Abstract: A method for controlling operation of an opposed piston engine is provided, comprising: determining a direction of rotation of the engine; comparing the determined direction of rotation to a correct direction of rotation of the engine; and responding to the determined direction of rotation being different from the correct direction of rotation by taking corrective action.

Abstract: A hybrid mower includes a chassis coupled to a body. The chassis has a plurality of wheels coupled to a steering assembly for navigating directional control. The mower also includes an internal combustion engine disposed on the chassis. The internal combustion engine is coupled to a drive assembly providing rotational operation to at least one of the plurality of wheels. The mower further includes a mower deck housing at least one rotatable blade for cutting undesired undergrowth during operation and an electric blade control system. The electric blade control system has an electronic control unit for enabling the at least one rotatable blade during operation and at least one direct current motor positioned about the mower deck and in communication with the electronic control unit. The at least one direct current motor has a motor shaft coupled to the at least one rotatable blade.

Abstract: An engine is stopped after a battery is charged by a first motor-generator driven by the engine when a condition in which freezing of condensed water in an exhaust pipe is expected to occur is satisfied after an ignition switch is turned OFF. By the engine operated during the charging of the battery, the condensed water accumulated in the exhaust pipe can be discharged to the outside of the exhaust pipe by the exhaust pressure of the exhaust gas. Accordingly, the condensed water is unlikely to remain in the exhaust pipe, and the freezing of the condensed water in the exhaust pipe can be suppressed even when parking continues for long under a low temperature atmosphere. The battery is charged by the first motor-generator, and thus the electric power of the battery can be used for traveling of a vehicle and fuel economy deterioration can be suppressed.

Abstract: A method for performing a diagnostic test of an alternator, a test arrangement and a vehicle are provided. The method may include running an engine, providing a signal representative of a pre-determined environmental condition to the alternator, providing an output voltage and output current to a battery based on the pre-determined environmental condition, and determining a battery voltage. The method may also include comparing the determined battery voltage with a pre-defined reference-voltage representative of the pre-determined environmental condition and outputting an approved test result if the difference between the determined battery voltage and the pre-defined reference voltage falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An electric vehicle and a range extender engine are shown including the controls to operate the same.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a control system and method that is able to automatically start and/or stop a portable engine-driven power source. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes an engine-driven power source having an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, a sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a demand for air pressure from the compressor and a second signal indicative of no demand for air pressure from the compressor. The engine-driven power source also includes a controller configured to stop the engine in response to the second signal.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a control system and method that is able to automatically start and/or stop a portable engine-driven power source. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes an engine-driven power source having an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, a sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a demand for air pressure from the compressor and a second signal indicative of no demand for air pressure from the compressor. The engine-driven power source also includes a controller configured to stop the engine in response to the second signal.

Abstract: A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a predictable load to the engine during engine starting. The predictable load may be provided by controlling alternator field voltage during the engine start.

Abstract: A control system for a combined power generation and metallurgical plant facility integrates generator-side and load-side control to provide coordinated operation of the two processes. The power generation facility includes one or more generator units and the metallurgical plant facility includes one or more controllable loads. Operating characteristics of the one or more loads are fed back to the one or generator units through a master controller to determine input control parameters for the one or more generator units. Similarly control signals and operating characteristics of the one or more generators are fed forward to the one or more loads through the master controller to determine input control parameters for the one or more loads. Using feed-forward as well as feed-back loops to exchange generator output and load set-point information, power balance between the generator units and controlled loads is maintained within an operating envelope.

