Control system for a power converter and method of controlling operation of a power converter

A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current. Multiple power converters having the control system of the present invention may be connected in parallel to a single AC load or multiple AC loads, without the need ...

Lightning protection system for a wind turbine

In a wind turbine ( 104, 500, 704 ) having a plurality of blades ( 132, 404, 516, 744 ) and a blade rotor hub ( 120, 712 ), a lightning protection system ( 100, 504, 700 ) for conducting lightning strikes to any one of the blades and the region surrounding the blade hub along a path around the blade hub and critical components of the wind turbine, such as the generator ( 112, 716 ), gearbox ( 708 ) and main turbine bearings ( 176, 724 ).

Electromagnetic rotary machines having modular active-coil portions and modules for such machines

Electromagnetic rotary machines, such as electrical power generators and electric motors, that have one or more active portions modularized into a set of modules. Each of the modules is secured to a support frame via a sliding-interlock system that allows that module to be slidingly engaged with the support frame. In some embodiments, each module can include an integrated coolant conduit that carries a coolant to cool the active portion during operation. The modules can each be self-contained in the respect that essentially all that needs to be done to form the active portion and corresponding portion of the cooling system is to install the modules and make any remaining electrical and coolant conduit connections.

Modular power converters usable alone or in a multiphase power converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangeability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter.

Sectionalized electromechanical machines having low torque ripple and low cogging torque characteristics

A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the effects of torque ripple and cogging torque and otherwise improving performance in an electromechanical machine such as a motor or generator. The rotor and/or stator is conceptually sectionalized and the sections spaced apart by amount sufficient to alleviate deleterious aspects of cogging torque and torque ripple. Positioning of the stator teeth or rotor magnets is determined based on the calculated spacing. Conceptual sections may be formed as physically individual segments. Unwound teeth may be disposed in end spaces between sections occupying less than the entire area of the end space.

Dual-motor propulsion assembly

Provided in this disclosure is a dual-motor propulsion assembly, and corresponding methods of operation, that is configured for use in an electric aircraft. Dual-motor propulsion assembly provides redundant systems by including vertically stack motors, where one motor powers a propulsor of the assembly if the other motor malfunctions or becomes inoperative.

Electromagnetic Rotary Machines Having Modular Active-Coil Portions and Modules For Such Machines

Electromagnetic rotary machines, such as electrical power generators and electric motors, that have one or more active portions modularized into a set of modules. Each of the modules is secured to a support frame via a sliding-interlock system that allows that module to be slidingly engaged with the support frame. In some embodiments, each module can include an integrated coolant conduit that carries a coolant to cool the active portion during operation. The modules can each be self-contained in the respect that essentially all that needs to be done to form the active portion and corresponding portion of the cooling system is to install the modules and make any remaining electrical and coolant conduit connections. 1. An electromagnetic rotary machine , comprising: an active-coil assembly having a first side configured to face said second active portion and a second side spaced from said first side, said active-coil assembly including a plurality of recessed receptacle segments on said second side; and', 'at least one coolant conduit engaged in said plurality of recessed receptacle segments., 'first and second active portions, wherein at least one of said first and second active portions rotates relative to the other of said first and second active portions about an operating rotational axis during operation of the electromagnetic rotary machine, said first active portion including2. An electromagnetic rotary machine according to claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of recessed receptacle segments has a transverse cross-section of a substantially Ω-shape claim 1 , and said at least one coolant conduit has a press-fit engagement with said plurality of recessed receptacle segments so as to conform to said substantially Ω-shape.3. An electromagnetic rotary machine according to claim 2 , wherein said second side has a face and said at least one coolant conduit has a swaged engagement with said plurality of recessed receptacle segments so that said at least one ...

Frequency control and power balancing in disturbed power inverter system and method thereof

A system and method are disclosed for controlling DC to AC power converters (inverters) that are operated as voltage sources and are paralleled on the AC side. This method allows for controlling frequency while sharing real power. The disclosed method requires no communication between inverters for proper load sharing, thus enhancing reliability of a system of parallel inverters. The only signals required for control are the AC voltage and frequency and their reaction to the inverter output current. The present invention allows a multiplicity of inverters or active rectifiers to share power in relation to their share of the available power capacity of the system. This makes it possible to parallel DG sources with various response times while they are connected to either a utility grid or in a stand-alone power network with no communications required between inverters. The addition of communications to the system allows the dispatch of energy for economic reasons and to fine tune load balance ...

