With Generator Patents (Class 290/14)
  • Patent number: 10998837
    Abstract: A turbomachine and method for operation turbomachine are provided, the method including adjusting a first load at a first electric machine operably coupled to a first rotatable component, in which the first electric machine is operably coupled to the first rotatable component such that a first speed of the first rotatable component is increased or decreased based on an engine condition and the first load; adjusting a second load at a second electric machine operably coupled to a second rotatable component, in which the second electric machine is operably coupled to the second rotatable component such that a second speed of the second rotatable component is decreased or increased based on the engine condition and the second load; and transferring energy generated from at least one of the first electric machine or the second electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Justin Paul Smith, Kurt David Murrow, Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Patrick Michael Marrinan
  • Patent number: 10590839
    Abstract: A hybrid turbocharger includes a first power conversion unit to convert direct-current power into alternating-current power to be output to a generator motor, a smoothing capacitor between direct-current buses, and a control unit that controls the first power conversion unit so as to cause actual generator motor speed to comply with an engine speed command of the generator motor input from an upstream controller during a motoring operation of the generator motor. The control unit changes the engine speed command to a value which is equal to or greater than the actual generator motor speed if the engine speed command of the generator motor is less than the actual generator motor speed and a direct-current bus voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value during the motoring operation. Accordingly, the direct-current bus voltage can be prevented from increasing during the motoring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD
    Inventors: Yukio Yamashita, Musashi Sakamoto, Yoshihisa Ono, Keiichi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 10141874
    Abstract: A system may include a prime mover configured to provide mechanical energy to the system by spinning a shaft. The system further includes a synchronous AC generator mechanically coupled to the shaft, and an exciter mechanically coupled to the shaft and configured to output a field current for exciting the synchronous AC generator. The system also includes a number of synchronous electric motors electrically coupled to the AC generator and configured to drive one or more mechanical loads. A controller of the system is configured to establish and maintain a magnetic coupling between the synchronous AC generator and the synchronous electric motors by controlling a level of the field current during a ramped increase in rotation of the synchronous AC generator from zero rotational speed. The motors accelerate synchronously with the generator due to the magnetic coupling as the rotational speed of the generator increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Mark Jon Blackwelder, Paul M. Rancuret
  • Patent number: 10081349
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to controlling engine operating points and power for full throttle command in an off-highway vehicle, such as a diesel electric haul truck, to increase fuel efficiency. In one example, a system includes an engine and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a target engine horsepower and associated target engine speed, command the engine to operate at a first engine speed above the target engine speed, adjust a load placed on the engine to reach the target engine speed, and command the engine to operate at a second engine speed to reach the target engine horsepower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Jason Daniel Kuttenkuler, Jeffrey John Wolff, Aaron Craig Mellinger
  • Patent number: 10066539
    Abstract: A control unit controls a first power converter so as to make the speed of a motor/generator coincide with a prescribed speed command. A speed command (N*) set by an upper stream control system is inputted to a smoothing unit of the control unit. In the smoothing unit, the speed command (N*) is smoothed by a first-order lag element, and the rate of change is limited by a rate limiter to a prescribed value or less. For the speed command (Ns*) outputted from the smoothing unit, the difference (?N) from the actual speed (N) of the motor/generator is calculated in a difference calculator, a control command (S) based on this difference (?N) is generated in a control signal generator, and the first power converter is controlled on the basis of this control command (S). Fluctuations in the supply of power to the electric motor are thereby suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Yamashita, Musashi Sakamoto, Yoshihisa Ono
  • Patent number: 9939833
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Global Embedded Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Stanley Stanczak, Louis Stephen Smutek, Alan Wayne Brown, David Allen Backus
  • Patent number: 9385575
    Abstract: A power generation system that may include a generator having an alternator and an internal combustion engine configured to drive the alternator to generate power. The alternator may convert the mechanical energy created by the engine to electrical energy, such as alternating current. The generator may supply the electrical energy from the alternator to various devices which may be connected with the alternator. The power generation system may further include a load bank. The load bank may include one or more resistive elements, inductive elements, capacitive elements, or combinations of elements. The power generation system may include a cooling system that may remove heat from one or both the internal combustion engine and the load bank. The cooling system may include a liquid that passes through various components of the internal combustion engine to transfer the heat to or from the engine and the load bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. Danforth, III, Isaac S. Frampton
