Abstract: A device for transforming thermal energy to electric energy including a magnetic circuit including at least a portion made of a magnetic material, a temperature-varying device for varying the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit, and a coil arranged around the magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the coil to thereby form a resonant circuit, wherein the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit and the frequency of the temperature variation above and below the phase transition temperature of the magnetic material are dependent on one another to optimize the electric power output.

Abstract: A guidable projectile has a nose member, a projectile body, and a nose member articulation assembly which couples the nose member to the projectile body. The nose member articulation assembly includes a stator attached to the nose member, a rotor attached to the projectile body, and rotational support hardware interconnecting the stator to the rotor. The stator defines a central axis. The rotational support hardware is constructed and arranged to guide rotation of the rotor around the central axis defined by the stator. Such a guidable projectile enables circuitry such as the driver of the stator and the power source to reside at fixed locations relative to the stator thus alleviating the need for slip rings which would otherwise present potential points of failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electrical bus leveling unit are provided. The electrical bus leveling unit includes a first power supply configured to generate electrical energy having a first set of electrical parameters and a power converter electrically coupled to said power supply. The power converter is configured to be coupled to an electrical bus couplable to a second power supply. The electrical bus leveling unit also includes a controller including a processor that is communicatively coupled to the power supply and the power converter The controller is configured to receive information relating to the operation of the electrical bus from a plurality of sensors, control an output of at least one of the power supply and the power converter to transfer electrical energy to the electrical bus when the second set of electrical parameters on the electrical bus is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: An electrical architecture for an aircraft is provided. The electrical architecture is particularly suitable for relatively small, compact, and lightweight aircraft. In one embodiment, the electrical architecture includes an electrical generator component coupled to the aircraft engine, and an air compression system coupled to the electrical generator component. The electrical generator component is configured to receive mechanical power from the engine and to generate a constant frequency AC electrical power from the engine mechanical power, and the air compression system is configured to receive the constant frequency AC power as an input and, in response thereto, produce a pressurized air output having variable characteristics (for example, a variable flow rate or a variable air pressure).

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.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.

Abstract: In one aspect, power generation is accomplished by capturing off-gas from a wellhead of an oil producing well, sensing a change in pressure from which a change in available off-gas can be determined, and adjusting a torque supplied by a prime mover to a generator responsive to the change in available off-gas to vary an amount of electricity generated by the generator.

Abstract: A method for the operation of a converter of a power-generating generator system that can be connected to an electrical AC network, and the use of the converter is provided. The converter is operated by a regulation device regulating the converter as an active audio frequency block. At least one audio frequency current of at least one specified audio frequency is detected. An AC current progression that is to be transmitted to the converter in the regulation device is determined, where at least one audio frequency current is at least Partially impressed on the AC current progression. The AC current progression in the converter is generated. The AC current progression generated by the converter is then supplied to the AC network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tractor trailer power system for powering a hydraulic liftgate and other components in the trailer so the tractor engine does not have to run to maintain the battery charge of the trailer batteries.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to providing auxiliary power to long-haul trucks and similar types of transportation vehicles, and more particularly related to an easily installed and maintained auxiliary power unit that provides operational levels of electrical power and HVAC services while simultaneously driving a hydraulic system through an incorporated hydraulic pump assembly.

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.

Abstract: A method and device to optimize the cumulative beneficial effect of harvesting all available forms of lost energy, including energy that is lost while a vehicle is in motion (e.g., kinetic, inertia, friction, thermodynamic, and aerodynamic losses). The cumulative energy that is recovered is converted to electrical energy which powers the on-board electrolyzer to produce more hydrogen and oxygen while the system is in operation and stationary. Stationary, passive means of energy, solar, wind, hydro, etc. will also be available to power the electrolyzer. The system also contemplates utilizing passive means of energy to power a non-mobile system which incorporates an internal or external combustion engine in place of a fuel cell.

Abstract: This invention discloses a power control system comprising a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. A control device is coupled with the generator to ascertain a change in speed of the generator and vary an output power of the generator according to the change. The control device applies a signal to reduce the generator output power and another signal to restore the generator output power. The power control system may include a transmission, a speed converter, and/or an accessory.

