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 power supply system includes a plurality of electric products; a power generation apparatus capable of varying an amount of power generation; and a power control apparatus for controlling power supply from the power generation apparatus to the plurality of electric products. Each of the plurality of electric products is structured to be capable of outputting a first power request signal for requesting a desired amount of power. The power control apparatus receives the plurality of first power request signals respectively from the plurality of electric products, generates a second power request signal for requesting an amount of power which is determined in accordance with a total amount of power requested by the plurality of first power request signals, and outputs the second power request signal to the power generation apparatus.

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 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 induction generator having one or more energy windings and one or more auxiliary windings where the auxiliary windings have fixed and switched capacitors which are used to control the induction generator output under variable load conditions. The auxiliary windings are electrically and magnetically isolated from the energy windings. The fixed capacitors are used under minimum load condition and the switched capacitors added in response to controls signals. The control signals are determined by analyzing the load voltage and current and the voltage across the particular capacitor being added. The induction generator is included in systems where the generator is rotationally driven by an engine and which couples the energy windings to a power grid and/or to a variable load. The engine may also employ a controller that receives the load current and voltage signals to determine engine speed.

Abstract: Protrusions (260) for adjusting the cogging torque of a rotor (21) are formed on a stator (22) in a small-size power generator (20). Since the protrusions (260) are formed on an inner periphery of a rotor accommodation hole (230) within an angular range of 45° around a magnetic flux direction of a first magnetic circuit (100) having a smaller magnetic reluctance at a rotation center of the rotor (21), the cogging torque can be effectively reduced. Accordingly, even when the size of components such as an oscillating weight and a power spring is reduced for making a thin timepiece, rotation startability of the rotor can be improved, thus improving power generation efficiency of the small-size power generator.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine such as a vehicle AC generator includes a multi-phase armature winding, a stator core, a rotor including a magnetic field coil and a plurality of poles, an unbalance detecting coil, and a comparator circuit for comparing an output signal of the unbalance detecting circuit with a threshold value. If the AC generator fails, a voltage induced in the unbalanced detecting coil becomes larger than the threshold value, and an alarm is be outputted.

Abstract: In a power generator, a start of rotor rotation is detected by utilizing a small AC voltage in a stator winding generated by a remaining magnetic flux. A leak current which flows to the power generator from a battery is passed to a negative terminal of the battery through a resistor temporarily connected in series so that a small amplitude of the AC voltage will not be masked by DC drifting component arising from the leak current. Further, periodically connecting the resistor to the negative terminal upon an increase in the leak current reduces an amplitude of the AC voltage.

Abstract: In a control system for a motor-generator capable of functioning as a three-phase magnet-type synchronous motor after starting of an engine and functioning as a brushless DC motor before starting of the engine, a rotated-position detecting device is arranged to detect an induced voltage in each of three-phase coils included in the motor-generator and to detect a rotated position of a rotor based on such induced voltage. Thus, the rotated position of the rotor can be detected without use of a sensor, whereby the operation for assembling the motor-generator can be simplified.

Abstract: The method for regulating a generator including three stator windings (U, V, W) and a converter bridge (11) including controllable switch elements (15 to 20) includes temporarily connecting the stator windings (U, V, W) in an otherwise currentless time interval with a charge source (21) that supplies an additional charging current to the stator windings (U, V, W) in addition to induced current present in the stator windings (U, V, W). The additional charging current provides the generator (10) with additional magnetic energy. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the supply of additional charging current to the stator windings is controlled by a logistics element (27) for setting a turn-on time and a longest on-time duration of at least one switch element and a comparator (25) that produces a comparison output according to a comparing of an actual current value with a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing alternator current levels are disclosed. The system includes the combination including an operational amplifier having an input and an output, an input resistor connecting the input to a signal indicative of an alternator current level, and a feedback resistor connected between the input and the output. The system further includes an adjustment resistor and a switching element coupled in series between the input and the output, in parallel with the feedback resistor, and a processor coupled to the output. The processor is operable, based upon a current indication related to a level of alternator current indicated at the output, to control the operation of the switching element such that the switching element is closed when the current indication increases to exceed a first threshold, and such that the switching element is opened when the current indication decreases to fall below a second threshold.

