Abstract: A method for operating start-up of a compressor train is disclosed. The train includes a driver machine and at least a centrifugal compressor drivingly coupled to the driver machine. The centrifugal compressor in turn includes a plurality of compressor stages and at least a first set of variable inlet guide vanes at an inlet of one of the compressor stages. The method includes at least partly closing the first set of variable inlet guide vanes; when the first set of variable inlet guide vanes is at least partly closed, starting rotation of the centrifugal compressor and accelerating the centrifugal compressor up to a minimum operating speed; opening the at least one set of variable inlet guide vanes to increase the gas flow through the centrifugal compressor once the minimum operating speed has been achieved.

Abstract: A system may include a power converter comprising at least one stage having a dual anti-wound inductor having a first winding and a second winding constructed such that its windings generate opposing magnetic fields in its magnetic core and constructed such that a coupling coefficient between the first winding and the second winding is less than approximately 0.95 and a current control subsystem for controlling an electrical current through the dual anti-wound inductor, the current control subsystem configured to minimize a magnitude of a magnetizing electrical current of the dual anti-wound inductor to prevent core saturation of the dual anti-wound inductor and regulate an amount of output electrical current delivered by the power converter to the load in accordance with a reference input signal.

Abstract: Provided for a device and a method for controlling a gas turbine, a gas turbine control program, and the gas turbine are: a first opening setting unit that sets a first IGV opening command value for an inlet guide vane based on factors excluding a surge limit of a compressor; a second opening setting unit that sets a second IGV opening command value for the inlet guide vane based on the surge limit of the compressor, and corrects the second IGV opening command value based on a pressure in the compressor; an opening selecting unit that selects a maximum opening as an IGV opening command value for the inlet guide vane among the first IGV opening command value and the second IGV opening command value; and an opening control unit that adjusts the opening of the inlet guide vane based on the IGV opening command value S selected by the opening selecting unit.

Abstract: A hybrid module for a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a rotational axis defining an axial direction, a housing, first and second support bearings, an intermediate shaft, a separating clutch, and a sensor device. The second support bearing is arranged at a distance from the first support bearing in the axial direction to form a receiving space therebetween. The intermediate shaft is mounted by the first support bearing and the second support bearing to be rotatable relative to the housing about the rotational axis. The separating clutch has a rotary component arranged to be coupled to an electric machine, and connected for conjoint rotation with the intermediate shaft. The sensor device includes at least one part arranged in the receiving space.

Abstract: A converter circuit includes a direct-voltage connection and a phase module which includes connections electrically connected to the direct-voltage connection, and a series connection of an upper converter valve and a lower converter valve. The upper and lower converter valves have each at least two sub-modules arranged electrically in series and including at least one capacitor, at least one power semiconductor, and a control assembly configured to control the power semiconductor. At least one of the sub-modules is configured for linear operation, with a control assembly configured to enable the linear operation of the sub-module. At least one alternating-voltage-side connection is provided and defined by an electrical link between the upper converter valve and the lower converter valve.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the temperature of a contactor comprising a processing unit designed to act on control means of the voltage applied to an actuating coil. Measuring means measure an electric current flowing in said at least one actuating coil. The method consists in: sending a closing order consisting in applying a voltage to the terminals of the actuating coil enabling the electric current flowing in the coil to be modified up to a first reference value; sending a drop-out order consisting in fixing a voltage called drop-out voltage at the terminals of the actuating coil; measuring the electric current flowing in said actuating coil; performing acquisition of specific values on a signal of the electric current; analyzing specific values for evaluation of the operating temperature of the actuating coil.

Abstract: A motor design method, a motor (11) designed by the motor design method, and an electric vehicle (10) provided with the motor (11) include a first calculation step of obtaining a set of a number of revolutions required to achieve a predetermined running pattern and a torque required to achieve the predetermined running pattern, a second calculation step of selecting a motor efficiency corresponding to the number of revolutions and the torque from any one of motor characteristic curves, a third calculation step of obtaining a work amount from the number of revolutions and the torque and obtaining power consumption by dividing the work amount by the motor efficiency, and a fourth calculation step of obtaining a sum of the power consumption by repeating the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step over the entire running time.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system includes an engine, a generator set, and a refrigeration system. An electronic control unit and/or a reefer controller are configured to obtain an engine operation condition value and a transport refrigeration system operation value respectively. A genset controller is configured to determine a fuel efficient engine operation speed that is associated with the engine and/or transport refrigeration system operation condition value. The genset controller instructs the electronic control unit to operate the engine at the fuel efficient operation speed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating modeling software for processing control, used in power plant control, cement plants or other industrial control applications, using models such as expert systems, fuzzy logic, genetic optimization algorithms, and neural networks to convert sensor data into actionable data, information and/or diagnostics. The present invention includes a graphical programming environment, graphical programming tools, graphical user interface (GUI), visual feedback, real-time refresh, run-time object swap, logic standby (safety recovery), modeling and optimization to allows a user to create a control system for an industrial process, and that allows the user to change the process without any manual compile, assemble or load steps other than a save and refresh pushbutton.