Abstract: This invention discloses a power control system comprising a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. A control device is coupled with the generator to ascertain a change in speed of the generator and vary an output power of the generator according to the change. The control device applies a signal to reduce the generator output power and another signal to restore the generator output power. The power control system may include a transmission, a speed converter, and/or an accessory.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: An environmental control and power system (ECAPS) including an ECU with at least one variable-speed compressor driven by a DC motor, wherein the ECU is adapted to condition air and output the conditioned air and a variable-speed diesel engine connected to a generator. The generator is configured to vary in speed so as to output AC power at a variable frequency. The system includes a rectification assembly which transforms the AC power from the generator and/or external AC power into DC power. The ECAPS directs the DC power to the DC motor to drive the variable-speed compressor and varies, in a controlled manner, at least one parameter of the outputted conditioned air from the HVAC system.

Abstract: A distributed system of electrical generators utilizing wind driven natural motion of trees comprises a novel energy producing system. The network of the generators, PRGs, derives torque from the back and forth swaying of neighboring trees. Cables, one set of cables for support and the other acting as a spring-tensioned flexible rack that drives the pinion gear of the PRG and also supports the PRG, between the trees are attached to the PRGs and provide the tension required to support and retract the PRG mechanism. Tree saddles attach the PRG cabling to the trees. As the trees sway independently the separations between the trees fluctuate periodically and the PRGs convert these fluctuations into rotational forces that drive the generators.

Abstract: A system comprises a turbo generator having a switched reluctance machine having at least one pole-matched rotor and stator pair, a single phase inverter coupled to the turbo generator and further coupled to a direct current link, an inverter coupled to the direct current link, a motor generator coupled to the inverter.

Abstract: A motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop for generating electrical energy in stationary, portable, and automotive applications. The generator includes a housing defining an interior space and including a first portion and a second portion; an electric motor assembly positioned within the first portion of the housing, and operationally coupled to a shaft member for selectively rotating the shaft member; an electric generator assembly positioned within the second portion of the housing and operationally coupled to the shaft member for converting mechanical rotation into electrical energy, the electric generator assembly including a current output for supplying electrical current; and a control assembly operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly and the electric motor assembly the control assembly providing a control current to the electric motor assembly for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member by the electric motor assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses a power control system comprising a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. A control device is coupled with the generator to ascertain a change in speed of the generator and vary an output power of the generator according to the change. The control device applies a signal to reduce the generator output power and another signal to restore the generator output power. The power control system may include a transmission, a speed converter, and/or an accessory.

Abstract: This invention discloses a power control system comprising a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. A control device is coupled with the generator to ascertain a change in speed of the generator and vary an output power of the generator according to the change. The control device applies a signal to reduce the generator output power and another signal to restore the generator output power. The power control system may include a transmission, a speed converter, and/or an accessory.

Abstract: A wind power generation system wherein procedure for controlling the blade pitch is changed in accordance with the rate of decrease in the amplitude of the grid voltage, and when over current occurs in the grid-side power converter, the grid-side power converter is brought into the gate-blocked condition whereas the generator-side power converter continues its operation.

Abstract: A portable mobile device includes a first component and a second component movably connected to the first component. The first and second component are configured to be movable with respect to each other during the normal operation of the portable computing device. The portable computing device further includes a current generator connected to the first component and/or the second component. The current generator is operable to generate a current when the first component and the second component move with respect to each other in an engaged mode. A method for generating a current is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-propelled working machine, which performs work by using power of an internal combustion engine 10 and travels by using power of an electric motor 30, includes a mechanical governor 75 for maintaining the engine at a designated engine rotational speed Nf. A load control mechanism for the working machine has a maximum working output calculator that calculates a maximum working output Qf from the designated engine rotational speed, an actual working load calculator that calculates an actual working load Qr from the designated engine rotational speed Nf and a detected actual engine rotational speed Nr, and a limit speed calculator that calculates a limit speed Vc from the maximum working output Qf and the actual working load Qr. A travel controller operates and controls the electric motor 30 by setting a travel speed V to the limit speed Vc when the actual engine rotational speed Nr is decreased to be lower than the designated engine rotational speed Nf.

