Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.

Stanley C Patterson

An apparatus includes a plurality of starter/generator subsystems connected in parallel to a voltage distribution bus and to an input power supply. Each of the subsystems includes a starter/generator unit (SGU) for providing torque for starting an engine when the apparatus is operated in an engine start mode, and for generating power when the apparatus is operated in a generator mode. In an embodiment, each subsystem includes a power conversion unit (PCU) connected to the respective SGU, and each PCU includes an inverter section for rectifying voltage generated by the SGU when the apparatus is operated in the generator mode and may provide AC excitation voltage to operate the SGU as a motor to support the engine start mode.

High torque starter/generator with low input voltage

A fault tolerant generator apparatus includes subsystems isolated from each other, so that the generator may operate in a fault mode with low torque ripple. The apparatus comprises a machine and a power controller unit. In an embodiment, the machine has a plurality of electrical three phase windings and the power controller unit has a plurality of power converters. Each three phase winding of the machine is coupled to a separate corresponding power converter to form an operating subsystem. The operating subsystems are physically and electrically isolated from each other to provide fault tolerant operation of the apparatus. Accordingly, each of the operating subsystems is effective to provide a balanced electrical load for the machine.

Fault tolerant generator or starter/generator with low torque ripple

A permanent magnet machine (PMM) has a kinetic portion electrically coupled to a power conversion portion. Motive power is provided to the kinetic portion by a torque applied to a motive shaft coupled to a prime mover, such as an aircraft engine or an automobile engine. A sensor is effective to detect a fault condition in the kinetic portion. When a fault is detected, the sensor applies a voltage to a winding within the kinetic portion generating an opposing directional counter torque to the motive shaft. A combination of the torque and counter torque exceeds a fracture yield strength of the motive shaft. The fault condition is then rendered safe while the prime mover may continue normal operation.

Fault clearing for permanent magnet machines

A permanent magnet machine (PMM) has a kinetic portion electrically coupled to a power conversion portion. Motive power is provided to the kinetic portion by a torque applied to a motive shaft coupled to a prime mover, such as an aircraft engine or an automobile engine. A control circuit includes a switch disposed between the kinetic portion and output feeder cables of the power conversion portion. A first sensor is effective to detect a first fault condition in either the feeder cables or the power conversion portion and a second sensor is effective to detect a second fault condition in the kinetic energy portion. The first sensor is effective to open the switch when a first fault condition is detected and the second sensor is effective to apply a voltage to a winding within the kinetic portion generating an opposing counter torque on the motive shaft where a combination of torque and counter torque exceeds a fracture yield strength of said motive shaft causing it to fracture. The second fault condition is then rendered safe while the prime mover may continue normal operation.

Fault clearing method for permanent magnet machines

A permanent magnet starter/generator subsystem configured in a fault tolerant architecture is described herein for small engine applications. The system allows for lighter system weight, improved system reliability, higher performance capability and reduced maintenance.

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Fall City, WA, United States of America

Stanley C Patterson