Abstract: A power supply device incorporated in a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine including: a first power supply system for driving a vehicle load that converts an output of a generation coil provided in a generator driven by an internal combustion engine into a DC output to supply the DC output to an electrical load or electrical loads in the vehicle; and a second power supply system for driving an external load that converts an output of another generation coil provided in the generator into a DC output, then converts the DC output into an AC output at a commercial frequency with an inverter, and supplies the AC output to an external load, wherein the inverter is operated as a DC-DC converter to supply assisting power from the inverter through a switch to the first power supply system, when the output of the first power supply system is insufficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that allow for individual power sources to be disconnected and reconnected without interrupting the power supply from the other power sources and that allow for these power sources to provide power at substantially the same electrical parameters such as frequency, phase, and voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention are directed to wind energy. Wind rotors (1) drive at least two generators (2) which each have a corresponding rectifier unit (3). The rectifier unit (3) being an active rectifier having drivable power semiconductor components. An energy storage circuit (4) is associated with each rectifier unit (3) and is connected in parallel to a first busbar system (7). Each energy storage circuit (4) having at least one DC voltage capacitance, and the first busbar system (7) having a first protection switch (5) in at least one connection.

Abstract: A detecting means easily detects the abnormality of a generator having a plurality of power supply units. Each of the power supply units includes one of a plurality of output windings L1 to L4, which are wound independently of each other around single iron core, and one of rectifiers 2 to 5 that are provided in correspondence to the output windings and produces an integrated output. Controllers 33 to 35 control the rectifiers such that the output voltage corresponds with a target. A voltage deviation judgment section 37 outputs the abnormal signal when one of the output voltages of the rectifiers 2 to 5 is different from remains. A current deviation judgment section 39 outputs the abnormal signal when one of the output currents of the rectifiers 2 to 5 is different from remains. When the abnormal signal is detected, the outputs of the rectifiers 2 to 5 are stopped.

Abstract: A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current.

Abstract: A power electronics interface in a microsource controller allows efficient connection in a power system of small, low cost and reliable distributed generators such as microturbines, fuel cells and photovoltaic. Power electronics provide the control and flexibility to insure stable operation for large numbers of distributed generators. The power electronics controls are designed to insure that new generators can be added to the system without modification of existing equipment. A collection of sources and loads can connect to or isolate from the utility grid in a rapid and seamless fashion, each inverter can respond effectively to load changes without requiring data from other sources, and voltage sag and system imbalances can be corrected.

Abstract: A voltage recovery device is configured to provide reactive power to a utility power network at a level and for a duration sufficient to recover the voltage on the utility power network within a predetermined proportion of the nominal voltage, following a fault condition detected on the utility power network. In operation, the voltage recovery device reduces the overall transmission losses in a utility power system.

Abstract: A dual input power converter. The dual input power converter includes a transformer, a first primary circuit, and a second primary circuit. The transformer includes a first primary winding and a second primary winding. The first primary circuit is for coupling a first power source to the first primary winding. The second primary circuit is for coupling a second power source to the second primary winding.

Abstract: An energy generation network according to the present disclosure includes energy generating elements organized in a tree structure of superior and inferior system levels, with control systems and a communication network. In a currently preferred embodiment, energy generating elements are turbogenerators as described above. Communications and processing are distributed throughout the systems and sub-systems of energy generating elements. Inferior sub-systems and systems of sub-systems appears as a single unit to the superior system or sub-system level. Thus, the energy generating elements appears as a seamless single energy generating unit. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated flue-support construction (2) for a Marx generator (1) comprising several generator stages (3). According to the prior art, a flue (2) for purifying the air of switching spark gaps (4) is arranged separately from a support structure for the switching spark gaps (4), impulse capacitors (5) and series and parallel resistors (7, 8). According to the invention, the flue (2) adopts a supporting function for the switching spark gap (4) and individual or all electrical components (5-10) of the impulse wave switching circuit. According to one form of embodiment the flue (2) consists of a triangular cylinder support construction (2), the side walls (11) being formed from insulating panels (11) and each receiving one of the electrical components: a switching spark gap (4), an impulse capacitor (5) and resistors (7, 8).

