Abstract: An electronic control apparatus includes target FR calculator that calculates a target exciting current duty ratio FR based on an exciting current inputted from FR terminal of a regulator and flowing through field coil, and information of engine operating conditions. The electronic control apparatus also includes target FR limit value FRCLP calculator that calculates a FRCLP corresponding to a drive torque limit value based on an output of a correlative information detector. A comparator compares target FR and FRCLP, outputs a control signal within FRCLP to a control unit, and controls a duty ratio FR of exciting current flowing through a field coil not to be larger than FRCLP.

Abstract: A controller of a rotating electric machine for a vehicle has a magnetic field electric current command arithmetic device for commanding a magnetic field electric current by the command of a torque and electric power command arithmetic device, an electric power converter functioning as a rectifier or an inverter, and a magnetic field electric current command restraining device for restraining a three-phase line electric current by restraining and controlling an output of the magnetic field electric current command arithmetic device when the rotating electric machine functions as an electric generator.

Abstract: A portable power supply includes an engine-driven generator that generates a first AC power. A rectifier rectifies the first AC power to a first DC power. A DC/DC converter converts a second DC power from a storage unit to a third DC power. A controller selectively enables one or both of the rectifier and the DC/DC converter to provide one or both of the first DC power and the third DC power to the input of an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power at its input to a second AC power. Alternatively, the power supply advantageously includes a second generator and a second rectifier. The outputs of the two rectifiers are summed and the sum of the two outputs is provided as an input the inverter to extend the range over which a constant second AC power can be provided.

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 output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. During start-up the frequency and voltage of the electrical power to the inverter is controlled as a function of the time and/or rotation speed.

Abstract: An electrical system and method 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 output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a start-up mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the output circuit. During the power out mode, output voltage is continuously measured and the inverter circuit is controlled to compensate for output voltage fluctuations.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system and method wherein a generator is driven by an air-breathing engine. At any operating condition, for a given power output the engine efficiency is substantially optimized by controlling the rate of air flow through the engine in such a manner that the fuel/air ratio is controlled to maintain a high peak temperature imparted to the working fluid in the engine. The method and system of the invention eliminate the need for variable-geometry mechanisms in the engine, and also eliminate the need for variable-geometry combustors and pre-burners. The invention is applicable to various types of air-breathing engines that operate at low fuel/air ratios.

Abstract: An electronically controlled inverter type generator includes an additional DC voltage boosting circuit that is selectively enabled to provide additional load current when needed. The compact, lightweight, and economical generator is a powerful, portable, quiet electrical source for various needs, including camping, and other recreational activities, wherein the generator can quickly accommodate temporary additional load requirements.

Abstract: A vehicle motor-generator apparatus based on a field winding type of synchronous machine coupled to a power inverter and a battery, wherein the synchronous machine is controlled to operate as a motor to perform engine starting and thereafter be driven by the engine as an electrical generator, wherein during a short time interval at the commencement of engine starting, the armature winding of the synchronous machine is driven by a current such that magnetic flux is produced by the armature winding acting in the same direction as magnetic flux produced by the field winding, to thereby achieve increased torque during the time when maximum torque is required.

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 120VAC electrical outlets and at least one 120/240VAC outlet. The 120VAC outlets are separated from the 120/240VAC outlet by a horizontally arranged, rocker style voltage selector switch for selecting either 120/240 VAC or 120VAC 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.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and a starter/alternator speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of a rotor of the starter/alternator machine that is electrically connected to the starter/alternator inverter. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the starter/alternator machine directly sensed by the starter/alternator speed sensor.

Abstract: In a gas turbine system having first power converter converting power system N AC voltage to DC voltage, second power converter converting the DC voltage into AC voltage, generator connected to second power converter's AC output and rotated by turbine and turbine controller outputting a revolution speed command value omg* according to a fuel flow rate of the turbine, a detector for detects a revolution speed omg of the generator, another detector detects Vdc of the first converter, a speed regulator generats a DC voltage command value according to a difference between omg and omg*, a switchover unit selects either a preset DC voltage command value Vref or the DC voltage command value according to the revolution speed omg and a voltage regulator and a controller control first power converter conversion output according to a control signal for making Vdc coincide with Vdc*.