Abstract: A hybrid power system is disclosed. The hybrid power system may include a primary power source configured to provide a primary power, and an energy storage device coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device configured to store excess primary power provided by the primary power source. The hybrid power system may further include a variable speed genset, the variable speed genset including a secondary power source configured to operate at a variable rotor speed to provide a secondary power responsive to power requirements of a load. The hybrid power system may also include a central controller communicatively coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset, the central controller configured to control the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset based on the power requirements of the load.

Abstract: An electrical architecture for an aircraft is provided. The electrical architecture is particularly suitable for relatively small, compact, and lightweight aircraft. In one embodiment, the electrical architecture includes an electrical generator component coupled to the aircraft engine, and an air compression system coupled to the electrical generator component. The electrical generator component is configured to receive mechanical power from the engine and to generate a constant frequency AC electrical power from the engine mechanical power, and the air compression system is configured to receive the constant frequency AC power as an input and, in response thereto, produce a pressurized air output having variable characteristics (for example, a variable flow rate or a variable air pressure).

Abstract: Power distribution of an engine and an electric power storage device is determined according to a charge amount of the power storage device, and the charge amount of the power storage device is maintained in an adequate range. A power source device for working machines includes a hydraulic pump, a generator-motor, an engine, serving as a common power source, to which the hydraulic pump and the generator-motor are connected parallel, and a battery, serving as an electric power storage device, for storing a power thereof by the generator function of the generator-motor. The generator-motor is driven by a discharge power of the battery to perform the motor function.

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.

Abstract: A DC conversion system includes a power-generating device, a power storage device, and a DC boost circuit. The power-generating device transforms power from natural resources such as solar power and wind force into a direct current power source. The direct current voltage output from the power-generating device can be stepped up directly from 6-12 volts to high voltage of 200-680 volts by the DC boost circuit and thereby obviate the need to perform a DC to AC conversion.

Abstract: A power generation control device for a generator driven by a four-stroke cycle engine is provided. The power generation control device includes a switching circuit for controlling an output current from the generator; and a power generation period control device configured to operate the switching circuit to output the output current from the generator in only a predetermined power generation period of the four strokes of the engine, wherein the power generation period ranges from an expansion stroke to an intake stroke of the four strokes.

Abstract: A fuel vapor treatment apparatus includes: a detection passage provided with a restrictor therein; a pump generating a gas-flow in the detection passage; and a differential pressure sensor detecting a pressure loss at the restrictor. A fuel vapor concentration is computed based on a pressure loss when air passes through the detection passage and a pressure loss when an air-fuel mixture passes through the detection passage. When the computed fuel vapor concentration reaches a specified value, an internal combustion engine is started and the fuel vapor treatment apparatus starts to supply the fuel vapor adsorbed by the canister to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for producing current with a desired output frequency from one or more fixed or variable speed alternators by varying a saturation level of a portion of the alternator(s) based on a output frequency desired, and preferably then rectifying the output to produce a desired electrical output which may be provided as direct current or alternating current to a suitable load.

Abstract: A cooperative control apparatus calculates the total electric load amount of a plurality of electrical loads (W), determines working states of the electrical loads (W), calculates a projected value of the total electrical load amount after a prescribed time, and effects cooperative control of the electrical loads (W) so that the total electrical load amount can be made lower than the threshold value in a case in which the projected value is larger than a threshold value for switching a generation mode of a generator (6) and is in a prescribed range.

Abstract: A method for determining electric currents for an electrical machine includes generating a first real power current demand signal and a first reactive power current demand signal. The method also includes determining at least one of a second real power current demand signal and a second reactive power current demand signal by prioritizing a second real power current demand signal over a second reactive power current demand signal. Alternatively, the method also includes determining at least one of a second real power current demand signal and a second reactive power current demand signal by prioritizing the second reactive power current demand signal over the second real power current demand signal. The method further includes comparing at least one of the first real power current demand signal and first reactive power current demand signal to at least one electrical machine current limit signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling generation of power to be generated by a generator driven by an engine mounted on a vehicle equipped with an electrical load operative on the power from the generator, the generator including a field winding to which current is supplied on the power, and a duty cycle of the current being increased to maintain the power of the generator, the apparatus comprising duty cycle limit means for limiting an increasing rate of the duty cycle in response to an increase in an amount of the load when the engine is in an idle state; rotation frequency detecting means for detecting the rotation frequency of the engine; and limit value deciding means for deciding a limit value for the increasing rate of the duty cycle to a greater value than a limit value corresponding to the idle state, when the rotation frequency detecting means detects a decrease in the rotation frequency.