Abstract: Solid state switching devices, such as power IGBT's, are used to switch a load from one AC generator to another. The switching is controlled to occur only when the phase and voltage of the two generator outputs are within acceptable limited, thus minimizing voltage and current transients.

Abstract: A system for connecting one of a plurality of parallel connected generator sets to a common bus. The system includes a separate module associated with each of the plurality of generator sets. When a control module receives a ready-to-load signal from the generator set, each of the control modules performs a similar connection method which determines which of the modules will send a first-start command to its associated generator.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage system for supplying power to a load comprises a plurality of flywheel energy storage systems, each supplying a power output signal, and a connector circuit. The connector circuit connects the flywheel energy storage systems to the load, but the flywheel energy storage systems are not connected to each other. Each of the flywheel energy storage systems comprises a flywheel turning at an initially predetermined rate, a motor/generator coupled to the flywheel, a bi-directional inverter circuit coupled to the motor/generator and to the load, and a control circuit coupled to the motor/generator and the bi-directional inverter circuit. The control circuit controls the power output signal of the flywheel energy storage system independently of the other flywheel energy storage systems.

Abstract: The process provides constant electric power from a combination of a wind energy generator and a firm secondary generator. The wind energy generator and the secondary generator supply electricity directly to a utility transmission system. The secondary generator must be able to provide power on demand that will meet a utility's needs. The secondary generator is preferably a natural gas turbine, but may be a hydrogen fuel cell, a diesel internal combustion engine, or any other similar technology.

Abstract: A large scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility during periods of low demand, such as the evening hours, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption to help reduce demand on the utility. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business for providing at least a portion of the consumer's electrical power requirements. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand, such that electrical energy stored in the capacitors can be discharged into the utility's distribution grid to increase the amount of electrical energy available for use.

Abstract: An aerial work platform supported by a riser boom, a telescoping main boom, and a jib boom. Boom movement may be controlled by a platform control module or a ground control module connected to a controller by a controller area network (CAN). Movement of the platform and the jib boom are limited to a predefined envelope. If an operator attempts to move the platform outside the envelope, the controller automatically retracts the telescoping boom section or automatically levels the jib boom section in order to maintain the platform within the acceptable envelope. Boom section select switches permit the operator to select and move sequentially or simultaneously in different directions. Timers which are part of the system include various interlocks to accomplish safety and power saver features.

Abstract: An electronic device has a housing having a first transparent surface and a second transparent surface opposite to the first transparent surface. A timepiece movement is disposed in the housing and has a display for displaying time through the first transparent surface of the housing. A thermoelectric generator is disposed in the housing for generating electric power in response to a temperature difference across the thermoelectric generator. At least one solar generator is disposed on the second transparent surface of the housing for receiving light transmitted through the second transparent surface to generate electric power. An electrical power storage device stores electric power generated by at least one of the thermoelectric generator and the solar generator and supplies the electric power to the timepiece movement.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (“APU”) system and methods used to bring such system on-line and off-line are disclosed. An APU generator forming part of an APU system, is brought “on-line” smoothly in order to replace a primary generator operating at a steady-state rotational speed that is interconnected with a load. A controller forming part of the APU system controls rotational speed of the APU and thereby the generator so that it approaches a rotational speed beneath the steady-state rotational speed of the primary generator. The controller then connects the APU generator to the load and the primary generator. This causes the APU generator to motor at the steady-state rotational speed dictated by the primary generator. Thereafter, the controller may increase rotational speed of the APU generator until it provides power to the load and the primary generator may be disconnected from the load.

