Power Transmitting Mechanism Control Patents (Class 322/40)
  • Patent number: 11967918
    Abstract: The present application provides a method and device for controlling a generator-side terminal voltage of a converter, and a controller of the converter. The method includes: determining an upper limit of the generator-side terminal voltage based on a present voltage value of a direct-current (DC) bus of the converter, where the generator-side terminal voltage is a voltage of an output terminal of a generator, and the output terminal is connected to the converter; determining an optimal value of the generator-side terminal voltage that minimizes a present value of a generator-side current, where the generator-side current is a current of the output terminal of the generator; setting a target value of the generator-side terminal voltage based on the upper limit and the optimal value of the generator-side terminal voltage. The target value includes a control reference value of the generator-side terminal voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: GOLDWIND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinpeng Wang, Rui Guo, Liangnian Lv
  • Patent number: 11060587
    Abstract: A variable-speed speed-up mechanism (1) includes an electric device (50) and a transmission device (10). In the transmission (10), an internal gear carrier shaft (37) forms a constant-speed input shaft (Ac), and a planetary gear carrier shaft (27) forms a variable-speed input shaft (Av). The electric device (50) includes a constant-speed electric motor (51) having a constant-speed rotor (52) which is configured to rotate the constant-speed input shaft (Ac), and a variable-speed electric motor (71) having a variable-speed rotor (72) which is connected to the variable-speed input shaft (Ac). The variable-speed speed-up mechanism (1) further includes a brake mechanism (200) which is configured to detect an abnormal state of the variable-speed electric motor (71), stop the rotation of at least one of the variable-speed input shaft (Ac) and the variable-speed rotor (72), and continue the rotation of the constant-speed rotor (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10946853
    Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles to prevent a reduction in a brake force when an electrical input to a battery is restricted. A controller is configured to execute a regeneration control to deliver a regenerative torque resulting from operating second motor as a generator to the drive wheels, and an engine brake control to deliver a brake torque resulting from a power loss of an engine to the output member. The controller is further configured to select an HV-Lo mode when an input power allowed to accumulate in the battery is smaller than a threshold power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuma Aoki, Tatsuya Imamura, Yasuhiro Oshiumi, Yukari Okamura
  • Patent number: 10941755
    Abstract: A system for efficiently capturing the kinetic and/or potential energy of a moving vehicle includes an arc roller configured to move along an arcuate path upon impact by the moving vehicle, and a torsional spring configured to wind in response to the movement of the speed bump and, thereby, to store energy associated with the impact. The torsional spring may be configured to wind continually in response to the movement of another speed bump and, thereby, to store additional energy associated with the impact of the vehicle with the other speed bump. The system may include alternators or generators producing electricity from energy released from unwinding of the torsional spring. Electricity is further stored and utilized for onboard computing, traffic analytics, safety feature operating functions and communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Constructis Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James Leo Nigg
  • Patent number: 10239536
    Abstract: A vehicle control device for a vehicle including an engine used as a power source and an automatic transmission, the vehicle control device performing a first running mode in which a shift control of the automatic transmission and a drive force control are provided according to a driver's acceleration/deceleration operation and a second running mode in which the shift control and the drive force control are provided without the acceleration/deceleration operation while a target running state is set, comprising: a slope-road running control portion configured to control the automatic transmission such that an engine rotation speed is kept high during slope-road running on at least one of an uphill road and a downhill road as compared to flat-road running, the slope-road running control portion limiting an increase amount of the engine rotation speed in the second running mode as compared to the first running mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromasa Tatsushiro, Kenta Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 9287753
    Abstract: An electrical generator system configured to convert an external actuation force applied by a vehicle traveling on a roadway into electrical energy is disclosed herein. The electrical generator system includes at least one electrical generator apparatus and a maintenance access assembly disposed adjacent to the at least one electrical generator apparatus. The maintenance access assembly includes a plurality of bounding walls defining a maintenance passageway for gaining service access to the at least one electrical generator apparatus. The maintenance access assembly further includes an access manhole disposed in an upper one of the plurality of bounding walls and above the maintenance passageway so as to facilitate access to the maintenance passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Shihzong Jang