Abstract: A power generating device according to the present invention has a positive displacement steam expander for converting expansion of steam into a rotational force, a power generator connected to a rotational axis of the positive displacement steam expander, an inverter for setting an operational frequency of the power generator, a power detector for detecting generated electric power of the power generator, and control means for changing set frequency of the inverter in accordance with a deviation of the generated electric power detected by the power detector from a target value. According to such a configuration, it is possible to sustain high output of the power generator irrespective of a differential pressure between primary side steam and secondary side steam.

Abstract: Upon power failure of a commercial power source, an automatic switching device switches to power supply from a hybrid vehicle. An ECU of the vehicle, when receiving a request for generation of a commercial AC voltage, sets an upper-limit power generation amount based on a remaining amount of fuel. The ECU transmits the upper-limit power generation amount via an antenna to an on-premises ECU, while controlling a power generation amount based on the upper-limit power generation amount. The on-premises, when receiving the upper-limit power generation amount, controls the load state such that commercial AC power is supplied firstly to a first load of priority level 1, according to proprieties registered in advance, and such that the amount of the power supplied to the electric loads does not exceed the upper-limit power generation amount.

Abstract: An apparatus and method generate electric current within a specified frequency range from a rotor operating within a broad range of rotational speeds by reducing the number of poles of the generator at higher rotational speeds. At higher rotational speeds, the generator circuit is altered so that a flow of current through half of a plurality of windings is reversed and the polarity in the said half of the windings is reversed. Two adjacent windings with the same polarity create a single pseudo pole, which effectively reduces the number of poles in the generator by half, and reduces the frequency of the electric current produced by the generator. Thus, the generator is operable to produce current within a specified frequency range from a rotor operating within a broad range of rotational speeds.

Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.

Abstract: A method of converting a diesel engine to a fuel-free and pollution-free pneumatic engine has been disclosed. A conventional diesel engine can be converted to a non-fuel-burning emission-free pneumatic engine. This can be accomplished by using the engine to operate a DC inverted to AC generator and using the AC current to operate a compressed-air device capable of delivering over 500 PSI and CFM enough to operate the engine in place of diesel fuel. Since the diesel engine compresses air to temperatures of about 1000 degrees F. and pressures of about 500 PSI, if one mixes it with cold air at pressures above 500 PSI a violent reaction will occur which will drive the engine piston downwards with force enough that when repeated in accordance with the engine's firing order it will cause the vehicle to self-propel along a surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for monitoring a rotating synchronous electric machine (9), which comprises a rotor winding and a stator having a stator winding. The method comprises the steps of determining the stator winding current, determining the stator winding voltage, determining the rotor winding current, and estimating the temperature in at least two positions in the electric machine (9) using a model of the electric machine and the determined current and voltage values. An apparatus according to the invention is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A wind powered turbine with low voltage ride-through capability. An inverter is connected to the output of a turbine generator. The generator output is conditioned by the inverter resulting in an output voltage and current at a frequency and phase angle appropriate for transmission to a three-phase utility grid. A frequency and phase angle sensor is connected to the utility grid operative during a fault on the grid. A control system is connected to the sensor and to the inverter. The control system output is a current command signal enabling the inverter to put out a current waveform, which is of the same phase and frequency as detected by the sensor. The control system synthesizes current waveform templates for all three-phases based on a sensed voltage on one phase and transmits currents to all three-phases of the electrical system based on the synthesized current waveforms.

Abstract: A power ring device that includes: a ring conductor; a plurality of controllers, each controller being connected to the ring conductor and includes a first control unit; a plurality of paired pick ups, wherein each pair connects either an electrical consumer device or an electrical power supply to the ring conductor and to one of the plurality of controllers, wherein a first pair of pick ups of a first controller is connected to a first power supply; and a plurality of current sensor signal lines connecting each control unit to form a data connection; wherein each controller has a right and left side, a right sided and left sided switch elements; and a right sided and left sided current sensors connected so that a first current value measured by the left sided current sensor of the first controller is transmitted as data to the first control unit of a second controller.

