WO2021225572A1

WO2021225572A1 - System and method for regulating operation of a generator

Info

Publication number: WO2021225572A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/031289
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lev Sorkin; Matthew Thomas BURGER
Original assignee: Innovative Power Solutions, Llc
Priority date: 2020-05-04
Filing date: 2020-05-04
Publication date: 2021-11-11

Abstract

According to one aspect, a method of operating a generator that produces an output voltage with at least one phase includes capturing output voltage data of the generator with at least one sensor, where the captured output voltage data includes at least one output voltage measurement of the generator respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at a discrete time. The method also includes receiving the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor with a processor, and encoding the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time with the processor. The method also includes calculating a quadratic mean of the value set and encoding the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time with the processor.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING OPERATION OF A GENERATOR

BACKGROUND

[0001] To regulate the output voltage, most AC generators utilize a technique called peak regulation where the output of the generator is rectified and sent to a peak detector to determine the amplitude of the output. Said peak value is then subtracted from an internally defined reference to obtain an error to drive the generator controller.

[0002] A deficiency of peak voltage regulation is its sensitivity to nonlinear loads which cause harmonic distortion of the generator output. Examples of such loads are diode rectifiers, constant power loads, motors with phase imbalances and other switched mode converters. While peak regulation works accurately for a purely sinusoidal voltage with a crest factor of V 2, the presence of 3rd harmonic content decreases the max amplitude of the output voltage waveform, resulting in up regulation of the output voltage. Conversely, the presence of 5th harmonic content increases the amplitude of the output voltage waveform, resulting in down regulation of the output voltage.

[0003] Another method of generator regulation uses a true RMS value of the output voltages. This method is less sensitive to harmonic distortions but requires a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP) to perform the RMS calculation. Additionally, this method requires integrating the measured voltage over a defined period of time corresponding to the generator output which makes this method frequency dependent and therefore not suitable for variable frequency operation. Moreover, integration in practice can cause wind up error which leads to overshoot in the output.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an accurate and computationally efficient means of determining the RMS value of the generator output for regulation of the output voltage.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect, a method of operating a generator that produces an output voltage with at least one phase includes capturing output voltage data of the generator with at least one sensor, where the captured output voltage data includes at least one output voltage measurement of the generator respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at a discrete time. The method also includes receiving the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor with a processor, and encoding the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time with the processor. The method also includes calculating a quadratic mean of the value set and encoding the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time with the processor, and regulating operation of the generator based on the calculated operating value with the processor.

[0006] A system for regulating operation of a generator includes producing an output with at least one phase, where the system includes at least one sensor and a processor. The at least one sensor is configured for capturing output voltage data of a generator, where the captured output voltage data includes at least one output voltage measurement of the generator respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at a discrete time. The processor includes a data receiving module, a calculated value determination module, and a control module. The data receiving module is configured to identify the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor and encode the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time. The calculated value determination module is configured to calculate a quadratic mean of the value set and encode the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time. The control module is configured to regulate operation of the generator based on the calculated operating value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an operating environment for implementing systems and methods for regulating operation of a generator.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram of a method for regulating operation of a generator. [0009] FIG. 3 is a graph depicting calculated operating values of a generator plotted over time with respect to phase output voltage measurements of the generator.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a graph depicting calculated operating values of a generator plotted over time with respect to phase output voltage measurements of the generator.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a graph depicting calculated operating values of a generator plotted over time with respect to phase output voltage measurements of the generator.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a graph depicting calculated operating values of a generator plotted over time with respect to phase output voltage measurements of the generator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Generally, the systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to regulating operation of a generator based on phase output voltage measurements captured by at least one sensor. In particular, the systems and methods disclosed herein address regulator system organization and corresponding computational methods that facilitate regulating operation of a generator with a generator computing device.

[0014] The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, the components discussed herein, may be combined, omitted or organized with other components or into different architectures.

[0015] “Computer Bus” or "Bus," as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to other computer components inside a computer or between computers. The bus may transfer data between the computer components. The bus may be a memory bus, a memory processor, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others. The bus may also be a vehicle bus that interconnects components inside a vehicle using protocols such as Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST), Controller Area network (CAN), Local Interconnect network (LIN), among others. [0016] "Computer communication," as used herein, refers to a communication between two or more computing devices (e.g., computer, personal digital assistant, cellular telephone, network device, vehicle, vehicle computing device, infrastructure device, roadside device) and may be, for example, a network transfer, a data transfer, a file transfer, an applet transfer, an email, a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) transfer, and so on. A computer communication may occur across any type of wired or wireless system and/or network having any type of configuration, for example, a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless network (WAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a cellular network, a token ring network, a point-to-point network, an ad hoc network, a mobile ad hoc network, a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) network, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) network, among others. Computer communication may utilize any type of wired, wireless, or network communication protocol including, but not limited to, Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3), WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11), communications access for land mobiles (CALM), WiMax, Bluetooth, Zigbee, ultra-wideband (UWAB), multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), telecommunications and/or cellular network communication (e.g., SMS, MMS, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, GSM, CDMA, WAVE), satellite, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), among others.

