Abstract: A method for controlling stray electromagnetic fields for a vehicle with an inductive charging system and a method for providing feedback to a vehicle operator for an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a vehicle mounted secondary coil. The methods provide sensors to detect the relative positions of the primary coil and secondary coil by determining voltages induced in the alignment coils by a magnetic field generated by the primary coil. The methods include providing feedback to the vehicle operator to guide the alignment of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil and directing the vehicle operator to position the secondary coil within an alignment zone so as to control stray electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.

Abstract: A method for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.

Abstract: A secondary coil structure for an electric vehicle charging system is characterized by a flexible sheet of synthetic plastic material which acts as a substrate for a coil connected with the top surface of the sheet. The coil has an axis generally normal to the sheet. A second sheet of material is connected with the first sheet with the coil arranged between the sheets. The secondary coil may be configured to match the configuration of a component of the vehicle with which the secondary coil is connected. When electric current is introduces into the coil, the coil generates an elongated magnetic field with a lower maximum value in the vicinity of the vehicle components than that created by a conventionally wound coil, thereby minimizing heat generated in steel components of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.

Abstract: An inductive charging system for vehicle battery chargers includes a transformer having a stationary primary coil and a secondary coil mounted on the vehicle. The primary coil is mounted in a charging station and has a power source connected therewith. When the vehicle is parked adjacent to the charging station, the secondary coil on the vehicle is proximate to the primary coil in the station. The power source is activated to deliver current to the primary coil which generates a magnetic field to induce a voltage in the secondary coil. A controller is connected with the power source to adjust the voltage delivered to the primary coil. A feedback loop between the secondary coil and the controller delivers a secondary voltage signal to the controller which continuously adjusts the power source in order to maintain the secondary output voltage at a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel 3-phase electronic tap changer commutation and related device. In one embodiment, the invention includes firing a commutation silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), removing a gating signal from a first SCR connected to a first of the plurality of taps, firing a second SCR connected to a second of the plurality of taps, and removing a gating signal from the commutation SCR.

Abstract: A voltage regulator is presented for regulating at least one of voltage, current or power to an electrical load. The regulator includes a transformer series connected between a power source and electrical load, and a bypass switch connected in parallel with the series connected transformer. The bypass switch is a back-to-back pair of silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs). A pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter is coupled to the series connected transformer for generating a voltage to be applied to the series connected transformer. A controller is provided for transitioning the regulator from a normal mode through a commutate mode to an active mode, wherein the bypass switch is active in the normal mode and inactive in the active mode. The inverter provides a voltage to the series connected transformer in the active mode, and the controller and the PWM inverter together are configured to actively force the SCR off when the device is in the commutate mode.

Abstract: A regulator is provided for establishing asymmetrical voltage increase/decrease capability between an input node and an output node for enhanced regulation of either a voltage sag or a voltage swell within a utility system. The regulator includes an autotransformer having an input tap coupled to the input node of the regulator and an output tap coupled to the output node. The regulator further includes an electronic tap changer system coupled to the winding of the autotransformer. Together, the autotransformer and the electronic tap changer system provide the regulator with its asymmetrical voltage increase/decrease capability between the input node and the output node thereof. The regulator can be configured for voltage increase only, voltage decrease only, or both, provided an asymmetrical voltage increase/decrease capability is defined.