Abstract: A method for implementing voltage regulation for an electrical generator device includes comparing an output voltage of the electrical generator device to a desired set point voltage thereof, and generating an output control signal configured to regulate a field current of the generating device. The output control signal is generated in accordance with a linear mode of operation during of one of an overvoltage condition and an undervoltage condition with respect to the desired set point voltage, and wherein the output control signal is automatically set to a predetermined value in a non-linear mode of operation during the other of the overvoltage condition and the undervoltage condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for paralleling engine generators. One or more closed transition transfer switches (CTTSes) are coupled to two or more engine generators. A system controller is programmed to operate the one or more CTTSes so that each of the generators provides an emergency power and so that the generators may simultaneously supply emergency power to the power bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide protection for a synchronous generator in a power system. The method includes deriving a plurality of generator safe operating boundary data expressions from power system data and/or user-defined inputs. The power system data may include a plurality of generator data supplied by a manufacturer of the generator and/or power system parameters such as power system equivalent impedance. Each generator safe operating boundary data expression may relate to a generator capability curve, a steady-state stability limit curve, a minimum excitation limiter curve, an over excitation limiter curve, or an user-defined curve. The method also includes calculating an active power value sum and a reactive power value sum based on generator three-phase currents and voltages, comparing these sums to at least one of the plurality of generator safe operating boundary data expressions, and to provide protection and/or alarming functions for the generator based on this comparison.

Abstract: A stabilizer and synchronous electric power generator system using same that provides both power system damping and excitation limiter functionality. The stabilizer includes a processing unit and a memory storing routines executable by the processing unit. The routines are adapted to receive a voltage signal indicative of a voltage and a current signal indicative of a current output by the generator system, generate, utilizing the voltage and current signals, a power system stabilizer signal for damping oscillations and one or more excitation limiter function signals for controlling excitation level. The routines are also adapted to generate a feedback signal for the generator system by combining the power system stabilizer signal and one or more of the one or more excitation limiter function signals.

Abstract: A fault protection system provides fault protection to a permanent magnet (PM) generator. The fault protection system includes one or more overload and short-circuit protection circuits, an unbalanced protection circuit and a thermal protection circuit. The overload and short-circuit protection circuit detects both overload and short-circuit conditions by monitoring current and voltage generated at a single phase by the PM generator. The unbalanced protection circuit monitors and compares current and voltage generated associated with at least two individual phases to determine unbalanced conditions between the phases. The thermal protection circuit detects a thermal overload condition by monitoring the temperature of the PM generator.

Abstract: A vehicle generator control system detects a time point at which an electrical load is to be disconnected from the generator output, with the detection being achieved prior to that disconnection time point, and initiates a lowering of the generated current of the generator by an amount equal to the load current of that electrical load. The generated current of the generator is thereby reduced, by the time of the disconnection, to a value whereby substantially no voltage spike is produced in the generator output voltage.

Abstract: A signaling system for detecting power line discontinuity in a power distribution system having a local power generator in a feeder line employs a signal generator that provides a local generator control signal with a preset protocol continuously and is located in the power distribution system upstream of said local power generator. A power detector terminates the local generator control signal and a signal detector in said feeder line detects the presence of the signal and triggers the shutdown of the local generator when the signal is not detected by the signal detector for a predefined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that allow for individual power sources to be disconnected and reconnected without interrupting the power supply from the other power sources and that allow for these power sources to provide power at substantially the same electrical parameters such as frequency, phase, and voltage.

Abstract: A method for detecting stator ground faults in a generator is described. The method includes receiving a neutral voltage signal from a neutral point of a stator, receiving a plurality of terminal voltage and current signals from the stator, deriving a magnitude of a harmonic component from the neutral voltage signal, deriving a total complex power from the terminal voltage and current signals, calculating an expected value of a harmonic based on the complex power at a first time and a plurality of values of the complex power, where the values of the complex power are measured at times before the first time, and comparing the expected value and a measured value of the harmonic.

