Abstract: A method for constant-current generation by means of a rotational energy source, a generator and a control circuit connected to the generator. Mechanical rotational energy is generated by the energy source and the mechanical rotational energy is transmitted to the generator rotor. The magnetic field distribution produced in the generator is controlled by the control circuit that controls the current distribution in the generator between load current and generator current by feedback control by generating an opposing magnetic field. The power uptake and the current output are adapted without losses and the alternating current generated by the generator is transferred to an averaging direct-current circuit. A suitable device for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An inverter device is mounted on the rotating electric machine body The inverter device includes a module unit having a converter circuit and a control unit that controls the operation of the converter circuit. The converter circuit is configured by connecting a plurality of the following series circuits in parallel, each of the series circuits includes a P-channel MOS semiconductor device disposed at a higher potential side and an N-channel MOS semiconductor device disposed at a lower potential side which are electrically connected in series. An electric power that is supplied from a battery or an electric power that is supplied to the battery is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining wear in the frictional components of an alternator. Such an apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to count voltage peaks generated by the automotive alternator; circuitry configured to compare the counted voltage peaks against a predetermined standard; and circuitry configured to generate a warning indication when the counted voltage peaks exceeds the predetermined standard. Such an apparatus may comprise comprises circuitry configured to measure a voltage drop across the alternator brushes; circuitry configured to compare the voltage drop against a predetermined voltage drop criterion; and circuitry configured to generate a warning indication if the voltage drop exceeds the predetermined voltage drop criterion.

Abstract: An electric power generating system for a vehicle includes a generator having a field coil, a voltage regulator, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the voltage regulator, a field current restricting circuit that directly restricts field current if temperature of the voltage regulator becomes higher than a maximum level and a device that prevents temperature of the voltage regulator from further rising without directly restricting field current if temperature of the voltage regulator becomes a warning level that is lower than the maximum level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are two techniques, neutral point switching and field voltage boost, that will increase the output of today's 12 volt automotive electrical systems in vehicle idle conditions solely by the addition of circuitry. Neutral point switching enables the flow of a third harmonic current, which does not normally flow at low speeds, but only at high speed. Boosting the field voltages can be obtained by integrating a field voltage boost circuit and voltage regulator to increase the field voltage, and consequently the field current, above the level obtained from the battery. Furthermore, the transient response of the alternator to a change in load is improved by temporarily increasing the field voltage above the level needed to sustain the load. These two techniques are compatible, and thus may be implemented together, or may be implemented independently. No changes to a standard alternator are required to accommodate the proposed additional circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting a malfunction in an on-vehicle charging system provided with a generator driven by an engine and a battery connected with the generator via a charging line. The apparatus comprises a first control unit controlling a generated condition of the generator and including a first voltage detector detecting a voltage generated by the generator and a second control unit including a second voltage detector detecting a voltage across the battery. The apparatus further comprises a communication device communicating, in the form of digital signals, via a communication line between the first and second control units, information about both the generated voltage and the battery voltage and a malfunction determination unit determining whether or not a malfunction occurs in the charging system on the basis of the communicated information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for adapting the alternating current generated by a generator (1) and the alternating voltage generated by a generator (1) to a grid (8), whereby the generator (1) has at least one excitation coil (2). The power fed into the grid (8) can be flexibly adapted while entailing low switching losses in that a static frequency converter (9) is employed for the adaptation between the generator (1) and the grid (8), and in that, in order to control the power fed into the grid (8), means (3) are provided with which, on the one hand, the strength of the excitation field generated by the at least one excitation coil (2) is regulated and, on the other hand, the phase angle between the frequency converter voltage and the generator or grid voltage is appropriately controlled.

