Combined Control Of Generator And Driving Means Patents (Class 322/14)
  • Patent number: 12065912
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon flow control generator system includes a pressurized hydrocarbon flow inlet, an expansion device in pressurized hydrocarbon flow communication with the pressurized hydrocarbon flow inlet, a generator connected to the expansion device, a drive system connecting the generator and the expansion device, a gathering point at which depressurized hydrocarbon stream is delivered to an end use location, and a variable load device via which an electrical power stream generated by the generator is delivered to an electric load. The expansion device is configured to receive a highly pressurized hydrocarbon stream from the pressurized hydrocarbon flow inlet, control and regulate a received hydrocarbon stream, and depressurize the hydrocarbon stream. The variable load device is configured to adjust load on the generator by adjusting electrical demand on the generator based on a pressure of the depressurized hydrocarbon stream sensed between the expansion device and the gathering point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Inventor: Dawson Hoffman
  • Patent number: 12031493
    Abstract: A system has first and second fuel stores for first and second fuels, an engine, a fuel distribution system, first and second flow rates of the fuel contributing to a total flow rate of fuel; and a controller for controlling the relative fractions of the total flow rate of fuel to the engine according to the required power output of the engine such that the relative fraction of the total flow rate of fuel to the engine represented by the second flow rate increases with increasing required power output of the engine. The fuels are selected such that using only the second fuel results in a lower engine temperature than using only the first fuel, for the same mechanical power and/or the second fuel has a lower specific energy than the first and/or the second fuel produces more water during combustion than the first fuel per unit of fuel energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventor: Peter Swann
  • Patent number: 11988158
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an aircraft system. During this method, an engine is operated using first fuel provided by a first fuel source. A fuel supply for the engine is switched between the first fuel source and a second fuel source, where the switching of the fuel supply includes shutting down the engine during aircraft flight. The engine is operated using second fuel provided by the second fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Ezzat Meshkin Fam, Xuening Lu
  • Patent number: 11897591
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes an engine effectuating rotation of an output shaft, a battery, an alternator having a rotor driven into rotation by the output shaft and that is configured to generate a charge output to the battery, a battery state of charge sensor configured to measure a battery charge value of the battery, and a control system. This control system is configured to receive a demand value and/or a temperature, receive the battery charge value from the battery state of charge sensor; and control the alternator to adjust the charge output based on at least one of the battery charge value and the demand value and/or temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 11777426
    Abstract: A controller may use energy packets to control a prime mover of a machine. The controller may include an energy packet measurement control to calculate energy packets, perform post-processing actions on the energy packets to generate processed energy packets, and convert the processed energy packets into a fuel valve reference. Post-processing may include a calibration correction to remove measurement artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, Gregary C. Zweigle, Scott M. Manson, Ellery A. Blood
  • Patent number: 11745753
    Abstract: An embodiment method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving state information of the vehicle and state information of a battery, identifying a present state of charge of the battery and calculating a preset reference value of the battery based on the state information of the vehicle and the state information of the battery, and displaying a message based on a difference between the present state of charge of the battery and the preset reference value of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Sunho Choi, Sang Jae Han, Changseob Lim, Han Young Park, Sungtae Kim
  • Patent number: 11658590
    Abstract: A motor system comprises a motor comprising: a stator with a plurality of subwindings each having a plurality of phase connections for receiving phase voltages, wherein each of the subwindings is electrically insulated from each of the other subwindings; a rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnets or energisable electromagnets; a controller comprising a plurality of control parts, each control part associated with a respective subwinding, each control part being configured to monitor phase voltages of the associated subwinding, between phase connections. The system further comprises a controller configured to: obtain, from each control part, at set discrete time intervals, a plurality of back measured electromotive force, EMF, readings for each of the respective subwindings; using the plurality of measured back EMF readings and an a priori knowledge of the motor's construction to estimate a commutation event timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN DIJIPUSI KEJI CO, LTD