Abstract: A control unit of a system stabilizing device uses a fluctuation detecting block (70A) to determine fluctuation components included in the active component and reactive component currents of a system current. The fluctuation detecting block (70A) is composed of a low-pass filter (71) for noise removal having first order lag characteristics with a time constant of T1, a low-pass filter (72) for setting a fluctuation detection time having first order lag characteristics with a time constant of T2, a subtracter (73) which performs subtraction between the output signals of the filter (71) and the filter (72) and outputs the difference, an amplifier (74) for amplifying the output of the subtracter (73), a rating limiter (75) for limiting the output of the amplifier, and an overcompensation inhibiting unit (200) which changes T4 to a smaller value when the rating limiter (75) performs a limiter action.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a controller that performs control to supply driving electricity to a secondary winding of a variable-speed generator-motor from a secondary exciter and thereby start the variable-speed generator-motor from a standstill state in a variable-speed pumped storage system. The controller performs control to complete a start-up by the driving electricity from the secondary exciter and connect the variable-speed generator-motor in parallel with an electric power system, in a state where a rotating speed of the variable-speed generator-motor is lower than a lower limit speed of a variable-speed operation range.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a system for controlling a temperature of a generator is provided, wherein the system includes a fluid supply in fluid communication with the generator and a heat exchange apparatus in fluid communication with the fluid supply, the generator and a cooling fluid source. The system also includes a first sensor configured to determine a first temperature of a fluid flowing from the heat exchange apparatus to the generator, a second sensor configured to determine a second temperature of the fluid flowing from the generator to the fluid supply and a controller configured to determine an operating limit temperature for the fluid based on the determined first and second temperatures.

Abstract: A power control system for car computer includes a power switching circuit located between a power input terminal of a computer host and an external power source, such that the computer host outputs a keep-power-on signal when a key power is supplied thereto; a power ON/OFF circuit receiving the keep-power-on signal to thereby connect the external power source to the computer host; a key power detection circuit for constantly detecting whether the key power is ON, so that the computer host outputs a shut-down signal when the key power is OFF; a computer shut-down circuit for receiving the shut-down signal from the computer host and thereby driving the computer host to execute shut-down procedures; and a power OFF circuit for sensing an OFF state of the key power and outputting a control signal to drive the power ON/OFF circuit to disconnect the external power source from the computer host.

Abstract: A method of coupling a mechanical power source through an electrical power generator to an electrical load is disclosed. A characteristic of an electrical output is measured from the electrical power generator produced during a power generation cycle during which there is a coupling of the mechanical power source through the electrical power generator to the electrical load. The coupling of the mechanical power source is adjusted through the electrical power generator to the electrical load during a subsequent power generation cycle based at least in part on the measured characteristic of the electrical output.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application is directed to a protection technique for an electric power generation system. In one or more implementations, an electric power generator, generator control circuitry, electrical output sensors to provide one or more corresponding signals, electrical switching equipment to selectively couple the generator to an electrical load, and electric power feeder or branch circuit conductors, to route electric power from the generator to the switching equipment, are provided. The control circuitry is responsive to the sensor signals to determine if a shutdown condition exists as a function of a protection profile determined for the system. This profile may account for damage thresholds of the generator, the feeder or branch circuit conductors, the electrical switching equipment for each of a number of different combinations of level and duration of electrical output as represented by the sensor signals.

Abstract: A method of switching the operating voltage of a portable generator system includes operating an electrical generator to produce a first electrical signal and connecting a terminal assembly to the electrical generator. The terminal assembly is arranged in a first arrangement to output a second electrical signal at a first voltage. The method also includes operating an auxiliary system in response to the second electrical signal at the first voltage, re-arranging the terminal assembly in a second arrangement to output the second electrical signal at a second voltage, and actuating a switch with a portion of the terminal assembly when the terminal assembly is in the second arrangement. The method further includes re-configuring the auxiliary system in response to the actuation of the switch such that the auxiliary system operates in response to the second electrical signal at the second voltage.

Abstract: A control circuit for a generator has a control function that monitors the voltage across a bus capacitor. The circuit delivers excess voltage back to associated stator windings if an unduly high voltage is detected across the bus capacitor.

Abstract: An automotive rotary electrical apparatus with less than four switching control elements capable of blocking a field current while preventing breakage of the switching control elements in response to a malfunction in a feeder circuit for a field coil is proposed. First and second switching control elements controlled by first and second control signals, and first and second diode elements are used. The field control circuit switches the first control signal to the on-level signal while keeping the second control signal as the on-level signal, then switches the second control signal to the off-level signal while keeping the first control signal as the on-level signal, and further switches the first control signal to the off-level signal while keeping the second control signal to the off-level signal, when a short-to-power malfunction of the positive terminal or a short-circuit malfunction of the first switching control element occurs in the feeder circuit for the field coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regenerative energy system comprising a first energy producer and a second energy producer. The object of the invention is to improve the environmental compatibility of electrical island networks.

