Abstract: A method of controlling a claw-pole synchronous machine with enhanced controllability without incurring additional expensiveness. Operation of the claw-pole synchronous machine is controlled through a vector control of an armature voltage and an armature current supplied from an inverter power source in combination with a field current control. When the claw-pole synchronous machine is operated as a generator, the field current is controlled on the basis of a demanded output power and rotation speed of the claw-pole synchronous machine while a field weakening control with the armature current (id) is performed by controlling magnitude and a phase difference angle (Ø) of the armature current (id).

Abstract: A power plant comprises at least one turbine (5) driven by a variable medium flow and an electric generator (4) driven by the turbine and the induced voltage of which being an unambiguous function of the number of revolutions of the turbine. The plant has also first members (12) for detecting the electric power generated by the generator, second members (11) for detecting the voltage on the output of the generator, means (10) adapted to compare the values detected for said power and voltage with an ideal relation predetermined for the generator between these two quantities and an arrangement (10) adapted to regulate the induced voltage of the generator and thereby the number of revolutions of the turbine so that said ideal relation between power and voltage is obtained.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a permanent magnet alternator that uses a boost mode controller to improve performance at low and high wind speeds. The boost mode controller also allows the permanent magnet alternator to be slowed so that the wind turbine can be stall controlled. A rectifier bridge circuit includes a power electronic switching device on each phase to selectively short the voltage on that phase. The duty cycle of the switching devices is controlled to give the desired wind turbine performance. The switching frequency of the power electronic switches is continuously modulated at low wind speeds in order to minimize tonal acoustic emissions. The controller simplifies the design of the wind turbine by accomplishing the necessary control functions without adding additional complexity to the wind turbine. This improves the cost-effectiveness of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A vehicle AC generator includes a pulley unit having a one-way clutch, a rotor having a plurality of magnetic poles, a field coil, a stator having a stator winding, a cycle period detecting unit and a signal unit. The pulley unit transmits one-way driving torque to the rotor and interrupts the rotor from the other driving torque. The angular acceleration detecting unit detects angular acceleration of the rotor when the one-way clutch idles the pulley. The signal unit transmitting a signal that indicates the angular acceleration to an outside device.

Abstract: A battery charging system is provided for an excellent engine starting. The battery charging system includes a generator control unit for controlling output voltage of the generator and a commanding unit for providing a command pulse signal. The generator control unit includes a command pulse signal's duty-ratio detecting circuit, a generator output power limiting circuit, a voltage regulator and an activation circuit for activating the output power limiting circuit when the duty-ratio falls within a predetermined ratio range.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the load dump voltage of a permanent magnet (PM) alternator having a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) bridge. The apparatus includes a voltage divider, a peak detector, and a comparator. The voltage divider attenuates the bridge output voltage, which is further fed through a peak detector to hold the peak value for improved stability. The comparator changes states when the bridge output exceeds a predetermined voltage level (e.g., 55 volts) that is less than the load dump threshold limit (e.g., 60 volts), but greater than the normal operating voltage (e.g., 42 volts). The comparator output change-in-state deactivates a gate pulse generator, thereby suppressing further operation of the SCR bridge. Voltage transients that may otherwise occur at the bridge output for the remainder portion of a half cycle from the PM alternator are clamped using a varistor or zener diode.

Abstract: The switched reluctance machine providing soft chopping in the output current controls the voltage across the phase winding. When the current through the phase winding in the generating mode reaches a first predetermined value, the voltage across the phase winding is reversed and as a result, the current through the phase winding decreases. When the phase winding current reaches a second value, the phase winding is shorted so that the current increases due to the positive back-EMF through the phase winding until the first predetermined value is again reached, at which time the voltage across the phase winding is again reversed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting synchronous generators against off-nominal frequency deviation and alternating forces excitation is provided. Particular application can be found with generators within a power generator plant integrated into a power transmission grid system. A electrical relay system is in operative association with an electrical signal representative of an actual frequency at which the generator is operating and to an electrical signal representative of an actual forcing amount at which the generator is operating. The relay system is adapted to respond to the actual frequency signal and the actual forcing signal such that the relay system compares the actual frequency signal with a predetermined desired frequency range and compares the actual forcing signal with at least one predetermined forcing amount, and selectively alarms the unit operator or trips the generator to an off-line mode depending upon the comparisons.