Abstract: A rectifying section 2, and a DCDC converter 3 which lowers an input DC voltage and then outputs the voltage are disposed between an AC generator 1 and a load 4. When the output voltage Vt of the AC generator 1 is gradually lowered with starting from E0, the output power P is increased, and is maximum at Vt=V12. When the output voltage Vt is further lowered, the output power P is reduced. As an operating point at which the same output power P is obtained, there are a point of Vt=V11, and that of Vt=V13. The operation of the DCDC converter 3 is controlled so as to operate at the point of Vt=V13 where the output current I is lower.

Abstract: Magnetic bodies for reducing electromagnetic wave noises are mounted to a battery voltage supplying terminal for supplying of an electric source power for the operation of circuits to an IC chip of a regulator or an internal electric source line for connection of the terminal to the regulator chip. The magnetic bodies are attached to an IG ON terminal for inputting into the regulator chip a voltage signal caused by opening and closing of an ignition switch or to an IG ON detection line for connection of the terminal to the regulator chip. A bypass capacitor is connected to a battery voltage detecting terminal for inputting a change of battery voltage into the regulator chip, or to an internal battery voltage detection line for connection of the terminal to a switching transistor control circuit unit.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a control signal to control an excitation level of an alternator. The system includes a first calculation element that receives first, second and third indications of first, second and third output voltages of first, second and third phases of the alternator, respectively, and calculates a first feedback signal in dependence upon the received first, second and third indications. The system additionally includes a second calculation element that receives the first indication and calculates a second feedback signal in dependence upon the received first indication. The system further includes an intermediate signal generation element that receives a target input and the first feedback signal, and in response provides an intermediate signal. The system additionally includes a control signal generation element that receives the intermediate signal and the second feedback signal, and in response provides the control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a generator in a motor vehicle, in which the generator feeds a vehicle power supply system having loads and having at least one battery, with a regulator regulating the generator output voltage at the value of a nominal value voltage. In a recuperation readiness mode, the nominal value voltage is preset as a function of the driving state variables such that, during braking or when the vehicle is overrunning, electrical power is fed into the vehicle power supply system. According to the invention, switching takes place between the recuperation readiness mode and a recovery mode as a function of predetermined switching conditions, with the nominal value voltage in the recovery mode being preset such that the battery is regenerated.

Abstract: A portable power supply includes an engine-driven generator that generates a first AC power. A rectifier rectifies the first AC power to a first DC power. A DC/DC converter converts a second DC power from a storage unit to a third DC power. A controller selectively enables one or both of the rectifier and the DC/DC converter to provide one or both of the first DC power and the third DC power to the input of an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power at its input to a second AC power. Alternatively, the power supply advantageously includes a second generator and a second rectifier. The outputs of the two rectifiers are summed and the sum of the two outputs is provided as an input the inverter to extend the range over which a constant second AC power can be provided.

Abstract: A microturbine engine that includes a compressor that is operable to provide a flow of compressed air. The compressed air flows through a recuperator where it is preheated before delivery to a combustor. The preheated compressed air mixes with a fuel and is combusted within the combustor to provide a flow of products of combustion. The flow of products of combustion pass through one or more turbines to drive the compressor and a synchronous generator. The synchronous generator is able to synchronize to a priority load, to the utility grid or to both depending on the mode of operation. A control system monitors various engine parameters as well as load and grid parameters to determine the desired mode of operation.

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: A wind or ocean turbine has an input-power shaft-mounted, rotating bull-gear with smaller stationary pinion-driven powertrains including generators mounted around the periphery of the bull-gear. A controller regulates torque experienced by each powertrain to balance torque between generators at any system load. Regulation includes controlling local voltage at each generator by a transformer configured as a reactor. Coils of the transformers are wired in parallel and actively modulated with an SOR, solid-state, switching device. Each generator output is connected to a respective primary coil of a transformer and a respective secondary coil is connected to an SCR. By using pulse width modulation, the SCR is gated on and off for a portion of a 60 Hz cycle. By adjusting the duty cycle of SCR gating, any voltage between 80% and 100% is attained to satisfy immediate torque requirements.

