Voltage, current, or power controller utilizing a switched reactance A.C. shunt regulator

A method of operating a power controller to produce a regulated output from an AC line comprising the steps of:

• interposing a series inductance between said output and the AC line;
• monitoring a parameter related to at least one of the voltage, current, or power available at said output;
• when said monitored parameter reaches a predetermined level, closing a switch to convert the series inductance to a step-down auto-transformer in which the auto-transformer shunts the AC line and a winding of the auto-transformer shunts the output, thereby stopping or reducing the transfer of power to the output and providing a path for returning energy stored in the auto-transformer to the AC line;
• and
• returning said switch to its initial condition at a subsequent time.

A controller for regulating the transfer of at least one of voltage, current, and power from an AC line to a load comprising:

• a switch and a choke having first and second windings, said first and second windings and said switch being connected in series and shunting the AC line, said switch providing essentially an open circuit when open and a short circuit when closed;
• an output connected in parallel across said second winding and switch, said switch preventing the flow of current in said second winding when open and providing for the flow of current through said second winding when closed;
• and
• means responsive to a parameter related to at least one of the voltage, current, and power available at said output for operating said switch when the monitored parameter reaches a predetermined level.

A controller for regulating the transfer of at least one of voltage, current, and power from an AC line to a load comprising:

• a first inductor, a second inductor, and a switch connected in series and shunting the AC line, said first and second inductors being additively magnetically coupled and providing the entire inductance shunting the AC line with the exception of that resulting from any other transformers used to alter the amplitude of the AC voltage and said switch providing essentially an open circuit when open and a short circuit when closed;
• an output connected in parallel across said second inductor and switch;
• and
• means responsive to a parameter related to at least one of the voltage, current, and power available at said output for operating said switch when the monitored parameter reaches a predetermined level.