Abstract: A failure detection apparatus for an alternator can detect a short circuit failure of a diode in a full-wave rectifier with high precision by use of a simple circuit structure based on the state of a detection terminal when the alternator generates no electricity. The rectifier circuit has a pair of diodes connected to a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively, of a battery. A failure detection circuit has the detection terminal connected to a P terminal or a neutral point of an armature coil, and makes a failure determination in the following manner. When in the non-power generation state of the armature coil, the detection terminal is in a floating or high impedance state, the full-wave rectifier circuit is determined to be normal, whereas when otherwise, the full-wave rectifier circuit is determined to be in a failure.

Abstract: A voltage raising device that provisionally maintains an operation and function when there is an abnormality provided. If a battery voltage drops when an engine is restarted after an idle stop, the voltage raising device raises the output voltage to a target voltage by using a voltage detecting circuit and a current detecting circuit. If an overcurrent determining circuit detects overcurrent, a switching control circuit reduces the target voltage to perform a control. If overvoltage is output, for example, due to an increased target voltage caused by an internal setting deviation resulting from a failure, an overvoltage detecting circuit outputs a prohibition signal ENV to stop the switching operation. However, as long as the output voltage is not overvoltage, the voltage raising operation is allowed. Therefore, the possibility that the engine can be started at least once without a problem is increased.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating DC power using a synchronous reluctance machine (12) or a salient-pole synchronous machine (102) and a power converter (110). The present invention can be used to achieve power production for a synchronous reluctance machine (12), or can be used to achieve partial production of power from a traditional salient-pole synchronous machine/starter (102) in the case where the salient-pole synchronous machine/starter has degenerated into a synchronous reluctance machine due to, for example, a loss of excitation. In a power generation system, a control system and method can include a power converter (110), controlled by a voltage command and at least one of a measured DC link (120) voltage or DC link (120) current, for use with a synchronous reluctance machine armature winding (102A) and a prime mover (116), such that movement of the synchronous reluctance machine rotor of the synchronous reluctance machine can be used to produce at least partial DC power generation.

Abstract: An engine speed detector detects an engine speed of an engine having a baseline torque versus engine speed curve. A torque sensor detects an engine torque of the engine. A data processor determines if the detected engine speed is within a first speed range and if the detected engine torque is within a first torque range. A motor controller activates an electric motor to rotate substantially synchronously with a corresponding engine speed associated with the detected engine torque in an electric propulsion mode in accordance with a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve if the detected engine speed is within the first speed range and if the detected engine torque is within the first torque range. The supplemental torque versus engine speed curve intercepts the baseline torque versus engine speed curve at a lower speed point and a higher speed point.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicle electrical system voltage regulator with improved electrical protection and warning means that discerns and responds to regulator, generator, or vehicle electrical system operation and malfunctions. The regulator includes monitoring, control, and protection circuits with a phase signal monitor, a field switching circuit that operates the field coil in response to electrical power demands, and a field enable switch in series with the field regulating switch. The phase monitor and protection circuit ascertains and transmits generator rotational motion for use by the monitoring and control circuit in discerning the various operating conditions. The monitoring and control circuit operates on the field switching circuit to meet the electrical power demands and provide multi level fault protection to include field switching circuit reconfiguration to continue operating under various fault conditions.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating DC power using a synchronous reluctance machine (12) or a salient-pole synchronous machine (102) and a power converter (110). The present invention can be used to achieve power production for a synchronous reluctance machine (12), or can be used to achieve partial production of power from a traditional salient-pole synchronous machine/starter (102) in the case where the salient-pole synchronous machine/starter has degenerated into a synchronous reluctance machine due to, for example, a loss of excitation. In a power generation system, a control system and method can include a power converter (110), controlled by a voltage command and at least one of a measured DC link (120) voltage or DC link (120) current, for use with a synchronous reluctance machine armature winding (102A) and a prime mover (116), such that movement of the synchronous reluctance machine rotor of the synchronous reluctance machine can be used to produce at least partial DC power generation.

Abstract: An engine speed detector detects an engine speed of an engine having a baseline torque versus engine speed curve. A torque sensor detects an engine torque of the engine. A data processor determines if the detected engine speed is within a first speed range and if the detected engine torque is within a first torque range. A motor controller activates an electric motor to rotate substantially synchronously with a corresponding engine speed associated with the detected engine torque in an electric propulsion mode in accordance with a supplemental torque versus engine speed curve if the detected engine speed is within the first speed range and if the detected engine torque is within the first torque range. The supplemental torque versus engine speed curve intercepts the baseline torque versus engine speed curve at a lower speed point and a higher speed point.

