Abstract: A vehicle generating system includes a generator for a vehicle, a voltage regulator that supplies field current to the field coil at a variable duty ratio, a field current sensor that detects field current amount, a signal transmitting circuit that transmits a signal representing the detected field current amount and the duty ratio and an electronically controlling unit that receives the signal representing the detected field current amount and the duty ratio and controls the engine according to one of the detected field current amount and the duty ratio.

Abstract: An A/D conversion device includes a counter for counting a clock signal fed from a clock signal generator, a D/A converter for converting a digital output of the counter into an analog value, a comparator for comparing an analog output of the D/A converter and an analog field current detection value fed from a current detecting resistor and outputting a result of comparison, an AND circuit for calculating a logical product of an output signal of the comparator and the clock signal fed from the clock signal generator and outputting the logical product to the counter, and a memory for storing the output of the counter according to a transfer signal. The output of the counter is reset when a reset signal is input thereinto.

Abstract: A generation control system for a vehicle includes an ac generator, a field current control unit that controls the duty ratio of field current of the ac generator, a field current detector, a load current detector, a generator rotation speed detector, a driving-torque-increase calculator that calculates a predicted increase in driving torque of the ac generator from increase in the current supplied to an electric load. The driving-torque-increase calculator includes first output current calculator that calculates present output current of the ac generator from the generator's rotation speed and the field current and second output current calculator that calculates predicted output current of the ac generator from the first output current and the increase in the current supplied to the electric load. A predicted increase in driving torque of the ac generator is calculated from a difference between the present driving torque and a driving torque that corresponds to the predicted output current.

Abstract: A power train controller can operate in either motoring or braking modes. Its prime mover accepts a limited proportion of braking power and the remainder of the braking power is dissipated in an energy dump. A control system is arranged to maintain the voltage bus of the power train at a constant value throughout both modes.

Abstract: A generating device that includes an AC/DC conversion unit having a rectifier circuit that rectifies an output of a magneto rotor and applies the output to a battery, and an inverter circuit that converts a voltage of the battery into an AC control voltage and applies the AC control voltage to an armature coil of the magneto generator, performs chopper control that controls switch elements of the inverter circuit so as to interrupt an output current of the magneto generator to control the output of the magneto generator when a rotational speed of the magneto generator is lower than a set speed, and performs drive control that applies the AC control voltage from the battery through the inverter circuit to the armature coil when the rotational speed becomes higher than the set speed, and changes a phase angle of the AC control voltage to control the output of the magneto generator.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for bi-directional power conversion between a DC circuit and an AC circuit, which inexpensively and simply suppresses generation losses of elements and reduces heat generation, wherein a voltage obtained by dividing the U-phase voltage Vu is compared with a voltage obtained by dividing the voltage vpn of a DC circuit by a comparator CP1, and the MOSFET UFETh is turned on at the output timing thereof, and a voltage obtained by dividing the V-phase voltage Vv is compared with a voltage obtained by dividing the voltage Vpn of a DC circuit by a comparator CP2, and the MOSFET UFETh is turned off at the output timing thereof.

Abstract: A torque computation unit of a vehicle generator includes a rotor, an armature winding, a field coil and a field current switching element. The torque computation unit includes a field current detecting circuit, an output current detecting circuit and a rotation speed detecting circuit, a torque calculation circuit for calculating driving torque of the generator from the field current, the output current and the rotation speed.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a high-frequency alternator, a rectifier, a capacitor in each phase line extending between an output terminal of the alternator and the rectifier, and an auxiliary power supply, providing auxiliary power for use within the power generating system, which is also connected to the output terminals of the alternator.

Abstract: A DF signal averaging circuit includes a counter for counting a clock signal fed from a clock signal generator, an OR circuit which causes the counter to perform count-up operation only when a transistor is in an ON state with the clock signal and a potential signal fed from the clock signal generator and a positive electrode of the transistor, respectively, a memory circuit for calculating an averaged DF signal from output values of the counter with specific timing, and a preset control circuit for calculating a preset value for the counter from the averaged DF signal fed from the memory circuit and setting the preset value in the counter with specific timing. The averaged DF signal output from the memory circuit is transmitted to an external control unit which is an ECU of a vehicle via a communication interface.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment is an improved variable speed engine/generator set with an integrated power conditioning system and control method including load shedding to generate high quality AC power with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The variable speed generator control scheme allows for load adaptive speed control of engine and generator field. The transformerless power inverter topology and control method provides the necessary output frequency, voltage and/or current waveform regulation, harmonic distortion rejection, and provides for single phase, or unbalanced loading.

