Abstract: A voltage generating device includes a mechanically driven generator that is separately excited. An electric starting voltage of the generator is rectified by way of a rectifier. The voltage generating device is closed-loop-controlled by way of a regulating device. A current regulating device has a model of an excitation coil of the generator, and a model value of the electric excitation current of the generator can be ascertained using the model. The current regulating device additionally has a correction element, by way of which the model value of the electric excitation current can be corrected such that the model value of the electric excitation current better matches the actual value of the electric excitation current in a defined manner.

Abstract: An actuator (1?) for driving a regulating element (30) for controlling a fluid flow in a flow channel (29) includes an electric motor (4) for driving the regulating element (30) and a control unit (2) for controlling a current provided to the electric motor (4). A resistive element (3) including a resistor (5) and a NTC thermistor (6) connected in parallel across the resistor (5) is positioned in a current path from the control unit (2) to the motor (4). Accordingly, when the ambient temperature increases, the decreasing resistance of the resistive element (3) counterbalances the increasing resistance of the motor windings, resulting in a less varying current from the control unit (2) to the motor (4) and therewith in a less varying output torque of the motor (4).

Abstract: A method for operating a separately excited electric machine, in particular, a generator of a motor vehicle, where an exciting current flows through a rotor winding of the electric machine at a nominal current intensity during a normal operation and at a holding current intensity in an idling operation; the holding current intensity being greater than zero and less than the nominal current intensity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to produce a supply voltage (B+) in an on-board system of a vehicle in response to an excitation current (I_ROTOR) applied to a rotor of the alternator. The method is of the type that consists in: limiting the resisting torque by determining a maximum cyclic ratio (DC_C_LIMIT) of the excitation current as a function of variables taken from a group containing a rotational speed (V_ROTOR) of the rotor, a temperature of the rotor, the excitation current and the supply voltage (B+). The maximum cyclic ratio is determined as a function of at least two of the variables in the group. According to one specific embodiment, the variables are rotational speed and temperature. According to another embodiment, the variables are rotational speed and excitation current.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electric motor car control system includes a resistor connected parallel to a main motor cut-off switch, or a switch for grounding terminals of the main motor, to discharge electric charges accumulated in stray capacitances of the main motor, whereby the electric motor car control system can prevent electrical shocks due to electric charges accumulated in main motor stray capacitances.

Abstract: A marine power system comprises a motor for providing propulsion. It also comprises an energy storage unit (ESU) for storing and supplying energy to the motor. A prime power system is connected to the ESU and motor for selectively providing energy to these subsystems through a bus. The motor selectively receives energy from the prime power system and the ESU and can supply regenerative braking energy to the bus. The system can also accommodate multiple generator sets providing system power. The ESU can also provide starting power for the prime power system. Alternately, the prime power system drives a mechanical power system output shaft connected to the motor, and the marine system comprises an alternator driven by the prime power system output shaft. The ESU can transmit energy to the alternator. The prime power system can be located on a tugboat displacing a barge carrying the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A method for tracking and approving legal expenses incurred by a business entity using a legal budgeting computer system is provided. The method includes creating a legal matter reflecting legal work to be performed by an outside counsel, creating a purchase order for the legal matter including a budgeted amount which is expected to be paid to the outside counsel for performing the legal work, receiving from the outside counsel an invoice, and prompting an account manager to designate a method of reimbursement for the invoice including at least one of paid at close, charge to good faith, charge to loan, customer to wire money, and a non-reimbursable charge to cost center. The method also includes submitting the invoice to an approval process, validating the approved invoice amount, paying the approved invoice amount, and automatically reconciling the approved invoice amount.

Abstract: In a motor-generator control system for controlling a motor-generator, first and second sets of multiphase windings of a motor-generator are arranged to be spatially shifted in phase from each other. An allocating unit is configured to, upon input of workload request for the motor-generator, determine a first torque to be allocated to the first set of multiphase windings and a second torque to be allocated to the second set of multiphase windings. A resultant torque of the first torque and second torque meets the input workload request for the motor-generator. An energizing unit is configured to energize the first set of multiphase windings to create the first torque and energize the second set of multiphase windings to create the second torque.

