Electric Control Patents (Class 290/7)
  • Publication number: 20120139239
    Abstract: An inverter generator includes a motor, an electric generator and an ECU generating a pulse at each predetermined rotation angle of the motor. Estimating means estimates an initial electrical angle of alternating voltage produced by the generator from the pulse and calculates a phase shift angle to estimate continuous electrical angle of the alternating voltage. A converter converts the alternating current electric power into direct current electric power under d-q control based on the phase shift angle. An inverter converts the direct current electric power into alternating current output electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Narutoshi YOKOKAWA, Junichi Kanai, Naoyuki Mashima
  • Publication number: 20120126546
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce an electricity-producing unit that enables a motor vehicle of any conceivable design to be equipped with said invention and thus to produce a motor vehicle that is driven purely by one or more electric motors, wherein the electricity-generating unit works pollutant-free during operation, is environmentally friendly, generates little noise, and has a very small design. Said aim is achieved by a drive system comprising a turbine (1/1), a differential gear (1/2), a generator (1/3), a control unit (1/4), and a starter (1/5), wherein only electric motors are provided to drive the wheels of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Gerhard Walter Auer
  • Publication number: 20120104842
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of controlling torque oscillations in a mechanical drive train of an electrical generation system which provides electrical power to an isolated electrical network, the method including the steps of: a. monitoring for changes in the electrical condition of the electrical network; b. determining whether a change in the electrical condition of the network falls within a predetermined range; c. adjusting the power in the network using an auxiliary power source when the electrical condition of the network falls within the predetermined range so as reduce or substantially prevent the build up of torque oscillations in the mechanical drive train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Gareth E. Moore, Jason E. Hill, Seamus D. Garvey
  • Patent number: 8170723
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to power system sensitivities as computed from power flow parameters and control parameters of a Power Flow Control Device (PFC). To this end, control parameter variations are applied to or generated by a PFC, and comprise variations in a control input u, a control effort e (injected series voltage, inserted series reactance), or a control effect q (power flow, active power transfer, phase-shift, current). A power flow response measuring unit measures a variation of a power flow response such as current, active or apparent power, in a way sufficiently synchronized with the control parameter variation to allow establishing an unambiguous causal relationship or correspondence in the form of a power system sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Bertil Berggren, Mats Larsson, Tord Bengtsson, Petr Korba, Alexandre Oudalov
  • Publication number: 20120061964
    Abstract: A control system for a power plant is provided, configured to influence actual HV characteristics of an HV power line at a point-of-interconnection to a grid. The control system includes an MV-compliant measurement system configured for connection with an MV power line of the power plant, and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is connected to the MV-compliant measurement system and is configured to determine calculated HV characteristics of the HV power line based on measurement values received from the MV-compliant measurement system at the MV power line and based on a model of a transformer. The transformer transforms from medium voltage on the MV power line to high voltage on the HV power line. The evaluation unit is configured to generate a control signal based on the calculated HV characteristics in order to control the power plant for influencing the actual HV characteristics of the HV power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas KIRCHNER
  • Patent number: 8125196
    Abstract: Utilisation of a number of electrical machines such as generators all driven by a common prime mover, such as a gas turbine engine, are known. However, faults in one phase of one particular electrical machine may cause torque vibration and therefore stressing to mechanical linkages between the electrical machine and the prime mover. By determining torque vibration and then utilising a second electrical machine to introduce an anti-phase torque vibration a substantially balanced and steady torque loading to the mechanical linkages can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: David R Trainer, Thomas C J Feehally, Stephen A Long
  • Publication number: 20120032440
    Abstract: A stationary energy generation plant includes a control device that serves to control current and energy flow. The energy generation plant includes at least one mechanically driven rotor and a generator mechanically coupled to the rotor. To this end, power electronics operationally connected to the generator enable variable energy flow from the rotor through the generator and the power electronics to a load. In order to compensate for vibrational loads on the generator side, at least one current control is made possible by means of a first intermediate circuit storage of the power electronics. In order to compensate for mechanical vibrational loads and transients of a drivetrain, an energy flow control is provided by means of at least one additional second intermediate circuit storage disposed in the power electronics and having a multiple of the storage capacity of the first intermediate circuit storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Schindele, Boris Buchtala, Anton Paweletz, Bernd Schnurr, Andreas Vath
  • Publication number: 20120025543
    Abstract: A linear hydraulic and generator coupling apparatus for transferring and manipulating power. The apparatus has an electrical system, a hydraulic system and a gear system. In operation, the electrical system directs the hydraulic system to force the rack of the gear system into horizontal motion. The gear system transfers the linear kinetic energy into angular momentum, and from there into electrical energy via selectively engaging alternating gears. The gear system preferably has two sets of gears that are engaged with the electrical system by selectively sliding the gears into position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ed Gilbert, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120019000