  • Patent number: 9244475
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Global Embedded Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Stanley Stanczak, Louis Stephen Smutek, Alan Wayne Brown, David Allen Backus
  • Patent number: 8742648
    Abstract: An energy collecting device is disclosed. For example, the energy collecting device comprises a plate layer having a plurality of perforations for receiving a plurality of molecules, a molecular energy collecting layer, coupled to the plate layer, having an impacting structure for receiving the plurality of molecules, and a substrate layer, coupled to the molecular energy collecting layer, having a conductor wire coil for collecting electrons that are generated when the plurality of molecules impacts the impacting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: David Britz
  • Patent number: 8427083
    Abstract: A four-stage power distribution system (100) includes (i) a first stage (110) having an inverter (112) that provides power to a frequency drive (114) and an electric motor (116) controlled by the frequency drive; (ii) a second stage (120) having a flywheel (122) driven by the motor; (iii) a third stage (130) having an alternator (132) driven by the motor (116) and connected to the flywheel, and a rectifier (134) that receives current from the alternator and generates a direct current; and (iv) a fourth stage (140) having a charge control switch (142) that receives power from the rectifier, and a plurality of power storage devices such as batteries (144A-144C). A master control switch (150) controls the charge control switch to transition the plurality of batteries individually between a charging configuration and a load configuration. One or more of the battery(ies) in the load configuration provides power to the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Momentum Power, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Warmenhoven
  • Patent number: 8253359
    Abstract: A control system includes an electric rotating machine; a driving circuit that is connected to a DC power supply, the driving circuit includes a frequency conversion unit configured such that, when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a power running mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the DC power supply into AC electric power, and when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a regenerative operation mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the electric rotating machine into DC electric power; and a control unit that controls the driving circuit, wherein the control unit judges whether a connection between the DC power supply and the driving circuit is being maintained, and is configured such that, when the connection is not being maintained, regenerative electric power generated by the electric rotating machine is reduced by controlling the driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Daisuke Ogino, Subrata Saha, Jin Izawa
  • Patent number: 8217630
    Abstract: An electric load damper assembly includes a synchronous generator operable to provide a plurality of phases of electrical output in response to a mechanical input from a rotating shaft. An electric load damper includes a phase leg for each of the plurality of phases. Each phase leg includes a resistive load, a snubber and at least one solid state switch. The at least one solid state switch is in parallel with the snubber, and the at least one solid state switch and snubber are collectively in series with the resistive load. A controller is operable to receive a signal indicative of a rotational speed oscillation of the synchronous generator, and is operable to selectively reduce a torsional oscillation of the shaft by diverting electrical current from the synchronous generator through the resistive load of each of the plurality of phases in response to the signal exceeding a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Albert L. Markunas, Vijay K. Madalli, Donal E. Baker, John Sagona
  • Patent number: 8134331
    Abstract: A method of generating and controlling power for an alternating current (AC) motor by means of at least one controlled permanent magnet machine (PMM) with a permanent magnet (PM) rotor and a stator with a magnetic flux diverter circuit for controlling the output of the PMM, comprises the steps of: rotating the PM rotor at a velocity sufficient to develop a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power output from the stator; transforming the HFAC output to produce a variable low frequency alternating current (AC) motor control output for the motor; sensing desired motor control parameters; generating a control signal responsive to the sensed parameters; and applying the control signal to the magnetic flux diverter circuit to control the motor control output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Vietson M. Nguyen, Jacek F. Gieras
  • Patent number: 8080950
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Michael D. Dry, Mark E. Garlow, Michael O. Lucas, Michael A. MacDonald, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6989644
    Abstract: The regenerative braking method and system for an electric vehicle in which regeneration current is calculated and controlled using control of an air conditioning system to consume a portion or all of the surplus regeneration power, thereby enhancing braking performance and feel. Control includes calculation of a regeneration current and comparison of the regeneration current to battery current to calculate the surplus regeneration power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Tae Woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20040036294
