Hybrid device with segmented waveform converter
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- an input coupled to a controlled field alternator and configured to receive a polyphase signal from the controlled field alternator;
a segmented waveform converter including a plurality of switches connected to the polyphase signal of the controlled field alternator and generate a drive signal for at least one motor;
an output filter circuit configured to modify the drive signal based on at least one setting for the motor; and
a controller configured to generate a control signal to set states of the plurality of switches to generate the drive signal for the at least one motor, wherein the control signal is based on sensor data,wherein the sensor data includes data generated by a position sensor for a steering device for a vehicle including the at least one motor.
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Abstract
An apparatus includes a controlled field alternator or utility source of electrical power, a segmented waveform converter, and a controller. The source of electrical power is configured to generate a polyphase signal. The synchronous inverter includes multiple switches connected between the polyphase signal of the source of electrical power and an output filter. The controller is configured to provide a control signal for the switches based on measured electrical quantities associated with the output filter and may provide a field control signal to the controlled field alternator. The apparatus may be applied to a vehicle, a lawnmower, a zero turn radius lawnmower, or another type of machine.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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an input coupled to a controlled field alternator and configured to receive a polyphase signal from the controlled field alternator; a segmented waveform converter including a plurality of switches connected to the polyphase signal of the controlled field alternator and generate a drive signal for at least one motor; an output filter circuit configured to modify the drive signal based on at least one setting for the motor; and a controller configured to generate a control signal to set states of the plurality of switches to generate the drive signal for the at least one motor, wherein the control signal is based on sensor data, wherein the sensor data includes data generated by a position sensor for a steering device for a vehicle including the at least one motor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An assembly including:
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an engine; a controlled field alternator; at least one motor; an input coupled to the controlled field alternator and configured to receive a polyphase signal; a segmented waveform converter including a plurality of switches connected to the polyphase signal of the controlled field alternator and generate a drive signal for the at least one motor; an output filter circuit configured to modify the drive signal based on at least one setting for the motor; and a controller configured to generate a control signal to set states of the plurality of switches to generate the drive signal for the at least one motor, wherein the control signal is based on sensor data, wherein the sensor data includes data generated by a position sensor for a steering device for a vehicle including the at least one motor. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method comprising:
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receiving, at a controller, a feedback signal from a controlled field alternator; generating, at the controller, a drive signal for at least one motor at a segmented waveform converter including a plurality of switches connected to the feedback signal of the controlled field alternator, wherein a control signal sets states of the plurality of switches to generate the drive signal for the at least one motor, wherein the control signal is based on sensor data generated by a position sensor for a steering device for a vehicle including the at least one motor; and modifying, at an output filter circuit, the drive signal based on at least one setting for the at least one motor.
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18. An apparatus comprising:
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an input coupled to a controlled field alternator and configured to receive a polyphase signal from the controlled field alternator; a segmented waveform converter including a plurality of switches connected to the polyphase signal of the controlled field alternator and generate a drive signal for at least one motor; an output filter circuit configured to modify the drive signal based on at least one setting for the motor; and a controller configured to generate a control signal to set states of the plurality of switches to generate the drive signal for the at least one motor, wherein the control signal is based on sensor data, wherein the sensor data includes orientation data and the control setting sets a speed for the at least one motor according to the orientation data, and wherein when the orientation data indicates travel perpendicular to an incline and the at least one motor includes a downhill motor and an uphill motor, the speed of the downhill motor is increased relative to the speed of the uphill motor.
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Specification