Abstract: A power generating apparatus has a power generator 4 for generating AC power, a gas turbine engine 2 for driving the power generator 4, and an inverter device 5 for converting the AC power into commercial AC power. The power generating apparatus includes an interconnection switch S1 for connecting an output of the inverter device 5 with a commercial AC power supply system, a first voltage detector 46 for detecting a DC power supply voltage Vdc-in of the inverter device 5, and a second voltage detector 33, 45 for detecting a full-wave rectification voltage of the commercial AC power supply system. The power generating apparatus also includes an interconnection control part 18 for closing the interconnection switch S1 when the DC power supply voltage of the inverter device 5 exceeds the full-wave rectification voltage of the commercial AC power supply system.

Abstract: A continuous power supply may include a turbogenerator to provide power to supply the load and or an energy storage element and possibly also to the primary energy source. Utilizing an isolated DC bus architecture permits bi-directional power flow among interconnected elements.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine, such as an aircraft starter-generator, that may be operated in either a DC motor mode or an AC generator mode. The machine includes a main stator that is selectively configurable as a multi-pole AC stator and a multi-pole DC stator. The machine also includes DC brushes that are selectively moveable into, and out of, electrical contact the main rotor, to thereby electrically couple and decouple a DC power source to and from, respectively, the rotor windings.

Abstract: Improvements to wind turbines for electrical power generation, incorporating a blade (4) rotor for harnessing the action of the wind, which consists of a hub (3) prolonged at the rear with an extension (7) that constitutes the assembly shaft for the rotating action with respect to the body (1) of the wind turbine, with the hub (3) and the aforementioned extension (7) forming the shaft constituting a single manufactured piece, with regard to which the blades (4) are arranged in a yaw rotary assembly that is operated by means of respective hydraulic cylinders (20).

Abstract: A turbogenerator system including a recuperator and a catalytic combustor employs a preheater located between the turbine outlet and the recuperator low-pressure inlet to heat the low-pressure turbine exhaust. Heat from the turbine exhaust is transferred to a cool high-pressure flow in the recuperator. A recirculation loop employs valves downstream of the recuperator low-pressure outlet to divert the recuperator low-pressure exhaust into the compressor to be recirculated through the recuperator high-pressure side and the catalytic combustor. Reduced start-up times and emissions are achieved by raising the combustor catalyst to its light-off temperature in a shorter period of time.

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 (28) is coupled between the common node N2 and the second negative terminal (24). A DC-to-DC converter (80) is coupled to the first power source, the second power source and the common node.

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 (28) is coupled between the common node N2 and the second negative terminal (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a microturbine, the apparatus comprising: a rectifier adapted for converting at least one generated voltage from the microturbine to a DC link voltage; an inverter adapted for converting the DC link voltage to at least one inverter output voltage, the at least one inverter output voltage being electrically coupled to an external power bus; a starter drive adapted for converting at least one starter input voltage to at least one starter output voltage, the at least one starter input voltage being electrically coupled to the external power bus, the at least one starter output voltage being electrically coupled to the microturbine.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the acceleration of an armature of an electric drive by generating a high quality acceleration error correction signal z, the system comprising an accelerometer for obtaining a measured armature acceleration value bm, which is equal to the product of a true armature acceleration &agr;, and an acceleration measurement transfer function Fg(p), and means for obtaining a measured acceleration signal, bEm, which is generated from a measured substitute acceleration signal bE·bm and bEm are scaled such that the relationship of bm=&agr;·Fg(p)=bEm·Fg(p) is satisfied. The measured armature acceleration signal bm is filtered with a first filter transfer function of FT(p), and the measured acceleration signal bEm is filtered with a second filter transfer function of FH(p). The first and second filter outputs are combined to form the partly synthesized high quality acceleration error correction signal z=bm·FT(p)+bEm·FH(p).

Abstract: A method and system to automatically restart a permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor when a fatal fault is detected. The automatic restart logic includes time constraints and limitations on the number of iterations, and is useful regardless of whether the permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor is in a grid connect mode or a standalone mode, and regardless of how the fault originates or is detected. Additional control logic is utilized to handle grid transients and over load conditions to prevent a fatal fault from occurring by using time constraints and an iterative process, together with a brake resistor to control DC bus voltage.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a turbogenerator having a motor/generator and a turbine coupled to a common shaft, and generates AC power. A first power converter is coupled to the turbogenerator and a DC bus and converts the AC power to DC power on the DC bus. A second power converter is coupled to the DC bus and is couple-able to a load. The second power converter converts the DC power on the DC bus to an output power for coupling to the load. Also coupled to the DC bus are a battery and a capacitor to stabilize a DC voltage on the DC bus during load changes. The power generation system further includes a power controller coupled to the turbogenerator and the first and second power converters. The power controller regulates a speed of the turbine, independent of the DC voltage on the DC bus.