Abstract: A motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop for generating electrical energy in stationary, portable, and automotive applications. The generator includes a housing defining an interior space and including a first portion and a second portion; an electric motor assembly positioned within the first portion of the housing, and operationally coupled to a shaft member for selectively rotating the shaft member; an electric generator assembly positioned within the second portion of the housing and operationally coupled to the shaft member for converting mechanical rotation into electrical energy, the electric generator assembly including a current output for supplying electrical current; and a control assembly operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly and the electric motor assembly the control assembly providing a control current to the electric motor assembly for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member by the electric motor assembly.

Abstract: A controller for high torque, low RPM wind turbines and ocean current turbines. The turbine consists of a large, input power shaft-mounted, rotating bull-gear with stationary powertrains mounted around its periphery. The gear teeth on the bull-gear rotate past the teeth on pinions, causing the pinions to turn and delivering power to each smaller powertrain. A controller regulates torque experienced by each powertrain to assure that torques are balanced between generators at any given system load. The control method comprises the programmatically continuously looping steps of measuring a system parameter to be controlled, such as torque and/or speed, selecting the optimal number of generators to be connected/disconnected to a utility line, incrementally connecting or disconnecting generators to achieve the point of optimal performance, measuring the parameters, such as current and/or voltage, of the connected generators and adjusting the generator parameters to fine tune the system for optimal performance.

Abstract: An electrical system (12) is provided for an automotive vehicle (10) having a first power source (14) with a first positive terminal (16) and first negative terminal (18). A second power source (20) having a second positive terminal (22) and a second negative terminal (24) is also provided. A common electrical node N2 is coupled to the first negative terminal and the second positive terminal. A first load (26) is coupled between the first positive terminal and the second node N2. A second load (30) is coupled to the positive terminal. A switch (SW3) is coupled to the second positive terminal (22), the second negative terminal (24) and the second load (30). The switch (SW3) has a first position electrically coupling the second load to the second positive terminal and a second position electrically coupling the second negative terminal to the second load (30).

Abstract: A method of reactive power regulation in an electrical network in which electrical power is produced by an electrical generator preferably driven by the rotor of a wind power installation and suitably modulated by means of a compensation device between the generator and the network for the compensation of reactive power, and an apparatus for producing electrical energy in an electrical network, preferably an electrical generator driven by the rotor of a wind power installation and a compensation device between the generator and the network for the compensation of reactive power. The compensation device is so regulated that the electrical power delivered to the consumer has a reactive power component which is adapted in respect of its phase, amplitude and/or frequency to the consumer in such a way as to compensate for the reactive power in the consumer.

Abstract: A method for converting lower temperature dissipated heat to other useful energy and apparatus therefore. Heat energy is transferred to a fluid contained within a conduit, and natural convection of the fluid is utilized to transfer kinetic energy of the heat to another type of energy such as electrical energy.

Abstract: A starter-generator for an aircraft engine comprises a variable dynamoelectric machine alternatively operable as a motor or as a generator, having a rotor. A support motor is coupled to the variable dynamoelectric machine to assist the machine. A torque converter selectively couples and decouples the rotor to the engine, coupling the rotor to the engine at some point when the dynamoelectric machine is operated as a motor. The engine may be started by the dynamoelectric machine when operated as a motor through a first power train including the torque converter and may drive the dynamoelectric machine as a generator through a second power train.

Abstract: A method for operating a switched reluctance electrical generator in a manner that is highly efficient involves initially performing a mapping technique to obtain data relating to all of the possible operating conditions of the generator system that generate the desired output power. This mapping technique can be performed empirically or by computer simulation. Then, the effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator are measured or calculated. Next, the optimum conduction angles can be selected as those turn-on angles and turn-off angles that occur using the smallest effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator. Lastly, the generator system is operated using the selected optimum turn-on and turn-off angles. If desired, a feedback loop can be provided for comparing the actual output power that is generated by the generator system with a desired reference output power level to insure that such actual output power is maintained at or near the desired output power.