    Abstract: A calibration system for a generator set controller is disclosed. The calibration system may have a source of electric power, a controller in communication with the source and configured to monitor a parameter of the electric power and produce at least one output corresponding to the monitored parameter, and a power meter configured to measure the parameter of the electric power. The calibration system may also have a processor in communication with the source of electric power, the controller, and the power meter. The processor may be configured to direct electric power having a first test voltage from the source to the controller, and directly relate a value of the at least one output corresponding to the first test voltage and a value of the measured parameter to an offset error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Keith Ronald FOLKEN, Michael Allen Dvorsky, Matthew Joseph Meinhart
  • Publication number: 20110309618
    Abstract: A method of electromechanical energy harvesting includes sensing electrical current generated by relative movement of a coil and a magnetic flux source produced by movement of a cantilevered beam in response to ambient vibration energy, determining a vibration characteristic of the ambient vibration energy, and adjusting an effective flexible length of the cantilevered beam as a function of the vibration characteristic and the sensed electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: CHUBB INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jacek F. Gieras, Jae-Hyuk Oh, Mihai Huzmezan, Harshad S. Sane
  • Publication number: 20110304139
    Abstract: A power generator starts an engine by overcoming an inrush current occurs. A calculator (21) retrieves an outputtable current of a generator according to an engine speed. A calculator (23) calculates the lacking amount of the outputtable current relative to a load current. When the remaining battery level is sufficient, a DC/DC converter controller (24) supplies a current corresponding to the lacking amount from the battery (4) to a DC part (52). If the battery (4) starts supplying a power, FETs (Qa to Qf) of a rectifying part (51) are powered off and an output of the power generator (3) is stopped. When an engine frequency stability deciding part (27) decides the engine frequency is stable the rectifying part (51) restarts the output of the generator (3) and the current supply from the battery (4) to the DC part (52) is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi HASHIZUME, Masanori Ueno, Makoto Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20110306467
    Abstract: A load device for an apparatus for physical exercise that comprises a device that generate the load called linear motor, a micro controller, a series of sensors (dynamic, diagnostic and physiological) and a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Enrico Massa
  • Publication number: 20110291411
    Abstract: A power distribution system is disclosed. The power distribution system may have a generator, a first load interruption device associated with the generator, and a load powered by the generator. The power distribution system may also have a second load interruption device associated with the load, and a generator controller. The generator controller may be configured to control the generator, determine existence of a fault condition associated with electric service between the generator and the load, and selectively activate the second load interruption device based on the determination. The generator controller may be further configured to determine if activation of the second load interruption device isolated the fault condition, and selectively activate the first load interruption device when activation of the second load interruption device fails to isolate the fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Ronald FOLKEN
  • Publication number: 20110285147
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: ENERGY CACHE, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Fyke, James T. Baker, Braden E. Hines, William T. Gross, Christian T. Gregory
  • Patent number: 8053915
    Abstract: A rotary electric machine for a vehicle includes a rotor, a stator and a rectifying device for current AC/DC conversion. The machine operates as a motor and a generator. The machine includes a multi-phase windings, switching elements forming a rectifying device, and a controller for controlling a current path of the multi-phase windings by switching the switching elements on and off to perform two modes of operation. The switching elements are switched such that one end of each windings is connected to either a high electrical potential end or a low electrical potential end of the rectifying device and the other ends of the windings connected together to be the same electrical potential are connected to either the high electrical potential end or the low electrical potential end in the rectifying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Umeda, Takatoshi Inokuchi
  • Patent number: 8049349
    Abstract: A power generation control device can include a switching circuit which controls an output of a generator. A periodical power charge control unit can be configured to allow the switching circuit to the operated in a zone including a combustion stroke of one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and in an periodical power charge control range preset from in a zone which does not overlap a compression stroke of another cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Saito, Kousuke Tsunashima
  • Publication number: 20110252598
    Abstract: A door closer with a self-powered control unit is disclosed. The control unit for the door closer includes a drive gear configured to rotate in response to movement of a door, and a chain arranged to cooperate with the drive gear to produce linear motion in response to rotation of the drive gear. At least one gear creates rotational motion from the linear motion of the chain to turn a generator and generate electricity to power the control unit. In some embodiments, a set of clutch gears is disposed between the chain and the gear creating the rotational motion from the chain so that only one direction of the rotational motion is transferred to the generator in response to movement of the door in any direction. The control unit can additionally include a power management circuit to store energy from the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Yale Securlty Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, JR., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
