Plural Conditions Patents (Class 322/22)
  • Patent number: 11171590
    Abstract: An electronic device, in particular an alternator regulator, comprising a power stage to be connected to an inductive load, in particular to an alternator inductor, comprising at least one first pair of power transistors connected to a terminal of a DC bus, and a control circuit for said transistors, the transistors being disposed in parallel between said terminal of the DC bus and a first output to be connected to the load, at least one flyback diode connecting the opposite terminal of the DC bus to the first output, the control circuit being designed to generate a pulsed control signal for regulating the current in the load and for detecting a failure of one of the transistors, the control circuit being designed, during normal operation, to send the control signal to one of the transistors of the first pair, while maintaining the other transistor of said pair in an off-state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventors: Samuel Moser, Jeremy Fratani, Vincent Morisseau, Jean-Francois Paillou
  • Patent number: 10856381
    Abstract: A light tower includes a generator assembly including a prime mover, an alternator operably connected to the prime mover, the alternator configured to produce alternating current electrical energy, and a rectifier operably connected to the alternator and configured to convert alternating current electrical energy produced by the alternator to direct current electrical energy. At least one light emitting diode matrix is electrically connected to the generator assembly by an electrical connection, and a regulator is operably connected to the alternator and configured to detect a current of the direct current electrical energy in the electrical connection. In response to a detected current of the direct current electrical energy in the electrical connection, the regulator controls the alternator to adjust the current supplied to the at least one light emitting diode matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Harknett, Robert Ranker
  • Patent number: 10855215
    Abstract: The application relates to a power generation system, including a synchronous generator for converting mechanical power into electrical power at an output side configured for connecting an AC power grid, a first rectifier and a second rectifier each having an AC side connected to the output side of the generator and a DC side, an exciter configured for exciting the, and a selector device having an input side and an output side, the input side connected to the DC side of the first rectifier and to the DC side of the second rectifier and the output side connected to the exciter, the selector device is configured for switching the DC sides in series or in parallel or for transmitting DC power from the first rectifier and the second rectifier corresponding to an arbitrary split ratio to the output side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Matthias Baechle, Rudolf Wieser, Peter Al-Hokayem, Eduardo Rohr
  • Patent number: 10780850
    Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
  • Patent number: 10763774
    Abstract: The method for controlling a rotating electric machine according to the invention comprises a step of controlling the phase currents of the machine by means of a full-wave control (C). According to the invention, the full-wave control (C) is generated via a pulse width modulated signal of which the signal frequency is greater than an electric frequency of the machine. According to another feature, ascending or descending fronts (24, 25) of the pulse width modulated signal are synchronised with first and second crossings of first and second angular switching thresholds (S1, S2) by an electric position (?) of the machine and a duty ratio (?) of the pulse width modulated signal is periodically refreshed to the signal frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Francois-Xavier Bernard, Luc Kobylanski
  • Patent number: 10651770
    Abstract: An aircraft power generation unit to generate direct current (DC) power provided to a load includes a six-phase permanent magnet generator (PMG) and a rectifier section that converts alternating current (AC) voltage produced by the six-phase PMG into a DC output. The rectifier section includes a first six-pulse rectifier and a second six-pulse rectifier connected to the second set of windings. The unit also includes an output bus configured to be connected to the load and including a positive rail and a negative rail connected to the second rectifier and an output voltage regulation section that provides an output voltage to the output bus. The unit also include a controller that provides a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the output voltage regulation section to vary the output voltage provided to the output bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Patent number: 10594509
    Abstract: An oscillator, a transmission/reception device for a bus system, and a method for generating a clock frequency with the oscillator are indicated. The oscillator serves to generate a clock frequency and includes a timing element that has a frequency-determining capacitance for determining the frequency of the clock frequency, and a comparator, the comparator being configured to detect a threshold voltage to which the frequency-determining capacitance is to be charged, and the comparator having a switchable capacitance for offset compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Pannwitz, Ingo Hehemann
  • Patent number: 10075060
    Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising power conversion system (PCM) having an output (OT1), a filter device (2) connected to the output (OT1) of the power conversion system (PCM), a pre-charging circuit (PCC), and an interface (ITF) for connecting the electrical assembly to an electrical power network (GRD). The filter device (2) comprises inductor system and filter capacitor system adapted to co-operate with the inductor system for filtering an alternating current. The filter device (2) comprises a capacitor switch device (S3) for disconnecting the filter capacitor system from the inductor system. The electrical assembly comprises a grid switch device (S4) connected in parallel with the pre-charging circuit (PCC). The parallel connected pre-charging circuit (PCC) and grid switch device (S4) are operationally connected between the output (OT1) of the power conversion system (PCM) and the interface (ITF) of the electrical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Ville Koivula, Markku Järvelä
  • Patent number: 9899943
    Abstract: The invention enables durability in a higher temperature environment to be ensured without changing mechanical design specifications. A power generation control device for controlling generator output to a predetermined range by intermittently controlling a field current of a vehicle alternating current generator, includes a limit deactivation signal reception unit that receives a limit deactivation signal of the field current from an exterior, a rotation speed detection unit that detects generator rotation speed, a temperature detection unit that detects temperature of the power generation control device, and a limit activation/deactivation determination unit that, when the limit deactivation signal is input, deactivates the field current limit under predetermined rotation speed and temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Katsurada, Katsuyuki Sumimoto
  • Patent number: 9849908
    Abstract: An assist command value calculation circuit includes a torque shift control circuit, a phase lag compensation control circuit, a basic assist control circuit, and a phase lead compensation control circuit. A determination circuit determines whether a motor has been continuously under high load or not based on a current command value and a current limit value. The determination circuit determines whether the motor has been continuously under high load or not by comparing the current command value with the current limit value and comparing a basic assist controlled variable with the current limit value, and outputs a phase compensation restriction flag. The phase lag compensation control circuit and the phase lead compensation control circuit restrict phase restriction when the phase compensation restriction flag is ON, and continues phase compensation when the phase compensation restriction flag is OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Itatsu, Sadanao Baba
  • Patent number: 9776583
    Abstract: An aircraft electrical network including a first starter generator mechanically coupled to a first shaft of an aircraft main engine. The first starter generator is configured to turn the first shaft of the main engine in a starting mode, and to generate electricity from the first shaft of the gas turbine engine in a generating mode. The network further includes a DC electrical bus electrical coupled to one or more electrical loads and an AC electrical bus electrically coupled to the first starter generator. The DC electrical bus is electrically coupled to the AC electrical bus via a bi-directional AC/DC converter, which is configured to provide AC electrical power from the DC electrical bus to power the first starter generator when the first starter generator is in a starting mode, and DC electrical power to the DC electrical bus when the first starter generator is in a generating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Huw Edwards
  • Patent number: 9425624
    Abstract: An electrical network of an aircraft and a method of operation comprises: an AC bus, a DC bus, a rectifier providing a DC voltage to the DC bus with the help of the AC bus, a plurality of bidirectional converters comprising two linkup points, each bidirectional converter being linked up at its first linkup point to the DC bus and being able to be linked up at its second linkup point to a load of the aircraft so as to power it, the network being able to be linked up to at least two generators each capable of delivering the AC voltage to the AC bus by the rectifier. At least one link links up at least one of the generators to the second linkup point of at least one of the bidirectional converters. The network can change generator with no cutoff and with no particular synchronization of the generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Alain Tardy
  • Publication number: 20150123624
    Abstract: A vibration damping control apparatus for a vehicle is applied to a vehicle that includes: a generator that is driven by an internal combustion engine to generate electric power; a regulator that controls field current passing through an excitation winding of the generator, so that generated voltage of the generator turns to an externally instructed adjusting voltage; and a battery that charges generated voltage of the generator. The vibration damping control apparatus for a vehicle includes an adjusting voltage setting means for setting the adjusting voltage based on a charge supply power request value required for controlling a residual capacity of the battery and a drive torque request value for the generator required for suppressing vibration of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Isao Ookawa, Mamoru Sawada, Takeshi Sada, Toshiki Matsumoto, Katsuyuki Mori, Akihiko Yagyu, Yuuichi Minamiguchi
  • Patent number: 8964337
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring excitation of a generator based on a faulty status of a generator breaker are provided. According to one embodiment, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive, from a contact associated with a generator breaker, a reported status of the generator breaker, receive operational data associated with one or more parameters of a generator associated with the generator breaker, and correlate the reported status of the generator breaker and the operational data. Based on the correlation, the processor may establish an actual status of the generator breaker, and, based on the actual status, selectively modify a mode of excitation of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abhinandan Sharma, Shashidhar Nibhanupudi, Sridhar Nedunsezian
