Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining a field current through a field winding in an electrical machine with a stator and a rotor. The electrical machine includes a field-circuit transformer to produce, by induction of an electrical current on the rotor side, field current with which a field winding is energized in order to generate an excitation magnetic field. The method includes driving the primary side of the field-circuit transformer to produce a field current in the rotor, which is derived from the current induced on the secondary side in the field-circuit transformer; measuring one or more phase currents in one or more primary-side phases of the field-circuit transformer; determining a maximum value depending on the one or more measured phase currents; determining the field current through the field winding depending on the determined maximum value.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, a generation control apparatus for vehicles which controls current supply to a field winding of a generator to control output voltage of the generator. The apparatus includes a switching element connected to the field winding, and a duty determining unit that increases a drive duty for interrupting the switching element when output voltage of the generator becomes lower than a predetermined regulated voltage. The apparatus also includes a load response control unit that performs load response control for limiting an increase rate of the drive duty determined by the duty determining unit, after expiration of a predetermined time from application of an electrical load.

Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle driving system includes an engine, a transmission, a first motor/generator provided between the engine and the transmission, and a battery that can charge and discharge the first motor/generator. When an estimated output voltage of the first motor/generator becomes higher than or equal to a predetermined voltage during a gear shift operation of the transmission, the battery is electrically disconnected from the driving system, and the voltage of a power line on the side of the first motor/generator is then decreased so as to charge the battery.

Abstract: A method of generating and controlling power for an alternating current (AC) motor by means of at least one controlled permanent magnet machine (PMM) with a permanent magnet (PM) rotor and a stator with a magnetic flux diverter circuit for controlling the output of the PMM, comprises the steps of: rotating the PM rotor at a velocity sufficient to develop a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power output from the stator; transforming the HFAC output to produce a variable low frequency alternating current (AC) motor control output for the motor; sensing desired motor control parameters; generating a control signal responsive to the sensed parameters; and applying the control signal to the magnetic flux diverter circuit to control the motor control output.

Abstract: A variable frequency generator regulation control circuit and method for controlling open loop gain under changing generator speed conditions employing a high frequency pulse-width modulated signal with a duty cycle that is controlled such that variations in rectified PMG voltage and generator gain over the generator speed range can be compensated for. This signal is modulated by a low frequency pulse-width modulated signal provided by the generator regulator, using a logic gate to produce a combined signal representing an average voltage signal applied to a generator field winding as the generator speed fluctuates.

Abstract: Power-generation control operation for an in-vehicle electric generator is further stabilized in such a way that, in the case where a signal at an external-control-signal input terminal changes, a function of on/off-controlling a magnetic-field current in a constant cycle is interrupted. In a control apparatus, for an in-vehicle electric generator, that has a function of adjusting a generation voltage to a predetermined voltage, by on/off-controlling a magnetic-field current in a constant cycle, and variably controlling an adjustment voltage, based on an input signal from an external control unit, in the case where a signal at an external-control-signal input terminal is fixed for a long time, the function of on/off-controlling the magnetic-field current in the constant cycle is activated, and in the case where the signal at the external-control-signal input terminal changes, the function of on/off-controlling the magnetic-field current in the constant cycle is interrupted.

Abstract: An arrangement related to subsea electric power distributing AC-system and adapted for a subsea application. The arrangement is enclosed in a watertight casing. The casing exposes a main power input connection, adapted for watertight co-ordination with a first subsea cable and a main power output connection, adapted for a watertight co-ordination with a second subsea cable. The second subsea cable is adapted for a power supply to an AC-current and AC-voltage adapted device. The arrangement includes interconnected: a voltage regulator connected to the first cable, and a NO-load switching unit connected to the second cable, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted, in a first operative mode, to regulate the output AC-voltage from the voltage regulator towards and to zero, or at least almost to zero, and in a second subsequent operative mode, to bring the NO-load switching unit from an ON-position to an OFF-position or vice versa.