Abstract: A generator control unit (200) includes a field current modulator (212) that repeatedly switches between an ON state and an OFF state to control the flow of field current to the generator (20), a free-wheeling path (216) that feeds excitation current from the generator (20) back to the generator (20) as a field current component when the field current modulator (212) is in the OFF state, and an impedance circuit (220) that selectively and temporarily absorbs excitation current in the free-wheeling path (216) to reduce voltage overshoot of the generator (20) upon occurrence of an operating transition, such as a transition from high load to low load. In one implementation, the impedance circuit (220) is an RC circuit and a by-pass switch (222) is provided across the RC circuit. When excitation current in the free-wheeling path (216) is not to be absorbed by the RC circuit, the by-pass switch (222) is ON, thereby providing a low-impedance path for the excitation current.

Abstract: An induction generator having one or more energy windings and one or more auxiliary windings where the auxiliary windings have fixed and switched capacitors which are used to control the induction generator output under variable load conditions. The auxiliary windings are electrically and magnetically isolated from the energy windings. The fixed capacitors are used under minimum load condition and the switched capacitors added in response to controls signals. The control signals are determined by analyzing the load voltage and current and the voltage across the particular capacitor being added. The induction generator is included in systems where the generator is rotationally driven by an engine and which couples the energy windings to a power grid and/or to a variable load. The engine may also employ a controller that receives the load current and voltage signals to determine engine speed.

Abstract: An alternator for use in an automotive vehicle includes a circuit for detecting initiation of rotation of an engine. Upon detecting the initiation of rotation, excitation current supply to a field winding is started, and thereafter an alternator output is controlled by controlling the excitation current. A resistor is connected to one phase winding of an armature to obtain a voltage indicating initiation of rotation during a period in which no excitation current is supplied to the field winding, and a capacitor is connected to another phase winding to raise the indicating voltage level. Since the indicating voltage induced by a small amount of residual magnetism is increased to a sufficient level by the capacitor, the initiation of rotation can be accurately detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a genset having an engine and an alternator in order to prevent an excessive change in a speed of the engine because of a sudden change in a load on the alternator. The method includes obtaining a first measured value of an actual AC output power of the alternator at a genset controller during a first time period, and obtaining a second measured value of the actual AC output power of the alternator at the genset controller during a second time period. The method further includes determining at the genset controller a first output power based upon at least the first measured value, and a second output power based upon at least the second measured value.

Abstract: An alternator is provided having a pulley mounted on a rotating shaft of a rotor through a one-way clutch which transmits a driving power to the rotor during acceleration of a crankshaft and does not transmit the driving power to the rotor during deceleration of the crankshaft. The rotor has a plurality of magnetic poles surrounding a field coil, and an alternator control mechanism supplies a predetermined exciting current to the field coil upon sensing engine stop. Noise from the alternator is prevented by reducing the rotating period of the alternator rotor during an engine stop while preventing early breakage or slip noise of the belt during ordinary vehicle driving.

Abstract: A switched reluctance generator is provided in association with a controller (86 to 90). The controller is organized to operate in two modes depending on the speed and load of the generator. One mode is a discontinuous conduction mode where the current is a generator winding periodically returns to zero, whereas the other mode is a continuous conduction mode such that current is always flowing. The choice of modes enables a generator to work over a wide speed range while seeking to limit or reduce the volt-amp rating of the generator controller.

Abstract: An induction machine asymmetry detection instrument includes an interconnector and a voltmeter. The interconnector is configured to connect an electric source across a first terminal and a second terminal of a stator of an induction machine. The induction machine includes a rotor disposed for magnetic coupling with the stator. The interconnector is further configured to cause a flow of direct current between the first terminal and the second terminal of the stator during a rotation of the rotor when the induction machine is substantially unloaded. The voltmeter is connectable across the second terminal and a third terminal of the stator. A detection by the voltmeter of a meaningful voltage across the second terminal and the third terminal of the stator concurrent with the flow of direct current between the first terminal and the second terminal and concurrent with the rotation of the rotor serves to indicate an asymmetry of a portion of the induction machine.