Abstract: The vehicle generator regulating apparatus includes a switching device operating to allow a field current to flow into a field coil of the vehicle generator from a vehicle battery when applied with a voltage signal, a drive circuit applying the voltage signal to the switching device when supplied with a control signal, and a control circuit supplying the control signal to the drive circuit when the output voltage is detected to be not above a predetermined voltage. The drive circuit includes a charge pump circuit stepping up a DC voltage supplied from the battery to generate the voltage signal by repeatedly performing a cycle of charging and discharging multiple capacitors in synchronization with an oscillation signal from an oscillator circuit. The drive circuit is configured to lower the frequency of the oscillation signal when the vehicle generator is in a low power output state.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of operating a wind power installation comprising an electric generator drivable by a rotor for outputting electrical power to an electrical consumer, in particular an electrical network. The invention further concerns a wind power installation comprising a rotor and an electric generator coupled to the rotor for outputting electric power to an electrical consumer, in particular an electrical network. The object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a wind power installation, and a wind power installation, which avoid the disadvantages of the state of the art and in particular avoid voltage over-fluctuations at the consumer, in particular an electrical network, and unwanted shut-down of the wind power installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical power supply system for an automotive vehicle with high reliability and small size in which an adequate power is supplied to both a high power load like a blower motor and a conventional load like a battery by using a conventional alternator. The power supply system for the automotive vehicle comprises: an alternator with an armature winding and a field coil, a stepping-up DC/DC converter for applying a stepped up voltage of a battery to the field coil, a regulator for controlling an output voltage of the alternator by changing the output voltage in response to a rotating speed for supplying a power to the high power load, and for controlling the output voltage to be a charging voltage of the battery.

Abstract: The invention is a control system that, among other things, controls a permanent magnet alternator and provides relatively accurate voltage regulation. The control system may include one or more of the following: (1) a rectification system to rectify and regulate the output voltage of an alternator, (2) a rectifier/limiter used as an electrical power source to a boost type regulator, (3) a multimode rectifier/limiter, (4) a DC to AC inverter bridge, and (5) power switches employed in the system to minimize the switching energy that would otherwise be dissipated in the power switches as heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an on-vehicle generator is provided. The apparatus comprises a switching element, current detecting unit, setting unit and driving unit. The switching unit turns on/off an exciting current to an exciting winding of the generator, the switching element being driven responsively to a driving signal having an adjustable duty ratio. The setting unit sets the duty ratio based on (i) a difference between an output voltage of the generator and a target voltage value and (ii) a condition in which an electric load is disconnected from the generator, wherein the duty ratio is allowed to lower than a minimum value of the duty ratio depending on a generated state of the generator. The minimum value allows the exciting current to flow at a lower limit detectable by the current detecting unit, The driving unit drives the switching element based on the driving signal.

Abstract: An alternator 1 connected to a battery mounted in a vehicle, a regulator 20 including a regulator IC 4 for adjusting a power generation voltage of the alternator 1, and an ECU connected to the regulator 20 are provided. A DF signal is inputted from the regulator 20 to the ECU 10. An average value obtained by performing an averaging process an ON time of the DF signal measured during predetermined sampling time is used as ON ratio information of the DF signal for reduction of a circuit size, optimization of the circuit, control stabilization, and cost reduction.

Abstract: A method for controlling an inverter controlled generator set which comprises a DC power source section having as a power source a generator driven by an engine and an inverter which converts an output of said DC power source section into an AC output, the method comprising a step of controlling a rotational speed of the engine so that the AC output suitable for driving a load is output from the inverter; wherein, after the engine is started, the rotational speed of the engine is controlled by a constant speed control mode for maintaining the rotational speed of the engine at a set rotational speed, and the rotational speed of the engine is increased to the set rotational speed; and wherein an operation of the inverter is started after the rotational speed of the engine reaches the set rotational speed.

Abstract: A human-powered, electrical generation system for intermittently receiving mechanical energy from a human and storing that mechanical energy. The stored mechanical energy is used to turn a generator that produces electrical power that is stored in a rechargeable battery. An optional inverter converts the DC power stored in the battery to AC power. A mechanical energy controller is provided to regulates the release of the stored mechanical energy. This allows intermittent energy release so that an intermittent electrical load may be properly supplied over a relatively long period of time without need for repeated energy input from the human. Mechanical energy may be stored in a spring arrangement or in a pressurized hydraulic reservoir. Hand cranks, levers, and pedals in optional combination with a gear box or multi-speed hub may be provided to add energy to the mechanical energy storage apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling a voltage output of an alternator having a regulated voltage control (RVC). The apparatus includes a processor configured to transmit one of at least two control signals and a switch coupled to the processor and configured to select one of the control signals. One of the control signals is an RVC enable signal, and another control signal is a voltage boost signal. The method includes determining whether RVC requires override, selecting an output voltage mode of the alternator, activating a boosted voltage mode of the alternator by disabling RVC when RVC requires override, and activating an RVC mode by enabling RVC when the RVC does not require override or upon an occurrence of a lapse of a pre-determined amount of time.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an on-vehicle generator is provided. The generator, driven to rotate by an on-vehicle engine, is provided with stator windings, rectifiers, a field winding, and a voltage control apparatus (i.e., the control apparatus for the on-vehicle generator). The voltage control apparatus comprises a switching element (including power transistors, for example) selectably and electrically connects or disconnects a current path between the field winding and a power supply to provide the field winding with current; a storage element (for example, a battery); and a regeneration element (for example, free wheel diodes) provides the storage element with current flowing through the field winding when the switching element is turned off.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for overload and fault current protection of a permanent magnet generator. The system comprises a permanent magnet machine, a DC link, an inverter, coupled between the permanent magnet machine and the DC link, and a controller adapted to provide a linear decrease in voltage for the DC link when the permanent magnet machine is in at least one of an overload and fault current condition.

