Hybrid electrical power generator and battery charging system
A power generating system comprising an electrical generating set and a modulator configured to maintain optimal voltage regulation under varying load conditions. The system includes a controllable current power source; an active rectifier coupled to the controllable current power source, configured to rectify an output of the controllable current power source to supply utility-grade power or for recharge of a battery or batteries. A controller is configured to adjust at least one of the parameters of the controllable current power source and/or supply from the generator and a parameter of the active rectifier in response to a target output.
1 . A generator set system, comprising:
an engine coupled with an alternator;
a variable voltage regulator coupled to the alternator supplying output power with a voltage output; and
a control system connected to the variable voltage regulator, said control system configured to monitor and respond to deviations in a power demand, whereby when the power demand deviates from a threshold level, the control system signals the variable voltage regulator to modulate the voltage output from the alternator;
wherein when the control system detects a current draw in excess of an upper threshold, the variable voltage regulator modulates voltage output from the alternator, wherein voltage output temporarily cycles between a lower voltage range and an upper voltage range, until amperage draw stabilizes.
2 . The generator set system of claim 1 , wherein the load is a lithium-ion battery, wherein the voltage cycling occurs when the lithium-ion battery has an approximate state of charge of approximately twenty percent, until the lithium-ion battery charges reach an approximate range of seventy to eighty percent.
3 . The generator set system of claim 1 , wherein the load is a lithium-ion battery, wherein the voltage cycling occurs when the lithium ion battery has an approximate battery voltage of three volts per cell until the battery voltage reaches approximately four point two volts per cell.
4 . A generator set system, comprising:
an engine coupled with an alternator;
a variable voltage regulator coupled to the alternator supplying output power with a voltage output; and
a control system connected to the variable voltage regulator, said control system configured to monitor and respond to deviations in a power demand, whereby when the power demand deviates from a threshold level, the control system signals the variable voltage regulator to modulate the voltage output from the alternator;
wherein the control system software is configured to modulate the generator output voltage in a stepwise manner via a variable voltage regulator, wherein the software defines a minimum voltage supported by the voltage regulator and establishes a target voltage set point, and wherein, upon detection of an excess current condition, the software commands the voltage regulator to reduce the output voltage to the defined minimum voltage and subsequently increase the output voltage toward the target voltage set point.
5 . The control system of claim 4 , wherein upon detection of an excess load condition, the control system software commands the variable voltage regulator to reduce the output voltage, and subsequently restore the voltage toward a predefined target voltage set point in a stepwise manner.
6 . A generator set system, comprising:
an engine coupled with an alternator;
a variable voltage regulator coupled to the alternator supplying output power with a voltage output; and
a control system connected to the variable voltage regulator, said control system configured to monitor and respond to deviations in a power demand, whereby when the power demand deviates from a threshold level, the control system signals the variable voltage regulator to modulate the voltage output from the alternator;
wherein the control system adjusts the output voltage by controlling the variable voltage regulator, and wherein the output voltage is modulated in a stepwise manner based on the monitored electrical load and engine operating conditions.