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: 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 single-pole type generator with low loss magnetic core is excited by a field coil that is part of a low loss series resonant circuit tuned to a desired AC power frequency, which may be frequencies such as 50 Hz or 60 Hz or 400 Hz. The series resonant circuit is excited at the resonant frequency. The resulting resonant behavior of the excitation circuit automatically provides the high driving voltages and sinusoidal energy storage patterns needed to efficiently modulate the magnetic field at the desired power frequency. This modulation of the excitation field is amplified by mechanical power from a rotating shaft and modulates the output current and voltage of a single phase output circuit of the single-pole type generator at that power frequency in a sinusoidal pattern thus delivering alternating current power without any requirement for further electronic rectification, commutation or processing.

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: The invention relates to a fixed frequency electrical generation system that can be placed at the variable load engine output, which includes: an initial stage (30), which is a permanent magnet generator that provides energy to said system, making it autonomous, a secondary stage (21,) which is an excitation stage that controls the magnetisation of a third stage, this third stage (24,) which is a main generator, is the electrical energy production power stage.

Abstract: A gas turbine generating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gas turbine capable of a high-speed operation, a permanent-magnet-type generator driven at a high speed by the gas turbine, an inverter device (5) for converting alternating-current power generated by the generator into commercial alternating-current power, and a system-interconnection device (9) for interconnecting output of the inverter device to a commercial AC power supply system (10). The system-interconnection device controls the inverter device based on voltage of the commercial AC power supply system as a criterion such that output current of the inverter device is in phase with the voltage or out of phase with the voltage by a constant phase difference.

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: 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: The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal power loss when the engine generator is supplying rated power to a load. A second path, a VSCF path, may be used to ensure that the frequency of the power is maintained at a substantially constant frequency under various load conditions. Another embodiment of the invention describes a process for determining optimal engine generator speed for a particular load. Because engine speed can be varied using any VSCF device, this process determines a speed that minimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution for a given load.

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: A variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier using scalar power control and dependent pitch control is disclosed. The variable speed turbine may include an electrical generator to provide power for a power grid and a power conversion system coupled to the electrical generator. The power conversion system may include at least one passive grid side rectifier. The power conversion system may provide power to the electrical generator using the passive grid side rectifier. The variable speed wind turbine may also use scalar power control to provide more precise control of electrical quantities on the power grid. The variable speed wind turbine may further use dependent pitch control to improve responsiveness of the wind turbine.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described for controlling a vehicle electrical generator. A regulator for controlling a generator in response to an input signal received from a control module suitably includes a discriminator module, a processing module and a switching circuit. The discriminator determines whether the regulator is operating in voltage or torque control mode. If the input signal is a voltage control, the output generator produces a modulation signal to produce a desired voltage between two battery terminals. If the input signal is a torque control, the output generator produces one or more modulation signals (e.g. pulse width modulation signals) to control the torque of the generator. The modulation signals are applied across a field coil or other controllable element of the generator by a switching circuit that applies positive and/or negative voltage from the battery terminals as appropriate.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine, such as an aircraft starter-generator, that includes an exciter that has its stator windings supplied with electrical power from a power supply. One or more switches are electrically coupled between the exciter stator winding and the power supply and are configured and controlled so that a capacitance may be selectively placed electrically in series with the exciter stator windings.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the performance of a carrier insertion sensorless (CIS) position sensing system for a wound field synchronous machine that utilises the positively rotating components (+2?ct) of the carrier second harmonic currents that contain rotor position information before field excitation to serve as a north-south pole indicator that determines if the CIS system has locked onto the north or south pole of the rotor.