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: A generator structure is provided for generating an AC power for a load. The generator structure includes a generator connectable to a load and an engine operatively connected to the generator for driving the same. A generator controller is operatively connected to the engine for controlling operation thereof and operatively connected to a generator for controlling the AC power generated thereby. A communications link connects the generator control to a network.

Abstract: A power generation system (10) and associated methods to compensate for different power system output frequencies are provided. The system (10) preferably includes a turbine (12) having a turbine rotor (13) positioned to rotate at a preselected rotational frequency and a generator (20) positioned to generate a power system output current at a preselected power system frequency. The generator (20) preferably has a generator stator (22) and a generator rotor (25) positioned within the generator stator (22) to induce electromotive force to the generator stator (22). The generator rotor (25) preferably is coupled to the turbine rotor (13) and driven by the turbine rotor at substantially the same preselected rotational frequency.

Abstract: A power factor control apparatus comprises a target power factor setting section which sets a target power factor range of the plurality of power generators in a fixed cycle, a comparing section which compares a voltage of a bus with a predetermined voltage value range, a first control section which performs control, based on a result of the comparing section, to drop a voltage of at least one power generator whose power factor is the lowest, and raise a voltage of at least one power generator whose power factor is the highest, and a second control section which performs control of a voltage of a power generator, whose power factor is out of the target power factor range, such that the power factor thereof falls within the target power factor range.

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: The method for stabilizing the voltage of an AC generator with varying (alternating) rotor speed is characterized in that the voltage generated by an AC generator is maintained constant when the rotor speed changes. The control is carried out without the use of electrical contacts by means of a high-frequency pulse generator. The transformer of the high-frequency pulse generator is divided. The rotating part is provided on the rotor axis and the other part is stationary outside the rotor. Both parts are separated by an air gap. Deviations from a preset output voltage are controlling the pulse generator whose pulses are transmitted by the transformer to the power section of the rotor. The complete power section consisting of the coil and the electronic switch is arranged on the rotor so as to transmit only control currents without physical contact.

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: A vehicle alternator control device has a power transistor, a flywheel diode, a voltage control circuit, a primary power supply circuit, and a secondary power supply circuit. When the alternator starts rotation, the secondary power supply circuit drives the primary power supply circuit when the alternator speed reaches a frequency equivalent to a speed higher than an engine idling speed. When the engine stops and the speed of the alternator drops, the secondary power supply circuit stops the primary power supply circuit when the alternator speed reaches a frequency equivalent to a speed below the engine idling speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting synchronous generators against off-nominal frequency deviation and alternating forces excitation is provided. Particular application can be found with generators within a power generator plant integrated into a power transmission grid system. A electrical relay system is in operative association with an electrical signal representative of an actual frequency at which the generator is operating and to an electrical signal representative of an actual forcing amount at which the generator is operating. The relay system is adapted to respond to the actual frequency signal and the actual forcing signal such that the relay system compares the actual frequency signal with a predetermined desired frequency range and compares the actual forcing signal with at least one predetermined forcing amount, and selectively alarms the unit operator or trips the generator to an off-line mode depending upon the comparisons.

Abstract: Several sets of magnetic sensors are provided in a magneto motor to sense rotary pole variation of the rotor magnet. One set of magnetic sensors lets the stator portion and the rotor portion generate armature reaction of stronger magnetic flux density, and another set of magnetic sensors corresponds to rotary pole variation of the permanent magnet of the rotor portion in advance to let the motor generate weak magnetic control phenomenon so that the stator portion and the rotor portion generate armature reaction of weaker magnetic flux density. The torsion coefficient KT will decrease to increase the rotation speed of the rotor portion. A motor can be designed to have a larger KT. When the motor needs to operate at higher rotation speeds, a magnetic detection selection circuit will output a detection output signal letting the motor generate a lower KT to increase the rotation speed of the magneto motor.