Methods, systems, and software for controlling a power converter during low (zero)-voltage ride-through conditions

A power converter control system having a phase tracker that is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the power network that will be on the network when network recovers from a fault on the network. Such a power converter control system allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the phase tracker provides this estimate by having a response time slow enough that the voltage drop or sag caused by the fault substantially does not affect the control system. In another embodiment, the phase detector is designed and configured to freeze the frequency of its output upon detection of a fault event on the power network.

Systems for load reduction in a tower of an idled wind-power unit and methods thereof

Systems and methods for reducing dynamic loading in an idled wind power unit include sensing at least one parameter indicative of dynamic loading and executing a reduced torque brake mode, which may comprise a controlled brake and brake-release sequence, with the turbine braking system when the sensed parameter exceeds a selected value. The reduced torque brake mode absorbs energy and reduces dynamic loading thereby.

Magnetic Devices and Transformer Circuits Made Therewith

A magnetic device producing a small amount of leakage flux and capable of substantially eliminating the amount of leakage flux that escapes the magnetic core of the device. The device includes at least a portion of an electronic circuit that includes an interphase transformer arranged on a magnetic core. The reactor windings on each leg of the magnetic core are disposed in close proximity to each other and can be wound concentrically or in a bifilar fashion. The resulting combination of the magnetic core and windings provides a high degree of magnetic coupling between reactor windings disposed on the same leg and between reactor windings disposed on differing legs. The high degree of magnetic coupling substantially reduces the amount of leakage flux that can affect other metal objects proximate the magnetic device.

Modular Power Converters Usable Alone or in a Multiphase Power Converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter.

DUAL-MOTOR PROPULSION ASSEMBLY

Provided in this disclosure is a dual-motor propulsion assembly, and corresponding methods of operation, that is configured for use in an electric aircraft. Dual-motor propulsion assembly provides redundant systems by including vertically stacked motors, wherein one motor may still power a propulsor of the assembly if the other motor malfunctions or becomes inoperative.

Modular power converters usable alone in a multiphase power converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter.

Frequency control and power balancing in disturbed power inverter system and method thereof

A system and method are disclosed for controlling DC to AC power converters (inverters) that are operated as voltage sources and are paralleled on the AC side. This method allows for controlling frequency while sharing real power. The disclosed method requires no communication between inverters for proper load sharing, thus enhancing reliability of a system of parallel inverters. The only signals required for control are the AC voltage and frequency and their reaction to the inverter output current. The present invention allows a multiplicity of inverters or active rectifiers to share power in relation to their share of the available power capacity of the system. This makes it possible to parallel DG sources with various response times while they are connected to either a utility grid or in a stand-alone power network with no communications required between inverters. The addition of communications to the system allows the dispatch of energy for economic reasons and to fine tune load balance ...

Systems for Load Reduction in a Tower of an Idled Wind-Power Unit and Methods Thereof

Systems and methods for reducing dynamic loading in an idled wind power unit include sensing at least one parameter indicative of dynamic loading and executing a reduced torque brake mode, which may comprise a controlled brake and brake-release sequence, with the turbine braking system when the sensed parameter exceeds a selected value. The reduced torque brake mode absorbs energy and reduces dynamic loading thereby. 1. A system for reducing dynamic loading in a wind power unit in a parked or idled condition , the wind power unit including a turbine , a turbine axle having a longitudinal axis , and a wind power unit brake system including at least one turbine brake , the system comprising:a sensor adapted to be positioned with the wind power unit and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of dynamic loading in the wind power unit and produce a dynamic loading signal representative thereof; anda logic circuit in communication with said sensor to receive said dynamic loading signal, said logic circuit being configured to generate a braking signal in response to the dynamic loading signal indicating a level of dynamic loading exceeding a selected value;wherein the brake system is configured to receive said braking signal and execute a reduced torque brake mode in response to said braking signal to reduce the dynamic loading of the wind power unit by permitting intermittent slip of the brake system.2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the logic circuit comprises a threshold detector communicating with a latching relay.3. A system according to claim 2 , wherein the logic circuit further comprises a low pass filter receiving the signal from the sensor and communicating with the threshold detector.4. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the wind power unit further includes a processor claim 1 , and the logic circuit comprises a program configured to be executed by the processor comprising steps of:determining a level of dynamic loading indicated by ...

