Abstract: An electrical energy converter (100) arranged to be connected to at least one source of electrical energy (114, 116) and to condition the energy generated by that source to be suitable for feeding to a network (110) to which the converter (100) may be connected, the converter (100) comprising an input conversion stage (104) having at least three input terminals (P1-6) and a controller, the controller (112) being arranged to configure each of the terminals (p1-6) to accept any one of the following input types: 1. a phase of a polyphase supply; 2. one side of a single phase supply; 3. one side of a DC supply; and 4. no-input.

Abstract: Excitation control circuitry for a synchronous generator is disclosed. The synchronous generator is of a type comprising a main machine (2) and an exciter (6) for exciting the main machine. The excitation control circuitry comprises an automatic voltage regulator (10) for controlling power flow from the main machine to the exciter, and an excitation boost system (14) for selectively supplying power from a second source of electrical power (12) to the exciter (6). This can allow additional excitation to be provided, for example, when the generator is in overload. This arrangement can allow a synchronous generator to be upgraded by adding the excitation boost system to provide enhanced overload performance.

Abstract: The stator (24) of a permanent magnet axial flux alternator comprises two annular stator components which are each wound with a respective two phase winding arrangement (48). Each of the two phase winding arrangements (48) is wound so that there is no mutual inductance between the windings of each phase. Each phase of the two phase winding arrangements (48) wound on the two stator components has a high internal impedance and is for energising a respective high intensity lamp of a light tower.

Abstract: An electrical energy converter (100) arranged to be connected to at least one source of electrical energy (114, 116) and to condition the energy generated by that source to be suitable for feeding to a network (110) to which the converter (100) may be connected, the converter (100) comprising an input conversion stage (104) having at least three input terminals (P1-6) and a controller, the controller (112) being arranged to configure each of the terminals (p1-6) to accept any one of the following input types: 1. a phase of a polyphase supply; 2. one side of a single phase supply; 3. one side of a DC supply; and 4. no-input.

Abstract: Excitation control circuitry for a synchronous generator is disclosed. The synchronous generator is of a type comprising a main machine (2) and an exciter (6) for exciting the main machine. The excitation control circuitry comprises an automatic voltage regulator (10) for controlling power flow from the main machine to the exciter, and an excitation boost system (14) for selectively supplying power from a second source of electrical power (12) to the exciter (6). This can allow additional excitation to be provided, for example, when the generator is in overload. This arrangement can allow a synchronous generator to be upgraded by adding the excitation boost system to provide enhanced overload performance.