  • Publication number: 20150015214
    Abstract: A method of performing active vibration damping in a front end accessory drive (FEAD) system of an automobile using an alternator of the FEAD system and an alternator are described. The method includes determining a resonance to be counteracted, determining a counteracting forcing function to counteract the resonance, and determining a duty cycle change to apply to a field voltage to obtain an output voltage with the counteracting forcing function, wherein the field voltage results in a field current supplied to a rotor that causes a stator to generate the output voltage. The method also includes implementing the duty cycle change for a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: William E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 8922042
    Abstract: The control system of this floating wind turbine generator is a control system of a floating wind turbine generator in which the control system controls a pitch angle control section by a pitch angle instruction value calculated on the basis of signals detected by a second sensor detecting a relative angle between a nacelle and a tower and a third sensor detecting a yaw angle from a reference position of the tower so that a signal detected by a first sensor detecting wind direction deviation relative to a vertical direction of a rotation plane of wind turbine blades indicates an angle within a predetermined range from the vertical direction of the rotation plane of the wind turbine blades, and controls a yaw driving device by a yaw driving instruction value calculated on the basis of the signals detected by the second sensor and the third sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S
    Inventors: Kazunari Ide, Takatoshi Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20140285161
    Abstract: The method according to the invention involves limiting the charging of a vehicle alternator by only authorizing progressive augmentation of a current duty cycle (DC) of an excitation signal (7) of the alternator from an initial duty cycle to an expected duty cycle (EpsU) calculated by a control loop (1, 5, 6) of the alternator. According to the invention, a complementary limitation of the charging of the alternator involves limiting the increase of the current duty cycle (DC) according to at least one parameter of the heat engine involving an angular acceleration (mot) and/or a rotation speed (Nmot) of the heat motor. In particular, this complementary limitation can additionally involve limiting the increase of the current duty cycle (DC) according to a negative value of the angular acceleration (mot).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: VALEO EQUIPMENTS ELECTRIQUES MOTEUR
    Inventors: Francois-Xavier Bernard, Jean-Claude Matt
  • Patent number: 8829862
    Abstract: A motor vehicle regulator, including electronic regulation circuits, which can produce an excitation current in accordance with a difference between a set voltage and an output voltage measured at the terminals of an electric battery of the vehicle. The regulation circuits including a programmable signal processing interface for producing a signal, which is representative of the excitation current. The interface receives as input a plurality of signals which are representative of the excitation current. The interface including a device capable of selecting a signal which is representative, from amongst the plurality of representative signals, of the method for applying different forms of processing to the representative signal selected, and a second device for selection of processing to be applied to the representative signal. The representative signal, and the processing to be applied, being selected according to a program provided to the programmable signal interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Pierre Chassard, Pierre Tisserand, Vincent Gendron, Philippe Hazard
  • Patent number: 8773081
    Abstract: In a controller, a voltage controller operates, in an initial excitation mode, to turn selectively on and off a switch to supply an excitation current as an initial excitation current to the field winding, and operates, in a power generation mode, to selectively increase and reduce the excitation current to be supplied to the field winding to regulate an output voltage of the power generator to a target value. A mode-shift determiner determines, while the voltage controller operates in the initial excitation mode, whether to shift an operation mode of the voltage controller from the initial excitation mode to the power generation mode based on: a measured rotation number of a rotor, a threshold rotation number of the rotor, and a preset time period, the time period being equal to or longer than an expected maximum value of cycle of pulsations of rotation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Akita, Takahiko Tashiro
  • Patent number: 8766479
    Abstract: A plurality of generators can be connected in parallel to a common electrical bus. Each generator has a controller that regulates the voltage and frequency of the electricity being produced. Before a given generator connects to the electrical bus, its controller senses whether electricity is present on the bus and if not, the connection is made. Otherwise, the controller synchronizes the electricity being produced to the electricity is present on the bus before the connection occurs. The controller in each generator may also implement a load sharing function which ensures that the plurality of generators equitably share in providing the total amount of power demanded by the loads. The load sharing can be accomplished by controlling the generators to operate a substantially identical percentages of their individual maximum power generation capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dorn, Isaac S. Frampton
