Abstract: A lightweight engine-driven generator set including a stator having at least first and second windings (preferably three-phase) and a rotor having a soft magnetic core and a plurality of high energy product permanent magnets, separated by consequence poles, disposed proximate the stator such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the rotor to interact with and induce current in the stator windings. The first winding includes a predetermined number of turns corresponding to a first predetermined voltage output; and the second winding includes a predetermined number of turns corresponding to a second predetermined voltage output, the respective windings being grouped together as a unit and wound about the core such that the respective winding coils are wound in continuous close thermal contact with each other.

Abstract: A particularly advantageous power converter, suitable for use in an engine powered generator system. A signal simulating a desired AC waveform is produced by a converter circuit at first and second converter output terminals. The converter circuit, responsive to respective switching signals applied thereto, selectively effects current paths between a juncture node and one of the first and second converter output terminals and between a common rail and the other of the first and second converter output terminals. A controller selectively generates control signals to the converter circuit and to a mechanism for varying the magnitude of the juncture node voltage, to create a predetermined waveform at the converter output terminals simulating the desired AC waveform. A number of alternative embodiments for producing a simulated sine wave are described, as well as accommodations for inductive loads, and mechanisms for minimizing power dissipation during the switching interval.

Abstract: An improved method and system of increasing the effective electrical load capacity of a power converter is disclosed. Potential damage due to current surges from variation in load is avoided by sensing an impending over-current condition, decreasing the system output by a predetermined amount or to a predetermined level, and then gradually increasing the output to bring the system back to desired operating conditions. Such control can be affected by varying the throttle setting to adjust rotor speed, controlling the DC rail level, or a combination of both methods.

Abstract: A particularly advantageous power converter, suitable for use in an engine powered generator system. A signal simulating a desired AC waveform is produced by a converter circuit at first and second converter output terminals. The converter circuit, responsive to respective switching signals applied thereto, selectively effects current paths between a juncture node and one of the first and second converter output terminals and between a common rail and the other of the first and second converter output terminals. A controller selectively generates control signals to the converter circuit and to a mechanism for varying the magnitude of the juncture node voltage, to create a predetermined waveform at the converter output terminals simulating the desired AC waveform. A number of alternative embodiments for producing a simulated sine wave are described, as well as accommodations for inductive loads, and mechanisms for minimizing power dissipation during the switching interval.

Abstract: A variable reluctance generator for producing alternating current at a fundamental frequency independent of a rotational speed at which the generator is driven in accordance with the invention includes a rotor having a plurality of salient poles disposed around a circumference and projecting radially outward from an axis of rotation; a stator having a plurality of salient poles disposed about an inner circumference and projecting radially inward toward the rotor; at least one stator phase winding wound on the stator for outputting the electrical power of the fundamental frequency; an exciter winding wound on the stator; an electrical load coupled to the at least one stator phase winding; a position detector for providing a rotor position signal representing a rotary position of the rotor; a first switching circuit, responsive to the rotor position signal, for applying time varying excitation current at the fundamental frequency or a multiple thereof to the exciter winding in a series of pulses of varying magn

Abstract: A system for producing electrical power on a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a wheeled vehicle that has a chassis carried upon a plurality of wheel units where each wheel unit is rotatably coupled to the chassis. The wheel unit includes a wheel and a hub upon which the wheel rotates relative to the chassis. At least one of the wheel units is adapted to generate electricity and has at least one length of reactive wire and a magnetic field generator positioned in the wheel unit for relative motion therebetween during rotation of the wheel. The configuration induces an electrical flow in said length of reactive wire thereby producing electricity.

Abstract: A hybrid alternator comprising a stator, and a rotor mounted for rotation within the stator and separated therefrom by an air gap, said rotor having a rotor core defining a plurality of magnetic poles, adjacent ones of the magnetic poles having alternating north and south magnetic fields, the plurality of magnetic poles comprising at least one permanent magnetic pole defined by a permanent magnet, and a plurality of electromagnetic poles, each of which is defined by a wound field.

Abstract: The rotor of a generator is provided with permanent magnets to ensure start-up of electricity generation without externally supplied field current after a vehicle engine starts. When the generation is detected, the external field current is supplied from a battery so that the battery is charged by the generator, thereby to prevent battery discharge in a low speed range.