Abstract: A control system is provided for use with a plurality of generator sets. The control system may have a bus, an arbitration relay, a switching device, a control module, and first, second, and third discrete signal cables. The control module may be configured to receive a group start signal and initiate startup of a first of the plurality of generator sets, and to generate a signal on the first discrete signal cable based on an operational status of the first of the plurality of generator sets. The control module may also be configured to determine if the second discrete signal cable is active, to activate the second discrete signal cable and the arbitration relay based on the determination, and to activate the switching device to connect the first of the plurality of generator sets to the bus based on a status of the third discrete signal cable.

Abstract: A method and device for optimizing power output of a power generation system having a load engaging system, a load optimizing system, a load selection system, a motive driver and one or more loads or power transfer parameters. The power generation system is illustrated using an electrical generator to consume system power out, however the load(s) may be other than an electrical generator. The load engaging system decides when and how the load or power transfer parameters are applied to and removed from the system. The load selection system enables multiple power transfer parameters to be optimized by selecting and isolating one power transfer parameter at a time to be optimized. The load optimizing system optimizes system power output by manipulating the selected power transfer parameter, dynamically in response to change in power output.

Abstract: A generator apparatus includes a generator, a generator controller, and a rectifier bridge. A detector unit for recognizing a load shutoff is also provided. When a load shutoff is recognized, a switch is controlled to be transmissive so that energy produced by the load shutoff is stored in an energy reservoir. From there it can be fed back into the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: An alternator configured for use in a vehicle comprises a stator having a plurality of stator windings. A rotatable field coil is positioned adjacent to the stator within the alternator. A field driver circuit is configured to deliver an electric current to the field coil. A voltage sensor is configured to detect a battery voltage. A controller in the alternator is configured to execute either a first field current control program or a second field current control program depending at least in part upon the detected battery voltage. The first field current control program is configured to control the electric current delivered to the field coil in a 12 volt vehicle power system. The second field current control program is configured to control the electric current delivered to the field coil in a 24 volt vehicle power system.

Abstract: A method of and a system for controlling a permanent magnet AC generator (10), wherein the generator is provided with stator windings and permanent magnets in the rotor and wherein the generator is connected to a drive unit (50), wherein the generator is further provided with a semiconductor converter provided with AC output connected to the generator output and a DC link for controlling the output voltage of the generator, and the converter is further provided with filter means for filtering the output of the converter so that a filtered output of the converter is fed to the generator output.

Abstract: A power supply device includes: a rectifier having a full-wave rectification circuit whose low side elements are made of MOSFETs; an electrical load supplied with DC power from the rectifier; and a control circuit having a load voltage detector and an AC voltage detector for detecting an input terminal voltage from a permanent-magnet generator; wherein when a terminal voltage across the electrical load is lower than a predetermined value, the control circuit operates the rectifier in full-wave rectification mode, whereas when the terminal voltage across the electrical load is higher than the predetermined value, the control circuit short-circuits input terminals of the permanent-magnet generator with each other, and when power for driving the control circuit is not secured, the control circuit retains the full-wave rectification mode even if the terminal voltage across the electrical load is higher than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A control system for an electrical power generation system (EPGS) provides overload protection without disconnecting a generator of the EPGS from an excessive electrical load. Available engine power and current levels of the electrical load are continuously measured and computed. A command voltage is calculated in real time that corresponds to a voltage required to sustain with the maximum available power. Output voltage of a generator of the EPGS is controlled at the calculated command voltage so that a power limit of the engine is not exceeded during electrical overload conditions.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a voltage regulator circuit comprises at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier. The coil comprises an electric tap connected to a second rectifier. The first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch. The second rectifier is connected to a common load and the first rectifier is connected to the load via the at least one switch.

Abstract: A power generator has a battery and an alternator driven by an engine. The battery assists a power energy of the alternator. An inverter circuit is connected to an output of a rectifying circuit. A DC/DC converter boosts a voltage of the battery and inputs the boosted voltage into a constant power regulator. The constant power regulator boosts an input voltage and secures a certain power. An output voltage of the rectifying circuit is monitored by a monitoring means and an output voltage of the battery is monitored by a monitoring means. When the output voltage of the rectifying circuit is equal to or less than a rated voltage, an auxiliary power value corresponding to the remaining amount of the battery is set as a power target value of the constant power regulator.