Methods, Systems, and Software for Controlling a Power Converter During Low (Zero)-Voltage Ride-Through Conditions

A power converter control system having a phase tracker that is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the power network that will be on the network when network recovers from a fault on the network. Such a power converter control system allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the phase tracker provides this estimate by having a response time slow enough that the voltage drop or sag caused by the fault substantially does not affect the control system. In another embodiment, the phase detector is designed and configured to freeze the frequency of its output upon detection of a fault event on the power network. 1. A method of controlling the alternating-current (AC) output of a power converter connected to an AC power network subject to a voltage fault that causes a network voltage on the AC power network to drop below a normal operating level during a fault period , the method comprising:estimating the phase angle of the voltage anticipated to be present on the AC power network when the network voltage recovers from the voltage fault; andcontrolling a current of the AC output during the voltage fault as a function of the phase angle estimated.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the power converter is required to remain connected to the AC power network during a maximum ride-through fault period having a very low voltage time claim 1 , and said estimating includes tracking a phase of the network voltage with a time constant equal to about 1 times the very low voltage time to about 5 times the very low voltage time.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the power converter is required to remain connected to the AC power network for a maximum ride-through fault period claim 1 , and said estimating includes tracking a phase of the network voltage with a response time of about ¼ to about 2 times the maximum ...

Speed setting system and method for a stall-controlled wind turbine

A speed setting system that generates a speed control command for controlling the rotational speed of a stall-controlled wind turbine of a wind-powered machine. The speed setting system generates the speed command as a function of performance variation of the wind turbine due to environmental and/or other factors. The speed setting system utilizes a performance-compensation term that is slowly adjusted to compensate for relatively long-term performance variation. In one example, the performance-compensation term is adjusted only when the current power output of the wind turbine is at least 80% of the rated output power to ensure the wind speed is sufficiently high.

Sectionalized Electromechanical Machines Having Low Torque Ripple and Low Cogging Torque Characteristics

A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the effects of torque ripple and cogging torque and otherwise improving performance in an electromechanical machine such as a motor or generator. The rotor and/or stator is conceptually sectionalized and the sections spaced apart by amount sufficient to alleviate deleterious aspects of cogging torque and torque ripple. Positioning of the stator teeth or rotor magnets is determined based on the calculated spacing. Conceptual sections may be formed as physically individual segments. Unwound teeth may be disposed in end spaces between sections occupying less than the entire area of the end space. 1. An electromechanical machine having rotor poles and stator poles that cooperate to generate electricity from rotation or convert electricity to rotation , comprising inner and outer structures , at least one of said structures rotating relative to the other of said structures with the rotor poles disposed on the rotating structure and the stator poles disposed on the other structure , at least one of said structures including a plurality of sections , wherein:the poles of said structure including the plurality of sections are arranged in sets of wound poles formed on teeth having a depth;a set of said poles is disposed in each one of said plurality of sections and each set has two end poles, one at each section end;the end poles are spaced from the section ends by an end space at each section end, the end space having a width of approximately the distance from the end pole winding to the section end, and a depth of approximately the depth of the wound pole teeth to define an end space area; andan unwound tooth is disposed in each said end space, the unwound teeth occupying not more than 90% of said end space area.2. An electromechanical machine according to claim 1 , wherein the unwound teeth occupy approximately 55-80% of the end space area.3. An electromechanical machine according to claim 1 , wherein the unwound teeth ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRIC PROPULSOR FAULT DETECTION

Systems and methods relate to electric propulsor fault detection. An exemplary system includes at least a first inverter configured to accept a direct current and produce an alternating current, a first propulsor, a first motor operatively connected with the first propulsor and powered by the alternating current, and at least a noise monitoring circuit electrically connected with the direct current and configured to detect electromagnetic noise and disengage the at least an inverter as a function of the electromagnetic noise.

