A system (30) for providing electrical-power to remote communities (34) widely distributed over an extended geographical area (38) includes a generating station (32) located proximate each of the communities, each generating station supplying only that community to which it is proximate. The generating stations are in electronic communication with a central computer (40). Each generating station includes a plurality of generators (54-56). Each of the generators is controlled by a microprocessor based controller (64). Each controller is arranged to operate the generating station cooperatively with the other controllers associated with other generators in the station, and to assume a supervisory role in doing so by a mutual arbitration procedure among the controllers. Each controller is also arranged to monitor important generator operating parameters and to communicate these parameters to the central computer. Any controller may be reprogrammed by instructions communicated from the central computer, and functions of any controller may be overridden by instructions communicated from the central computer. The controllers include novel signal processing circuits (90 and 85) and logic for improved voltage and frequency regulation. The controllers also include novel circuits (92) and logic for monitoring generator fuel consumption and calculating generator fuel-efficiency therefrom.

Control system and circuits for distributed electrical-power generating stations

An electrical generator system integrated controller device utilizing PID control and capable of regulating voltage or current, and frequency simultaneously. The device utilizes a micro-controller (30.1) to monitor the engine generator set (20), then determines the appropriate signal to deliver to the electrical generator set (20) to regulate the engine throttle (21) and the generator (22) field windings. The micro-controller (30.1) also provides for real and reactive load sharing with additional generator sets (40) while also providing for an integrated circuit interrupter module (500) to open the line from the generator (22) to the load bus (42). Additionally, serial communications (34) are provided as well as displays (35), meters (37), and operator input (36). Finally, the permissive paralleling module (700) provides that the engine electrical generator set (20) will not be allowed to be connected to the load bus (42) until standards of voltage and phase have been achieved for a set period of time.

Microprocessor based integrated generator set controller apparatus and method

A microprocessor-based electronic voltage regulation system for controlling the charging of the battery in a vehicle. The conventional voltage regulator is eliminated and the intelligence of the microprocessor already present on the vehicle for controlling engine operation is used to regulate the output of the alternator. The battery temperature signal from a temperature transducer and a battery voltage signal from a sense line connected directly to the positive terminal of the battery are supplied to the microprocessor through an analog-to-digital converter. The microprocessor is programmed to ascertain from the battery temperature signal the desired set point voltage based upon an inverse first order relationship between battery temperature and desired battery voltage with preset maximum and minimum voltage set point levels. Energization of the field windings is controlled in accordance with a comparison between the desired set point voltage and the battery voltage signal on the battery sense line and is implemented in response to a control signal from the microprocessor by a solid-state power switching circuit which interfaces with the alternator field windings. In addition, the microprocessor is provided with additional feedback information relating to various driving conditions, such as vehicle deceleration, throttle position, engine RPM, and elapsed time since ignition, and is further programmed to modify the desired voltage set point or modify engine RPM in accordance with such driving conditions. Overcurrent protection for the logic circuitry and improved diagnostic capabilities are also provided.

Microcomputer controlled electronic alternator for vehicles

An automobile generator apparatus for producing commercial line power when driven by an automobile engine comprises a generator, an inverter unit, a controller for controlling the generator field and an accelerator actuator. The accelerator actuator is mounted opposite the accelerator pedal in such manner as to prevent erroneous operation thereof. The generator field is controlled while monitoring both the low-voltage side output and the high-voltage side output so as to prevent a large output current from flowing through the low-voltage side load. A circuit is further provided for preventing the occurrence of an overvoltage as a result of field control transistor malfunction. The switching elements constituting the output stage of the inverter unit are controlled to vary the duty ratio of the output waveform so as to stabilize the inverter output voltage and controlled to remove the center portion of the output waves so as to cope with the startup load. The inverter unit is also provided with an improved constant voltage circuit. There is further provided a synchronized operation control for combining the outputs of a plurality of automobile generator apparatuses. The generator is a single-shaft, dual-output type wherein the windings of the high-voltage side coils are disposed at the bottom of slots in the stator while the windings of the low-voltage side coils are disposed near the entrance of the slots.

Automobile generator apparatus

A control apparatus for a vehicular charging generator utilizing various sensors which detect an unstable rotation during the starting of an engine, the acceleration/deceleration condition of the engine, an overload condition of the engine etc. to regulate the output voltage of the generator by a micro-computer, whereby the rotation of the engine is stabilized and the acceleration performance is enhanced due to a reduction of the load of the generator while and over-discharge of the battery is effectively compensated. Also, various abnormal conditions are detected by the sensors and indicated.

Control apparatus for vehicular charging generator

An electrical power generating system includes a prime mover having a throttle control for converting a source of input energy into a mechanical output. The system includes an electrical generator having a plurality of output windings and a field winding for exciting the output windings. The generator is mechanically coupled to the mechanical output of the prime mover. Means are provided for sensing a plurality of parameters related to the performance of the system and further means are provided for converting each of the sensed parameters into a digital signal indicative of the magnitude of the sensed parameter. Additional means are provided responsive to the digital signals for developing a plurality of electrical output signals. The electrical output signals are utilized to control either or both the generator and the prime mover to thereby control the output of the power generating system. The system is further provided with circuits for sensing the phase position of the generator output voltage and current and the voltage in a main electrical power conductor. Accordingly, when the generator output is added to the power in the main power conductors, it is done so in phase. Some of the parameters sensed are generator output voltage, current and frequency, generator field winding current and engine throttle position. A digital logic circuit controls the excitation of the generator field winding to thereby control the generator output voltage and current.

John R. Mezera

Papers

Electrical power generating system