    Abstract: A power supply device incorporated in a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine including: a first power supply system for driving a vehicle load that converts an output of a generation coil provided in a generator driven by an internal combustion engine into a DC output to supply the DC output to an electrical load or electrical loads in the vehicle; and a second power supply system for driving an external load that converts an output of another generation coil provided in the generator into a DC output, then converts the DC output into an AC output at a commercial frequency with an inverter, and supplies the AC output to an external load, wherein the inverter is operated as a DC-DC converter to supply assisting power from the inverter through a switch to the first power supply system, when the output of the first power supply system is insufficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Kishibata, Masanori Nakagawa, Tooru Notsu
  • Patent number: 6373144
    Abstract: A prime mover has an internal combustion engine and a motor generator. A setpoint of a torque depends on a variable representing the wish of an operator of the prime mover and on operating variables of the internal combustion engine. Actuating signals for actuators of the internal combustion engine depend on the setpoint of the indicated torque. An actuating signal for the motor generator which is arranged on the output shaft of the internal combustion engine depends on the setpoint of the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Fröhlich, Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 5987372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for a motor vehicle having an internal-combustion engine. Independent quantities are used for the engine control and for the monitoring of the engine control. The control of the internal-combustion engine takes place by way of an operating parameter indicative of the operating condition of the internal-combustion engine--such as the engine load. In contrast, the monitoring of the engine control takes place by means of a quantity indicative of vehicle propulsion, such as the vehicle output torque, which is determined on the basis of a rotational wheel speed. The desired values for the engine control and for the monitoring are determined from the accelerator pedal position. The detection of the corresponding actual values is based on independent input quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mercedes Benz AG
    Inventors: Hans-Christoph Wolf, Juergen Schenk
  • Patent number: 5963020
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying electrical power in an earth moving machine is provided. The method and apparatus includes an engine adapted to deliver primary power at a variable speed to the earth moving machine. A hydraulic system is connected to and driven by the engine. The hydraulic system in turn is connected to and drives a work implement. A variable input speed, constant output generator system is connected to and driven by the engine at a variable speed. The generator delivers electrical power at a constant value independent of variations of the speed of the engine. There is at least one auxiliary system adapted to receive the electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Orr
  • Patent number: 5920162
    Abstract: A motor generator system in accordance with the invention includes a prime mover (21) for driving an output shaft (18); a main motor generator (16, 105), having a rotor driven by the output shaft, for producing electrical power on a plurality of stator phase windings (36a-36c) in response to the prime mover rotating the output shaft and for driving the output shaft in response to operation as a motor, an exciter (14, 102), having a rotor driven by the output shaft, for applying excitation to a field winding (34) of the main motor generator during operation for producing electrical power on the plurality of phase windings and for applying current to the field winding of the main motor generator to produce a magnetic field in the field winding during operation of the main motor generator as a motor, a time varying signal source (200) for applying a time varying signal having a fundamental frequency 202 to a field winding (28) of the exciter, a main inverter (114), responsive to signal (302) representing a rotar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Hanson, Gregory I. Rozman
  • Patent number: 5920161
    Abstract: In a driving system comprising a permanent magnet type synchronous machine, an electric power converter for the synchronous machine and a driving controller for driving the electric power converter, the driving controller comprises a current command generator for generating a d-axis current command and a q-axis current command of the synchronous machine, a d, q-axis current control uni for generating AC voltage command values Vu*, Vv* and Vw* based on the d-, q-axis currents from the synchronous machines, and a PWM control unit for generating driving signals for the electric power converter based on the AC voltage command values. A phase generator generates a phase signal from zero-cross point information of the AC voltage command values and a phase difference angle .delta. between induced voltage and terminal voltage of the synchronous machine; and a magnet temperature compensating unit generates a phase signal from zero-cross point information of the AC voltage command values and a phase difference angle .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sanshiro Obara, Kazuyoshi Sasazawa, Nobunori Matsudaira
  • Patent number: 5789881