Abstract: The performance of a generator is improved in a higher range of the output by correcting a decrease in the average direct current voltage supplied to an inverter. An average calculator calculates an average of direct current voltage inputs to the inverter for comparing with a target voltage (level) VDC. When it is judged by an average voltage deviation detector that the average is smaller by a specific amount than the target voltage level, the target voltage level is increased by an adjusting unit. A conductor angle setting unit determines the conduction angle of thyristors to change the voltage input of the inverter to an adjusted target voltage level VDCm. A thyristor drive circuit controls the conduction of the thyristors in the converter according to the conduction angle.

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: Disclosed is a control system for a variable frequency generator including a main stator winding for providing a generator output, excited by a main rotor winding, and a main exciter rotor winding for energizing the main rotor winding, excited by a main exciter field winding. The control system includes: a plurality of inputs adapted to receive respective signals corresponding to respective generator operating parameters; an output adapted to drive the main exciter field winding; and a plurality of negative feedback loops between the output and the inputs. Each loop includes a respective stability compensation network operable to process a feedback signal corresponding to one of the generator operating parameters.

Abstract: The generator includes an asynchronous machine with a wound rotor driven mechanically and a stator connected to the network. The rotor is excited by a constant DC voltage source via an inverter controlled by a pulse width modulation control circuit. In accordance with the invention, the following are generated: a stator frequency set point, a rotor frequency set point which is a function of the stator frequency set point and the rotation speed of the machine, an rms stator voltage set point, an error signal which is a function of the difference between the rms stator voltage set point and the actual rms stator voltage. A rotor voltage set point is imposed on the control circuit which is a function of the error signal and the rotor frequency set point.

Abstract: The method for stabilizing the voltage of an AC generator with varying (alternating) rotor speed is characterized in that the voltage generated by an AC generator is maintained constant when the rotor speed changes. The control is carried out without the use of electrical contacts by means of a high-frequency pulse generator. The transformer of the high-frequency pulse generator is divided. The rotating part is provided on the rotor axis and the other part is stationary outside the rotor. Both parts are separated by an air gap. Deviations from a preset output voltage are controlling the pulse generator whose pulses are transmitted by the transformer to the power section of the rotor. The complete power section consisting of the coil and the electronic switch is arranged on the rotor so as to transmit only control currents without physical contact.

Abstract: An improved motor vehicle electrical system includes a flexible topology DC-to-DC converter for coupling an engine-driven alternator to vehicle electrical loads at a mode-dependent transfer ratio. The output voltage of the alternator is regulated based the load voltage, and the converter is operable in one of a number of different modes based on engine speed, including a forward boost mode, a forward unity mode, and a forward buck mode. In the forward boost mode, the converter output voltage is boosted above that of the alternator to enable battery charging at low engine speeds; in the forward unity mode, the alternator output voltage is transferred to the battery and electrical loads at a unity transfer ratio; and in the forward buck mode, the converter output voltage is reduced below that of the alternator to enhance the alternator power output at medium-to-high engine speeds.

Abstract: Shift means shifts a rotation speed range to a low rotation speed side based on an electricity amount related to rotation speed. In the rotation speed range, driving torque of a generator is suddenly changes as a result of an increase of duty ratio of a switch due to a shortage of generation capacity caused by a reduction of a rotation speed of a vehicle alternator. Preferably, the shift means shifts the rotation speed range to the low rotation speed side by changing the adjust voltage based on the electricity amount related to rotation speed while the rotation speed is reduced.