Abstract: A method to start a combined unit gas turbine and electrical unit having a static start drive including the steps of: applying a variable frequency voltage from the static start drive to a winding of the generator to accelerate the combined unit to a turbine self-sustaining speed; accelerating the combined unit beyond the self-sustaining speed by applying torque generated by the turbine, and as the combined unit accelerates to a synchronous speed, applying a braking torque from the static start drive to steady the combined unit at the synchronous speed.

Abstract: A voltage control apparatus 1 for a vehicle generator 2 has an input terminal L for inputting the voltage of a battery 5 through an ignition switch 3 and a light emitting element (light emitting diode 4) connected in series with the ignition switch and driven by a low dissipation power, and starts the excitation of the rotor coil 201 of the vehicle generator 2 when the voltage at the input terminal L exceeds a predetermined value. A resistor 115 for limiting the current flowing through the light emitting diode 4 is disposed between an element 114 within the voltage control apparatus 1 for driving the light emitting diode 4 and the input terminal L.

Abstract: A generating set includes an engie driven generator (PGM) having two sets of stator windings (Ga and Gb). A bi-directional AC/DC converter (BCo) has its AC input connected to a junction between the two sets of stator windings (Ga and Gb) and its DC input connected to a number of the generator (PGM) is converted into an intermediate DC link by a convertor (Col) to produce an output for a load Lo. In normal operation of the system, an emf generated in one (Ga) of the sets of stator windings is rectified by the bi-direcitonal converter (BCo) to charge the energy storages (ESI-ESN) whilst the remainder of the generator output is fed through the converter to the load (Lo). In the event of a stepped increase in the load demand, the bi-directional converter (BCo) is operated to feed energy from the storage devices (ESI-ESN) to the stator windings (Ga) of the generator (PGM) to impart a driving torque to the generator rotor to accelerte the rotor to meet the increased load demand.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of electric power produced by at least one multi-phase alternating-current generator (1) or generator unit into at least one multi-phase alternating-current power network (Uu,Uv,Uw), said apparatus comprising at least one control unit (4), at least one non-controlled rectifier bridge (2), a direct-current intermediate circuit and at least one controlled inverter bridge (3) for supplying d.c.

Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is an improved variable speed engine/generator set with an integrated power conditioning system and control method, used to generate high quality AC power with optimum fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The variable speed generator control scheme allows for load adaptive speed control of engine and generator field. The transformerless power inverter topology and control method provides the necessary output frequency, voltage and/or current waveform regulation, harmonic distortion rejection, and provides for single phase, or unbalanced loading.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus of a vehicle AC generator that includes a rectifier for providing DC voltage is disclosed. The abnormality detection apparatus includes an abnormality judging unit and an alarm lamp. The abnormality judging unit judges abnormality of the vehicle AC generator if the number of ripples that is included in the output voltage of a rectifier is not equal to or more than a predetermined number for a predetermined period. The alarm lamp lights when the abnormality judging unit judges abnormality.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically coupling windings of a main generator rotor to a plurality of DC sources on an exciter that each have respective first-voltage and second-voltage terminals is disclosed. The system includes first and second conductive plates supported by the rotor that respectively define first and second apertures that surround a rotor shaft. The first plate includes a first rotor winding terminal by which the plate is electrically coupled to the windings, and a first plurality of terminals configured to be respectively coupled to the first-voltage terminals of the DC sources. The second plate is electrically insulated from the first plate, includes a second rotor winding terminal by which the second plate is electrically coupled to the windings, and includes a second plurality of terminals configured to be respectively coupled to the second-voltage terminals of the DC sources.

Abstract: A control unit of a vehicle generator is provided which is capable of instantaneously stopping power generation in a safe manner with an inexpensive system configuration without the need of interrupting a large current when a key switch is turned off. The control unit includes a vehicle generator (2), a battery (5) adapted to be charged by an output of the vehicle generator, and a control circuit (2) having an on-off control switching transistor (1j) for controlling the turning on and off of a field current of the vehicle generator. The control circuit is operable to interrupt the on-off control switching transistor (1j) when a detected voltage of the battery (5) is higher than a reference voltage, and make the on-off control switching transistor (1j) conductive thereby to control the voltage of power generation at a predetermined voltage when the detected voltage of the battery (5) is below the reference voltage.