Multiphase power converters and multiphase power converting methods

A new class of multiphase converters having at least two switching cells driven by out-of-phase PWM reference signals and corresponding respective PWM control signal signals. In some embodiments, once of the switching cells are driven as a function current-balancing feedback so as to balance the currents between the switching cells. Various embodiments of the multiphase converter include one or more unique transformers for averaging the output of the switching cells.

Sectionalized Electromechanical Machines Having Low Torque Ripple and Low Cogging Torque Characteristics

A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the effects of torque ripple and cogging torque and otherwise improving performance in an electromechanical machine such as a motor or generator. The rotor and/or stator is conceptually sectionalized and the sections spaced apart by amount sufficient to alleviate deleterious aspects of cogging torque and torque ripple. Positioning of the stator teeth or rotor magnets is determined based on the calculated spacing. Conceptual sections may be formed as physically individual segments. Unwound teeth may be disposed in end spaces between sections occupying less than the entire area of the end space.

Methods, Systems, and Software For Controlling a Power Converter During Low (Zero)-Voltage Ride-through Conditions

A power converter control system having a phase tracker that is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the power network that will be on the network when network recovers from a fault on the network. Such a power converter control system allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the phase tracker provides this estimate by having a response time slow enough that the voltage drop or sag caused by the fault substantially does not affect the control system. In another embodiment, the phase detector is designed and configured to freeze the frequency of its output upon detection of a fault event on the power network. 1. A machine-readable storage medium containing machine-executable instructions for performing a method of controlling an alternating-current (AC) output of a power converter connected to an AC power network subject to a voltage fault that causes a network voltage on the AC power network to drop below a normal operating level during a fault period , said machine-executable instructions comprising:a first set of machine-executable instructions for estimating a phase angle of a voltage anticipated to be present on the AC power network when the network voltage recovers from the voltage fault; anda second set of machine-executable instructions for controlling a current of the AC output during the voltage fault as a function of the phase angle estimated;wherein the network voltage has an amplitude and said first set of machine-executable instructions includes machine-executable instructions for tracking the phase with a response time and machine-executable instructions for changing the response time in inverse proportion to the amplitude of the network voltage.2. A machine-readable storage medium according to claim 1 , wherein the power converter is required to remain connected to the AC power network during a ...

Sectionalized electromechanical machines having low torque ripple and low cogging torque characteristics

A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the effects of torque ripple and cogging torque and otherwise improving performance in an electromechanical machine such as a motor or generator. The rotor and/or stator is conceptually sectionalized and the sections spaced apart by amount sufficient to alleviate deleterious aspects of cogging torque and torque ripple. Positioning of the stator teeth or rotor magnets is determined based on the calculated spacing. Conceptual sections may be formed as physically individual segments. Unwound teeth may be disposed in end spaces between sections occupying less than the entire area of the end space.

Energy storage connection system

A power system for connecting a variable voltage power source, such as a power controller, with a plurality of energy storage devices, at least two of which have a different initial voltage than the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. The power system includes a controller that increases the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. When such output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a first one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the first one of the energy storage devices. The controller then causes the output voltage of the variable voltage power source to continue increasing. When the output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a second one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the second one of the energy storage devices.

Electrical power distribution system and method thereof

A system for providing auxiliary electrical power is provided. The system includes a plurality of loads and a plurality of power sources, each providing electrical power to one or more of the plurality of loads. At least one generator is electrically connected to the plurality of loads. Also, a plurality of power converters, each of the plurality of power converters being electrically connected between the at least one generator and one of the plurality of loads. An arrangement is also provided for increasing the reliability of power to a load through a connection with a parallel utility network.

Methods and systems for electric propulsor fault detection

Systems and methods relate to electric propulsor fault detection. An exemplary system includes at least a first inverter configured to accept a direct current and produce an alternating current, a first propulsor, a first motor operatively connected with the first propulsor and powered by the alternating current, and at least a noise monitoring circuit electrically connected with the direct current and configured to detect electromagnetic noise and disengage the at least an inverter as a function of the electromagnetic noise.

