Abstract:
A starting system and method for starting a prime mover (10) connected to a generator (15) by an actuable torque link (12) utilizes a hybrid permanent magnet/induction machine (17) having a rotor (34) coupled to a rotor of the main generator and a stator (32) having windings therein. The method includes the step of applying AC power to the hybrid machine stator windings (32) so that the hybrid machine (17) initially acts as an induction motor to accelerate the hybrid machine rotor (34), following which the hybrid machine (17) acts as a synchronous motor to rotate the main generator rotor at a particular speed DC power is then applied to a main generator field winding (56) and AC power is supplied to a set of main generator armature windings (58) so that the main generator operates as a synchronous motor to develop motive power, the torque link (12) is activated once the main generator (15) is operating as a synchronous motor to bring the prime mover up to self-sustaining speed.
Abstract:
In order to effect a phase shift in a dual generator (30) having a pair of rotor-supporting shafts (16, 22), where the phase shift accommodates optimum performance characteristics in a device requiring minimal space therewithin, the phase shifting device (10) includes a first gear (12) associated with an end (14) of one rotor-supporting shaft (16) and a second gear (18) associated with an end (20) of the other rotor-supporting shaft (22). The ends (14, 20) of the rotor-supporting shafts (16, 22) are disposed in spaced adjacent relation and the first rotor-supporting shaft (16) is drivingly interconnected to the second rotor-supporting shaft (22) through the first and second gears (12, 18) which are drivingly interconnected by a planet gear (24).
Abstract:
A starting system for starting a prime mover (10) connected to a generator (14) by a torque link (12) includes an induction motor (25) having a torque rating substantially equal to the minimum torque required to rotate the rotor (17) of the generator from rest to a particular speed within a predetermined time period while the torque link is deactuated, a source of electrical power (24), contactors (CR2) for connecting the source of electrical power to the induction motor when the torque link is deactuated to accelerate the generator rotor to the particular speed, a second set of contactors (CR1) for connecting the source of electrical power to the generator windings once the generator rotor has reached a particular speed to cause the generator to operate as a synchronous motor and a torque link actuator for actuating the torque link once the generator is operating as a synchronous motor to bring the prime mover up to starting speed. The usual large magnitude transient developed in the source of electrical power is thus broken down into three transients of lesser magnitude.
Abstract:
A terminal assembly (10) for a gas-filled, oil-cooled generator (14). The generator housing (12) includes an annular opening (18) with an annular boss (20) projecting into the housing (12). Means (50) are provided for spraying coolant oil around the housing boss (20). A terminal insulator (26) is supported in the boss (20), and a conducting lead (34) extends through an opening (32) in the terminal insulator (26). O-rings (40, 42) are provided to seal the insulator (26) with both the boss (20) and the conducting lead (34). The lead (34) is resistance brazed to the end turn (56) of the generator stator.
Abstract:
A multiple port relief valve which is pressure responsive to control communication between an inlet and a given outlet as a function of the prevailing fluid pressure, where the relief valve funtions such that there is no flow at certain pressures, flow to a first outlet as a result of a gradual pressure increase, and flow to a second outlet as a result of a rapid pressure increase. The relief valve (10) includes a first piston-like valve member (22) disposed in a chamber (14) for movement between a first position preventing fluid communication between a fluid inlet (16) and a first fluid outlet (18) and a second position accommodating fluid communication between the fluid inlet (16) and the first fluid outlet (18). The relief valve (10) further includes a second piston-like valve member (24) disposed in the chamber (14) for movement between a first position preventing fluid communication between the fluid inlet (16) and the second fluid outlet (20) and a second position accomodating fluid communication between the fluid inlet (16) and the second fluid outlet (20).
Abstract:
Prior rotors for use in permanent magnet machines have resulted in an undesirably high equivalent reactance for the machine, which in turn adversely affects the transient response and voltage balance characteristics thereof. In order to overcome this problem, a rotor according to the present invention includes a magnet structure (13) having at least two magnetic poles (15a, 15b) for developing magnetic flux in flux paths which intercept windings (12) in a stator (10) of the machine, at least one electrical conductor (22) disposed in a flux path between each pole (15a, 15b) and the windings (12) and a shorting plate (28a, 28b) or other electrical conductor for electrically connecting the conductors (22) together to provide an amortisseur circuit whereby the equivalent reactance of the machine is reduced to improve the voltage balance thereof. A shorted conducting plate or coil (100, 102) may also be provided surrounding the rotor along the axial extent thereof to improve the transient response characteristics of the machine.
Abstract:
Bi-directional switches for use with neutral point clamped PWM inverters have utilized clamping switches which are operated alternately with main power switches in the inverter to periodically connect an output terminal of the inverter to a neutral voltage. However, a delay period is typically interposed between turn-off of a main power switch and turn-on of the clamping switch to minimize the possibility of a potentially destructive shoot-through condition. This delay adversely affects the quality of the power developed by the inverter and leads to an undesired increase in the size of snubber circuits coupled across the power switches. In oder to overcome these problems, a bi-directional switch (50) according to the present invention includes circuitry (56, 58, D9, D10) for providing a high impedance path in series circuits including the main power switches (Q1, Q2) and the clamping switch (Q7) so that shoot-through currents are blocked even when one of the main power switches and the clamping switch are simultaneously on. The delays between turn-off of a main power switch and turn-on of the clamping switch can thereby be reduced or eliminated, thereby resulting in improved quality of the output power of the inverter and a reduction in the size of snubber circuits used therein.
Abstract:
A blade pitch control mechanism for a ram air driven turbine blade (11, 11a) mounted for rotation on a hub assembly (12) having a central axis (26). A governor control member (36), including a seat (38), is mounted on a portion of the hub assembly for reciprocation along the central axis. A first spring (42, 44) acts on a governor control member in a first axial direction. A governor slide member (48) is mounted for reciprocation along the central axis. The blade is in mating engagement (34) with the governor slide member. A second spring (54) acts between the governor slide member and the seat of the governor control member for biasing the slide member opposite the first axial direction. This causes the blade to assume a course pitch when the blade and hub assembly are in storage and to allow the blade to move to fine pitch during start-up. A flyweight (56) is mounted on the hub assembly and engages the governor control member for acting against the first spring to control blade pitch and govern turbine speed after start-up.
Abstract:
A deployment-retraction apparatus (10) for an air turbine (12) of an aircraft movable from a stowed inoperative position within the aircraft to an extended operable position externally of and in the airstream of the aircraft, and being retractable from the extended position to the stowed position. A piston and cylinder device (30, 32) is used to extend and retract the turbine. The piston is moved to an extended position by a high force mechanical compression spring (34). The piston is moved to a retracted position by applying fluid pressure (82) in opposition to the compression spring. A mechanical latch and release mechanism (42) is operatively associated with the piston for holding the piston in retracted condition and releasing the piston upon initiation of an electrical signal (68). The fluid pressure to retract the piston is applied in response to initiating an electrical signal (78). The fluid pressure also retracts a downlock pin (72) which holds the piston in its extended position.