Abstract: Process, apparatus, media and signals are disclosed for controlling a supply of power from an electric generator in a hybrid electric vehicle having a prime mover supplying mechanical energy to the generator. The process carried out by the apparatus and defined by codes on the media and in codes in the signals involves locating, from among a plurality of sets of vehicle operating conditions associated with a requested generator power value, an optimal set of operating conditions that optimizes operating characteristics of the vehicle and producing signals for controlling the prime mover and the generator to operate the vehicle at the optimal set of operating conditions, to supply power at the requested generator power value. The present invention also provides a way of producing vehicle performance records for use in producing signals for controlling the prime mover and the generator to achieve the optimized operating characteristics.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus of a vehicle AC generator that includes a rectifier for providing DC voltage is disclosed. The abnormality detection apparatus includes an abnormality judging unit and an alarm lamp. The abnormality judging unit judges abnormality of the vehicle AC generator if the number of ripples that is included in the output voltage of a rectifier is not equal to or more than a predetermined number for a predetermined period. The alarm lamp lights when the abnormality judging unit judges abnormality.

Abstract: A method for operating a load dependent current-generating system which supplies at least one electric drive motor with electrical energy. A power request is made to the electric drive motor, and a dynamic parameter of the current generating system and/or a simulation model, which characterizes the behaviour of the current generating system, is used for calculating the setpoint current value for the current generating system.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: An energy conversion system including a bank of batteries operative to drive a DC motor through a controller. The DC motor is in turn connected to a gearbox, which is in turn is connected to a work piece. Further, there is provided a rotary fluid drive that is powered by a pump that is driven by the one or more batteries. The output of the rotary powered device is directed to a DC generator. The DC generator is driven by the rotary powered device. Output from the DC generator is directed to a battery charger for powering the same. The battery charger is in turn utilized to charge the one or more batteries. Finally, there is provided an external source of power that is capable of delivering power to the bank of batteries on demand.

Abstract: A drive system which integrates an electric generator, one or more electric motors and an electronic control module is configured as a variable speed drive in either single, dual or four wheeled traction drive configurations for a mower. The generator is mechanically driven by the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to generate the electrical power for energizing the electric motors. A central computer in the electronic control module controls the output voltage of the generator and the speed and torque of each of the motors in the drive system. The speed input signal for the motors can be analog signals that come from sources such as a joystick, a potentiometer mounted on a steering wheel, control panel, foot pedal or remote location or digital signals from a digital device. Position/speed detectors on each motor and the generator send signals back to the central computer for closed-loop control of the generator and of the motors.

Abstract: A prime mover for extracting power from moving water is described comprising a body which is caused to oscillate in water by reversing the direction of thrust generated by at least one submerged control member e.g. a hydroplane or rotating cylinder protruding from a side of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling power distribution of a fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle. The system includes a fuel cell, a battery, a DC/DC converter connected to the battery for the input and output of power, an inverter connected to the DC/DC converter and fuel cell, a motor connected to the inverter, and a controller for estimating the required vehicle power. Further the present invention controls power transmission between the fuel cell, the battery, the DC/DC converter, and the inverter. The controller selectively performs control into one of a fuel cell mode, a battery discharge mode, a battery charge mode, and a regeneration mode.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery 11 is connected in parallel to a lead acid battery 9 charged with electric power generated by a generator 2. The lithium ion battery 11 has internal resistance smaller than internal resistance of the lead acid battery 9 and being charged with the electric power generated by the generator 2. An ECM 6 supplies an electric power generation command value based on a running state of a vehicle, and an ECU 7 controls the generator 2 for electric power generation by supplying the electric power generation command voltage to the generator 2.

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: 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: An auxiliary power control system for controlling an auxiliary power unit of a series-type hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) of the present invention includes a DC generator, a DC/DC converter, a generator control unit, an engine control unit, and an auxiliary power unit. The DC generator is driven by an engine for generating DC power. The DC/DC converter converts the DC power generated by the DC generator to a voltage level. The generator control unit controls the voltage level of the DC generator. The engine control unit controls the engine. The auxiliary power unit controller outputs a voltage control signal to the generator control unit, and a throttle control signal to the engine control unit, such that the DC generator outputs a predetermined power.

Abstract: A loop-type voltage regulating device, particularly for regulating a voltage of an automotive electric system that includes at least one thermal engine, a voltage regulator and an alternator operative to deliver a system regulated-voltage signal to and receive a regulation signal from the voltage regulator, the voltage regulating device including a control unit within the regulating loop, which unit is connected between the thermal engine and the voltage regulator and is adapted to supply the latter with a signal related to the engine operation.

Abstract: A dual function motor/generator includes a rechargeable battery, a mode switching device, a dual function rotor/stator structure, at least two transmission devices and a clutch device for selecting one of the two transmission devices depending on whether a motor or generator mode is selected. When the dual function motor/generator is used as a motor, power is supplied from the rechargeable battery controlled by the mode switching device to a driven load through the rotor/stator structure and one of the transmission devices, and when used as a generator, the battery is recharged by applying an external force to the load such that the load drives the other transmission device to rotate the rotor in a direction opposite a direction of rotation of the rotor in the motor mode, and thereby induce an electric current in the rotor/stator structure to recharge the battery.

Abstract: A method of controlling an inverter power generation apparatus adapted to stop an operation of an inverter by stopping supplying a drive signal to a switch circuit of the inverter when an overload continuation time exceeds a first setting time in the state where a load current detected by a load current detector is equal to or more than a first overload judgment value and equal to or less than a second overload judgment value, to stop the operation of the inverter when the overload continuation time exceeds a second overload judgment value set in accordance with an output voltage of the inverter in the state where the load current exceeds the second overload judgment value and the output voltage of the inverter is higher than a short circuit judgment value and to stop the operation of the inverter immediately when the load current exceeds the second overload judgment value and the output voltage of the inverter is equal to or less than the short circuit judgment value whereby the inverter can be positively pr

Abstract: In a starter, a barrel of a one-way clutch fits on an outer circumference of an output shaft. The barrel and the output shaft have spline portions and engage with each other. A chemical conversion coating is formed on at least one of the spline portion of the output shaft and the spline portion of the barrel. Microscopic asperities of a dimension within 10 &mgr;m are formed on the surface of the chemical conversion coating to hold grease applied on the spline portions. The chemical conversion coating is formed by immersing the spline portion in a chemical treatment solution, such as zinc phosphate solution. Alternatively, the asperities can be directly formed on the spline portions.

Abstract: A voltage stabilization control method for controlling a voltage of a power system that is connected to an adjustable speed machine includes detecting an active power change of the power system; outputting a control signal indicative of the amount of adjustment when the adjustment of the active power of the adjustable speed machine is required on the basis of the active power change; and receiving a steady operation command value with respect to the adjustable speed machine, generating a stabilization control signal resulting from adding the control signal to the steady operation command value and outputting the stabilization control signal to the adjustable speed machine. The present invention also resides in a voltage stabilization control apparatus.