Abstract: A generating set includes an engie driven generator (PGM) having two sets of stator windings (Ga and Gb). A bi-directional AC/DC converter (BCo) has its AC input connected to a junction between the two sets of stator windings (Ga and Gb) and its DC input connected to a number of the generator (PGM) is converted into an intermediate DC link by a convertor (Col) to produce an output for a load Lo. In normal operation of the system, an emf generated in one (Ga) of the sets of stator windings is rectified by the bi-direcitonal converter (BCo) to charge the energy storages (ESI-ESN) whilst the remainder of the generator output is fed through the converter to the load (Lo). In the event of a stepped increase in the load demand, the bidirectional converter (BCo) is operated to feed energy from the storage devices (ESI-ESN) to the stator windings (Ga) of the generator (PGM) to impart a driving torque to the generator rotor to accelerte the rotor to meet the increased load demand.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for an a.c. generator produces a power generation ratio signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the current supply to the field winding of the a.c. generator. This power generation ratio signal is applied to an external apparatus through a signal wire. The duty ratio of the power generation ratio signal is more than 10% when the a.c. generator is normal. When abnormality is detected, the power generation ratio signal is partly masked by an abnormality detection signal so that the duty ratio of the power generation signal is reduced to be less than 10% and this change may be detected by the external apparatus. Alternatively, the power generation ratio signal may be transmitted only intermittently when the abnormality is detected.

Abstract: The system is directed to preserving an IC engine installation from potential overload and failure in response to electrical load increases passed along by an associated engine driven digitally controlled starter/alternator. The system controller monitors starter/alternator output and phase current and/or regulates the rate of change of output current in response to increasing electrical load. In an instance where monitored rates of output current change exceed predetermined thresholds, the response rate of the starter/alternator, i.e., rate of change of output current, is set at a predetermined threshold so as to prevent the braking effect of the increasing electrical load from stalling the I.C. engine or causing other operational failure.

Abstract: An alternator for a motor vehicle comprises an excitation regulator circuit comprising a controlled switch (Tex) in series with the excitation winding, and a freewheel component (DL) which is connected to the terminals of the winding, and a circuit (10, 20, 30) for delivering information (Is1; Is2) representative of the state of excitation (Iexc) of the alternator. According to the invention, this circuit comprises: a means (10) for generating, while the switch is in the on state, a first signal (U1) proportional to the current (Iex) flowing through it; and a means (20) for generating a second signal (U2), this means being capable, while the switch is on, of generating the second signal on the basis of the first signal and, while the switch is off, of generating the second signal by storing (CD) the first signal which existed before the said switch was turned off.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, which is an electronic device, is equipped with a generator 2 for converting the mechanical energy transmitted from a mainspring through the intermediary of a wheel train into electrical energy, and a rotation control unit for controlling the rotation cycle of the generator 2. The rotation control unit is equipped with a count-up/down counter 60 that compares a reference signal with a rotation detection signal of the generator 2 thereby to adjust a braking time for the generator 2, and a brake control signal generating circuit 81 that corrects the time set at the count-up/down counter 60 on the basis of the rotation cycle of the generator 2. If the rotation cycle of the generator 2 significantly deviates from a reference signal cycle, then the braking time is adjusted on the basis of the rotation cycle.

Abstract: In a general-purpose induction motor, a three-phase induction motor 10 is provided with a terminal box containing terminals for electrical connection and a conversion module 30 contained in the terminal box and coupled to the three-phase induction motor. The conversion module has a function of converting a plurality of types of single-phase AC into a single type of three-phase AC. With this structure, the general-purpose induction motor can be used with the single-phase AC.

Abstract: A power generating device is specified, which comprises a generator (1), which is coupled to a drive unit, in particular to a turbine, and is connected via a rectifier (2) to a DC voltage intermediate circuit (3), an inverter (4), which is connected to the DC voltage intermediate circuit (3) and, on the AC voltage output side, has n phases with n AC voltage connections (5), and a filter arrangement (6), which is connected to the AC voltage connections (5). Furthermore, the filter arrangement (6) has a first filter inductance (7) and a second filter inductance (8), which is connected in series with the first, for each AC voltage connection (5), with a filter capacitor (9) being connected to the junction point of the first filter inductance (7) and the second filter inductance (8), and the filter capacitors (9) being connected to one another in a star circuit at a star point (10).