Modular Power Converters Usable Alone or In A Multiphase Power Converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangeability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter. 1. A multiphase power converter system for converting an input to an output having a plurality of phases , the system comprising:a control system; a power converter for converting an input into an output having one phase of a plurality of phases;', 'a control interface connected to said power converter and said control system;', 'a first filter for filtering out first components from said output current;', 'a second filter for filtering out second components from said output current; and', 'an enclosure surrounding said power converter, said control interface, said first filter and said second filter., 'a plurality of power converter modules connected to said control system, one for each of said plurality of phases, each of said plurality of power converter modules having2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein said control interface includes nonvolatile memory for storing information regarding a history of operation and other attributes of the power converter module.3. A system according to claim 1 , further including input nodes for receiving said input and output nodes for providing said output claim 1 , wherein conducted electromagnetic radiation as measured at said input nodes and said output nodes is below 1 dB volts above 150 kHz and below 1 dB millivolts above 20 MHz.4. A system according to ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING MOTOR PERFORMANCE IN AN ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT

In an aspect, this disclosure is related to apparatus and method for optimizing motor performance in an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Apparatus includes a motor, an inverter, a sensor, and a flight controller. Flight controller is configured to receive an operational datum from a sensor, which detects a physical phenomenon and generates an operational datum. Flight controller is configured to generate an optimized switching frequency for the inverter based on the operational datum. Flight controller is configured to adjust the switching frequency of the inverter based on the optimized switching frequency.

Methods, Systems, and Software for Controlling a Power Converter During Low (Zero)-Voltage Ride-Through Conditions

A power converter control system having a phase tracker that is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the power network that will be on the network when network recovers from a fault on the network. Such a power converter control system allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the phase tracker provides this estimate by having a response time slow enough that the voltage drop or sag caused by the fault substantially does not affect the control system. In another embodiment, the phase detector is designed and configured to freeze the frequency of its output upon detection of a fault event on the power network. 1. A method of controlling the AC output of a power converter connected to an AC power network subject to a voltage fault that causes a network voltage on the AC power network to drop below a normal operating level during a fault period , the method comprising:estimating the phase angle of the voltage anticipated to be present on the AC power network when the network voltage recovers from the voltage fault; andcontrolling a current of the AC output during the voltage fault as a function of the phase angle estimated.215. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the power converter is required to remain connected to the AC power network during a maximum ride-through fault period having a very low voltage time claim 1 , and said estimating includes tracking a phase of the network voltage with a time constant equal to about times the very low voltage time to about times the very low voltage time.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the power converter is required to remain connected to the AC power network for a maximum ride-through fault period claim 1 , and said estimating includes tracking a phase of the network voltage with a response time of about 1/4 to about 2 times the maximum ride-through fault ...

Methods and systems for electric propulsor fault detection

Systems and methods relate to electric propulsor fault detection. An exemplary system includes at least a first inverter configured to accept a direct current and produce an alternating current, a first propulsor, a first motor operatively connected with the first propulsor and powered by the alternating current, and at least a noise monitoring circuit electrically connected with the direct current and configured to detect electromagnetic noise and disconnect the at least an inverter from the direct current as a function of the electromagnetic noise.

Modular power converters usable alone or in a multiphase power converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter.

Speed Setting System and Method for a Stall-Controlled Wind Turbine

A speed setting system that generates a speed control command for controlling the rotational speed of a stall-controlled wind turbine of a wind-powered machine. The speed setting system generates the speed command as a function of performance variation of the wind turbine due to environmental and/or other factors. The speed setting system utilizes a performance-compensation term that is slowly adjusted to compensate for relatively long-term performance variation. In one example, the performance-compensation term is adjusted only when the current power output of the wind turbine is at least 80% of the rated output power to ensure the wind speed is sufficiently high.

Modular Power Converters Usable Alone or In A Multiphase Power Converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter.

Speed setting system and method for a stall-controlled wind turbine

A speed setting system that generates a speed control command for controlling the rotational speed of a stall-controlled wind turbine of a wind-powered machine. The speed setting system generates the speed command as a function of performance variation of the wind turbine due to environmental and/or other factors. The speed setting system utilizes a performance-compensation term that is slowly adjusted to compensate for relatively long-term performance variation. In one example, the performance-compensation term is adjusted only when the current power output of the wind turbine is at least 80% of the rated output power to ensure the wind speed is sufficiently high.

