Load-off transient acceleration generator control system

• US 7,633,272 B2
• Filed: 07/11/2007
• Issued: 12/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Yao, Yuan, Malicki, Wally A., Fuller, Randy J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ponomarenko; Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US11/776,023
• Publication Number:
  US 20090072797A1
• Time in Patent Office: 888 Days
• Field of Search: 322/22, 322/23, 322/24, 322/25, 322/37, 322/20, 322/59, 323/272, 361/64
• US Class Current: 322/59
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 2101/30 for aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 2101/45 for motor vehicles, e.g. car alternators
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 29/0241 the fault being an overvoltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 9/10 Control effected upon generator excitation circuit to reduce harmful effects of overloads or transients, e.g. sudden application of load, sudden removal of load, sudden change of load

Abstract

An electric generator is operated under conditions in which rapid off-loading may occur. A generator control unit (GCU) employs a detector to detect rates of change of output of the generator. In response to a rapid change of output, e.g. an off-loading, an overvoltage protection system is activated. Excess energy stored in an excited winding is directed into an impedance circuit thus precluding overvoltage that may have been produced by the excess energy.

Claims

1. An electrical generator assembly with a field-discharging system comprising:

the field-discharging system adapted to direct excess electrical energy stored in an exciter winding of a generator into an impedance circuit;

a detection unit adapted to activate the field-discharging system and responsive to both a point of regulation voltage and a rate of change of generator output, the detection unit comprises;

a detector responsive to the rate of change of generator output and POR voltage;

wherein the detection unit is further adapted to activate the field-discharging system only when a detected point of regulation voltage is at least as high as about 90% to about 100% of a desired point of regulation voltage of a generator output.

2. The generator assembly of claim 1 wherein the detector responds to a rate of change of current.

3. The generator assembly of claim 1 wherein the detector responds to a rate of change of voltage.

4. The generator assembly of claim 1 wherein the detection unit comprises;

a detector responsive to a rate of change of point of regulation voltage; and

a detector responsive a rate of change of field current.

5. An electrical generator assembly with a field discharging system comprising:

a detection unit adapted to activate the field-discharging system, the detection unit comprises;

a detector responsive to a rate of change of a generator output;

wherein;

the detection unit is responsive to both a point of regulation voltage and a rate of change of the generator output; and

the detection unit is adapted to activate the field-discharging system only when the detected point of regulation voltage is at least as high as about 90% to about 100% of a desired point of regulation voltage of the generator output.

6. An electrical generator assembly with a field discharging system comprising:

a detection unit adapted to activate the field-discharging system, the detection unit comprises;

a detector responsive to a rate of change of a generator output;

wherein;

the detection unit is responsive to both a point of regulation voltage and rate of change of POR voltage; and

the detection unit is adapted to activate the field-discharging system only when a detected point of regulation voltage is at least as high as about 90% to about 100% of a desired point of regulation voltage of the generator output.