Abstract: An emergency supplemental power supply for outage protection of critical electric equipment load powered from a commercial power grid, including a first Variable speed drive, a second Variable speed drive, a first asynchronous motor powered from the first Variable speed drive for turning a fly-wheel attached thereto to ramp-up and maintain a level of expendable kinetic energy in the fly-wheel, the fly-wheel coupled to a first synchronous alternating current generator for driving the generator in a no-load, standby condition, a second asynchronous motor coupled to a second synchronous alternating current generator, in combination, and interposed the second Variable speed drive and the critical electric equipment load, a prime mover including a coupling between the prime mover to the second asynchronous motor/second synchronous alternating current generator combination, and, a computer processor interconnected all elements for maintaining the frequency of alternating current output from the first synchronous al

Abstract: An electric drive system for launches and sailboats utilizing standard three-phase industrial motors, directly driving low speed propellers without the use of gearboxes. The motor is driven with a standard industrial inverter and is operated in the constant torque mode to achieve the desired shaft horsepower at 30% to 40% of full motor rating. The inverter is powered by a battery bank of a series connected cells achieving a nominal voltage of 300 VDC which feeds the DC bus of the inverter directly.

Abstract: A power transfer control system for use in an AC electric power generation system comprises a generator control unit (GCU) which senses and controls the output of a generator, and a bus power control unit (BPCU) which communicates with the GCU to control and coordinate a power transfer between the generator and another source. Each unit communicates power transfer information, which eliminates the requirement of redundant sensing circuitry and wiring for the BPCU. The BPCU transmits master power control information and a synchronizing signal indicating a zero phase reference point of a control waveform to which the power transfer will take place. The GCU compares parameters of the output power of its respective source with the master power control information and the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: Engine driven turbines respectively drive separate propulsion and service ternators to supply power to propulsion motors and service equipment on naval combat ships through propulsion and service controls. Rechargeable batteries are connected through the service controls to the service alternators and to service loads through dc bus lines. The propulsion controls interconnect the propulsion motors with the propulsion alternators to which the electrically operated weapons are also connected through rectifiers and a pulse forming network.

Abstract: An electric power distribution center for use on aircraft comprises a space frame having a first surface defining a plurality of sockets, and a second, generally parallel, surface defining a plurality of connector ports; a plurality of conducting bus bars utilizing a three dimensional routing configuration encapsulated within the space frame; current sensors integrally mounted within the space frame for monitoring the flow of electrical current through the conducting bus bars; and a printed circuit board encapsulated within the space frame for providing electrical circuit pathways within the power distribution center. Further, a plurality of load protection and control devices, seated within the sockets of the first surface, provide a switchable coupling between the bus bars and the printed circuit board to control the distribution of electric power to the individual aircraft loads.

Abstract: A dual discharge photovoltaic module responsive to high and low loads. The module includes a first plurality of series connected, high short circuit current cells, and a second plurality of series connected, low short circuit current cells connected in series with the first plurality. A diode is connected in parallel with the second plurality of cells such that current flow through the module when the module is under low load reverse biases the diode so that the module discharges at a low current. When the module is under high load, current flow through the module forward biases the diode and bypasses the second plurality of cells so that the module discharges at a high rate. The module is particularly useful for starting and running an electric motor.

Abstract: A measuring process for obtaining a switching command in a rapid changeover device in which an abrupt change in the voltage in a consumer device is detected and a voltage difference is formed using the voltage of a power supply source to be connected and the voltage at the consumer device, and the switching command for a power switch is issued taking its response time into account if, at the time of the changeover, a voltage difference with a value below a permissible maximum is pre-calculated. To perform such a measuring process as accurately and as quickly as possible, the peak values and the frequencies and the phase relation of the voltages in the first and second power supply sources are found when disconnecting the consumer device. After the disconnection of the consumer device, the time change of the frequency and the time change of the magnitude of the voltage at the consumer device are found. These values are then used to calculate the moment of changeover.

Abstract: An electrical supply system (10) for use with low current loads (12) disposed in hazardous areas, is described. Electricity is supplied to the low current load (12) from a local source (46) in response to mechanical energy from a fluid medium supplied from a remote pressure source (24).

