The present invention relates to power distribution systems (eg a marine power distribution and propulsion system) that include first and second ac distribution busbars The first ac distribution busbar will typically be a medium voltage busbar for the propulsion drive systems and the second ac distribution busbar will typically be a low voltage for ships services A 12-pulse rectifier has its ac terminals electrically connected to the first ac distribution busbar A multiple output generator has first and second galvanically-isolated stator windings The first stator winding provides a six-phase ac output and is connected to the first ac distribution busbar The second stator winding provides a three-phase ac output and is connected to the second ac distribution busbar The six-phase ac output is phase shifted relative to the three-phase ac output to reduce the problematic coupling of harmonic distortion between the first and second ac distribution busbars

Power distribution systems

A hybrid propulsion and energy management system for use in marine vessels and other variable demand propulsion applications monitors and draws energy from various energy sources dynamically to implement multiple operating modes and provide efficient system operation across a range of propulsive demands, altering the operation and output of various energy sources in response to propulsive load demands, hotel loads and auxiliary energy demands. The propulsion system incorporates at least two propulsive sources, including at least one main propulsive engine and at least one motor-generator unit arranged to drive a common output shaft, and the energy management system dynamically shifts operation of each of the two sources to satisfy propulsive demands. The main propulsive engine and the motor-generator unit are capable of driving the common output shaft both independently and simultaneously. The motor-generator unit(s) are available to operate either as a motor driving the output shaft or as a generator supplying energy to the energy distribution system.

Hybrid propulsion systems

The placement of fully available prime movers having a DC output at a location inside or adjacent to an inverter-based intermittently available renewable energy site is disclosed. The fully available prime movers add reliability to an unreliable energy asset that is reaching its maximum penetration within the grid due to its unpredictability and the requirement for additional spinning reserves in other parts of the grid. The present invention can provide a portion or all of the power to an intermittently available renewable power generating facility so that the power output to the power grid is dispatchable power. In particular, a method and means are disclosed to utilize high-efficiency engines operated on various fuels some of which may be non-fossil fuels to maintain a constant power output from an otherwise intermittent power generating facility.

Dispatchable power from a renewable energy facility

The present invention is directed to a control strategy for operating a plurality of prime power sources during propulsion, idling and braking and is applicable to large systems such as trucks, ships, cranes and locomotives utilizing diesel engines, gas turbine engines, other types of internal combustion engines, fuel cells or combinations of these that require substantial power and low emissions utilizing multiple power plant combinations. The present invention is directed at a general control strategy for multi power plant systems where the power systems need not be of the same type or power rating and may even use different fuels. The invention is based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized.

Multiple prime power source locomotive control

The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.

Design of a large low maintenance battery pack for a hybrid locomotive

The present invention is directed to a power control architecture for a vehicle, particularly a locomotive, in which a number of energy sources (105, 111, 115) are connected to a common electrical bus (101, 102) and selectively provide energy to the bus (101, 102) based on the relationship between their respective output voltages and the bus voltage

Franck Wegner Donnelly

Papers

Locomotive power train architecture