  • Publication number: 20110248498
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of generating electrical power utilizing hot surface air as the heat source, high atmosphere as the heat sink and a microwave beam aimed upward providing updraft to initiate and control the large-scale air circulation. The frequency of the microwave beam is centered at approximately 60 GHz, within the absorption band of molecular oxygen, so as to result in beam penetration to an altitude of several kilometers. The power plant comprises a high-power microwave source, e.g. a bank of gyrotrons, one or more turbine-generator sets, and—optionally—a condenser/cyclone (if on a floating platform). The plant can also provide clean water from condensation out of humid, sea level air. The plant could also be used to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide from large quantities of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Slobodan Tepic
  • Publication number: 20110241354
    Abstract: A system for storing and retrieving energy may include a cable and a multi-segment weight connected to the cable. The multi-segment weight may include a chain of weight segments. The chain of weight segments may be flexible so as to permit each weight segment to rotate with respect to each of its neighboring weight segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Gordon Roesler
  • Patent number: 8030860
    Abstract: A power shovel vehicle including a hydraulic pump that outputs hydraulic oil for operating a hydraulic actuator, an electric motor for driving the hydraulic pump, a main battery for supplying direct current electric power, an inverter for converting the direct current electric power into alternating current electric power and operating the electric motor, a second relay for making and breaking the connection between the main battery and the inverter, an operating device for operating the hydraulic actuator, a controller for controlling operation of the hydraulic actuator and inverter, and turning on and off the second relay, a first relay for making and breaking the connection between the main battery and the controller, a power source monitoring controller for monitoring conditions of the main battery and turning on and off the first relay, a hydraulic sensor for detecting the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump, and an electric current sensor for measuring a load current flowing into the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Takeuchi Mfg Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20110233933
    Abstract: A pressure regulation device adapted to maintain a predetermined pressure drop. The device includes: a fluid inlet; a turbine rotated by a flowing fluid; a shaft rotated by said turbine; a generator in mechanical communication with said shaft; a fluid outlet. Wherein said predetermined pressure drop across said turbine is converted into useful work by said generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Uri Rapoport
  • Publication number: 20110233932
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing an electrical energy system. A specific embodiment can incorporate at least one energy harvesting module (H-module), at least one energy storage module (S-module), and at least one power electronic circuit module (C-module). The various modules can be integrated into a standard battery configuration. Specific embodiments pertain to a reconfigurable energy system with modules that can be disconnected and reconnected into different shapes and configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: KARL ZAWOY, DAVID PATRICK ARNOLD
  • Publication number: 20110233931
    Abstract: Equipment having an energy management system includes an articulated arm, a work implement, an energy management system, and a hydraulic circuit. The articulated arm includes hydraulic actuators designed to maneuver the articulated arm, and the work implement is fastened to the articulated arm. The energy management system is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and includes a hydraulic rotating machine and an electric rotating machine coupled to the hydraulic rotating machine. When the energy management system is in the first configuration, the hydraulic rotating machine and the electric rotating machine function as an electric motor powering a hydraulic pump. When the energy management system is in the second configuration, the hydraulic rotating machine and the electric rotating machine function as a hydraulic motor powering an electric generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Robert WEBER, Joseph Helfrich, John Luvaas
  • Publication number: 20110221209
    Abstract: A device for the generation of energy and in particular electrical energy includes a cell or chamber which moves upwardly and downwardly in a body of water. Cog wheels are connected to the cell. The cog wheels are connected to the shafts of generators. Rotation of the cog wheels operates the generators which produce energy. The cog wheels engage anchor chains or vertical supports. The up and down movement of the cell causes the cog wheels to move upwardly and downwardly along the anchor chains and thereby rotate. This rotation drives the energy generator and generates energy, preferably electricity. The cog wheels are permitted to rotate upon the receipt of a request for energy. This results in a highly efficient source of energy or electricity. Energy from other sources, such as wind or tides, can be utilized to operate the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: James Ryan
  • Publication number: 20110221192
    Abstract: A universally and flexibly applicable generator generates electrical energy from mechanical vibrations. The generator includes a mechanically vibrating system having a spring system and device for changing the mechanical tension of the spring system. A method for adjusting the resonant frequency of the generator allows electrical energy to be generated from mechanical vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jens Makuth, Jan Mehner, Dirk Scheibner
  • Publication number: 20110181044
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving power generation in a thermal power plant. A dynamic reactive compensation system is provided and is connected to a high voltage bus or a generator bus of the power plant. The dynamic reactive compensation system comprises power electronic devices and is operable to provide most of the reactive power that is required from the power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ABB INC.