Abstract: A motor generator system (120) in accordance with the invention includes a prime mover (21) for driving an output shaft (18), a main motor generator (105), having a rotor driven by the output shaft, for producing electrical power on at least one output winding (36a-36c) in response to the prime mover rotating the output shaft and for driving the output shaft in response to operation as a motor; an exciter (102) for applying excitation to a field winding (34) of the main motor generator during operation for producing electrical power on the at least one output winding and for applying current to the field winding of the main motor and generator to produce a magnetic field in the field winding during operation of the main motor generator as a motor; circuitry (122), responsive to current in a field winding (204) of the exciter, for producing an output signal representing a position of the rotor of the main motor generator driven by the output shaft; and a main inverter (114), responsive to the output signal, fo

Abstract: A motive power generating apparatus using magnetic flux from permanent magnets providing higher efficiency and torque is disclosed. An apparatus of one embodiment according to the present invention comprises a ring-shaped stator (10) formed of magnetic material, a rotor (20) including at least one permanent magnet (22a), and a current control circuit (40). The stator (10) further includes twelve stator poles (12) provided along the inner periphery thereof at intervals of fifteen degrees. Each of the stator poles (12) has a pole piece (12a) and a winding (14). The rotor (20) contains twelve sets of rotor poles (22) disposed around the outer periphery thereof corresponding to the above stator poles (12). Each of the rotor poles (22) has a permanent magnet (22a) and a pole piece (22b) arranged at the outer end portion of the same. An extending portion (22b1) is provided with each of the pole pieces (22b) at one tip end in rotational direction thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid alternator includes a stator and a rotor, with the rotor having longitudinally separate wound field and permanent magnet rotor portions. A rotor excitation circuit applies a forward polarity to the wound field rotor portion to increase output in a boosting mode at low RPMs and a reverse polarity to decrease output at high RPMs in a bucking mode to maintain a constant voltage output. Alternative embodiments combine a magnetic flux concentrating design for efficient low speed operation with integral strength for high speed capability. Dual voltage output is provided either through dual stator windings or through a voltage converter circuit. Single voltage output is provided using only one stator winding. A three state voltage regulator allows voltage regulation without inducing reverse currents onto the power bus in the lightly loaded or no battery conditions.

Abstract: A mechanically and electrically efficient, lightweight, portable motor-generator includes a stator having a plurality of windings and a rotor with a body of soft-magnetic material carrying a plurality of permanent, high energy product magnets in a surface near the stator such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the permanent magnets to interact with and induce current in the stator windings. The magnets are mounted in insets formed in the rotor surface which includes portions between the insets to form respective consequence poles. The rotor is a hollow cylinder with the magnets mounted on an internal surface, and the stator is concentrically disposed within the cylinder. The stator includes first and second windings.

Abstract: A hybrid-energized electric machine includes a laminated stator core that has a stator winding and is arranged in a magnetic yoke, where the rotor is divided axially into two rotor halves, and each rotor half has permanent-field poles and non-energized poles arranged in succession in accordance with the pole pitch, where one rotor half is fitted with permanent magnets of one polarity (N) and the other rotor half is fitted with permanent magnets of the other polarity (S), and the permanent-field poles of both rotor halves are offset with respect to each other by one pole pitch, and said electric machine is also provided with an electric field coil designed as a ring coil. Both scattering and line losses can be reduced due to the fact that rotor halves are arranged on the rotor shaft with an axial distance between them, and field coil is inserted into the space between rotor halves.

Abstract: A vehicle based AC power system includes a specialized high efficiency vehicle alternator capable of supplying its maximum rated DC output current, even when being driven by an idling vehicle engine, to power a DC to AC inverter and provide maximum rated AC power at any engine speed. The alternator is preferably a wound field and permanent magnet hybrid alternator employing a three state bridge-type voltage regulator. An electrical load monitor electrically connected to monitor the electrical load on the alternator and a transmitter and receiver are used to remotely signal a user whenever there is an excessive load on the system.