Abstract: An engine control system for controlling engine operation in high-output (HO) and fuel-economy (FE) modes in a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine includes an alternator that is driven by the engine and that is regulated by a load control signal. An alternator load control module generates the load control signal based on an engine torque to regulate a load of the alternator on the engine to maintain the engine torque below a threshold level and maintain engine operation in the FE mode.

Abstract: A gas turbine generating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gas turbine capable of a high-speed operation, a permanent-magnet-type generator driven at a high speed by the gas turbine, an inverter device (5) for converting alternating-current power generated by the generator into commercial alternating-current power, and a system-interconnection device (9) for interconnecting output of the inverter device to a commercial AC power supply system (10). The system-interconnection device controls the inverter device based on voltage of the commercial AC power supply system as a criterion such that output current of the inverter device is in phase with the voltage or out of phase with the voltage by a constant phase difference.

Abstract: A method of operating an alternator of a motor vehicle includes the steps of monitoring an amount of stored electrical energy available to operate the vehicle, estimating a vehicle electrical load, and regulating an output of the alternator based at least in part on the amount of electrical energy available to the vehicle and the estimated vehicle electrical load.

Abstract: In the case of an engine automatic stop and start system in which an engine is stopped while a vehicle is stopped and the engine is started when the vehicle is started, it is necessary to shorten an engine starting time when a driver desires to move the vehicle. Further, it is desirable to efficiently compensate the electric power consumed by the starter. The vehicle contains an existing low voltage power source and a high voltage power source with an excellent charging efficiency. When the engine switches from a running condition to a stopped condition while the vehicle is stopped, a change-over switch switches and applies the voltage of the high voltage power source to a starter motor. This causes the starter motor to rotate at high speeds, thereby starting the engine very quickly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce overall energy losses and improve vehicle fuel consumption.

Abstract: A system provides electrical power and compressed air includes a wheeled hand truck frame, an engine, a compressor, a generator, and a reservoir having several horizontally disposed cylindrical tanks in fluid communication and arranged in one or a few vertical planes. A portion of a lower-most tank of the reservoir is below the plane including the axle for the wheels; and the respective centers of gravity of the engine, the fuel tank, and the reservoir are arranged for relatively greater stability. A control system for the engine, generator, and compressor provides priority response to air demand and/or priority response to electrical power demand by reducing lower priority loads on the engine prior to increasing engine speed. A throttle controller moves the engine throttle from high speed to low speed in response to low demand for compressed air in combination with low demand for electrical power. The throttle controller includes a low demand valve and throttle positioning air cylinder.

Abstract: A motor vehicle charging system comprises a first alternator including a first power output and a discrete alternator enabling input, a second alternator including a second power output and an electronic controller having a switchable output. The switchable output is coupled to the alternator enabling input. A method for controlling a motor vehicle charging system having a first alternator, a second alternator and a source of switched system voltage having an ON state and an OFF state comprises providing continual enabling power to the first alternator whenever the source of system voltage is in the ON state. The method also includes providing switchable enabling power to the second alternator whenever the source of system voltage is in the ON state.

Abstract: A controller operates to start an electric power generator, for example a gasoline engine electric power generator, when a demand is made for electric power when the user turns on an electric powered device, such as a circular saw, that is to be used. The generator runs as long as there is a demand for power, and when the demand ends, the generator stops after a predetermined adjustable delay period. Additionally, in the event the engine is to be started under cold start-up conditions, the starter is operated to avoid cyclical starting/stalling of the generator engine. The engine driving the generator will stop after a predetermined delay after the power demand is removed. If the demand for power stops for a time longer than the timeout period, the generator is stopped, and it will automatically start again when power is demanded. Alarm circuits are provided in the event of malfunction, and automatic/manual functions enhance the flexibility of the system.

Abstract: An uninterruptable power supply, operating normally under power supplied by a utility, has a main motor, a smaller induction motor, and a mechanical load such as a generator coaxially coupled together. A battery is connected to the smaller induction motor through an inverter. The induction motor is normally idled at a frequency lower than that of the utility, and therefore operates as an induction generator which is used to charge the battery through the inverter. Upon utility failure, the utility line is disconnected and the induction motor is powered by the battery through the inverter. The frequency of the inverter may be increased to maintain the rotational speed of the system at a nearly constant level.

