Segmented arc generator

摘要

A segmented arc generator is adapted to convert mechanical power such as wind or water power into electrical power at a wide range of wind or shaft speeds. A rotor has a plurality of salient poles disposed about a periphery of a rotor ring. A stator has a stator ring disposed radially about and in close proximity to the rotor ring. The stator ring includes a plurality of stator coils wound on a ferromagnetic structure and having permanent magnets imbedded within the structure. Relative motion between a rotor pole and a corresponding stator coil induces a coil voltage across that coil. A phase controlled converter in electrical communication with the stator coils rectifies the output voltage. A pulse width modulated inverter is in electrical communication with the phase controlled converter for converting the D.C. voltage output by the phase controlled converter to an A.C. voltage of controlled amplitude and phase relationship determined with respect to a voltage waveform present on a connected utility grid. A switching matrix selectively places the coils in series or parallel or a combination of series and parallel connections with respect to one another in response to control signals that are based on present operating conditions of the generator. A boost converter circuit provides and maintains a minimum D.C. voltage to the pulse width modulated inverter when the voltage induced in the coils falls below a threshold value.