Abstract: A power conversion system includes an engine coupled to drive an alternator, a rectifier circuit, and an ignition controller. The alternator includes a stator and a rotor that cooperate when driven to provide a current supplied to the rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit provides output power having a voltage. The ignition controller supplies energy to the spark plug of the engine. If the voltage exceeds a predetermined limit, the ignition controller supplies less energy to the spark plug to decrease engine drive. The stator may include several windings (or a tapped winding) and the system further includes an engine throttle controller and a winding control circuit. The winding control circuit selectively couples one or more windings of the plurality (or one or more turns of a tapped winding) to the rectifier circuit. The winding control circuit cooperates with a throttle controller to facilitate provision of a predetermined output power with a relatively low engine RPM for noise abatement.

Abstract: A lightweight engine-driven generator set including a stator having at least first and second windings (preferably three-phase) and a rotor having a soft magnetic core and a plurality of high energy product permanent magnets, separated by consequence poles, disposed proximate the stator such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the rotor to interact with and induce current in the stator windings. The first winding includes a predetermined number of turns corresponding to a first predetermined voltage output; and the second winding includes a predetermined number of turns corresponding to a second predetermined voltage output, the respective windings being grouped together as a unit and wound about the core such that the respective winding coils are wound in continuous close thermal contact with each other.

Abstract: A lightweight engine-driven generator set including a stator having at least first and second windings (preferably three-phase) and a rotor having a soft magnetic core and a plurality of high energy product permanent magnets, separated by consequence poles, disposed proximate the stator such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the rotor to interact with and induce current in the stator windings. The first winding includes a predetermined number of turns corresponding to a first predetermined voltage output; and the second winding includes a predetermined number of turns corresponding to a second predetermined voltage output, the respective windings being grouped together as a unit and wound about the core such that the respective winding coils are wound in continuous close thermal contact with each other.

Abstract: A mechanically and electrically efficient, lightweight, portable motor-generator includes a stator having a plurality of windings and a rotor with a body of soft-magnetic material carrying a plurality of permanent, high energy product magnets in a surface near the stator such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the permanent magnets to interact with and induce current in the stator windings. The magnets are mounted in insets formed in the rotor surface which includes portions between the insets to form respective consequence poles. The rotor is a hollow cylinder with the magnets mounted on an internal surface, and the stator is concentrically disposed within the cylinder. The stator includes first and second windings.