  • Patent number: 8742732
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a method of controlling a doubly-fed electric generator using a frequency converter having a torque and flux controller. The frequency converter is connected to a rotor of the generator. The frequency converter calculates a stator flux positive sequence component from a stator flux. A rotor flux amplitude reference and an estimated torque is then calculated by using the stator flux positive sequence component. The frequency converter selects a voltage vector to steer the rotor flux by using the rotor flux amplitude reference and the estimated torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Reijo Kalevi Virtanen
  • Publication number: 20140125296
    Abstract: A method is disclosed to produce a supply voltage (B+) in an on-board system of a vehicle in response to an excitation current (I_ROTOR) applied to a rotor of the alternator. The method is of the type that consists in: limiting the resisting torque by determining a maximum cyclic ratio (DC_C_LIMIT) of the excitation current as a function of variables taken from a group containing a rotational speed (V_ROTOR) of the rotor, a temperature of the rotor, the excitation current and the supply voltage (B+). The maximum cyclic ratio is determined as a function of at least two of the variables in the group. According to one specific embodiment, the variables are rotational speed and temperature. According to another embodiment, the variables are rotational speed and excitation current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Pierre Chassard, Pierre Tisserand, Laurent Labiste
  • Publication number: 20140001756
    Abstract: An electromagnetic braking system of a power generation system includes an electrically conductive disc coupled to a rotatable shaft operatively coupled between a prime mover and a generator; a controller for receiving a status signal from the power generation system and for generating a control signal based on the status signal; and an inducting unit for applying an electromagnetic braking force on the electrically conductive disc when commanded by the control signal to regulate a rotational speed of the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ara Panosyan, Simon Herbert Schramm, Jan Erich Hemmelmann, Christof Martin Sihler, Francesco Papini, Xiaoting Dong, Johannes Huber
  • Patent number: 8598742
    Abstract: A server and method detects a power transformer. The server reads power transformer data from a data converter and determines if work state of a power transformer needs to be changed from based on the power transformer data. An alert message is generated by the server and sent to an alarm computer in response to a determination that the work state of the power transformer needs to be changed. The server saves the power transformer data into a database system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: GDS Software (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chih Wang, Bing-Yu He, Zhong-Gen Zhan, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 8476872
    Abstract: A system for reducing an alternator's load on an engine when the engine drives a second load. The system includes an alternator, a battery, a resistor, and a switch. The alternator includes a stator, a voltage regulator, a rectifier, and a field coil. The battery has a first terminal coupled to the alternator and a second terminal coupled to the alternator. The resistor has a first lead coupled to the first terminal and a second lead coupled to the field coil. The switch is coupled in parallel across the resistor, and is open when the engine drives the second load and closed when the engine is not driving the second load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory R. Truckenbrod, William L. Waldschmidt, John Steven McFadden, Vidhey Vijay Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20130093366
    Abstract: To provide an upper limit of a generated voltage or generated torque, to thereby prevent the occurrence of an overvoltage or excessive torque during power generation, a control selection section (308) chooses and outputs a minimum value between a control output of a generated voltage control section (306) for controlling a field current so that a B-terminal voltage of a polyphase AC generator-motor coincides with a generated voltage command and a control output of a generated torque control section (307) for controlling, based on the B-terminal voltage and a rotation speed, the field current so that generated torque of the polyphase AC generator-motor coincides with a generated torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji NAKAJIMA, Masato MORI, Kenichi AKITA, Mitsunori TABATA
  • Publication number: 20130057226
    Abstract: A vehicle generating system for saving fuel includes a battery supplying power to electric loads in a vehicle, an electric generator supplying power to the battery and the electric loads, a speed calculation module that calculates operation speed of a wiper in the electric loads, and an ECU including an electric generation control prevention module controlling the electric generator to perform electric generation control prevention when the operation speed calculated by the speed calculation module is compared with a predetermined reference speed and the calculated operation speed is equal to or more than the reference speed, and controlling the electric generator to remove the electric generation control prevention when the operation speed is less than the reference speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Minyoung JUNG, Jiyong YU, Junyong LEE, Daekwang KIM, Chikung AHN
  • Patent number: 8384318
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Beck, Michael D. Dry, Mark E. Garlow, Michael O. Lucas, Michael A. MacDonald, Ronald G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8358036
