Abstract: The invention related to a control method for operating a synchronous machine, the machine comprising an exciter connected to a synchronous generator and a controller (40) for controlling the machine field excitation. The method comprises the steps of predefining a stable operation torque derivative range within which a stable operation of the machine occurs, performing a torque measuring or calculating for the machine, calculating the derivative of said torque, determining whether the calculated torque derivative is within the predefined stable operation torque derivative range for the machine, and, if the torque derivative is not within the predefined stable operation torque derivative range, modifying the machine field excitation to bring the torque derivative within the predefined stable operation torque derivative range.

Abstract: A combination starter-generator device is provided for a work vehicle having an engine. The starter-generator device includes an electric machine; a gear set configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the engine and to couple the electric machine and the engine in a first power flow direction and a second power flow direction. The gear set is configured to operate in one of at least a first gear ratio, a second gear ratio, or a third gear ratio in the first power flow direction and at least a fourth gear ratio in the second power flow direction. The starter-generator device further includes a dog clutch arrangement selectively coupled to the gear set to effect the first, second, and third gear ratios in the first power flow direction and the fourth gear ratio in the second power flow direction.

Abstract: Integrated drive and motor assemblies are described herein. An example integrated drive and motor assembly includes an electric motor having a winding that concentrically surrounds an input drive shaft, an inverter for delivering power to the electric motor, a gearbox assembly coupled to the input drive shaft and an output drive shaft, the gearbox assembly having a planetary gear that includes a plurality of helical gears that couple with the input drive shaft and a ring gear. The planetary gear also includes a carrier that is rotatably coupled to the plurality of helical gears and transfers rotational forces to the output drive shaft. The assembly includes a housing that encloses the electric motor, the gearbox assembly, and the output shaft in co-axial alignment with respect to a central axis.

Abstract: A combination engine starter and electric power generator device for a work vehicle has an electric machine and a gear set mounted to the electric machine. The gear set is configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the work vehicle engine. The gear set mechanically couples the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions in which in the first power flow direction the gear set effects a first gear ratio and in the second power flow direction the gear set effects a second gear ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to selecting, by a computing device comprising a processor, the size of at least one prime mover associated with an aircraft to satisfy a baseline power requirement for operation of the aircraft during a steady state load condition, selecting at least one power source configuration to supplement power provided by the at least one prime mover during a transient load condition associated with the operation of the aircraft, and selecting, by the computing device, a parameter of the at least one power source configuration to provide a total power in an amount that is greater than a threshold during the transient condition.

Abstract: A combination engine starter and electric power generator device for a work vehicle has an electric machine and a gear set mounted to the electric machine. The gear set is configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the work vehicle engine. The gear set mechanically couples the electric machine and the engine in first and second power flow directions in which in the first power flow direction the gear set effects a first gear ratio and in the second power flow direction the gear set effects a second gear ratio.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) and system that may perform one or more techniques for protecting objects from damage resulting from an unintended or uncontrolled impact by a UAV. As described herein, various implementations utilize a damage avoidance system that detects a risk of damage to an object caused by an impact from a UAV that has lost control and takes steps to reduce or eliminate that risk. For example, the damage avoidance system may detect that the UAV has lost power and/or is falling at a rapid rate of descent such that, upon impact, there is a risk of damage to an object with which the UAV may collide. Upon detecting the risk of damage and prior to impact, the damage avoidance system activates a damage avoidance system having one or more protection elements that work in concert to reduce or prevent damage to the object upon impact by the UAV.

Abstract: Electric machine assemblies and methods of manufacturing and operating electric machine assemblies for internal combustion engines are provided. The electric machine assembly includes an electric machine configured to generate electric current by induction via a prime mover causing rotation of one of a rotor and a stator with respect to the other one of the rotor and the stator. The electric machine assembly also includes a torque transmitter including a rotating output driver coupled to the prime mover of the electric machine. The torque transmitter includes a rotating input driver configured to receive a rotary input transmitted from a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The rotating input driver is coupled to the rotating output driver to actuate the rotating output driver at a plurality of gear ratios.