Abstract: A state of charge control system and method uses a region of voltage linearity and a long-term average voltage to estimate an average battery state of charge for storage batteries and to eliminate errors due to hysteresis, drift and sensor noncompliance. An average state of charge Sn is calculated using a current integral method and an average state of charge Sv based on an average observed voltage Vn for a time period exceeding a predefined minimum time but before a predefined maximum time has elapsed is also calculated. If the absolute value of the difference between the Sv and Sn are not are within an acceptable error band, then an offset value is calculated to correct the Sn by subtracting the Sv from the Sn, and thus, to maintain a more accurate Sn. Additionally, a closed current integral method is used to reduce errors due to hysteresis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power conversion circuit including self synchronous rectifiers and a rapid shutdown section. When power is removed from the power conversion circuit, the rapid shutdown section prevents self oscillation of the self synchronous rectifiers. As a result, power is not drawn from the output and dissipated in the power conversion circuit.

Abstract: A Digital Programmable Motor Overload Protector includes a base module and a detachable, removable user interface module interfaced through a serial communications link. The base module provides motor overload analysis through a programmable Digital Signal Processor (DSP) which digitizes real time motor operating conditions, comparing stored user trip and alarm levels against these conditions, communicating the results to the detachable user interface and a multi-drop communications link using the industry standard MODBUS RTU protocol to a facility's automation system. Motor operating conditions, user settings, override conditions, pass events, and resettable parameters are available through the password protected removable user interface module or the multi-drop communications interface.

Abstract: A protection configuration for converter means which comprise a plurality of controllable switches, the protection configuration comprising a protection circuit coupled to the alternating voltage side of the converter means, which protection circuit comprises at least one protective switch configured to short-circuit the alternating voltage side of the converter means, wherein the protection configuration, in predetermined failure situations, is configured to close the protective switch and thus to short-circuit the alternating voltage side of the converter means. After the failure situation has cleared up, the protection configuration is configured to short-circuit the alternating voltage side of the converter means by means of the controllable switches to enhance commutation of the protective switch.

Abstract: An instrument for PCR comprising an assembly, a heated cover, and a computer. The assembly can include a sample block, Peltier devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature can be changed by controlling the Peltier devices with the computer. A perimeter heater can be used to in prove thermal uniformity. A heated platen can push down onto tube caps to apply a minimum force for seating the tubes. The force can be applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps. The platen can be heated to provide thermal isolation and prevent evaporation from the surface of the sample. The software can include diagnostics to compensate for variation in thermoelectric coolers such that all instruments can perform identically.

Abstract: A switching power supply unit includes an overcurrent protection circuit section and a latch-stop release signal output circuit section. The overcurrent protection circuit section performs an overcurrent protection operation for latching and stopping the switching operation of a main switch during an overcurrent state. The latch-stop release signal output circuit section outputs a signal, only in a predetermined latch-stop release period, for releasing the latch stop after a certain waiting time has elapsed from the time of the latch stop. This arrangement can virtually perform a hiccup-mode overcurrent protection operation at the time of overcurrent, and expands the scope of application of a switching power supply unit. Switching power supply circuits are interconnected by simultaneous starting connections. Switching controllers for the main switches are connected to match hiccup mode restart timings.

Abstract: A three-phase generator that has a plurality of stator windings, a rectifier system connected with the stator windings, an exciter winding, a generator controller, and an additional circuit that effects an increase in voltage. This additional circuit is a passively operated booster circuit that is integrated into the generator and that has no controlled components.

