Abstract: An electrically powered suspension system includes: an actuator that is provided between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle and generates a load for damping vibration of the vehicle body; an information acquisition part that acquires information on a sprung state amount and a road surface state; a target load calculation part that calculates a first target load related to skyhook control based on the sprung state amount and calculates a second target load related to preview control based on the road surface state; and a load control part. The target load calculation part calculates a third target load related to roll generation control based on a target roll angle and calculates a combined target load into which the first target load, second target load, and third target load have been combined. The load control part performs load control of the actuator using the combined target load.

Abstract: In a drive system having an inverter and electric motor, and a method for operating a drive system, the electric motor is fed from the AC-voltage-side terminal of the inverter, a first series circuit, which includes a brake resistor and a first controllable semiconductor switch, is connected at the DC-voltage-side terminal of the inverter, and a second series circuit, which includes an impedance and a controllable second semiconductor switch, is connected in parallel with the first series circuit, e.g., in parallel with the DC-voltage-side terminal of the inverter.

Abstract: In a method and system for operating a system having an energy storage device and a resistor, and in order to discharge the energy storage device, an electric power that is constant over time is continuously supplied to the resistor, e.g., during a time period, e.g., until the resistor has practically been fully discharged, the time period, e.g., being greater than the time constant of the temperature rise of the resistor induced by a continuous electric power that is constant over time and supplied to the resistor.

Abstract: A method for clarifying a flowable starting product of solids using a self-emptying centrifuge in continuous operation in a centrifugal field in the rotating drum. A continuous draining of at least one clarified liquid phase occurs and solids emptying occurs repeatedly via outlet openings that are intermittently opened and closed. The emptying of solids from the drum of the centrifuge is initiated, the speed of the drum of the centrifuge is reduced, the solids are emptied from the solids collection chamber of the drum after lowering the speed of the drum, and the emptying of the solids from the drum is ended.

Abstract: A DC-DC auto-converter module includes a positive source terminal, a negative source terminal, a positive load terminal, a negative load terminal, and a DC-DC converter. The negative source terminal cooperates with the positive source terminal to facilitate electrical connection of a DC power source thereto. The negative load terminal cooperates with the positive load terminal to facilitate connection of an electrical load thereto. The isolated DC-DC converter comprises an input circuit and an output circuit that is galvanically isolated from the input circuit. The DC-DC converter includes a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal, a positive output terminal, and a negative output terminal. At least one of the positive input terminal, the negative input terminal, the positive output terminal, and the negative output terminal is galvanically connected to at least one of the positive source terminal, the negative source terminal, the positive load terminal, and the negative load terminal.

Abstract: An electrical brake energy feedback system, including a rectifier and inverter circuit, an intermediate DC circuit, a first voltage detection circuit configured to detect voltages of positive and negative terminals of the intermediate DC circuit to obtain a first voltage signal, a bidirectional DC/DC conversion circuit and/or a regeneration control circuit, and an electrical energy flow control circuit for controlling operating states of the bidirectional DC/DC conversion circuit and/or the regeneration control circuit according to the first voltage signal. With this system, the electrical brake energy can be recovered to the greatest extent when the vehicle is running in different zones, and the electrical brake energy consumed by the brake resistor is as little as possible. Accordingly, the vehicle and the entire transportation system can be more energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A motor drive system comprises a power converter arranged to supply an input voltage to a motor connected to the power converter by a cable arrangement. The cable arrangement includes first, second, and third conductors, each of said conductors being electrically coupled at one end to the power converter, and to the motor at the other end. A resistive portion is connected to a respective node of each of said first, second, and third conductors. A capacitive portion is connected to the resistive portion in series. A switching portion is connected in parallel to the capacitive portion and is operable in open and closed states. In the closed state, the capacitive portion is bypassed, providing for dissipation of regenerative energy from the motor. In the open state, the capacitive portion is not bypassed, and acts with the resistive portion to provide RC damper functionality to mitigate transmission line effects from the conductors.

Abstract: A motor drive system according to an embodiment includes an inverter and a control device. The inverter causes a current to flow through a winding of an induction motor. The control device drives the induction motor by controlling the inverter through vector control. The control device includes a plurality of calculation criteria for a stator magnetic flux estimated value of the induction motor and includes an appropriate magnetic flux command generation unit that selects a calculation criterion for the stator magnetic flux estimated value that further increases a loss of the induction motor from among the plurality of calculation criteria on the basis of at least a rotation speed of the induction motor in the case of braking the induction motor.

