Dynamic frequency-voltage ratio for a regulator

Abstract

A voltage regulator for a generator having a dynamic voltage-to-frequency (V / F) ratio includes a memory, a voltage calculator, and a selection module. The memory is configured to store a plurality of voltage-to-frequency curves for the generator. The voltage calculator is configured to receive data indicative of an output of the generator and to determine a resistance value from the output of the generator and to determine a voltage value from the output of the generator. The selection module is configured to select a voltage-to-frequency curve from the plurality of voltage-to-frequency curves responsive to the resistance value and to select a voltage-to-frequency ratio from the selected voltage-to-frequency curve responsive to the voltage value. An output regulation for the generator is determined responsive to the selected voltage-to-frequency ratio.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 210,840, filed June 15, 2021, and U.S. National Patent Application No. 17 / 749,817, filed May 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electric machines including electric motors and generators, and in particular to control of voltage in electric machines. BACKGROUND

[0004] An electric machine can be an electromagnetic rotary machine including a rotor and a stator. The rotor and stator are located on opposite sides of an air gap through which a magnetic field exists, and magnetic flux flows between the rotor and stator. The magnetic field can be produced by a permanent magnet. While other examples are possible, the electric machine can be an electric motor or a generator. A generator, which can be referred to as a motor-generator set or a generator set, can include a power source (e.g., an engine) and an alternator or another device for generating electrical energy or power from mechanical energy. On the other hand, an electric motor receives electrical energy and converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy by producing a load torque. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 An example rotor assembly is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 An example stator assembly is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 An example voltage regulator for a generator having a dynamic frequency-voltage ratio is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 An example of a dynamic frequency-voltage ratio is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 An example controller for a voltage regulator is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 An example flowchart of a controller of Figure 5 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] An electric motor, such as a generator, may include permanent magnets for the fields of the main generator and / or exciter. The permanent magnets may be included in the rotor or stator. For example, the motor may include a main generator with a wound field and an exciter with a permanent magnetic field. Other embodiments of the motor include permanent magnet brushed DC motors, permanent magnet brushless DC motors, series or universal motors, induction AC motors, synchronous AC motors, synchronous reluctance motors, switched reluctance motors, etc. Any machine can be selectively used as a motor between an electric motor and a generator, or entirely as a generator.

[0013] A voltage regulator can control the generator output through feedback control. For example, the voltage regulator can receive sensor data on electrical parameters (e.g., voltage, current, power). The sensor data can be compared with a reference value based on a target output of the generator. The target output can be a setpoint or a variable value determined by the voltage regulator. Based on this comparison, the voltage regulator can determine the difference (e.g., an error signal) used to control (increase or decrease) another parameter (e.g., field current, rotational speed, air gap, field-armature alignment, etc.). In one example, the field current is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the current flowing to the exciter stator, resulting in a lower or higher voltage at the armature in the main generator stator.

[0014] Figure 1 An example rotor assembly 600 for an electric motor is shown. The rotor assembly 600 may include an exciter armature 601, a main field coil assembly 602, a cooling fan 603, a drive disc 604, a connector 605, a rotor controller 606, a sensor 607, a rotor communication device 608, and a rotor bearing 609. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0015] The coupling 605 and / or drive disc 604 connect the rotor assembly 600 to a prime mover such as an engine. The coupling 605 may be a fixed connection between the rotor assembly 600 and the engine via the drive disc 604. Alternative means of connecting the rotor assembly 600 to the engine include a splined shaft, a compliant member, or, where appropriate, a fully constrained connection.

[0016] It should be noted that although "engine" is used as a term to describe a prime mover that converts fuel into speed and torque applied to a generator, any device capable of providing mechanical torque and rotation, or requiring mechanical torque and rotation, can be connected to an electric motor, which operates as a motor or generator. An electric motor can also provide torque without causing rotation, such as by maintaining a position against a load. Therefore, rotation is not required to limit the device to an electric motor.

[0017] Typically, a generator or generator set can generate electrical energy or power from mechanical energy. On the other hand, an electric motor receives electrical energy and converts it into mechanical energy by generating load torque. A power source or prime mover generates driving torque. This torque is opposite to the load torque and causes the motor's rotor to rotate at a certain speed. The prime mover can be an internal combustion engine.

