Cycloconverter apparatus with controllable end stop firing pulse control means

Abstract

In power conversion apparatus such as a naturally commutated cycloconverter for use in converting the output of a variable speed generator to a constant frequency, there is provided an end stop control circuit for ensuring commutation of power switching devices that includes timing wave generators for both rectification and inversion end stops. The timing wave generators are phase locked with the generator outputs but are controllable by end stop bias signal derived from a variable system parameter that may be independent of the source, such as load current to provide prompt protection against converter malfunctions due to excess load currents. Further provided is an excess current detector employing, for each phase, a pair of high slew rate, high current unipolar output op amps connected in a voltage follower configuration with a common pull-up resistor and a common load capacitor to develop a peak current signal representing the greater of the positive and negative peaks of the alternating phase current.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.