Abstract: A variety of methods, controllers and electric machine systems are described that facilitate pulsed control of electric machines (e.g., electric motors and generators) to improve the machine's energy conversion efficiency. Under selected operating conditions, the electric machine is intermittently driven (pulsed). The pulsed operation causes the output of the electric machine to alternate between a first output level and a second output level that is lower than the first output level. The output levels are selected such that at least one of the electric machine and a system that includes the electric machine has a higher energy conversion efficiency during the pulsed operation than the electric machine would have when operated at a third output level that would be required to drive the electric machine in a continuous manner to deliver the desired output. In some embodiments, the second output level is zero torque.

Abstract: Actuators are components of machines, which move and/or control a mechanism or system. During operation, actuators can experience regeneration events, with the actuator actually generating excess energy (e.g., regenerative energy) which must be stored or dissipated to avoid damaging the power supply. An actuator motor controller is configured to implement field oriented voltage control and flux weakening voltage control without current sensors. Dissipating regenerative energy includes providing a motor controller to command a motor drive to modify an input voltage, or to dissipate regenerative energy in a dump circuit. This command can cause motor windings to dissipate regenerative energy. Systems having a plurality of actuators distribute regenerative energy from one actuator to another. A central controller provides centralized regeneration dissipation control for the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A hybrid power driving system includes an engine, a planetary gear device, a first motor, a clutch gear, a brake device, a first clutch, a second clutch, an intermediate shaft, and a second motor, wherein the engine and the first motor are connected by the planetary gear device, the planetary gear device includes a first rotating element, a second rotating element and a third rotating element, the first rotating element is connected to the first motor, and the second rotating element is connected to the engine, and the clutch gear is connected to the intermediate shaft; the brake device is configured to brake or unlock the third rotating element; and the second motor is connected to the intermediate shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a power tool capable of performing braking in which deterioration and breakage of elements are inhibited. In a brake control, an arithmetic unit 21: performs a switching control of a combination of any of upper arm side Q1-Q3 switching elements and any of lower arm side switching elements Q4-Q6 while sequentially switching the elements; and causes a current to flow in a closed loop (a closed loop in the same direction as during driving of the power tool) in order through any of the upper arm side Q1-Q3 switching elements, stator coils 6e, any of the lower arm side switching elements Q4-Q6, and a first diode bridge 15.

Abstract: A power supply system has a primary power source and an energy storage system. The primary power source is adapted to supply power on demand to a load. One or more energy storage modules of the energy storage system are adapted to receive regenerative power from the load. The power supply system further includes a converter connected between the load, the energy storage system; and the primary power source, the converter has a three phase voltage source converter and an additional two pulse bridge. A blocking diode is connected between the load and the converter.

Abstract: This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

Abstract: Circuits and methods relating to shunt current sensing are provided. A shunt current sensing circuit comprises a shunt resistor for receiving a shunt current. A filtering stage is connected to the shunt resistor and is configured to filter the shunt current. A current sense amplifier is connected to the filtering stage and is configured to receive the filtered shunt current from the filtering stage. The current sense amplifier is configured to sense the filtered shunt current to produce an output voltage. The filtering stage is configured to filter the shunt current such that the output voltage produced by the current sense amplifier (U2) is substantially proportional to the shunt current.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electric system that includes an inverter with load contacts for connecting a load at a first voltage, first and second battery contacts, and charging contacts for connecting a charging station that provides a higher second voltage. A switching matrix of the inverter includes inverter power switches and two additional switches directly connected to different ones of the inverter power switches. In a first switching state, the additional switches set the inverter to a driving mode for driving the load at the first voltage. In a second switching state, the additional switches set the inverter to a charging mode for charging the battery at the higher second voltage. For this purpose, the additional switches connect the first and second battery contacts in parallel in the driving mode and in series in the charging mode.

Abstract: An active harmonic filter (AHF) and regenerating energy control (REC) apparatus for an adjustable speed drive (ASD) includes an inverter and a controller operatively coupled to the inverter to selectively control operation thereof. The controller is programmed to operate the inverter in different modes in order to manage different conditions that occur during operation of the ASD. In an AHF mode, the controller operates the inverter to filter harmonics present at an input to an ASD. In an REC mode, the controller operates the inverter to control regenerating energy flowing into the inverter from the ASD.

