초록 ▼

An alternator regulator controls both output voltage and output current, limits input drive power and torque, and maintains output power within a prescribed range while operating over a wide ambient temperature range and shaft speed range. Voltage, shaft speed, and temperature signals are monitored,

An alternator regulator controls both output voltage and output current, limits input drive power and torque, and maintains output power within a prescribed range while operating over a wide ambient temperature range and shaft speed range. Voltage, shaft speed, and temperature signals are monitored, and the results are processed to determine the output current and to control the output power without exceeding the programmed limits for output voltage, output current, temperature, output power, drive power, torque, and shaft speed. This provides a predictable output power characteristic for the alternator and it eliminates high input drive power and torque excursions that occur at low temperature and certain shaft speeds. If programmed limits are exceeded over a specified interval, and the alternator does not respond to the control changes imposed by the regulator, the regulator will turn off the alternator's field current, activate an alarm circuit, and set fault codes. The regulator is also capable of communicating with other control systems to provide status, specify needs, and respond to requests.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In combination with an electrical generator comprising a field coil, a winding coupled with a pair of output terminals, and a generator shaft operative to modify electromagnetic interaction of the field coil and the winding when the shaft is rotated, a generator monitor c

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In combination with an electrical generator comprising a field coil, a winding coupled with a pair of output terminals, and a generator shaft operative to modify electromagnetic interaction of the field coil and the winding when the shaft is rotated, a generator monitor comprising:a tachometer, responsive to the generator and operative to generate a speed signal indicative of rotational speed of the generator shaft;a current monitor operative to generate a field current signal indicative of average field current of the generator field coil; anda first processing element responsive to the speed and field current signals and operative to generate an output current signal indicative of electrical output current supplied by the generator via the output terminals.