Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a DC plasma torch. The power supply used is at least two times the average operating voltage used, resulting in a more stable operation of the torch. The torch can include two concentric cylinder electrodes, the electrodes can be graphite, and the plasma forming gas can be hydrogen. The power supply provided also has the capability of igniting the torch at a pulse voltage of at least 20 kilovolts.

Abstract: A motor braking procedure is controlled for an electric motor that provides a drive torque for a vehicle and is driven electrically by an inverter circuit having a plurality of switching elements via at least two motor connections and has a rotor rotatable at a motor speed. A braking switch position is adopted by the inverter circuit in braking switch position intervals. An open switch position is adopted by the inverter circuit in open switch position intervals. The braking switch position intervals are alternately switched with the open switch position intervals based on a motor speed being less than a limit speed during the motor braking procedure. The rotor, during the electric motor braking procedure, is subject to a speed-dependent braking torque based on the inverter circuit adopting a braking switch position and is subject to a braking torque less than that in the braking switch position or no braking torque based on the inverter circuit adopting an open switch position.

Abstract: Power and controller integrated circuits for electric vehicle applications are enabled. For example, a system can comprise a plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) electrically coupled to the plurality of battery cells, wherein one or more ASICs of the plurality of ASICs comprises a respective power ASIC, and wherein the ASICs comprise respective bidirectional direct current to alternating current (DC-AC) converters and charge or discharge the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control system for a vehicle can include one or more user interface elements located in a cabin of the vehicle. The user interface element(s) can correspond to a plurality of regenerative braking settings. Each of the regenerative braking setting(s) can correspond to a different amount of regenerative braking torque to apply to the wheel(s) of the vehicle. The system can include a processor operatively connected to the user interface element(s). The processor can be configured to detect a condition, the condition being at least one of a weight of the vehicle, a center of gravity of the vehicle, a weight of a trailer operatively connected to the vehicle, and a center of gravity of a trailer operatively connected to the vehicle. The processor can be configured to cause the amount of regenerative braking torque for the regenerative braking setting(s) to be adjusted based on the condition.

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle or a stationary installation and a method of operating a battery module. The power system includes an electronic operator unit, a power control unit, a system control unit, and a battery pack. The power control unit is coupled to a system component and has a predetermined power demand. The system control unit generates a power system data map and is communicatively coupled to a pack communications bus, the electronic operator unit, and the power control unit. The battery pack has a plurality of sockets. The power bus is coupled to the plurality of sockets and to the power control unit. The power bus includes a negative power bus and a positive power bus.

Abstract: An extended-range fuel cell electric vehicle power device includes a driving motor, a bidirectional converter, a chopper, a power cell, a fuel cell, a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, an electric control valve, a controller, an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. An output of the driving motor is connected to a transmission shaft of an electric vehicle through a speed change gearbox, and an input of the driving motor is connected to an alternating current output end of the bidirectional converter; a direct current input end of the bidirectional converter is connected in parallel to an output of the power cell and an output of the chopper, and an input of the chopper is connected to a power source output of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a DC plasma torch. The power supply used is at least two times the average operating voltage used, resulting in a more stable operation of the torch. The torch can include two concentric cylinder electrodes, the electrodes can be graphite, and the plasma forming gas can be hydrogen. The power supply provided also has the capability of igniting the torch at a pulse voltage of at least 20 kilovolts.

Abstract: A frequency converter adapted to be connected to another frequency converter via a direct current bus is provided. The frequency converter comprises: a positive bus interface adapted to be interconnected with a positive bus interface of the other frequency converter; an external bleeder resistor interface adapted to be interconnected with an external bleeder resistor interface of the other frequency converter; and a first control logic which controls a parallel connection, between the frequency converter and the other frequency converter and realized by a direct current bus, to be turned on or off. A corresponding frequency converter assembly, a control method, and a computer readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system includes a motor configured to rotate at a variable rotational speed in response to receiving power from a three-phase power supply, and a regenerative braking circuit in signal communication with the three-phase power supply to control the rotational speed of the motor. A brake controller is in signal communication with the regenerative braking circuit and is configured to selectively operate the regenerative braking circuit in a plurality of different braking modes based on the rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: A programmable thermal dissipation power (TDP) system with integrated circuits is provided. The programmable TDP system includes a software interface, a monitoring circuit, and a controller circuit. The monitoring circuit may provide for the instantaneous input power supplied to the system. The controller circuit may monitor both the target TDP information specified from upstream and the input power readings. The controller circuit may generate a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal that corresponds to a gap between the two power levels and sends the signal to the integrated circuits on the system. The integrated circuit may respond to the change in the input PWM signal and may adjust its power consumption. For example, the integrated circuit may adjust the clock frequency, adjust the instruction rate, skip a number of clock cycles, etc.

