Abstract: An integrated power and attitude control system and method for a vehicle efficiently supplies electrical power to both low voltage and high voltage loads, and does not rely on relatively heavy batteries to supply power during the vehicle initialization process. The system includes an energy storage flywheel, and a solar array that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The energy storage flywheel is spun up, using electrical power supplied from a low voltage power source, to a rotational speed sufficient to provide attitude control. Then, after the solar array is moved to its deployed position, the energy storage flywheel is spun up, using electrical power supplied from a second power source, to a rotational speed sufficient to provide both attitude control and energy storage.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus performs regenerative braking by regeneratively operating first and second motor-generators to apply first and second braking torques in response to a deceleration request. The vehicle control apparatus is improves the efficiency in regeneratively generating electric power without greatly disturbing the balance between the. The control apparatus calculates an ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio for front wheel braking torque and the rear wheel braking torque, and also calculates a distribution allowance for the ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio. The control apparatus then corrects the ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio within the distribution allowance such that the electric power generation efficiencies of the first motor-generator connected to the rear wheels and the second motor-generator connected to the front wheels are increased.

Abstract: A control apparatus controlling the operation of pulse width modulator for an electric clutch or electric motor in portable spray painting equipment having a pressure transducer for sensing the pressure, a manually adjustable pressure reference, a comparator type error detector, and a pressure deadband control for inserting a deadband in a pressure control loop with the deadband varying as the pressure reference varies. A fixed deadband is provided below a predetermined low pressure setting to avoid excessive cycling of the control apparatus during low pressure operation. The pulse width modulator control circuit includes compensation for improving input power factor. The clutch control includes an active alternative load circuit switched in when the alternator output voltage is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an onboard AC generator for a motor vehicle is capable of suppressing erroneous operation of the switching circuit due to a leakage current to thereby prevent the output voltage of the AC generator from abnormal rising. The control apparatus includes an AC generator (1) including a field winding (102), a rectifier circuit (2) for converting an output voltage of the AC generator (1) into a DC voltage, a battery (5) charged with the DC voltage, a switching circuit (3) constituted by a low-side switch for turning on/off a current flow loop extending through the field winding (102), a control unit (4) for controlling on/off-operation of the switching circuit (3) so that a voltage (VB) appearing at a charging terminal of the battery (5) matches with a predetermined voltage level, and a resistor (303) inserted between a control input terminal of the switching circuit (3) and the ground potential.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electrically generating mechanical braking torque employs direct field drive incorporating an AC alternator plus a current regulator. The stator windings of the alternator are directly coupled to the field winding via a full wave rectifier and the current regulator. The invention simplifies electrical circuitry for generating braking torque, provides wide dynamic range of torque generation, limits voltages and currents to easily manageable levels, and reduces mechanical drive train requirements. The invention produces a constant power mechanical load from essentially 0 to over 1,000 watts from an alternator of the size typically used for automotive applications.

Abstract: A control apparatus incorporated in a charging generator for controlling interruption of an exciting current supplied to a field winding of the charging generator comprises a power transistor for intermittently interrupting the exciting current, a voltage detecting circuit for controlling on-off of the power transistor depending on the voltage generated by the charging generator, a current detecting circuit for detecting an initial exciting current supplied to the field winding until the charging generator generates an output voltage high enough for starting its charging operation, and a circuit for turning off the power transistor as soon as the value of the current detected by the current detecting circuit exceeds a predetermined setting.

Abstract: A control unit is disclosed for controlling the driving torque of a generator driven by an engine in accordance with the number of cylinders to be operated, thereby to achieve stabilized operation. A voltage regulator is provided for varying the field current through the field coil of the generator so as to regulate the output of the generator. A circuit component including a pair of NC contacts in parallel with a resistor is connected in series between the field coil of the generator and a power source. Depending on the number of cylinders to be operated, the NC contacts are either closed to provide a low resistance path for current to the field coil or are opened to provide a high resistance path through the resistor.

Abstract: An electrical generating system for land vehicles comprising an electrical generator operatively connected to the vehicle drive train, a battery and a system interconnecting the brake pedal to a switching arrangement which connects the generator output into the battery for charging purposes upon depression of the brake pedal and also provides for increasing the generator output as a function of brake pedal depression, thus utilizing the back EMF of the generator as a load on the drive train to assist in braking the vehicle and utilizing the momentum of the vehicle during braking to furnish energy to the generator.