Abstract: An earthing switch circuit is provided and is connected to a direct current (DC) link including a positive terminal and a negative terminal having capacitance or energy storage capability. The earthing switch circuit includes a dynamic braking circuit having a single or plurality of dynamic braking (DB) switches, and at least one dynamic braking (DB) resistor disposed between the plurality of DB switches, and an earthing switch connected between the DB circuit and ground. The at least one DB resistor dissipates energy thermally when performing a dynamic braking operation and simultaneously decreases in-rush current for the earthing switch circuit upon closure of the earthing switch.

Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing, a brushless direct-current (BLDC) electric motor disposed inside the housing, power switches disposed between a power supply and the electric motor and including high-side switches and low-side switches, and a control unit configured to control a switching operation of the power switches to operate the electric motor and electronically brake the motor by simultaneously activating the high-side switches or the low-side switches to stop the rotation of the motor upon detection of a condition prompting the braking of the motor. The control unit is configured to detect the condition that prompts the braking of the electric motor, set a braking profile for braking the electric motor based on the detected condition, and execute braking of the electric motor using the braking profile.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a propulsion electrical storage device (PESD), a first switching device, an ancillary electrical storage device (AESD), a second switching device, and a controller. The PESD powers a traction motor of a vehicle via a propulsion circuit. The AESD is a different type of electrical storage device than the PESD and powers the traction motor via an ancillary circuit. The first switching device is electrically connected to the propulsion circuit, and the second switching device is electrically connected to the ancillary circuit. The controller switches or maintains the second switching device in a closed, conducting state during an elevated demand period for the AESD to power to the traction motor. The controller switches the second switching device to an open, non-conducting state prior to switching the first switching device to the closed state for the PESD to power the traction motor.

Abstract: A power supply device of a vehicle includes a negative electrode terminal connected to a first battery; a positive electrode terminal connected to a second battery; a first positive electrode side relay between a first node and the first battery; a first capacitor connected between the first node and a negative line; a first negative electrode side relay between the first battery and the negative line; a first precharge relay and a first resistive element connected in parallel with the first negative electrode side relay; a second positive electrode side relay between a third node and the second battery; a second capacitor between the third node and a second node; a second negative electrode side relay between the second battery and the second node; and a second precharge relay and a second resistive element connected in parallel with the second positive electrode side relay.

Abstract: An apparatus including a movable arm; a robot drive connected to the movable arm; and a heat transfer system. The robot drive includes a first drive configured to extend and retract the movable arm and a second drive configured to move the movable arm and the first drive along a linear path. The heat transfer system includes a first heat transfer member on the base and a second heat transfer member, where the heat transfer system is configured to transfer heat from the first drive to the first heat transfer member and then from the first heat transfer member to the second heat transfer member. The first heat transfer member travels with the base, and the first heat transfer member moves relative to the second heat transfer member as the base moves relative to the slide.

Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a battery and capacitor assembly for a hybrid vehicle that includes a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of capacitor cells, a cooling plate, a pair of end brackets, and a housing. The plurality of capacitor cells are arranged adjacent to the plurality of battery cells such that the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of capacitor cells form a cell stack. The pair of end brackets are disposed at opposite ends of the cell stack and are attached to the cooling plate. The pair of end brackets compress the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of capacitor cells. The housing is attached to the cooling plate and encloses the cell stack and the pair of end brackets.

Abstract: A vehicle has a brake device with a friction brake unit, an electrical brake unit and a brake control device. In order to provide a vehicle having a reliable and structurally simple brake device, the friction brake unit has brake components made of a composite material and the brake control device includes a monitoring device for monitoring a brake operation performed by the electrical brake unit.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply device includes: an inverter configured to convert AC power from an AC power supply into DC power and output the DC power to a DC bus; a converter configured to convert the DC power received from the DC bus into AC power and supply the AC power to a load; a bidirectional chopper configured to transmit and receive DC power between the DC bus and a storage battery; a bidirectional chopper configured to transmit and receive DC power between the DC bus and a lithium ion battery; a controller configured to cause the storage battery to be charged during normal operation, and to be discharged during power failure; and a controller configured to cause the lithium ion battery to be charged when the load is performing a regenerative operation, and to be discharged when the load is performing a power running operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an on-board charging system in which, when a plurality of charging circuits is connected in parallel between input and output terminals, operation timings of switching circuits in the respective charging circuits are interlocked to minimize ripples of an input alternating current. The on-board charging system includes: a plurality of charging circuits configured to each have a power factor correction circuit portion for correcting a power factor of alternating current input power by pulse width modulation control of a switching element and to be connected in parallel with each other between an input terminal of the AC input power and an output terminal connected to an object to be charged; and a controller configured to interlock the switching elements to generate a PWM control signal for performing PWM control.