    Abstract: A control system is provided for use with a plurality of generator sets. The control system may have a bus, an arbitration relay, a switching device, a control module, and first, second, and third discrete signal cables. The control module may be configured to receive a group start signal and initiate startup of a first of the plurality of generator sets, and to generate a signal on the first discrete signal cable based on an operational status of the first of the plurality of generator sets. The control module may also be configured to determine if the second discrete signal cable is active, to activate the second discrete signal cable and the arbitration relay based on the determination, and to activate the switching device to connect the first of the plurality of generator sets to the bus based on a status of the third discrete signal cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Eric Dozier, Edward Maurer Schroeder, Matthew Lee Wagner
  • Patent number: 8339093
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an AC motor drive includes a control system programmed with an energy algorithm configured to optimize operation of the motor drive. Specifically, the control system receives input of an initial voltage-frequency command to the AC motor drive, receives a real-time output of the AC motor drive generated according to the initial voltage-frequency command, and determines a real-time value of a motor parameter based on the real-time output of the AC motor drive. The control system also inputs a plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands to the AC motor drive, determines the real-time value of the motor parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of modified voltage-frequency commands, and identifies an optimal value of the motor parameter based on the real-time values of the motor parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Bin Lu, Charles John Luebke, Joseph Charles Zuercher, John Charles Merrison, Thomas M. Ruchti
  • Patent number: 8237416
    Abstract: A generator and associated power supply system has a prime mover for driving a shaft to rotate. A pair of permanent magnets is associated with the rotating shaft. A first stator winding is associated with a first of said permanent magnets, with a customer DC bus for providing a first relatively low voltage to the customer DC bus. A second of said permanent magnets is associated with a second stator winding, and an engine accessory DC bus. The engine accessory DC bus provides power to a motor controller and associated accessory motors associated with the prime mover. The engine accessory DC bus is provided with a second relatively high voltage from the second stator winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Kevin P. Roy
  • Publication number: 20120161723
    Abstract: A method of controlling a generator (110) of an electric drive (104) associated with an engine (102) is provided. The method may determine an operational state of the electric drive (104) based on a speed of the engine (102), and selectively engage one of a map-lookup control scheme (150) and a fixed-theta off control scheme (152) for operating the generator (110) based on the operational state of the electric drive (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jackson Wai, Thuong Le, Adam Braun, Jesse Gerdes, James Siegle, Mark Hartman
  • Publication number: 20120133150
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus for use with an aircraft gas turbine engine has a low pressure spool assembly which includes an electrical generator. The electrical generator includes a generator stator supported on a stationary structure of the engine and a generator rotor rotatable around the generator stator and mounted to the low pressure spool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan DOOLEY, Audrey CHENG, Jerzy MAKUSZEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20120119711
    Abstract: A DC power generating system includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG), an active rectifier in electrical communication with the PMG, and a controller in electrical communication with the active rectifier, wherein the controller is configured to regulate d-q components of a stator current of the PMG in a synchronous reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss, Si J. Fang
  • Publication number: 20120119712
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a method of controlling a doubly-fed electric generator using a frequency converter having a torque and flux controller. The frequency converter is connected to a rotor of the generator. The frequency converter calculates a stator flux positive sequence component from a stator flux. A rotor flux amplitude reference and an estimated torque is then calculated by using the stator flux positive sequence component. The frequency converter selects a voltage vector to steer the rotor flux by using the rotor flux amplitude reference and the estimated torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Reijo Kalevi VIRTANEN
  • Patent number: 8120206
    Abstract: A method of detecting a parallel source condition includes calculating a reactive power, comparing the reactive power to a predetermined threshold, and determining a parallel source condition in response to the reactive power exceeding the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Myroth, Vijay K. Maddali
  • Patent number: 8106633
    Abstract: A control system is provided for use with a plurality of generator sets. The control system may have a bus, an arbitration relay, a switching device, a control module, and first, second, and third discrete signal cables. The control module may be configured to receive a group start signal and initiate startup of a first of the plurality of generator sets, and to generate a signal on the first discrete signal cable based on an operational status of the first of the plurality of generator sets. The control module may also be configured to determine if the second discrete signal cable is active, to activate the second discrete signal cable and the arbitration relay based on the determination, and to activate the switching device to connect the first of the plurality of generator sets to the bus based on a status of the third discrete signal cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Eric Dozier, Edward Maurer Schroeder, Matthew Lee Wagner
