Showing papers on "Prime mover published in 2005"

Battery charging assembly for use on a locomotive

Abstract: A battery charging assembly for use on a locomotive is described and which includes a diesel engine having a mechanical power output of less than about 50 horsepower; an oil tank coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the diesel engine and which contains a volume of oil which facilitates the operation of the diesel engine for a time period which is at least equal to a maintenance interval of the locomotive; an alternator coupled to the mechanical output of the diesel engine and which produces an electrical power output to charge a plurality of batteries which are mounted on the locomotive; and an air compressor coupled in fluid flowing relation to the locomotives air system.

Transient analysis of self-excited induction Generator with electronic load controller (ELC) supplying static and dynamic loads

Abstract: This paper presents a transient analysis of a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) with electronic load controller (ELC) used in stand-alone micro-hydro power generation employing uncontrolled turbines. In view of the need to feed both dynamic [three-phase induction motor (IM)] and static loads from such systems, the transient behavior due to switching in of such loads is of interest and is carried out here. A composite mathematical model of the total system has been developed by combining the modeling of prime mover, SEIG, ELC, and load. Simulated results are compared with the experimental ones, obtained on a developed prototype of an SEIG-ELC system for the starting of an IM and switching in a resistive load. For the starting of an IM, a star/delta starter is used to avoid inrush current. Harmonic analysis is carried out to find total harmonic distortion of the terminal voltage and current to assess its power quality.

Regeneration and brake management system

Abstract: A regeneration and brake management system includes a prime mover, an energy storage device associated with the prime mover, and a regenerative braking system including a controller and at least one friction brake, wherein the regenerative braking system is configured to at least partially disable the at least one friction brake during regenerative braking.

Control system for hybrid vehicles

Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles, in which a second prime mover (5) is connected to an output member (2) to which a power is transmitted from a first prime mover (1) through a transmission (6) in which a torque capacity is varied in accordance with an oil pressure, and which has a first hydraulic pump (32) driven by the first prime mover (1) for establishing an oil pressure to be fed to the transmission (6), and a second hydraulic pump (33) arranged in parallel with the first hydraulic pump (32) and which is driven by an electric motor (33M), is characterized by comprising a torque limiting means (30) for limiting an output torque of the second prime mover (5) temporarily to a predetermined torque which is lower than a maximum output torque, at a starting time of the first prime mover (1).

Method and System for Optimizing Downhole Fluid Production

Abstract: A method and system for pumping unit with an elastic rod system is applied to maximize fluid production. The maximum stroke of the pump and the shortest cycle time are calculated based on all static and dynamic properties of downhole and surface components without a limitation to angular speed of the prime mover. Limitations of structural and fatigue strength are incorporated into the optimization calculation to ensure safe operation while maximizing pumped volume and minimizing energy consumption. Calculated optimal prime mover speed is applied to the sucker rod pump by means of beam pumping, long stroke or hydraulic pumping unit by controlling velocity, acceleration and torque of the electric prime mover or by controlling pressure and flow rate in hydraulically actuated sucker rod pumping system.

Dynamic simulation and analysis of parallel self-excited induction generators for islanded wind farm systems

Abstract: In this paper, a dynamic mathematical model to describe the transient behavior of a system of self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) operating in parallel and supplying a common load is proposed. Wind turbines with SEIGs are increasingly being used to generate clean renewable energy in rural areas owing to many economical advantages. Parallel operation of SEIGs is required where the size of the machine is a constraint. SEIGs connected in parallel experience various transient conditions such as generator/load/capacitor switching that are not easy to simulate using conventional models. An automatic numerical solution to predict the steady-state and transient behavior of any number of SEIGs connected in parallel is proposed in this paper. The generators can be of different ratings and can have different prime mover speeds. The performance of the proposed model when subjected to various dynamic scenarios is compared with experimental results. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results, confirming the validity of the proposed model. An aggregated model of a small wind power system is also proposed. This model was applied to a two-wind turbine case, which can be extended to simulate a complete wind generating system.

Static VAR compensator-based voltage control implementation of single-phase self-excited induction generator

Abstract: A single-phase static VAR compensator (SVC) is proposed to regulate smoothly the output voltage of a single-phase self-excited induction generator (single-phase SEIG) driven by a variable-speed prime mover (VSPM) due to inductive load and prime mover speed variations. A PI feedback closed-loop voltage regulation scheme is presented to adjust the equivalent excitation capacitance of the single-phase SVC. The SVC is composed of a fixed excitation capacitor (FC), thyristor switched capacitor (TSC) and thyristor controlled reactor (TCR). The steady-state single-phase SEIG output voltage and the TCR triggering angle responses of the proposed scheme are simply evaluated and discussed. A small-scale single-phase SEIG voltage control prototype is designed in order to verify system viability and assess its performance. System dynamic operation is studied based on experimental results. Simulation and experimental results prove system practical effectiveness in terms of fast response and high performance.