Abstract: A paddle assistance and propulsion system for use with personal watercraft is disclosed. The paddle assistance and propulsion system may include different mounting techniques that allow a propulsion device (e.g., a motor) to be coupled to various types of personal watercraft. Some mounting techniques may include the use of magnets to couple a motor-side mount to a boat-side mount. The paddle assistance and propulsion system may also utilize a variety of sensors in combination with control systems to provide various types of paddle assistance and different types of paddle assistance modes for the user of the personal watercraft.

Abstract: A printer that performs character printing by driving a character printing section, the printer including a character printing section driving element that electromechanically converts drive power, a switch that switches between states of whether or not to supply the drive power, a reverse voltage regeneration circuit that regenerates a reverse voltage generated by electromechanical conversion, and a circuit board on which the reverse voltage regeneration circuit and the switch are mounted, wherein the reverse voltage regeneration circuit has a first reverse voltage regeneration circuit and a second reverse voltage regeneration circuit, the first reverse voltage regeneration circuit has a first smoothing coil, and the second reverse voltage regeneration circuit has a second smoothing coil, and the switch is mounted on a board surface of the circuit board so as to be disposed between the first smoothing coil and the second smoothing coil.

Abstract: A method for braking a motor in a high lift system of an aircraft, the high lift system comprising a central power drive unit for moving high lift surfaces arranged at a wing through providing rotational power by means of a transmission shaft to a plurality of drive stations operably coupled with the high lift surfaces; which power drive unit is operatively coupled to a controller and comprises at least one electric motor coupled therewith. The method includes determining a braking requirement for the at least one electric motor, measuring at least one of a current command to the motor and a current speed and direction of the at least one electric motor, based on the braking requirement, applying a braking command to the at least one electric motor, and reducing the braking command as the at least one electric motor comes to rest.

Abstract: A motor controller includes: a velocity calculation unit for obtaining an angle ?(n), which shows a rotation position, and an angular velocity ?(n) of a rotor at a time point n; a compensation amount calculation unit for calculating a compensation angle ?? by which the rotor advances from the time point n to a (n+1)th control cycle (a control cycle starting from a time point n+1), based on an angular acceleration a(n) of the rotor, an angular velocity ?(n) of the rotor at the time point n and a time length T of the control cycle; and a PWM inverter for controlling a voltage to be applied to a coil such that a rotating magnetic field based on a rotation position of the rotor advanced by the compensation angle ?? from the rotation position of the rotor at the time point n is formed in the (n+1)th control cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame, a first position sensor, a drive and a chamber. The frame has at least three members including at least two links forming a movable arm and an end effector. The end effector and the links are connected by movable joints. The end effector is configured to support a substrate thereon. The first position sensor is on the frame proximate a first one of the joints. The first position sensor is configured to sense a position of two of the members relative to each other. The drive is connected to the frame. The drive is configured to move the movable arm. The frame is located in the chamber, and the drive extends through a wall in the chamber.

Abstract: A turbocompressor apparatus includes a turbocompressor including a compressor motor, a lubrication pump including a pump motor, a converter that performs electric power conversion between a voltage of a power source and a direct-current voltage of a direct-current voltage unit in a case where electric power is being supplied from the power source to the turbocompressor apparatus; a first inverter that performs electric power conversion between the direct-current voltage and a first alternating-current voltage vector of the compressor motor; and a second inverter that performs electric power conversion between the direct-current voltage and a second alternating-current voltage vector of the pump motor. The compressor motor generates regenerative electric power by regenerative driving and the pump motor is driven by the regenerative electric power in a case where supply of electric power from the power source to the converter is being cut off.