    Abstract: A power source control apparatus for parallel and series hybrid vehicles is provided. The power source control apparatus determines a required torque of a power source consisting of a generator-motor and an internal combustion engine based on a parameter indicating an operational mode of the vehicle and interrupts fuel supply to the internal combustion engine in a cycle based on the required torque of the power source so as to minimize a fuel consumption. The power source control apparatus further determines a required torque of the generator-motor based on the required torque of the power source and an output torque of the internal combustion engine to switch an operation mode of the generator-motor between a generator mode and a motor mode so as to compensate for a variation in output of the internal combustion engine during the cyclic fuel cut control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneyuki Egami, Yousuke Setaka, Tatsuru Morioka, Keiichiro Banzai
  • Patent number: 5789824
    Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes at least one compressor, at least one turbine, at least one alternator having a rotor and being disposed between the at least one compressor and the at least one turbine, and a common shaft having a longitudinal axis and interconnecting the at least one compressor and the at least one alternator and the at least one turbine. The common shaft is integral and formed as one-piece with the rotor. The turboalternator also includes a structure for cooling the at least one alternator having at least one fluid flow channel extending longitudinally through the rotor and being spaced radially from the longitudinal axis of the common shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Selfors, Arnold M. Heitmann
  • Patent number: 5789825
    Abstract: A turboalternator for a hybrid motor vehicle includes at least one compressor, at least one turbine, at least one alternator disposed between the at least one compressor and the at least one turbine, and a common shaft interconnecting the at least one compressor and the at least one alternator and the at least one turbine, the at least one compressor having a hollowed out portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Selfors, Arnold M. Heitmann
  • Patent number: 5767637
    Abstract: A speed controller for a generator having a rotor includes a speed control input port for receiving a speed command signal, a proportional gain stage electrically connected to said speed control input port for amplifying the speed command signal to create an amplified signal, a turbine speed integrator operatively connected to the speed control input port for integrating the speed control signal to create an integrated signal, an adder for adding the amplified signal and the integrated signal to create a torque signal, a speed estimator for estimating the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator whereafter the speed estimator generates a rotational speed signal and a multiplier electrically connected to the adder and the speed estimator to multiply the rotational speed signal and the torque signal to create a power signal to be output by the speed controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Lansberry
  • Patent number: 5545928
    Abstract: An electric power generation control method in a hybrid vehicle. A target generator output is calculated based on a state of charge, a catalyst temperature, etc., and the target number of engine revolutions is calculated based on the target generator output. A field current is corrected in response to the comparison result between a control target range determined in response to the target number of engine revolutions and the detected number of engine revolutions, thereby performing target control of the number of engine revolutions. Then, a correction amount of a throttle angle is set in response to the comparison result between a control target range determined in response to the target generator output and the detected generator output and the throttle angle is corrected, thereby performing target control of the generator output of a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Kotani
  • Patent number: 5461289
    Abstract: The drive arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (1) with at least one controlling element (29), an electric generator arrangement (3) driven by the internal combustion engine (1), at least one electric motor (11) which is powered by the generator arrangement (3) and drives the motor vehicle, and an electronic control unit (19) which, depending on the setting of an accelerator pedal (23), controls at least an actuating drive (27) and the electrical output generated by the generator arrangement (3) and/or the electrical output received by the electric motor (11). The arrangement contains a device for detecting an actual value of the speed of the internal combustion engine (1) and component for detecting an actual value of the electrical output generated by the generator arrangement (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Adler, Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Dieter Lutz, Franz Nagler, Martin Ochs, Stefan Schiebold, Hans-Joachim Schmidt-Brucken, Wolfgang Thieler, Michael Wagner, Holger Westendorf, Rainer Wychnanek
  • Patent number: 5432383
    Abstract: An electric generator system for a gas turbine converts the mechanical output power of the shaft of a gas turbine into electric energy with a plurality of electric generators (4, 5) mounted coaxially on the turbine shaft. When the electric energy is supplied to a motor vehicle drive unit (7), the electric output power of only one of the generators is converted and supplied to the drive unit (7) if both load on the motor vehicle is small, or the electric output powers of the generators are converted and supplied to the drive unit (7) if the load is large. Therefore, the effective efficiency of the generators (4, 5) is maintained at a high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5432413