Abstract: For enhancing the operational safety of an electric drive unit of a vehicle comprising a generator (G), which is operated by a combustion machine (V), and drive motors (M1, M2), which are connected to said generator via a direct-voltage intermediate circuit, the generator and drive motors are each subdivided into partial units (TG1, TG2; TM11-TM22), and these partial units have partial power electronics units (TGLE1, TGLE2; TM1LE1, TM1LE2 . . . ) associated therewith. The mutually corresponding partial units of generator, motors and power electronics units each constitute a drive circuit (AK1, AK2) of their own, with control signals being supplied to components thereof by a specifically assigned system control unit (1, 2). The system control units that are interconnected via an information exchange channel (IAK) can undertake compensation measures in their drive circuit or in the other drive circuits in the event of a complete or partial failure of a drive circuit (AK1, AK2).

Abstract: A vehicle motor-generator apparatus based on a field winding type of synchronous machine coupled to a power inverter and a battery, wherein the synchronous machine is controlled to operate as a motor to perform engine starting and thereafter be driven by the engine as an electrical generator, wherein during a short time interval at the commencement of engine starting, the armature winding of the synchronous machine is driven by a current such that magnetic flux is produced by the armature winding acting in the same direction as magnetic flux produced by the field winding, to thereby achieve increased torque during the time when maximum torque is required.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing the rating of engine generator set by selecting a generator set rating using a rating selector included in the generator set control system. The generator set rating includes at least an engine rating and voltage.

Abstract: An electrical system for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft comprises 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 to the AC output circuit, electrical power having a frequency unrelated to the rotational speed of the alternator.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a vehicle designed for reduced torsional vibration of an engine as well as lighter weight of the system. The propulsion system includes a first flywheel mounted on a crankshaft of an engine at an output end of the crankshaft, the engine being disposed in the vehicle, and a motor disposed on the first flywheel on the output side thereof. The motor has a dual function of driving and electric power generation. Further, a second flywheel is disposed on the motor on the output side thereof, and a transmission is disposed in communication with the output side of the second flywheel through a clutch. The first flywheel has an inertial moment which is greater than that of the second flywheel.

Abstract: An electric power generation control unit for vehicles comprises a transistor, a feedback diode, a voltage control circuit, a load factor signal generating circuit and a load factor signal output limiting circuit. The load factor signal generating circuit outputs a load factor signal synchronized with on/off condition of the transistor. The load factor signal output limiting circuit outputs a signal of a predetermined duty ratio from a load factor signal output terminal even in the condition that the load factor is maximum or minimum.

Abstract: The invention concerns a starter/generator for an internal combustion engine (1), especially that of a motor vehicle, with an electric rotary-field machine (4), which exercises the starter and generator function; and at least one invertor (17) for generating the voltages and/or currents of variable frequency, amplitude and/or phase required for the magnetic fields of the electric machine (4); wherein the electric machine (4) starts the internal combustion engine (1) by merging in from standstill.

Abstract: A combined heat and electricity generating unit is suitable for use in class 8 trucks and the like. When it is operating it provides heat for keeping the engine and cabin warm and electricity for use by the electricity consuming devices in the cabin. It is a closed cycle system that includes a radial inlet turbine driven by a low pressure vaporized and superheated working fluid, an oil fired heater for vaporizing the working fluid, a pump for pumping condensed working fluid, a heat exchanger for heating engine coolant with heat from the condensing working fluid and an electric generator for converting energy produced by the turbine to electricity.

Abstract: Method and device (1) for controlling an alternator (2) delivering an electrical current which supplies power to electrical consumers (4) in a motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and which recharges a battery (3), in which method and device, for each journey, the intensity of an excitation current (Ie) for the alternator is controlled as a function of a time profile Ie(t) constructed from a probable time profile (&OHgr;a (t)) of the rotary speeds of the alternator and from the current (Ic) absorbed by the consumers. Preferably, the time profile of the rotary speeds of the alternator is determined from data provided by a navigation device (7) optionally combined with a traffic density information receiver (7′).

Abstract: The throttle of an engine in an engine driven generator system operating under an intermittently heavy load, as in supplying current to a welder, is controlled such that successive control signals sent to a throttle actuator for adjusting the engine throttle position are inhibited until at least a predetermined time has elapsed since the last preceding adjustment to the throttle. This procedure ensures that, as to each incremental adjustment to the throttle, the engine has sufficient time to respond, thereby preventing over-speeding or stalling the engine. The throttle actuator may be a stepper motor which is stepped by throttle position change signals from a processor which monitors engine speed and generator load to determine whether the throttle should be adjusted and, if so, in which direct. Alternatively, the throttle actuator may be a solenoid pulling against a spring in accordance with the average current through the solenoid coil.