    Inventor: Bryn Geoffrey Richards
  • Patent number: 11624326
    Abstract: Methods and systems for supply of fuel for a turbine-driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing may be configured to identify when the supply pressure of primary fuel to a plurality of gas turbine engines of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units falls below a set point, identify a gas turbine engine of the fleet of hydraulic fracturing units operating on primary fuel with highest amount of secondary fuel available, and to selectively transfer the gas turbine engine operating on primary fuel with the highest amount of secondary fuel from primary fuel operation to secondary fuel operation. Some methods and systems may be configured to transfer all gas turbine engines to secondary fuel operation and individually and/or sequentially restore operation to primary fuel operation and/or to manage primary fuel operation and/or secondary fuel operation for portions of the plurality of gas turbine engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11536240
    Abstract: An aquifer storage and recovery system can include a pump, an electric motor coupled to the pump, a drive unit configured to control operation of the electric motor, and a controller. The controller can be configured to flow water into a well bore from a source reservoir through the pump such that the pump rotates in a reverse direction and drives the electric motor coupled to the pump in the reverse direction to operate as a generator, determine a power output of the electric motor, determine a difference between the power output of the electric motor and a power output set point, and operate the drive unit to control a rotational speed of the electric motor based at least in part on the difference between the power output of the electric motor and the power output set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3R Valve, LLC
    Inventors: Kent R. Madison, Matthew F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11519377
    Abstract: A method actively dampens a start-up resonance of a torsional damper when starting an internal combustion engine. The torsional damper (4) is fixed between an internal combustion engine (1) and a secondary side (5) of a torsional elasticity, and the internal combustion engine (1) is started using a starter generator (3) arranged on a side of the internal combustion engine (1) counter to the torsional elasticity. A counter excitation is applied to a torque generated by the starter generator (3) when the internal combustion engine (1) is started, which counter excitation is modulated on the basis of a parameter of the internal combustion engine (1) which changes when the internal combustion engine (1) is being started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Krause, Kai Schenck, Bertrand Pennec
  • Patent number: 11499486
    Abstract: An operation control device for a single shaft gas turbine selects an operation mode based on a load state of a power generator, and controls the turbine based on the operation mode. In a first operation mode, a rotational speed of the turbine is maintained within a first rotational speed range, and in a second operation mode, the rotational speed is maintained within a second rotational speed range set on a lower rotational speed side than the first rotational speed range. The second rotational speed range is set on the lower rotational speed side than the first rotational speed range with a first non-selection rotational speed range set therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Koichiro Iida, Akihiko Saito, Hisanobu Shinoda, Kuniaki Aoyama
  • Patent number: 11390173
    Abstract: A power system including at least one electrical machine, plurality of doubly fed induction machines (DFIMs), a plurality of first power converters, and a speed regulation unit is presented. The electrical machine includes a mechanical input end and at least one of a first stator winding terminal and a first rotor winding terminal. Each DFIM includes a second stator winding terminal, a second rotor winding terminal, and a mechanical output end. At least one of the first stator winding terminal and the first rotor winding terminal is coupled to one of first power converters and the second rotor winding terminal of each DFIM is coupled to one of the first power converters. The speed regulation unit is coupled to at least one of the mechanical input end and the mechanical output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Govardhan Ganireddy, Rupam Mukherjee, Shahid Ali, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Manthram Sivasubramaniam, Adnan Kutubuddin Bohori
  • Patent number: 10914788
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide battery system including: a battery; a current measurement unit configured to measure a current charged to or discharged from the battery; a voltage measurement unit configured to measure an output voltage of the battery; a function creation unit configured to create a function representing a depth-of-discharge characteristic of the battery on the basis of the measured current and output voltage; and a remaining capacity calculation unit configured to calculate a remaining capacity corresponding to the output voltage of the battery using the created function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 10868483