    Abstract: A control system for an electrical propulsion system for a large wheeled vehicle adapted to haul a payload, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric generating means driven by the engine. The control system measures selected parameters and controls the engine and generating means to maximize output, and records historical operating data relating to the vehicle and its systems, and has a 2 digit display that provides information useful in troubleshooting problems. The control system also enhances fuel consumption by conserving fuel use, particularly on flat terrain and when the vehicle is approaching the overspeed point. Depression of the foot pedal is no longer input directly to the engine controller. Based on the amount of depression of the foot pedal, a fuel enhancement means determines the horsepower request from the operator of the foot pedal, but generates an engine rpm signal which will run the engine at only the rpm necessary to provide the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Amy D. Duke, Frederick G. Beach, Francis M. Grabowski, Wing Y. Chung
  • Patent number: 5406126
    Abstract: A hybrid motor vehicle includes a storage battery providing motive power to an electric motor under the control of a microprocessor. A generator with an internal combustion engine may be used to charge the storage battery. The motor is operated either in an actuated mode in which current flows from the battery and a dynamic braking mode in which regenerated current flows from the motor to the battery. Electronic circuitry is used to insure that regenerative current is generated even if the motor Em.sub.f is lower than the voltage of the storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Lauzun Corporation
    Inventors: John W. B. Hadley, Qianyi Jiang
  • Patent number: 5373219
    Abstract: A control system for an electrical propulsion system for a large wheeled vehicle adapted to haul a payload, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric generating means driven by the engine. The control system measures selected parameters and controls the engine and generating means to maximize output, and records historical operating data relating to the vehicle and its systems, and has a 2 digit display that provides information useful in troubleshooting problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francis M. Grabowski, Amy D. Duke, Frederick G. Beach, James W. Nash, Paul H. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5351775
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for powering and controlling the operation of large diesel-electric off-road haulers of the type in which hauler drive wheels are propelled and retarded by DC electric wheel motors powered from on-board generators, optionally supplemented by DC power, from external trolley lines. In the disclosed system, thyristor-type converters connected into the system AC power grid are used to receive supplemental external power from DC trolley lines and supply it into the AC power distribution grid in the propel mode. The use of such thyristor-type converters makes possible the use of supplemental trolley line power without provision of separate switching or control gear to operate the DC wheel motors when trolley line power is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Marathon LeTourneau Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Johnston, Dwight Baker, Gary L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5283470
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system includes a brushless motor driven by a battery and directly coupled to the vehicle wheels for providing primary motive power. During braking, the motor acts as a generator for recharging the battery. Preferably the recharging current is first allowed to build up by shunting the motor so that the regeneration may occur at both high and low speeds. The regenerative current period may be varied with the speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Lauzun Corporation
    Inventors: John W. B. Hadley, Qianyi Jiang
  • Patent number: 5280223
    Abstract: A control system for an electrical propulsion system for a large wheeled vehicle adapted to haul a payload, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric generating means driven by the engine. The control system measures selected parameters and controls the engine and generating means to maximize output, and records historical operating data relating to the vehicle and its systems, and has a 2 digit display that provides information useful in troubleshooting problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francis M. Grabowski, Amy D. Duke, Frederick G. Beach, James W. Nash, Paul H. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5264764
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a range extender of a hybrid electric vehicle in which a requested power signal P.sub.req is generated in response to the state-of-charge of the battery system being less than a predetermined intermediate value and the energy being consumed by the electric drive system being greater than the electric energy being delivered by the range extender. The requested power signal having a value approximately equal to the average power consumed by the electric drive system in a preceding time period. The method is responsive to the motor being in a energy regenerative state to decrease the power being generated by the range extender so that all the energy being generated by the motor is used to charge the battery. The method is also responsive to the engine temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature to reduce the power being delivered by the range extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Ming L. Kuang
  • Patent number: 5103923