Abstract: A hybrid alternator includes a stator winding and a rotor winding. The stator winding includes a neutral point having a neutral point voltage and is preferably arranged as a three phase winding with the neutral point being located at the center junction of three stator winding portions arranged in a "Y" configuration. The rotor winding is mounted on a rotor which also includes permanent magnets. The rotor winding has a first end connected to the neutral point on the stator winding and a second end connected to a switching circuit. The rotor winding produces a magnetic flux field that additively combines with the permanent magnetic flux field from the permanent magnets when the switching circuit connects the second end of the rotor winding to a voltage greater than the neutral point voltage and produces a magnetic flux field that subtractively combines with the permanent magnetic flux field when the switching circuit connects the second end to a voltage less than the neutral point voltage.

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 comprises a synchronous generator and an induction motor/generator mutually coupled to a shaft being driven to an external prime mover. The synchronous generator and the induction motor/generator are driven by the shaft at the same speed. The system includes a rectifier/inverter having ac terminals coupled to the output of the induction motor/generator, and dc terminals coupled to a dc bus. This rectifier/inverter allows bi-directional power flow to effectuate both power generation as well as electric start of the prime mover. The synchronous generator is excited by a commonly driven permanent magnet generator and a modulated exciter field control. The induction motor/generator is self-exciting through the rectifier/inverter once a voltage is established on the dc bus. The establishment of this voltage may be accomplished by a battery, or by connection of the synchronous generator's output to the input of the rectifier/inverter through a poly-phase contactor.

Abstract: A method of producing electrical energy from rotary motion of an axle of a vehicle utilizes a generator assembly including a generator coupled to the axle. The method includes determining the rate of rotation of the axle, carrying out the electrical energy production as well as the determination of the rate of rotation exclusively through the generator, and evaluating pulse parameters of each induced electrical voltage pattern for the determination of the rate of rotation. The generator assembly includes a rotor coupled to the axle and permanent magnets mounted on the rotor distributed over the circumference thereof. The permanent magnets have radially extending polar axes. A stator includes induction coils mounted coaxially around the circumference of the rotor. An air gap is defined between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: An engine-driven generator having a battery powered starter motor includes a permanent magnet battery charger/pre-exciter for charging the starting battery and for exciting the main alternator field winding of an AC synchronous alternator included in the engine-driven generator. A first winding in the permanent magnet battery charger/pre-exciter provides power to a first voltage regulator that, in turn, maintains a desired load voltage substantially independently of alternator loading. A second winding within the permanent magnet battery charger/pre-exciter supplies power to a second voltage regulator that maintains a desired battery charging voltage substantially independently of the alternator loading. Use of the permanent magnet battery charger/pre-exciter maintains a desired battery charge current and a desired main alternator field excitation substantially independently of the load current supplied by the alternator.

Abstract: A hybrid alternator includes a stator and a rotor, with the rotor having longitudinally separate wound field and permanent magnet rotor portions. A rotor excitation circuit applies a forward polarity to the wound field rotor portion to increase output in a boosting mode at low RPMs and a reverse polarity to decrease output at high RPMs in a bucking mode to maintain a constant voltage output. Alternative embodiments combine a magnetic flux concentrating design for efficient low speed operation with integral strength for high speed capability. Dual voltage output is provided either through dual stator windings or through a voltage converter circuit. Single voltage output is provided using only one stator winding. A three state voltage regulator allows voltage regulation without inducing reverse currents onto the power bus in the lightly loaded or no battery conditions. The regulator has automatic interlocking to automatically turn on and off without risking damage to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A detector for detecting rotor position of a brushless generator having a motive power shaft, a permanent magnet generator (PMG) having a set of armature phase windings and a main generator portion having a set of armature phase windings includes a circuit coupled to the armature phase windings of the PMG for deriving a number of interval pulses per revolution of the motive power shaft. A circuit measures time periods between adjacent interval pulses and the measured time periods are converted into an indication of the angular position of the motive power shaft in accordance with a parameter of power delivered to one of the main generator portion armature phase windings.

Abstract: A control for a brushless generator operable in starting and generating modes supplies combined AC and DC power to an exciter field winding of the brushless generator during operation in the starting mode. The magnitude of a parameter of the AC power is decreased with increasing rotor speed during operation in the starting mode until a particular rotor speed is reached, following which only DC power is supplied to the exciter field winding.