Abstract: Power lines are connected to neutral points of motor generators, respectively, and an electric power is transmitted and received between a vehicle and a load outside the vehicle via the power lines. In this transmission, an ECU simultaneously PWM-controls all phases of one of inverters, and controls the other inverter to keep continuously the conducting state.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, an apparatus for detecting an abnormality of a generator for vehicles. The generator includes a multi-phase armature winding that has phase windings and a rectifier that rectifies multi-phase output of the armature winding. The apparatus includes a first period detection unit that detects a first period of an output voltage of the generator, a second period detection unit that detects a second period of an voltage of one of the phase windings, and an abnormality determination unit that determines presence or absence of an abnormality of the generator by comparing the first period with the second period.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle AC generator which restricts an upper limit of a field current to the maximum field current at a set voltage even when a power generation voltage becomes large, is obtained. In the control device for the vehicle AC generator, in which a DC voltage obtained by rectifying an AC output voltage of an armature coil in the AC generator with a rectifier is applied to a field coil to obtain a field current and the field current is controlled by ON/OFF of a switching element connected in series to the field coil, an upper limit restriction unit in which an upper limit of on-duty of the switching element is set to a set voltage/the DC voltage, is included.

Abstract: In order to receive a power generation command from the outside of a body, to transmit power generation control condition with respect to the power generation command to the outside, and to enable a vehicle to drive properly depending on the condition; a minimum value selector by which on-duty of a switching element by the power generation command inputted from the outside of the body of a control device is compared to on-duty of the switching element calculated inside the body of the control device and smaller on-duty of both on-duties is selected to perform ON/OFF control of the switching element is included, and the selected on-duty is transmitted to the outside.

Abstract: The vehicle-use power generation control device includes a first function of detecting a temperature around a generator mounted on a vehicle, a second function of setting a target control voltage in accordance with the temperature detected by the first function, and a third function of controlling an output voltage of the generator at the target control voltage set by the second function. The second function is configured to determine the target control voltage on the basis of a target power generation voltage defining the target control voltage to be set at a predetermined temperature, and a predetermined gradient of the target control voltage with respect to the temperature detected by the first function.

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle may comprise an electric machine interposed between an engine and a transmission of the vehicle. The electric machine may comprise an exciter generator with exciter armature windings surrounding an axis, a main generator with main field windings surrounding the axis so that the exciter generator and the main generator are concentric and a rotor coaxial with the axis and the rotor supporting the exciter armature windings and the main field windings. The rotor may have a first end attached to the engine power output shaft and a second end adapted to deliver mechanical power from the engine to the transmission.

Abstract: A device for detecting a change in a generator output signal of a vehicle generator includes a window comparator for comparing a signal amplitude of the generator output signal to at least one threshold value which limits a signal amplitude range, a detector for detecting a change in the generator output signal based on an output signal of the window comparator, a detection unit for detecting a signal amplitude difference between a maximum signal amplitude and a minimum signal amplitude of the generator output signal, and an adaptation unit for adapting the signal amplitude range of the window comparator, based on the signal amplitude difference, when there is the change in the generator output signal.

Abstract: A rotary electrical machine regulation device of the type which can control the electrical machine using a predetermined set value of a direct voltage (B+) of the on-board electrical network of the vehicle in which the machine is installed. An excitation current (EXC) is supplied to the alternator (machine), and has a duty cycle (RC) which is determined by a digital processing block (9), on the basis of an error voltage between the predetermined set value and the direct voltage of the electrical network. Accordingly, a system (11) is provided herein for making the digital block electrically self-sufficient. The system includes a voltage maintenance device with a self-sufficient capacitor (110), and a self-sufficient control element (111).

Abstract: An electrical device having a generator, e.g., for use in the vehicle electrical system of a motor vehicle, includes a controller for controlling the generator voltage. In the device, an area is provided in which a voltage control is carried out, and other areas are provided in which a torque control is carried out.

