Alternator with regulation of multiple voltage outputs

• US 6,275,012 B1
• Filed: 12/16/1999
• Issued: 08/14/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
• Original Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
• Inventors: Jabaji, Issam
• Primary Examiner(s): Ponomarenko, Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US09/464,919
• Time in Patent Office: 607 Days
• Field of Search: 322/22, 322/23, 322/24, 322/25, 322/28, 322/46, 322/89, 322/90, 322/126, 322/138, 320/126, 320/138
• US Class Current: 322/22
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 19/34 Generators with two or more outputs
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 2101/45 for motor vehicles, e.g. car alternators
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 9/307 more than one voltage output

Abstract

An alternator generates output power at two or more independent voltages. The alternator has two independent output windings configured to generate the power needed for each output. Each output voltage is sensed by a regulator that controls switching rectifiers to supply the current needed to satisfy the electric power demand of the loads connected to each output. After both output load demands are satisfied, the regulator switches off the alternator field. When power demand from either load rises, the alternator field is switched on along with the respective switching rectifier to satisfy the power demand. The output voltage grounds and control signals may be electrically isolated from each other.

Claims

1. A multiple voltage electrical generator comprising:

a field source;

first and second switched rectifiers;

a first power generating winding coupled with a first output via the first switched rectifier; and

a second power generating winding coupled with a second output via the second switched rectifier;

wherein said first and second outputs each comprise a respective pair of conductors, and wherein the first output and the first power generating winding are electrically isolated from the second output and the second power generating winding.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first and second switched rectifiers comprise respective first and second control terminals responsive to respective first and second control signals, and wherein the first and second control terminals are electrically isolated from one another.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first power generating winding is disposed on a first side of the field source, and wherein the second power generating winding is disposed on a second side of the field source, opposed to the first side.

4. The invention of claim 1 further comprising:

a rotor comprising a first portion on a first side of the field source and a second portion on a second side of the field source opposed to the first side, said first portion having a greater effect than the second portion on magnetic coupling between the field source and the first power generating winding, said second portion having a greater effect than the first portion on magnetic coupling between the field source and the second power generating winding.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the field source comprises a field winding.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the field source comprises a permanent magnet.

7. A multiple voltage electrical generator comprising:

a field source comprising opposed first and second sides separated axially along a drive shaft;

first and second switched rectifiers;

a first power generating winding disposed on the first side of the field source, wherein said first power generating winding is coupled with a first output via the first switched rectifier; and

a second power generating winding disposed on the second side of the field source, wherein said second power generating winding is coupled with a second output via the second switched rectifier;

wherein said first and second outputs each comprise a respective pair of conductors, and wherein the first output and the first power generating winding are electrically isolated from the second output and the second power generating winding.

8. The invention of claim 7 further comprising:

a rotor comprising a first portion on the first side of the field source and a second portion on the second side of the field source, said first portion having a greater effect than the second portion on magnetic coupling between the field source and the first power generating winding, said second portion having a greater effect than the first portion on magnetic coupling between the field source and the second power generating winding.

9. The invention of claim 7 wherein the field source comprises a field winding.

10. A multiple voltage electrical generator comprising:

a field source comprising first and second sides spaced along an axis;

first and second switched rectifiers;

a first power generating winding having a center of mass disposed nearer the first side than the second side of the field source, wherein said first power generating winding is coupled with a first output via the first switched rectifier; and

a second power generating winding having a center of mass disposed nearer the second side than the first side of the field source, wherein said second power generating winding is coupled with a second output via the second switched rectifier;

wherein said first and second outputs each comprise a respective pair of conductors, and wherein the first output and the first power generating winding are electrically isolated from the second output and the second power generating winding.

11. The invention of claim 10 further comprising:

a rotor comprising a first portion on the first side of the field source and a second portion on the second side of the field source, said first portion having a greater effect than the second portion on magnetic coupling between the field source and the first power generating winding, said second portion having a greater effect than the first portion on magnetic coupling between the field source and the second power generating winding.

12. The invention of claim 10 wherein the field source comprises a field winding.