Abstract: A control apparatus and a control method of an on-vehicle dynamo-electric machine 1 are provided for efficiently controlling functions as a starter-motor and as a charging generator. In case that the dynamo-electric machine 1 acts as a charging generator, when a rotation speed of the dynamo-electric machine 1 is not higher than a predetermined value, a power is generated by applying a compensation current from and inverter to an armature coil 3 for phase control. On the other hand, when a rotation speed of the dynamo-electric machine 1 is not lower than a predetermined value, operation of the inverter is stopped. Thus, controlling a current applied to a field coil 4 by a field coil current control means 5 generates a predetermined target voltage.

Abstract: A vehicular power generation control device has a voltage control circuit, a power supply circuit and a power control circuit. The voltage control circuit controls the field current of a power generator by turning on and off a transistor. The power control circuit has an ignition switch closure detection circuit and an engine rotation detection circuit. When a closure of the ignition switch is detected by the ignition switch closure detection circuit, an operation of the rotation detection circuit is stopped. When the closure is not detected, the operation of the rotation detection circuit is started.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to deliver a pair of output signals indicative of engine rotational speed and/or generator rotational speed. The signals are compared to each in order to determine if a generator is operating properly. At least one output signal is delivered to, or developed internally and used by, a voltage regulator of the generator. One output signal is generated based on a ripple on a positive voltage input to the voltage regulator from a generator. The other signal is indicative of the voltage at the rectifier bridge.

Abstract: The system is directed to preserving an IC engine installation from potential overload and failure in response to electrical load increases passed along by an associated engine driven digitally controlled starter/alternator. The system controller monitors starter/alternator output and phase current and/or regulates the rate of change of output current in response to increasing electrical load. In an instance where monitored rates of output current change exceed predetermined thresholds, the response rate of the starter/alternator, i.e., rate of change of output current, is set at a predetermined threshold so as to prevent the braking effect of the increasing electrical load from stalling the I.C. engine or causing other operational failure.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of electric power produced by at least one multi-phase alternating-current generator (1) or generator unit into at least one multi-phase alternating-current power network (UU,UV,UW), said apparatus comprising at least one control unit (4), at least one non-controlled rectifier bridge (2), a direct-current intermediate circuit and at least one controlled inverter bridge (3) for supplying d.c.

Abstract: A motor vehicle alternator includes a regulator for varying excitation as a function of a reference variable, together with a conversion circuit for varying the reference variable (such as a voltage) according to a PWM signal. It includes, in combination: an internal clock with a controlled variable period; a difference circuit which produces a difference signal between the period of the PWM signal and that of a signal from the clock; a control circuit which governs the internal clock in response to the difference signal in such a way as to equalize the periods of the internal clock signal and the PWM signal; and a conversion circuit which comprises a counter paced by the clock and active while the PWM signal is at a given logic level, together with a D/A converter for converting the count from the counter into a voltage from which the regulator reference voltage is obtained.

Abstract: In a control system for a motor-generator capable of functioning as a three-phase magnet-type synchronous motor after starting of an engine and functioning as a brushless DC motor before starting of the engine, a rotated-position detecting device is arranged to detect an induced voltage in each of three-phase coils included in the motor-generator and to detect a rotated position of a rotor based on such induced voltage. Thus, the rotated position of the rotor can be detected without use of a sensor, whereby the operation for assembling the motor-generator can be simplified.

Abstract: An electrical power system includes an electric power source, for example, an electrical machine, capable of supplying AC power to a load; a power converter connected to the electric power source; a position estimator for receiving a current feedback signal in Park vector format and providing a synchronous reference frame without the need, for example, of a rotor position sensor in the electrical machine; and a controller configured to provide a voltage command for controlling the power converter, the controller receiving the current feedback signal and a current reference in Park vector format and using the synchronous reference frame, the current feedback signal, and the current reference to produce the voltage command.