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for powering and controlling the operation of large diesel-electric off-road haulers of the type in which hauler drive wheels are propelled and retarded by DC electric wheel motors powered from on-board generators, optionally supplemented by DC power, from external trolley lines. In the disclosed system, thyristor-type converters connected into the system AC power grid are used to receive supplemental external power from DC trolley lines and supply it into the AC power distribution grid in the propel mode. The use of such thyristor-type converters makes possible the use of supplement trolley line power without provision of separate switching or control gear to operate the DC wheel motors when trolley line power is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Marathon LeTourneau Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Johnston, Dwight Baker, Gary L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4719361
    Abstract: An off-road, heavy duty, haulage vehicle includes a diesel engine driving an alternator (generator) for producing electrical power for motorized rear wheels. An alternator field converter is electrically connected to the alternator and an armature converter and a motor field converter are electrically connected to the two motors of the motorized rear wheels. A computerized control center includes control systems including an alternator field converter control system, a motor field control system, and a vehicle operation and maintenance control system. Tertiary windings are used as a source of excitation and the phase angle controlled armature converter is used in conjunction with alternator voltage control system for holding the alternator at an increment of voltage higher than the motors but not at a constant maximum voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Brubaker
  • Patent number: 4668872
    Abstract: The inventive control system introduces the current (.DELTA.I) and voltage (.DELTA.C) deviations simultaneously with the injection set point (C) to define a new injection set point (C') that is utilized in conjunction with the measurement of diesel engine speed (V.sub.rD) to adjust the injection and with the measurement of the injection flow rate C.sub.r to adjust the generator excitation current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Alsthom and Neyrpic
    Inventors: Bernard Lerouge, Luc Jourdan
  • Patent number: 4621222
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for improving the dynamic converter drive for a direct current elevator motor, in which the said motor is controlled by adjusting the magnetization of the generator linked to the lifting motor, such adjustment being achieved by means of a power electronics stage controlled by the elevator speed control system, using at least elevator speed and motor current consumption (or other current information proportional thereto) as feedback parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Elevator GmbH
    Inventors: Matti Kahkipuro, Heimo Makinen
  • Patent number: 4524286
    Abstract: Internal combustion engine-electric drive unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a setting means for the travel speed and a signal transmitter for the actual r.p.m. of the output shaft and with a nominal-value integrator, where the running time of the nominal-value integrator is shortened in the case of a desired braking or the like in order to prevent undesirable travel movements due to a divergence of the output of the nominal-value integrator from the actual travel speed after a desired braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Still GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Kremer
  • Patent number: 4498016
    Abstract: A digital processor implemented electronic governor for engine-generator units including a first control loop for producing a speed error and controlling fuel delivery setting as a function thereof and a second control loop for detecting rack error and producing a field excitation current control signal as a function thereof. Power dips and overruns are voided by modifying rack error as a function of engine acceleration. Means are provided for developing speed errors and rack control signals despite a breakdown in the rack position indicator. Open loop lower power setting controls are provided. Wheel-slip control, power limiting and variable acceleration functions are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Walter E. Earleson, Dennis M. King, Michael E. Moncelle
  • Patent number: 4482813
    Abstract: A regulator system for both the Diesel and the electric portions of a Diesel electric locomotive allowing more reliable operation at all locomotive speeds. Said regulator has a regulator to regulate the electric power by varying the excitation (43) of the main generator by means of orders coming from a driver control (1, 8) which set a reference current level and (17) a voltage reference level (19) for the main generator and a Diesel engine gas oil reference level (18). These levels are compared with measurements of true corresponding values (24, 30, 27) and orders (43) for increasing or decreasing excitation are delivered so that the excitation of the main generator remains inside the scope delimited by the various reference levels and a Diesel power regulator which sends out orders to increase or decrease the gas oil injection in accordance with a predetermined Diesel engine speed/injection law and in comparison with the true measurements of the injection and of the Diesel engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Alsthom-Atlantique
    Inventors: Philippe Grand-Perret, Bernard Lerouge
  • Patent number: 4354144
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmissionless drive system providing maximum torque at low speeds. The system is usable in a hybrid vehicle having a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, operated at its optimum rpm for efficiency. The prime mover drives a pair of amplidynes which in turn operate a pair of dc motors to produce rotation of the output shaft for driving the wheels of the vehicle via a novel differential drive system which drives the output shafts in which the effective gear ratio may be externally controlled to vary from a very high step down ratio producing very high torque to a one-to-one ratio for driving at a constant speed. Each drive motor is connected to a separate bevel gear in the differential and control of the output shaft speed and torque is obtained by controlling the speed and direction of rotating of the bevel drive gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Milton E. H. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 4292531