  • Patent number: 7944187
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for producing current with a desired output frequency from one or more fixed or variable speed alternators by varying a saturation level of a portion of the alternator(s) based on a output frequency desired, and preferably then rectifying the output to produce a desired electrical output which may be provided as direct current or alternating current to a suitable load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Publication number: 20110037441
    Abstract: A system for reducing an alternator's load on an engine when the engine drives a second load. The system includes an alternator, a battery, a resistor, and a switch. The alternator includes a stator, a voltage regulator, a rectifier, and a field coil. The battery has a first terminal coupled to the alternator and a second terminal coupled to the alternator. The resistor has a first lead coupled to the first terminal and a second lead coupled to the field coil. The switch is coupled in parallel across the resistor, and is open when the engine drives the second load and closed when the engine is not driving the second load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory R. Truckenbrod, William L. Waldschmidt, John Steven McFadden, Vidhey Vijay Trivedi
  • Patent number: 7872362
    Abstract: The vehicle-use power supply control apparatus includes a first battery supplying electric power to a load, an alternator driven by a vehicle engine, a second electric accumulator parallel-connected to the first battery, an electric power converter performing two-way power transmission between the first and second batteries, and a power supply control unit. The power supply control includes a function of setting a target power generation efficiency index, a function of setting a target power generation amount of the alternator on the basis of the target power generation efficiency index, while referring to a map defining relationship between a power generation efficiency index and a power generation amount of the alternator, and a function of controlling an amount and a transmission direction of transmission power of the electric power converter in order that an amount of electric power generated by the alternator becomes equal to the target power generation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kato, Takashi Senda
  • Publication number: 20100327582
    Abstract: A generator is provided including a rotatable pressure vessel with an inner and outer surface. Electromagnets are disposed on the inner surface of the pressure vessel. A biasing structure is configured to rotate within, and independently of, the pressure vessel and extends at least partly along a lengthwise dimension of the pressure vessel. The biasing structure has an axis of rotation that is within the circumference of the pressure vessel, and may be substantially parallel and coincident with a center axis of the pressure vessel. The biasing structure has a center of gravity at a radius away from the center axis of the pressure vessel. Armature coils are disposed on an outer portion of the biasing structure, and are positioned such that a relative motion between the electromagnets and the plurality of armature coils induces a current in the armature coils when a current is applied to the electromagnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: James D. Thackston
  • Publication number: 20100194355
    Abstract: There can be performed the best power-generation control without enlarging the apparatus, deteriorating the reliability, and raising the cost. The power-generation control apparatus is provided with a power-generation amount suppression determination unit that determines whether or not to change a power-generation amount suppression level for suppressing the power-generation amount of the in-vehicle electric rotating machine, based on a present generation-voltage command value generated by a generated-voltage command unit and a generated-voltage past command value based on a past generated-voltage command value stored in a generated-voltage command storage unit, and that determines whether or not the power-generation amount suppression control is required, based on at least one of a past value and a present value of the generated-voltage command; therefore, there can be performed the best power-generation control without enlarging the apparatus, deteriorating the reliability, and raising the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki WADA, Katsuyuki Sumimoto, Jyunya Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20100085023
    Abstract: This invention provides a control device for automobile battery-charging generators, adapted to supply a plurality of sets of specifications in a highly reliable and stable form by simple switching between electrical characteristics assigning and limiting functions so as to meet various needs of users. In accordance with a voltage of a battery B, a voltage control IC regulator 120 controls a field current flowing through a field winding FL. The voltage control IC regulator 120 has a plurality of functions for assigning electrical characteristics limits or electrical characteristics beforehand. The voltage control IC regulator 120 also has switch terminals SW1 and SW2 that switch the plurality of functions that assign the electrical characteristics limits or the electrical characteristics. Electric potential levels of the switch terminals SW1 and SW2 can be changed by cutting cutoff portions CP1 and CP2 of an intermediate terminal 150 or leaving these cutoff portions connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoju MASUMOTO, Hiroshi Yoneda, Makoto Hirama, Shuichi Kokubun