Hybrid vehicle powertrain system with power take-off driven vehicle accessory

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain system (10) includes a first prime mover (12), a first prime mover driven power transmission mechanism (16) having a power take-off (18) adapted to drive a vehicle accessory (20), and a second prime mover (14). The second prime mover (14) is operable to drive the power transmission mechanism (16) alone or in combination with the first prime mover (12) to provide power to the power take-off (18) through the power transmission mechanism (16). The invention further includes methods for operating a hybrid vehicle powertrain system (10).

Hybrid powertrain system including smooth shifting automated transmission

Abstract: A powertrain system (20) is provided that includes a prime mover (22) and a change-gear transmission (24) having an input (42), at least two gear ratios, and an output (44). The powertrain system (20) also includes a power shunt (27) configured to route power applied to the transmission (24) by one of the input (42) and the output (44) to the other one of the input (42) and the output (44). A transmission system and a method for facilitating shifting of a transmission system are also provided.

A Heat-driven thermoacoustic cooler capable of reaching liquid nitrogen temperature

Abstract: This article introduces a heat-driven thermoacoustic cooler capable of reaching liquid nitrogen temperature with no moving parts. The thermoacoustic cooler consists of a traveling wave thermoacoustic prime mover and a pulse tube cooler. By using a tapered resonance tube, the prime mover can provide a pressure ratio higher than 1.26. By using a long thin tube, a reservoir is no longer needed in the pulse tube cooler. After preliminary optimizations, the lowest temperature reaches 68.8 K. This result shows the potential to achieve cryogenic temperatures lower than 70 K by applying thermoacoustic technology, which is simply realized through combinations of tubes and solid materials without the need of any moving parts.

Hybrid locomotive configuration

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a locomotive that includes: (a) a transmission (105) operable to drive a plurality of axles; (b) an electric motor (104) operatively connected to and driving the transmission; (c) an energy storage unit (106) operable to store electrical energy and supply electrical energy to the electric motor; (d) one or more prime movers (102) operable to supply electrical energy to the energy storage unit and electric motor; and (e) a power distribution bus (109) electrically connecting the energy storage unit, prime mover(s), and electric motor. The energy storage unit and/or generator provide electrical energy to the electric motor via the power distribution bus to cause the electric motor to rotate the axles via the transmission.

Hybrid hydraulic-electric power unit for field and service robots

Abstract: Energetic autonomy of a hydraulic-based mobile field robot requires a power source capable of both electrical and hydraulic power generation. While the hydraulic power is used for locomotion, the electric power is used for the computer, sensors and other peripherals. An internal combustion engine was used as the prime mover due to the high energy density of gasoline. The primary specification for this hybrid hydraulic-electric power unit (HEPU) is that it must output constant pressure hydraulic power and constant voltage electric power. An on-board computer uses a pressure sensor and a speed sensor to regulate the pressure and voltage by modulating a hydraulic solenoid valve and an engine throttle. The speed regulation also results in a system noise with predictable frequency band which allows for optimal muffler design. A novel characteristic of this power source is its cooling system in which hydraulic fluid is used to cool the engine cylinders. Several hydraulic-electric power units were built and successfully demonstrated on the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) shown on bleex.me.berkeley.edu/bleex.htm. A prototype power unit weighs 27 Kg, outputs 2.3 kW (3.0 hp) hydraulic power at 6.9 MPa (1000 psi), and 220 W of electric power at 15 VDC.

Hydraulic hybrid drive system

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic drive system for a vehicle comprises a prime mover, a transmission connecting the prime mover to drive wheels, a fluid energy storage accumulator, and a reversible hydraulic machine in fluid communication with the energy storage accumulator and drivingly coupled to the prime mover upstream of the transmission. The hybrid hydraulic drive system is arranged such that in a retarding mode the reversible hydraulic machine retards the drive wheels of the vehicle by pumping fluid into the accumulator. In a driving mode the reversible hydraulic machine supplies a supplementary power to the drive wheels of the vehicle using the pressurized fluid from the accumulator to assist propulsion of the vehicle. In a neutral mode the reversible hydraulic machine is disconnected from the prime mover to render the reversible hydraulic machine substantially inoperative to exert any significant driving or retarding influence on the drive wheels.