Abstract: A system for monitoring maintenance information in a hydroelectric power generation facility comprises sensors coupled to a controller. The sensors detect actual levels of operating parameters for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The detected parameters include a stressor capable of affecting a life span, or mean time between failures, of the turbine or one of its components. The controller determines the amount of the life span used up. A method for monitoring maintenance information in a power generation facility includes the steps of monitoring levels of operating parameters including a stressor for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The stressor affects the life span of the turbine or one of its components, and the amount of the life span used up over the operating period is calculated.

Abstract: A system including an induction machine with a toroidally wound stator and a squirrel cage rotor is presented. The toroidally wound stator has a plurality of phase windings. A position sensor may be operatively connected to the induction machine for providing a position indication that is indicative of a relative position of the rotor and the stator. The system also includes an inverter having a plurality of solid-state switches and a control system. The inverter has the same number of phases as the toroidal induction machine. The inverter is connected to selectively energize the phase windings. A programmable microprocessor, such as a digital signal processor, is operatively connected to the induction machine and includes a program to implement vector control of the induction machine. The microprocessor can also control the inverter so that the induction machine operates with a predetermined number of poles using pole phase modulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to installations for transformerless generation of HVDC and wherein the installation comprises rotating high-voltage single-winding/multiple-winding machines and converters. The single-winding/multiple-winding machine comprises a magnetic circuit with one or more magnetic cores and one or more windings, phase-shifted in space, which comprise a cable with one or more current-carrying conductors (2), each conductor comprising a number of strands, around each strand there being arranged an inner semiconducting layer (3), around which is arranged an insulating layer (4) of solid insulation, around which is arranged an outer semiconducting layer (5).

Abstract: A power control system for a turbogenerator which provides electrical power to one or more pump-jack oil wells. When the induction motor of a pump-jack oil well is powered by three-phase utility power, the speed of the pump-jack shaft varies only slighty over the pumping cycle but the utility power requirements can vary by four times the average pumping power. This power variation makes it impractical to power a pump-jack oil well with a stand-alone turbogenerator controlled by a conventional power control system. This power control system comprises a turbogenerator inverter, a load inverter, and a central process unit which controls the frequency and voltage/current of each inverter.

Abstract: Process for supplying electrical energy to the network with an AC generator associated with a turbine, by means of a transformer, characterized in that it consists in evaluating the generator precisely as a function of the needs of the site by lowering its nominal voltage as low as possible while continuing to satisfy the capacity of the generator to send active power delivered by the turbine and the reactive power corresponding to this active power required by a consumer or the network manager.

Abstract: A non-directional frequency generator spark prevention apparatus including a plurality of electric connections connected with a direct current power source, i.e., brushes, and a commutator for converting direct current waveform inputted through the brushes into alternating current waveform by rotational movement thereof, and for outputting the alternating current waveform. A voltage pulse controlling part is connected between the brushes of the non-directional frequency generator, while having a resistor and a transistor which are connected in series with each other, and the transistor is operated synchronously with the rotation of the commutator of the non-directional frequency generator. By controlling the electric current to flow through the transistor during the brush-off period, a spark production during the brush-off period can be prevented.

Abstract: A microturbine power generation system includes an electrical generator, a turbine, a compressor and a combustor. Hot expanding gases leaving the combustor are expanded by the turbine. The resulting turbine power is used for driving the compressor and the electrical generator. A recuperator recovers heat from a turbine exhaust stream and raises the temperature of compressed air prior to combustion. Fluid injection is accomplished in the system by using one or more nozzles to spray small fluid droplets, on the order of hundreds of microns or less in diameter, into the combustion air either upstream or downstream of the compressor, or both. The evaporative effect of the injected fluid is used to cool the generator components and to increase the effectiveness of the recuperator. The injected fluid also adds mass to the hot, expanding gases entering the turbine.

Abstract: The thermal output of a combined heat and power generation system is regulated by varying the speed of rotation while maintaining the position of the control means of the thermal engine in its maximum efficiency range. For that purpose, the thermal engine in its full load position or efficiency optimum is brought to a lower or higher speed of rotation exclusively by respectively reducing or increasing the electric current fed into the mains, so that the efficiency of the thermal engine is not substantially affected. The electric current may be maintained at the desired frequency by frequency converters.

Abstract: A microturbine power generating system includes an electrical generator and a turbine having a fixed inlet nozzle geometry. Maximum thermodynamic efficiency of the microturbine power generating system is achieved by maintaining the turbine inlet at or near maximum temperature. When power demanded of the system is constant, power is supplied by the electrical generator. When an increase in power is demanded, at least a portion of the entire demand is supplied by a battery or other energy storage device until the electrical generator can satisfy the increased power demand. Conversely, when a decrease in power is demanded, the load on the generator is temporarily increased (effectively putting a brake on the generator and turbine) and such load is absorbed by the battery or other energy storage device.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for optimizing performance of a pump-turbine unit while operating normally in the pumping mode by identifying gate positions resulting in optimization of certain parameters of interest. Influences of gate positions on the optimized parameters is determined and used to evaluate the combined effect of the gate position on the parameters. Weighting coefficients may be used to alter the relative importance of each parameter in the gate position ultimately selected. Gate positions are optimized for each location in a multi-dimensional virtual cam matrix as conditions defining the locations are encountered. A parameter error or evaluation routine is provided for evaluating the consistency of monitored parameter values and for identifying trends that may require reconfiguration of the virtual cam matrix or alterations in the optimization routine, such as changes in the weighting of various parameters.

