Electrical power unit

Abstract

An electrical power unit adapted to increase the DC power output of an electrical generating system of the type including a DC storage battery and an alternator which delivers AC voltage to the generating system. The AC voltage is stepped down and rectified to produce a first DC voltage. A voltage regulator having a field output connected to the field winding of the alternator, and an input connected to the battery and the first DC voltage, is operative to control the field winding of the alternator to maintain the first DC voltage at a relatively constant level. The first DC voltage may be applied to the battery to supply power thereto and to any load which may be connected to the battery. Increased power is provided when the regulator forces the alternator to produce AC voltage at a higher than normal voltage. When this higher voltage is stepped down and rectified to provide normal system DC voltage, greater than normal DC power is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention the alternator AC voltage is also stepped down and rectified to produce a third DC voltage of higher voltage than both the first DC voltage and the battery voltage. The third DC voltage provides higher than normal voltage to the voltage regulator and hence to the field winding of the alternator, enabling it to produce still greater power. Since the third DC voltage makes the alternator self exciting, once started, the alternator will continue to produce adequate power levels even though the battery should become partially or completely discharged.