Abstract: A power generating system wherein a variable speed turbine is mounted on top of a tower or tethered underwater. The reactive component of turbine generated electrical power is corrected automatically through electronic switched power-factor capacitor banks that are divided into sub-system modules coupled to a central turbine park sub-station. The sub-system modules are of a fixed size and are easily adaptable to different turbine generator types, sizes and groupings. By employing SCR switched power factor capacitors grouped in sub-system modules of fixed size, coupled to a central turbine park sub-station, the converter allows fast, real time control of the utility interconnected power line voltage or power factor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the voltage output of an alternator is disclosed. The system includes an alternator having a rotor, which has a field winding, a stator having a plurality of phases, a rectifier bridge connected to the plurality of phases, at least one detection circuit connected to each of the plurality of phases, and a controller in communication with the at least one detection circuit and the rectifier bridge. The plurality of phases of the stator are magnetically coupled to the field winding. The rectifier bridge has a plurality of switches for rectifying the alternating current developed in the plurality of stator phases. The at least one detection circuit connected to each of the plurality of phases are used to sense a current reversal in each of the plurality of stator phases. The controller controls the operation of the plurality of switches when the reversal of the current has been sensed by the at least one detection circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting high level arc faults in aircraft power systems are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention with reduced susceptibility to nuisance trips includes three low pass filters each having an output connected to a threshold detector. In addition, a three input comparator is connected to an output of each of the threshold detectors and a fault verification circuit is connected to an output of the three input comparator. An embodiment of the method of the invention for detecting arc faults in three phase aircraft power systems involves detecting at least one of the three phases having a current exceeding a predetermined threshold, detecting differences between the three phases and generating a signal indicative of difference being detected between the three phases for a time period exceeding a predetermined duration.

Abstract: A motor controller comprises a plurality of solid state switches each for connection between an AC line and a motor winding terminal for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A plurality of voltage sensors, each associated with one of the solid state switches, sense voltage for an associated motor winding. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit adjusts firing to one of the solid state switches if the sensed voltage for the associated winding varies from a threshold voltage by a select amount.

Abstract: A generator for producing high voltages and having at least one generator winding (12) is connected via a generator circuit (10) to a network (19), which generator circuit has means (15, . . . , 17) for protection against overvoltages. Improved protection against higher voltages is achieved in that the at least one generator winding (12) is subdivided into a number of winding sections (12a-c) whose winding insulation is designed such that the insulation level is graduated, and in that the overvoltage protection means have a number of overvoltage protection elements (15, . . . , 17), which are associated with the respective individual winding sections (12a-c) and whose response levels are matched to the requirements of the associated winding section.

Abstract: The invention provides means of limiting maximum current conducted through windings of an electric machine having a rotor and a stator. By encouraging an appropriate leakage flux around a winding, a leak impedance can be achieved which may be used, according to the invention, to limit the maximum current in the winding as a matter of machine design.

Abstract: In regenerative braking mode, an inverter converts, according to PWMC signal from a control unit, an AC voltage generated by a motor into a DC voltage to supply the converted DC voltage to an up-converter which down-converts the DC voltage to charge a DC power supply. The control unit receives voltage V2 from a voltage sensor to stop the up-converter if voltage V2 is higher than a predetermined value. The control unit further receives voltage Vf from a voltage sensor that is applied to a DC/DC converter and stops the up-converter if voltage Vf is higher than a predetermined value. Moreover, the control unit receives voltage V1 of the DC power supply from a voltage sensor to stop the up-converter if voltage V1 does not match voltage V2.

Abstract: Switching devices control the rectification and flow of alternating current power from a source such as an alternator to a load such as a battery in response to both the voltage of the battery and a minimum selected time period that is selected to eliminate or reduce an imbalance between various phases or polarities in possible current carrying paths. The selected time period may be constant or a predetermined function of variables such as the speed of the alternator.

Abstract: An exciter for an electrical power generator includes a shaft, an armature connected to the shaft, a field surrounding the armature to cause the armature to generate an alternating current, and a rectifying wheel The rectifying wheel includes a plurality of semiconductor switching devices connected to the rectifying wheel and arranged in a bridge configuration for rectifying the alternating current from the field. A respective non-linear protection device is connected in parallel with each of the semiconductor switching devices.