Abstract: The throttle of an engine in an engine driven generator system operating subject to a wide and rapidly variable load, as in supplying current to a welder, is operated such that control signals are sent to a throttle actuator for adjusting the engine throttle position in response to load changes. The throttle actuator may be a solenoid pulling against a spring in accordance with the average current through the solenoid coil. In this embodiment, the processor causes pulse width modulated signals to be applied across the solenoid coil with throttle position changes being reflected in changes to the width of the pulses, such changes in the pulse width being delayed for at least the predetermined time since the last preceding adjustment to the throttle.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power signals from a fluid fuel source. The system comprises an engine and a generator. The engine burns the fuel and is connected to the generator such that the generator generates a raw power signal. An output stage generates an output power signal from the raw power signal. A control circuit controls the operation of the engine based on the output power signal. The control circuit further controls the operation of the engine based on an output current of the generator when this output current exceeds a current threshold level. The control circuit additionally controls the operation of the engine based on a temperature of the engine when the engine temperature exceeds a rated temperature level. The system thus generates sufficient power to supply a variable load but stays within an operating range defined by a rated power level and the rated temperature level.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a diesel electric traction vehicle of the type including a synchronous generator driven by a diesel engine for producing alternating current (AC) electric power, the AC electric power being converted to direct current (DC) electric power and transferred over a DC link to a plurality of DC to AC inverters, and each of the inverters being coupled to transfer controlled frequency power to at least one AC electric traction motor coupled in driving relationship to at least one wheel-axle set of the vehicle. A computer-based control system controls operation of the engine, generator and inverters in response to a power command signal. The control system computes power supplied by the generator from calculated torque developed by the AC traction motors and electric power losses in the inverters and other circuit elements coupling power from the generator to the motors.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for an automotive vehicle having an electric motor and an engine operated by combustion of a fuel, the drive control apparatus including a drive source selecting device for selecting an engine drive mode or a motor drive mode on the basis of a first value in the engine drive mode of a physical quantity relating to a condition of the engine and a second value of the same physical quantity reflecting energy conversion efficiencies of the electric motor, an electric generator and an electric energy storage device during an electricity generating mode. The physical quantity is preferably a fuel consumption amount by the engine. The drive control apparatus may also include an engine output determining device that optimizes the efficiency of the system by determining the output of the engine so as to power the vehicle and also provide surplus power to operate the electric generator and charge the electric energy storage device.

Abstract: An electric power generating apparatus is mounted on a vehicle which has a propulsive electric motor powered by a battery, and has an electric generator and an internal combustion engine for actuating the electric generator to charge the battery depending on a charged/discharged state of the battery. A first operation controller operates the internal combustion engine to enable the electric generator to charge the battery if the amount of electric energy stored in the battery is smaller than a predetermined value or the time-dependent rate of increase of an amount of electric energy discharged from the battery is greater than a predetermined level. A second operation controller operates the internal combustion engine to purge a canister if the charged/discharged state of the battery fails to satisfy a condition for the first operation controller to operate the internal combustion engine and if the amount of a purged gas adsorbed in the canister is greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A motor generator system (120) in accordance with the invention includes a prime mover (21) for driving an output shaft (18), a main motor generator (105), having a rotor driven by the output shaft, for producing electrical power on at least one output winding (36a-36c) in response to the prime mover rotating the output shaft and for driving the output shaft in response to operation as a motor; an exciter (102) for applying excitation to a field winding (34) of the main motor generator during operation for producing electrical power on the at least one output winding and for applying current to the field winding of the main motor and generator to produce a magnetic field in the field winding during operation of the main motor generator as a motor; circuitry (122), responsive to current in a field winding (204) of the exciter, for producing an output signal representing a position of the rotor of the main motor generator driven by the output shaft; and a main inverter (114), responsive to the output signal, fo

