Apparatus for co-generation of electric power

Abstract

Apparatus for converting relatively high, variable frequency, variable amplitude electrical power into substantially constant amplitude and substantially constant, relatively lower frequency power of a preselected waveform. The power source signal is divided into a number of varying amplitude, same frequency segments. The segment having the amplitude nearest that of the preselected waveform is transmitted by a switching network during each of many time periods. The switching network is preferably controlled by a microprocessor that senses the amplitudes of the segments and compares them to the desired waveform amplitude as a function of time. The microprocessor provides control signals to the switching network in response to the comparison. Because the low frequency output signal is constructed with reference to a memorized signal, the output signal is particularly stable in spite of variations in the power source signal. The power source may be a mechanical electrical generator driven by a high speed machine, such as a turbine, producing excess usable power. The generated electricity may be divided into segments by means of a number of taps on a winding of the generator or by a transformer having a multiply tapped secondary winding. By use of the invention, usable electrical power may be co-generated from an energy source conserving otherwise wasted energy.