Abstract: A multi-functional motor control device is disclosed. A control circuit set are connected between three input currents of different phases and a motor. The control circuit set includes a main control circuit for controlling phase sequences, a control CUP control circuit, a display control circuit, a function key control circuit, a current detection circuit, a silicon control trigger circuit, an input voltage detection circuit. By above components, the phase difference of voltage of power source and feedback current can be determined so as to know the message of a load to control the output of a silicon controlled SCR circuit and thus to control the power saving of the variation of load. Moreover, the message of power voltage can provide the protection of over voltage and low voltage. The detection of current provides the protection of over current or unbalance of currents of different phases and being lack of phase.

Abstract: A solar tile assembly (1A) comprises a removable rectangular outer panel (1) that comprises ten photovoltaic cells (3) disposed on the outermost surface thereof, and a substantially rectangular inner support structure (2). Thc photovoltaic cells (3) cover the lower portion of the outer panel (1). Any suitable photovoltaic means may be used for the solar tile assembly. The outer panel (1) is secured to the inner support structure (2) using two fasteners (5a, 5b) disposed at the front end of the solar tile assembly (1A). The fasteners (5a, 5b) may typically be quarter or half turn captive fasteners. These types of fasteners have the added advantage of being retained by the outer panel (1) during assembly/disassembly processes. The inner support structure (2) comprises a framework at one end of which there is formed a lower stepped interlockable section (4). In use the interlockable section (4) is disposed under a portion of an adjacent tile assembly, as is well known in the art of roof tile design.

Abstract: A method is for protecting a DC generator against overvoltage in the event of a loss of load. A voltage limit value is defined and, when starting the current generator, one or a few small current pulses are generated during an initial phase. The voltage is measured across the output of the current generator during the initial phase and the voltages measured across the output of the current generator are compared with the voltage limit value. There is a changeover to normal operation only if all the voltages across the output of the current generator measured during the initial phase are below the voltage limit value. The current generation is interrupted and a loss of load is indicated if any one of the voltages across the output of the current generator measured during the initial phase exceeds the voltage limit value.

Abstract: An engine-generator set includes a load power fault protector circuit that detects when the power delivered to the load reaches a predetermined maximum power value, and substantially prevents the load power from exceeding the predetermined maximum value by decreasing the load voltage.

Abstract: Quick recovery or recovery support of a faulty power generating facility by real time diagnoses such as facility failure diagnosis, supervision for failure symptoms, facility diagnosis by evaluation of performance using databases between said power generating facilities and an operation control system.

Abstract: The Method of this invention separates input power systems, typically a public power grid, from output electrical power, typically for use by electrically sensitive equipment, by converting the input energy into mechanical energy, transferring that mechanical energy, by way of a dielectric transfer medium, through a dielectric conduit structure, to a protected system at some desired distance which converts the mechanical energy back into useable and protected electrical power.