Abstract: The vehicle generator includes an armature winding, a switching section constituted as a bridge circuit including a plurality of pairs of an upper arm and a lower arm to rectify phase voltages of the armature winding, each of the upper and lower arms being constituted of a switching element parallel-connected with a diode, and a control section for controlling on/off timings of the switching elements. The control section is configured to perform switching operation to switch the switching section between a first operation state where each upper arm is turned off when the phase voltage is higher than a voltage of a vehicle battery, and a second operation state where each upper arm is turned off after the phase voltages becomes lower than the battery voltage, and configured to delay off timings of the switching elements stepwise when the switching section is in the second operation state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternator comprising: an alternator stator (2) comprising a main secondary winding (7) delivering an output voltage; at least one auxiliary winding (3); and an exciter field winding (5) powered by the auxiliary winding(s); a regulator (20) for regulating the output voltage of the alternator; and an alternator rotor (8) comprising an exciter secondary winding (6); a rotary field winding (4) powered by the exciter secondary winding (6); and a control circuit (10) for controlling the power supply to the rotary field winding (4) and configured to maintain the amplitude of the output voltage from the alternator at a predetermined level by controlling the power supply to the rotary field winding (4) in response to a control signal coming from the voltage regulator (20), the auxiliary winding(s) (3) generating a voltage because they are exposed to a varying magnetic field generated by the rotary field winding (4) in rotation.

Abstract: A static exciter system (20) for the field winding (17) of a generator (16) which is connected to a grid system via a busbar (19) includes a first device (12, 18, 21) for production of a DC voltage, which is connected to the field winding (17) and together with the field winding (17) form an exciter circuit, as well as a second device (23; 29, C1, . . . , C3) for emission of electrical energy, which second device (23; 29, C1, . . . , C3) briefly feeds additional energy into the exciter circuit when required. An exciter system such as this results in the capability to briefly increase the excitation in a simple, functionally reliable and space-saving manner, by inserting a forward-biased diode (22) into the exciter circuit, and by the capability to connect the second device (23) to the diode (22), in the reverse-bias direction, in order to feed the energy into the exciter circuit.

Abstract: Output waveform of the generator is improved through stabilization of field current by removing flywheel diode used to be required for automatic voltage regulator. Output electric current of excitation winding 3 is rectified by rectifier 8 and is supplied to field winding 5 of rotor 4. Impedance adjustment circuit 12 is provided to circuit where field current flows. Target electric current determination unit 10 determines target electric current (target field current) used to control output voltage of power generation winding 2 to the reference voltage. Impedance adjustment circuit 12 increases or decreases the impedance of field current circuit so that the field current detected by electric current detector 11 converges with target electric current.

Abstract: A power system stabilizer includes: a sensor configured for sensing a signal representative of electromechanical oscillations of the power system; a controller configured for using the sensed signal for generating control signals for damping the electromechanical oscillations; and a damper including a damping converter and a resistor coupled to the damping converter, the damping converter being coupled to the power system through a power bus, the damping converter configured for using the control signals for damping the electro-mechanical oscillations.

Abstract: In a magnet-exciting rotating electric machine system, every magnetic salient pole group to be magnetized in a same polarity is collectively magnetized by a magnetic excitation part. In the magnetic excitation part, a main magnetic flux path in which a magnetic flux circulates through the armature and a bypass magnetic flux path are connected to the field magnet in parallel. Magnetic flux amount in each path is controlled by mechanical displacement. Thereby, the rotating electric machine system and the magnetic flux amount control method in which magnetic field control is easy are provided. Also, means and method are provided so that a power required for the displacement may be made small by adjusting magnetic resistance of the above magnetic flux path.

Abstract: A method for managing a power supply system with a variable voltage comprising the following steps: according to an instantaneous rotational speed of a rotating electrical machine, a power supply system output voltage with a variable voltage is set to an optimum output voltage between first and second service voltages in such a way as to maximize the electric power delivered by the electrical machine to an energy storage system; when the instantaneous rotational speed is slower than the nominal rotational speed, the output voltage is set to a first value which is substantially equal to the first service voltage in such a way as to maximize the yield of the transfer of energy from the electrical machine to a load; and when the instantaneous rotational speed is faster than the nominal rotational speed, the output voltage (U) is set to a second value substantially equal to the second service voltage in such a way as to maximize the yield of the transfer of energy from the electrical machine towards the load.