Abstract: A hybrid alternator includes a stator and a rotor, with the rotor having longitudinally separate wound field and permanent magnet rotor portions. A rotor excitation circuit applies a forward polarity to the wound field rotor portion to increase output in a boosting mode at low RPMs and a reverse polarity to decrease output at high RPMs in a bucking mode to maintain a constant voltage output. Alternative embodiments combine a magnetic flux concentrating design for efficient low speed operation with integral strength for high speed capability. Dual voltage output is provided either through dual stator windings or through a voltage converter circuit. Single voltage output is provided using only one stator winding.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system includes a brushless motor driven by a battery and directly coupled to the vehicle wheels for providing primary motive power. During braking, the motor acts as a generator for recharging the battery. Preferably the recharging current is first allowed to build up by shunting the motor so that the regeneration may occur at both high and low speeds. The regenerative current period may be varied with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is intended for maintaining constant the output voltage of a synchronous magnetoelectric generator without reducing the efficiency of the synchronous magnetoelectric generator regardless of load variation. A magnetoelectric generating system in accordance with the present invention comprises a synchronous magnetoelectric generator, a synchronous phase modifier connected to the output side of the synchronous magnetoelectric generator, a voltage detector for detecting the output voltage of the synchronous magnetoelectric generator, a comparator for comparing the output of the synchronous magnetoelectric generator detected by the voltage detector and a reference voltage set by means of a voltage setting device, an exciting current regulating circuit connected to the field winding of the synchronous phase modifier, and a controller. The controller controls the exciting current regulating circuit according to the output of the comparator.

Abstract: A generator includes a permanent magnet rotor formed in a hollow rotating member rotatably mounted in a casing. A Randell rotor mounted adjacent to the permanent magnet rotor is rotated with the permanent magnet rotor. An armature coil is mounted in association with the permanent magnet rotor and the Randell (claw-tooth) rotor. A first bearing at one end of the casing supports one end of the hollow rotating member. A protruding retainer mounted on the other end of the casing carries a Randell field coil, and a second bearing is mounted on the retainer for supporting a hollow section of the hollow rotating member. The hollow rotating member is supported by the first bearing and a second bearing provided in the hollow section. The generator may be suitably applied to aerospace equipment, unmanned flying objects or to unmanned marine cruising objects.

Abstract: Traditional alternators, that is those non-inductor alternators employed in machines such as automobiles, provide either moving conductors which cut through a stationary magnetic field, or a moving magnetic field which passes over stationary conductors. In conventional inductor alternators, neither the field nor armature rotate. An electromotive force is induced in the output windings by periodic changes in the local reluctance of the magnetic circuit carrying the magnetic flux. The reluctance is governed by the shape of the rotor relative to the stator. By the elimination of the stator housing and of the rotor encompassing stator, this invention provides for the use, as inductor alternator rotors, of components which previously could not function as rotors.

Abstract: A generator includes a permanent magnet rotor (1) rotatably mounted within a casing, a Randell (claw-tooth) rotor (1A) mounted for rotation in unison with the permanent magnet rotor, an armature coil (5) associated with the permanent magnet rotor and the Randell rotor, and a field coil (16) associated with the Randell rotor. The output power generated by the permanent magnet rotor and the Randell rotor is obtained from the common armature coil. The generator may be suitably applied to aerospace equipment, unmanned flying objects or to unmanned marine cruising objects.

Abstract: A compensation circuit for electrical generators is disclosed. In an electrical generator, the electrical current generated in the armature coil induces a magnetic flux in the flux path of the generator. The compensating circuit of the invention includes a conductor that surrounds a portion of the flux path of the generator. This conductor known as the compensating coil, is supplied with a compensating circuit which has a reactive component. The compensating current induces a secondary magnetic flux that has a component that opposes the flux induced by the armature current. In a further embodiment of the invention, a twin generator--generator or twin generator--motor is employed. The compensating coil surrounds the flux path of one of the generators and the other generator or motor is used to supply compensating current to the compensating coil.

Abstract: A generator system having self-build-up characteristics with an integral permanent magnet generator exciter. A rotor shaft is journalled in a housing. A main stator is secured within the housing, and a rotating field is magnetically coupled to the main stator and secured to the rotor shaft for rotation therewith. An exciter field is secured within the housing, and an exciter armature is magnetically coupled to the exciter field and secured to the rotor shaft for rotation therewith. A plurality of permanent magnets are integrally secured to a radially inner periphery of the exciter field immediately adjacent a radially outer periphery of the exciter armature.