Abstract: A TPV apparatus for generating electric power, which comprises a combustion chamber comprising a burner device generating, by means of the combustion of fuel and combustion air, hot gases providing an amount of thermal power. The TPV apparatus further comprises a converter assembly, which is associated to the combustion chamber and converts into electric power at least a portion of the amount of thermal power. The converter assembly comprises a plurality of TPV modules, positioned internally to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The safety device for a power circuit includes a first power circuit (2A) including a first load (4) and a first fuse element (5A) for receiving a first voltage power from a power supply (9) to supply the first voltage power to the first load through the first fuse element. The safety device includes a second power circuit (2B) including a second load (3) and a second fuse element (5B) for receiving a second voltage power from a converter (8), which converts the first voltage power into the second voltage power, to supply the second voltage power to the second load (3) through the second fuse element (5B). The device includes a fusion system (20) for fusing the other of the first and second fuse elements when an arbitrary one of the first and second fuse elements fuses.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting currents in a three-phase power transmission system includes a first detection circuit electrically coupled to a first phase of the three-phase transmission system, a second detection circuit electrically coupled to a second phase of the three-phase transmission system different than the first phase, and an event output switch electrically coupled to the first detection circuit and the second detection circuit and configured to actuate when a subsynchronous current at least one of the first phase and the second phase exceeds a pre-selected subsynchronous current setpoint.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (LCD) driver circuit includes first through N-th input pads for respectively receiving first through N-th voltages (N>1). First through N-th electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection units are respectively connected to the first through N-th input pads, and form a discharge path when an electrostatic pulse is respectively applied through any of the first through N-th input pads. An output driver has first through N-th resistors. The first through N-th resistors respectively receive the first through N-th voltages input through the first through N-th input pads. The output driver generates a driving voltage for driving an LCD from each of the first through N-th voltages received through the first through N-th resistors, respectively. The first through N-th resistors reduce a current flowing into the output driver when the electrostatic pulse is applied. Some or all ESD protection units may include a thin gate-oxide (gox) transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical fuse for rotary current generators, having a rectifier assembly (14) for supplying a DC network, in particular in motor vehicles. To achieve simple, cost-effective and rapid-response fuse performance in the event of an overload, it is provided that a fuse element (21) be disposed in a line strand, carrying all the generator current, between the rectifier assembly (14) and a DC connection terminal (22) of the generator.

Abstract: The new Ground Fault Detection and Diode Fault Detection (GFD/DFD) Systems have rotating and stationary component assemblies. The rotating assembly has four interface modules, which are normally encapsulated, in a specially configured support ring. The GFD/DFD Systems support ring assembly is bolted to the brushless exciter. The brushless exciter is attached to a generator or motor. The GFD/DFD System support ring is provided power by an induction loop antenna attached to a stationary Induction Power Supply (IPS). A Receiver Control Unit provides power to the IPS and receives and conditions the RF (radio frequencies) data transmitted from the GFD/DFD System support ring assembly. These units together provide the means to detect ground faults, to detect diode faults, and to activate alarm lights and electrical control signals for normal and faulty operating conditions.

Abstract: An exciter for an electrical power generator includes a shaft 22, an armature 24 connected to the shaft, a field 28 surrounding the armature to cause the armature to generate an alternating current, and a rectifying wheel 26. The rectifying wheel includes a plurality of semiconductor switching devices 42 connected to the rectifying wheel 28 and arranged in a bridge configuration for rectifying the alternating current from the field 28. A respective non-linear protection device 46 is connected in parallel with each of the semiconductor switching devices 42.

Abstract: A starter control device includes an auxiliary switch for controlling an operation of a starter main switch, the auxiliary switch having a cap made from an insulating member. The starter control device also includes a control circuit part disposed on the cap, a terminal disposed on the cap, and a connection metal attachment for connecting the control circuit part and the terminal.

Abstract: A method for protecting a DC generator against overvoltage in the event of a loss of load. A voltage limit value is defined and, when starting the current generator, one or a few small current pulses are generated during an initial phase. The voltage is measured across the output of the current generator during the initial phase and the voltages measured across the output of the current generator are compared with the voltage limit value. There is a changeover to normal operation only if all the voltages across the output of the current generator measured during the initial phase are below the voltage limit value. The current generation is interrupted and a loss of load is indicated if any one of the voltages across the output of the current generator measured during the initial phase exceeds the voltage limit value.