Abstract: There are provided at least two disconnection contactors each of which switches between connection and disconnection of each of at least two of three second power lines for supplying a three-phase alternating-current voltage generated by an inverter to a second PM motor, at least two short-circuit contactors each of which switches between connection and disconnection between the two second power lines of each of at least two of the pairs of the three second power lines, and a calculator to control the disconnection contactors and short-circuit contactors.

Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle flap includes an electric motor (2) for driving the vehicle flap, and a supply switching circuit (3). The supply switching circuit (3) includes a first voltage source (9) for supplying current to the electric motor (2), a first electrical supply line (4) and a second electrical supply line (5). The first voltage source (9) is arranged between the first electrical supply line (4) and the second electrical supply line (5). The drive device also includes a control switching circuit (12) including a second voltage source (14) and a switching control device (13). The drive device includes a switching element (10) and a diode (11) connected between the first electrical supply line (4) and the second electrical supply line (5).

Abstract: A system for active short circuit notification in an electric motor of a hybrid electric vehicle including a traction battery, an internal combustion engine in mechanical communication with the motor, and a propulsion system driven by the motor or engine. The system includes an inverter and inverter controller to generate signals to operate inverter switches to produce AC for the motor or DC for battery charging. In response to motor speed exceeding a threshold, the inverter controller is configured to generate signals to operate the switches to produce an active short circuit in the motor to prevent battery overcharging. In response to an active short circuit, the inverter controller is configured to transmit a notification signal to a vehicle controller configured to generate an engine stop control signal operative to stop the engine to reduce current circulation between the inverter and motor caused by the active short circuit.

Abstract: A braking device for a moveable door leaf includes an electrical brake motor operated as a generator. The motor shaft of which is rotatable by a movement of the door leaf and which can be controlled for regulating the closing speed of the door leaf by an electronic evaluation and control unit, which is at least partially provided with electrical energy by an electric motor operated as a generator and/or by an additional generator unit. The electronic evaluation and control unit is operable in a sleep mode and is cyclically displaceable into a waking state depending on the closing speed of the door leaf. A door closer with a mechanical energy storage and a braking device is also disclosed.

Abstract: This motor driving control apparatus has (A) an inverter unit configured to drive a motor; (B) a separation switch configured to separate a power source from the inverter unit; and (C) a controller configured to instruct the separation switch to separate the power source from the inverter unit and control the inverter unit to perform switching according to a speed and a braking target torque, upon detecting an event that braking should be performed without passing a regenerative current to the power source from the inverter unit. By introducing the separation switch that operates as described above, it becomes possible to perform control so as to consume the power by the motor itself without passing the regenerative current to the power source such as a battery.

Abstract: A braking device for a movable door wing comprises an electric motor operated as a generator with a motor shaft which is rotatable by a movement of the door wing and which expends motion-dependent motor voltage at a contact pair, as well as a braking circuit upon which the motor voltage is applied or applicable and via which, the contact pair is short-circuitable in order to dampen a movement of the door wing. It is provided that the braking circuit comprises two anti-serially arranged field-effect transistors wherein their drain terminals are connected each to another contact of the contact pair and wherein their source terminals are connected to each other and preferably also connected to earth or a zero line, so that the contact pair is short-circuited depending on the switching state of the field effect transistors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a motor in which a failure has occurred in a vehicle steering system. A vehicle motor control apparatus according to an embodiment may include a motor failure sensor configured to determine whether a failure has occurred in a motor based on information of a current flowing in each phase of the motor provided in a vehicle steering system, and a motor controller configured to apply a demagnetization current to the motor for permanently demagnetizing the magnet in the motor when the failure has occurred in the motor. Accordingly, a driver is capable of performing stable steering even when the motor has failed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner that can be constructed at low cost while reducing risk of malfunction. The outdoor unit has a compressor; a fan motor; a compressor driver board having a compressor inverter circuit and a compressor driver circuit; and a fan driver board having a fan inverter circuit and fan driver circuit. The compressor driver board has at least either: a shared control circuit that feeds a first switching signal for a compressor to the compressor driver circuit and feeds a second switching signal for a fan to the fan driver circuit; or a shared power source circuit that steps down a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage and supplies the second DC voltage to the compressor driver circuit and to the fan driver circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a damper with which the energy efficiency for attenuating input vibration corresponding to the unsprung resonance frequency and the sprung resonance frequency can be improved. Also provided is a method for manufacturing this damper. In this damper the electrical resonance frequency, as specified by the inductance of an electromagnetic motor and the capacitance of a capacitor, is set within ±20% of the unsprung resonance frequency, thereby enabling the input vibration corresponding to the sprung resonance frequency as well as the input vibration corresponding to the unsprung resonance frequency to be reduced.