Abstract: A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a controller, a generator and a prime mover coupled to the generator. The prime mover selectively drives the generator in least at a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed. The controller can determine whether a transport refrigeration unit has sufficient capacity to maintain a desired temperature within a transport unit by detecting a generator load, a generator load slope condition, and a speed of the prime mover.

Abstract: A system is provided for transmitting torque with speed modulation between a motor generator and an engine. The system includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first reduction gearset, and a second reduction gearset. The first shaft is configured to rotatably connect with the motor generator. The second shaft is configured to rotatably connect with the engine. The first reduction gearset is rotatably supported at least in part on the first shaft. The first reduction gearset is disposed in selective engagement with the first shaft via a first overrunning clutch disposed therebetween. The second reduction gearset is rotatably supported at least in part on the first shaft and at least in part on the second shaft. The second reduction gearset is disposed in selective engagement with the first shaft via a second overrunning clutch disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A starter motor for engine has a flywheel fixed to a shaft of the engine. A support is fixed relative to the engine. A space is formed between the flywheel and the support and a driving device is installed in the space. The driving device includes a stator fixed to the support and a rotor fixed to the flywheel.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an engine driven generator that includes a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan. The engine driven generator further includes a power source and a circuit connecting the power source to the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan. The circuit is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan in series or in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at less than full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric starting device (1) for an internal combustion engine (5), which electric starting device (1) comprises an electric starter (4) and a starter-generator (2) which is assigned to a traction mechanism drive (3). The starting of the internal combustion engine (5) may take place by means of the electric starter (4) or the starter-generator (2) in each case individually or in a combination of the two units. Also provided is a start-stop device of the internal combustion engine (5), in which a controlled supply of power to the starter-generator (2) is provided in synchronization with a start by means of the electric starter (4).

Abstract: A portable genset with an engine driving a generator mounted to a frame and positioned within an enclosure. The enclosure includes front and rear hoods that are hingedly mounted adjacent opposite ends of the genset. The hoods may be hinged open to permit access to either of the engine or the generator. The genset may also include a tongue with a hitch mounted an outer end permitting the genset to be towed. The tongue may be movable between an extended position and a generally vertical position.

Abstract: The method of controlling a reversible, polyphase rotary electrical machine called an alternator-starter, for a motor vehicle with a heat engine, the machine being adapted to work either as an electric generator—in an alternator mode—or as an electric motor, in particular for starting the engine, the machine comprising a rotor with at least one excitation winding, a target and sensors, is characterised in that, starting from sensors of the linear type delivering signals of a sinusoidal type after reading of the target, a summation of the signals delivered by the sensors is performed in a processing unit, by applying a coefficient to the sensors to create signals which are out of phase with each other, and the number of which is equal to the number of sensors, and in that, for each out of phase signal, the sum of the coefficients is zero.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for an engine has a plurality of cylinders and an output shaft. The apparatus includes a power supply, an inverter having a switching element, a motor generator, an ECU, A crank angle sensor. The motor generator is coupled to the output shaft and connected to the power supply through the inverter. The ECU energizes the motor generator by controlling the inverter when the engine is started. The ECU causes ignition to occur in a specific cylinder that contains air-fuel mixture and is in an expansion stroke in an engine stopping state. The crank angle sensor indirectly detects a rotational speed of the motor generator. After the ignition caused, the ECU prohibits the motor generator from being energized until the rotational speed detected reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, the apparatus curbs an excessive increase in the temperature of a switching element.

Abstract: A multi-functional power source includes a generator and an engine arrangement to drive a crankshaft to rotate. The generator includes a generator housing, a rotor which couples with the crankshaft and includes a magnetic element coaxially and rotatably disposed within the generator housing and defining a magnetic cavity within the magnetic element, and a coil assembly coaxially disposed within the magnetic cavity such that when the magnetic element of the rotor is driven to rotate, the coil assembly is adapted for producing the induced electric power. An output axle, having an output end, is integrally extended from the crankshaft to a position out of the generator housing such that when the crankshaft drives the output axle to rotate, the output end of the output axle is adapted for producing an external mechanical power simultaneously when the generator produces the induced electric power.