Abstract: A voltage regulator with an adaptive field discharge control system may use the rate of change of the POR voltage, the rate of change of the output current and rate of change of the field current, or any combination of these, as an input. The adaptive field discharge control system may process the inputs, identify an operating condition, such as unbalanced load, overcurrent and overload, and compare reference setpoints against that condition. Conventional field control circuits may be triggered by a fixed POR voltage setpoint for all operating conditions. In addition, conventional field control circuits may trigger field discharge to turn on and off continuously during systems oscillations. To avoid these issues, the adaptive field control circuit of the present invention may include a variable POR voltage setpoint, based upon one or more of the rate of change in the POR voltage, the DC bus voltage, or the percentage of unbalanced load.

Abstract: The control device detects the B-terminal voltage by a B-terminal voltage detection section. When an abnormal voltage detection section detects that a voltage value of the detected B-terminal voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage value, all switching elements of the negative pole-side arm in a power conversion section are brought into conduction by a negative pole-side arm short-circuiting section, whereas all switching elements of a positive pole-side arm are interrupted. In addition, a field current is limited to zero or to a limit value by a field current control section.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle AC generator for improving working efficiency in assembly, allowing a reduction in the number of components, and the like. The vehicle AC generator includes: a rectifier for rectifying an AC generated by a stator coil into a DC; and a regulator for regulating an AC voltage generated by the stator coil, in which: the regulator includes: a regulator holder; a regulator main body provided inside the regulator holder, the regulator main body being for regulating the AC voltage; a capacitor provided inside the regulator holder, the capacitor being for absorbing a noise generated when the AC is rectified into the DC by the rectifier; and an insulating resin material filling the regulator holder so as to fix the regulator main body and the capacitor.

Abstract: The power generation amount control apparatus includes a battery state determination section, a generator performance determination section, a power-generation-amount increase determination section, an idle state determination section, and a power generation restriction control section. The power generation restriction control section is configured to perform power generation restriction control to restrict a power generation amount of a vehicle generator driven by a vehicle engine when the idle state determination section determines that the vehicle engine is in the idle state, the power-generation-amount increase determination section determines that the power-generation-amount increase demand is not present, and the battery state determination section determines that the battery charged by the vehicle generator is not deteriorated.

Abstract: The voltage regulator receives power in A.C. from a permanent magnet voltage generator, having phase windings with a configurable connection, to supply power in D.C. to a battery. The voltage regulator comprises a plurality of semi-bridge rectifiers connected between the terminals of the phase windings of the voltage generator, and a battery power supply terminal; it also comprises a control circuit designed to change over the connection of the phase windings between two different configurations, for example star and delta, in relation to the charging voltage of the battery upon exceeding a threshold value of the phase frequency of the voltage generator.

Abstract: An output voltage controller for an AC vehicle generator is proposed. The output voltage controller can easily suppress variation in rectified output voltage due to a switching surge without using a slope generation circuit in a voltage adjustment circuit. An excitation circuit that excites a field coil 13 includes a circulation element 31, a semiconductor switch element 33, an inductor 35, and transient voltage absorption means 40. The circulation element 31 is connected in parallel to the field coil 13. The semiconductor switch element 33 is connected in series with the field coil 13 and turned on and off by a voltage adjustment circuit 60. The inductor 35 is connected in series with the field coil 13 and the semiconductor switch element 33. The transient voltage absorption means 40 absorbs a transient voltage generated in the inductor 35 in association with the switching of the semiconductor switch element 33 between ON and OFF.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for producing current with a desired output frequency from one or more fixed or variable speed alternators by varying a saturation level of a portion of the alternator(s) based on a output frequency desired, and preferably then rectifying the output to produce a desired electrical output which may be provided as direct current or alternating current to a suitable load.