Abstract: A rolling shutter driving device includes a motor, a locking assembly and a gearbox. The motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes a rotary shaft connected to the gearbox. The rotary shaft drives through the gearbox a rolling shutter to extend or retract. The locking assembly includes a brake pad slidingly fitted on the rotary shaft and a rotary member fixedly mounted to the rotary shaft. The brake pad is circumferentially fixed relative to the stator. The brake pad is slidable relative to the rotary shaft so as to be selectively engaged with the rotary member to lock the rotary shaft and hence hold the load in position, or disengaged from the rotary member to unlock the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An energy conversion device for a vehicle is particularly suited for a rail vehicle. The energy conversion device has, in at least one mode, a unit which operates as a generator unit and has at least one synchronous machine, and which has at least one energy discharge unit which is provided for discharging at least a portion of an electrical energy generated by the generator unit, and has at least one resistor unit. The novel energy discharge unit has at least one control unit which is provided to set operating modes from a set of operating modes in which the resistor unit makes available a different resistance value in each case.

Abstract: A chiller system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator in fluid communication. A motor drives the compressor. A variable speed drive powers the motor. An oil heater and pump system circulate heated lubricating oil in the compressor. A control panel is arranged to determine whether an input parameter is greater than or equal to a threshold parameter; deactivate the VSD in response to sensing that the input parameter is less than the threshold parameter; determine at least one chiller capacity control parameter at a point when the VSD is deactivated, and maintain the at least one chiller capacity control parameter while the VSD is deactivated; determine that the input parameter has been restored; determine a motor rotation and motor rotational speed; and in response to determining that the input parameter is restored and the motor is rotating in a forward direction, reactivate the VSD.

Abstract: In an electric power converter, a driver unit includes an output unit, an auxiliary power source, a switch circuit unit, and a diode. The output unit includes first and second MISFETs and selectively outputs an on signal or an off signal to a gate electrode of a first HEMT. The auxiliary power source outputs a predetermined positive voltage. The switch circuit unit selectively connects a source electrode of the first MISFET to the auxiliary power source or a drain electrode of the first HEMT. The diode is connected to a source electrode of the second MISFET and is oriented such that forward current flows to a source electrode of the first HEMT. In the event of a short circuit in a certain HEMT, a microcomputer connects the source electrode of the first MISFET to the auxiliary power source and outputs an off command to the driver unit.

Abstract: Drive circuits for parallel electric motors are provided. A drive circuit includes an inverter, at least one current sensor, and a DSP. The inverter is coupled to and configured to provide three phase power to a plurality of parallel electric motors. The at least one current sensor is coupled to the inverter and is configured to measure stator phase currents output by the inverter for driving the plurality of parallel electric motors. The DSP is coupled to the inverter and the at least one current sensor and is configured to receive the stator phase currents from the at least one current sensor, and generate at least one PWM signal for controlling the inverter based on the stator phase currents.

Abstract: A method includes selectively communicating each of a plurality of motor winding signals to a first node at an integrated circuit based on whether the corresponding motor winding is energized. A zero-crossing event at an unenergized motor winding signal is determined based the unenergized motor winding signal and based on a signal at the first node.

Abstract: A method and device for electrodynamic braking of a universal motor. The method comprises the steps of continuously ascertaining a rotational speed of the universal motor, temporarily, periodically short-circuiting an armature of the universal motor with a semiconductor switch, and regulating firing angles of the semiconductor switch with a regulating device. The regulating device regulates firing angles of the semiconductor switch such that the rotational speed of the universal motor is adapted with minimal deviation to a rotational speed of a target rotational speed profile.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrical power system includes disabling bridge switching of one of the rotor-side converter or line-side converter. The method further includes gating on the dynamic brake after the disabling occurs, comparing a power converter input variable to a primary predetermined variable threshold, and forcing the gated-on dynamic brake to a 100 percent duty cycle when the power converter input variable exceeds the primary predetermined variable threshold.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus, comprises an image sensor having a focus detection pixel; a focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection, by using a signal from the focus detection pixel; a focus adjustment unit configured to control focus adjustment of an imaging lens; a lock unit configured to lock the focus adjustment of the imaging lens; and a control unit configured to control so as to, if the focus adjustment of the imaging lens is caused to transition from a locked state to a state where the focus adjustment lock is cancelled in continuous shooting, temporarily cause the continuous shooting to stop, and, after performing the focus adjustment of the imaging lens and confirming that the imaging lens has focused on the subject, restart the continuous shooting.