  • Patent number: 9160266
    Abstract: A method for damping torsional oscillations in a power production plant includes a drive train, a rotor fitted to a rotor-side end of the drive train, and a generator driven via the drive train and fitted to a generator-side end of the drive train. By using at least one angular position of the drive train at the generator-side end thereof, a torsional moment acting on the drive train is determined and used to control the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Vath, Tobias Herrmann, Hanno Saettler
  • Patent number: 9150218
    Abstract: A mechanism and the like configured to reduce a shock involved in the connection of the engine is made no longer necessary for a hybrid vehicle, and an increase in the number of parts of the hybrid vehicle is inhibited. A clutch is connected between an electric motor and an engine in a case where a difference between a current engine speed and a target engine speed is not greater than a first predetermined value. The absolute value of a difference between the current engine speed and a moving average value of the engine speed at intervals of a predetermined length of time is not greater than a second predetermined value which is used for a settling judgment. The engine speed shows a predetermined inclination representing a decreasing trend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Makabe, Yoshiki Tatsutomi
  • Patent number: 9054629
    Abstract: A torsional mode damping controller system is connected to a converter that drives an electrical machine mechanically connected to a train. The controller system includes an input interface configured to receive measured data related to variables of the converter or the electrical machine, and a controller connected to the input interface. The controller calculates at least one dynamic torque component along a section of a shaft of the train based on the data from the input interface, generates control data for the converter for damping a torsional oscillation in the mechanical drive train based on the at least one dynamic torque component, and sends the control data to the converter for modulating an active power exchanged between the converter and the electrical machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.P.A.
    Inventors: Simon Herbert Schramm, Johannes Huber, Christof Martin Sihler, Sergio De Franciscis
  • Publication number: 20150102784
    Abstract: A power transmission control apparatus is for use with a vehicle that includes a power generator. The device includes a switching unit and a positioning unit. The switching unit includes an electric driving mechanism and an outer shell. The electric driving mechanism includes an. electric motor and a gear assembly. The positioning unit includes a position limiting member and an engaging portion that has first and second engaging ends. One gear of the gear assembly is driven by the electric motor to rotate between a non-supplying position, where the position limiting member engages the first engaging end and where the power generator cannot work, and a supplying position, where the position limiting member engages the second engaging end and where the power generator can work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: CHUN-KAI WANG, CHAO-CHANG HO
  • Patent number: 9002761
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for automatically adapting power grid usage by controlling internal and/or external power-related assets of one or more users in response to power regulation and/or frequency regulation functions in a manner beneficial to both the power grid itself and the users of the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Rey Montalvo
  • Publication number: 20140035287
    Abstract: The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of wind power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for an RPM controlled power generation system utilizing perhaps multiple generators coupled through a radius adjustable coupler to at least one rotational movement element. This coupled connection may be static or dynamically adjustable across the surface of the rotational movement element so as to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator rotation(s) per minute (RPM) according to the varying rotational velocity along the radius of the rotational movement element. In some embodiments such coupled generators may be controlled through the implementation of a variety of novel RPM adjusting applications directed to system elements so as to increase electrical output yield while maintaining a constant or near constant generator rotation(s) per minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Airgenesis LLC
    Inventor: Danny J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140009125
    Abstract: An integrated drive generator includes a housing having generator. Center and input housing portions are secured to one another. The center housing portion is sealed relative to the generator input housing portion with seal plates. A hydraulic unit is mounted to the center housing portion. The center housing portion includes first and second parallel surfaces. A machined surface is parallel to and recessed into one of the first and second surfaces in an area of the hydraulic unit. A method of assembling an integrated drive generator includes the steps of providing a bore in a center housing portion, pressing a bearing liner into the bore, with a portion of the bearing liner extending proud of a surface of the center plate, and machining the surface around and adjacent to the bearing liner to provide a machined surface parallel to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Henry R. Vanderzyden, Jonathan C. Dell