Abstract: In a control device for a small-scale series-type hybrid automobile using an electric motor and an internal combustion engine as power sources, energy generated by the drive motor is applied to a motor/generator through a generator inverter so that the motor/generator drives the internal combustion engine to apply a braking force thereto. In this way, energy generated during regenerative braking which cannot be absorbed by a saturated battery (for example, when the vehicle is travelling downhill) can be used to help brake the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for an AC diesel electric locomotive allowing for continued operation of the locomotive even in the instance of failure of current sensors providing current feedback information. The system is coupled to a plurality of DC to AC inverters with each of the inverters being connected for supplying controlled AC power to at least one AC electric traction motor coupled in driving relationship to wheels of the locomotive. The control system controls the power output of the inverters in response to an operator's command and to sensed operating conditions of the locomotive. One of the sensed operating conditions is power output of the converter determined by measuring its voltage and current output, the latter measurement using a series connected current monitor. The system incorporates apparatus for sensing failure of the current monitor and, in response thereto for modifying the control system to substitute a selected value for the sensed power output of the converter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC control circuit for a main motor-generator set, in which a main motor includes an auxiliary shunt field winding. The control circuit includes a current follower motor that is driven by the armature current of the main motor and which drives an auxiliary generator to constitute a feedback unit. Electric energy produced by the auxiliary generator is applied to the auxiliary field of the main motor-generator set. The auxiliary field of the main motor-generator set may be excited with the same polarity as the main motor-generator set field winding to increase the field as the main motor-generator armature current increases, or with opposite polarity to reduce the field in response to main motor-generator current increasing. A control interface controls output voltage or output impedance from the auxiliary generator and selects a type magnetizing of aforesaid auxiliary field of the main motor-generator set.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery using an alternator driven by an engine and a voltage regulator controlling the output of the alternator comprising a control conduit that automatically controls the engine speed from idle on up to that of maximum horsepower at full throttle while simultaneously controlling the charging current to that value which minimizes charging time and maximizes battery life. The apparatus includes a load control circuit that unloads the alternator in response to a sudden increase in the load on the engine or sudden decrease in the engine speed thereby reducing the load on the engine to prevent the engine from stalling.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a generator having an inverter, an engine directly coupled to the generator, and a mode selection switch which manually selects either of a low load mode or a high load mode. In the control apparatus for the generator, when an excessive load is determined to be applied to the inverter during the selection of the low load mode, the inverter is temporarily interrupted so that the engine is accelerated up to a rated revolution speed and, thereafter, the inverter is automatically returned in its operating state.

Abstract: An engine-driven generator includes an internal combustion engine, a permanent magnet alternator and an AC to AC converter. The output frequency and voltage of the permanent magnet alternator are largely dependent on engine speed and the alternator load. The AC to AC converter converts the speed-dependent alternating potential developed by the alternator to another alternating potential whose frequency and voltage are largely independent of engine speed. Voltage regulation is provided by varying the engine speed in accordance with the load current. Frequency regulation is provided by frequency dividing the alternator output by an integer divisor that varies in accordance with engine speed. Additional voltage regulation is provided by deleting selected cycles of the alternator output current as needed to maintain the RMS output voltage within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A control for a brushless generator operable in starting and generating modes supplies combined AC and DC power to an exciter field winding of the brushless generator during operation in the starting mode. The magnitude of a parameter of the AC power is decreased with increasing rotor speed during operation in the starting mode until a particular rotor speed is reached, following which only DC power is supplied to the exciter field winding.

Abstract: An enhanced charging system for a motor vehicle includes an alternator, a voltage regulator, and an engine controller. The voltage regulator and engine controller are connected by two circuits. One of the circuits provides the engine controller with a measure of the torque about to be applied to the engine by the alternator. The other circuit allows the engine controller to command the target voltage at which the voltage regulator is to control the alternator. The engine controller determines the target voltage based on intake air temperature, a measure of the temperature of the air at the intake of the engine. The engine controller then modifies the target voltage based on (1) whether the throttle of the engine is near wide-open-throttle; (2) whether the brakes of the vehicle are applied; and (3) whether the alternator is about to apply an increased torque to the engine.

Abstract: A device for control of power (P) generated by a gas turbine (1) which drives an electric generator (2) with a rectifier (3) connected thereto, comprises a control member (6) adapted to control the fuel supply of the gas turbine (1) in such a way that the inlet temperature (T) of the gas turbine is caused to correspond, at least substantially, to a predetermined value (TR). A direct-voltage network (4) with controllable voltage (U) is connected to the rectifier (3) and the control member (6) generates a voltage control signal (URs) which is supplied to the direct-voltage network (4) .

Abstract: A control device for an electric generator for use with a vehicle engine includes an armature winding (stator) and a field winding (rotor) driven by the vehicle engine. A chopper is provided for controlling the field current of the field winding and a pulse width modulator is provided for controlling the duty cycle of the chopper in response to the operating conditions of the engine. A voltage feedback loop is provided from a normally provided battery which loop incorporates a detector for detecting the actual battery voltage and a comparator for comparing the battery voltage with a predetermined set voltage so that the difference in voltage is rendered to zero. The invention additionally provides a current feedback loop for controlling a deviation between a current command value determining the duty of the chopper and an actual current flowing through the field winding so as to be substantially zero.