Abstract: A control voltage is set to an acceleration control voltage which is higher than a battery voltage V by a predetermined voltage difference &Dgr;V1 within a range and delayed by a predetermined time &Dgr;T1 during acceleration at low speeds. During acceleration at low speeds, the rotational speed is less than a predetermined value and the rate of increase in rotational speed is equal to or greater than another predetermined value. The range of voltage is higher than battery voltage V and lower than the steady state control voltage of 14.5V.

Abstract: A vehicular AC generator comprises a resistor for ground one-phase output terminal in an armature coil, a switch for connecting and disconnecting at least one-phase output terminal out of the other phases of the armature coil to and from the ground, and a control unit for controlling the switch. The switch is controlled ON and OFF in accordance with a voltage generated across the resistor. According to this configuration, in the event of occurrence of leakage current in the armature coil, the occurrence of the leakage current is detected based on the voltage generated across the resistor and the switch is closed, whereby the leakage current is allowed to escape to ground and an actual signal from the resistor is detected easily.

Abstract: A method of controlling a claw-pole synchronous machine with enhanced controllability without incurring additional expensiveness. Operation of the claw-pole synchronous machine is controlled through a vector control of an armature voltage and an armature current supplied from an inverter power source in combination with a field current control. When the claw-pole synchronous machine is operated as a generator, the field current is controlled on the basis of a demanded output power and rotation speed of the claw-pole synchronous machine while a field weakening control with the armature current (id) is performed by controlling magnitude and a phase difference angle (Ø) of the armature current (id).

Abstract: An electrical system for a turbine/alternator comprising a gas driven turbine and permanent magnet alternator rotating on a common shaft comprises an inverter circuit connectable either to an AC output circuit or the stator winding of the alternator. A control circuit during a startup mode switches the inverter circuit to the stator winding of the alternator and during a power out mode switches the inverter circuit to the AC output circuit. Thus, during the startup mode, the alternator functions as a motor to raise the speed of the turbine to a safe ignition speed and in the power out mode the electrical system outputs to the AC output circuit, electrical power having a frequency unrelated to the rotational speed of the alternator.

Abstract: A device for regulating the voltage at which an automobile battery is charged by an alternator, having a control circuit and a power circuit, as well as an external management unit connected to the control circuit in order to transmit different regulation parameters to it, the power circuit also being connected to the external management unit and including means enabling it to generate by itself an excitation signal when the management unit delivers a control signal, the control circuit being activated to emit an excitation signal only when it detects the start of rotation of the alternator.

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: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes a mechanical energy source; a generator for converting mechanical energy transmitted through a train wheel to electrical energy. A rotation controller coupled to the generator controls rotation of the generator and includes switch capable of short circuiting the generator by intermittently activating and deactivating the switch using chopper control.

Abstract: An alternator system having an ac machine includes a switched-mode rectifier operating at a duty cycle selected based upon at least one of the emf, frequency or speed of operation of the ac machine. The switched-mode rectifier operates such that the alternator system provides a load match which results in output power levels which are relatively high compared with output power levels of conventional alternator systems.

Abstract: An inductor-alternator provides highly efficient conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The inductor-alternator produces increased output by providing armature coils in a single air gap formed between two halves of a toothed rotor. In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within the rotating rotor. Airgap armature coils are mounted with the field coils to form a stationary assembly that is placed within the single air gap in the rotor so that the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the armature coils. The rotor and stationary assembly are mounted in a housing by bolts that may also be used as terminals for the armature coils to reduce assembly complexity and production cost. The combined assembly provides high energy and power density because tip speed of the rotor is maximized and the use of air gaps is minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure of connecting a polyphased asynchronous generator on a polyphased alternating voltage network. The connecting is carried out by means of an adjustable, electronic connecting based on thyristors or similar variable (adjustable) connecting items, the connecting degree of which is varied during a controlled connecting course, which is controlled in consideration of the wish of a “soft” connecting on the network and a limitation of the maximum amperage during the connecting course. During the whole connecting course a continuous determination of the generator phase angle &phgr; is carried out, and on basis of this determination a continuous adjustment of thyristors—the aperture angle is carried out, thus the aimed, successive load connection of the generator on the network (soft-connecting) is obtained.