Abstract: An improved over-voltage protection circuit for a motor vehicle electrical system includes an over-voltage responsive circuit for momentarily disconnecting the vehicle storage battery and alternator from vehicle electrical loads, and an auxiliary storage battery for supplying a safe operating voltage to the electrical loads during the momentary disconnection. The over-voltage responsive circuit includes a MOSFET device that couples the vehicle storage battery and alternator to the electrical loads and auxiliary storage battery, and a voltage responsive circuit that turns the MOSFET device off to decouple the electrical loads and auxiliary storage battery from the vehicle storage battery and alternator so long as an over-voltage condition is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle which includes an electrical system monitoring system which results in detecting arcing in the electrical distribution system of the vehicle and the ability to provide notification and protection for such arcing. The system functions to monitor the electrical distribution system of the vehicle to sense the frequencies of signals in the system using appropriate filtering. One type of filtering which may be used is based upon a heterodyning circuit which provides variable frequency filtering for filtering a signal representative of the current in at least one electrical circuit of the vehicle. The heterodyning circuit output is configured to produce a signal which may be logarithmically related to the filtered signal. If the output signal exceeds a predetermined limit (representative of noise) for a predetermined period (representative of a typical arc duration), the system generates an arc signal.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter has a primary-side circuit connected to a DC power supply and a converter for converting voltage supplied by the DC power supply into an AC signal; a secondary-side circuit for rectifying and smoothing the AC signal transmitted from the primary-side circuit to supply power to a load; and an auxiliary rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing the AC signal transmitted from the primary-side circuit to supply sub-power supply voltage to the converter of the primary-side circuit. The primary-side circuit further has a monitoring circuit for monitoring the sub-power supply voltage supplied from the auxiliary rectifying and smoothing circuit to the converter and a stop circuit for latching a conversion operation of the converter into an OFF state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying power to a load circuit from main and alternate electric power sources involves actuating a signal-controlled selector inside a housing, at least a portion of which is received in a breaker receptacle of an electric power distribution panel such that a first conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from the electric power distribution panel and a second conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, to selectively connect the load circuit to the first conductor on the housing or to a second conductor on the housing operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, in response to a control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical fuse for rotary current generators, having a rectifier assembly (14) for supplying a DC network, in particular in motor vehicles. To achieve simple, cost-effective and rapid-response fuse performance in the event of an overload, it is provided that a fuse element (21) be disposed in a line strand, carrying all the generator current, between the rectifier assembly (14) and a DC connection terminal (22) of the generator.

Abstract: A generator wake-up system that transitions the voltage regulator from a low power, sleep mode to full voltage regulation mode when the wake-up system detects and confirms a valid frequency of rotation of the generator. The wake-up system includes a control circuit to filter, amplify, and detect the proper threshold of an input waveform; and an assessing device that implements a control algorithm to measure and validate the input waveform.

Abstract: A safety tripping system is controlled to prevent electrical arcing during use of high voltage apparatus, in particular an electrostatic coating product applicator. The safety tripping system is activated if at least one current parameter reaches a threshold. The threshold is varied as a function of the value of the high voltage in accordance with a predetermined law.

Abstract: A genset controller that is configurable for controlling a variety of types of gensets, as well as a method of configuring a genset controller for controlling a genset, are disclosed. The genset controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of software routines, a personality profile data set, and a user-settable data set, and further includes a processor coupled to the memory for executing the software routines and reading data from the personality profile data set and the user settable data set to control the genset. The genset controller additionally includes an input port coupled to the memory for enabling changes to the personality profile data set and the user-settable data set to be downloaded into the memory. The personality profile data set and the user-settable data set include data that configures the genset controller for operation with a particular genset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating, consistent with variations in cooling conditions, protection and limit functions of a generator. Limits of the capability curve of the generator, including the overexcited region, underexcited region and region limited by stator current heating, are modified in response to changes in coolant pressure or temperature depending on the type of generator being compensated. Feedback signals and setpoints being provided to fixed protection and limit functions are intercepted and modified in accordance with the relationship between generator rated values and generator performance in view of altered coolant conditions. Protection and limit functions are automatically coordinated. As a result, overall generator performance is improved.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring the supply of power between a generator and utility source. The transfer mechanism includes a monitoring system for monitoring the power supplied by the utility source. The monitoring system starts the generator in response to a power outage from the utility source and stops the generator in response to the restoration of power from the utility source. A power relay has a utility input connectable to the utility source, a generator input connectable to the generator, an output connectable to a load, and a movable contact for selectively interconnecting one of the inputs to the output in response to the generation of power by the generator.