  • Publication number: 20140009126
    Abstract: An integrated drive generator includes a pump plate having first and second parallel faces defining a first thickness. A passage extends between the first and second faces through the pump plate. Webbing is provided in the passage having a second thickness less than the first thickness. The webbing provides a first volume and the passage provides a second volume. A ratio of the second volume to the first volume is 20.8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Henry R. Vanderzyden, Jonathan C. Dell
  • Publication number: 20130307493
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a power generating apparatus of renewable energy type which obtains desired torque rapidly in response to changes of the renewable energy as well as a method of operation such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Ichinose, Kazuhisa Tsutsumi, Masayuki Shimizu, Niall Caldwell, Daniil Dumnov, William Rampen, Stephen Laird, Venkata Pappala
  • Publication number: 20130106367
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement for transmitting power from a power source to an electrical generator. The transmission arrangement comprises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an alternative transmission that is more efficient at transmitting power than the CVT. The transmission arrangement further comprises a power mixing mechanism for combining power from the CVT and the alternative transmission into a combined power output to be provided to the electrical generator. The percentage of CVT power within the combined power output decreases as the power supplied by the power source increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TRANSMISSION CVTCORP INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Beaudoin, Jean-Robert Desmeules
  • Publication number: 20130009612
    Abstract: A wind turbine generator, or other energy extraction device, has a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump driven by a rotating shaft and a hydraulic motor driving an electricity generator. When the electricity generator is switched off, it executes one or more pumping cycles to pressurise the high pressure manifold and therefore recover angular kinetic energy from the electricity generator rotor which can later be used to reaccelerate the electricity generator rotor to the correct operating speed for an electricity grid. Overall energy efficiency is increased and the minimum operating high pressure manifold pressure may be reduced as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Niall Caldwell, Daniil Dumnov, Michael Fielding, Stephen Laird, Uwe Stein, Jamie Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120319661
    Abstract: An electrical generation system, including: a differential gearbox having an output drive, an input drive and a third drive which can be driven by or drive a load in use; a generator connected to and drivable by the output drive of the differential gearbox; a variable speed primary power source connected to the input drive of the differential gearbox; a regulating electrical machine which is operable as a motor and a generator connected to the third drive of the differential gearbox; at least one switch through which power is supplied to the electrical machine from the electrical output of the generator; and, a control system which monitors the electrical condition of the generator output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Gareth E. MOORE, Stephen J. MOUNTAIN, Robert W. SLATER
  • Patent number: 8203316
    Abstract: A generator rotor torsional damper system includes a prime mover for generating rotational force, a generator stator, a generator rotor rotatably supported relative to the generator stator and configured to receive a rotational force input from the prime mover, a flywheel rotationally supported relative to the generator rotor by bearings, and an eddy current coupling operably connected between the flywheel and the generator rotor such that rotation of the generator rotor induces rotation of the flywheel in a common rotational direction through engagement by the eddy current coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120112710
    Abstract: The present application relates to an electric machine to regulate the rotational work output speed from an Infinitely Variable Transmission, hereafter noted as IVT, or a Continuously Variable Transmission, hereafter noted as CVT. This application to regulate the work output rotational speed from an IVT or CVT by creating electrical energy may, for explanatory purposes, apply to mechanical gear boxes where it is possible, while holding the input rotational speed constant, to change the work output rotational speed by changing the rotational speed and/or direction of a second rotating shaft. It may, for explanatory purposes, apply to gear boxes using planetary gear sets where the work output rotational speed can be regulated, while holding the input rotational speed constant, by regulating the rotational speed and/or direction of a ring gear. These descriptions are not to limit the scope of this application, but to provide the reader with a sense of what is intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Ross George Haldeman
  • Publication number: 20120049807
