Electric Tap in a Voltage Regulator Circuit
In one aspect of the present invention, a voltage regulator circuit comprises at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier. The coil comprises an electric tap connected to a second rectifier. The first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch. The second rectifier is connected to a common load and the first rectifier is connected to the load via the at least one switch.
1 . A voltage regulator circuit, comprising:
at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier;
the coils comprise an electric tap connected to a second rectifier;
the first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch; and
the second rectifier is connected to a common load and the first rectifier is connected to the load via the at least one switch.
2 . The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the circuit is a generator.
3 . The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the rotor comprises a magnet.
4 . The circuit of claim 2 , wherein the generator is a multiple phase generator.
5 . The circuit of claim 4 , wherein each of the coils in the multiple phase generator is connected to the electrical tap.
6 . The circuit of claim 4 , wherein the electrical tap connects to the coils of the multiple phase generators at different lengths measured from a junction of the coils.
7 . The circuit of claim 4 , wherein the electrical tap electrically connects to all of the phase at a junction of the phases.
8 . The circuit of claim 2 , wherein the generator is an alternator.
9 . The circuit of claim 2 , wherein the generator is an induction generator.
10 . The circuit of claim 1 , wherein a second electrical tap connects the coil to a third rectifier, the third rectifier being in electrical communication with the load via another electrical switch.
11 . The circuit of claim 1 , wherein the circuit is a motor.
12 . The circuit of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the electrical taps comprises a center tap.
13 . A turbine driven voltage regulator circuit, comprising:
at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier;
the rotor being in mechanical communication with a turbine;
the coil comprises an electric tap connected to a second rectifier;
the first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch; and
the second rectifier is connected to a common load, and the first rectifier is connected to the load via at least one switch.
14 . The circuit of claim 13 , wherein the turbine is a drilling fluid driven turbine disposed within a bore of a downhole tool string.
15 . The circuit of claim 13 , wherein the turbine is incorporated into a wind mill.
16 . The circuit of claim 13 , wherein the turbine is incorporated into a hydroelectric plant.
17 . An apparatus for controlling voltage, comprising:
at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier;
the rotor being in mechanical communication with a tire assembly;
the coil comprises an electric tap connected to a second rectifier;
the first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch;
the second rectifier is connected to a common load, and the first rectifier is connected to the load via the at least one switch.
18 . The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the rotor is also in mechanical communication with an engine assembly.
19 . The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the apparatus is incorporated into a braking system.
20 . The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the braking system is a regenerative braking system.