Showing papers on "Prime mover published in 2006"

Multiple prime power source locomotive control

Abstract: 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.

Locomotive engine start method

Abstract: A system and method of starting or restarting an engine on a locomotive having at least one of another engine, a fuel cell system and an energy storage system. The method 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 method is directed, in part, at a flexible control strategy for a multi-engine systems based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized.

Thermoacoustically driven refrigerator with double thermoacoustic-Stirling cycles

Abstract: Recently, considerable research efforts have been made to search substitution technologies for chlorofluorocarbon-based vapor compression cycles due to the concern over environmental issues. This letter introduces a helium-based thermoacoustic refrigeration system, which is a thermoacoustic-Stirling refrigerator driven by a thermoacoustic-Stirling heat engine, for domestic refrigeration purpose. In the regenerators of both the refrigerator and the prime mover, helium gas experiences near to reversible high efficiency Stirling process. At the operating point with 3.0MPa mean pressure, 57.7Hz frequency, and 2.2kW heat input, the experimental cooler provides a lowest temperature of −64.4°C and 250W cooling power at −22.1°C. These results show good potential of the system to be an alternative in near future for domestic refrigeration with advantages of environment-friendliness, no moving parts, and heat driven mechanism.

Headlight mounting arrangement

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame, at least one wheel operable to contact a substantially horizontal support surface, a prime mover supported by the frame and in driving engagement with the at least one wheel, a suspension system operable to maintain the frame in an upright position while driving along a straight path and to permit the frame to lean relative to the support surface while cornering, and at least two headlights coupled to the suspension system and arranged in a substantially horizontal configuration, wherein the headlights remain in the substantially horizontal configuration when the frame is in the upright position and when the frame is leaning.

Cool sound: the future of refrigeration? Thermodynamic and heat transfer issues in thermoacoustic refrigeration

Abstract: During the past two decades the thermoacoustic refrigeration and prime mover cycles gained importance in a variety of refrigeration applications. Acoustic work, sound, can be used to generate temperature differences that allow the transport of heat from a low temperature reservoir to an ambient at higher temperature, thus forming a thermoacoustic refrigeration system. The thermoacoustic energy pumping cycle can also be reversed: temperature difference imposed along the stack plates can lead to sound generation. In this situation the thermoacoustic system operates as a prime mover. Sound generated by means of this thermoacoustic energy conversion process can be utilized to drive different types of refrigeration devices that require oscillatory flow for their operation, such as thermoacoustic refrigerators, pulse tubes and Stirling engines. In order for a thermoacoustic refrigeration or prime mover system as well as a thermoacoustic prime mover driving a non-thermoacoustic refrigeration system to be competitive on the current market, it has to be optimized in order to improve its overall performance. Optimization can involve improving the performance of the entire system as well as its components. The paper addresses some of the thermodynamic and heat transfer issues relevant in improving the performance of the thermoacoustic system, such as optimization for maximum COP, maximum cooling load and the role of the heat exchangers. Results obtained using the two optimization criteria are contrasted in the paper to illustrate the complexity of the optimization process.

Power balancing of multiple synchronized generators

Abstract: Power balancing techniques for a synchronous power generation system are provided. One exemplary method for balancing power in a synchronous generator system includes determining an output power characteristic of a synchronous generator driven by a prime mover and comparing the characteristic to a value derived from the output power of a plurality of synchronous generators. The method also includes providing a correction signal to the synchronous generator to modify the output power produced by that generator. A synchronous power generation system having a plurality of synchronous generators driven by a common prime mover is also provided.

Mower with Hybrid Prime Mover Having Fuel Cell, Brushless Electric Motors for Driving Cutting Units, and Electric/Hydraulic Actuator for Lift and Lower System

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid lawn mower powered by a fuel cell and an electrical storage system, both of which supply electric power to the drive wheels and cutting units of the mower. The electrical storage system comprises an ultracapacitor pack or a battery pack. The electric motor driving each cutting unit comprises a brushless motor having an integrated gear reduction stage. In addition, the motor includes an integrated electronics housing in which the electronics for controlling and powering the motor are packaged. The cutting units are lifted out of engagement with the ground by a lift and lower system comprising an electric/hydraulic actuator that is driven only during lifting of the cutting units. The cutting units are lowered by releasing fluid pressure in the lift and lower system and permitting the force of gravity to lower the cutting units.