Abstract: A synchronous machine regulator is provided to simplify an adjustment work of current distribution to thyristors, the synchronous machine regulator having a circuit board 32 mounting a gate drive circuit 33 for supplying a gate pulse to each of thyristor bridges constituting a plurality of thyristor rectifiers 44 connected in parallel and supplying excitation current to a field winding 2 of a synchronous machine 1, and phase control means 34 for controlling a phase angle of each gate pulse to be supplied to each thyristor, wherein the current distribution to thyristors is controlled by the phase control means 34.

Abstract: A vehicle or watercraft regeneration system includes at least one electric motor capable of generating electricity and a controller for the at least one motor; wherein the controller to optimize the efficiency of the regeneration. The controller can optimize efficiency by including comprises circuitry for biasing the electric motor during regeneration. Also provided is a regeneration system that further comprises an electricity storage device such as a battery, a capacitor, an electrolysis unit that generates hydrogen from water, and a flywheel. In addition, an efficiency enhancing system for a watercraft or vehicle includes at least one electric motor capable of generating electricity; a controller for the at least one motor; and an electrical connection between the at least one motor and the controller, where in the controller adjust one or more magnetic fields of the electric motor during regeneration to optimize the efficiency of the regeneration.

Abstract: A motor is provided that includes multiple sets of independent stator windings that are not magnetically coupled, which allows the motor to be driven by multiple independent current drivers, and thereby increases the overall torque generated by the motor. In one embodiment, the motor is a brushless DC motor that includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is configured for rotation, and the stator surrounds at least a portion of the rotor and has multiple sets of independent stator windings wound thereon. Each set of independent stator windings is configured to be independently energized and, when energized, magnetically independent of the other sets of independent stator windings.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric rotating machine for a vehicle includes an electric rotating machine (1) including a rotator having a field winding (5) and a stator having an armature winding (3), a field current controller (9) for controlling a field current supplied from a direct-current power supply to the field winding (5), and a power converter (6) for converting a direct-current power into an alternating-current power and applying the power to the armature winding (3). When the field current controller (9) starts to supply a current to the field winding (5) for starting an internal combustion engine, the power converter (6) supplies a power to the armature winding (3) so that magnetic flux in a direction opposite to that generated by the field winding (5) is generated simultaneously with or immediately before starting the power supply.

Abstract: In control apparatus and method for at least one electrical rotating machine, two rotors are disposed in the electrical rotating machine on the same axis of rotation and being driven independently of each other by means of a generated compound current and are associated with at least one stator and a position of at least one of the rotors is controlled in such a manner that a maximum value of the compound current is reduced as low as possible.

Abstract: A current detection device used for a plurality of rotating electric machines is provided. The rotating electric machines are supplied with a composite current containing a plurality of frequency components from an single inverter and the frequency is set in response to the rotational angular velocity of one rotating electric machine. The current detection device is provided with a current sensor which detects only current components at a single frequency in the composite current. The current sensor detects the currents in a set of supply lines, the supply lines of which being collected and passing through the current sensor so that the current components of the frequency different from the single frequency cancel out to zero in the set of supply lines.

Abstract: A motor/generator comprises a stator (2) having plural coils (C1-C14), and plural rotors (3, 4) disposed coaxially with the above-mentioned stator and driven by a compound current. The phase difference between the currents (70, 71) driving the rotors (3, 4) is arranged to be other than 180 degrees. Thereby, the utilization factor of the voltage of the direct current power supply (10) is improved.

Abstract: An exciter assembly for supplying power to a superconducting load, such as a superconducting field coil, disposed within a cryogenic region of a rotating machine. The exciter assembly provides an efficient and reliable approach for transferring the electrical power energy across a rotating interface and for controlling the ramp up and regulation of field excitation current in the field coil. In particular, the invention provides a controlled recirculation path for current flowing through the field coil. The exciter assembly includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a sensor which provides a control signal indicative of the flow of field excitation current to the superconducting load; and a current regulator which is disposed in the rotating reference frame and, on the basis of the control signal, regulates the field excitation current to a predetermined set.