[0018] Internal combustion engines can have performance characteristics where the available torque can vary with the rotational speed. Therefore, an engine may not be able to provide sufficient torque at lower speeds. If the engine's load torque exceeds the available torque, the speed decreases.

[0019] An electric motor can be connected to an internal combustion engine, which acts as a prime mover, and operates at a nominal rate. The motor can have an electrical load, which is converted into mechanical energy as torque. A greater load can produce a greater torque. As a greater load torque is applied to the engine, the rate or speed may decrease. If the torque does not decrease, the engine speed may continue to decrease. It may be advantageous to reduce the load to a level where the engine can overcome the torque and return the speed to its nominal value.

[0020] Furthermore, the engine can be configured for constant speed or variable speed based on load. Similarly, an alternator can be included in a variable-speed generator.

[0021] In any of these examples, the voltage regulator can provide feedback control to maintain the desired output target voltage of the motor. Additionally, the resistance of the load affects the response of the output control. The following embodiments provide systems and techniques for maintaining a desired speed in a motor under time-varying load resistance.

[0022] Electrical loads can have real and reactive components. An electrical load includes a real component, measured in watts, which is directly related to the resulting load torque. The real component, or watts, can be calculated as the product of the real component of the load current and the applied voltage. The real component of the load current depends on the resistive component of the load, or resistance, and the applied voltage, where current equals voltage divided by resistance (Ohm's Law).

[0023] Electrical loads have a mathematical relationship where watts are equal to the square of the applied voltage divided by the resistance of the load (Joule's Law). Furthermore, it can be seen that power is proportional to the square of the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance.

[0024] The electrical load applied to the motor can have a resistive component, resulting in a load torque applied to the prime mover. The applied torque will depend on the resistance of the load and the applied voltage. The applied torque can then be modified by changing either the applied voltage or the resistance of the load. For example, to reduce the load torque, the applied voltage can be decreased.

[0025] If an electrical load is applied to the motor, a resulting load torque will be applied to the prime mover. If the applied torque (predetermined or empirically determined) causes a decrease in speed, it can be inferred that the applied torque is greater than the torque that the prime mover can provide at the operating speed / rate. If the applied voltage is reduced sufficiently, the torque may decrease to a level where the prime mover can maintain the desired speed. Therefore, changes in load resistance affect the implicit torque on the prime mover, and the operation of the voltage regulator is adjusted to maintain the desired speed and target voltage of the motor.

[0026] for Figure 1 The illustrated motor has a rotor assembly 600, which is rotated by the motor, causing the exciter armature 601 to rotate together with the field coil assembly 602. The motor can also rotate a cooling fan 603. The cooling fan 603 can force air across the field coil assembly 602, the rotor controller 606, and / or the exciter armature 601, any of which can dissipate heat as current flows through the windings or other electrical components.

[0027] Some motors, such as hermetically sealed motors, liquid-cooled motors, and high-efficiency motors, may not require cooling fans to maintain a stable temperature for their internal components. Additionally, some motors, such as induction motors, brushless DC motors, and switched reluctance motors, can contain fewer rotating elements in their rotor assemblies. Furthermore, some motors, such as large synchronous motors and brushed DC motors, can contain more or different rotating elements in their rotor assemblies.

[0028] Figure 2 An example rotor-stator assembly 610 for an electric motor is shown. The stator assembly 610 includes a stator chassis 611, a set of leads 612, an armature 613, an end bracket 614, an exciter field assembly 615, and a stator communication device 618. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0029] The rotor assembly 600 can be mounted inside the stator assembly 610. The exciter field assembly 615 can be aligned with the exciter armature 601. The stator chassis 611 can be aligned with the field coil assembly 602.

[0030] In the example motor, the exciter armature 601 includes an exciter armature winding, and the exciter field assembly 615 includes a permanent magnet as a source of magnetic flux. As the exciter armature winding rotates through the magnetic field within the stator assembly 610, one or more currents are generated in the exciter armature winding. Two or more wires or other electrical conductors connect the exciter armature winding to the field coil assembly 602 via a rotor controller 606. The current from the exciter armature winding supplies current to the field coil assembly 602.