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: An electronic control apparatus includes target FR calculator that calculates a target exciting current duty ratio FR based on an exciting current inputted from FR terminal of a regulator and flowing through field coil, and information of engine operating conditions. The electronic control apparatus also includes target FR limit value FRCLP calculator that calculates a FRCLP corresponding to a drive torque limit value based on an output of a correlative information detector. A comparator compares target FR and FRCLP, outputs a control signal within FRCLP to a control unit, and controls a duty ratio FR of exciting current flowing through a field coil not to be larger than FRCLP.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine combining the functions of an exciter, a turning motor, and a starting motor for a turbine. The machine operates in a first mode where the slip between a first stator winding and a first armature winding is positive and thus the magnetic fields interact and operate as a motor to turn the turbine. In a second mode the slip is negative as the turbine turns the shaft and the first stator winding and the first armature operate as an exciter for supplying excitation to the rotating field winding of a main generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of stator voltage control for an induction generator. Each phase of the induction generator stator is connected through a secondary coil of a transformer to a utility grid. A stator voltage control circuit is connected in parallel with a primary coil of the transformer. The stator voltage control circuit consists of an on/off switch device connected to a full wave rectifier comprised of four silicon diodes. A single pulse width modulation (PWM) control is utilized to control the on/off switch devices of each phase of the induction generator stator.

Abstract: Real and reactive power control for wind turbine generator systems. The technique described herein provides the potential to utilize the total capacity of a wind turbine generator system (e.g., a wind farm) to provide dynamic VAR (reactive power support). The VAR support provided by individual wind turbine generators in a system can be dynamically varied to suit application parameters.

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: An electric generator system for producing electric power from the environmental temperature changes such as occur during a normal summer day on Earth or Mars. In a preferred embodiment a phase-change mass is provided which partially or completely freezes during the relatively cold part of a cycle and partially or completely melts during the relatively hot part of the cycle. A thermoelectric module is positioned between the phase-change mass and the environment. The temperature of the phase-change mass remains relatively constant throughout the cycle. During the hot part of the cycle heat flows from the environment through the thermoelectric module into the phase change mass generating electric power which is stored in an electric power storage device such as a capacitor or battery. During the cold part of the cycle heat flows from the phase change mass back through the module and out to the environment also generating electric power that also is similarly stored.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine, such as an aircraft starter-generator, that includes an exciter that has its stator windings supplied with electrical power from a power supply. One or more switches are electrically coupled between the exciter stator winding and the power supply and are configured and controlled so that a capacitance may be selectively placed electrically in series with the exciter stator windings.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of operating a wind power installation having an electrical generator drivable by a rotor for delivering electrical power to an electrical network to which the wind power installation is connected. The invention further concerns a wind power installation comprising a rotor and an electrical generator coupled to the rotor for delivering electrical power to an electrical consumer, in particular an electrical network. The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-described problems when wind power installations are connected to the electrical network. A method of operating a wind power installation having a generator for delivering electrical power to an electrical network characterised in that the power delivered to the network by the generator is regulated or adjusted in dependence on the network frequency of the electrical network.

Abstract: A gas turbine generating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a gas turbine capable of a high-speed operation, a permanent-magnet-type generator driven at a high speed by the gas turbine, an inverter device (5) for converting alternating-current power generated by the generator into commercial alternating-current power, and a system-interconnection device (9) for interconnecting output of the inverter device to a commercial AC power supply system (10). The system-interconnection device controls the inverter device based on voltage of the commercial AC power supply system as a criterion such that output current of the inverter device is in phase with the voltage or out of phase with the voltage by a constant phase difference.

Abstract: A generator field regulator circuit communicates with a field winding of a Lundell machine and includes a first transistor. A second transistor has a source that communicates with a drain of the first transistor and a drain that communicates with one end of the field winding. A free-wheeling diode communicates with the drain of the first transistor and a source of the second transistor. An overvoltage detection circuit modulates a gate of the second transistor. A pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit modulates a gate of the first transistor to maintain generator rectified voltage at a nominal level. The overvoltage detection circuit outputs an overvoltage shutdown signal to the PWM circuit during a full-load dump mode to turn off the first transistor, which turns off the second transistor. The overvoltage shutdown signal is disabled when a terminal voltage of a generator falls below a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A variable speed system for use in systems, such as, for example, wind turbines, is described. The system comprises a wound rotor induction generator, a torque controller and a proportional, integral derivative (PID) pitch controller. The torque controller controls generator torque using field oriented control, and the PID controller performs pitch regulation based on generator rotor speed.