Controller for vehicle drive device

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit control system. The vehicle includes a prime mover arranged on a power transmission route from a continuously variable transmission to a wheel, a clutch mechanism arranged on a first route from the prime mover to the wheel, and a shift range or shift position can be shifted selectively between a drive range or drive position where a power can be transmitted through the first route and a non-drive range or non-drive position where a power cannot be transmitted through the first route. The control system includes a vehicle speed control demand judging mechanism judging a vehicle speed control demand in case of shifting the shift range or shift position from the non-drive range or non-drive position to the drive range or drive position; and a prime mover controller controlling torque of the prime mover based on the judged vehicle speed control demand.

MATLAB SIMULINK Based DQ Modeling and Dynamic Characteristics of Three Phase Self Excited Induction Generator

Abstract: In this paper, DQ-modeling approach for Transient State analysis in the time domain of the three- phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG) with squirrel cage rotor is presented along with its operating performance evaluations. The three-phase SEIG is driven by a variable-speed prime mover (VSPM) such as a wind turbine for the clean alternative renewable energy in rural areas. Here the prime mover speed has been taken both as fixed and variable and results have been analyzed. The basic Dynamic characteristics of the VSPM are considered in the three-phase SEIG approximate electrical equivalent circuit and the operating performances of the three-phase SEIG coupled by a VSPM in the Transient state analysis are evaluated and discussed on the conditions related to transient occurs in the system and speed changes of the prime mover. The whole proposed system has been developed and designed using MATLAB/SIMULINK.

Fuelcell hybrid locomotives: applications and benefits

Abstract: Led by Vehicle Projects LLC, an international industry government consortium is developing a 109-tonne, 1.2-MW fuelcell-powered road-switcher locomotive for commercial and military railway applications. As part of the feasibility and conceptual-design analysis, we have analyzed the potential benefits of a hybrid powerplant in which fuelcells comprise the prime mover and a battery or flywheel comprises the rechargeable auxiliary power device. Potential benefits of a hybrid powerplant are (1) enhancement of transient power and hence tractive effort, (2) regenerative braking, and (3) reduction of capital or recurring costs. Generally, tractive effort of a locomotive at low speed is limited by wheel adhesion and not by available power. Enhanced transient power is therefore unlikely to benefit a switcher locomotive but could benefit applications, such as subway trains with all axles powered, requiring high acceleration. In most cases, the benefits of regenerative braking in locomotives are limited. For low-speed applications such as switchers, both the available kinetic energy and the effectiveness of DC traction motors as generators are low. For high-speed heavy applications such as freight, the ability of the auxiliary power device to absorb a significant portion of the available kinetic energy is low. Moreover, the hybrid powerplant suffers a double efficiency penalty: losses occur in both absorbing and then releasing energy from the auxiliary device, result in a net storage efficiency of no more than 50% for current battery technology. Where the duty cycle peak power demand requires that a significant portion of the prime mover energy is cycled into auxiliary power device then a net increase in fuel consumption can result. Capital cost in some applications may be reduced. Based on recorded locomotive duty cycles and a cost model utilized in this project, hybridity can reduce fuelcell capital cost. However, because of the double efficiency penalty and increased powerplant complexity, we predict it will increase recurring costs such as fuel and maintenance. In particular, the choice of the optimum capital cost solution would increase the fuel consumption by as much as 20-40%. Moreover, for usual rail duty cycles, the weight and volume of the combined powerplant would be significantly increased. Based on this analysis, the consortium has decided to develop for this project a pure fuelcell road-switcher locomotive, that is, not a hybrid locomotive.

Vehicle having twin transmissions for driving respective wheels

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a prime mover mounted on the vehicle frame, a laterally turnable wheel disposed at one side of the vehicle frame, a pair of drive wheels disposed at the other side of the vehicle frame, a steering operation device, a traveling operation device for setting the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle, and a pair of transmissions for controlling the rotary speed and direction of the respective drive wheels. The transmissions are operationally connected with the steering operation device so as to create a difference of rotary speed between the drive wheels according to operation of the steering operation device. The transmissions are operationally connected with the traveling operation device so as to drive the drive wheels in a common rotary direction from their stationary state according to operation of the traveling operation device. A clutch is interposed between the transmissions so as to connect the drive wheels with each other when the steering operation device is set in a straight traveling position. Based on setting of a switching device for switching the traveling direction of the vehicle between forward and rearward, a reverser decides the rotational direction of the drive wheels.

