Abstract: An electromechanical drive system for a mechanical power load. The system includes an electric motor connectable to an electric power source, a first transmission connected at one side with a first end of the shaft of the electric motor and connectable at the other end with a load, an electric power generator, and a second transmission connected at one side with a second end of the shaft of the electric motor, which extends in a direction opposite to that of the first end of the shaft of the electric motor, and which is connected at the other side with the electric power generator, wherein the electric power generator is electrically connectable via a switch with a power source and the electric motor, such that the electric current from the power generator can be directed either to electric power source or to an electric motor, with which charging of the electric power source is achieved when a need of the load for mechanical power is reduced.

Abstract: Fuel injection of a hybrid electric vehicle including an engine and a transmission may be controlled by a method including, determining to release coasting of the hybrid electric vehicle based on a brake pedal operation, determining whether a fuel injection suspending condition is satisfied based on vehicle running state data, suspending fuel injection when the vehicle running state data satisfies the fuel injection suspending condition, performing an engagement control of the transmission while the fuel injection is suspended, determining whether a fuel injection suspension release condition is satisfied, determining whether the engine and the transmission are directly coupled when the fuel injection suspension release condition is satisfied, and initiating fuel injection of the engine when the engine and the transmission are directly coupled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an on-board electrical system (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the on-board electrical system (1) has a low-voltage electrical subsystem (21) with at least one low-voltage load (29) and a starter (26), and has a high-voltage electrical subsystem (20) having at least one high-voltage load (25) and one electrical generator (23), wherein the high-voltage electrical subsystem (20) is connected to the low-voltage electrical subsystem (21) by means of a coupling unit (33) which is designed to draw energy from the high-voltage electrical subsystem (20) and to supply energy to the low-voltage electrical subsystem (21), wherein the high-voltage electrical subsystem (20) has a battery (40) which is designed to generate the high voltage and output said high voltage to the high-voltage electrical subsystem (20), and which has at least two battery units (41-1, 41-2, . . . , 41-n) with line sections (80-11, 80-12, . . . , 80-n2) which are routed to the coupling unit (33).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a SOC of a hybrid vehicle comprises a data detector for detecting data including a SOC of a battery, a vehicle speed, an amount of operating of a brake pedal sensor, an amount of operating of an acceleration pedal sensor, and a driving state of a vehicle to control a SOC of a hybrid vehicle. Included are a correction value calculating unit configured for calculating a correction value of the SOC based on the data; a SOC calculating unit configured for calculating a virtual center SOC based on the correction value of the SOC and an actual SOC; and an engine-on/off determining unit configured for determining whether an engine is turned on or turned off based on the virtual center SOC.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a silicon carbide layer, a silicon oxide layer including carbon, the silicon oxide layer including single bonds between carbon atoms which are at least a part of the carbon, the number of the single bonds between carbon atoms being greater than the number of double bonds between carbon atoms which are at least a part of the carbon, and a region provided between the silicon carbide layer and the silicon oxide layer, the region including at least one element from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), and lanthanoids (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the vehicle system further including a hydraulically actuated transmission component. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, adjusting a hydraulic actuation of the transmission component to adjust drag torque on the engine to stop the engine.

Abstract: An electric drive system includes an induction machine and a power converter electrically coupled to the induction machine to drive the induction machine. The power converter comprising a plurality of silicon carbide (SiC) switching devices. The electric drive system further includes a controller that is electrically coupled to the power converter and that is programmed to transmit switching signals to the plurality of SiC switching devices at a given switching frequency such that a peak-to-peak current ripple is less than approximately five percent.

Abstract: An energy storage system of a vehicle includes an energy storage device, a regulation device coupled to the energy storage device, one or more sensing devices for sensing current levels, voltage levels, temperature levels, and/or pressure levels of the energy storage device and/or on components thereof, and a control unit configured to determine dynamically a power flow in/out of the energy storage device using a fuzzy logic approach. The regulation device is configured to regulate at least one of a voltage level, a current level, and any additional state parameter of the energy storage device.