[0031] In the example motor, the stator communication device 618 provides a signal to the rotor communication device 608, which then influences the amount of current flowing through the rotor controller 606 to the field coil assembly 602.

[0032] For example, stator assembly 610, the stator includes armature winding 613 and permanent magnet exciter field 615. When field coil assembly 602 rotates within stator assembly 610 and generates a magnetic field, a current is induced in armature 613. The current from winding 613 is carried to load by lead 612.

[0033] While the term winding can refer to a wire wound around a material that may be ferromagnetic, it can be extended to refer to any arrangement of conductive material containing a volume through which magnetic flux can flow. Similarly, a coil—generally referring to a set of wires wound around a spool, an iron-containing component, or other core—can be extended to include conductive material in multiple paths around a point in space.

[0034] Figure 3 An example voltage regulator 100 for a generator having a dynamic voltage-frequency (V / F) ratio is shown. The voltage regulator 100 includes a voltage calculator 102, a selection module 103, and a memory 111, or other data storage device for multiple V / F ratios 110A-D. Calculations, determinations, and identifications described as being performed at the voltage regulator 100 can be specifically performed by the voltage calculator 102. Data values ​​received at or calculated by the voltage regulator 100 can be stored in the memory. Additionally, the voltage regulator 100 may include control circuitry 113, which may be referred to as a controller and is used to dynamically adjust the target output of the generator in response to the V / F ratios 110A-D. This function can alternatively be performed at the voltage calculator 102 (i.e., the voltage calculator 102 and control circuitry 113 can be implemented by a single device). Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0035] Voltage regulator 100 is coupled to generator 101. Voltage regulator 100 may be electrically and physically coupled to generator 101. Generator 101 supplies power to loads (e.g., one or more circuits in a home, building, boat, vehicle, etc.). Generator 101 may include one or more sensing circuits for measuring electrical parameters of generator 101 or for loads connected to generator 101.

[0036] For example, the resistance sensing circuit generates sensor data as the resistance of the measuring resistor 122. The resistance can be the resistance of the load. The resistance can be a component of the complex impedance of the load, which includes a reactance component. The resistance can be measured at the output of the generator 101. The resistance can be a value representing a percentage of a reference value. Therefore, the voltage regulator 100 receives the resistance data from the output of the generator 101.

[0037] Additionally, the voltage sensing circuit generates sensor data for the output of generator 101 as a measured voltage 123. Other sensing circuits, such as current sensing circuits and power sensing circuits, are possible. The voltage can be measured at the output of generator 101. Therefore, voltage regulator 100 receives the voltage data from the generator's output.

[0038] Instead of measuring resistor 122, the resistance can be a predetermined value. For example, certain loads can have predefined resistances. For example, a motor can be associated with a first predetermined resistance, a lamp can be associated with a second predetermined resistance, and other devices can have other predetermined resistances.

[0039] Voltage regulator 100 (e.g., control circuitry 113) receives a target voltage 121 (or target output) from generator 101. The target voltage 121 may be stored in the memory of voltage regulator 100. That is, the target voltage 121 may be associated with the rated output of generator 101. Alternatively, the target voltage 121 may be received from user input. A user may provide input to a keyboard, buttons, or other device at generator 101 or voltage regulator 100. The user may input information on a computing device (e.g., laptop computer, mobile phone, etc.) configured to transmit user input to voltage regulator 100. Additional information regarding user input and communication from other examples herein may be implemented by voltage regulator 100.

[0040] The target voltage 121 may depend on the frequency of the output signal or on the speed of the engine that rotates the prime mover of generator 101. The frequency may be measured by a rotation sensor that generates a feedback signal for the engine's output shaft, a control signal for the engine, or by an electrical sensor that detects one of the generator's internal parameters (e.g., the output frequency from the exciter armature 601) or the main output of generator 101. The control signal may come from an input device used to set the speed of the engine or rotor. The feedback signal may be generated by a sensor such as a rotation sensor. The rotation sensor may magnetically, optically, or mechanically measure the rotation of the output shaft. Therefore, the feedback signal can indicate the speed of the output shaft. Furthermore, the feedback signal can be derived from the output of generator 101. Voltage regulator 100 can calculate shaft output characteristics such as speed or torque based on the output voltage or current. Voltage regulator 100 (e.g., selection module 103) selects the voltage-frequency ratio based on resistance data.