Abstract: A regulation system for a permanent magnet generator for generating electrical power and for supplying the electrical power to a load comprises a switching circuit connected between the permanent magnet generator and the load, the switching circuit being capable of regulating the electrical power being supplied to the load and a control circuit connected to the switching circuit, the control circuit for determining the amount of electrical power being supplied by the permanent magnet generator and for controlling operation of the switching circuit to regulate the electrical power being supplied to the load.

Abstract: An electrical machine system includes at least one electrical machine, such as a switched reluctance machine, that produces a magnetic field. According to one embodiment, the machine is a rotary machine with a rotor, a stator, and a sensor for indicating their relative movement. The sensor of the controller is powered by a power supply unit, the power output of the power supply unit being derived from the magnetic field of the machine. The power supply preferably is isolated electrically from the current running in the machine, and from the power supply for the machine, reducing the risk of voltage transience, noise, and other undesirable interference. A corresponding method provides similar advantages.

Abstract: A control system utilizing fuzzy logic adaptive control to control the operation of a wind turbine driven electric power generator to control power generator speed and hence power frequency while maximizing the power output of the power generator. Wind turbulence effects are eliminated and airgap magnetic flux of the power generator is controlled.

Abstract: A synchronizing device for a parallel connection of a synchronous generator and an a.c. network. The device includes a measuring circuit for measuring the voltage and frequency of the generator and the a.c. network and for measuring the phase angle between the generator and the a.c. network. The measuring circuit includes control outputs for regulating the rotational speed of the generator drive. A set value for the generator frequency includes a defined slip at the start of balancing. The measuring circuit also regulates the voltage output of the generator to match the a.c. network voltage. Once the phase angle between a.c. network voltage and generator voltage has fallen below a predefined value, null balance occurs.

Abstract: An embodiment of the the present invention is a computer system comprised of a main computer circuit having an interruptible CPU, a control program stored in memory connected to the CPU with interrupt procedures, and a power supply that has a mainspring and winder, a generator, a regulator, a power supply, and an internal battery. The power supply is able to accept electrical power from the generator-regulator combination, house current (line voltage) through a standard outlet plug, and the battery. A user is able to input his own kinetic energy into the system by turning a winding key. The action is similar to winding up a large windup alarm clock. A pair of detectors connected to the mainspring sense when the mainspring is fully wound and when it is almost unwound. The unwound condition will interrupt the CPU and one of the interrupt procedures will bring the system to a controlled shut-down. The fully-wound condition will cause the system to be re-enabled to run normally.

Abstract: An electric power starter/generator system for a turbine engine capable of transforming mechanical power from the turbine engine to electric power during a generate mode of operation and of transforming electric power from a low voltage dc source to mechanical power to drive the turbine engine during a start mode of operation, comprises a synchronous starter/generator having a poly-phase wound stator, and a rotor rotatably positioned therein, the rotor also being drivably coupled to the turbine engine. Further, the system establishes an electric field in the rotor and directly couples the dc source to an inverter for alternately energizing each of the poly-phase stator windings to drive the starter/generator as a motor. This inverter establishes a rotating electric field in the stator whereby a constant torque is produced by the rotor to drive the turbine engine. Preferably, the inverter is a half wave inverter producing a pseudo-square wave current waveform.

Abstract: In a compound electromechanical assembly having a first singly fed stage mounted for common rotation with a second singly fed stage mounted for common rotation with a second singly fed stage impedance is inserted in inverted connection to form an electrical loop between the secondaries. The impedance includes a resistor and capacitor connected in parallel.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system has parallel connected generators powered by variable speed engines. Loads connected with each generator are interconnected through an electrical distribution bus. Constant speed drives have inputs connected with the engines and outputs directly connected with the generators. The connections between the constant speed drive outputs and the generators are characterized by the absence of overrunning clutches used in prior systems. An improved electrical protective circuit senses a flow of electrical power from the distribution bus to a generator, driving the generator as a motor. If the power flow to the generator is excessive, the bus tie breaker is opened disconnecting the generator from the bus.