    Inventors: Brian David Scott, David Larsson
  • Patent number: 7969030
    Abstract: A power generation system is provided that includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational mechanical energy. A generator is configured to receive the rotational mechanical energy and generate electrical power in response to the rotational mechanical energy. A fluid medium is provided to the internal combustion engine and to the generator for removing thermal energy from the internal combustion engine and from the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Powersys, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Woods, Douglas Alan Koeneman
  • Publication number: 20110121581
    Abstract: Unlike current electric generators; the Nuvolt Power System “NPS” is an electric generator that, once started, will produce electrical power continuously, without the aid or use of external energy sources such as: mechanical, fuel, waves, wind, solar or electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: James Edward McLean, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110115223
    Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
  • Publication number: 20110115222
    Abstract: A vibration energy harvester for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the vibration energy harvester comprising a device for generating electrical energy when subjected to mechanical vibration, and a current control circuit electrically connected to the device for providing a substantially constant output current at an electrical output of the vibration energy harvester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: PERPETUUM LTD
    Inventors: John Stuart PARKER, Stephen ROBERTS
  • Patent number: 7939953
    Abstract: A mobile system for providing start-up electrical power to a micro scale liquid hydrocarbon and/or oxygenate synthesis plant is provided including a portable gas or liquid fueled electrical generator, a steam turbine, a plant generator mechanically coupled to the steam turbine, a plant power load; and means for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator is provided. Also provided is a process for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Maxim Lyubovsky, Stephen C. LeViness, Christopher P. Heinrichs, Richard Shannon Todd
  • Publication number: 20110080007
    Abstract: A system for converting wind and solar energy for use with an electrical generator, the system includes a wind powered subsystem including: a rotor for receiving wind to generate mechanical energy; and a first shaft for providing a permanent mechanical coupling between the rotor and the electrical generator for transferring the generated mechanical energy to the electrical generator; a solar powered subsystem including: a solar collector for receiving solar energy to generate thermal energy; a thermo-mechanical engine coupled to the solar collector for converting the generated thermal energy into mechanical energy; and a second shaft mechanically coupled to the thermo-mechanical engine; and an interconnection subsystem for selecting between coupling the second shaft to the first shaft for combining the mechanical energy generated by the wind and solar powered subsystems to be transferred to the electrical generator, and decoupling the second shaft from the first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Tsao
  • Publication number: 20110074165
    Abstract: A system for controlling power load to a rig engine of a wellbore rig. The system includes a controller for controlling the rig engine, a sensor for sensing the exhaust temperature of the rig engine, the sensor in communication with the controller for providing to the controller signals indicative of the exhaust temperature. The controller maintains the power load to the rig engine based on the exhaust temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Francis Grimes, Gregory Paul Cervenka, Kent Hulick
  • Publication number: 20110068576
    Abstract: A method for early detection and anticipatory control of consumer-end load shedding in a single-phase or polyphase electrical grid supplied with single phase or polyphase by at least one generator driven by at least one rotating machine includes measuring a current and a voltage between the at least one generator and the electrical grid and/or a current and a voltage in the electrical grid, deriving at least one signal from the measured current and voltage and using the at least one derived signal to act on the at least one rotating machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Marcel MEIER, Christian STOCKMANN, Erhard LIEBIG, Jose TABORDA
  • Publication number: 20110062708
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling power generation. For example, the system may include a drive, an electrical generator coupled to the drive, and a controller coupled to the drive. The controller may include a stabilizing mode responsive to a utility signal representative of a grid destabilizing event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James K. Prochaska, Randall J. Kleen, Thomas E. Stowell, Garland W. Ferguson, Louis N. Hannett, William S. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110057441
    Abstract: A control system for an electrical power generation system (EPGS) provides overload protection without disconnecting a generator of the EPGS from an excessive electrical load. Available engine power and current levels of the electrical load are continuously measured. A command voltage is calculated that corresponds to a voltage required to sustain with the maximum available power. Output voltage of a generator of the EPGS is controlled at the calculated command voltage so that a power limit of the engine is not exceeded during electrical overload conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: EVGENI GANEV, LOUIS C.H. CHENG
  • Publication number: 20110042964