Abstract: Arrangement for providing an integrated starter generator apparatus for producing electrical power and/or rotational torque. The apparatus includes a primary rotor (18) arranged for cooperation with a primary stator (16), and a secondary rotor (20) arranged for cooperation with a secondary stator (17). A one-way clutch (19) is disposed between the primary rotor (18) and the secondary rotor (20) that permits both rotors to be locked together in one direction of rotation, and that allows them to operate independently in the opposite direction of rotation.

Abstract: A drive system for an industrial truck, comprising an internal combustion engine, a three-shaft epicyclic gearing adapted to be connected to the shaft of the internal combustion engine, a first electric motor which is mechanically coupled to the second shaft of the epicyclic gearing and is connected to an onboard network of the industrial truck, a change-speed gearing coupled to the third shaft of the epicyclic gearing, a summing gearbox coupled to the change-speed gearing the other input shaft of which is connected to a second electric motor which is electrically connected to the onboard network and the output shaft of which is coupled to at least one driven wheel of the industrial truck, a clutch (A) between the first and second shafts of the epicyclic gearing, at least one consumption unit for an additional function of the industrial truck that is coupled to one of the shafts of the epicyclic gearing, a sensor device which measures the speeds of the internal combustion engine, the first and second electric

Abstract: An electrical machine, in particular a starter for motor vehicles, with a stator (36) and a rotor (39) is proposed; the rotor has a hollow shaft (63) with various shaft segments. The electrical machine is characterized in that the shaft (63), between a bearing seat (81) and a shaft segment contour (108) for transmitting a torque, is a one-piece tube.

Abstract: A generator apparatus driven by an internal combustion engine and comprising a revolution controller to control a revolution of the internal combustion engine so as to maintain a desired value of a terminal voltage of a battery which is charged by an output of an AC generator driven by the internal combustion engine while controlling an actuator for operating a fuel supply adjuster, an engine start controller to give a start instruction from a timer circuit to start means when the battery is discharged until the terminal voltage is lowered to a set value and an engine stop controller to give a stop instruction from the timer circuit to stop means when the battery is perfectly charged by the operation of the engine until the revolution of the engine is lowered to a stop revolution thereof whereby the starting and stopping operations of the engine are controlled without undercharging and overcharging the battery.

Abstract: A device for starting a gas turbine in an aircraft includes an electrical power supply delivering a direct current and a drive electric motor connected to the power supply, independent of the turbine to be started and having an output shaft mechanically coupled to an input shaft of the turbine to rotate with it. The drive electric motor is a three-phase alternating current synchronous motor and is controlled by an inverter connected to the power supply. Applications include situations in which the turbine to be driven is a high-power turbine.

Abstract: The starting device for a turbine engine unit of a helicopter includes an electric motor starter, supplied from an electrical power source, which can be outside the helicopter and temporarily connected to the starting device through a connection socket, or onboard on the helicopter. The starter is supplied with alternating current and includes an alternating current electric motor, preferably an auto-controlled synchronous motor, and the onboard electrical power source is preferably an alternator driven, during independent starting, from an auxiliary power unit with a turbo-machine and itself started by direct current batteries.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an internal combustion engine, a power transmission and an electric drive. The electric drive includes a stator secured in the housing of the power transmission and a rotor secured to the outer periphery of the torque converter of the power transmission. Both the rotor and the impeller of the torque converter are directly connected with the engine. A torque converter clutch is disposed for selective engagement between the impeller and turbine of the torque converter.