  • Publication number: 20100072958
    Abstract: A power generation control apparatus of a rotating electrical machine for a vehicle is obtained which achieves load response control in a plurality of electric power generation control modes even if a generation voltage final target value rapidly changes. The apparatus includes a power control unit 103 and a storage battery 104 connected to a rotating electrical machine 102, and a rotation speed detection part 105 for detecting a rotational speed Na. The power control unit 103 controls power generation in a first mode when the rotational speed Na during operating as a generator is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and controls power generation in a second mode when the rotational speed Na is higher than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noriyuki Wada, Masato Mori
  • Patent number: 7675271
    Abstract: Described is a system for generating electrical power, which system includes a turbine that is mechanically connected to a generator, which in turn is connected via a multiphase transformer to a load. In at least one embodiment, at least two counter-connected switching devices of the converter are assigned to each phase of the transformer. The transformer is provided on the side facing the converter with two winding arrangements in a star connection. Each of the windings of the first winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in one direction. Each of the windings of the second winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in the opposite direction. The star points of the two winding arrangements are connected via a direct current choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Converteam Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Georg Moehlenkamp, Wolfgang Bach, Peter Hussels
  • Patent number: 7646178
    Abstract: A brushless generator with permanent-magnet multi-pole rotor disks and coreless stator winding disks includes integral electronics to efficiently generate regulated DC current and voltage from shaft input power over a broad speed range. Its power rating is scalable, and it incurs no cogging torque, or friction from gearing. Integral power control electronics includes high-frequency pulse-width-modulated boost regulation, which provides regulated current at requisite voltage over its broad speed range. A main embodiment to produce DC power at widely variable speeds includes signal processing so output power varies according to the third power of speed. A version for use with vertical-axis wind turbines has a relatively large diameter to facilitate a large number of poles. Combined boost-regulation, zero cogging torque, and no gearing, enable a wide speed range, for better power quality and higher wind energy yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Richard B. Fradella
  • Patent number: 7579812
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for producing current with a desired output frequency from one or more fixed or variable speed alternators by varying a saturation level of a portion of the alternator(s) based on a output frequency desired, and preferably then rectifying the output to produce a desired electrical output which may be provided as direct current or alternating current to a suitable load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Patent number: 7573155
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting outputs of dynamoelectric devices, such as alternators, are provided. The outputs of the dynamoelectric devices may be balanced to facilitate load sharing among the devices. The outputs may be balanced by monitoring field signals associated with the dynamoelectric devices and controlling the field voltages of the devices. The outputs may also be adjusted to supply the load in dissimilar proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: Remy Inc., Sure Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed Lawahmeh, Christopher S. Brune, Guido Politano
  • Publication number: 20090174188
    Abstract: An aircraft starting and generating system includes a starter/generator that includes a main machine, an exciter, and a permanent magnet generator. The system also includes an inverter/converter/controller that is connected to the starter/generator and that generates AC power to drive the starter/generator in a start mode for starting a prime mover of the aircraft, and that converts AC power, obtained from the starter/generator after the prime mover have been started, to DC power in a generate mode of the starter/generator. The exciter includes a stator and a rotor, and wherein the exciter rotor includes a three-phase AC winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Hao Huang, David Karipides, Mohamed Abbas, David Tsui
  • Patent number: 7545123
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular AC generator analyzes, at least, a “HIGH” logic continuation time, a “LOW” logic continuation time and the pulse width duty of an external signal, for the external signal pulse inputted from an external unit. In a case where the “HIGH” logic or “LOW” logic of the external signal pulse has continued for a predetermined time period, the control apparatus controls a generator control voltage as either of adjustment voltages consisting of the two values of an ordinary voltage and a voltage lower than the ordinary voltage. On the other hand, in a case where the “HIGH” logic or “LOW” logic of the external signal pulses are iterated within a predetermined time period, and where the pulse width duty of the external signal falls within a predetermined range, the control apparatus controls the generator control voltage as a multistage or linear adjustment voltage which is the function of the pulse width duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Sumimoto