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine is disclosed comprising a turbine rotor that drives a doubly-fed induction generator, a matrix converter which converts variable frequency output into constant frequency output, and a control unit and a protection circuit for the matrix converter. Power is circulated in the system allowing for sensorless detection of rotor position and better output ratios of power from the system.

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier using scalar power control and dependent pitch control is disclosed. The variable speed turbine may include an electrical generator to provide power for a power grid and a power conversion system coupled to the electrical generator. The power conversion system may include at least one passive grid side rectifier. The power conversion system may provide power to the electrical generator using the passive grid side rectifier. The variable speed wind turbine may also use scaler power control to provide more precise control of electrical quantities on the power grid. The variable speed wind turbine may further use dependent pitch control to improve responsiveness of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A variable speed system for use in systems, such as, for example, wind turbines, is described. The system comprises a wound rotor induction generator, a torque controller and a proportional integral derivative (PID) pitch controller. The torque controller controls generator torque using field oriented control, and the PID controller performs pitch regulation based on generator rotor speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal power loss when the engine generator is supplying rated power to a load. A second path, a VSCF path, may be used to ensure that the frequency of the power is maintained at a substantially constant frequency under various load conditions. Another embodiment of the invention describes a process for determining optimal engine generator speed for a particular load. Because engine speed can be varied using any VSCF device, this process determines a speed that minimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution for a given load.

Abstract: A brushless AC/DC starter generator for use with aircraft engines, the starter generator capable of both providing motive force to start the engine, and generate AC and DC power for aircraft systems. The apparatus includes a main generator, an exciter generator, and a permanent magnet generator.

Abstract: A loop-type voltage regulating device, particularly for regulating a voltage of an automotive electric system that includes at least one thermal engine, a voltage regulator and an alternator operative to deliver a system regulated-voltage signal to and receive a regulation signal from the voltage regulator, the voltage regulating device including a control unit within the regulating loop, which unit is connected between the thermal engine and the voltage regulator and is adapted to supply the latter with a signal related to the engine operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a generator system connected to an electric power system in which the output frequency characteristic of the generator system is measured, a first phase angle and frequency of the measured frequency characteristic is estimated using a first phase locked loop having a first bandwidth, and a second phase angle and frequency of the measured frequency characteristic is estimated using a second phase locked loop having a second bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth. Further, the method calculates a frequency difference between the first and second estimated frequencies, and an angle variation that is proportional to the calculated frequency difference. The estimated second phase angle is then added to the calculated angle variation so as to form an output current phase angle reference, and an output current phase angle of the generator system is controlled to be aligned with the output current phase angle reference.

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: A method and apparatus for providing welding power from an engine/generator driven welding power supply includes an engine and a generator. A welding power supply is connected to the generator output, and provides welding power. A controller controls the apparatus, and receives an RPM input signal indicative of the engine RPM, and a user selected magnitude input. The controller includes an output reduction circuit that reduces the magnitude of the welding power by a variable amount in the event the engine is likely to stall, so as to reduce the likelihood of a stall, but maintain sufficient power for a welding arc. The magnitude of the welding power is reduced by an amount responsive to the engine speed in the event that the engine RPM is less than an RPM threshold, and/or by an amount responsive to the user selectable setting in the event that the user selectable setting is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: In an automobile electrical system having an alternator drivingly connected to a vehicle engine the alternator has a polyphase output winding producing a polyphase output in the form of a polyphase alternator voltage for each phase. A load dump apparatus and method for varying the output of the alternator employs a bridge coupled to the polyphase output winding and having a pair of direct voltage output terminals. The bridge has lower and upper switchable elements for each corresponding phase winding, the switchable elements are forward biased and connected in series across the output of the bridge and have a common or neutral input note connected to the corresponding phase winding. Each switchable element is controllable in accordance with a respective conduction signal applied thereto.