Abstract: A back electromotive force (BEMF) zero cross may be detected in a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM). A phase input of the BLDC motor is tri-stated during PWM periods in which the phase input conducts motor drive current, and the tri-stating of the phase input is used to determine whether a BEMF zero cross has occurred in the BLDC motor.

Abstract: A device can prevent a failure in the actuation of a braking mechanism, which is caused by adhesion of adhesive substances. The device includes a heating part for heating the braking mechanism, a heat controller for controlling a heating operation of the heating part, a brake controller for actuating the braking mechanism when the heat controller stops the heating operation, and the temperature of the braking mechanism decreases, an actuation delay measuring part for measuring an actuation delay of the braking mechanism when the brake controller actuates the braking mechanism, and a comparison part for comparing the actuation delay measured by the actuation delay measuring part with a reference value of the actuation delay of the braking mechanism.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for an electric vehicle is provided. The driving apparatus for the electric vehicle can charge the other batteries using a charging voltage of any one battery in a state in which an engine is not driven, control a voltage generated by an integrated starter generator (ISG), selectively charge a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages without using a separate converter, and reduce a weight and volume thereof.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle including a three-phase AC motor and a power converter, the control apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU is configured to determine whether a rotation speed of the three-phase AC motor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and whether a stopping operation of the vehicle is performed, to determine that the vehicle stops when the rotation speed is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold and the stopping operation is performed, to determine whether the vehicle skids, and to switch a state of the power converter to a state where all on one side of the first and second switching elements are turned off and at least one on the other side of the first and second switching elements is turned on when the ECU determines that the vehicle stops and that the vehicle does not skid.

Abstract: A control system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to execute three-phase ON control such that two transistors connected in parallel to the first transistor are switched ON when a condition i) is satisfied, The first transistor is one of the transistor of the six transistors and in which the short-circuit fault has occurred. The condition i) is that a recovery loss of a first diode in which a reverse recovery current is generated is estimated to be smaller than a recovery tolerance.

Abstract: A controller for a brushless direct-current motor having an upstream converter, which has a half-bridge having a pair of switching means for each phase winding of the motor, includes a measuring device or has a signal connection to a measuring device. The measuring device is associated with a half-bridge and by means of the measuring device, the induced voltage, the counterelectromotive force of a phase winding, can be detected for rotor position detection in the current-free state, for which purpose the controller, in an operating mode that causes the braking and in which the switching means cause a short circuit of the phase windings, briefly opens the switching means associated with the measuring device in order to determine a rotor motion.

Abstract: A method for electrically connecting a converter to an electrical machine supplied with current by the converter by closing a separate electrical connection between the converter and the machine. The connection includes multiple phases. In order to close the electrical connection without causing undue wear to the material, at least two phases of the connection are closed at different times.

Abstract: A vibroisolating device (1) comprises a substantially elastomeric core (2) configured to be connected with a first displaceable object (3) and provide with an opening (21) configured to be connected with a second displaceable object (4). In order to obtain a nonlinear force vs. displacement characteristic of the device, substantially symmetrical around a certain and adjustable nonzero displacement value, the device (1) comprises at least one Belleville spring (5) disposed on the vibration transmitting path between said first displaceable object (3) and said second displaceable object (4), which is at least partially embedded in the volume of said substantially elastomeric core (2) and surrounds said opening (21). In particular the spring (5) is preloaded while said vibroisolating device (1) is in vibrations equilibrium position. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle suspension, in particular an adjustable active suspension system, comprising such a vibroisolating device.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric motor outputting regenerative torque to a drive shaft connected to an axle shaft, a hydraulic brake providing braking force for the vehicle, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a regeneration coordination switch in which at least part of the regenerative torque from the electric motor is gradually switched to the braking force from the hydraulic brake. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a vibration suppression control that restrains vibration of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to increase frequency of execution of the vibration suppression control when the regeneration coordination switch is performed, as compared to frequency of execution of the vibration suppression control when the regeneration coordination switch is not being performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of motor control, and discloses an apparatus for measuring excitation parameters of an induction motor and a method thereof. The method comprises: maintaining the induction motor static, and inputting a test current to a test phase of the induction motor; and calculating, based on a voltage of the test phase of the induction motor, a stator flux linkage of the test phase of the induction motor corresponding to a magnitude of the test current. The disclosure can conveniently and accurately measure excitation parameters of the induction motor.