[0041] Alternatively, the voltage regulator can receive the frequency or engine speed from a sensor or from the engine control unit (ECU) 141.

[0042] The voltage regulator 100 can use the frequency or engine speed 141 to query a database or curve to determine the voltage-frequency ratio. The voltage regulator 100 calculates generator output regulation in response to the selected voltage-frequency ratio and voltage data.

[0043] Figure 4 An example of a dynamic frequency-voltage ratio graph is shown. The horizontal axis represents the frequency of the output signal or the speed of the engine. The horizontal axis value can be a relative value (percentage, fraction) compared to a reference for the corresponding signal. For any given frequency, the voltage value is determined from a point on a selected ratio graph or curve, such as that defined by the vertical axis. The voltage value can be a percentage of the nominal voltage. The nominal voltage can be a set target voltage. Therefore, when the corresponding voltage value is 90%, 90% of the set target voltage is used for a specific frequency value. The voltage regulator 100 can calculate the output regulation based on the nominal voltage and add the target output for voltage regulation to the output regulation.

[0044] Voltage regulator 100 can store, for example Figure 4Multiple voltage-frequency curves, such as curves 150A to 150D, are shown. Voltage regulator 100 (e.g., selection module 103) selects one of the voltage-frequency curves in response to the measured resistance 122. For example, voltage regulator 100 may compare the measured resistance 122 to one or more reference values ​​or ranges. When the resistance 122 is measured within a first range (e.g., between a first minimum and a first maximum), first curve 150A is selected. When the resistance 122 is measured within a second range (e.g., between a second minimum and a second maximum), second curve 150B is selected. When the resistance 122 is measured within a third range (e.g., between a third minimum and a third maximum), third curve 150C is selected. When the resistance 122 is measured within a fourth range (e.g., between a fourth minimum and a fourth maximum), fourth curve 150D is selected.

[0045] The voltage regulator 100 can use the same range (or threshold) to switch between curves 150A and 150D. For example, a shift from the second curve 150B to the third curve 150C occurs when the measured resistance moves from the second range to the third range. However, different thresholds can be used when transitioning between curves 150A and 150D. For example, when the measured resistance 122 is initially detected (e.g., when the load is initially connected to the motor or when the motor is turned on), ranges (first, second, third, and fourth ranges) are used. Subsequently, modified ranges can be used for transitions between curves 150A and 150D. The range can be narrowed or widened. The threshold of the range can be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount.

[0046] In another example, an additional transition test can be applied to the voltage regulator 100 before it transitions between curves 150A and 150D. The transition test can be a speed threshold or a voltage threshold. For example, once the voltage regulator 100 has selected one of the curves 150A to 150D, the voltage regulator will not transition to the other curve between 150A and 150D until the measuring resistor 122 has been detected in the other range and the transition test has been met, such that the motor speed has dropped below the transition speed threshold and / or the motor output voltage has dropped below the transition output threshold. The transition speed threshold can be a predetermined percentage of the rated speed. The transition output threshold can be a predetermined percentage of the nominal voltage.

[0047] Each of curves 150A to 150D may include multiple regions. Curves 150A to 150D may include a substantially horizontal low-frequency region, a substantially horizontal high-frequency region, and a transition region. The transition region of each curve 150A to 150D may be defined by a slope. Each of curves 150A to 150D may include different slopes in its transition region. The slope extends from a first frequency value (the highest frequency in the low-frequency region) to a second frequency level (the lowest frequency in the high-frequency region). That is, the slope of the first curve among multiple voltage-frequency curves is different from the slope of the second curve among multiple voltage-frequency curves. Each of curves 150A to 150D may have different transition regions. That is, the high-frequency region of the first curve may begin at a higher frequency than the next curve, and so on. Similarly, the lower-frequency region may be defined by different values.

[0048] As an alternative to selecting a voltage-frequency curve, the voltage regulator 100 can modify the voltage-frequency ratio or voltage-frequency curve in response to resistance data or other sensing circuit data. The modified curve or new curve can be stored in memory.