Abstract: An exciter assembly for supplying power to a superconducting load, such as a superconducting field coil, disposed within a cryogenic region of a rotating machine. The exciter assembly provides an efficient and reliable approach for transferring the electrical power energy across a rotating interface and for controlling the ramp up and regulation of field excitation current in the field coil. In particular, the invention provides a controlled recirculation path for current flowing through the field coil. The exciter assembly includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, a sensor which provides a control signal indicative of the flow of field excitation current to the superconducting load; and a current regulator which is disposed in the rotating reference frame and, on the basis of the control signal, regulates the field excitation current to a predetermined set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotatable inverter. The rotatable inverter comprises a rotatable inverting means for inverting a DC power source to an AC power source by means of a rotational force, and a transformer which receives the AC power source inverted by the rotatable inverting means and outputs a predetermined higher voltage. The rotatable inverting means comprises a motor generating the rotational force, a commutator driven by the motor and a plurality of brushes which are respectively contacted with the outer surface of the commutator. The commutator comprises a cylindrical body made of an insulating material, and conductive parts which are divided into an even-number by non-conductive parts, respectively, having a desired width. Further, it is preferable that the cooling fan is coupled to the motor along with the commutator.

Abstract: A new vehicle electrical system has a first lower voltage level and a second higher voltage level. The new vehicle electrical system comprises an ignition switch, a generator having an exciter circuit and a voltage controller, and a multi-chopper having several chopper stages. The voltage controller supplies energy to the exciter circuit via the ignition switch in order to adjust the first lower voltage level to a rated level of U1. The multi-chopper is connected between the battery and the generator, thereby adjusting the second higher voltage level to a rated level of U2 based on the number of chopper stages and their actuation.

Abstract: An electric motor comprising two separate and coaxially spaced armatures as well as a magnet-equipped rotor arranged between the two armatures. One armature is fixed to a motor housing being a static armature, while the other armature is free to rotate, having the motor output shaft as a central and integral part thereof. The rotor operates as a rotor for both armatures having magnet pole pairs on both sides for interaction with each respective armature. Thus, the motor comprises two part-motors having a common rotor.

Abstract: A shoot-through protection system for an electric power generating system including a synchronous generator, a bridge rectifier coupled to an output of the generator for converting alternating current (AC) from the generator to direct current (DC) at a rectifier output, and at least one inverter coupled to the rectifier output for converting the DC output to a controlled frequency AC output for application to a load. The generator has a separately excited field winding in which the magnitude of field excitation controls the voltage output of the generator. A microprocessor-based controller regulates generator field excitation in a manner to control the DC output of the rectifier. The generator is protected from a shoot-through in the inverter by detecting a sustained voltage drop in the rectifier DC output and reversing generator field excitation in response to such a voltage drop to rapidly drive generator output voltage to substantially zero volts.

Abstract: While a ring gear shaft 126 linked with a drive shaft rotates, a power output apparatus 110 applies a torque to a first motor MG1 attached to a sun gear shaft 125, thereby abruptly increasing a revolving speed of an engine 150, to which a fuel injection is stopped. A torque generated by a frictional force of, for example, a piston in the engine 150 and working as a reaction is applied as a braking torque to the ring gear shaft 126 via a planetary gear 120. The magnitude of the braking torque depends upon the frictional force of, for example, the piston and can be controlled by regulating the revolving speed of the engine 150 by means of the first motor MG1. This control procedure enables the energy consumed by the engine 150 to be output as a braking force to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a DC motor which is constructed to propel a golf car. The motor is a shunt wound motor having independently excited armature and field windings. The basic input to the armature of the motor is supplied through a pulse modulated chopper circuit which varies the width of the pulse in response to the throttle of the golf car. Full control of the input to the field winding is gained by the supply of power to an H bridge circuit. Armature current is continuously sensed to provide an indication of the status and performance of the car during operation. At a predetermined level of armature current the field current is adjusted to provide a higher torque at a specific speed. When armature current indicates a predetermined overspeed condition, field current is adjusted to enhance regeneration and the resultant braking. In addition, the stopped condition is continuously monitored.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a D-C motor which is constructed to propel a golf car. The motor is controlled to provide performance according to a predetermined field current map which calls for a particular performance response to specified performance events. The performance events are detected by sensing actual speed and armature current and the performance response is triggered by adjustment of the field current. A performance map correlating actual speed to various events and specifying the field current response is designed for the motor used. In addition an armature current performance map is similarly constructed correlating armature current to particular performance events.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing the output of an alternator in an automotive vehicle. An alternator is provided having a first rectifier connectable to a first output of the alternator to form a first winding configuration and a second rectifier connectable to a second output of the alternator to form a second winding configuration. Based on the speed of the alternator, a controller operatively couples one of the first and second rectifiers to the first and second outputs, respectively, so as to maximize output current of the alternator. If the speed of the alternator is below a predetermined speed range, the controller couples the first output of the alternator to the first rectifier. Alternatively, if the speed of the alternator is above the predetermined speed range, the controller couples the second output of the alternator to the second rectifier.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a DC motor which is constructed to propel a golf car. The motor is a shunt wound motor having independently excited armature and field windings. The basic input to the armature of the motor is supplied through a pulse modulated chopper circuit which varies the width of the pulse in response to the throttle of the golf car. Full control of the input to the field winding is gained by the supply of power to an H bridge circuit. Armature current is continuously sensed to provide an indication of the status and performance of the car during operation. At a predetermined level of armature current the field current is adjusted to provide a higher torque at a specific speed. When armature current indicates a predetermined overspeed condition, field current is adjusted to enhance regeneration and the resultant braking. In addition, the stopped condition is continuously monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing oscillations in input electrical power to a Ward-Leonard drive system which is subject to variations in mechanical loading, the technique utilizing a notch filter in the feedback path to the dc generator, the notch filter being turned to match the resonant frequency of the synchronous motor.