Abstract: In an alternator, failure in a power supply line connected to an output terminal of a rectifier is detected. Upon detection of a failure in this power supply line, power generation is suppressed for a predetermined period that is longer than the time constant of a field winding of the alternator. Preferably, a high voltage pulse is detected to discriminate a first condition where a single high voltage pulse is generated when an electrical load connected to the power supply line is cut off and a second condition where a high voltage pulse is repeatedly and frequently generated when a failure occurs in the power supply line. Only when the second condition is discriminated, power generation suppression control of the alternator is conducted.

Abstract: A voltage regulator is comprised of a semiconductor element for controlling current supplied to a field coil, a flywheel element, a generation voltage regulation circuit for controlling the semiconductor element, and a switching capacity control circuit for controlling a current-switching capacity during a former stage of a turn-off transition period of the semiconductor element to be larger than that during the latter stage of the turn-off transition period. Accordingly, the current change rate can be reduced, so that surge voltage and electro-magnetic wave can be reduced.

Abstract: A rectifying section 2, and a DCDC converter 3 which lowers an input DC voltage and then outputs the voltage are disposed between an AC generator 1 and a load 4. When the output voltage Vt of the AC generator 1 is gradually lowered with starting from E0, the output power P is increased, and is maximum at Vt=V12. When the output voltage Vt is further lowered, the output power P is reduced. As an operating point at which the same output power P is obtained, there are a point of Vt=V11, and that of Vt=V13. The operation of the DCDC converter 3 is controlled so as to operate at the point of Vt=V13 where the output current I is lower.

Abstract: A voltage regulator of an automotive generator has a MOS transistor, flywheel diode, voltage detection circuit, and booster circuit. When a battery terminal voltage is below a voltage adjustment setting, current is supplied by a current supply circuit separate from a charge pump circuit to raise a gate voltage of the MOS transistor until the source voltage of the MOS transistor becomes greater than the reverse bias voltage of the flywheel diode, and the charge pump circuit output is applied to the MOS transistor after this specified value is reached. The charge pump circuit has an even number of capacitor stages.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for controlling the field current of an alternating current generator in a vehicle electrical generator system includes a digital to analog converter for converting a digital command signal to an analog voltage. A first comparator compares the system field current with the converted analog voltage. A switched component, operatively connected to a power switch, is switchable in response to the comparator output. A frequency generator, operatively connected to the switched component, provides timed pulses to periodically tell the switched component to turn on the power switch.

Abstract: An electronic device in which a braking torque can be increased while reduction in power generation is suppressed, and in which a rotor is prevented from stopping or rotating at an excessive speed. Such an electronic device includes a generator which is driven by an mechanical energy source and a rotation controller which controls the rotational period of the generator.

Abstract: An electrical power system includes an electric power source, for example, an electrical machine, capable of supplying AC power to a load; a power converter connected to the electric power source; a position estimator for receiving a current feedback signal in Park vector format and providing a synchronous reference frame without the need, for example, of a rotor position sensor in the electrical machine; and a controller configured to provide a voltage command for controlling the power converter, the controller receiving the current feedback signal and a current reference in Park vector format and using the synchronous reference frame, the current feedback signal, and the current reference to produce the voltage command.

Abstract: A voltage regulator of a vehicle AC generator includes a control circuit connected to a power circuit for supplying field current to a field coil of the AC generator, a power circuit for supplying electric power to the control circuit, a power drive circuit for controlling the power circuit according to a self-excited voltage induced in an armature coil of the AC generator, and a bypass circuit connected to a ground. The resistance of the bypass circuit is reduced when the power circuit does not supply electric power to the control circuit and is increased when the power circuit supplies electric power to the control circuit. Therefore, power consumption of the bypass circuit is reduced when the AC generator starts regular power generation.

Abstract: An electric power generating system comprising: a generator including an alternator and regulator, the regulator including a normal field control and a redundant field control with a default field command and a selector for selecting between the normal field control and the redundant field control. Further disclosed, is a method of providing excitation to an alternator, comprising: receiving a field default signal indicative of an inoperative normal field control and a normal field command responsive to the normal field control, indicative of a desired duty cycle command to a field coil of an alternator. The method further includes determining if a supply voltage is greater than a selected value and formulating a default field command; transmitting a field drive responsive to the default field command to a field coil of the alternator if the field default signal is asserted.