Abstract: A motor vehicle power supply system for supplying current to the direct voltage loads on a motor vehicle. The system has two alternating generators which are driven by the engine of the motor vehicle. The output windings of the respective generators are connected to bridge rectifiers that supply current to a common motor vehicle direct current load. Each generator has a field winding and the current supplied to a respective field winding is controlled by a respective voltage regulator. The voltage regulators cause pulses of current to be supplied to the field windings. The system has a control circuit for controlling the pulse width of the current pulses supplied to the respective field windings such that the pulse width of the current pulses supplied to one field winding are substantially equal to the pulse width of the current pulses supplied to the other field winding.

Abstract: A device for supplying voltage to at least one consuming device in a motor vehicle including two parallel generators, two voltage regulators associated with each of the generators, two batteries each connected with one of the voltage regulators, a starter switch connected with at least one of the batteries and the voltage regulators, a charge control lamp for signalling connected with the starter switch and the voltage regulators, switching device for electrically connecting and disconnecting the consuming device or devices, and devices for controlling the voltage regulators so that during starting the charge control lamp indicates starting and the switching device disconnects the consuming devices and if a defect occurs in either generator-voltage regulator system, the charge control light lights and the consuming device or devices is (or are) supplied with current, even if, for example, one of the generators fails.

Abstract: Each of at least two asynchronous generators connected to a common electrical load for uninterruptibility of the power supply is driven by a corresponding one of at least two drives in such a way that when any one of the generators is driven above synchronous speed by a slip fraction while its stator is electrically excited, its shaft mechanical power is converted to electrical output power at its output terminal. A control circuit is connected to the load, coupled to the output terminals of the generators and connected to the input terminals of the generators and provides an excitation voltage and controls the phase of the excitation voltage of each of the generators with respect to the load voltage. This controls the slip fraction of each of the generators loosely whereby load current from any source is completely controlled.

Abstract: An ac generator system for a motor vehicle has a first voltage generating device (115-119) for producing a first output voltage and a second voltage generator device (105-109) for producing a second voltage, the second voltage being a higher voltage than the first voltage, the second voltage being electrically floating. In one embodiment the first and second voltage generating devices comprise an armature winding within which is rotatably mounted a respective field winding and a rectifier for producing a dc voltage from at least one of the armature windings. In another embodiment the second voltage device is a transformer and in a third embodiment the second voltage device is formed by a transformer and a pulse width modulator. In a fourth embodiment the second voltage device is formed by an inverter and in a fifth embodiment two armature windings are provided about a common field winding.

Abstract: The problem for distributing load equally between multiple generators (34) in multi-channel generating systems is resolved using a voltage regulator (60) including a reactive load division loop (84) and real load division loop (86). The voltage regulator (60) controls generator excitation responsive to sensed voltage. The reactive load division loop and real load division loop modify the voltage regulator output to divide loading equally between each generator.

Abstract: A device including a comparator (3) each input of which receives signals from an information transmission line (1, 2) through a capacitor (4, 5), is characterized in that devices for forced switching (6) are interposed between the information transmission lines (1, 2) and the inputs of the comparator (3), the output of the latter being connected to one input of an OR gate (7) whose other input receives a reinitialization signal from a protocol decoder and whose output is connected directly and through an inverter to the device for forced switching (6) in order to reinitialize the comparator when the latter is blocked in a dominant state following interference.

Abstract: The problem of stabilizing operation of a load division control (74) is resolved using a phase angle counter circuit (90) which calculates phase angle insensitive to frequency changes of the output voltage waveform. The phase angle counter circuit (90) includes a series of counters (94, 96, 100 and 102) for calculating phase angle.

Abstract: The combination of a heating element and a control unit therefor and methods of making and of operating the same are provided, the heating element normally being adapted to be operated by the continuous full wave pulses of a certain high voltage alternating current source and the control unit being operatively interconnected to the heating element for operatively interconnecting the heating element to a high voltage alternating current source, the control unit having an arrangement for operating the heating element with a certain repeating pattern of skipped full half-wave pulses of the source when the source has a higher voltage than the certain source.

