Alternator Rotor Controller
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a rotor-mounted memory and a rotor-mounted controller. The rotor-mounted memory is configured to store sensor data indicative of the operation of a generator. The rotor-mounted controller is configured to access the sensor data from the rotor-mounted memory, perform an analysis of the sensor data, and generate a generator command at the controller based on the sensor data. The apparatus may be a generator configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy.
1 . A method comprising:
receiving sensor data indicative of operation of a generator at a controller for the generator, wherein the controller rotates with a rotor of the generator;
performing an analysis of the sensor data at the controller; and
generating a generator command at the controller based on the sensor data.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensor data is indicative of an output of the generator.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the sensor data is generated by a pickup coil mounted on the rotor.
4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the sensor data is indicative of an inductance induced on a coil of the rotor.
5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the sensor data is indicative of a current in a field winding of the rotor.
6 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the sensor data is indicative of a load electrically connected to the generator.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the generator command adjusts a current in a field winding of the rotor.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the generator command adjusts a speed of an engine driving the rotor.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the generator command shuts down the generator.
10 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
sending, using a communication interface, the generator command to an external controller.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the communication device is a concentric arrangement of magnetic coils.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the external controller is a stator controller or a generator set controller.
13 . An apparatus comprising:
a rotor-mounted memory configured to store sensor data indicative of operation of a generator; and
a rotor-mounted controller configured to access the sensor data from the rotor-mounted memory, perform an analysis of the sensor data, and generate a generator command at the controller based on the sensor data.
14 . The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising:
a communication interface configured to send the generator command to an external controller.
15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the communication interface is a concentric arrangement of magnetic coils.
16 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the rotor-mounted controller adjusts a field current based on the generator command.
17 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the rotor-mounted controller cuts the field current or shuts down the generator based on the generator command.
18 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the sensor data is indicative of an output of the generator.
19 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the sensor data is generated by a pickup coil supported by the rotor or by a current in a field winding of the rotor.
20 . A generator comprising:
a rotor configured to rotate in cooperation with a stator to generate electrical power;
a sensor supported by the rotor and configured to generate sensor data; and
a controller configured to receive the sensor data, perform an analysis of the sensor data, and generate a generator command at the controller based on the sensor data,
wherein the rotor supports the controller.