Abstract: A vehicular power generator control apparatus includes a switching transistor, a voltage control circuit, a high rotation speed detecting circuit, a leakage detecting circuit and a maximum conduction rate restricting circuit. The leakage detecting circuit detects leakage current flowing to a P-terminal. When the leakage current is detected, a maximum conduction rate set by the maximum conduction rate restricting circuit is changed from a small value at low rotation speeds to a large value. Thereby, field current flowing in a field coil is increased, a large voltage is generated at stator coils and current flows to a rectifying circuit to thereby reduce the leakage current which flows to the P-terminal.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is an apparatus that includes an alternator and circuitry operable to regulate electrical power output by the alternator. This circuitry includes an analog-to-digital converter with an analog signal input node. The converter is responsive to three or more different analog signal levels provided to this input node to correspondingly generate three or more different multibit control word values. The circuitry is programmable with any of these values to correspondingly operate in three or more different operating configurations depending on the value selection.

Abstract: A voltage regulator of a power generator device and an electronic control unit are connected through a communication line. The voltage regulator transmits power generator type identification information for specifying a type of the power generator device to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit stores a plurality of control modes and selects one of the plurality of control modes based on the received power generator type identification information. The electronic control unit outputs a control signal to the regulator so that the voltage regulator regulates power generating operation of the power generator device in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A power generating device is specified, which comprises a generator (1) , which is coupled to a drive unit, in particular to a turbine, and is connected via a rectifier (2) to a DC voltage intermediate circuit (3), an inverter (4), which is connected to the DC voltage intermediate circuit (3) and, on the AC voltage output side, has n phases with n AC voltage connections (5), and a filter arrangement (6), which is connected to the AC voltage connections (5). Furthermore, the filter arrangement (6) has a first filter inductance (7) and a second filter inductance (8), which is connected in series with the first, for each AC voltage connection (5), with a filter capacitor (9) being connected to the junction point of the first filter inductance (7) and the second filter inductance (8), and the filter capacitors (9) being connected to one another in a star circuit at a star point (10).

Abstract: The present invention features a voltage-limiting regulator for use with an AC generator having DC-excited fields. The AC output voltage from the generator is sensed and compared to a fixed reference representative of the sensed difference is amplified and applied to the DC field excitation input of the AC generator. As the DC voltage supplied to the field varies, the AC output voltage from the generator may be held constant under varying load conditions. The voltage-limiting regulator is particularly useful for vehicle-mounted, high power, single phase AC generators.

Abstract: An automatic voltage-regulating system for an engine generator includes an output voltage detecting device for extracting a single-phase AC output voltage from an output winding wound around a stator to output a detection voltage, and a switching device for regularizing the output voltage to be substantially at a constant level by selectively conducting and cutting off of a field current supplied from an exciting winding wound around the stator to a field winding wound around a rotor. Depending upon whether the detection voltage is higher or lower than a predetermined value, the charged voltage of a condenser for smoothing a rectified output from the field winding is divided by a pair of voltage dividing resistors. A switch device is forcibly turned on by a detection voltage in response to the voltage at a connection point between the pair of resistors exceeding a predetermined voltage value, to thereby cause the smoothing condenser to be discharged.

Abstract: An electronically controlled inverter type generator system driven by an engine includes first and second generating bodies that have respective first and second voltage generating characteristics in response to engine speed. The generator system selects the AC output from the first generating body when the engine is operated over a first range of engine speeds and selects the AC output from the second generating body when the engine is operated over a second range of engine speeds. The AC output from the selected generating body is rectified to a DC voltage, and the rectified DC voltage is converted to a controlled AC voltage. The use of two generating bodies enables the generator system to operate in an economy mode during normal load conditions and to be able to supply power to a greater load when needed.

Abstract: A method for operating a switched reluctance electrical generator in a manner that is highly efficient involves initially performing a mapping technique to obtain data relating to all of the possible operating conditions of the generator system that generate the desired output power. This mapping technique can be performed empirically or by computer simulation. Then, the effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator are measured or calculated. Next, the optimum conduction angles can be selected as those turn-on angles and turn-off angles that occur using the smallest effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator. Lastly, the generator system is operated using the selected optimum turn-on and turn-off angles. If desired, a feedback loop can be provided for comparing the actual output power that is generated by the generator system with a desired reference output power level to insure that such actual output power is maintained at or near the desired output power.