Abstract: An electric drive system includes an induction machine and a power converter electrically coupled to the induction machine to drive the induction machine. The power converter comprising a plurality of silicon carbide (SiC) switching devices. The electric drive system further includes a controller that is electrically coupled to the power converter and that is programmed to transmit switching signals to the plurality of SiC switching devices at a given switching frequency such that a peak-to-peak current ripple is less than approximately five percent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for charging an intermediate circuit capacitor in an electric drive unit comprising an electric motor. The intermediate circuit capacitor is charged by an intermediate circuit current that is supplied by a battery. The output voltage of the battery is settable to one or more voltage values. A target value of the intermediate circuit current is determined, and an actual value of the intermediate circuit current is ascertained. The actual value of the intermediate circuit current is then compared with the target value of the intermediate circuit current. An optimal output voltage of the battery is determined on the basis of the comparison of the actual value of the intermediate circuit current with the target value of the intermediate circuit current. Then, the optimal output voltage of the battery is set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas turbine power generation system, that includes a hydrogen-cooled generator having hydrogen as coolant, a plant hydrogen storage, generator auxiliaries and an emergency power supply system. The power generation system includes a fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel. The fuel cell is supplied via a line with hydrogen fuel from the hydrogen filling of the hydrogen-cooled generator in case of failure or disruption of the power supply from the gas turbine power generation system. In a preferred embodiment the fuel cell is supplied with additional hydrogen via a line from the plant hydrogen storage and/or with additional hydrogen via a line from generator auxiliaries in case of failure or disruption of the power supply from the gas turbine power generation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a multiphase electric machine, comprising a first onboard power subsystem provided with a first nominal DC voltage level, and a second onboard power subsystem provided with a second nominal DC voltage level, wherein the electric machine comprises a rotor, a first stator system, and a second stator system. The first onboard power subsystem comprises a first inverter having a first intermediate circuit capacitor. The first stator system is dedicated to the first inverter. The second onboard power subsystem comprises a second inverter having a second intermediate circuit capacitor, and the second stator system is dedicated to the second inverter. The first stator system is configured in a star connection, the second stator system is configured in a star connection, and a transfer circuit connects the star point of the first stator system to the star point of the second stator system.

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.

Abstract: A fault tolerant electric drive system comprises an alternator, a motor controller and an electric motor, wherein the alternator and motor each have a plurality of corresponding independent phase windings, the motor controller having a plurality of independent phase drives corresponding to the phase windings, and a plurality of independent electric drive phases is defined by connecting each corresponding phase winding of the alternator and motor to a corresponding phase drive of the motor controller.

Abstract: The control method for a hybrid drive system of a vehicle includes (1) acquiring the driver's acceleration desire for determining the power for the corresponding wheel (Pwheel), the charge level of the battery (SOC) between a minimum (SOCmin) and a maximum (SOCmax) thresholds for a predetermined traction mode, and the available braking power (Pfrein) for deciding between electric or dissipative braking; (2) managing the charge (SOC) for, based on a first (SOC1 bmin) and a second (SOC2 bmin) minimum thresholds of the charge (SOC) and the driver's requested wheel power (Pwheel), either imposing a battery recharge or setting input parameters for the traction mode selection; and (3) selecting the traction mode, based on the battery power actually available (Pbat), the driver's requested wheel power (Pwheel), and the maximum power available at the thermal engine output (Pmthmax), for selecting the traction mode most adapted to the actual situation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention described above is a method of producing high voltage alternating current electricity for use in the electrolysis of liquid. The advantages of using high voltage alternating current over just direct current are that there are resonant frequencies for functional groups in any chemical. By using high voltage alternating current instead of just direct current new pathways might be found to produce chemicals. Possibly even the production of synthetic fuels. My invention is a tool for use in this experimentation. The high voltage oscilloscope provides for means of controlling both frequency and voltage at a specific test site.

Abstract: A system and method for electrical power conversion, with the system being intended for use in converting a high voltage DC power output from a turbine generator to an AC power signal that is suitable for connecting to an AC power grid. The system utilises a mechanical coupling between a synchronous motor driving a synchronous generator in order to provide isolation, as well as allowing for control of the real power output by the system.