[0049] Figure 5 An example control system for a voltage regulator 100 is illustrated. The control system may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with a device or the Internet and / or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from a sensor 310 or from any source.

[0050] Components of the control system can communicate using bus 348. The control system can be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., a control panel) and / or a database to receive user input, system characteristics, and any values ​​described herein. Optionally, the control system may include input device 355 and / or sensing circuitry that communicates with any sensor. The sensing circuitry (e.g., sensor 310) receives sensor measurements from other components as described above. Input device 355 may include a touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone for voice input, a camera for gesture input, and / or other inputs.

[0051] Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading a non-transitory computer medium 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to execute the instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for performing the algorithms described herein. The display 350 may be supported by the generator 101 or otherwise provided. The display 350 may be combined with a user input device 355.

[0052] Figure 6It shows Figure 5 An example flowchart of a control system. It may include additional, different, or fewer actions.

[0053] In operation S101, the processor 300 or communication interface 353 receives or identifies the resistance data of the generator 101's output. The resistance data can be measured using the current and voltage at the generator 100's output. The resistance data can be a set value. The resistance data can be calculated based on the load device connected to the generator 100. The resistance data can be input by the user (e.g., via user input device 355).

[0054] In action S103, the processor 300 or communication interface 353 receives or identifies the voltage data output by the generator 101. The voltage data can be sampled at the output of the generator 101 or elsewhere on the load circuit.

[0055] In action S105, processor 300 selects the voltage-frequency ratio based at least on resistance data. Memory 352 may include one or more arrays or tables of voltage and frequency / speed pairs. Processor 300 selects a specific table or array at least in response to the resistance data. For example, each table or array may be associated with a resistance range, such that detected resistance within that range causes processor 300 to select the corresponding table or array. Other factors, such as output voltage, may be used in the selected table or array.

[0056] In action S107, the processor 300 calculates the output regulation of the generator 101 in response to the selected voltage-frequency ratio and voltage data. Output regulation can be achieved by changing the excitation current of the generator 101. Output regulation can be implemented internally by the voltage regulator of the generator 101. The output regulation can be provided to the user via the display 350 or to a server or central computer via the communication interface 353.

[0057] In step S109, processor 300 determines appropriate modifications to the voltage-frequency ratio array / meter and stores the new curve data in memory 352. For example, once an initial array / meter is selected, the range of other arrays / meters can be modified to reduce the impact of rapid switching between arrays / meters. In other examples, the arrays / meters can be modified over time in response to the generator's measured output.

[0058] Processor 300 may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), analog circuits, digital circuits, combinations thereof, or other processors now known or hereafter developed. Processor 300 may be a single device or a combination of devices, such as devices associated with networks, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

[0059] Memory 352 can be volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 352 may include one or more of read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, electronically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), or other types of memory. Memory 352 can be removed from a network device such as a secure digital storage (SD) card.

[0060] In addition to the ingress and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connections. Operable connections may be connections through which signals can be sent and / or received, physical communications, and / or logical communications. Operable connections may include physical interfaces, electrical interfaces, and / or data interfaces.

[0061] Communication interface 353 can be connected to a network. The network may include a wired network (e.g., Ethernet), a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or a WiMax network. Furthermore, the network may be a public network such as the Internet, a private network such as an intranet, or a combination thereof, and may utilize various network protocols currently available or developed in the future, including but not limited to TCP / IP-based network protocols.

[0062] Although computer-readable medium 341 (e.g., memory 352) is shown as a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes single or multiple media such as centralized or distributed databases and / or associated caches and servers storing one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" should also include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or for causing a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0063] In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, a computer-readable medium may include solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package housing one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may be random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may include magneto-optical or optical media, such as a magnetic disk or magnetic tape, or other storage devices for capturing carrier signals, such as signals transmitted via a transmission medium. Emails or other self-contained information archives or sets of archives can be considered as distribution media as tangible storage media. Therefore, this disclosure is considered to include any or more of computer-readable media or distribution media in which data or instructions can be stored, as well as other equivalents and successor media. A computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, encompassing all tangible computer-readable media.