    Abstract: A self-propelled traction vehicle equipped with an a-c traction motor energized by the a-c output of a controlled current inverter is propelled by a process comprising the steps of providing a traction alternator on-board the vehicle, rotating the rotor of the alternator, exciting the field winding of the alternator, converting the output current of the armature windings of the alternator to a unidirectional current, and feeding the unidirectional current to d-c terminals of the controlled current inverter without appreciably smoothing the unidirectional current. A system for carrying out this process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dennis F. Williamson
  • Patent number: 4200832
    Abstract: For detecting electrical overloads in a traction vehicle propulsion system wherein the output of a prime mover-driven electric generator is controlled by varying the on-off duty cycle of an intermittently conductive switch connected in series with a field winding of the generator excitation means, monitoring means is connected across the field switch to produce an output signal in response to the field switch being continuously conductive for an abnormally long period of time which is indicative of an over-excited condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: August V. Johansson, Joseph D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4185203
    Abstract: A reference signal generator generates a variable reference signal with which a signal indicating the momentary rotational speed of the prime mover (such as a gas turbine) for a generator is compared, to produce a rotational speed control signal in accordance with a signal representing the load applied to the prime mover, so as to compensate for the rotational speed fluctuation caused by load connection by holding the rotational speed of the prime mover above the desired level during no-load operation and at the desired level under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tohru Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4184083
    Abstract: A load connection command signal is utilized to raise the rotational speed of a power turbine of an electric generator above a rated speed thereof while the same signal is used to connect load to the generator after a predetermined period of time. A load disconnection command signal is utilized to lower the rotational speed of the power turbine below the rated speed while the same signal is used to disconnect load from the generator with a time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tohru Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4143280
    Abstract: A control system for a self-excited alternator which includes an auxiliary winding adapted to supply excitation to the alternator field winding incorporates a circuit for supplementing field excitation when the available energy from the auxiliary winding is less than the desired magnitude of field excitation. The self-exciting a-c current from the auxiliary winding is coupled through a phase-controlled rectifier circuit to the alternator field winding. A secondary excitation source such as a battery is coupled to the alternator field winding through a chopper circuit. A regulating circuit is responsive to a field current reference signal for controlling the conduction of the phase controlled rectifier circuit and the chopper circuit in a manner to regulate the alternator field excitation to the desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frederick J. Kuehn, Jr., Joseph A. Laukaitis, Stuart W. McElhenny
  • Patent number: 4126791
    Abstract: This invention concerns a process and a motor unit for driving a load such as an automotive or similar vehicle, which can move at least intermittently by momentum, once it has been set in motion by the motor unit. The motor unit comprises at least two electric motors each driving a propulsion component such as a wheel, an accumulator supplied by a generator which is driven by a combustion engine or similar motor, and means of connecting the accumulator permanently to one of the electric motors and of connecting this accumulator to the other electric motor in order to set the vehicle in motion, this other motor being disconnected from the accumulator once the vehicle is set in motion, and thereafter supplying an electric current which is used to charge the accumulator. The invention can be applied to the driving of any vehicles such as motorcycles, motor-cars and similar vehicles, as well as boats, aircrafts, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1978
    Inventor: Jean J. Raud
  • Patent number: 4034273
    Abstract: A turret drive system for mobile and armored vehicles includes a turbo-geator for supplying power to an electric motor. The driveshaft of the motor is connected to the driveshaft of a rotary amplifier, with a flywheel mounted to the interconnecting driveshaft. The flywheel stores kinetic energy which is delivered via the amplifier to a D.C. motor which in turn drives the turret through gearing members. A portion of the large energy reservoir in the flywheel may be instantly transferred to the turret by suitable control signals, resulting in high instantaneous power being developed to drive the turret and consequent improvement of performance of weapons mounted in the turret. The system also provides regulated electric power for ancillary vehicle equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James M. Meek, Benjamin E. Dunmore