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: Energy systems, energy devices, energy utilization methods, and energy transfer methods are described. In one arrangement, energy utilization methods include providing first energy from a power grid to an induction generator at a first moment in time; using the induction generator and the first energy from the power grid, charging an energy storage device; using second energy from the energy storage device, powering a motor causing the induction generator to generate third energy during a second moment in time; and providing the third energy to the power grid. Other arrangements are described.

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.

Abstract: A cooling system for a retarding system of an electric drive machine (100) includes a direct current (DC) link having first and second rails. A first resistor grid (214) is selectively placed in circuit between the rails by an automatic switch (216) in response to a switch (216) signal. A second resistor grid (218) is selectively placed in circuit between the rails by a chopper circuit (220) connected in series with the second resistor grid (218). The chopper modulates a current passing therethrough based on a duty cycle. A motor (336) is in parallel electrical connection across a portion of the first resistor grid (214) and operates in response to a motor (336) signal. An electronic controller (400) calculates a net energy during operation and adjusts the switch (216) signal, the duty cycle, and the motor (336) signal to close the automatic electrical switch (216) and operate the motor (336) when the net energy exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A controller able to efficiently operate an electric motor of an axial air-gap type as an electric motor and an electricity generator is provided.

Abstract: The target regulation voltage setting apparatus for a vehicle on which a vehicle alternator is mounted includes a first function of calculating a large first-order delay and a small first-order delay of a rotational speed of the vehicle alternator at regular time intervals, a second function of making a judgment on a running state of the vehicle by determining whether or not the vehicle is in one of an accelerating state and a decelerating state on the basis of a variation of the large first-order delay supplied from the first function, and determining whether or not the vehicle is in a normal state on the basis of a variation of the small first-order delay supplied from the first function, and a third function of determining a target regulation voltage of the vehicle alternator in accordance with a judgment result of the second function.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention enables an internal motor of an electric vehicle to be backdriven. When the internal motor is backdriven, it operates as an electric generator to produce electric power used to charge the electric vehicle's battery.

Abstract: Compensator device, for the stabilisation of electromechanical oscillations destined to provide a reference signal to a voltage regulator device of a synchronous alternator for the delivery of electrical power to a distribution network, said device including: first processing means to receive electrical measurement signals representing operative parameters characteristics of said synchronous alternator and/or to generate an electrical signal to be controlled; and a first electrical signal corresponding to a sliding surface of a control of the “sliding modes” type, second processing means of the first signal to generate the reference signal so that it has a first order “sliding modes” profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control strategy for operating a plurality of prime power sources during propulsion, idling and braking and is applicable to large systems such as trucks, ships, cranes and locomotives utilizing diesel engines, gas turbine engines, other types of internal combustion engines, fuel cells or combinations of these that require substantial power and low emissions utilizing multiple power plant combinations. The present invention is directed at a general control strategy for multi power plant systems where the power systems need not be of the same type or power rating and may even use different fuels. The invention is based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized.

Abstract: In a vehicle-mounted power supply system, the automotive generator generates a voltage for charging a first battery. Power conversion circuitry is connected between the first battery and a second battery that is connected to an electrical load to operate in a first mode or in a second mode when power consumption of the load is lower or higher than a specified value, respectively. In the first mode, the power conversion circuitry maintains the voltage at the second battery at a substantially constant level and in the second mode, the voltage at the second battery varies with the voltage at the first battery. In response to a vehicle speed variation, the automotive generator is controlled so that its output voltage is varied at a first rate when power conversion is performed in the first mode and varied at a second rate lower than the first rate when power conversion is performed in the second mode.

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: An exemplary embodiment provides an electrical machine apparatus that includes a rotor coupled to an armature and a stator surrounding the rotor. The stator has a series of coils; the series of coils configured into a first group of coils and a second group of coils, the first group of coils electrically and magnetically isolated from the second group of coils. The electric machine is capable of simultaneously acting as an electric motor and generating electricity as an alternator.