Abstract: An idling engine speed controlling apparatus for an engine having a generator driven by an engine to charge a battery, a switching means for controlling the supply and interruption of an exciting current to a field winding for the generator so that a voltage generated from the generator or a voltage of a battery becomes a predetermined level, a continuous detecting means for detecting a total excitation time of the field winding during each rotational time period, and a regulator means having a control unit responsive to an output of continuous detecting means for adjusting a quantity of intake air supplied to the engine by detecting an excitation time of the field winding for each time period of the engine.

Abstract: A variable-speed pumped-storage power generating system includes a variable-speed generator/motor, a frequency converter connected to an electric power system, and a pump/turbine driven by the generator/motor.

Abstract: Engine start capability may be added to an aircraft generating system including a variable speed, constant frequency inverter 34 by placing transistors 48 in shunt relation to diodes 22 forming part of a full wave rectifier for rectifying A.C. power from a brushless generator output winding 10 which is normally supplied to the inverter 34 for conversion to constant frequency A.C. power. A source of D.C. power 60 may be connected to the diodes 22 and transistors 48 and the latter are operated by an inverter controller 52 to convert the D.C. power so provided to alternating current to be fed to the brushless generator output windings 10 and cause the brushless generator to operate as an A.C. motor for the starting of a turbine engine 18 or the like.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a battery charging generator for use in a vehicle in which a voltage regulator for regulating the output of the generator is controlled by a reference voltage generating unit in response to a signal representing acceleration (an operating state) for gradually changing the output voltage of the generator until the output voltage is below the battery terminal voltage so that the vehicle's engine runs smoother and changes of intensity in a lighting device included in the load occur gradually and are not visually noticeable.

Abstract: A control system for a material handling device such as a drag line in which additional power required for a first motion, such as hoisting, may be obtained from the power source for a second motion such as drag and conversely additional power for the second motion may be obtained from the power available for the first motion under specified conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a generator for a vehicle for limiting the output current of the generator by controlling the field current of the generator having an operating state detector for detecting the operating state of the vehicle, a reference clock generator, a modulator for modulating the reference clock pulses for generating reference clock pulses in response to the output of the operating state detector to sequentially vary the field current.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic voltage regulation system for controlling the charging of the battery in a vehicle. The conventional voltage regulator is eliminated and the intelligence of the microprocessor already present on the vehicle for controlling engine operation is used to regulate the output of the alternator. The battery temperature signal from a temperature transducer and a battery voltage signal from a sense line connected directly to the positive terminal of the battery are supplied to the microprocessor through an analog-to-digital converter. The microprocessor is programmed to ascertain from the battery temperature signal the desired set point voltage based upon an inverse first order relationship between battery temperature and desired battery voltage with preset maximum and minimum voltage set point levels.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular charging generator utilizing various sensors which detect an unstable rotation during the starting of an engine, the acceleration/deceleration condition of the engine, an overload condition of the engine etc. to regulate the output voltage of the generator by a micro-computer, whereby the rotation of the engine is stabilized and the acceleration performance is enhanced due to a reduction of the load of the generator while and over-discharge of the battery is effectively compensated. Also, various abnormal conditions are detected by the sensors and indicated.

Abstract: Low-head hydroelectric installation, in particular for a tidal power station, intended to operate under variable heads of water that can fall to values in the region of zero. When the head of water is lower than a defined value (Hd), lower than at least half the nominal head (Hn), the turbo-machine (1) is made to rotate at a speed (n1, n2, n2, . . . ) lower than the synchronous speed (ns) and bringing its efficiency near to the heart of the efficiency contours. For this purpose, a frequency converter (7) is inserted between the rotary electrical machine (3) and the network (4), the converter (7) being constructed for a power in all cases lower than at least half the nominal power (Pn).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a variable-speed hydraulic power generation system using an induction generator of wound-rotor type is disclosed, in which variation in frequency of the power system connected to the power generation system or power demand from the power system is detected and the detected value is applied to a control unit for controlling the guide vane of a hydraulic machine driving the generator, thereby dampening variation in frequency or power balance of the power system.

Abstract: In a charge/float vehicle electrical system, heavy battery charging is effected during periods of engine deceleration and the float voltage is adjusted so as to maintain the battery state of charge at the level in existence at the initiation of the float mode.

Abstract: There is provided an exciter arrangement for generators comprising an internal combustion engine, a generator coupled with the internal combustion engine and driven thereby, an exciter for regulating excitation of the exciter, a detector for detecting a value responsive to a revolution number of the internal combustion engine, and a controller for controlling the exciter in response to an output of the detector.