Abstract: A power supply device comprising: a magneto generator including a rotor including a magnet forming a magnetic field; a rectifying unit rectifying an alternating current of the generator to a direct current and supplying to an electrical load; a voltage detection unit detecting a voltage of the electrical load; an opening unit interrupting electrical conduction of an output of the generator; short-circuiting units electrically short-circuiting the output; a torque supplying device supplying torque to the rotor; a voltage control unit selectively performing one of opening-control of controlling on/off switching of the opening unit and short-circuit-control of controlling on/off switching of the short-circuiting units to control the voltage of the electrical load to a predetermined value in accordance with the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit; a switching control unit switching and controlling between the above two controls in accordance with an operating state regarding rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: When a distortion of an output waveform of an alternating-current generator is improved, an output voltage control apparatus of a generator, which has versatility, is obtained. An output voltage control apparatus of a generator (1), including a generator winding (2) and an excitation winding (3) wound around a stator side, a field winding (5) wound around a rotor (4), and a rectifier (12) for rectifying a current generated by the excitation winding (3) and supplying the rectified current to the field winding (5), the output voltage control apparatus includes a field current drive means (20) for comparing an output voltage generated to the generator winding (2) with a reference wave whose distortion ratio is 0% and flowing a field current to the field winding (5) by adjusting a drive timing of a PWM signal output by a drive unit (24) based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A permanent magnet generator assembly has a permanent magnet generator with magnetic flux control windings, a passive rectifier, and a passive control element. The passive control element electrically connects an output of the passive rectifier to the magnetic flux control windings.

Abstract: A generator (100) includes a generator winding (103) and an excitation winding (104), and a field winding (102). To converge an output voltage of the generator winding (103) to a target, a field current is varied by increasing/decreasing an energization duty ratio of a switching device (110) connected to the field winding (102). In a duty ratio zero determination unit (2) and a duty ratio zero continuation determination unit (3), when an output duty ratio continues for a predetermined time with duty ratio zero, a duty ratio increase amount restriction unit (4) restricts an upper limit of the duty ratio to a predetermined upper limit when the field current increases. A duty ratio restriction unit (21a) for restricting the duty ratio by a maximum value determined based on a voltage of a smoothing capacitor (113) in place of the determination of the duty ratio being zero may be provided.

Abstract: A power generating device for use with a plumbing fixture includes: a volute configured to receive water from a water supply pipe; a stator having a plurality of blades positioned around a circumference thereof positioned within the volute; a rotor positioned within the stator; and a generator coupled to the rotor. The volute directs substantially all of the water received from the water supply pipe in a circumferential direction through the plurality of blades of the stator to the rotor, thereby causing the rotor to rotate.

Abstract: A rectifier of vehicular alternator that rectifies AC electrical power into DC electrical power comprises: a rectifier that includes a plurality of MOS FETs that are used as rectifier elements; a control circuit that applies drive signals to the gates of the plurality of MOS FETs via gate drive signal lines, and that thereby commands continuity and discontinuity of the plurality of MOS FETs; and a plurality of load circuits, one connected between the gate and the source of each of the MOS FETs, for bleeding down electric charge accumulated by gate capacitance of the MOS FET if the gate drive signal line is interrupted.

Abstract: A dynamo and power supply management device for bicycles includes a rectification and filter circuit connected with a dynamo, an electronic switch set connected between the rectification and filter circuit and a load, a control unit controlling the electronic switch set between on and off, a voltage measurement unit connected with an output terminal of the rectification and filter circuit, and an energy storage module connected to the dynamo and the load through the electronic switch set. The energy storage module is composed of multiple energy storage units. The control unit determines the energy storage unit to be charged based on a built in charge and discharge parameter table and the power generated by the dynamo and selects an energy storage unit to supply power to the load, thereby fully utilizing the power generated by a bicycle and enhancing the operation efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for reducing alternating current ripples in direct current electrical power generation systems with one or more regulated permanent magnet machines. Ripple suppression is achieved, in one aspect, by modulating the control current of a regulated permanent magnet machine.

Abstract: A circuit includes a voltage regulator (208) for outputting a voltage at a regulated level, a protection circuit (260), and a load circuit (210) coupled to the voltage regulator. The protection circuit includes means for preventing the voltage regulator from outputting a voltage at a level higher than the regulated level during a start-up period of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A current controlled shunt regulator uses logical OR gates and comparators corresponding to each field effect transistor (FET) shunt to redirect power to a neutral line whenever a controller indicates that power should be redirected, or whenever a phase voltage connected to the FET shunt is negative. The logical OR gate accepts inputs from the comparator and from the controller and outputs a control signal based on these inputs. When power is not being redirected by the FET shunts, AC power from a permanent magnet alternator is allowed to flow unimpeded to a DC rectifier which converts the power to a different format.