    Abstract: A engine driven electrical generating system and its support cradle for use in confined space enclosures with a triple redundant troubleshooting system, a triple redundant troubleshooting data transmission system, and a double redundant electric fan cooling system wherein the most common modes of motor or generator failure can be repaired quickly and easily with the genset in situ. With the most common mode of failure for a genset being overheating, enhanced fan monitoring and replacement systems have been incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED DYNAMO INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Timothy Blair Kitch
  • Publication number: 20110037260
    Abstract: The device includes, in a housing, an actuator electrically connected to a battery for charging a portable item such as a mobile terminal. For a rotating actuator comprising a first member submitted to an oscillatory motion, for example a walker carrying the housing, and a second member making up at least partially a mass part, the mass part is able to oscillate around the axle of the armature with respect to the first member. A servo control system can control the actuator sometimes as a motor supplied by the battery or by allowing the mass part to move freely, sometimes as a generator charging the battery, by slaving the motion speed of the mass part to the acceleration of the oscillatory motion of the first member. This enables to recover as much electric power as possible from the walker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: FRANCE TELECOM
    Inventors: Daniel Sadarnac, Didier Marquet
  • Publication number: 20110025056
    Abstract: An electrical power generating system includes a spring system that stores stored energy, the spring system having an input for recharging the stored energy and an output for releasing the stored energy, wherein the spring system generates a monitor signal based on a status parameter of the spring system and wherein the spring system releases the stored energy in accordance with an output control signal. A generator converts the stored energy released by the spring system into electric power. A spring recharge module recharges the stored energy of the spring system in response to a recharge control signal, based on a supplemental source of power. A control module generates the recharge control signal and the output control signal, based on the monitor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cripps
  • Publication number: 20110018264
    Abstract: An energy conversion and accumulation device, for the conversion of environmental energy into electric energy, includes a transducer, able to convert external environmental stress into an electric quantity, a storage element to accumulate and/or transfer the electric quantity to an electric device, a first switch element, activated in order to transfer electric energy from the transducer directly to a temporary storage element, and a second switch element activated in order to transfer electric energy stored by the temporary storage element directly to the storage element. The device further includes a sensor element, associated with the transducer, temporary storage element, and storage element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: EUROTECH SPA
    Inventors: Aldo Romani, Cinzia Tamburini
  • Publication number: 20110018265
    Abstract: A combined-cycle power plant (10) has at least one power train (60) including a steam turbine (24) and a second generator (8) directly driven by the steam turbine (24) and generating alternating current, the output of which generator is connected to a power grid (21) having a given grid frequency (F), and at least one power train (11) of a gas turbine (12) and a first generator (18) driven directly by the gas turbine (12) and generating alternating current with an operating frequency, the output of which generator is connected to a power grid (21) having a predetermined grid frequency. An electronic decoupling device or a variable electronic gear unit (27) decouples the operating frequency from the grid frequency and is arranged between the first generator (18) and the power grid (21). Such a plant allows both flexible steady-state operation with high overall efficiency as well as flexible transient operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jürgen Hoffmann, Thomas Meindl
  • Publication number: 20110006523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a more efficient and dynamic waste heat recovery system in an automobile. The present invention includes a heat exchanger connected to a generator. The heat exchanger includes variable pitch impellers attached to and rotating a shaft. The pitch of the impellers can be dynamically varied and the impellers can also be staggered. The generator includes a rotor connected to the shaft. The rotor rotates within a stator when the shaft rotates. The stator includes windings with different thicknesses and different turn ratios allowing for generation of different energy levels by each of the windings. Each of the windings can be dynamically activated. The pitch of the impellers can be dynamically altered and the windings can be dynamically activated depending on energy requirements of an energy storage unit and/or accessories in the automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Eengineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Woodson Wayne Samuel
  • Patent number: 7834472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a wind turbine connected to an electric utility grid during malfunction in said electric utility grid, said method comprising the steps of detecting a malfunction in said electric utility grid and monitoring at least one physical work property of at least one component of said wind turbine. Further, the method controls the pitch of one or more wind turbine blades of said wind turbine in order too keep said least one physical work property below at least one predefined limit in a time period of said malfunction. The invention also relates to a control system for a wind turbine connected and supplying electric power to a utility grid as well as a wind turbine and park hereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Anders Varming Rebsdorf, Michael Houllind Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100276944
