Abstract: A power generation controller for an AC generator detects the state of a battery and an electric load to control the output of the AC generator. A current detector detects a current to be used by an electric load on the vehicle. The controller includes a field current control section, a field current monitor section, and an output control section. The field current control section controls a field current of the AC generator. The field current monitor section monitors a field current duty value which is a controlled state of the field current of the AC generator. The output control section corrects the output of the AC generator according to the field current duty value, monitored by the field current monitor section, and/or the load current value, detected by the current detector.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit has at least one electric motor, at least one propulsion unit, which may be driven by the at least one electric motor and an energy generation unit (5), by means of which the at least one electric motor may be supplied with electrical energy and which comprises a gas turbine (6) as driving unit and a generator (7), driven by the gas turbine (6), for generation of electrical energy. According to the invention, such a marine propulsion unit may be embodied with increased efficiency, reduced mass and reduced weight with the same power, whereby the gas turbine (6) is directly connected to the generator (7) without a gearbox and the generator (7) is embodied as a synchronous unit with a high-temperature superconducting pole winding, which is arranged in a cryostat, cooled by a cryogenic unit (8).

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus and a method for performing the functions of a starter, alternator and engine stabilization system for an engine of a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rotor, a stator and a switching/detection system associated with the stator. The stator comprises three independent stator sectors which each comprise a plurality of independent stator coils. The rotor comprises a plurality of rotor poles about its periphery. The rotor is secured to the flex plate of the engine and the stator sectors are secured to the bell housing of the vehicle's power train. The stator coils each protrude through opening formed in the bell housing such that the rotor poles are closely adjacent the stator coils without contacting the stator coils as the rotor rotates.

Abstract: A planetary gear arrangement, which provides a starting device for a power transmission, has an electrically biased reaction member. The reaction member is operatively connected with an electric motor/generator that is selectively controlled to establish a braking force at the reaction member. A fluid operated friction brake is disposed in parallel with the motor/generator to provide a selective fully engaged brake to establish the reaction, or a slipping brake to assist the generator in establishing the reaction at the planetary gear arrangement. A fluid operated clutch is also associated with the planetary gear arrangement to provide a selective 1:1 ratio within the planetary gear arrangement. The planetary gear arrangement cooperates with the park mechanism in the transmission and the motor/generator to provide an engine cranking mechanism which is useful during engine start.

Abstract: A power supply of installations, especially of motor vehicles, driven by internal combustion engines which consists of a generator, a storage battery and loads as well as corresponding switching means; at least one thermionic converter acted upon by the hot exhaust gases serves as generator while at least one electric motor feeding mechanically into the drive connection of the installation is provided as load; the thermionic converter or converters as well as preferably also the storage capacity of the battery are designed as regards their power output for approximately the utilizable thermal energy of the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine.