Abstract:
The vehicle power-generation control unit has a first function enabled when a control signal received from outside designates a first mode to control an exciting current such that an output power of a vehicle generator is kept at a value specified by the control signal, a second function enabled when the control signal designates a second mode to control the exciting current such that a generation voltage of the vehicle generator is kept at a target voltage specified by the control signal, and a third function enabled when the control signal designates the first mode to monitor whether or not the generation voltage is in a predetermined voltage range and to disable the first function in order to control the exciting current such that the generation voltage is kept at a preset voltage upon detecting that the generation voltage is out of the predetermined voltage range.
Abstract:
A synchronous machine control device includes a flux command generator, a magnetic flux estimator, a divider, a flux controller and γ- and δ-axis armature current controllers. The flux command generator produces a flux command from the synchronous machine turning speed. The magnetic flux estimator calculates the magnitude and phase of armature flux linkage from armature currents and field current taking into consideration magnetic fluxes produced by permanent magnets. The divider produces an armature current command by dividing a torque command by the armature flux linkage. The flux controller determines a field current command based on an error of the magnitude of the armature flux linkage from the flux command. The γ- and δ-axis armature current controllers control the synchronous machine such that both an error of an armature current in a direction perpendicular to the armature flux linkage direction from the armature current command and an armature current in the armature flux linkage direction become zeros.
Abstract:
A control system for controlling a vehicle which has an engine for driving at least one of wheels thereof and a motor for driving at least one of the rest of the wheels thereof. The control system includes: a motor generator configured to be driven by the engine for generating first alternating-current power at a first voltage; an inverter which converts the first alternating-current power to second power at a second voltage lower than the first voltage or to third direct-current power at a third voltage; and a battery to be charged with the second power supplied from the inverter. The motor is supplied with the third direct-current power at the third voltage obtained from the first alternating-current power.
Abstract:
A multi-function apparatus and a method for performing the functions of a starter, alternator and engine stabilization system for an engine of a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rotor, a stator and a switching/detection system associated with the stator. The stator comprises three independent stator sectors which each comprise a plurality of independent stator coils. The rotor comprises a plurality of rotor poles about its periphery. The rotor is secured to the flex plate of the engine and the stator sectors are secured to the bell housing of the vehicle's power train. The stator coils each protrude through opening formed in the bell housing such that the rotor poles are closely adjacent the stator coils without contacting the stator coils as the rotor rotates. The switching/detection system is used to detect the positions of the rotor poles relative to the stator coils and selectively energizes various groups of stator coils for very brief, predetermined time intervals to cause movement of the rotor and therefore assist in starting of the engine. In the alternator mode energy generated in the stator coils is returned to the vehicle's battery. In the engine stabilization mode selected groups of stator coils are periodically energized to assist in smoothing out the idle of the engine of the vehicle at low idle speeds. The apparatus and method can also be used to propel the vehicle for distances determined by the energy stored in the vehicle battery, to act as a supplemental "power booster" and as a brake for effecting powertrain braking.
Abstract:
A power output apparatus (20) of the invention includes an engine (50), a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). In response to an engine stop signal to stop operation of the engine (50), the controller (80) successively lowers a torque command value of the clutch motor (30) and a target engine torque and a target engine speed of the engine (50) to make the engine (50) kept at an idle. The assist motor (40) is controlled to use power stored in a battery (94) and make up for a decrease in torque output to a drive shaft (22) accompanied by the decrease in torque command value of the clutch motor (30). When the engine (50) falls in the idling state, supply of fuel into the engine (50) is stopped to terminate operation of the engine (50). In this state, the drive shaft (22) is driven and operated only by the torque of the assist motor (40), which is generated by the power stored in the battery (94). This control procedure can stop the engine (50) without varying the torque output to the drive shaft (22).
Abstract:
A turbogenerator/motor controller with a microprocessor based inverter having multiple modes of operation. To start the turbine, the inverter connects to and supplies fixed current, variable voltage, variable frequency, AC power to the permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor, driving the permanent magnet turbogenerator/motor as a motor to accelerate the gas turbine. During this acceleration, spark and fuel are introduced in the correct sequence, and self-sustaining gas turbine operating conditions are reached. The inverter is then disconnected from the permanent magnet generator/motor, reconfigured to a controlled 60 hertz mode, and then either supplies regulated 60 hertz three phase voltage to a stand alone load or phase locks to the utility, or to other like controllers, to operate as a supplement to the utility. In this mode of operation, the power for the inverter is derived from the permanent magnet generator/motor via high frequency rectifier bridges. The microprocessor monitors turbine conditions and controls fuel flow to the gas turbine combustor.
Abstract:
A power generation and/or storage device utilizes human motion inputs or other power sources (i.e. hydraulics, pneumatics or explosive gases) to create mechanical kinetic energy that is stored (preferably in springs) and later released on demand to rotate a generator to produce electricity.
Abstract:
A conventional motor controlling circuit is adapted to control an inverter that drives a permanent magnet generator as a motor to spin an engine to a speed sufficient to permit the engine to start. The commutation frequency is adjusted as a function of speed utilizing an automatic commutation frequency adjustment circuit. This circuit has multiple commutation frequency ranges that overcome a large initial bearing drag during low speed operation while still permitting high speed operation. The automatic commutation frequency adjustment circuit preferably generates first and second voltage ramps that overcome the initial bearing drag and accelerate the generator at a rate fast enough for sufficient back EMF to be generated for a closed-loop commutation phase. A speedup circuit operates during the closed-loop commutation phase to achieve the high speeds typically necessary for engine starting. The inventive circuits even permit a turbine type engine to be successfully started.
Abstract:
A hybrid vehicle has a generator motor coupled to the output shaft of an engine through a transfer shaft, for transmitting an assistive output power for assisting an output power of the engine through the transfer shaft to the output shaft of the engine. A battery stores electric energy regenerated by the generator motor from kinetic energy of the hybrid vehicle transmitted from the output shaft of the engine through the transfer shaft. A generator is mounted on the transfer shaft and has an electric energy generating ability smaller than the generator motor. The generator generates electric energy to energize another device than the battery.
Abstract:
A hybrid vehicle utilizes a power unit to store and convert power between a turbine alternator, flywheel and traction motor. The power unit includes a water cooled heater exchanger for cooling power transistors used to switch stored and generated power between the peripheral machines. A pump control system for pumping fluid through the heat exchanger includes a fluid pump, a control circuit connected to the fluid pump for operating same, and a power source having a nominal operating range and transients. The control circuit includes a shut off circuit for sensing power level on the power source and turning off the fluid pump when the transients are above a first predetermined level and turning on the fluid pump when the transients return below a second predetermined level.