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.

Abstract: A turbine array including: a plurality of turbines; an electrical machine connected to each of the turbines and to an electrical grid; wherein at least one of the electrical machines is a motor-generator which can operate in a motor mode or a generator mode, and wherein the other electrical machines are generators; and a controller for detecting a loss-of-grid event; wherein the controller sets the motor-generator to the motor mode when a loss-of-grid event is detected, the motor-generator being driven by the generators and thereby providing a load to the generators.

Abstract: A method and an electronic device are disclosed for testing drive parameters of an electropneumatic valve which is inserted into a closed control loop for position regulation of a switching element of a pneumatic actuating drive for a fitting which can be operated thereby. The electropneumatic valve can be driven by an alternating signal of a specific amplitude, such that the control loop will oscillate about a nominal position value to be regulated by alternate ventilation and venting of the valve, such that hysteresis present in the pneumatic actuating drive can be overcome. The trajectory of the position oscillation that is produced can, at the same time, be detected at the switching element using sensors, from which a characteristic of the control loop for the selected amplitude can be determined to confirm whether an opening point which is suitable for the control loop has been found.

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.

Abstract: A microcomputer that exercises driving control and power-generation control over a motor generator unit and a power-generation maintaining unit that, separately from the power-generation control exercised by the microcomputer, maintains a power-generation process performed by the motor generator unit are provided. While the microcomputer is operating normally, the power-generation maintaining unit allows the microcomputer to exercise the power-generation control. When an abnormality has occurred in the microcomputer, the power-generation maintaining unit maintains the power-generation process performed by the motor generator unit, in an autonomous manner independently of the microcomputer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to operate the working machine etc. with satisfactory responsiveness as intended by the operator while enhancing engine efficiency, pump efficiency, and the like, where a first engine target revolution ncom1 adapted to a current pump target discharge flow rate Qsum is set, and when determined that the current pump target discharge flow rate Qsum is greater than a predetermined flow rate (10 (L/min)), a revolution nM (e.g., 1400 rpm) greater than an engine low idle revolution nL is set as a second engine target revolution ncom2 determining that operation levers 41 to 44 switched from a non-operation state to an operation state. The engine revolution is controlled so that the second engine target revolution ncom2 is obtained if the second engine target revolution ncom2 is equal to or greater than the first engine target revolution ncom1.

Abstract: Two or more alternators—each typically of an economical cost and of any mixture of types and capacities—are turned by a single power source—normally the engine of a large commercial truck or bus burning fuel so as to produce minimum emissions and thus operating at such higher combustion temperature as does raises the ambient temperature of the engine compartment to 125° Celsius. The several alternators are electrically connected in tandem-parallel across a battery/load. A corresponding number of identical electronic voltage regulators, preferably of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,972 modified according to the present invention, respectively individually control the alternators. One electronic voltage regulators externally programmed to become a designated “master” produces a “universal” control signal in response to variations in a voltage across the battery/load.

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.

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

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle AC generator that allows the aging test time of a CMOS logic circuit to be reduced is provided. The controller includes a specified signal detecting circuit connected to a third external terminal to detect a specified signal, a voltage selector circuit that generates a voltage selector signal in response to the detection output of the specified signal detecting circuit, and a power supply circuit connected to the first external terminal to output, as internal power supply voltage, first power supply voltage in a first state in which the specified signal is not input to the third external terminal and second power supply voltage higher than the first power supply voltage in a second state in which the specified signal is input to the third external terminal.

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: A battery requiring power generation determining unit is operable to determine first power required by the battery depending on a battery condition. An electric component using power determining unit is operable to determine second power used by the electric components. An feeding indispensable power determining unit is operable to determine feeding indispensable power. A power generation determining unit is operable to determine a first power generation to be generated by the generator based on the first power, the second power, and the feeding indispensable power. The feeding indispensable power determining unit determines the feeding indispensable power depending on a running mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus has a power generator 4 for generating AC power, a gas turbine engine 2 for driving the power generator 4, and an inverter device 5 for converting the AC power into commercial AC power. The power generating apparatus includes an interconnection switch S1 for connecting an output of the inverter device 5 with a commercial AC power supply system, a first voltage detector 46 for detecting a DC power supply voltage Vdc-in of the inverter device 5, and a second voltage detector 33, 45 for detecting a full-wave rectification voltage of the commercial AC power supply system. The power generating apparatus also includes an interconnection control part 18 for closing the interconnection switch S1 when the DC power supply voltage of the inverter device 5 exceeds the full-wave rectification voltage of the commercial AC power supply system.