Abstract: A control voltage is set to an acceleration control voltage which is higher than a battery voltage V by a predetermined voltage difference &Dgr;V1 within a range and delayed by a predetermined time &Dgr;T1 during acceleration at low speeds. During acceleration at low speeds, the rotational speed is less than a predetermined value and the rate of increase in rotational speed is equal to or greater than another predetermined value. The range of voltage is higher than battery voltage V and lower than the steady state control voltage of 14.5V.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a permanent magnet synchronous motor (8) coupled to a turbo engine such that transient current and steady state current are minimized. The method comprises the steps of, for a given DC bus voltage, determining an acceleration profile as a function of a voltage-offset value, a low-speed rated speed value, a high-speed rated speed value, a first desired speed for warming up the turbo engine, and a second desired speed where the turbo engine has sufficient torque to accelerate to its rated speed without the aid of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (8).

Abstract: A method for regulating a generator is described in which the rectified output voltage furnished by the generator is converted, under certain preconditions, with the aid of a direct voltage converter. The generator can be operated either in a free operating mode or a regulated operating mode. If the generator voltage output in the particular operating state is not equivalent to the on-board electrical voltage, then the generator voltage is either raised or lowered with the aid of the voltage converter. The selection of the generator operating mode is done as a function of rpm or voltage, in such a way that the available generator power or energy conversion efficiency is as high as possible.

Abstract: Energy from a naturally recurring source of variable mechanical energy is captured and transmitted to an electrical generator causing it to rotate at speeds proportional to the amount of energy captured. The output voltage produced by the generator is a function of the rotational speed imparted to the generator and a load impedance which is coupled via controllable switching circuitry to the generator output. The effective load impedance is varied and controlled by means of a control mechanism responsive to the rotational speed of the generator and the output voltage of the generator which selectively turns the controllable switching circuitry on and off.

Abstract: An arrangement including an AC generator 1 whose output voltage is regulated with a control quantity for a field current flowing through a field coil 102 of the AC generator, a switching element 308 for performing on/off-control of the field current flowing through the field coil 102 with a predetermined duty ratio, a voltage detecting means 305 for detecting an output voltage of the AC generator 1, and a gradually increasing control means 4A for increasing gradually a conducting rate by increasing gradually the duty ratio in dependence on the detected output voltage, and a rotation speed detecting means 13 for detecting a rotation speed of the generator 1, wherein the gradually increasing control means 4A is designed to increase the gradually increasing rate of the duty ratio in conformance with increasing of the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detecting means 13.

Abstract: A device for voltage regulation for a generator driven by an internal combustion engine is described in which the voltage regulator is equipped with a load response travel function (LRF), which prevents a rapid rise in the exciting current when a powerful electric consumer is turned on. By means of a suitable trigger circuit which evaluates the engine rpm and thus the generator rpm, the load response travel function is blocked during travel when rpm values are falling, so that in this case, the voltage incursions that occur during an active load-response function are maximally averted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to deliver an output signal indicative of engine rotational speed and/or generator rotational speed. The output signal preferably is delivered to, or developed internally and used by, a voltage regulator. The output signal can be generated based on a ripple on a positive voltage input to the voltage regulator from a generator. A charging system containing such a voltage regulator and/or apparatus also is provided. Use of this apparatus and method advantageously circumvents the need for a separate connection between one or more phases of the generator (e.g., taken from an AC input to a bridge rectifier of the generator) and the voltage regulator, which connection typically was heretofore required by voltage regulators that are load-responsive or otherwise operate in a manner dependent upon the rotational speed of the generator and/or engine.

