Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system and a method for controlling power balance are provided. The system includes at least two photovoltaic arrays, at least one power balance circuit and a power converter. Each of input ports of the power balance circuit is connected with at least one photovoltaic array, and an output port of the power balance circuit is connected with the power converter. The power balance circuit performs power transfer based on a difference between output powers of the two photovoltaic arrays to control a difference between powers of two output terminals of the power balance circuit to be within a preset range.

Abstract: A device for monitoring at least two electromagnetic valves of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. An actual current that is independent of the other valves may be supplied to each valve. A setpoint current is preselected for each valve. Measuring devices are provided for measuring the actual currents supplied to the valves. A control unit is used to add the measured actual currents to yield a total actual current. Due to the control unit, the setpoint currents are added to yield a total setpoint current and compared to the total actual current. This comparison is used by the control unit for monitoring the valves and/or their interconnections.

Abstract: A battery, an energy charge inductance, and a first transistor are connected in series in an ignition system. A primary winding and a second switching device are connected in series between the ground and a point between the energy charge inductance and the first switching device. A drive circuit switches periodically on and off the first switching device and the second switching device during multispark duration of the spark plug such that each switching device has a different switching status from each other. After the multispark duration, the drive circuit switches periodically on and off the second transistor with a short switching interval. The switching interval is set such that a relatively low voltage that almost causes a spark is impressed to the spark plug. An ion current detection is implemented by using this voltage as a power source.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a Hall effect device for detecting crankshaft rotation. A circuit is provided to select first or second ignition timing responsive to the Hall effect device output based on the rate of crankshaft rotation.

Abstract: An ignition control system controls an ignition of a vehicle engine based on a pulse signal generated by a pulse coil in response to a rotation of the vehicle engine by using a rectified output of a regulator for correcting a generated output of an AC-generator activated by the vehicle engine. The ignition control system does not require a dedicated AC generator and modifications of an engine layout. It includes an anti-theft feature and is applicable to vehicles that do not use a battery. The ignition control system includes a reference voltage generator that generates a reference voltage each time a rectified output is produced by a generator, and an ignition controller that controls ignition of the vehicle engine on the basis of the reference voltage and the rectified output.

Abstract: A pressure transducer suitable for use in measuring the pressures created by the combustive events that occur in internal combustion engines. The transducer utilizes the magnetostrictive effect to measure stress waves present in magnetized metallic components associated with sparkplug devices typically placed in apertures into internal combustion engine cylinders. The present invention includes a replacement sparkplug device that incorporates a pickup coil for measuring magnetostrictive events within the magnetized metal components of the sparkplug device and alternatively a sparkplug boot cover that separately incorporates a removable pickup coil for measuring the stress waves. In either embodiment, the present invention utilizes the magnetostrictive sensor signals measured as a basis for identifying internal combustion cylinder pressures and for identifying the characteristics of the ignition events within the cylinder.

Abstract: A process for controlling and measuring the movement of an armature of an electromagnetic switching member with an excitation coil is proposed, which has the following steps: a current (i) or a voltage (u1) is applied to the excitation winding (3) in order to move the armature into a first actuatable position; before the start of the movement of the armature, the current or the voltage is raised above a value at which the armature remains in the actuated position, and before termination of the movement of the armature the current or the voltage is reduced to a defined value, which suffices to hold the armature in the actuated position; finally, the temporal variations in the current or the voltage are measured after setting of the defined value, for the purpose of recognizing the termination of the armature movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the operativeness of a Hall effect device (HED), such as in an automotive application, without requiring removal of the HED for testing. The apparatus includes a connector for connection to the HED, a connector for connection to a voltage supply, and an indicator. A permanent magnet is physically positioned with respect to the HED so that a properly functioning HED would produce a Hall effect current within a predetermined range. A ferrous metal strip is provided, shiftable between an interference position between the permanent magnet and the HED and a clear position not between the permanent magnet and the HED. The indicator is connected so as to be lit when the HED is producing a current within the predetermined range, and not lit when the HED is not producing a current within the predetermined range. Also disclosed is a method for testing the operativeness of a HED. The method includes supplying a testing apparatus as described above.

Abstract: Testing apparatus for an electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine, the electronic ignition system having an ignition coil with a spark output, an electronic control unit connected to the coil for controlling the coil output, a distributor, and a magnetic sensor coupled to the distributor and to the electronic control unit and responsive to rotation of a timing cam in the distributor for producing output pulses for controlling the electronic control unit operation. The testing apparatus includes a pulse generator for generating pulses at a desired variable rate, driver circuitry, and a trigger coil inductor responsive to the pulse generator for exciting the distributor's magnetic sensor, whereby the sensor generates pulses as if the engine were operating for controlling the electronic control unit and testing its operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a pulse generator for triggering successive energy discharges such as in automotive or other ignition systems and the like, which generator comprises a magnetic circuit a portion of which is interrupted by a conductive vane the position of which controls the production of the pulses and at least one winding encircling a portion of said magnetic circuit, means connecting said winding to the output of an amplifying means, said components connected to produce as negative feedback at the input of said amplifying means the total voltage across said winding; the magnetic circuit and electronic circuitry connected thereto being so arranged as to minimize the number of components which must be placed in close physical proximity to the rotating vane, generally in the distributor of the engine, and to also minimize the number of interconnecting leads from the vane location to the balance of the ignition system, thus producing a small, inexpensive and highly accurate pulse generator.