Abstract: A starter dynamo having a pinion engageable with a ring gear and an armature for rotating the pinion is supplied at engine starting with an electric storage power from an electric double layered capacitor used exclusively for the starter dynamo. With this storage power, the armature rotates and, with this armature rotation, the pinion rotates. An engine ring gear is driven through the pinion to start the engine. After the engine starting, the ring gear rotation is transmitted to the armature through the pinion and the starter dynamo charges the electric double-layered capacitor. Thus, an electric storage power required for the next engine starting is charged in a short period of time.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing performance of a Kaplan turbine power generating unit are provided wherein an optimal "N-dimensional" virtual cam is populated with gate and blade positional settings producing maximum power output for a set of N operating parameters. The preferred parameters include head, flow, power generation level, physical situation of the unit, operating state of neighboring units, trash rack loss and a parameter indicative of cavitation (such as relative submersion level). When the system detects a unique set of operating conditions for which optimization is needed, an iterative optimization search is performed for the best gate and blade positional settings, which are then saved in memory (populating the cam matrix) for subsequent use when the same operating conditions are encountered. The optimal matrix divides parameters having ranges into range segments and treats other parameters as having discrete states.

Abstract: A control system for a variable speed water turbine generator apparatus includes a first function generator that is responsive to an output command signal. The first function generator produces a rotation number command signal. A speed adjuster produces an output signal in accordance with a different signal between the first function generator output and an actual rotation number. An adder adds the generator output command signal to the speed adjuster output signal to determine an overall output command signal. An output aduster produces an output signal in accordance with a difference between the adder output and an actual power output of the generator for controlling the firing angles of the frequency converter. A second function generator, responsive to the generator output command signal, determines an opening command signal for the variable opening vanes.

Abstract: A compact, high efficiency non-interruptive motor generator power system for generating and supplying to a load A.C. of a substantially constant frequency and of a substantially constant voltage, the motor thereof being a synchronous A.C. motor energizable from a source of irregular and interruptible A.C. line power, the generator being capable of converting its rotational energy into the A.C. output for many seconds after interruption of the A.C. line power. The power system comprises a high efficiency, synchronous permanent magnet A.C. motor and an A.C. generator coupled to and driven by the motor. Both the motor and generator have a high rotational enertia common rotor wherein an outer cylindrical shell contains motor and generator rotor elements of high permeability soft magnetic material with a surface layer of magnetizable permanent magnetic material, and in each stator is an excitation coil, energizable with A.C.

Abstract: A regulator system for both the Diesel and the electric portions of a Diesel electric locomotive allowing more reliable operation at all locomotive speeds. Said regulator has a regulator to regulate the electric power by varying the excitation (43) of the main generator by means of orders coming from a driver control (1, 8) which set a reference current level and (17) a voltage reference level (19) for the main generator and a Diesel engine gas oil reference level (18). These levels are compared with measurements of true corresponding values (24, 30, 27) and orders (43) for increasing or decreasing excitation are delivered so that the excitation of the main generator remains inside the scope delimited by the various reference levels and a Diesel power regulator which sends out orders to increase or decrease the gas oil injection in accordance with a predetermined Diesel engine speed/injection law and in comparison with the true measurements of the injection and of the Diesel engine speed.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fuel energy is converted to AC electrical energy by a new system utilized to supplement AC power for household and similar limited size loads in synchronism with existing AC utility service via pre-existing wiring between the load and the utility lines. The system has an externally excited commutator AC motor-generator driven by an internal combustion engine to provide AC power at a magnitude which is a function of the drive shaft velocity and degree of excitation. An exciter circuit provides excitation for the motor-generator to cause the generated AC power to be in phase with utility power. A load demand sensor senses current flowing through the wiring to the load, providing a control signal signifying magnitude of the current, thus measuring load power requirements. Control circuitry interconnected with the exciter circuitry and the engine is responsive to the control signal to control excitation for causing the generated supplemental power substantially to meet load requirements.

Abstract: In a generator system, a load is alternatively connected to or disconnected from a generator to make it easy for the generator to get the load to start.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine an automatic fuel pump switch connects a fuel pump motor to the battery. An electronic sensing circuit is connected to the output winding of an engine-driven alternator which is also connected to charge the battery. The sensing circuit includes a sensing transistor connected to continuously sense the two instantaneous voltages relating to ground that appear as alternating current (A.C.) voltages at the opposite ends of the alternator output winding and produces an output only when one voltage is above a selected positive level while the other voltage is lower than the first voltage by a minimum amount. A control transistor circuit is connected to the output of the sensing transistor and is turned on to operate the fuel pump only when the engine is turning over at a sufficient rate to start and run.