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 hill-holding arrangement for an electrically driven vehicle includes a vehicle with a "gas pedal" which generates a torque command signal T.sub.CMD. A switch (314) couples T.sub.CMD to a motor controller (316, 14) which drives the motor (40) and therefore the vehicle. When the "gas pedal" calls for zero torque, and the vehicle speed is zero, the switch responds to logic (FIG. 5), and substitutes a position-holding torque command signal T.sub..theta. for the operator-controlled torque command signal T.sub.CMD. Position controlling torque command T.sub..theta. is generated by a controller (312) which receives a position signal representative of the angular position .theta. of the rotor. The position-holding torque control loop then produces such torque as may be required to prevent the rotor of the motor from moving from its commanded position.

Abstract: There is provided a generator system for internal combustion engines, which can produce power efficiently at all times irrespective of the engine speed even for use in an internal combustion engine operated at variable speeds such as a vehicle engine. An AC generator electronic control unit (ACG.ECU) 3 determines a rotation speed N2 of a rotating electromagnetic field to be generated by a rotor 1R based on a mechanical rotation speed N1 of the rotor 1R in an alternator 1 such that the relative speed N of the rotating magnetic field to a stator 1S agrees with the maximum efficiency speed of rotation Nx. Then the ACG.ECU 3 sends the determined value to a rotating electromagnetic field controller 2a. The rotating electromagnetic field controller 2a controls phases of AC power to be supplied to a three-phase coil 11 of the rotor 1R to generate a rotating electromagnetic field with the rotation speed N2.

Abstract: A synchronous generator usable in both a starting mode of operation and a generating mode of operation includes a permanent magnet generator having a permanent magnet and an armature winding rotatable with respect to the permanent magnet, an exciter portion having an exciter armature winding and an exciter field winding rotatable with respect to the exciter armature winding, and a main generator portion having a main generator armature winding and a main generator field winding rotatable with respect to the main generator armature winding. An inverter is coupled to supply power to the main generator portion armature winding via a DC link during the starting mode of operation, and a controller is coupled to the DC link for controlling the magnitude of the DC link current provided to the inverter during the starting mode of operation.

Abstract: A vehicular generator motor performing generator operation and motor operation is disclosed. The generator motor comprises an AC-DC converter means and a switching means. The converter means is composed of a plurality of MOSFETs and connected between each armature coil and a vehicular storage battery. Alternating current produced across the coils is converted into a direct current for charging the battery by the AC-DC converter means in generator operation mode. In motor operation mode, the DC output from the battery is converted into an alternating current for setting up a rotating magnetic field by the converter means, and the battery output is fed to the armature coils. The mode of operation of the MOSFETs is switched between these two modes by the switching means. The rotating field produces a certain phase difference with the magnetic field developed by the rotating magnetic poles. The MOSFETs are made of SiC having a smaller resistivity than that of Si.

Abstract: Disclosed is an engine starting apparatus which suppresses engine vibrations and noises during engine cranking and reduces consumption of electric power supplied for engine cranking. When an engine starts to rotate to produce its torque, electric power supplied to a starter motor for engine cranking is reduced gradually so that a sum of torques produced by the starter motor and the engine may be prevented from increasing excessively. In the case a generator/motor is used for engine starting, operation of the generator/motor is switched from motor operation to generator operation for suppressing excessive speed rise when engine starting is completed.

Abstract: A combination generator and starter motor includes a rotor with an internal ring gear, a plurality of dual pinion gears which mesh with the rotor and two sun gears which mesh with the dual pinion gears. A large torque multiplication from the rotor to one of the sun gears is provided when the combination generator and starter motor operates as a starter motor. A one-to-one ratio of rotation between that sun gear and the rotor is provided when the combination generator and starter motor operates as a generator.

Abstract: A power supply device for electric vehicle. The power supply device includes an engine, transmission, generator-motor, power converting circuit, battery and alternating drive motor. In operation, the battery supplies a direct current to the power converting circuit which converts the direct current to an alternating current which is supplied to the generator-motor to start the engine. Thereafter, the generator-motor acts as a generator so as to generating an alternating current which is supplied to the drive motor via the power converting circuit. Additionally, the power converting circuit converts the alternating current to a direct current for recharging the battery. According to another embodiment of the invention, a rectifier is provided for converting the alternating current of the generator-motor to a direct current which is supplied to the storage battery and to a direct current load.