Electrical power distribution system and method thereof

A system for providing auxiliary electrical power is provided. The system includes a plurality of loads and a plurality of power sources, each providing electrical power to one or more of the plurality of loads. At least one generator is electrically connected to the plurality of loads. Also, a plurality of power converters, each of the plurality of power converters being electrically connected between the at least one generator and one of the plurality of loads. An arrangement is also provided for increasing the reliability of power to a load through a connection with a parallel utility.

Methods, systems, and software for controlling a power converter during low (zero)-voltage ride-through conditions

Software embodied in a machine-readable storage medium and useful for controlling alternating-current (AC) output of a power converter connected to an AC power network. The software is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the AC power network that will be on the network when the network recovers from a fault. Such software allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the software provides this estimate by tracking the phase with a response time changed in inverse proportion to the voltage on the power network.

Modular power converters usable alone or in a multiphase power converter

A power converter module for use alone or with other modules in a multiphase power converter. The power converter module has an enclosure that surrounds internal components to prevent radiation of electromagnetic energy, which internal components also limit conduction of electromagnetic energy. The internal components include an EMI filter, a ripple filter, a power converter, and a control interface that communicates with a control system of a power conversion system. The control interface includes a memory that stores information related to the power converter modules so as to improve interchangability of similar power modules with the multiphase power converter.

Control system for a power converter and method of controlling operation of a power converter

A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current. Multiple power converters having the control system of the present invention may be connected in parallel to a single AC load or multiple AC loads, without the need for a separate control system interconnecting the power converters. The control system may be advantageously incorporated into a distributed generation network and in uninterruptible power systems, whether or not such systems are included in a distributed generation network.

Control system for a power converter and method of controlling operation of a power converter

A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current. Multiple power converters having the control system of the present invention may be connected in parallel to a single AC load or multiple AC loads, without the need for a separate control system interconnecting the power converters. The control system may be advantageously incorporated into a distributed generation network and in uninterruptible power systems, whether or not such systems are included in a distributed generation network.

Control system for a power converter and method of controlling operation of a power converter

A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current. Multiple power converters having the control system of the present invention may be connected in parallel to a single AC load or multiple AC loads, without the need for a separate control system interconnecting the power converters. The control system may be advantageously incorporated into a distributed generation network and in uninterruptible power systems, whether or not such systems are included in a distributed generation network.

Electromagnetic rotary machines having modular active-coil portions and modules for such machines

Electromagnetic rotary machines, such as electrical power generators and electric motors, that have one or more active portions modularized into a set of modules (128). Each of the modules (128) is secured to a support frame via a sliding - interlock system (224) that allows that module to be slidingly engaged with the support frame. In some embodiments, each module (128) can include an integrated coolant conduit (432) that carries a coolant to cool the active portion during operation. The modules (128) can each be self-contained in the respect that essentially all that needs to be done to form the active portion and corresponding portion of the cooling system is to install the modules and make any remaining electrical and coolant conduit connections.

Methods and systems for electric propulsor fault detection

Systems and methods relate to electric propulsor fault detection. An exemplary system includes at least a first inverter configured to accept a direct current and produce an alternating current, a first propulsor, a first motor operatively connected with the first propulsor and powered by the alternating current, and at least a noise monitoring circuit electrically connected with the direct current and configured to detect electromagnetic noise and disengage the at least an inverter as a function of the electromagnetic noise.

Multiphase power converters and multiphase power converting methods

Apparatus and method for optimizing motor performance in an electric aircraft

In an aspect, this disclosure is related to apparatus and method for optimizing motor performance in an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Apparatus includes a motor, an inverter, a sensor, and a flight controller. Flight controller is configured to receive an operational datum from a sensor, which detects a physical phenomenon and generates an operational datum. Flight controller is configured to generate an optimized switching frequency for the inverter based on the operational datum. Flight controller is configured to adjust the switching frequency of the inverter based on the optimized switching frequency.

Multiphase power converters and multiphase power converting methods

A new class of multiphase converters having at least two switching cells driven by out-of-phase PWM reference signals and corresponding respective PWM control signal signals. In some embodiments, ones of the switching cells are driven as a function current-balancing feedback so as to balance the currents between the switching cells. Various embodiments of the multiphase converter include one or more unique transformers for averaging the output of the switching cells.