Abstract: In a synchronous rotary machine such as a synchronous motor, respective values of the number of pole pairs of the rotor and the number of stator slots are predetermined such as to enable drive currents to be passed through the stator windings which suppress specific varying electromagnetic forces that act on the rotor and produce vibration. The drive current of each phase of the motor consists of a fundamental-frequency sinusoidal waveform current having specific harmonic-frequency currents superimposed thereon, the harmonic-frequency currents having angular velocities which are appropriate, with respect to the angular variation velocities of the specific varying electromagnetic forces, for suppressing these forces.

Abstract: A back electromotive force (BEMF) zero cross may be detected in a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM). A phase input of the BLDC motor is tri-stated during PWM periods in which the phase input conducts motor drive current, and the tri-stating of the phase input is used to determine whether a BEMF zero cross has occurred in the BLDC motor.

Abstract: A power converter includes an inverter, a contactor for connecting a battery to the inverter in order to supply DC power from the battery to the inverter and for disconnecting the battery from the inverter in order to stop an operation to supply the DC power from the battery to the inverter, a smoothing capacitor connected in parallel to the battery through the contactor, a discharge circuit that is provided with a discharge resistor and a switching device connected in series to the discharge resistor and is connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor to discharge electric charge from the smoothing capacitor, a voltage measurement circuit, a voltage-dividing circuit for dividing the voltage across the terminals of the smoothing capacitor to generate a partial voltage to be input to the voltage measurement circuit and a control circuit of the switching device.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring energy using onboard power electronics comprises a first energy storage device configured to output a DC voltage and a DC bus coupled to the first energy storage device, the DC bus coupleable to a high-impedance voltage source. The apparatus also comprises a braking resistor coupled to the DC bus and to a control circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the control circuit to cause energy on the DC bus to be dissipated through the braking resistor during a regenerative braking event, cause the first energy storage device to receive a charging energy from the high-impedance voltage source through the braking resistor during a charging event, and after a threshold value has been crossed, cause the first energy storage device to receive the charging energy from the high-impedance voltage source bypassing the braking resistor during the charging event.

Abstract: For an electric motor used as a generator in an electric vehicle for dynamic braking, employing a dynamic reconfiguration-switching of motor windings upon the generator exceeding one of a maximum usable constraint of a first rechargeable battery in order to reduce a voltage constant of the electric motor thereby limiting one of a produced voltage and a produced power.

Abstract: An integrated power converter includes first and second auxiliary switch modules, and one or more braking switch modules. The first auxiliary switch module is mounted at a first location of a laminated bus bar, and connects a first auxiliary lead with a first power layer and a second power layer of the bus bar. The second auxiliary switch module is mounted at a second location of the bus bar, and connects a second auxiliary lead with the first and second power layers. The braking switch modules are mounted at additional locations of the bus bar, adjacent to the first and second locations. Each braking switch module connects a braking lead with one of the power layers of the bus bar, and with a dual diode module or with the other power layer of the bus bar.

Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The motor controller includes a power input for receiving AC power from a power source; a control input for receiving a control signal from a control; and circuitry for switching power from the power source to the electric motor in response to the control signal. The circuitry is operable to: apply a braking waveform to the stator while the rotor is rotating; monitor a reactive power of the stator; detect an increase in the reactive power of the stator to determine the rotor has substantially stopped rotating; and remove the braking waveform from the stator in response to detecting the increase in the reactive power.

Abstract: A method is provided. A command to correspond to a target speed of a motor is received. A rotational speed of the motor is measured, and a brake-to-off ratio for a braking interval is calculated based at least in part on the rotation speed, the target speed, a braking parameter. An off state for an inverter that is coupled to motor is induced during an off portion of the braking interval, and a brake signal is applied to the inverter during a braking portion of the braking interval.

Abstract: A control system for a thrust reverser with a movable cowl includes an electromechanical actuator to actuate the movable cowl, an electric drive unit (M) driving the actuator, and a power control unit capable of controlling the electric drive unit (M). The power control unit moves the movable cowl to a closed position and/or to a deployed position. In particular, the control system includes an electronic circuit for electric braking capable of braking the electric drive unit (M), in case of overspeed of the drive unit when the movable cowl is moved to the closed position and/or to the deployed position.

Abstract: A control method comprises determining wheel creep of a wheel operably coupled to a traction motor and limiting a rate of change of an excitation frequency applied to the traction motor to drive the wheel, based on the determined wheel creep. According to one aspect, the rate of change of the excitation frequency is limited if the wheel creep exceeds a wheel creep threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a system for a machine having an electric drive configuration. The system includes an electric motor associated with at least one wheel and adapted to provide retarding torque to the wheel, and a controller configured to determine a power measurement of a retarding grid and control the retarding torque to the at least one wheel during retarding as a function of the power measurement.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.