Abstract: The operating speed of a motor vehicle alternator is controlled based on the frequency of power generated by the alternator. Since the frequency of the alternator power is representative of engine speed, the alternator is shifted between a high speed gear train for low engine speeds and a low speed gear train for high engine speeds. When shifting to the high speed gear train, it is only partially engaged for a brief initial time period to more gradually accelerate the alternator armature toward the corresponding high operating speed. Preferably, initial clutch pull-in is sensed to start the partial engagement period of the high speed gear train. The load on the alternator drive during shifts to high speed operation is further reduced by turning the alternator field current off prior to partially engaging the high speed gear train.

Abstract: An engine starter/generator has a rotor which rotates on excitation caused by an exciting winding, a speed reducer which reduces the speed of rotation of the rotor, a first clutch which transmits the rotation of the rotor, the speed of which has been reduced through the speed reducer, to an output shaft of an engine, and a second clutch which is disposed between the engine output shaft and the rotor to connect together these two members when the speed of rotation of the engine output shaft is greater than that of the rotor. The speed reducer and at least either one of the first and second clutches are disposed substantially axially in line with one another. This arrangement reduces the radial dimension of the engine starter/generator. It can, therefore, be disposed with in the engine room of a vehicle without difficulty.

Abstract: A high efficiency automotive electrical system and method of control employing an asynchronous induction machine for performing both starting and generating functions. The induction machine is coupled to the engine through a bimodal gearset which operates as a reduction drive during the starting mode and as a direct drive during the generating mode. A computer-based controller responsive to the battery voltage and the speed of the induction machine maintains given voltage/frequency ratios during both starting and generating to provide efficient operation, and smoothly controls the transition between starting and generating modes. The vehicle electrical loads are supplied at one or more stable voltages produced by a load converter powered by the battery.

Abstract: A system for cranking/starting a combustion engine and for generating electrical power during engine operation uses an inverter-driven, high efficiency permanent magnet synchronous machine as a cranking/starting motor during a start mode and as an alternator during a run mode. A modified planetary gear assembly provides sufficient torque multiplication during the start mode to enable the synchronous machine to start the engine. One-way clutches allow the planetary gear assembly to provide the torque multiplication in the start mode and 1:1 coupling between the engine crankshaft and the shaft of the synchronous machine after the engine has been started and is operating.

Abstract: The control method concerns a reversible electrical machine capable of working either as a generator (alternator) or as a motor intended for a motor vehicle, this machine comprising an armature winding (4) and an inductor winding (1), the inductor (1) being controlled by a regulator (2a) during operation in the alternator mode. During operation in the motor mode the supply voltage for the armature (4) and or the excitation (1) is controlled so as to obtain the desired torque-speed characteristics.

Abstract: Inefficiencies in electrical starter-generator systems for turbine engines are avoided in a construction including a dynamoelectric machine 16 operable as a motor or as a generator and having a rotor 26, a hydraulic torque converter 70 including an impeller 80 connected to the rotor 26 and a turbine 86. A system 94, 96 is provided for selectively providing hydraulic fluid to the torque converter 70 and a constant speed drive 112, 142, 144 is included. Overrunning clutches 108 and 158 interconnect the turbine 86 and an input for the constant speed drive for allowing the input to overrun the turbine 86 but not the reverse, and for interconnecting the rotor 26 and an output 130 of the constant speed drive for allowing the rotor 26 to overrun the output 130.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system including a split path, electromechanical transmission for use with a flywheel as a power source. One path comprises a mechanical drive train extending between the flywheel power source and the vehicle drive wheels or other power output. The other path comprises an electromechanical drive train of which the mechanical portion is shared with the mechanical drive train by virtue of a common planetary gear arrangement for dividing or combining the power transmitted from or to the flywheel. A battery may be included in the system to make up certain losses from operation and to provide the initial start-up power. A simplified control system is provided to control the transmission of power over the separate parallel paths.