    Abstract: A system including a variable frequency generator (VFG) including a generator configured to conduct alternating current to a first rectifier configured to convert alternating current from the VFG to direct current and drive it to an HVDC Bus Network, a variable frequency second generator including a second generator configured to conduct alternating current to a second rectifier configured to convert alternating current from the second generator to direct current and conduct it to the HVDC Bus Network, a speed correcting gearbox operatively connected to the VFG configured to align generator frequency to the second generator frequency, and a VFG control unit operatively connected to the generator configured to control the VFG, and a second generator control unit operatively connected to the second generator and the HVDC Bus Network configured to control the second generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig R. LeGros, Tom A. Utecht
  • Patent number: 10790770
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrical power system includes detecting a bridge current magnitude in a rotor-side converter or line-side converter of a power converter, the power converter electrically coupled between a generator rotor and a transformer. The method further includes comparing the bridge current magnitude in the one of the rotor-side converter or line-side converter to a primary predetermined threshold. The method further includes disabling bridge switching of one of the rotor-side converter or line-side converter when the bridge current magnitude exceeds the primary predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cornelius Edward Holliday, Anthony Michael Klodowski
  • Patent number: 10400733
    Abstract: System and method are disclosed for detecting and refreshing an aged battery in a vehicle with a start-stop system. An example vehicle includes an engine configured to operate in a start-stop mode and a power management system. The power management system is configured for determining that a charge acceptance value of a battery is below a threshold, responsively disabling the start-stop mode and displaying a message via a display, refreshing the battery and enabling the start-stop mode after refreshing the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hanyang B Chen, Michael J Irby
  • Patent number: 8853977
    Abstract: A mechanical energy accumulator, suitable for being mounted in a vehicle has a spherical housing with three pairs of flywheel assemblies mounted therein. Each of the pair of flywheel assemblies is rotatable in opposite directions about a respective axis. Each of the axes are perpendicular to one another. At least one permanent magnet motor is mounted within the flywheel assemblies. Each of the flywheels of the flywheel assemblies has a double conical flywheel base, a motor-generator suitable for driving the double conical flywheel base, and a flywheel lid covering the motor-generator. The mechanical energy accumulator may be mounted in a shell having an expansion member. The mechanical energy accumulator has a strong side and a weak side due to varying retention strength of windings therearound so as to create a controlled burst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Mario H. Gottfried
  • Publication number: 20140203788
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the output voltage of the alternator of a generator set, said generator set including a heat engine driving the alternator, the alternator including a rotor having a pole wheel. Said method includes the following step: detection of an increase in the power at the outlet of the alternator, and in the event of a detected increase, the value of the current in the polar wheel is modified in such a way as to temporarily bring the output voltage of the alternator to a value lower than the value before the detection of the increase in power, with the aim of decreasing the level of torque required from the heat engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Andrejak, Samuel Moser, Patrice Betge
  • Patent number: 8723349
    Abstract: An apparatus for powering an aircraft by generating power from a pressure spool of a turbine engine. AC power can be extracted from the turbine engine by a generator having an integrated autotransformer unit, and converted to DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hao Huang, Xiaochuan Jia, David Dimitri Karipides
  • Patent number: 8680432
    Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
  • Patent number: 8675321
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for monitoring the continuous flow of power delivered by multiple DC Direct current operated starter motors used to start engine driven electrical generators. The method and system comprise the closing of a starter battery system and an associated starter control switch, causing the starter battery system to discharge through a shunt whereby current is fed into a starter motor. The shunt is optionally provided as a precision resistor with a pre-calibrated voltage drop in millivolts DC proportional to a current passing through it. The shunt directs current to a meter relay, which is calibrated by establishing two set points, or desired trigger ranges, for the meter relay. If the current falls outside a range established by the two set points, then a meter relay alarm output is activated; and, if the current remains within the range, then the meter relay alarm output is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Darby Group Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Fortner
  • Publication number: 20130307492
