System and method for electric current and power monitoring and control of a generator

• US 20090058207A1
• Filed: 10/22/2008
• Published: 03/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani, Nisvet Basic
• Original Assignee: Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani, Nisvet Basic
• Inventors: Patterson, Ciaran, Pourkermani, Mahmood, Basic, Nisvet
• Granted Patent: US 7,598,713 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 310/72
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 29/64 Controlling or determining the temperature of the winding

Abstract

A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.

Claims

1. A generator, comprising:

a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape and operative to generate a first signal indicative of an electrical potential across the conductor and wherein a total electrical output current generated by the generator is substantially proportional to the electrical potential.

2. The generator of claim 1, wherein the process-controlled geometric shape comprises at least one of a specific length and a specific cross section.

3. The generator of claim 2, wherein the specific length is a specified dimension comprising a tolerance range of less than or equal to 1/100 of an inch, and wherein the specific cross section is a specified wire gage.