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy generating installation, especially a wind power station, comprising a drive shaft connected to a rotor (1), a generator (8) and a differential transmission (11 to 13) provided with three drives or outputs. A first drive is connected to the drive shaft, an output is connected to a generator (8), and a second drive is connected to an electrical differential drive (6, 14). The differential drive (6, 14) is connected to a network (10) by means of a frequency converter (7, 15) comprising an electrical energy accumulator in the direct-current intermediate circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Hehenberger
  • Publication number: 20120032443
    Abstract: An energy generating installation, especially a wind power station, includes a drive shaft connected to a rotor (1), a generator (8) and a differential transmission (11 to 13) provided with three drives or outputs. A first drive is connected to the drive shaft, an output is connected to a generator (8), and a second drive is connected to an electrical differential drive (6, 14). The differential drive (6, 14) is connected to a network (10) via a frequency converter (7, 15), the blind current of the frequency converter (7, 15) being regulatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Hehenberger
  • Publication number: 20120025527
    Abstract: A system to provide constant speed mechanical output in a wind turbine is provided. The system includes at least one electrical machine configured to convert a rotary mechanical power received from a main gear to a machine electrical power. The system further includes one or more electrical converters electrically coupled to the machine and configured to convert the machine electrical power from a direct current (DC) power to an alternate current (AC) power or from the alternate current (AC) power to the direct current (DC) power, where the converters generate a differential electrical power. A torque converter is electrically coupled to the electrical converters and generates a constant speed mechanical output employing the differential electrical power received from the one or more electrical converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jan Erich Hemmelmann, Michal-Wolfgang Waszak
  • Publication number: 20120001439
    Abstract: A system for converting wind power to electrical power comprising a transmission module with multiple power flows to an output and a first generator coupled to the output, wherein the first generator operates at substantially constant speed for the multiple power flows. A method is also disclosed that operates a system that converts wind power to electrical power utilizing a transmission module and comprises the steps of operating the transmission module with a first power flow to an output coupled to a generator, and operating the transmission module with a second power flow to the output coupled to the generator, wherein the generator operates at substantially constant speed for the first and second power flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Bernard Joseph Simon
  • Publication number: 20110248565
    Abstract: A method for providing dynamic load sharing between a first and a second three phase system is disclosed, wherein the first and second three phase system are connected to a first and second three phase interleaved winding in a generator. The method comprises determining a first q-axis control signal for the first three phase system and a second q-axis control signal for the second three phase system based on a torque and/or power demand for the generator, determining a first d-axis control signal for the first three phase system and a second d-axis control signal for the second three phase system based on a coupling effect between the first and second three phase systems, and adjusting the q-axis control signals and d-axis control signals by including at least one feed forward compensation signal, wherein said at least one feed forward compensation signal is based on a coupling effect between the first and second three phase systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Lars Helle, Kim B. Larsen, Anshuman Tripathi, Shu Yu Cao
  • Publication number: 20110234179
    Abstract: A differential gear for an energy production plant, in particular for a wind power plant, has three drives and three power take-offs, whereby a first drive is connected to a drive shaft of the energy production plant, a power take-off is connected to a generator (8), and a second drive is connected to an electric machine (6) as a differential drive. The first drive that is connected to the drive shaft rotates at a basic speed. The speed range of the first drive is at least ?/+6.0% and at most ?/+20.0% of the basic speed, while the electric machine (6) is operated at nominal speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald Hehenberger
  • Patent number: 8008896
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakada, Toshio Inoue
  • Patent number: 7973517
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Nakajima, Masato Mori
  • Publication number: 20100264885
    Abstract: A power generating system includes a main engine operated over a range of speeds, an electric generator, and a hydrostatic transmission drivably connecting the engine with the generator to drive the generator at a desired speed. The hydrostatic transmission includes one or more variable pumps. A controller monitors the pump pressure and the generator frequency. The pressure set point is used with the monitored pressure to control the pump output. The pressure set point varies with the generator load, and is adjusted based on the deviation of the generator frequency from a predetermined desired electric power frequency. When multiple pumps are used to drive the motor, the pumps are operated sequentially such that all except one pump is either off or at maximum output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GEN-TECH LLC
