The present invention relates to an integrated controller unit (10) for controlling at least one engine motor (26) and at least one servo motor (28), comprising a power link section (12) for connecting the controller unit (10) to an external power supply (14) and supplying power to the individual sections of the controller unit (10), a data link section (16) for connecting the controller unit (10) to an external data source, a computing section (18) operatively connected with the power link section (12) and the data link section (16) for receiving data from the external data source, performing computing tasks based on the received data and outputting control commands, an engine interface section (20) for driving the at least one engine motor (26), and a servo interface section (22) for driving the at least one servo motor (28), wherein the engine interface section (20) and the servo interface section (22) are both operatively connected to the computing section (18) and adapted to drive the at least one engine motor (26) and the at least one servo motor (28), respectively, based on control commands output by the computing section (18).

System and methods for providing power to a generator control circuit are provided. Aspects include a generator, a first power converter comprising a first input and a first output, the first input coupled to an output of the generator and the first output coupled to a valve circuit, a second power converter comprising a second input and a second output, the second input coupled to the output of the generator and the second output coupled to the valve circuit, and a controller configured to monitor a characteristic associated with the generator, cause the first power converter to provide power to the valve circuit when the characteristic of the generator is within a first range of characteristic values, and cause the second power converter to provide power to the valve circuit when the characteristic of the generator is within a second range of characteristic values.

Actuators are components of machines, which move and/or control a mechanism or system. During operation, actuators can experience regeneration events, with the actuator actually generating excess energy (e.g., regenerative energy) which must be stored or dissipated to avoid damaging the power supply. An actuator motor controller is configured to implement field oriented voltage control and flux weakening voltage control without current sensors. Dissipating regenerative energy includes providing a motor controller to command a motor drive to modify an input voltage, or to dissipate regenerative energy in a dump circuit. This command can cause motor windings to dissipate regenerative energy. Systems having a plurality of actuators distribute regenerative energy from one actuator to another. A central controller provides centralized regeneration dissipation control for the plurality of actuators. A power distribution unit includes a dump resistor to dissipate regenerative energy in addition to or instead of in the actuators.

A hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system and method of operation are described. The system comprises a thermal engine, a generator coupled to the thermal engine, a first electric propulsor operatively connected to the generator to receive alternating current (AC) electric power therefrom, a second electric propulsor, a generator inverter operatively connected to the generator to convert AC electric power to direct current (DC) electric power, and a first motor inverter operatively connected to the generator inverter and selectively connected to one of the first electric propulsor and the second electric propulsor and configured to receive the DC electric power and provide the first electric propulsor and the second electric propulsor with AC electric power, respectively.

A VSCF generator system includes a generator and electronics configured to control operations of the generator and a housing. The system also includes a power converter connected to the generator that receives AC current from the generator and converts it to DC current, the power converter including: an output filter that includes a filter capacitor; a sensor assembly that measures a voltage across the filter capacitor; and a controller that receives the measured voltage across the filter capacitor and creates an estimate of a current through the filter capacitor based on the filter capacitor. The estimate is based on a frequency domain representation of the filter capacitor as an ideal differentiator being passed through a bandpass filter with a center frequency equal to the operating frequency of the VSCF generator system and the controller controls operation of the generator portion based on the estimate of current through the filter capacitor.

Also disclosed is a method for exciting a generator of a direct current power supply with a controller. The method includes receiving a phase voltages associated with multiphase output of the generator. The method includes determining a maximum line-to-line voltage based on the phase voltages. The method includes operating an exciter winding driver with an oscillating signal generated according to the maximum line-to-line voltage.

An aircraft includes an engine and a first variable frequency generator having a first rotor that is rotatable at a rate that is based on a rotational rate of the engine to cause the first variable frequency generator to generate a first multiphase signal. The aircraft further includes a second variable frequency generator having a second rotor that is rotatable at the rate to cause the second variable frequency generator to generate a second multiphase signal. The first multiphase signal is phase aligned with the second multiphase signal. The aircraft further includes one or more switches coupled to a first electrical system and configured to selectively provide power to the first electrical system based on either the first multiphase signal or the second multiphase signal.

A system includes a first AC bus configured to supply power from a first generator. A first generator line contactor (GLC) selectively connects the first AC bus to the first generator. A second AC bus is configured to supply power from a second generator. A second GLC selectively connecting the second AC bus to the second generator. An auxiliary generator line contactor (ALC) is connected to selectively supply power to the first and second AC buses from an auxiliary generator. A first bus tie contactor (BTC) electrically connects between the first GLC and the ALC. A second BTC electrically connects between the ALC and the second GLC. A ram air turbine (RAT) automatic deployment controller is operatively connected to automatically deploy a RAT based on the combined status of the first GLC, the second GLC, the ALC, the first BTC, and the second BTC.

A system includes a first AC bus configured to supply power from a first generator. A first generator line contactor (GLC) selectively connects the first AC bus to the first generator. A second AC bus is configured to supply power from a second generator. A second GLC selectively connecting the second AC bus to the second generator. An auxiliary generator line contactor (ALC) is connected to selectively supply power to the first and second AC buses from an auxiliary generator. A first bus tie contactor (BTC) electrically connects between the first GLC and the ALC. A second BTC electrically connects between the ALC and the second GLC. A ram air turbine (RAT) automatic deployment controller is operatively connected to automatically deploy a RAT based on the combined status of the first GLC, the second GLC, the ALC, the first BTC, and the second BTC.

A method for customizing operation of an alternator regulator including at least one processor executing a program governing its operation. The regulator receives input signals and acts on output signals according to at least one control law. The control law is implemented in the regulator by a programming interface by inputting at least coordinates (x, f(x)) of at least two points of the law.