Abstract: The voltage detection circuit (33) is a voltage divider circuit including a plurality of resistances (34a to 34c and 35a to 35c) and detects voltages (Vac1, Vac2) correlating with a power source voltage (Vin) of the AC power source (91). The calculation unit (40) obtains the across voltage (VL) of the reactor (29) using detection results (Vac1, Vac2) of the voltage detection circuit (33), and estimates a power source current (Iin) based on the across voltage (VL). The calculation unit (40) corrects gains of the detection results (Vac1, Vac2) so that a value correlating with an average value per predetermined time period of the estimated power source current (Iin) matches a value correlating with an average value per the predetermined time period of a current (Iinv) downstream of the capacitor (26), and obtains the across voltage (VL) using the detection results (Vac1, Vac2).

Abstract: A apparatus and method for operating an electromagnetic elevator brake during a mains power disruption or emergency stop includes the steps of providing an uninterruptible power supply in a power circuit arranged in parallel to a brake coil and repeatedly opening and closing the power circuit during the mains power disruption or emergency stop. In comparison to the conventional braking during power disruption, the periodic or staggered braking provided by repeatedly opening and closing the power circuit greatly extends the time taken to bring the elevator to a halt. Accordingly, passengers will feel less discomfort when the elevator is braked automatically during power disruption.

Abstract: A motor position sensor device comprises a motor position detection unit being configured to detect a position of a rotor of an electric motor. The motor position sensor device comprises a selection circuit being configured to couple a first supply terminal to provide a supply voltage to the motor position detection unit, if a level of the supply voltage is above the threshold level, and to couple a second supply terminal to provide an auxiliary supply voltage to the motor position detection unit, if the level of the supply voltage is below the threshold level and the level of the auxiliary supply voltage is above the threshold level.

Abstract: A power tool includes: a brushless motor; a rectifier circuit; a smoothing circuit; an inverter; a controller; an operating part; and a switch. The switch is rendered ON in accordance with an operation performed in the operating part by a user to allow power to be supplied to the inverter circuit by the rectifier circuit through the smoothing circuit and rendered OFF in accordance with release of the operation by the user to interrupt the inverter circuit from the rectifier circuit to halt supplying the power to the inverter circuit. The smoothing circuit includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected in parallel. The controller is configured to control the switching operations of the inverter circuit to drive the brushless motor in accordance with a signal inputted in accordance with the operation performed in the operating part by the user.

Abstract: A system for increasing fuel efficiency of a vehicle includes a power source designed to convert a fuel into power and an input device designed to receive user input corresponding to a request to operate in a constant power mode. The system further includes at least one sensor designed to detect vehicle data corresponding to a current power of the power source and a memory designed to store an upper power threshold and a lower power threshold. The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that is designed to determine the current power of the power source based on the detected vehicle data and to control the power source such that the current power remains between the upper power threshold and the lower power threshold when the user input corresponds to the request to operate in the constant power mode.

Abstract: A regenerative elevator drive device, a method for buffering energy of a regenerative elevator drive device, and an elevator system are disclosed. The regenerative elevator drive device may include an inverter having a plurality of power components and a converter having a plurality of power components. The regenerative drive may further include a direct current (DC) link bridging the inverter and the converter, the DC link including a first capacitor bridging the inverter and the converter and a second capacitor in parallel with the first capacitor. The regenerative elevator drive device may be a multi-level regenerative drive device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (4) for a contactor (2) connected between a secondary battery and an electrical power network, in particular of a motor vehicle that can be driven electrically, comprising at least one electronic evaluating unit (6), which can be connected to at least one electrical component of the secondary battery by means of a communication connection (5), and at least one safety switch (8), which can be controlled by means of the electronic evaluating unit (6) and which can be arranged in an electrical control circuit (7) of the contactor (2), wherein the electronic evaluating unit (6) is designed to receive at least one component-specific piece of actual information (12) from the electrical component via the communication connection (5), to compare the received piece of actual information (12) with at least one piece of target information stored in the electronic evaluating unit (6), and to control the safety switch (8) in dependence on a result of the comparison in such a way th

Abstract: In a boost chopper circuit, a withstand voltage of at least one device of a switching device circuit is lower than a withstand voltage of a capacitor circuit connected in series to a backflow prevention diode circuit between opposite ends of the switching device circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an operating method for an electric motor vehicle with at least one electrical machine as the traction motor and with an operating element for preselecting a coasting function, wherein, if the coasting function is preselected by the driver, under predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into a coasting mode, in which neither a drive torque nor a drag torque is exerted on the wheels of the vehicle. According to the disclosure, the predetermined conditions include the conditions that the gas pedal is in a neutral position and that the current speed of the vehicle is at or is greater than a preset value. Under the predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into the coasting mode by bringing the drive train of the vehicle into a state in which the at least one electrical machine is consuming no electrical energy.