    Abstract: A vehicular power generation system includes: a battery which is charged by power generation electric power of a generator that is driven by an internal combustion engine; and a power generation control device which reduces the amount of fuel to be consumed for power generation of the internal combustion engine. The power generation control device includes: a unit which sets an operating range that is small in the amount of fuel to be consumed for an increase in torque of the internal combustion engine; a unit which sets electric power with high power generation efficiency to a target value of power generation electric power according to rotation speed and power generation voltage of the generator; and a unit which controls so that the amount of power generation of the generator is a target value when the operating point of the internal combustion engine is in the operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki TANI, Toshiaki DATE, Satoshi WACHI
  • Patent number: 8581425
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a prime mover, a generator mechanically connected to the prime mover, the generator including a field winding portion and an armature winding portion, a direct current bus node, a first variable frequency drive having an input electrically connected to the bus node and an output electrically connected to the armature winding portion, and an inverter having an input electrically connected to the bus node and an output electrically connected to the field winding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Patent number: 8350502
    Abstract: An electromagnetic motor having a frame, and at least one disc rotatably mounted to the frame. At least one permanent magnet is mounted on the disc, and at least one electromagnet is mounted to the frame in magnetic proximity to the at least one permanent magnet. A battery is electrically coupled to the motor for powering the at least one electromagnet. A switch controls electrical power between the battery and the at least one electromagnet, and a sensing means is provided for controlling the switch to activate the at least one electromagnet with respect to the at least one permanent magnet to cause the at least one disc to rotate. Preferably, a generator is mechanically coupled to the motor and electrically coupled to the battery for generating electrical power to the battery, and a renewable energy source such as a photovoltaic cell is electrically coupled to the motor to supplement any net electrical loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Clifford R. Rabal
  • Patent number: 8305021
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously measuring the rotational speed and/or direction of a shaft, and providing control power in accordance with the shaft rotation. The apparatus includes a permanent magnet machine (PMM) having a multipole rotor and a stator. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnet poles and connection to the rotating shaft; the stator includes a winding and electrical connections, so that motion of the rotor with respect to the stator causes a voltage signal at the electrical connections. The apparatus also includes a circuit including a power conversion portion and a speed/direction sensing portion. The circuit receives the voltage signal from the PMM, and simultaneously outputs control power from the power conversion portion and a signal indicating the rotational speed and/or direction of the shaft from the sensing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Steven D. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8207708
    Abstract: A power generation control method of a hybrid construction machine capable of maintaining voltage of a capacitor in an appropriate range while minimizing capacitance of the capacitor and of surely preventing a system from being rendered inoperative, and the hybrid construction machine are provided. For this purpose, swing power corresponding to electric power consumed by a swing motor for swinging a part of a body relative to other parts is sequentially calculated, a value of the calculated swing power is converted to a smaller value, a power generation command of a generator motor is sequentially generated using the converted value, and the generated power generation command is output to an inverter for driving the generator motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Morinaga, Tadashi Kawaguchi, Hiroaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 8150556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the coordinated control method of torsional stress relay in large thermal power plants' generators (300 MW and above), which will be adopted when shaft torsional oscillations occur. This invention also publishes a method of realizing selective trip the generators and the trip criterions which are implemented by the torsional stress relay and coordinated control master station (Tmaster). Tmaster will real-time monitor the operating status of the generators and TSR, TMaster will also real-time generate a trip priority level sequencing by analyzing the unit output. When generators occur subsynchronous resonance and shaft torsional oscillation, this method can ensure that TSR will trip some generators of the power plant according to the real-time generated trip strategy to inhibit the shaft torsional oscillation and safeguard the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing Sifang Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaohua Jiao, Tao Zhang, Quan Liu, Xinyan Liang, Yuansheng Li
  • Patent number: 8058849
