초록 ▼

The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal

The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal power loss when the engine generator is supplying rated power to a load. A second path, a VSCF path, may be used to ensure that the frequency of the power is maintained at a substantially constant frequency under various load conditions. Another embodiment of the invention describes a process for determining optimal engine generator speed for a particular load. Because engine speed can be varied using any VSCF device, this process determines a speed that minimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution for a given load.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A multiple path system for providing power from a power source to a load, said system comprising: a first path coupled between said power source and said load; a second path coupled between said power source and said load; and control circuitry coupled to said first pa

The invention claimed is: 1. A multiple path system for providing power from a power source to a load, said system comprising: a first path coupled between said power source and said load; a second path coupled between said power source and said load; and control circuitry coupled to said first path and said second path that automatically selects the path through which power is routed to said load, said control circuitry automatically selects the path that maximizes efficiency of power delivered to said load. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said second path comprises: variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) circuitry that is controlled by said control circuitry. 3. The device defined in claim 2 further comprising: a transient power source coupled to said VSCF circuitry and said control circuitry and operative to provide power to said load via said second path. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first path comprises: a switch that is controlled by said control circuitry, wherein when said switch is CLOSED, power is routed through said first path to said load. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said control circuitry selects said first path or second path based on a load condition. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said control circuitry selects said first path or second path based on a power source condition. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises an engine-generator. 8. A method for selecting a path through which power is routed from a power source to a load, said method comprising: routing power to said load from said power source through a path selected from at least two paths, one of said paths is a variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) line path and another one of said paths is a standard line path; and selecting the path that maximizes efficiency of power delivered to the load. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said power source provides power having a frequency, said method further comprising: providing power having a predetermined frequency to said load. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said providing comprises: selecting said path which ensures that said power being provided to said load is maintained at said predetermined frequency. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: controlling the power output of said power source. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein said routing comprises: selecting said standard line path by closing a switch associated with said standard line path and ceasing operation of circuitry associated with said VSCF line path. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein said routing comprises: selecting said VSCF path by operating circuitry associated with said VSCF line path and opening a switch associated with said standard line path. 14. For use in a power supply system having an engine generator that generates power for a load and a variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) device for routing power from said engine generator to said load, comprising: an input node for receiving power; an output node for transmitting power; at least two paths for routing power from said input node to said output node; and control circuitry that automatically selects one of said at least two paths through which power is routed, said control circuitry selects the path that maximizes efficiency of power delivered to the load. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein one of said at least two paths comprises a standard line path. 16. The device of claim 14, wherein one of said at least two paths comprises a variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) line path.