Abstract: Device for supplying power to a two-voltage vehicle electrical system equipped with safety-relevant components with an integrated starter-generator mechanically coupled with an internal combustion engine BKM, a double-layer capacitor DLC, a first and second energy accumulator B1, B2, with power being able to be supplied to safety-relevant components V1s via three safety switches X1 to X3, alternately by the starter-generator ISG, the double-layer capacitor DLC, the first or the second energy accumulator B1, B2.

Abstract: A controller able to efficiently operate an electric motor of an axial air-gap type as an electric motor and an electricity generator is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on battery voltage or battery current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a relatively large land-based vehicle, such as a locomotive or off-highway vehicle, is provided. The system may include a brushless dynamoelectric machine made up of a main alternator having a main rotor and a main stator, and an auxiliary alternator having an auxiliary rotor and an auxiliary stator, wherein the main rotor and the auxiliary rotor are disposed on a shaft for joint rotation with the shaft. The dynamoelectric machine is operable in a power generating mode, and in an engine cranking mode. A power source may be connected to pass current to one or more windings in the auxiliary stator to induce an alternating current flow in one or more windings in the auxiliary rotor. A rectifier may be connected to receive the alternating current flow from the one or more windings in the auxiliary rotor.

Abstract: An electric generation control apparatus for a vehicle alternator receives an electric generation control signal transferred from an ECU placed apart from the control apparatus through a data transfer line. The control apparatus has a voltage comparator, a communication state judgment circuit, a serial data communication receiver, a PWM communication receiver, and an electric generation control circuit. The voltage comparator acts as a receiver of receiving the electric generation control signal transferred through the data transfer line. The communication state judgment circuit judges whether the received signal is a PWM signal or a serial data signal. The serial data communication receiver and the PWM communication receiver demodulate an electric generation control parameter from the received control signal based on the judgment result. The electric generation control circuit controls the operation of the vehicle alternator based on the electric generation control parameter demodulated.

Abstract: An electric generation control apparatus for a vehicle alternator receives an electric generation control signal transferred from an ECU placed apart from the control apparatus through a data transfer line. The control apparatus has a voltage comparator, a communication state judgment circuit, a serial data communication receiver, a PWM communication receiver, and an electric generation control circuit. The voltage comparator acts as a receiver of receiving the electric generation control signal transferred through the data transfer line. The communication state judgment circuit judges whether the received signal is a PWM signal or a serial data signal. The serial data communication receiver and the PWM communication receiver demodulate an electric generation control parameter from the received control signal based on the judgment result. The electric generation control circuit controls the operation of the vehicle alternator based on the electric generation control parameter demodulated.

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

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: An electronically controlled electrical power generator comprises a generator driven by a heat engine, operated by control means, and carrying an electrical load. Operation of the heat engine is at wide open throttle. Control over engine operation and electrical output of the generator is achieved by electronically manipulating the electric load, and/or adjusting excitation levels at the generator's magnetic fields, so as to change engine/generator equilibrium speed. In a beneficial embodiment, the generator is powered by an energy storage unit, to temporarily act as a motor and rotate the engine when starting, and during power absorbing strokes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a reversible, multi-phased rotating electrical machine which can operate in alternator or motor mode. The inventive device comprises a main battery (4), an electric network (5) and a unit (3) for controlling and commanding an inverter and a rectifier bridge (P) for selection in alternator mode or starter mode. According to the invention, the machine is powered by the inverter which is connected to a start-up control unit which can provide a voltage greater than that provided by the main battery (4) over the network (5). The inverter is connected to the positive terminal of the secondary voltage source via a first switch (K1) in motor mode, while the rectifier bridge (P) is connected to the positive terminal of the main battery via a second switch (K2) in alternator mode.