Abstract: A power generation control apparatus of a hybrid electric automobile includes an electric motor for driving driving wheels of the hybrid electric automobile, a power supply device for supplying electric power to the electric motor, a generator for supplying electric power to the electric motor and/or the power supply device, and an internal-combustion engine for driving the generator. Initially, an operating condition of the hybrid electric automobile is detected, and a required output of the electric motor is obtained based on the operating condition, and electric power corresponding to the required output is supplied to the motor. Meanwhile, an actual output generated by the motor is detected, while a required minimum output value to be generated by the motor is determined. Power generation by the generator is controlled based on the actual output and the required minimum output value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine generator set comprising a turbine and a generator coupled to each other without a step-down gear box, and a static frequency converter connected in series between said generator and an AC electricity grid having a given operating frequency, said static frequency converter operating while the turbine generator set is generating electricity to convert the frequency of the voltage and of the current delivered by the generator into the given operating frequency of the AC electricity grid. According to the invention, while the turbine generator set is being started, said static frequency converter powers the generator which operates as a motor so as to ignite the combustion chambers of the turbine, by taking power from the AC electricity grid.

Abstract: A system for implementing accurate V/Hz value measurement and trip time determination for generator/transformer overexcitation protection independent of the conventional frequency tracking and phasor estimation based on Discrete Fourier Transformation (DFT) techniques. A sampled sinusoidal voltage signal is passed through a digital integrator and the magnitude of the digital integrator's output is measured as representative of the V/Hz ratio. The digital integrator is implemented in software using a difference equation in a generator protection unit. The technique may be used with either a fixed or a variable sampling frequency. When the sampling frequency is variable, the filter coefficients of the digital integrator are recalculated on-line each time the sampling frequency is changed, and a new value for the peak magnitude of the output of the digital integrator is calculated using the recalculated filter coefficients.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a multi-speed automatic transmission, and an electric machine operable in a motoring mode and a generating mode. A compound planetary gear set operatively couples the engine, transmission and electric machine. The electric machine is operable during periods of vehicle launch to provide a reaction torque for the planetary gearset such that torque is supplied to the input of the transmission and the reaction torque energy is converted to electrical energy for storage in a vehicle battery pack battery. The method employs a combination of open loop torque control and closed loop speed controls responsive to rotational parameters of the vehicle drivetrain including engine speed, electric machine rotor speed and transmission input speed to control the generator torque of the electric machine to thereby produce the reaction torque for accelerating the vehicle and for producing electrical power during the vehicle launch.

Abstract: When the remaining capacity of a battery on a hybrid vehicle is smaller than a threshold value or the battery is unable to output the amount of electric energy required to propel the hybrid vehicle with a propulsive electric motor, the engine is started by a generator which operates in a motor mode. After the engine has been warmed up, the generator operates in a generator mode to generate electric energy which is supplied to the battery and the propulsive electric motor. The threshold value for the remaining capacity of the battery is greater as the atmospheric pressure is lower. Therefore, if the hybrid vehicle is running under a low atmospheric pressure such as on a highland, the electric energy is supplied from the generator to the battery and the propulsive electric motor at an early stage where the capacity of the battery is relatively high.

Abstract: The opening of the intake air control valve of an engine which actuates a generator on a hybrid vehicle is basically controlled by an intake air control valve control assembly to cause the engine to produce a power output corresponding to a target generated output which is determined by a target generated output setting assembly based on an operating condition of the hybrid vehicle. When regenerative braking of a propulsive electric motor is detected by a regenerative braking detector, the opening of the intake air control valve is corrected in a direction to decrease. Even when the load on the engine drops sharply or is greatly reduced by regenerative braking of the propulsive electric motor, the engine is prevented from racing, and from discharging unwanted exhaust emissions and also from suffering undue vibrations.