    Abstract: A vehicle drive mechanism includes a power transmission mechanism which has a rotary electric motor and a gear mechanism for transmitting mechanical power from the rotary electric motor to a drive shaft disposed coaxially with an output shaft of the rotary electric motor, and a control unit formed of a plurality of elements and controlling an operation of the rotary electric motor. At least one of the elements which constitute the control unit is disposed on a periphery of at least one of the rotary electric motor, the drive shaft, and the gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadafumi Yoshida, Yutaka Hotta
  • Patent number: 7999405
    Abstract: An electric power system includes an engine, a generator driven by the engine, an electrical energy storage device, power control circuitry coupling the generator and storage device together, and a processor coupled to the circuitry. The generator provides variable AC power and the storage device provides variable DC power to the circuitry. The processor executes operating logic to provide control signals to the circuitry to operate the generator at a first speed to provide a first level of AC electricity, increase the DC power provided from the storage device to increase the AC electricity to a second level, increase operating speed of the generator from the first speed to a second speed greater than the first speed, decrease the DC power from the storage device as the operating speed of the generator increases, and limit acceleration of the operating speed to reduce perception of a speed change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7781904
    Abstract: The system and method manages an electrical output of a turbogenerator in accordance with multiple modes. In a first mode, a direct current (DC) bus receives power from a turbogenerator output via a rectifier where turbogenerator revolutions per unit time (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) or an electrical output level of a turbogenerator output meet or exceed a minimum threshold. In a second mode, if the turbogenerator revolutions per unit time or electrical output level of a turbogenerator output are less than the minimum threshold, the electric drive motor or a generator mechanically powered by the engine provides electrical energy to the direct current bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ronnie Dean Stahlhut, Carl Thomas Vuk
  • Patent number: 7728477
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor of a generator is used to excite a electromagnet stator to generate electric power for the generator and to control a disengagement mechanism whereby the generator can disengage from an accessory, such as a gear box drive shaft, when the generator is not working properly. The permanent magnet is affixed to an outer ball screw which normally rotates with an inner ball screw that is operatively engaged to the accessory. An increased load to the electromagnet stator slows or stops rotation of the permanent magnet rotor and outer ball screw, causing the inner ball screw to move axially from the outer ball screw and away from an accessory and toward a re-settable lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Balwinder S. Birdi, Michael W. Duddeck, William M. Scherzinger, Simon L. Waddell
  • Publication number: 20100097037
    Abstract: A power generation control method of a hybrid construction machine capable of maintaining voltage of a capacitor in an appropriate range while minimizing capacitance of the capacitor and of surely preventing a system from being rendered inoperative, and the hybrid construction machine are provided. For this purpose, swing power corresponding to electric power consumed by a swing motor for swinging a part of a body relative to other parts is sequentially calculated, a value of the calculated swing power is converted to a smaller value, a power generation command of a generator motor is sequentially generated using the converted value, and the generated power generation command is output to an inverter for driving the generator motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Jun Morinaga, Tadashi Kawaguchi, Hiroaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7615972
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Patent number: 7571045
    Abstract: In a gas-turbine engine control system having a first control channel inputting the outputs of sensors to calculate and output a first command value indicative of a quantity of fuel to be supplied to the engine and a second control channel inputting the outputs of the sensors to calculate and output a second command value similarly indicative of the quantity of fuel, the second control channel calculates and outputs the second command value using the first command value so long as the instruction to switch the outputs is not generated, while calculates and outputs the second command value, without using the first command value, when the instruction to switch the outputs is generated. With this, immediately after switching to the second command value, the second command value is made substantially equal to and not greatly different from the preceding first command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Muramatsu, Yukinobu Sugitani
  • Patent number: 7521902
    Abstract: Power balancing techniques for a synchronous power generation system are provided. One exemplary method for balancing power in a synchronous generator system includes determining an output power characteristic of a synchronous generator driven by a prime mover and comparing the characteristic to a value derived from the output power of a plurality of synchronous generators. The method also includes providing a correction signal to the synchronous generator to modify the output power produced by that generator. A synchronous power generation system having a plurality of synchronous generators driven by a common prime mover is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herman Wiegman, Luis Jose Garces