Abstract: A system and a method for thermally protecting a high output vehicle alternator are provided. The high output vehicle alternator includes a duty cycle control system. The duty cycle control system includes an alternator temperature signal generator and an alternator rotor speed signal generator in communication with an alternator having a speed limit and a temperature limit. The duty cycle control system regulates the field current supplied to the alternator based on the temperature and rotor speed signals.

Abstract: A neutral point diode having three connecting terminals electrically commonly connected to each other is used in a type for connecting each generating coil of a three-phase alternating current electric generator for a vehicle in a Y-shape connection. The coil terminal of a neutral point side of each generating coil is connected to each of the three connecting terminals of this neutral point diode. A diode having two connecting terminals electrically commonly connected to each other is used in a type for connecting each generating coil in a ?-shape connection. The coil terminals of two adjacent generating coils are connected to the respective two connecting terminals of this diode. In both the types, one coil terminal is connected to one connecting terminal and a connecting work is simplified.

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: A system for controlling the excitation of an alternator field coil. The system comprises a capacitor forming a charge reservoir, a first and a second selectively operable switch connected to opposing ends of a field coil of the alternator, a first catch diode, and a second catch diode. At least one of the first and second switches are operated at a variable duty cycle and the capacitor both absorbs energy from the field coil and supplies energy to the field coil to regulate the magnetic field of the field coil, effective to regulate the output voltage of the alternator and rapidly compensate for changes in at least one load connected to the alternator.

Abstract: The structure of the present invention includes: a switching element inserted in series in a field coil of an A.C. generator for intermittently controlling a field current supplied to the field coil in accordance with an output voltage from the A.C. generator in order to control the output voltage from the A.C. generator to a predetermined value; and conduction rate control means for detecting a rotational speed of the A.C. generator to reduce a conduction rate of the switching element in accordance with an increase in rotational speed.

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: 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: Disclosed herein are two techniques, neutral point switching and field voltage boost, that will increase the output of today's 12 volt automotive electrical systems in vehicle idle conditions solely by the addition of circuitry. Neutral point switching enables the flow of a third harmonic current, which does not normally flow at low speeds, but only at high speed. Boosting the field voltages can be obtained by integrating a field voltage boost circuit and voltage regulator to increase the field voltage, and consequently the field current, above the level obtained from the battery. Furthermore, the transient response of the alternator to a change in load is improved by temporarily increasing the field voltage above the level needed to sustain the load. These two techniques are compatible, and thus may be implemented together, or may be implemented independently. No changes to a standard alternator are required to accommodate the proposed additional circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention is a generator control system where each generator in the system has an associated controller. Each controller communicates generator data or information with the other controllers in the generator control system. Each of the controllers includes a digital signal processor for analyzing the generator signal from the associated generator and information from the other controllers in the generator control system. The controllers each compare their generator signal with a system average and adjust the associated generator until the generators all supply equal amounts of power to the system.

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: An alternator for a motor vehicle includes a current generation device and a rectifier. The current generation device has multiple phase stator windings in which AC currents are generated. The rectifier is connected to the windings of the current generation device. The rectifier includes multiple sets of first and second diodes for the multiple phase windings. At least one of the first and second diodes of each set is a Schottky diode. A voltage clamping device is connected to the rectifier to protect the Schottky diodes from surge reverse voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the voltage output of an alternator is disclosed. The system includes an alternator having a rotor, which has a field winding, a stator having a plurality of phases, a rectifier bridge connected to the plurality of phases, at least one detection circuit connected to each of the plurality of phases, and a controller in communication with the at least one detection circuit and the rectifier bridge. The plurality of phases of the stator are magnetically coupled to the field winding. The rectifier bridge has a plurality of switches for rectifying the alternating current developed in the plurality of stator phases. The at least one detection circuit connected to each of the plurality of phases are used to sense a current reversal in each of the plurality of stator phases. The controller controls the operation of the plurality of switches when the reversal of the current has been sensed by the at least one detection circuit.