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: 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 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 system for monitoring maintenance information in a hydroelectric power generation facility comprises sensors coupled to a controller. The sensors detect actual levels of operating parameters for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The detected parameters include a stressor capable of affecting a life span, or mean time between failures, of the turbine or one of its components. The controller determines the amount of the life span used up. A method for monitoring maintenance information in a power generation facility includes the steps of monitoring levels of operating parameters including a stressor for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The stressor affects the life span of the turbine or one of its components, and the amount of the life span used up over the operating period is calculated.

Abstract: Process for supplying electrical energy to the network with an AC generator associated with a turbine, by means of a transformer, characterized in that it consists in evaluating the generator precisely as a function of the needs of the site by lowering its nominal voltage as low as possible while continuing to satisfy the capacity of the generator to send active power delivered by the turbine and the reactive power corresponding to this active power required by a consumer or the network manager.

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 apparatus for energy distribution in a motor vehicle includes a vehicle electrical power supply system (11) with a generator (13) regulated by a voltage regulator (21), a battery (12) and consumers and a control arrangement (10) receiving required information from the power supply system for determining control parameters for engine or power supply system components. The control arrangement (10) includes the voltage regulator (21) and a supply system managing device (20). The supply system managing device (20) includes a device (24) for establishing an energy management strategy and a pre-control device (23) for generating a differential output for input to the device (24) according to an actual power and required power with respect to reference voltage. The pre-control device (23) and the device (24) for establishing an energy management strategy cooperate to determine a power supply set voltage (U_s) from the required information.

Abstract: An engine operated generator is arranged to constantly respond to a change in the load with a margin of power. The output current of the generator 1 driven by an engine 2 is rectified by a converter 3 composed of a thyristor bridge structure. A direct current released from the converter 3 is converted by an inverter 4 to an alternate current at a commercial frequency and connected to a load 5. A thyristor driver circuit 9 controls the conduction of thyristors so that the voltage at the input of the inverter 4 is constant. A fuel flow controller 10 detects the conduction angle of the thyristors and the revolution of the engine 2 is controlled so that the conduction angle is converged on a target conduction angle. Since the target conduction angle is set within a predetermined range smaller than the maximum conduction angle, the generator is maintained with margins of its output and can thus provide a stable level of voltage and respond quickly to a change in the load.

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: An improved method and system of increasing the effective electrical load capacity of a power converter is disclosed. Potential damage due to current surges from variation in load is avoided by sensing an impending over-current condition, decreasing the system output by a predetermined amount or to a predetermined level, and then gradually increasing the output to bring the system back to desired operating conditions. Such control can be affected by varying the throttle setting to adjust rotor speed, controlling the DC rail level, or a combination of both methods.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system includes a heat engine having an output member operatively coupled to the rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. System output power is controlled by varying an electrical parameter of the dynamoelectric machine. A power request signal is related to an engine speed and the electrical parameter is varied in accordance with a speed control loop. Initially, the sense of change in the electrical parameter in response to a change in the power request signal is opposite that required to effectuate a steady state output power consistent with the power request signal. Thereafter, the electrical parameter is varied to converge the output member speed to the speed known to be associated with the desired electrical output power.

Abstract: Two or more alternators--each typically of an economical cost and of any mixture of types and capacities--are turned by a single motive power source--normally the engine of a large commercial truck or bus. The several alternators are electrically connected in tandem-parallel across a battery/load. A corresponding number of electronic voltage regulators, preferably of the type described in patent application Ser. No. 08/645,611, respectively individually control the alternators. One electronic voltage regulator that is modified to become a designated master produces a "universal" control signal in response to variations in a voltage across the battery/load. This "universal" control signal is further used in the master electronic voltage regulator itself to develop a conventional signal providing regulation to an associated alternator.

Abstract: An alternator power-supply type electric heating control apparatus, comprising (1) a switch for switching an output of an alternator including a field coil, a stator coil, and a rectifier to a first state where the output is connected to a battery and vehicle-mounted electrical load side or a second state where the output is connected to an object to be heated which is heated by current conduction; (2) a controller which performs an output control of the alternator by a duty control of a field current that is supplied to the field coil, performs the switching of the switch, detects a failed state, and causes a display unit to display the failed state to warn a driver; and (3) an object to be heated voltage control unit for controlling the duty control of the field current by a rectification wave of one phase of an output voltage of the alternator, rectified by the rectifier, so that a voltage of the object to be heated does not exceed a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicular generator motor performing generator operation and motor operation is disclosed. The generator motor comprises an AC-DC converter means and a switching means. The converter means is composed of a plurality of MOSFETs and connected between each armature coil and a vehicular storage battery. Alternating current produced across the coils is converted into a direct current for charging the battery by the AC-DC converter means in generator operation mode. In motor operation mode, the DC output from the battery is converted into an alternating current for setting up a rotating magnetic field by the converter means, and the battery output is fed to the armature coils. The mode of operation of the MOSFETs is switched between these two modes by the switching means. The rotating field produces a certain phase difference with the magnetic field developed by the rotating magnetic poles. The MOSFETs are made of SiC having a smaller resistivity than that of Si.