Abstract: A traction vehicle propulsion system comprises a d-c motor and an excitation generator for separately exciting the motor field. Current in the field winding of the excitation generator is normally controlled by a control circuit which is arranged to prevent vehicle misdirection due to control circuit failure modes wherein normal excitation current is not supplied. The control circuit comprises means responsive to an acceleration command signal for temporarily removing the field winding from the normal control circuit and for placing it instead in a biasing circuit comprising low impedance paths to the respective terminals of a direct voltage source, thereby presetting the magnetic field of the field winding in the proper direction to prevent vehicle misdirection upon acceleration from rest.

Abstract: A mixed propulsion system comprising a turbine unit having two output shafts which drive two counter rotating flywheels and, via a reduction gearbox, two generators which generate electricity to drive two electric drive motors the output shafts of which are connected to the wheels of the vehicle. A control system is provided, linked to the accelerator and brake pedal of the vehicle, for controlling the excitation of the field windings of the generators and the motors such that a predetermined excitation pattern is followed. The turbine unit is automatically controlled to run when the speed of the flywheels falls below a lower threshold value and is turned off when the flywheels reach a predetermined maximum threshold speed.

Abstract: An earth excavator including apparatus for stabilizing performance by compensating for changes in temperature. The apparatus includes a temperature compensating voltage regulator for regulating and controlling the output voltage of an exciting generator as a function of sensed temperature. The exciting generator supplies field excitation voltage and current to electric motors in the earth excavator. In order to maintain substantially constant current through the motor field windings with variations in temperature of the windings, and therefore to maintain the performance of the motors and thus of the excavator substantially constant with variations in temperature, the exciting generator output voltage is regulated in a manner such that the regulated voltage supplied by the exciting generator is a direct function of the temperature of the motor field windings. The output voltage of the exciting generator is controlled by controlling the average current through the exciting generator field winding.

Abstract: Method and equipment for transferring energy to or from a direct-current superconducting field coil to change the magnetic field generated by the coil in which a second direct-current superconducting coil is used as a storage coil, and energy transfer between the field coil and the storage coil is effected automatically in dependence upon a control programe. Preferably, the control programe acts upon a variable transformer which is coupled by respective rectifier/inverters to the field and storage coils and also serves for initial supply of energy to the coils.

Abstract: A crane motor control is disclosed which includes a variable D.C. voltage supply in a Ward-Leonard set which is controlled by a load torque signal obtained by sensing the armature current of a motor, magnetic flux in the motor field winding and the rate of change of motor speed. The torque signal controls the variable D.C. voltage supply to keep the motor armature current or the motor field current at a preset constant value upon completion of motor acceleration.

Abstract: While a ring gear shaft 126 linked with a drive shaft rotates, a power output apparatus 110 applies a torque to a first motor MG1 attached to a sun gear shaft 125, thereby abruptly increasing a revolving speed of an engine 150, to which a fuel injection is stopped. A torque generated by a frictional force of, for example, a piston in the engine 150 and working as a reaction is applied as a braking torque to the ring gear shaft 126 via a planetary gear 120. The magnitude of the braking torque depends upon the frictional force of, for example, the piston and can be controlled by regulating the revolving speed of the engine 150 by means of the first motor MG1. This control procedure enables the energy consumed by the engine 150 to be output as a braking force to the drive shaft.