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: A vehicle AC generator apparatus includes one or more rectifier elements for rectifying a generated AC voltage, and a generator control apparatus which monitors the voltage difference between opposing terminals of a rectifier element, to thereby detect the commencement of electrical generation upon engine starting as the time point at which the polarity of the voltage difference first corresponds to the forward conduction direction of the rectifier element. Controlled parameters such as the current supplied to a charging warning lamp and the excitation current of a generator winding are changed appropriately when generation commencement is detected.

Abstract: In a control apparatus of a vehicle AC generator, a flip-flop for receiving a clock pulse with a constant period and a control pulse is used. The clock pulse sets the control period at the constant period, and decides an on timing of the power transistor in this control period. The control pulse decides an off timing. A load response control circuit performs a load response control to adjust an on time ratio of the power transistor from a lower limit to an upper limit in accordance with an increase in load, and a second control signal circuit adjusts the on time ratio from a regulated value close to the upper limit to the upper limit.

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: Disclosed herein are a variety of different electrical system topologies intended to mitigate the impact of large intermittent loads on a 12 volt vehicle power distribution system. In some embodiments the intermittent load is disconnected from the remainder of the system and the voltage supplied to this load is allowed to fluctuate. In other embodiments, the voltage to critical loads is regulated independently of the voltage supplied to the remainder of the system. The different topologies described can be grouped into three categories, each corresponding to a different solution technique. One approach is to regulate the voltage to the critical loads. A second approach is to isolate the intermittent load that causes the drop in system voltage. The third approach is to use a different type of alternator that has a faster response than the conventional Lundell wound field machine.

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 method for improving vehicle battery state-of-charge (SOC) for initial vehicle customer delivery is disclosed. The method is focused on vehicle assembly plant practices and ensuring that battery discharge is minimized or eliminated during the vehicle assembly process. The method includes determining the available maximum percentage of duty cycle voltage output from the vehicle alternator and determining a minimum idle boost speed necessary to provide minimum discharge or positive charge to the battery when the vehicle's accessories are in the “on” state during vehicle assembly. The method further includes programming the vehicle's controllers to force the maximum percentage of duty cycle voltage output available and the minimum idle speed necessary to provide minimum battery discharge or positive charge during the earliest part of the vehicle life.

Abstract: A permanent magnet starter/generator subsystem configured in a fault tolerant architecture is described herein for small engine applications. The system allows for lighter system weight, improved system reliability, higher performance capability and reduced maintenance.

Abstract: A generator control circuit is disclosed that includes a first circuit (40) monitoring a generator voltage and producing a first output when the voltage is below a first level, a second circuit (48) monitoring a generator current change rate and producing a second output when the current change rate is above a second level, and a third circuit (13, 28) operatively connected to the first circuit (40) and the second circuit (48) for decreasing a power level supplied to the generator when a plurality of conditions are satisfied, the plurality of conditions including the voltage being below the first level and the current change rate being above the second level. A method of controlling a generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power conditioner 10 is provided with a maximum power follow-up control portion 12 for setting a DC operating voltage of a power converter 11, which converts output power of a power generator 2 into AC power, for making a power point corresponding to the output level of the power generator follow up with a maximum power point, and comprises an approximate function memory 25 for storing approximate functions related to the maximum power point, a follow-up control portion 34 for making the present power point reach proximate of the maximum power point on the basis of the approximate function, and a hill-climbing method follow-up control portion 35 for making the present power point reach the maximum power point by using a hill-climbing method when the present power point has reached proximate of the maximum power point.

Abstract: An H-bridge switching topology for bi-directional field excitation to null the effects of a rotor's permanent magnets uses both a low-side and a high-side field excitation driver to control the rotor's average field current. A standard proportional control signal for generators using uni-directional field excitation is used to control an H-bridge for bi-directional field excitation. The H-bridge consists of two pair of power switches. In a preferred embodiment, the switches are n-channel MOSFETs. A drive circuit interfaces a logic block with the H-bridge in order to properly bias the power switches.