Hybrid electric vehicle engine start technique

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a first prime mover having an output, a second prime mover having an output, a synchronizing clutch selectively coupling the first prime mover output and the second prime mover output, a multi-ratio transmission having an input, and a planetary gear set selectively coupling the second prime mover output to the first prime mover output or the multi-ratio transmission input based on a coupling state of the synchronizing clutch.

Self-contained rotary actuator

Abstract: A self-contained rotary actuator provides motive power in automated mechanical systems and includes a cross-roller bearing operating as a structural joint. An outer attachment shell rigidly interfaces the automated mechanical system and contains a motor stator and an internal bull gear. The internal bull gear interfaces the cross-roller bearing and provides stiffness and includes internal gear teeth. An output attachment plate mechanism includes an internal ring gear and supports drive shaft bearings. The internal ring gear rigidly interfaces the output attachment plate and includes internal gear teeth. A drive shaft holds a prime mover rotor and an eccentric and associates with the output attachment plate via the drive shaft bearings. A gear train includes a meshing gear having external gear teeth with circular arc surfaces for meshing with the internal gear teeth of the internal bull gear and the internal gear teeth of the internal ring gear and walks a minimal number of the external gear teeth for each rotation of the prime mover rotor. The cross-roller bearing, the outer attachment shell, the drive shaft, and the meshing gear train provide a self-contained, integrated, actuation torque transmitting force from the prime mover along a shortest-possible transmission path.

System and method for AC power generation from a reluctance machine

Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating DC power using a synchronous reluctance machine (12) or a salient-pole synchronous machine (102) and a power converter (110). The present invention can be used to achieve power production for a synchronous reluctance machine (12), or can be used to achieve partial production of power from a traditional salient-pole synchronous machine/starter (102) in the case where the salient-pole synchronous machine/starter has degenerated into a synchronous reluctance machine due to, for example, a loss of excitation. In a power generation system, a control system and method can include a power converter (110), controlled by a voltage command and at least one of a measured DC link (120) voltage or DC link (120) current, for use with a synchronous reluctance machine armature winding (102A) and a prime mover (116), such that movement of the synchronous reluctance machine rotor of the synchronous reluctance machine can be used to produce at least partial DC power generation.

Control System for Hydraulic Construction Machine

Abstract: When a mode selection command selects an economy mode, a mode selector 700 e is turned on and outputs an engine revolution speed modification value ΔN0 (ΔN1=ΔN0) computed by an engine-revolution-speed modification value computing section 700 d. A subtracter 700 f subtracts the engine revolution speed modification value ΔN1 from a rated target revolution speed Nmax, thereby computing a target engine revolution speed NR2. The computing section 700 d computes the engine revolution speed modification value ΔN0 depending on a pump delivery pressure mean value Pm. In a table stored in a memory, the relationship between Pm and ΔN0 is set such that when Pm is not higher than PA near a midpoint pressure, ΔN0 is 0 and when Pm exceeds PA, ΔN0 is increased with an increase of Pm. Thus, the revolution speed of a prime mover is reduced by mode selection so as to improve fuel economy.

Infinitely variable transmission hydraulic hybrid for on and off highway vehicles

Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission for use with an internal combustion engine is provided. Specifically, a prime mover is provided for driving a first hydraulic machine. The first hydraulic machine is arranged to drive a second hydraulic machine via a fluid line that connects the first and second hydraulic machines. The second hydraulic machine is operatively connected with an output element, such as a wheel to drive a vehicle. Each of the first and second hydraulic machines have electronically controllable valves for varying the speed and/or the torque of the first and second hydraulic machines thereby providing an infinitely variable transmission.

Vehicle powertrain that compensates for a prime mover having slow transient response

Abstract: A powertrain for transmitting power in a vehicle includes a prime mover having a relatively slow transient response, and a storage device for storing energy in a predetermined form. A transmission includes an input driveably connected to the prime mover and an output driveably connected to vehicle drive wheels, producing a range of ratios of a speed of the output to a speed of the input that varies from negative to positive and includes zero. An energy conversion device, driveably connected to the prime mover and drive wheels, converts rotational power transmitted to the energy conversion device from the wheels and the prime mover to a form of energy that can be stored in the storage device, and drives the wheels using energy supplied to the energy conversion device from the storage device. A control device alternately transmits energy from the storage device to the energy conversion device, and transmits energy from the energy conversion device to the storage device.

System and method for retrofit mechanism for motorizing a manual turret

Abstract: A mechanism for retrofitting a turret that has a manual rotation system with a motorized turret rotation system includes a gear box mechanically coupled to the turret, an electrically powered prime mover unit mechanically coupled to the gear box, a user operated control device electrically coupled to the prime mover unit, and an electrical power supply electrically coupled to the prime mover unit. The turret rotates relative to a body structure. The gear box and the prime mover unit are mounted to the body structure. The control device and the electrical power supply are positioned on the turret. The power supply provides electrical power to the prime mover. The control device presents a control signal to the prime mover when the user actuates the control device, and the turret rotates in response to the control signal.