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for harvesting energy from motion of one or more joints. Energy harvesters comprise: an energy converter for converting mechanical energy into corresponding electrical energy; one or more sensors for sensing one or more corresponding characteristics associated with motion of the one or more joints; and a controller connected to receive the one or more sensed characteristics and configured to assess, based at least in part on the one or more sensed characteristics, whether motion of the one or more joints is associated with mutualistic conditions or non-mutualistic conditions. If conditions are determined to be mutualistic, energy harvesting is engaged. If conditions ate determined to be non-mutualistic, energy harvesting is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James Maxwell Donelan, Arthur D. Kuo, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Qingguo Li, Douglas Weber
  • Publication number: 20100270812
    Abstract: A power turbine speed control system for a turbo-shaft type gas turbine engine that has a gas generator compressor spool and a power turbine spool and drives an electrical generator that powers at least one electrical load by way of at least one electrical bus, comprises a power turbine controller that senses the rotary speed of the power turbine spool and generates at least one signal that changes the torque of the electrical generator in response to the sensed change in the rotary speed of the power turbine spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Halsey, Charles J. Romenesko
  • Publication number: 20100259043
    Abstract: To harness the power generated by the fitness machines as a result of work expanded by human operators, the health equipment facility includes an On-Site Energy Generation, Storage and Distribution (GSD) module that serves as a medium between the local facility power distribution system and an external power grid. In general, the GSD module includes hardware, firmware and/or software for converting the mechanical energy generated by one or more fitness machines to electrical power, as well as computer executable instructions for allocating the electrical power between the local distribution system and an external power grid, or storing the generated power for future use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph S. Balsamo
  • Patent number: 7795747
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for attaching and detaching the magnetic material where upon release of the magnetic material, the residual magnetic flux of the released magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and an input coupled to the armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a lift or release material signal from an operator interface panel to lift or release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a control signal that is at least partially responsive to the voltage output of the armature to effectively maintain the voltage output of the armature to a set-point value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ephaugh, Inc.
    Inventor: John Samila
  • Publication number: 20100198412
    Abstract: A vehicle energy harvester and method of harvesting vehicle energy is provided. The vehicle energy harvester includes a first unit that accepts as an input a measure of mass, speed or velocity of a vehicle, a second unit that accepts or computes a rate of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle based on the measure of speed or velocity, a third unit that compares at least one of the measure of mass, speed, velocity, and acceleration or deceleration to at least one of an acceleration value, a mass value, or a speed value, and a fourth unit that adjusts a reaction force imparted by the vehicle energy harvester on the vehicle based on the comparison by the third unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Brian S. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20100186373
    Abstract: An electric power system includes a genset with an electric power generator, an internal combustion engine driving the electric power generator, and an electric heating device. This device may be used to selectively regenerate an exhaust treatment subsystem and/or to otherwise selectively increase load on the engine. In one application, the system is carried by a vehicle propelled by another engine. In another application, the system is structured to provide back-up power to an AC power bus, and is typically stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Pierz, Brian G. Haupt, Shreyasee Kambale, Bruce A. Peterson, Dan G. Priem, Lowell K. Siewart, Karim Elayed
  • Publication number: 20100117374
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric energy generation system based on the use of static weight. The static weight can be placed, pushed, or rolled onto a platform or shelf, controlled in its vertical motion downward, and connected to an electric generator, which transforms the vertical linear motion to electricity. A gearing system, hydraulic transmission, fluid coupling, or torque convertor to convert linear to rotational motion is employed as necessary, thereby turning the generator. A return means, of various forms, allows the platform or shelf to return to original position, and provides an opportunity to make use of vertical motion once again for energy production. A flywheel may be used to provide more sustained and smoother power over a longer period, and other amplification means may be used to increase duration or amount of power, as well as conversion means to provide electricity in usable form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: John Richard Geletka