Hybrid vehicle having an electric generator engine and an auxiliary accelerator engine

Abstract: A drive-train for a fuel-efficient wheeled vehicle includes a first internal combustion engine and a second internal combustion engine of lesser power adapted to drive a generator An electric motor is adapted to drive the vehicle primarily during cruising mode operation The first engine is employed primarily to provide maximal power to the vehicle for acceleration, hill-climbing and towing The power from both the motor and first engine can be selectively combined for varied conditions of operation of the vehicle

Control system for drive unit of vehicle

Abstract: A control system for a drive unit of a vehicle, in which a power distribution mechanism is arranged on a route from a prime mover to a wheel, and a transmission is arranged on an output side of the power distribution mechanism The control system includes a revolution frequency controller that restrains a variation in a revolution frequency of the prime mover by controlling a revolution frequency of the reaction force establishing device until a predetermined time elapses since a commencement of a shifting operation of the transmission The control system is capable of restraining a variation in an output torque, in case of carrying out a shifting operation of a transmission arranged on an output side of a prime mover

Power control system and method

Abstract: This invention discloses a power control system comprising a prime mover and a generator driven by the prime mover. The control device further is coupled with the prime mover and the generator wherein the control device ascertains a power level of the generator and varies an output power of the prime mover according to the power level. The control device measures a duty cycle of a generator output power controller to ascertain the generator power level and generates a signal to a prime mover controller so that the generator duty cycle remains within a pre-determined range. The power control system may include a transmission wherein the control device operation maybe conditioned on a state of the transmission. The power control system may include a speed converter coupled with the prime mover wherein the control device converts a speed of the prime mover according to the generator power level. The control device may operate to control an output power of the generator concurrently with controlling the output power of the prime mover.

Thermal management system and method for automotive vehicle

Abstract: A thermal management system for an automotive vehicle includes air cooled heat exchangers for an HVAC system, for a prime mover, and for various electronics componentry. All heat exchangers are cooled by a common air stream flowing from the ambient. The amount of heat imparted to the air stream through the HVAC system is controlled as to permit optimal cooling of the vehicle electronics and vehicle prime mover.

Hybrid electric drive system for a motor vehicle

Abstract: A system for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an engine or another prime mover, a transmission for transmitting rotary power to and from the engine, an electric machine, a clutch driveably connected to an output of the transmission; and a gearset driveably connected to the electric machine, the transmission output and the clutch, for transmitting rotary power between the electric machine and at least one of the transmission output and the clutch.

Hydraulic gravitational load energy recuperation

Abstract: A hydraulic system has gravitional load energy recuperation by opening a recuperation piloted valve with a pilot pressure supplied by a hydraulic pump so as to drive a recuperation hydraulic motor with a source of fluid pressurized by gravity from the load. The recuperation hydraulic motor drives the mechanical drive train of the prime mover that drives the pump that supplies the load, and other pumps that supply other loads.

Power engine operating method, involves determining corresponding state variables of internal combustion engine, drive wheels and connection mechanism for determining actual vibration state of power engine

Abstract: The method involves determining an actual vibration state of a power engine by connecting drive wheels (36) with an internal combustion engine (12) by a connection mechanism. A correction variable is produced based on the state, where the power engine is indirectly loaded for vibration damping. Corresponding state variables of the engine (12), wheels and mechanism are determined for determining the actual state of the power engine. The drive wheels and the internal combustion engines are connected by a dual-weighted flywheel, clutch, transmission and drive shaft, which together act as the connection mechanism. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a computer program for execution of a method of operating a power engine (B) an electrical storage medium for a control equipment and/or control gear of a power engine (C) a power engine for a motor vehicle.

Dynamic modeling and analysis of three phase self-excited induction generator using generalized state space approach

Abstract: Dynamic characteristics assessment of three phase self excited induction generator is one of the main issue in isolated applications as it proves its importance in recent years. The transient characteristics of SEIG has important role to define its better applicability. In this paper a generalized state-space dynamic model of a three phase SEIG has been developed using d-q variables in stationary reference frame for transient analysis. The proposed model for induction generator, load and excitation using state space approach can handle variable prime mover speed, and various transient conditions e.g. load perturbation, switching states etc. Also the effect of variation of excitation capacitance on system is analyzed. SEIG behavior has been investigated considering the effect of main and cross flux saturation for various transient conditions. The equation developed has been simulated using powerful software MATLAB/SIMULINK, and its responses justifies the proposed model

Prime mover stop system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prime mover stop system capable of preventing the occurrence of shock caused by connection of a friction element at the start by filling the friction element with pressure oil reliably at the stop of a prime mover before restarting with simple and inexpensive constitution. SOLUTION: In the state of stopping the prime mover 2 by a prime mover control device 3 in prime mover stop conditions to stop driving of an oil pump 6, a communicating line 12 is put in a closed state by a communicating line opening/closing valve 16, and a by-pass line 13 is put in an open state by a by-pass line opening/closing valve 17. The pressure oil filled in an accumulator 14 is thereby supplied reliably to a starting clutch 4 through the by-pass line 13 while preventing the flow of pressure oil from the accumulator 14 to a control valve 11 by a check valve 15. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

System and method for producing hot water without a flame

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.