Abstract: A hybrid power source includes a constant speed drive having an input coupled to a prime mover which develops variable speed motive power, an output driven at a substantially constant speed and a speed compensation link which transmits motive trim power at a magnitude determined by the speed of the prime mover. A first generator is coupled to the output of the constant speed drive and develops constant frequency AC power for AC loads. A second generator is coupled to the speed compensation link and is driven by the motive trim power such that the second generator develops power for DC loads and frequency insensitive loads wherein the power developed by the second generator is at a frequency which varies in accordance with the magnitude of the trim power.

Abstract: A flat frequency, constant voltage power source device is provided for parallel operation of a plurality of electric generators. The generators include exciting windings of induction motors integral with the generators for connecting and disconnecting outputs of the generators. A starting sequence of the electric generators is based on a start signal provided externally and start preparation completion signals indicating completion of start preparation routines. The induction motors of the generators are thereby varied in frequency so that the generators can be synchronized in phase for their effective parallel operation.

Abstract: A flat frequency, constant voltage power source device provided for parallel operation of a plurality of electric generators is arranged to have a starting sequence determination means which automatically determines which one of the electric generators is to be started initially and places the remaining ones of the electric generators sequentially into the parallel operation with the initially started generator, the plurality of the electric generators sequentially satisfying conditions for their parallel operation and being smoothly placed in parallel operation.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted engine generator system is disclosed for supplying electricity to external electrical appliances and equipment used inside a camping car or outdoors in the camping site, which comprises a secondary water-cooled internal combustion engine of relatively small size and an engine generator electrically connected to the engine. The secondary engine has its cooling jacket connected to a cooling line supplying it with cooling water for engine cooling. Also, the cooling line is connected to a radiator connected to the main internal combustion engine of water-cooled type so that the heated cooling water through the secondary engine is cooled by the same radiator as for the main engine. Also, the secondary engine is electrically connected to the battery for the main engine in such a manner that the battery can be recharged from the secondary engine as well.

Abstract: The combination of a heating element and a control unit therefor and methods of making and of operating the same are provided, the heating element normally being adapted to be operated by the continuous full wave pulses of a certain high voltage alternating current source and the control unit being operatively interconnected to the heating element for operatively interconnecting the heating element to a high voltage alternating current source, the control unit having an arrangement for operating the heating element with a certain repeating pattern of skipped full half-wave pulses of the source when the source has a higher voltage than the certain source.

Abstract: A booster unit for diesel electric locomotive having a frame-mounted diesel engine, a main traction generator and a series of traction motors connected to said generators is disclosed. It is comprised of a gas turbine mounted on the frame adjacent to the diesel engine, a high speed alternator connected directly with the turbine and a series of rectifiers connected at the output of the high speed alternator. The alternator and rectifiers form a high speed electric generator. A load control means connected at the output of the alternator is provided for controlling the output power thereof. The high speed generator is connected in parallel with the main traction generator such that the traction motors can be supplied with extra electrical power when required.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system that has two alternating current generators for supplying current to the electrical loads on the vehicle including a storage battery. Both alternating current generators are connected to rectifier means which supply direct current to the loads. The output voltage of one of the generators is controlled by a voltage regulator. The direct current output of the rectifier means is sensed and the field current of the other generator is controlled such that its output current is slaved to and follows the output current of the generator that is controlled by the voltage regulator.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use with an electrical generator having a voltage regulator which responds to raise or lower control signals to change the voltage output of the generator. The electronic circuit has a circuit for sensing the magnitude of the difference between the voltage output of the generator and the voltage of a bus to which the generator is to be connected. The electronic circuit also includes a circuit for generating control pulses, each control pulse having a fixed maximum pulse duration when the magnitude of the difference is greater than a first predetermined value but which decreases with a decreasing magnitude of difference down to a fixed minimum pulse duration at a second and lesser predetermined magnitude of difference when the magnitude sensed is less than the first predetermined value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile emergency medical vehicle having a main transport engine and a medical equipment, supply and patient compartment or module, with such compartment having an independently operated electrical generating means powered by an auxiliary engine capable of providing all of the electrical power requirements of the compartment including exterior and interior electrical lighting, vacuum generating means, power outlet means, compartment air conditioning, heating and the like. The electrical generating means is capable of supplying both 115 volt AC and 12 volt DC power through a converter to the compartment. Switching means is provided to facilitate switching at least a portion of the 12 volt DC power requirements of the patient compartment including exterior and interior lighting and vacuum generating means to the electrical system of the main transport engine upon failure of the compartment electrical generating means or auxiliary engine for any reason.