[0064] In alternative implementations, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays (PLA), and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include various implementations of the devices and systems can broadly encompass a wide range of electronic and computer systems. One or more implementations described herein may be implemented using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices having associated control and data signals, or being part of an ASIC, which can be transmitted between and through modules. Therefore, this system includes software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0065] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the methods described herein can be implemented by a software program executable by a computer system. Furthermore, in exemplary non-limiting embodiments, implementation may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functions described or implemented herein.

[0066] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as processors of any one or more digital computers. Typically, a processor can receive instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The fundamental elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer may also include one or more mass storage devices, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, for storing data, or operatively coupled to mass storage devices to receive data from them, transfer data to them, or both. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROMs, EEPROMs, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The processor and memory may be supplemented or incorporated by special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0067] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended as a complete description of all elements and features of devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, allowing structural and logical substitutions and changes to be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are representative only and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0068] While this specification contains numerous details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the scope that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0069] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention," merely for convenience and not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.

[0070] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be construed as limited to the described order or elements unless such effect is stated. Therefore, all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents are claimed as part of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating a voltage regulator of a generator, the method comprising: Receive resistance data for the load of the generator; Receive voltage data for the output of the generator; Select the voltage-frequency curve based on the resistance data; Select the voltage-frequency ratio from the voltage-frequency curve based on the frequency associated with the output of the generator; as well as The output regulation for the generator is calculated in response to the selected voltage-frequency ratio and the voltage data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage-frequency curve includes a slope extending from a first frequency value to a second frequency level.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage-frequency curve is selected from multiple voltage-frequency curves.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The slope of the first curve in the plurality of voltage-frequency curves is different from the slope of the second curve in the plurality of voltage-frequency curves.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage-frequency ratio is selected from the voltage-frequency curve based on the speed of the engine connected to the generator.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive speed data for the generator, wherein the output regulation is calculated based on the speed data and the selected voltage-frequency ratio.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The target output of the generator is identified in response to the voltage-frequency ratio; as well as The target output is summed with the adjusted output.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The voltage-frequency curve is modified in response to the resistance data, wherein the voltage-frequency curve provides the voltage-frequency ratio.

9. A voltage regulator for a generator having a dynamic voltage-frequency (V / F) ratio, the voltage regulator comprising: A memory configured to store multiple voltage-frequency curves for the generator; A voltage calculator configured to receive data indicating the output of the generator, and configured to determine a resistance value and a voltage value based on the output of the generator; as well as A selection module is configured to select a voltage-frequency curve from the plurality of voltage-frequency curves in response to the resistance value, and is further configured to select a voltage-frequency ratio from the selected voltage-frequency curve in response to the voltage value. The output regulation for the generator is determined in response to the selected voltage-frequency ratio.

10. The voltage regulator according to claim 9, wherein, The voltage-frequency ratio is selected from the voltage-frequency curve based on the frequency associated with the output of the generator.

11. The voltage regulator according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of voltage-frequency curves includes a slope extending from a first frequency value to a second frequency level.

12. The voltage regulator according to claim 11, wherein, The slope of the first curve in the plurality of voltage-frequency curves is different from the slope of the second curve in the plurality of voltage-frequency curves.

13. The voltage regulator according to claim 9, wherein, The voltage-frequency ratio is selected from the chosen voltage-frequency curve based on the speed of the engine connected to the generator.

14. The voltage regulator according to claim 9, wherein, The output regulation is calculated based on the speed data and the selected voltage-frequency ratio.

15. The voltage regulator of claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to identify a target output of the generator in response to the voltage-frequency ratio and to add the target output to the output regulation.

16. An engine-generator set, comprising: engine; dynamo; as well as A voltage regulator, the voltage regulator comprising: A memory configured to store multiple voltage-frequency curves for the generator; A voltage calculator, configured to receive data indicating the output of the generator, and configured to determine a resistance value based on the generator's output and a speed value; and A selection module is configured to select a voltage-frequency curve from the plurality of voltage-frequency curves in response to the resistance value, and to select a voltage-frequency ratio from the selected voltage-frequency curve in response to the speed value. The output regulation for the generator is determined in response to the selected voltage-frequency ratio.

17. The engine-generator set according to claim 16, wherein, The speed value indicates the speed of the engine.

18. The engine-generator set according to claim 16, wherein, The speed value indicates the frequency of the generator's output.

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