Abstract: An arrangement for recovering power loss of an internal combustion engine including a turbine, the driving power of which stems from a power loss of the internal combustion engine. The turbine is coupled to a generator, a winding of which feeds a d-c motor relieving the internal combustion engine. Power matching between the generator and the d-c motor is made possible without a separate control device because the generator or its excitation circuit is designed in such a manner that the voltage induced in the generator winding exhibits a steep dependence within a narrow operational speed range.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser of the DH-type has a first and a second passive layer, an interposed active layer and a top layer which may be disposed on the second passive layer. In the surface, a preferably V-shaped groove is provided on the side of the second passive layer, which groove extends at most over only part of the thickness of the second passive layer. According to the invention, the groove is filled selectively with a metal, preferably gold, up to the level of the surface, while on both sides of the groove there is present an insulating region, which is preferably obtained by proton implantation and does not extend up to the active layer. The invention also relates to a method in which the insulating region is provided in a self-aligned manner by ion implantation while using the metal as a mask. The groove is preferably filled with gold by an electroless method.

Abstract: This invention relates an AC generator comprising a stator coil, a field coil, a pole core for inducing an output voltage to the stator coil, and a voltage regulator for controlling the output voltage. The field coil is wound in either of such directions as to reduce or increase the magnetic flux formed by the pole core. The voltage regulator controls the output voltage to a predetermined value by passing or breaking the current to the field coil. The voltage regulator thus operates to disconnect the field coil when the output voltage is not within a specified range.

Abstract: In the operation of a generator by a source of mechanical power such as a spring motor delivering a variable amount of power to the generator a feedback circuit may be used to monitor the output of the generator. The feedback circuit is employed to provide an input back into the generator which serves to control the speed of rotation of the generator so that such speed is substantially constant. In the preferred embodiment disclosed the generator is an alternator and the frequency of the output of the alternator is monitored in the course of providing input back to the alternator.

Abstract: A non-interruptible power system (NIPS) for generating polyphase A.C. of a substantially constant desired frequency and a substantially constant selected voltage, comprising:(A) a source of interruptible power and a motor energized thereby,(B) a novel generator for producing the desired polyphase A.C.

Abstract: An automatic voltage regulating system in a brushless generator comprising a permanent magnet provided on the stator side of a main generator and constituting a field system of an exciter generator portion, an exciter generating coil provided on the rotor side of the main generator, rectifier for rectifying a voltage induced in the exciter generating coil, a field coil of the main generator excited by the output of the rectifier and provided on the rotor side, and an armature coil of the main generator provided on the stator side, and characterized in that the permanent magnet and a control coil are provided on the exciter field system, and an automatic voltage regulating portion which detects the output voltage of the main generator and supplies the control coil with a controlling current is provided so that fluctuations of the output voltage of the main generator can be absorbed by the control coil.

Abstract: In a synchronous dynamoelectric machine having a pilot exciter which energizes a brushless exciter, voltage regulation and forcing excitation are provided by a plurality of field coils which are disposed upon selected ones of a plurality of permanent magnets carried by the rotor of the pilot exciter. The field coils are connected together to constitute a field winding and are electrically connected to receive direct current excitation from the output of a rotating rectifier assembly through coupling means, such as a direct current regulator. In operation, the regulator is responsive to changes in the current flowing through the field winding of the synchronous dynamoelectric machine and provides a direct current output signal to the permanent magnet field winding to increase the magnetic field strength of the associated permanent magnets.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an automatic voltage regulator for a seperately excited generator comprising a main AC generator including an armature winding and an exciting winding and an exciter of an AC magneto generator associated with the exciting winding of the main AC generator. The regulator comprises a single controlled semiconductor switching device disposed in parallel to the exciting winding of the main AC generator and an output voltage detecting and control signal generating circuit which is adapted to detect the output voltage of the main AC generator and to apply a control signal to the controlled electrode of the controlled semiconductor switching device when the output voltage of the main AC generator reaches more than a predetermined value. The exciter of the AC magneto generator has an operating frequency higher than that of the main AC generator whereby the output voltage of the main generator can be regulated in a minute manner.