Abstract: A high DC voltage power supply includes a three-phase autotransformer and a three-phase full-wave rectifier applied to the usual motor vehicle electrical system of the low DC voltage type. The low three-phase AC voltage of the usual system is transformed by the autotransformer to obtain a high three-phase AC voltage which is then rectified by the rectifier to provide a high DC voltage. The load energized by the high DC voltage is ungrounded to reduce the voltage available for inadvertent discharge from either load terminal to ground. Switching apparatus is provided for selectively applying the low three-phase AC voltage to the autotransformer only when it is desired to energize the load thereby avoiding at all other times the energy losses that would otherwise be associated with energization of the autotransformer. In one embodiment, the load is a windshield heater element and the autotransformer has multiple sets of input taps to provide deice and defog modes of operation, respectively.

Abstract: A high-power, high-voltage DC power supply includes a plurality of AC generators, each of which includes a rotor and one or more sets of armature windings wherein the rotors are linked together. A plurality of rectifiers are connected together in series and the armature windings are connected to the rectifiers such that each rectifier produces a fractional voltage which is combined with the fractional voltage developed by other rectifiers to develop a combined output voltage across all of the rectifiers. The armature windings are placed relative to one another such that a plurality of equally-spaced ripple peaks appear in the combined output voltage for each 360.degree. of each armature winding voltage. This in turn minimizes ripple magnitude leading to a desirable decrease in the overall power supply size and weight.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system includes dual alternator/battery sets separately connected to separate non-critical electrical loads, and both connected through a diode circuit to a critical electrical load. A starter switch connects both batteries to the engine starter motor.

Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive (ECCSD) according to the present invention includes a pair of power transmission paths between the prime mover and a load wherein each power transmission path includes a mechanical differential having a first input coupled to the output of the prime mover and an output coupled to the load. A second input of each of the differentials is coupled to a permanent magnet machine and a power converter interconnects the electrical power windings of the permanent magnet machines. In operation, one of the permanent magnet machines is always operated as a generator while the other permanent magnet is operated as a motor so that power flow through the power converter is unidirectional. The ECCSD of the present invention results in a substantial reduction in the maximum control power and hence efficiency is increased and complexity is reduced.

Abstract: Before a synchronous machine is connected with a line, the set value of a voltage setter is controlled so that the difference between the line voltage and the set value of the voltage setter is decreased to zero, and a field current is then controlled so that the difference between the set value and the output voltage of the synchronous machine is decreased to zero, thereby parallel-connecting the synchronous machine with the line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on board power supply, particularily for a ship propelled by a variable speed diesel engine (1), comprising a first alternator (2) coupled to a diesel engine, an electronic regulator (4) for the first alternator, a rectifier (5) for rectifying the output current of the first alternator, a direct current motor (6) powered from the output of the rectifier, and a second alternator (8) coupled to the direct current motor.It also comprises means (13) for selectively feeding the regulator of the first alternator from the output (12) of the first alternator or from the output (11) of the second alternator.

Abstract: An AC power generating system includes an array of permanent magnet alternators. The stator windings of these alternators are electrically connected in series and the total output voltage of the alternator array is regulated by adjusting the relative angular positions of the stators to control the phase angle of the output voltage of each alternator. The alternators employ an inside-out design wherein a plurality of permanent magnets are positioned at circumferentially displaced locations on an internal surface of a nonmagnetic support structure to form the rotor. A stator having a core with longitudinal slots for receiving a stator winding is positioned within the rotor structure such that relative rotation between the stator and rotor induces a voltage in the stator winding.