Abstract: A power converter for starting an AC induction motor includes a frequency detector which compares the frequency of an AC output of the converter with a predetermined frequency and generates a detection signal if the AC output frequency is lower than the predetermined frequency, a current controller which controls the power converter such that an AC output current supplied to the motor is determined in accordance with a given current reference if the detection signal is generated, and a voltage controller which controls the power converter so that an AC output voltage applied to the motor is regulated in accordance with a given voltage reference if the detection signal disappears.

Abstract: A power converter converts AC input power into AC output power to which a load is connected. This power converter comprises a controller for controlling power converting operation of the power converter, a DC voltage detector for detecting a DC voltage of the DC power to provide a DC voltage signal, a first reference generator for generating a first reference, an output detector for detecting a condition of the AC output power to provide an output condition signal, a second reference generator for generating a second reference in response to the output condition signal, a condition detector for detecting a condition of the AC input power to provide an output condition signal, and a selector for supplying the second reference to the controller when the input condition signal is provided.

Abstract: A turbine helper drive apparatus includes a turbine for driving a load, a motor coupled to the turbine, and a power converter for controlling an output from the motor based on a predetermined power reference. The power converter controls the motor so that the motor performs either a motoring operation, wherein the motor drives the load together with the turbine, or a regenerating operation, wherein the motor serves as a load for the turbine to generate an electric power.

Abstract: A helper drive apparatus for a turbine drive system in which a load is mainly driven by a turbine and a helper motor is used for assisting the drive for the load, comprising: a turbine control circuit, coupled to the turbine, for controlling output power of the turbine in accordance with a turbine power reference signal; a motor control circuit, coupled to the helper motor, for controlling output power of the helper motor in accordance with a motor power reference signal; a speed control means, coupled to the turbine, for detecting a difference between a given speed reference signal and a speed signal indicating an operation speed of the turbine, and providing a master power reference signal representing the difference; and a power sharing ratio control circuit, coupled to the speed control circuit, turbine control circuit, and motor control circuit, and being responsive to a given power sharing instruction signal, for sharing the master power reference signal to the turbine power reference signal and the mot

Abstract: A turbine helper drive apparatus has an induction motor coupled to a turbine, and a power converter for power-controlling the motor. Part of the load of the turbine is shared by the motor in accordance with preset power for power control, so that auxiliary drive to compensate for the insufficient capacity of the turbine is performed and cheaper, late-night electric power is effectively utilized.