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: The present invention relates to an electrical protective circuit, used when abnormality occurs, in a vibration suppressing apparatus which changes the load torque on a generator such as an alternator fixed on the engine to generate an angle moment on the generator body to cancel rough idling engine vibrations to suppress vehicle body vibrations due to the rough idling. In the inventive vibration suppressing apparatus, a generator is fixed on the engine which generator includes a voltage regulator to control a field winding current such that a fixed voltage is output to a battery. The generation of engine rough idling is detected on the basis of either a change in the engine speed or a change in the engine vibrations. If rough idling is detected, a high voltage circuit is connected to the field winding to increase the field winding current and hence the load torque on the generator.

Abstract: A generator unit for a motor vehicle includes a battery, a generator, an intermediate drive for transmitting a drive torque from the internal combustion engine to said generator, an on-board power supply system, and an evaluating circuit. At least one of input value of engine speed, generator voltage, generator speed, battery voltage, battery current, battery temperature, and consumer means voltage, and at least one of an input value of generator current and generator temperature is input to the evaluating circuit. At least one output value for controlling at least one of a transmission ratio of the intermediate drive and an exciter current of the generator is output from the evaluating circuit. The power supply system is divided into a plurality of parts. This division enables to conform allowable voltage variations in a single part of the power supply system, to requirements of structural components contained in the single part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method to control the conversion of an arbitrary resource energy into mechanical energy and subsequently into electric energy with a variable-speed generation system utilizing a turbine and a doubly-fed generator, to be connected directly to a power grid of a certain grid frequency. Via electronic control of the rotor speed by controlling the rotor winding excitation frequency, the device has the capability of providing an optimum tradeoff in maximum turbine efficiency and minimal generator losses to secure maximum efficiency of the total conversion process, irrespective of varying resource and electric load conditions. The excitation requirements of the generator are confined to moderate levels and yet a wide rotor-speed variation margin, starting from zero speed, is permitted.

Abstract: A motor-generator set for producing, within a predetermined range, a constant volts/hertz output from the generator. An engine drives an AC generator, the engine having an electronic speed regulator including a first potentiometer for adjusting a speed setting for the engine. The generator has a voltage regulator including a second potentiometer for setting the output voltage of the generator. The first and second potentiometers are ganged for simultaneous adjustment whereby adjusting the potentiometers in one direction increases the speed of the engine and the output frequency and voltage of the generator while adjusting the potentiometers in the other direction decreases the speed of the engine and the output frequency and voltage of the generator.

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: The propulsion control system of a diesel-electric locomotive includes means responsive to the rotational speed and the gross horsepower of a locomotive engine for controlling the rate at which traction load is added to the engine, when more load is called for, so that the loading rate will increase (between predetermined minimum and maximum limits) as the product of speed and horsepower increases. The loading rate is also increased in response to the ratio of combustion air to diesel fuel increasing above a predetermined no-smoke threshold.

Abstract: A drive system for an automotive vehicle, especially an industrial floor vehicle such as a forklift truck, comprises an internal combustion engine, preferably a diesel engine, whose speed-controlling element (e.g. fuel-injection pump) in connected to a speed-setting member (e.g. a drive pedal) and propels an externally energized direct-current generator which, in turn, is connected to an externally energized direct-current motor driving the load, e.g. at least one wheel of the vehicle. According to the invention, the speed-controlling element of the internal combustion engine is provided with a speed-setting signal generator, the output shaft of the internal combustion engine with an engine shaft-speed signal generator and the output shaft of the direct current motor with a motor shaft-speed signal generator.

Abstract: A stability control system for a free piston Stirling engine/alternator power unit whose engine power is an exponential function on the engine piston stroke and whose alternator power demand is also an exponential function of the piston stroke, and wherein the engine exponent is normally equal to or greater than the alternator exponent, includes a connection through a rectifier between the alternator output terminals and the alternator field windings. This increases the alternator exponent above the engine exponent to make the system stable. The large time constant of the field winding inductance, which would tend to slow the response time during transients, can be avoided by adding a suitable resistance in series with the field winding.