Electric power generation system with current-controlled power boost
AssigneeCummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
InventorsRandall L. Bax, Mitchell E. Peterson, Mark Naden
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electric power system includes a variable speed generator driven by an engine and an electrical energy storage device. The generator and the storage device are coupled to a variable voltage DC bus. An inverter converts DC electricity from the DC bus to AC electricity for one or more electrical loads. A detector is included to monitor electric current provided to the DC bus by the storage device and provide a corresponding signal. Control circuitry is responsive to this signal to regulate power output from the storage device to the DC bus.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- driving a variable speed electric power generator with an engine to provide a first portion of electric power to one or more electrical loads;
- from an electrical energy storage device, providing a second portion of the electric power to the one or more electrical loads;
- monitoring electric current through the electrical energy storage device;
- and
- while providing the second portion of the electric power, controlling electric power output from the electrical energy storage device in accordance with the electric current.
A method, comprising:
- operating a variable speed electric power generator and an electrical energy storage device coupled to a variable voltage DC bus;
- providing electric power to one or more electric loads from the DC bus;
- determining electric current flow between the electrical energy storage device and the DC bus;
- and
- regulating electric power provided from the electrical energy storage device to the DC bus as a function of the electric current flow.
A system, comprising:
- an engine;
- a variable speed generator mechanically coupled to the engine, the engine being structured to drive the generator to provide variable AC power;
- an electrical energy storage device to selectively supply variable DC power;
- a variable voltage DC bus coupled to the generator and the electrical energy storage device;
- an inverter coupled to the DC bus to provide an AC power output;
- a detector to monitor electric current through the electrical energy storage device to provide a corresponding detector signal;
- and
- control circuitry coupled to the DC bus to regulate power output from the electrical energy storage device as a function of the detector signal and a current control reference.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.