Abstract: The electronic circuit allows the control or regulation of the speed of rotation of a microgenerator (1) in a watch movement. It comprises two inputs (G−, G+) connected to said microgenerator, a quartz oscillator (3, 4), an energy-dissipation circuit,(9) for braking said microgenerator, energy-dissipation control means (5, 6, 7, 30, 31) for controlling the energy dissipation of the energy-dissipation circuit as a function of the frequency difference between the signal coming from the quartz oscillator and the signal coming from said microgenerator, and a rectifier and voltage-transformer (2) for rectifying and multiplying the signal coming from said microgenerator, with at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) charged by said microgenerator via at least one switch (17, 18, 19). The momentary energy dissipation of the braking circuit can further be reduced when the capacitors are charged.

Abstract: The electronic circuit allows the control or regulation of the speed of rotation of a microgenerator (1) in a watch movement. The electronic circuit includes two inputs (G−, G+) connected to said microgenerator, a quartz oscillator (3, 4), an energy-dissipation circuit (9) for braking said microgenerator, energy dissipation control means (5, 6, 7, 30, 31) for controlling the energy dissipation of the energy-dissipation circuit as a function of the frequency difference between the signal coming from the quartz oscillator and the signal coming from said microgenerator, and a rectifier and voltage-transformer (2) for rectifying and multiplying the signal coming from said microgenerator, with at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) charged by said microgenerator via at least one switch (17, 18, 19). The momentary energy dissipation of the braking circuit can further be reduced when the capacitors are charged.

Abstract: An AC generator whose field winding (4) on the rotor is excited by AC so that the resultant speed of the rotating field is the algebraic sum of the rotor speed and the speed of the field relative to the rotor itself. This makes it possible to generate AC at a frequency different from that of conventional DC excited generators by the appropriate choice of the frequency of the AC input to the rotor field circuit. It enables the stabilization of the output frequency of the alternator when speed changes occur, by the adjustment of the AC frequency of the rotor input. The AC fed to the rotor is from an auxiliary winding (3) which may be housed on the rotor itself, thereby eliminating the need for any brushes or slip rings. The AC is induced in the auxiliary rotor winding by having an auxiliary winding on the stator (2), distinct from the main stator winding (1). The input to the stator auxiliary winding may be from an inverter (5) whose frequency may be adjustable.

Abstract: An alternator regulator controls both output voltage and output current, limits input drive power and torque, and maintains output power within a prescribed range while operating over a wide ambient temperature range and shaft speed range. Voltage, shaft speed, and temperature signals are monitored, and the results are processed to determine the output current and to control the output power without exceeding the programmed limits for output voltage, output current, temperature, output power, drive power, torque, and shaft speed. This provides a predictable output power characteristic for the alternator and it eliminates high input drive power and torque excursions that occur at low temperature and certain shaft speeds. If programmed limits are exceeded over a specified interval, and the alternator does not respond to the control changes imposed by the regulator, the regulator will turn off the alternator's field current, activate an alarm circuit, and set fault codes.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting a peak voltage of a generator provides an auxiliary winding within the stationary exciter filed magnetic structure. The auxiliary winding is coupled to a controllable current source that provides a current to the auxiliary winding based upon an operating speed of the generator. The current flow is effective for moving the quiescent flux bias point of the exciter field magnetic structure for limiting the peak voltage for any operating speed of the generator.

Abstract: A rotary induction machine in which operating characteristics of the machine are controlled by adding impedance elements to the rotor windings in which the impedance elements are stationary and connected to the rotor windings by a rotary transformer.

Abstract: A power generator system, including an inductive generator for producing a generator electrical signal. The inductive generator contains electrically conductive stator field coil windings and an electrically conductive ferromagnetic disk-shaped rotor. The inductive generator is configured for under-the-hood installation and includes an input crankshaft for being externally driven by a motor vehicle engine. The generator is electrically coupled to an electronic control unit which responds to amplitude and frequency variation of the electrical signal, due to fluctuations in vehicle engine speed, and produces an output power signal having substantially constant voltage, substantially constant frequency, and at least one phase.