  • Patent number: 7466033
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing temporary electrical power to stationary locations and moveable locations. For example, vessel marine power systems may be directed to the reduction and elimination of air pollutants produced when using a ship's generator while at dock. The power system is modular, portable, and generates electricity over a wide range of voltages and frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CleanAir Logix, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Witten, Dana J. Markle
  • Patent number: 7462948
    Abstract: The present invention provides a midget gas turbine has: a casing; an irregular-shaped hollow disk rotationally attached to a casing; said irregular-shaped hollow disk having in a hollow portion constituting a bursiform space having a closed peripheral portion in which a guiding vane is provided, and having a radius changing with respect to the circumferential direction; a fuel conduit provided from a central portion towards a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the irregular-shaped hollow disk and communicated with a fuel nozzle provided in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the irregular-shaped hollow disk; and at least two combustion chambers each comprising a mixing portion for mixing a fuel injected from the fuel nozzle with an external air centrifugally compressed by the guiding vane, a combustor and a combustion gas discharge nozzle portion, said combustion chambers being provided at rotationally symmetric positions at the outer peripheral portion of the irregular-shaped hollow d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thinktank PHOENIX Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Toriyama
  • Patent number: 7443044
    Abstract: An engine control device that controls an engine having a brushless motor as a starter motor, wherein the control device comprises a pickup coil that outputs a pulse signal at a crank angle position set in a crank angle section where a load applied to the brushless motor in cranking the engine is light, said brushless motor including a stator, a rotor and a position detecting device that detects rotational angle positions of the rotor to output position detection signals which represent level changes at fixed crank angle positions of the engine, and the control device being constructed so as to identify a crank angle position corresponding to each position where the level of the position detection signal is changed, based on the output signal of the pickup coil and to obtain crank angle information from the level changes of the position detection signals to control ignition timing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Shimazaki, Kazuyoshi Kishibata, Tomohiro Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7405542
    Abstract: A system that selectively alters a phase angle of an electrical generator. The system has a powered input shaft for transmitting power and an output shaft for receiving power for delivery to the electrical generator. A coupler portion interconnects the input shaft with the output shaft and transmits power therebetween. The coupler portion is selectively moveable in an axial direction between a first axial position wherein the input shaft and output shaft are disposed at a first relative angular position, and a second axial position wherein the input shaft and output shaft are disposed at a second relative angular position different than the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael B. McAvoy
  • Patent number: 7378985
    Abstract: A communication system for down hole use and comprising a drill collar (101) comprising a first portion (103) and a second portion (105) separated from each other by an electrically insulating material (67) and means (22, 63, 77, 81) for generating an electrical signal and for applying the electrical signal to the drill collar (101) such that the electrical signal is transmitted into a geological formation being drilled, characterized in that the means for generating the electrical signal comprises an alternator (22, 63, 77, 81) and means (2, 4, 10) responsive to an electrical output of the alternator for regulating rotation of the alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Gregson William Martin Spring
  • Patent number: 7319307
    Abstract: Power balancing techniques for a synchronous power generation system are provided. One exemplary method for balancing power in a synchronous generator system includes determining an output power characteristic of a synchronous generator driven by a prime mover and comparing the characteristic to a value derived from the output power of a plurality of synchronous generators. The method also includes providing a correction signal to the synchronous generator to modify the output power produced by that generator. A synchronous power generation system having a plurality of synchronous generators driven by a common prime mover is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herman Wiegman, Luis Jose Garces
  • Patent number: 7230344
    Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing transient and uninterrupted power to protected loads. As one example, the present invention provides an induction device that operates as an induction motor to energize a kinetic energy storage device, such as a flywheel, during conventional operating conditions. However, in the event of a loss of primary power, the induction device, which is fed ac power at variable frequencies, begins to operate as an induction generator. For example, by varying the frequency of the input ac power such that the synchronous speed of the motor is exceeded by the rotating flywheel, the induction device acts as an induction generator and provides a transient operating power to the downstream loads until an auxiliary power source, such as a diesel generator, is brought on line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Pollack, Michael J. Melfi
  • Patent number: 7227338
    Abstract: A fixed frequency electrical generation system includes an induction coupler. The system includes an electricity generator with no rings or brushes, and an induction speed regulator, mechanically coupled, so as to transform mechanical energy input from a shaft rotating at a variable speed into output electricity in the form of at least one alternating voltage with a constant rms value and constant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Lando
  • Patent number: 7224578
    Abstract: A control panel for a portable electric generator. The control panel includes three distinct zones having logically organized switches and outlets. The first zone includes those switches used most frequently. The second zone includes a plurality of 120 VAC electrical outlets and at least one 120/240 VAC outlet. The 120 VAC outlets are separated from the 120/240 VAC outlet by a horizontally arranged, rocker style voltage selector switch for selecting either 120/240 VAC or 120 VAC operation. A third zone includes an auto throttle control for controlling an engine of the generator. The placement and organization of the switches and electrical outlets within clearly defined zones reduces the possibility of the operator unintentionally selecting the wrong outlet for use or unintentionally selecting the wrong switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John E Buck, Peter E Morris
  • Patent number: 7202637
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved control method and apparatus allowing units arranged at different spaced apart locations to be controlled without the need for a high bandwidth link between the units and the controller. This allows a single controller to control a number of remotely located units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: The Turbo Genset Company Limited
    Inventors: Tim Charles Green, Hassan Mansir, Milan Prodanovic
  • Patent number: 7180201
    Abstract: A starting apparatus for an engine has a plurality of cylinders and an output shaft. The apparatus includes a power supply, an inverter having a switching element, a motor generator, an ECU, A crank angle sensor. The motor generator is coupled to the output shaft and connected to the power supply through the inverter. The ECU energizes the motor generator by controlling the inverter when the engine is started. The ECU causes ignition to occur in a specific cylinder that contains air-fuel mixture and is in an expansion stroke in an engine stopping state. The crank angle sensor indirectly detects a rotational speed of the motor generator. After the ignition caused, the ECU prohibits the motor generator from being energized until the rotational speed detected reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, the apparatus curbs an excessive increase in the temperature of a switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kusumi, Kentarou Mitai
  • Patent number: 7119450
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power source that includes a housing and an energy storage device arranged to provide an output power. A generator is disposed within the housing and is rechargeable association with the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7061211
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, Ebara Densan Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyasu Satoh, Seiichi Ishihara, Noboru Kinoshita, Takahide Ozawa, Shao-jun Zheng, Terence Mckelvey, Tadashi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7034508
    Abstract: An A/D conversion device includes a counter for counting a clock signal fed from a clock signal generator, a D/A converter for converting a digital output of the counter into an analog value, a comparator for comparing an analog output of the D/A converter and an analog field current detection value fed from a current detecting resistor and outputting a result of comparison, and an up/down control circuit for switching the counter between count-up and count-down operations according to the result of comparison output from the comparator. The output of the counter is transmitted as a digital field current detection value to an external control unit which is an ECU of a vehicle via a communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junya Sasaki, Katsuyuki Sumimoto
  • Patent number: 6989610
    Abstract: An electrical system for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and a permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft includes an inverter circuit connectable either to an AC output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a startup mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the AC output circuit. Thus, during the startup mode, the alternator functions as a motor to raise the speed of the turbine to a safe ignition speed and in the power out mode the electrical system outputs the AC output circuit, electrical power having a frequency unrelated to the rotation speed of the alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Elliott Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh C. Gupta, Douglas R. Burnham, J. Michael Teets, Jon W. Teets