Ac generator with independently controlled field rotational speed

Abstract: A generator system (100) is configured to supply relatively constant frequency AC power when driven by a variable speed prime mover, by independently controlling the main rotor flux rotational speed. The generator system (100) includes an exciter stator (122) that induces current in the exciter rotor windings (402) at a desired frequency and phasing. The exciter rotor windings (402) are electrically connected to the main rotor windings (408), and are thus electrically excited at the same frequency and phasing. Excitation is supplied to the exciter stator (122) from an exciter controller (140), which controls the frequency and phasing of the exciter excitation, based on the rotational speed of the generator (130), to maintain a constant output frequency.

Mobile road or floor saw

Abstract: A floor or road saw (20) that includes a multi-speed transmission (24) that includes a neutral position. The transmission does not require the use of belts, polychains, or clutches that require regular maintenance and/or replacement. Moreover, the transmission (24) of the saw (20) may be shifted when the transmission is engaged and shifted through a set of gears (62) in a sequential manner. Further, the transmission is well suited for use on saws where power source or prime mover (22) is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saw (20).

Hydraulic control system with cross function regeneration

Abstract: A system operates a hydraulic actuator, such as a cylinder, in one of several modes that include powered extension and retraction, self-powering regeneration modes in which fluid exhausting from one cylinder chamber is routed into the other cylinder chamber, and cross function regeneration modes wherein the fluid exhausted from one actuator is routed in the supply conduit to power a different actuator. A controller determines which modes are viable based on existing system conditions and selects from among the viable available modes. That determination is a function of the desired velocity for the actuator, the hydraulic load on the actuator, and pressures in the supply and return hydraulic conduits. The system also can recover potential or kinetic energy through pressure intensification which recovered energy can be used to power another simultaneously active hydraulic function or to drive the prime mover via an over-center variable pump/motor.

Excitation controlled synchronous permanent magnet machine

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for providing constant voltage from a permanent magnet generator at varying prime mover speeds or under varying loads. A constant voltage permanent magnet generator includes a housing, a magnetized rotor, a prime mover operationally coupled with the rotor, a stator, a main winding coupled to the stator, and an excitation winding also coupled to the stator. A controllable three-phase inverter may be coupled to the excitation winding and a control system operationally coupled to the main winding for measuring the voltage of the main winding. The control system is further operationally coupled between the power source and the controllable three phase inverter to provide a supplemental current to the excitation winding such that a combined current through the main winding and the excitation winding produces a constant voltage from the generator.

Methods and systems for operating engine generator sets

Abstract: Methods and systems for an engine generator set that includes an electrical generator configured to provide electrical energy to a first load rated at a first voltage and a first frequency, and to provide electrical energy to a second load rated at a second voltage and a second, a prime mover coupled to the generator through a shaft, and configured to rotate the shaft at a first rotational speed at the first frequency and to rotate the shaft at a second rotational at the second frequency, and an engine generator set control system that includes a generator control system configured to control an output of the electrical generator, an engine control system configured to control a rotational speed of the shaft, and an output selector configured to modify the output of the engine generator set from the first voltage and the first frequency to at least one of the second voltage and the second frequency.

Engine operated generator

Abstract: An engine operated generator is provided with an engine, a generator driven by the engine, and a power control unit for controlling the power generated by the generator. A fuel gas stored in fuel bottles set in a case for the engine operated generator, is supplied to the engine though a fuel pressure regulator. The fuel bottles and the fuel pressure regulator are disposed adjacent to the power control unit to enable heat exchange with the power control unit provided with an inverter. Thus, heat is mutually utilized between the power control unit and at least one of the fuel bottles as fuel receptacles and the fuel pressure regulator.

Vehicle power assist by brake, shock, solar, and wind energy recovery

Abstract: An energy conversion apparatus and method using recovered energy sources including motor vehicle kinetic energy (deceleration and shock) and wind resistance, supplemented by liquefied air transferred to the vehicle and by solar radiation thereto. The energy sources are combined, as available, to drive a compressor for supplying intake working fluid of a motor vehicle prime mover, wherein liquefied air provides pre-compression cooling of an atmospheric air portion of the working fluid. The liquefied air is made by recovered energy, stored and transferred between vehicles and between vehicles and stationary sites. In a hybrid version of the vehicle, exhaust heat from a combustion engine part of the prime mover increases working fluid temperature in a gas expander part, thereof; the engine and expander operating independently or together for improved vehicle propulsion efficiency.