Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the power output of an unthrottled engine has a variable gear ratio transmission connected between a mechanical load and the engine, and it has a controller for controlling the torque load on the engine, according to the power output required. The controller measures the torque output of the unthrottled engine at the power output required, and sets the gear ratio of the transmission to produce a torque load on the engine equal to the torque output of the engine. This means the unthrottled engine will reach an equilibrium with the mechanical load at the required power output. Controlling the unthrottled engine in this way involves receiving a signal describing the power output requirement, varying a gear ratio of the transmission, and establishing a torque equilibrium between the load and the engine.
Abstract:
This application describes a motor designed to operate as a reluctance machine at low speeds and as an induction machine at high speeds. The drive waveform is composed of one or more harmonics to be used to match the reluctance pattern of the stator-rotor, causing the rotor to rotate due to the reluctance effect, and one or more other harmonics to induce current in the rotor, causing the rotor to rotate due to the induction effect and the subsequent interaction of the stator and rotor magnetic fields. The two effects are generally not applied simultaneously.
Abstract:
A high phase order alternating current rotating machine is disclosed having an inverter drive that provides more than three phases of drive waveform of harmonic order H, and characterized in that the windings of the machine have a pitch of less than 180 rotational degrees. Preferably the windings are connected together in a mesh, star or delta connection. A method for operating a high phase order induction motor is also disclosed, involving electrically connecting N windings into a mesh connection with a value of Δ that provides a substantial range in speed/torque relation when operating with at least two out of first, second and third harmonic, low order harmonics being the most efficient.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for reversing an aircraft on the ground comprising driving the aircraft using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel. An apparatus for controlling at least one of speed and at least one direction of an aircraft having a self-propelled nosewheel, on the ground, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a control arm; a control unit; means for transmitting information to said self-propelled nosewheel; means for receiving information at said self-propelled nosewheel; and means for controlling at least one of the speed and direction of said nosewheel; whereby airport ground staff can intuitively control the movements of said aircraft by holding said arm and moving it in the direction of required movement of said aircraft.
Abstract:
An electronically controlled electrical power generator comprises a generator (15) driven by a heat engine (11), operated by control means (19), and carrying an electrical load (22). Operation of the heat engine (11) is at wide open throttle. Control over engine operation and electrical output of the generator (15) is achieved by electronically manipulating the electric load (22), and/or adjusting excitation levels at the generator's magnetic fields, so as to change engine/generator equilibrium speed. In a beneficial embodiment, the generator (15) is powered by an energy storage unit (21), to temporarily act as a motor and rotate the engine (11) when starting, and during power absorbing strokes. A method for controlling an unthrottled engine (11) including varying the gear ratio of a transmission connected between the mechanical output of the engine (11) and a mechanical load (22), to provide a torque load to the engine (11) to cause the engine (11) to move to an equilibrium speed at which its power output substantially meets a power output requirement. In a second embodiment, variance in the impedance of an AC generator (15) connected to the engine (11) provide a torque load to the engine (11) to control its equilibrium speed.
Abstract:
An electrical rotating apparatus comprises an inverter system that outputs more than three phases. The apparatus further includes a stator comprising a plurality of slots and full span concentrated windings, with the windings being electrically coupled to the inverter system, and a rotor electromagnetically coupled to a magnetic field generated by the stator. A signal generator generates a drive waveform signal, that has a fundamental frequency, and the drive waveform signal drives the inverter system. The drive waveform signal has a pulsing frequency and is in fixed phase relation to the fundamental frequency. Additionally, the inverter system may be fed by a drive waveform signal that is fed through at least one signal delay device.
Abstract:
An electrical rotating apparatus is provided that has variable impedance. This is achieved by connecting one of the polyphase components of the apparatus in a mesh connection. The spanning value, L, of such a mesh connection may be varied by changing the harmonic content supplied by an inverter component. Also provided is a method for connecting an inverter to a motor, wherein a switching arrangement permits the simple alteration between various mesh connections of different span value, changing thereby the Volts/Hertz ratio of the motor.
Abstract:
A method for building a thermionic converter comprises providing an electrode and creating a central depression of substantially uniform depth on a face of the electrode. A surface of the central depression is coated with a layer comprising a thermionic material. A second electrode comprising a face is also provided, wherein the face of the second electrode comprises a central depression of substantially uniform depth, wherein the central depression is coated with a layer comprising a thermionic material.
Abstract:
A substrate is coated with a compound comprised of a cation completed by a heterocyclic multidentate ligand, which provides a surface having a low work-function and facilitates the emission of electrons.
Abstract:
Vacuum diode-based devices, including Vacuum Diode Heat Pumps and Vacuum Thermionic Generators, are described in which the electrodes are coated with an electride. These materials have low work functions, which means that contact potential difference between cathode and anode may be set against the effects of space charge, resulting in an improved device whereby anode and cathode may be set at a greater distance from each other than has been previously envisaged.