Abstract: An A/D conversion device includes a counter for counting a clock signal fed from a clock signal generator, a D/A converter for converting a digital output of the counter into an analog value, a comparator for comparing an analog output of the D/A converter and an analog field current detection value fed from a current detecting resistor and outputting a result of comparison, and an up/down control circuit for switching the counter between count-up and count-down operations according to the result of comparison output from the comparator. The output of the counter is transmitted as a digital field current detection value to an external control unit which is an ECU of a vehicle via a communication interface.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating power is disclosed. The present invention provides circuits and methods for current sensing variations, static droop settings, mismatched phase outputs, and temperature variations in a multiphase power regulator. The circuits may include a calibration controller that senses and regulates both a current sensing circuit and the droop in a power regulator over a range of temperatures thus equalizing phase outputs. The present invention includes the schematic organization and implementation of the circuit, the circuit's calibration, its use, and implementation. This invention advantageously provides circuits and methods to properly power a processor or IC chip according to the unique power specifications of the processor or chip.

Abstract: A constant voltage generator is comprised of a band gap reference circuit, a current supply circuit, a starting circuit and a voltage-current conversion circuit, and the starting circuit is further comprised of a first and second load elements, a first transistor which is connected to the first load element, a second transistor of which current capability is larger than the first transistor and which shares the voltage of the base with the first transistor and is connected to the second load element, a first resistor which is connected to the first transistor, and a second resistor which is connected to the second transistor, and the output of the voltage-current conversion circuit is input to the connection point between the second transistor and the second resistor, and the current at the connection point between the second load element and the second transistor controls the current supply circuit.

Abstract: A power generation controller for an AC generator detects the state of a battery and an electric load to control the output of the AC generator. A current detector detects a current to be used by an electric load on the vehicle. The controller includes a field current control section, a field current monitor section, and an output control section. The field current control section controls a field current of the AC generator. The field current monitor section monitors a field current duty value which is a controlled state of the field current of the AC generator. The output control section corrects the output of the AC generator according to the field current duty value, monitored by the field current monitor section, and/or the load current value, detected by the current detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power in a demand responsive manner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller monitoring power demand conditions to determine activation of an energy delivery system. The energy delivery system responds to the controller by providing rotational energy through release of a power transfer and brake unit, which permits descent of a suspended mass as a means for providing rotational energy. The rotational energy is transferred to a generator through a combining gear box and transmission communicating with the energy delivery system. The controller modulates the power transfer and brake unit to maintain the rate at which the mass descends to assure that a predetermined, substantially constant RPM of the generator is maintained for generation of power by steps for generating power.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for controlling multiple sources of electric power using inter-regulator control. The regulators in the system may be of a universal type that may operate either as a master regulator or a follower regulator. Determination whether a regulator operates as a master or a follower regulator may occur before operation of the system, during operation of the system, or may reverse the role of master and follower regulators in response to operating conditions. The master regulator may control its source of electric power and may send signals to the follower regulators to control their sources of electric power. The control of the sources of electric power may be based on sensing output of at least one of the sources of electric power and based on the operational characteristics of at least one of the sources of electric power. Further, the follower regulator may verify the instructions sent from the master regulator.

Abstract: An automatic voltage regulator of a generator with a function for suppressing an overshoot which regulator keeps an output voltage at a predetermined voltage by controlling exciting currents of the generator with turning a switching device on and off, and comprises a voltage detection means for detecting the output voltage of the generator; a deviation calculation means for calculating a deviation for a target with respect to a detected detection voltage; an integral-value calculation means for calculating an integral value of the deviation; and a pulse signal calculation means for calculating the pulse width based on an integral coefficient, a proportional coefficient, the deviation, and its integral value, and for outputting said pulse width as a pulse signal, wherein when before voltage establishment the detection voltage is not less than the first reference voltage, the target voltage is replaced with the set voltage; and wherein the switching device inputs the pulse signal calculated by the pulse signal

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle electric generator judges the currently available generating capacity of the generator and establishes a regenerative current mode of operation, utilizing an induced current of the field winding, only when the generating capacity is estimated to be below a predetermined level. The control apparatus also controls the conduction factor of a power transistor to adjust the average voltage applied to the field winding such as to prevent fluctuations in output current and generator torque that would otherwise occur at each changeover to/from the regenerative current mode.