A Generalized State-Space Modeling of Three Phase Self-Excited Induction Generator For Dynamic Characteristics and Analysis

Abstract: Dynamic characteristics assessment of three phase self excited induction generator is one of the main issue in isolated applications as it proves its importance in recent years. The transient characteristics of SEIG has important role to define its better applicability. In this paper a generalized state-space dynamic modeling of a three phase SEIG has been developed using d-q variables in stationary reference frame for transient analysis. The proposed model for induction generator, load and excitation using state space approach can handle variable prime mover speed, and various transient conditions e.g. load perturbation, switching states etc. Also the effect of variation of excitation capacitance on system is analyzed. SEIG behavior has been investigated considering the effect of main and cross flux saturation for various transient conditions. The equation developed has been simulated using powerful software MATLAB/SIMULINK, and its responces justify the proposed model.

Power converter apparatus

Abstract: In a power conversion apparatus having a smoothing capacitor for smoothing rectified voltage, a power module containing a plurality of power semiconductor switching devices, and a drive circuit for controlling the turn-on and turn-off of the power semiconductor switching devices, wherein the power module is encased in the housing which does not encase the drive circuit; the housing encasing the power module therein is attached in contact with the housing encasing therein the transmission of an prime mover.

Hybrid electric vehicle sequence for engine start

Abstract: A method and system of operating a vehicular hybrid powertrain having a first prime mover, a second prime mover, a planetary gear set configured to sum outputs from the first prime mover and the second prime mover, and a transmission coupled to an output of the planetary gear set includes initially driving the transmission with the second prime mover, cranking the first prime mover with the second prime mover, accelerating the first prime mover to a reference speed, and maintaining the first prime mover at approximately the reference speed while varying a speed of the second prime mover to vary an output velocity of the planetary gear set

Earthquakes: a hand on the aftershock trigger.

Abstract: Received wisdom relates that static stress change associated with an earthquake mainshock is the prime mover of its aftershocks. But a fresh look at the data points the finger at wave-surfing dynamic stress.

Generator-motor used for electric power supply, starting the internal combustion engine and prime mover propulsion

Abstract: The invention describes a device for generating direct and or alternating current and or propulsion of the mobile unit in particularly boat, ship, yacht, sailboat, ship crane, agricultural machinery, excavator etc. with the generator-motor, driven by the internal combustion engine (1) preferably piston engine with the brushless, high frequency, preferably three phase generator-motor (2), connected to DC-AC converter (16), installed in a flywheel housing (11), between the engine (1) and the transmission (9), with a generator-motor permanent magnet (26) rotor (3), mounted free rotationally with the bearings (22 and 41) to the crankshaft prolonging shaft (15) and connected with the transmission input shaft (8) through the clutch (29) preferably dog clutch with gear dovetailing (6), connecting when engaged, the crankshaft or crankshaft prolonging shaft (15) with generator-motor (2) and transmission input shaft (8).

Mobile mark removal system

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning system for removing coatings from a hard surface by high pressure liquid. The system employs a combination liquid and vacuum reservoir connected to a high pressure pump for directing ultra high pressure water through a blast head mounted on a front portion of the vehicle. The cleaning system is preferably mounted on a single truck with a single prime mover. The drive-line of the vehicle is constructed and arranged to operate in two distinct modes, e.g. a transport mode and a work mode. In the transport mode, a first transmission coupled to the rear portion of the prime mover delivers torque from the engine to the rear wheels of the vehicle. In the work mode, the prime mover is utilized to mechanically drive the bed mounted equipment as well as provide motive force in the form of mechanical-hydrostatic transmission to propel the system at a speed suitable for marking removal.

AC/DC railway electrification and protection

Abstract: The technical strength of all electrification schemes lies in the fact that the prime mover is removed from the train; but this is also its economic weakness. By taking power from a distribution network there is almost unlimited power available which has been efficiently produced but the cost of providing the fixed installations can only be justified where the traffic is heavy or frequency is high. The 25 kV A.C. 50 Hz electrification system has been developed specifically for railway traction purposes. The main feature that separates this system from the conventional 3 phase and neutral HV distribution network of the public supply authority is that the railway system is a single-phase system with one pole earthed. Even though other railway administration have their own individual electrification schemes the basic design of the systems is the same.