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A control circuit for use with an AC alternator has a plurality of outlet lines leading from the alternator, each receiving a phase of current generated by the alternator. Tap lines are associated with each of the power lines and are associated with a switch. The switches drain power to a drain when

A control circuit for use with an AC alternator has a plurality of outlet lines leading from the alternator, each receiving a phase of current generated by the alternator. Tap lines are associated with each of the power lines and are associated with a switch. The switches drain power to a drain when in a first state, and allow the power to pass downstream to a system load when in a second state. A switch control changes the switches between the first and second state. A detector detects when the current signal is approaching a zero crossing between a cycle positive portion and a negative portion. The switch control takes in the information with regard to the approaching zero crossing, and change the switches between the first and second states based upon the detected zero crossing point. An alternator is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A control circuit for use with an AC alternator comprising: a plurality of outlet lines leading from the alternator, and for each receiving a phase of current generated by the alternator;tap lines associated with each of said outlet lines, said tap lines each being associated with a switch, and a

1. A control circuit for use with an AC alternator comprising: a plurality of outlet lines leading from the alternator, and for each receiving a phase of current generated by the alternator;tap lines associated with each of said outlet lines, said tap lines each being associated with a switch, and a current sense for sensing a current in each of said tap lines and sending a current signal for each of said tap lines;said switches being operable to drain power to a drain when in a first state, and to allow the power to pass downstream to a system load as needed when in a second state;a switch control for controlling the switches to change between the first and second state; anda detector for detecting when each said current signal is approaching a zero crossing between a positive portion and a negative portion, and said switch control being operable to take in the information with regard to the approaching zero crossing, and change one of the switches associated with a particular tap line having the current signal approaching the zero crossing, between the first and second states. 2. The circuit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said switches are MOSFETs. 3. The circuit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said switch control is a gate driver and a control circuit. 4. The circuit as set forth in claim 1, wherein a zero crossing detector is positioned to receive signals from said tap lines to identify the zero crossing points. 5. The circuit as set forth in claim 4, wherein a current sense is positioned between said switches and said zero crossing detector, and downstream of said switches to provide the information to said control circuit. 6. The circuit as set forth in claim 1, wherein an output voltage is detected downstream of said tap lines, and is fed back to the switch circuit, said switch circuit providing additional control to maintain said output voltage below a predetermined limit. 7. The circuit as set forth in claim 6, wherein said switch control is operable to drain both portions of said current signal to reduce the output voltage should the output voltage be greater than the predetermined limit. 8. The circuit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said switch control is operable to drain the negative portion of the current signal, and pass the positive portion of the current signal downstream. 9. The circuit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the switch control changes the switches between the first and second states at the zero crossing. 10. A combined alternator and control circuit comprising: an alternator for generating AC current, a plurality of outlet lines leading from the alternator, and each for receiving a phase of current generated by the alternator, and passing said phase downstream toward a system load;tap lines associated with each of said output lines, said tap lines each being associated with a switch, and a current sense for sensing a current in each of said tap lines, and sending a current signal for each of said tap lines;said switches being operable to drain power to a drain when in a first state, and to allow the power to pass downstream to a system load when in a second state;a switch control for controlling the switches to change between the first and second state; anda detector for detecting when each said current signal is approaching a zero crossing between a positive portion and a negative portion, and said switch control being operable to take in the information with regard to the approaching zero crossing, and change one of the switches associated with a particular tap line having the current signal approaching the zero crossing, between the first and second states. 11. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein said switches are MOSFETs. 12. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein said switch control is a gate driver and a control circuit. 13. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein a zero crossing detector is positioned to receive signals from said tap lines to identify the zero crossing points. 14. The combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said a-current sense is positioned between said switches and said zero crossing detector, and downstream of said switches to provide the information to said control circuit. 15. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein an output voltage is detected downstream of said tap lines, and is fed back to the switch circuit, said switch circuit providing additional control to maintain said output voltage below a predetermined limit. 16. The combination as set forth in claim 15, wherein said switch control is operable to drain both portions of said current signal to reduce the output voltage should the output voltage be greater than the predetermined limit. 17. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein said switch control is operable to drain the negative portion of the current signal, and pass the positive portion of the current signal downstream. 18. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein the switch control changes the switches between the first and second states at the zero crossing. 19. A control circuit for use with an AC alternator comprising: a plurality of outlet lines leading from the alternator, and for each receiving a phase of current generated by the alternator;tap lines associated with each of said outlet lines, said tap lines each being associated with a switch, and a current sense for sensing a current and sending a current signal;said switches being operable to drain power to a drain when in a first state, and to allow the power to pass downstream to a system load as needed when in a second state;a switch control for controlling the switches to change between the first and second state;a detector for detecting when the current signal is approaching a zero crossing between a positive portion and a negative portion, and said switch control being operable to take in the information with regard to the approaching zero crossing, and change the switches between the first and second states; andan output voltage is detected downstream of said tap lines, and is fed back to the switch circuit, said switch circuit providing additional control to maintain said output voltage below a predetermined limit, and being operable to drain both portions of said current signal to reduce the output voltage should the output voltage be greater than the predetermined limit.