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: A device is provided for preventing high voltage from acting on a load driven by a bicycle dynamo. The device comprises a sensor circuit and a control circuit. The sensor circuit senses an operating signal derived from the dynamo, wherein the operating signal corresponds to a voltage generated by the dynamo. The sensor circuit also provides a control signal when the operating signal passes a threshold value. The control circuit is operatively coupled to the sensor circuit and is adapted to be coupled between the dynamo and the load to control the current delivered to the load in response to the control signal.

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

Abstract: A method and system of regulating an output voltage of a boiling water reactor nuclear reactor plant recirculation system motor generator are provided. The method includes sensing an alternator output voltage and transmitting an alternator output voltage signal to a voltage regulator circuit, sensing an alternator speed and transmitting an alternator speed signal to the voltage regulator circuit, comparing the alternator output voltage signal to the alternator speed signal with a volts per hertz divider network electrically coupled to the alternator output voltage sensing circuit and the alternator speed sensing device, adjusting a capacitive reactance of the voltage regulator with a lead compensation circuit electrically coupled in series with the volts per hertz divider network, and adjusting a current in a control winding of a saturable reactor.

Abstract: In an automobile electrical system having an alternator drivingly connected to a vehicle engine the alternator has a polyphase output winding producing a polyphase output in the form of a polyphase alternator voltage for each phase. A load dump apparatus and method for varying the output of the alternator employs a bridge coupled to the polyphase output winding and having a pair of direct voltage output terminals. The bridge has lower and upper switchable elements for each corresponding phase winding, the switchable elements are forward biased and connected in series across the output of the bridge and have a common or neutral input note connected to the corresponding phase winding. Each switchable element is controllable in accordance with a respective conduction signal applied thereto.

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: In a gas turbine system having first power converter converting power system N AC voltage to DC voltage, second power converter converting the DC voltage into AC voltage, generator connected to second power converter's AC output and rotated by turbine and turbine controller outputting a revolution speed command value omg* according to a fuel flow rate of the turbine, a detector for detects a revolution speed omg of the generator, another detector detects Vdc of the first converter, a speed regulator generats a DC voltage command value according to a difference between omg and omg*, a switchover unit selects either a preset DC voltage command value Vref or the DC voltage command value according to the revolution speed omg and a voltage regulator and a controller control first power converter conversion output according to a control signal for making Vdc coincide with Vdc*.

Abstract: A power electronic based DR (distributed resource e.g., a UPS (uninterrupted power supply), Fuel Cell or Microturbine) is controlled to emulate a voltage source behind an impedance and behave as a power system stabilizer. The impedance in the DR is emulated and an estimate of impedance at the power/electronic interface is derived and applied to the control of the DR in a manner wherein the power and voltage swings on systems (loads) that otherwise would have difficulty with dynamic loads, are stabilized. Damping and synchronizing power are provided measuring only voltage, current and frequency at the interface between the DR and the load. The DR may include some energy storage.

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: Two kinds of ac generators for vehicles that have different number of magnetic poles have a common controller for detecting rotation speed according to frequency of voltage induced in one of phase-windings. The controller includes a frequency-pulse conversion circuit for providing a pulse signal having a plurality of times as many frequencies as the voltage induced in the phase-winding. The frequency-pulse conversion circuit is formed on an IC chip so that the number of pulses of the pulse signal can be easily changed by modifying a portion of the IC chip to detect accurate rotation speed based on either one of the frequency of the voltage generated by the ac generators.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a thermodynamic cycle comprising: a sample having a ferromagnetic phase transition temperature; means to magnetise the sample above the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature of the sample; and means to cool the sample to a temperature that is below the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature thereof, wherein the demagnetisation of the sample whilst the sample is below the ferromagnetic phase transition temperature thereof causes the generation of an independent magnetic flux.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for producing electricity intended in particular to be stowed on board a vehicle or a container, including a three-phase alternator able to be driven in rotation at a variable speed by a thermal engine, a rectifier for generating a rectified current form the current delivered by the alternator and a voltage-booster chopper using the self-inductance of the alternator to step up the voltage. The alternator includes six or eight poles and operates with a switching frequency of preferably between 3 and 15 kHz.

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.