Abstract: A motor capacitor verification unit includes a capacitor selection section coupled to an electric motor employing a motor capacitor for its operation that connects the motor capacitor for verification testing. Also included is a capacitor testing section coupled to the capacitor selection section that evaluates the motor capacitor for operation with the electric motor. Further included is an AC power control section coupled to the capacitor testing section and that only permits application of an AC operating voltage to the electric motor and the motor capacitor after a successful motor capacitor verification as required for electric motor operation. An electric motor operating system, an HVAC operating system and methods of operating an electric motor, retrofitting a motor capacitor verification unit to an electric motor and manufacturing a motor capacitor verification unit for use with an electric motor are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive.

Abstract: A motor control device which controls a motor in a machine tool or an industrial machine includes: a power outage detection unit that detects a power outage of a power source which supplies electric power for driving the motor; a DC link voltage detection unit that detects a value of a DC link voltage applied to an amplifier which drives the motor; a comparison unit which compares the value of the DC link voltage with a predetermined threshold value; a torque command generation unit which generates a torque command for driving the motor; a torque limit value setting unit which sets a torque limit value in accordance with a result of a comparison by the comparison unit; and a torque command limit unit which limits the torque command to the torque limit value when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically-driven skin stimulation module for forming a relatively high potential difference between power terminals of different polarities without a voltage booster circuit to make a lot of current flow through human skin such that function of iontophoresis may be remarkably improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modulating the boost converter operating mode of a push-pull converter having a low-voltage-side circuit, having a first low-voltage-side switching device and a second low-voltage-side switching device; having a transformer having a high-voltage-side winding; and having a high-voltage-side circuit, which is configured as a full-bridge rectifier, having a first and a second rectification element which form a first half-bridge and a third and a fourth rectification element which form a second half-bridge; wherein the method comprises the steps of closing the first low-voltage-side switching device while simultaneously short-circuiting the high-voltage-side winding via the first or the fourth rectification element during a first time segment; opening the rectification element used for short-circuiting the high-voltage-side winding during a second time segment; opening the first low-voltage-side switching device and closing the second low-voltage-side switching device while s

Abstract: A fitness equipment unit has a controller that actuates a light between different states in response to service conditions. In one implementation, actuation of the light is based upon a combination of at least two of: a mileage parameter of the fitness equipment unit, a sensed electrical current of the fitness equipment unit, a sensed temperature from the fitness equipment unit and a sensed position of a portion of the fitness equipment unit. In another implementation, actuation of the light is based upon a combination of the first and second service conditions selected from a group consisting of: a connection error service condition; a part wear service condition; a motor/actuator error service condition; a sensor error service condition; a processor error service condition; and a power supply error service condition and further based upon a prioritization of different severity levels of the first and second service conditions.

Abstract: Belt wear of a treadmill is monitored. In one implementation, samples of electric current draw of a treadmill at different speeds of the treadmill belt of the treadmill are received. A value of each sample is differently weighted based on a speed of the treadmill belt at which the value of each sample was obtained. A belt wear notification is output based on the different weighted values of the samples.

Abstract: A motor control device includes: a power failure detection unit that detects a power failure; a voltage detection unit that detects a DC link voltage; a switch unit which connects a motor to an amplifier or a resistance; a voltage comparison unit which compares a DC link voltage with a threshold value; a limit value setting unit which sets a torque limit value in accordance with a result of comparison; a torque command limit unit which limits a torque command when a power failure is detected; a prediction value calculation unit which calculates, using an angular velocity, a torque prediction value of the motor when the motor is connected to the resistance; and a torque comparison unit which compares the torque limit value with the torque prediction value, in which in accordance with a result of comparison, the switch unit connects the motor to the amplifier or the resistance.

Abstract: A method of identifying a faulty sub-module of a chain-link converter is provided, wherein the chain-link converter includes a plurality of sub-modules with each sub-module including at least one switching element and an energy storage device which together are selectively operable to provide a voltage source. The method comprises the steps of: measuring a switching characteristic of each sub-module of the chain-link converter; establishing a switching characteristic signature of the chain-link converter; and identifying the or each sub-module with a switching characteristic that deviates from the switching characteristic signature as being a faulty sub-module.