate surface and the positive-plate surface, wherein the capacitor is electrically in parallel with the first and second semiconductor switches.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, Allen Michael Ritter
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Patent number: 9673741Abstract: This system for supplying electrical power to a load includes an asynchronous generator including a cage rotor intended to be driven by motor means and a rectifier adapted to rectify the voltage delivered by the generator. The rectifier is a rectifier employing unidirectional electronic components. The power supply system further includes a reactive power source for magnetizing the asynchronous generator.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Eric Fessler, Gilbert-Philippe Crouzet, Loic LeClere
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Publication number: 20170133971Abstract: Provided is an overvoltage protection device for protecting a wind turbine against overvoltage. The device includes a double fed induction generator (DFIG) including a rotor connection including a plurality of electrical connections coupled to rotor leads of the DFIG and a stator connection including a plurality of electrical connections coupled to stator leads of the DFIG. Also included is a self-triggering circuit coupled with the rotor connection and operative in response to changes in a utility grid voltage during a grid fault when an overvoltage event is detected such that the overvoltage protection circuit automatically operates, independently of a controller or a sensor, to reduce the detected overvoltage to a predetermined voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LtdInventors: Jincheng HUANG, Jie DING, Chengjun WANG, Jun ZHU
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Patent number: 9644959Abstract: A data fusion architecture with a plurality of sensors, optionally position measuring equipment (PMEs), is described. Each sensor supplies measurement data x1, x2 . . . xM and is associated with accuracy data H1, H2 . . . HM indicative of the accuracy of the supplied measurement data. Sub-processing units derives first estimates sf1, sf2 . . . sfM and second estimates Hn1, Hn2 . . . HnM of the variability of the measurement data supplied by the respective sensor. The first estimates are derived by processing the measurement data x1, x2 . . . xM and the second estimates are derived by processing the accuracy data H1, H2 . . . HM. The first and second estimates are combined in a multiplier to derive overall estimates ?1, ?2 . . . ?M of the variability of the measurement data supplied by the respective sensor. Data fusion means such as a Kalman filter combines the measurement data supplied by each sensor and the overall estimates ?1, ?2 . . . ?M for each sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LTD.Inventor: Richard Ian Stephens
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Patent number: 9641100Abstract: A system for converting a first voltage into a second voltage includes input terminals and output terminals, switching members disposed between the terminals which can convert voltage, and a device for controlling the switching members. The device includes a cell for controlling a switching member, and a member for managing and supplying the control cell. The member is connected to the control cell by a link allowing the simultaneous transmission of a control signal and electrical energy. The member includes a device for generating a pulse, and which includes at least two different control intervals.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventor: Alfred Permuy
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Patent number: 9640985Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising a superconducting fault current limiter and a circuit breaker module, wherein the superconducting fault current limiter and the circuit breaker module are connected in series. The circuit breaker module includes a disconnector, a first semiconductor switch unit, and a second semiconductor switch unit, wherein the disconnector is connected in series with the first semiconductor switch unit, and also connected in series with the superconducting fault current limiter, and the second semiconductor switch unit is connected in parallel with the disconnector and first semiconductor switch unit that are connected in series. The circuit breaker can quickly and securely interrupt a circuit when an overcurrent fault occurs on the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Fei Xu, Wenqiang Yang
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Patent number: 9628010Abstract: A power distribution system is described that does not rely on a fixed frequency and which therefore allows prime movers to run at different speeds in response to load demand, typically so that fuel consumption and/or harmful exhaust emissions is/are minimised. A marine power distribution and propulsion system can include an ac busbar adapted to carry a variable-frequency ac distribution voltage. A plurality of ac generators are connected to the busbar, each having an associated prime mover such as a diesel engine, turbine etc. A power management controller is adapted to vary the rotational speed of the prime movers with reference to the electrical load on the ac busbar such that the generators provide a variable frequency output during normal operation of the power distribution system. Such operation is to be contrasted with conventional distribution systems which have a fixed frequency.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LTD.Inventors: Nicholas James Clarke, Jonathon Childs
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Patent number: 9625921Abstract: Provided is system including a temperature regulator including at least on regulation component in communication with a semiconductor within a converter, and a peak detector in communication with the semiconductor within the converter configured to identify a maximum temperature of each semiconductor. Also provided is a method for regulating temperature change of semiconductor components including measuring a semiconductor temperature, determining a reference temperature when the semiconductor is energized, summing the first semiconductor temperature and the reference temperature to generate a first temperature sum, comparing the first temperature sum to a coolant temperature to generate a first temperature difference. The method also circulates a fluid configured within the system such that the first temperature difference is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: David Smith, Robert Gregory Wagoner
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Patent number: 9613751Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coil support member in which a thermosetting or thermoplastic material is introduced into a mold cavity and hardened, wherein one or more components are positioned within the mold cavity during the manufacturing process before the thermosetting or thermoplastic material is introduced, the components are then embedded in the thermosetting or thermoplastic material and form an integral part of the coil support member, and one or more functional filler materials are added to the thermosetting or thermoplastic material to improve the thermal matching between the integral components and the thermosetting or thermoplastic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: David John Swaffield, Martin Richard Ingles
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Patent number: 9614400Abstract: A dc energy store system includes a dc energy store, an AC/DC power converter having ac terminals connected to an ac power supply and dc terminals connected to the dc energy store, and at least one auxiliary unit associated with the dc energy store. The dc energy store system is adapted to be operated in a number of different operating modes including: (i) a first mode to supply power from the ac power supply to the dc energy store; (ii) a second mode to supply power from the dc energy store to the ac power supply; (iii) a third mode to supply power from the ac power supply to the auxiliary unit(s); and (iv) a fault mode where there is a fault in the ac power supply, and power is supplied from the dc energy store to the auxiliary unit(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LTDInventor: Eric Anthony Lewis
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Patent number: 9611831Abstract: A marine turbine comprising a stator, a rotor, the rotor being able to be driven in rotation around an axis or rotation by a stream of a liquid, and at least one first bearing for supporting the rotor, the or each first bearing, comprising a magnetic stator element secured to the stator and magnetic rotor element secured to the rotor. The marine turbine further comprises at least one second bearing for supporting the rotor, the or each second bearing comprising at least one rolling element.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Hugo Duchene, Philippe Cagnin
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Patent number: 9590483Abstract: An optimized structure of an arm capacitor voltage balance controller based on chain links of the H-bridge module that achieves enhanced performance of an arm capacitor voltage balance control in all operational conditions, even with highly dynamic loads. Such a controller has application in three-phase STATCOM converters, and may be structured so as to seamlessly integrate feedforward and feedback controls with inverse maps used for calculation of the zero sequence reference voltage injection(s) (for star and delta STATCOM topologies).Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTDInventor: Duro Basic
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Patent number: 9583992Abstract: A command procedure for an active magnetic bearing, the magnetic bearing comprising a series of electromagnetic actuators forming a stator, each actuator being suitable for exerting radial force on the rotor, a ferromagnetic body forming a rotor, kept free of contact between the electromagnetic actuators and suitable for being set in rotation around an axis of rotation, the rotor being suitable to undergo precession movements in particular. Sensors suitable for detecting radial displacements of the rotor and issuing position signals representative of the radial position of the rotor in relation to the actuators. Calculation of at least one actuator command signal the calculation of the command signal consisting of the application of at least one transfer function to the position signals, the transfer function containing a number of correction coefficients.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventor: Xavier De Lepine