Abstract: A controller operates to start an electric power generator, for example a gasoline engine electric power generator, when a demand is made for electric power when the user turns on an electric powered device, such as a circular saw, that is to be used. The generator runs as long as there is a demand for power, and when the demand ends, the generator stops after a predetermined adjustable delay period. Additionally, in the event the engine is to be started under cold start-up conditions, the starter is operated to avoid cyclical starting/stalling of the generator engine. When a demand is made on the generator for power, the controller senses a circuit closure, turns on the starter of the generator, and, after the generator cranks, the power is applied to the saw and it starts to operate. The starter is controllably disabled after the generator is operational. The engine driving the generator will stop after a predetermined delay after the power demand is removed.

Abstract: A method for determining gross engine horsepower of an internal combustion engine coupled in driving relationship to an alternating current electric alternator, the alternator supplying electric power to variable loads, comprises measuring the field current and average per phase armature current supplied by the alternator; computing the magnitude of electric power supplied by the alternator from the measured values of field current and armature phase current; determining the engine efficiency at the computed magnitude of electric power; and converting the computed electric power to engine horsepower at the determined efficiency.

Abstract: A synchronous machine is operable in a starting mode of operation in which a magnitude of a parameter of power applied to a main generator portion armature winding of the synchronous machine is detected relative to a stationary frame of reference and is converted into field and torque producing components relative to a rotating frame of reference. A controllable power source coupled to the main generator portion armature winding is controlled during operation in the starting mode based upon the field and torque producing components.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply system includes an internal combustion engine driving an alternator the output of which is rectified and supplied to DC bus lines across which a storage battery is connected. The DC bus lines may supply a consuming device such as an uninterruptible power supply or telecommunications system. The voltage across the bus lines is sensed and when the voltage drops below a selected value, indicating that the consuming devices is drawing power from the battery beyond a desired limit, the engine is turned on for a period of time to warm it up, during which the power from the generator is not supplied to the DC bus lines. Thereafter, the generator supplies power to the DC bus lines to supply the consuming device and partially recharge the battery until the consuming device is no longer drawing power, after which the engine is shut off.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply system includes an internal combustion engine driving an alternator the output of which is rectified and supplied to DC bus lines across which a storage battery is connected. The DC bus lines may supply a consuming device such as an uninterruptible power supply or telecommunications system. The voltage across the bus lines is sensed and when the voltage drops below a selected value, indicating that the consuming devices is drawing power from the battery beyond a desired limit, the engine is turned on for a period of time to warm it up, during which the power from the generator is not supplied to the DC bus lines. Thereafter, the generator supplies power to the DC bus lines to supply the consuming device and partially recharge the battery until the consuming device is no longer drawing power, after which the engine is shut off.

Abstract: A method for detecting full or partial inoperability of a vehicular alternator battery charging system monitors the vehicle's battery voltage and compares it against a controlled reference voltage. When the monitored voltage differs from the target by an amount which is a function of engine rotational speed for a minimum preselected time period, the alternator is disabled and the voltage drop at the battery is monitored to determined whether the alternator is malfunctioning. By observing the voltage drop when the alternator is disabled, the method can distinguish between a charging system problem and a normal state wherein the load exceeds the alternator's maximum output current capacity.

Abstract: A system for storing deceleration energy from a motor vehicle and for using the stored deceleration energy to assist in accelerating the motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises a generator mechanically coupled to the drive train for converting deceleration energy to electrical energy, means electrically coupled to the generator for storing the electrical energy outputted by the generator, a motor mechanically coupled to the drive train and electrically coupled to the storing means for converting the stored electrical energy to mechanical energy used to assist in accelerating the motor vehicle, and a detector/switch for determining whether the motor vehicle is decelerating, accelerating, or neither and for switching the generator on and the motor off when the motor vehicle is decelerating for switching the generator off and the motor on when the motor vehicle is accelerating, and for switching the generator off and the motor off when the motor vehicle is neither accelerating nor decelerating.

Abstract: Disclosed are a starter and power generator which starts an engine and which is subsequently driven by the engine to generate power, and a motor used in the starter, in particular, a self-controlled commutatorless motor in which a rotating magnetic field is developed across the stator in accordance with an angle of rotation of the rotor. Normally, output matching means is connected to the three phase windings of the stator, whereby an alternator is defined by the combination of the rotor, the stator and the output matching means. However, in response to a starting command, energizing means is substituted for the output matching means, whereby a combination of the rotor, the stator, timing means and energizing means form a commutatorless motor. Thus, subsequent to starting the engine, the motor is driven by the engine to generate power.