Abstract: Electronic control for a hydraulic system driving an auxiliary power source is provided, with specific application as a system for controlling the operation of a hydraulically driven AC generator. The system may includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivably connected to the generator, a fluid circuit for circulating fluid from the pump to the motor and back. The fluid circuit may contain a bypass conduit to bypass the motor. The system also includes a proportional servo control valve assembly for controlling the fluid circuits and a control circuit for controlling the proportional control valve assembly. The control system can be capable of controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor powering the electrical or mechanical system. Sensors for measuring the operating parameters of the system and an operator interface module can influence the operation of the 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: A starter-generator (ISG) is mechanically connected to an internal combustion engine (BKM), comprises a bi-directional AC/DC converter (1), and can be connected to an accumulator (B1) by means of a first switch (S1), and connected to a double layer capacitor (DLC) by means of a second switch (S2). The accumulator (B1) is either connected to the double layer capacitor (DLC) by means of a control circuit (PWM), or the accumulator (B1) and the double layer capacitor (DLC) are connected to a bidirectional DC/DC converter (3) and to a second accumulator (B2) by means of a third switch (S3) and a fourth switch (S4).

Abstract: Method for control of a multi-phase, reversible, rotating electrical machine, called alternator/starter, for a motor vehicle with a heat engine capable of operating either as an electrical generator—alternator mode—or as an electric motor, especially in order to start the heat engine, characterised in that, during operation in electric-motor mode, the said machine is driven according to two modes corresponding to different speed/torque characteristic curves, namely a first mode, called starter mode, making it possible to drive the heat engine of the vehicle in order to start it with high torques for low speeds, while the second mode, called auxiliary-motor mode, makes it possible to drive at least one power-consumer unit, such as an accessory, and/or the heat engine, at higher speeds and lower torques than those of the first mode.

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: An electric power generating set which automatically varies its speed to match load variations at any time includes an engine driven generator G which provides a positive, Ga and a negative, Gb AC output voltage each of which is rectified by a respective rectifier Re3a, Re3b. Each rectifier Re3a,Re3b has one terminal connected to a common neutral line N. The DC output voltage of each rectifier Re3a, Re3b is boosted in a respective booster circuit which also has one terminal connected to the neutral line N. The combined output of the two booster circuits, Va+Vb is fed to an Inverter IN which converts it to the AC power output of the generating set. A DC load current between the booster circuits and the inverter IN is monitored and used to provide a speed demand feedback signal Srs to the speed control of the engine EN.

Abstract: Processor-based field oriented control for brushless doubly-fed induction machine having first and second polyphase stator windings is programmed to operate the machine in various modes, as a motor or a generator, with bumpless switching between operating modes. An electronic power converter controls a current supplied to the first stator winding to control the torque of the machine, with the second stator winding selectively connected to an AC line. Stationary coordinates for in-phase and quadrature current commands are coordinate transformed using a voltage vector for voltage induced on the first polyphase stator winding to control current in the first stator winding, with or without a position sensor. The electronic power converter controls the voltage supplied to the first stator for generating, with the second stator selectively connected to a load. The machine can also be controlled to operate as a singly-fed motor at lower speeds, with the second stator winding shorted.

Abstract: A motor/generator comprises a stator (2) having plural coils (C1-C14), and plural rotors (3, 4) disposed coaxially with the above-mentioned stator and driven by a compound current. The phase difference between the currents (70, 71) driving the rotors (3, 4) is arranged to be other than 180 degrees. Thereby, the utilization factor of the voltage of the direct current power supply (10) is improved.

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 power output apparatus 20 includes a clutch motor, an assist motor, and a controller. The clutch motor and the assist motor are controlled by the controller to enable the power output from an engine to a crankshaft 56, and expressed as the product of its revolving speed and torque, to be converted to the power expressed as the product of a revolving speed and a torque of a drive shaft and to be output to the drive shaft. The engine can be driven at an arbitrary driving point defined by a revolving speed and a torque, as long as the energy or power output to the crankshaft is identical. A desired driving point that attains the highest possible efficiency with respect to each amount of output energy is determined in advance. In order to allow the engine to be driven at the desired driving point, the controller controls the clutch motor and the assist motor as well as the fuel injection and the throttle valve position.