    Inventors: Odd A. Olsen, Erling A. Skaar
  • Publication number: 20100097040
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump connectable to a power source, a hydraulic motor, a fluid circuit, a pump displacement control, and a controller. The pump has an inlet for receiving fluid, an outlet for discharging pressurized fluid, and a pump displacement input. The motor has an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid and an outlet for discharging spent fluid. The fluid circuit includes a supply conduit for conducting fluid discharged by the pump to the motor and a return conduit for returning fluid discharged by the motor to the pump. The pump displacement control cooperates with the pump displacement input to vary pump displacement. The controller communicates with the pump displacement control to control the pump output such that the motor is driven at a constant speed to thereby drive a generator connected to the motor at a constant speed despite speed fluctuations of the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: NARTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario P. Boisvert, Thomas Kienitz, John M. Washeleski, Andrew Blank
  • Publication number: 20100097038
    Abstract: Electronic control for a hydraulic system to drive an auxiliary power source is provided, with an application as a system for controlling the operation of a hydraulically driven AC generator. The system includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivably connected to the generator, and a fluid circuit for circulating fluid from the pump to the motor and back. The feedback circuit contains a feedback conduit to feedback the motor. The system also includes a proportional servo control valve assembly for controlling the fluid conduits and a control circuit for controlling the control valve assembly to thereby control the flow of fluid to the motor. Sensors for measuring the operating parameters of the system and an operator interface module are both able to influence the operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: NARTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario P. Boisvert, Thomas Kienitz, John M. Washeleski
  • Patent number: 7664577
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a control apparatus for an electric generator includes a power generation cost determiner determining a power generation cost of the generator, a threshold determiner determining a threshold of power generation cost as a function of a state of charge of an electric energy storage device, a comparator comparing the power generation cost of the generator with the threshold, and a controller. When the power generation cost of the generator is lower than the threshold, the controller controls the generator to generate an increased amount of electric power, so as to both charge the electric energy storage device and feed an electrical load. Otherwise, when the power generation cost of the generator is higher than the threshold, the controller controls the generator to generate a decreased amount of electric power, so as to allow the electric energy storage device to discharge to feed the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, Takeshi Shimoyama, Katsunori Tanaka, Akira Kato
  • Publication number: 20100033142
    Abstract: An electromechanical generator comprising an electromechanical device for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical device being a velocity damped resonator having a damping coefficient and a resonant frequency, a power detector for detecting the output electrical power from the electromechanical device, a controller, and a damping coefficient adjuster for adjusting the damping coefficient of the electromechanical device, the controller being arranged to control the damping coefficient adjuster in response to the output electrical power detected by the power detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: PERPETUUM LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen Roberts, Roy Freeland
  • Publication number: 20090320461
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to operate the working machine etc. with satisfactory responsiveness as intended by the operator while enhancing engine efficiency, pump efficiency, and the like, where a first engine target revolution ncom1 adapted to a current pump target discharge flow rate Qsum is set, and when determined that the current pump target discharge flow rate Qsum is greater than a predetermined flow rate (10 (L/min)), a revolution nM (e.g., 1400 rpm) greater than an engine low idle revolution nL is set as a second engine target revolution ncom2 determining that operation levers 41 to 44 switched from a non-operation state to an operation state. The engine revolution is controlled so that the second engine target revolution ncom2 is obtained if the second engine target revolution ncom2 is equal to or greater than the first engine target revolution ncom1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Morinaga, Tadashi Kawaguchi, Hiroaki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090256522
    Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention enables an internal motor of an electric vehicle to be backdriven. When the internal motor is backdriven, it operates as an electric generator to produce electric power used to charge the electric vehicle's battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alain T. Pellen
  • Publication number: 20090224727
    Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box may include an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw. The inner ball screw may be attached to an engagement member having undercut and interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of an engagement member of the gear box. An outer ball screw may surround and normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. A brake may be provided for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially away from the gear box thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: DAVID W. BURKE, Balwinder S. Birdi, Arturo Maceda
  • Publication number: 20090071784
    Abstract: A torque converter-mounted generator is provided that, along with power electronics, offers at least two types of electrical power output and may be attached to a transmission without impacting the axial length of a powertrain in comparison to a powertrain with an identical transmission and a torque converter not having a generator mounted thereto. Different torque-converter mounted generators and power electronics configurations providing different combinations of electrical power voltages may be offered for use with a given transmission type, thus allowing flexibility in meeting customer needs without unduly impacting assembly of the powertrains. A method of assembling transmissions is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Franklin Combs, David J. Sagers, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080150495
    Abstract: A method of coupling a mechanical power source through an electrical power generator to an electrical load is disclosed. A characteristic of an electrical output is measured from the electrical power generator produced during a power generation cycle during which there is a coupling of the mechanical power source through the electrical power generator to the electrical load. The coupling of the mechanical power source is adjusted through the electrical power generator to the electrical load during a subsequent power generation cycle based at least in part on the measured characteristic of the electrical output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Colin Bulthaup, Saul Griffith, Dan Goldwater, Corwin Hardham, George Homsy, Eric Wilhelm, Brian Warshawsky, Mitch Heinrich, Michael Lin, Benji Rappoport, John Lewis
  • Patent number: 7378808
    Abstract: An electric drive system has a power source and a generator operatively connected to the power source. The generator is configured to produce a power output. The electric drive system also has at least one capacitor configured to store a supply of power. The electric drive system further has a common bus configured to direct the power output to the capacitor. The electric drive system also has at least one motor configured to receive power from the common bus. The electric drive system additionally has a controller in communication with the at least one motor and the generator. The controller is configured to receive at least one input associated with the motor, to determine a requested motor power as a function of the at least one input, and to operate the generator to produce the requested motor power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Thomas M. Sopko
  • Patent number: 7285869
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating engine power output for an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain that includes an electric motor and an electric generator. Selected powertrain variables, including electric motor torque and electric generator torque, are used in determining desired vehicle traction wheel torque and an estimated engine power. A calibrated delay in calculating estimated engine power following a time sampling of the values for motor torque and generator torque avoid inertial effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fazal Syed, Ming Kuang, John Czubay
  • Patent number: 7279799
    Abstract: An electric generator device powered by a driving wheel of a motor vehicle. The device includes a base for supporting an electric generator. An idler roller assembly includes at least one load bearing idler roller mounted rotatably to the base for circumferentially engaging and supporting a driving wheel of a motor vehicle. A drive roller is mounted rotatably to the base for maintaining non-bearing circumferentially tangential interengagement with the driving wheel such that rotation of the wheel causes the drive roller to axially rotate. The drive roller is operably connected to the generator such that axial rotation of the drive roller is transmitted to the generator and the generator is operated to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: DHLMC, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester F. McCauley
  • Patent number: 7173399
    Abstract: An integrated torsional mode damping method for a current source converter, including a rectifier, an inverter, and a DC link inductor coupled between the rectifier and the inverter, includes sensing a signal representative of torque on a shaft coupled to the inverter or rectifier; using the sensed signal for detecting a presence of a torsional vibration on the shaft; and damping the torsional vibration by modulating active power through the respective inverter or rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christof Martin Sihler, Joseph Song
  • Patent number: 7053589
    Abstract: The invention, intended primarily for use in a steel flywheel power source (30), provides a vacuum system and a method of maintaining a vacuum inside a flywheel chamber (32) for the life of the power source (30). The vacuum system combines the use of cleaning and de-gassing treatments in the chamber (32) and vacuum tempering of the steel flywheel (31) with the use of a chemical type metal alloy nonevaporable getter, such as zirconium-vanadium-iron, that cooperatively matches the outgassing of the flywheel (31) and chamber (32) by sorbing those gases that are released. The getter may be reactivated throughout the life of the flywheel system by reheating it with an integral heater that is triggered by a timer instead of a vacuum gauge to increase the system reliability, using power taken directly from the energy stored in the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher W. Gabrys, David R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6744146
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention may utilize integrated starter-alternator (ISA) electronics to drive a conventional DC starter coupled to a start-stop ISA system providing a voltage higher than that at which the starter is rated. The DC starter may cold crank an internal combustion engine, while a poly-phase starter alternator warn cranks the engine and converts mechanical energy to an AC current. The AC current may be converted to a DC current to provide charging functions. A reduced average voltage is provided to the DC starter and an adjustable-frequency alternating current may be provided to the starter alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Delco Remy America, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fulton, William Cai
  • Patent number: 6677685
    Abstract: A clamp pressure controller for a variable ratio belt drive system for a generator is provided. The controller monitors the voltage at the output of the generator. If this falls the controller increases the clamp pressure so as to prepare the drive system for the additional torque/force it will be required to transmit. The increase in clamp pressure is rapid so as to prevent belt slip from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: Dominique Lucienne Pfleger, Christopher John Adams, Stephen Mark Hearn, Raymond Richard Bomford
  • Publication number: 20030107352
    Abstract: A power control system for an electric traction motor in a vehicle comprising at least one inverter for providing conditioned electrical power to the electric traction motor, a plurality of power stages for providing DC power to the at least one inverter, each stage including a battery and boost/buck DC-DC converter, the power stages wired in parallel, and where the power stages are controlled to maintain an output voltage to the at least one inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Scott D. Downer, James F. Lazar, James M. Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6573626
    Abstract: An apparatus for uninterruptedly supplying power includes an electrical machine including a rotor and being designed and arranged to be connected to a load to be supplied with alternating current. Coupling units include a differential transmission including three input/output shafts. A flywheel is designed and arranged to store kinetic energy and to be connected to the rotor by the coupling units. Control units include a controllable brake and at least one electrical auxiliary machine to be operated as a motor. The electrical auxiliary machine and the controllable brake engage the third input/output shaft. The control units keep the number of rotations of the electrical machine approximately constant when the electrical machine is operated as a generator by kinetic energy being stored in the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Piller GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Gosebruch, Norbert Ueffing
  • Patent number: 6561940
    Abstract: An output rotational driving power of the engine is split into a first split power and a second split power. The first split power is transmitted to a continuously variable speed transmission that transmits the first split power by a shearing resistance of a fluid. The second split power is transmitted to a differential planetary gear system. An output power of the continuously variable speed transmission is transmitted to the differential planetary gear system to combine the first split power and the second split power in the differential planetary gear system. A variation of a rotating speed of the output rotational driving power is absorbed by the continuously variable speed transmission to adjust an output rotating speed of the differential planetary gear system to a constant speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Goi, Koji Kawakami, Kenichiro Tanaka, Takayuki Isano, Hisashi Machida, Hiroyuki Ito, Shinji Miyata
  • Patent number: 6527660
    Abstract: A transmission for coupling a variable speed engine to a dynamoelectric machine that has three hydraulic units coupled to a mechanical summer, wherein two of the hydraulic units are varied in displacement to control the speed of the third in order to keep the speed of the dynamoelectric machine constant regardless of engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Sugden
  • Patent number: RE39205
    Abstract: While a ring gear shaft 126 linked with a drive shaft rotates, a power output apparatus 110 applies a torque to a first motor MG1 attached to a sun gear shaft 125, thereby abruptly increasing a revolving speed of an engine 150, to which a fuel injection is stopped. A torque generated by a frictional force of, for example, a piston in the engine 150 and working as a reaction is applied as a braking torque to the ring gear shaft 126 via a planetary gear 120. The magnitude of the braking torque depends upon the frictional force of, for example, the piston and can be controlled by regulating the revolving speed of the engine 150 by means of the first motor MG1. This control procedure enables the energy consumed by the engine 150 to be output as a braking force to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shoichi Sasaki