[0017] “Discrete time,” as used herein, refers to a measurement of time recorded as a single specific number, and does not limit associated methods, systems, and devices to digital embodiments thereof.

[0018] “Memory," as used herein may include volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory may store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of a computing device. [0019] “Module,” as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions, instructions in execution on a machine, hardware, firmware, software in execution on a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another module, method, and/or system. A module may also include logic, a software controlled microprocessor, a discrete logic circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing executing instructions, logic gates, a combination of gates, and/or other circuit components. Multiple modules may be combined into one module and single modules may be distributed among multiple modules.

[0020] “Portable device,” as used herein, is a computing device typically having a display screen with user input (e.g., touch, keyboard) and a processor for computing. Portable devices include, but are not limited to, handheld devices, mobile devices, smart phones, laptops, tablets and e-readers.

[0021] “Processor," as used herein, processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processor may include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, that may be received, transmitted and/or detected. Generally, the processor may be a variety of various processors including multiple single and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiple single and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. The processor may include logic circuitry to execute actions and/or algorithms.

[0022] It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a system 100 for regulating operation of a generator 102 including an operating environment 104 of the generator 102 and at least one sensor 106. The generator 102 is a synchronous alternating current (AC) generator where an output voltage of the generator 102 includes at least one phase. In the depicted embodiment, operation of the generator 102 produces an output voltage with three phases where the at least one sensor 106 is at least three sensors configured to measure a respective voltage of each phase of the output voltage as a phase output voltage measurement.

[0023] To this end, the generator 102 forms a circuit 108 that includes an amplifier circuit corresponding with each phase of the output voltage. In the depicted embodiment, the circuit 108 includes at least three amplifier circuits 110, and a sensor of the at least one sensor 106 is respectively disposed on and configured to capture output voltage data from each amplifier circuit 110. In an embodiment, each of the at least three amplifier circuits 110 features a line to neutral 112 on which the at least one sensor 106 is respectively disposed. As such, each of the at least one sensor 106 captures output voltage data of the generator 102 on a line to neutral 112. Embodiments of the at least one sensor 106 include at least one voltage sensor and/or at least one current sensor, however alternative sensor embodiments configured to capture output voltage data from the generator 102 may be employed in the at least one sensor 106 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Output voltage data includes phase output voltage measurements captured by the at least one sensor 106 respectively at each respective amplifier circuit 110 describes a magnitude of voltage in each phase of the output voltage at a discrete time. Each phase output voltage measurement is captured by the at least one sensor 106 at a same discrete time.

[0025] In this manner, the at least one sensor 106 is configured to collectively capture output voltage data of the generator 102 including at least one phase output voltage measurement of the generator 102 respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage. The at least one sensor 106 is also configured to repeatedly capture output voltage data over a plurality of discrete times. Notably, while the depicted generator 102 forms three amplifier circuits 110 and produces an output voltage having three phases, alternative AC generator designs featuring a different number of amplifier circuits and/or a different number of output voltage phases may be employed in the system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] The operating environment 104 controls operation of the generator 102 and is configured for regulating the output voltage of the generator 102 based on output voltage data captured by the at least one sensor 106. The operating environment 104 includes a generator computing device (GCD) 114 with provisions for processing, communicating and interacting with various components of the generator 102 and other components of the operating environment 104. In an embodiment, the GCD 114 can be implemented with the generator 102 as depicted in FIG. 1, and in other embodiments the components and functions of the GCD 114 can be implemented remotely from the generator 102, for example, with a portable device not shown or another device connected via a network.

[0027] The GCD 114 includes a memory 120, and a communication interface 122, which are each operably connected for computer communication via a bus 124 that is a computer bus, and/or other wired and wireless technologies. The GCD 114 also includes a processor 130 operably connected for computer communication via the bus 124 and/or other wired and wireless technologies. The communication interface 122 provides software and hardware to facilitate data input and output between the components of the GCD 114 and other components, networks, and data sources. Additionally, the processor 130 includes a data receiving module 132, a calculated value determination module 134, and a control module 140, each suitable for controlling the generator 102 using attributes facilitated by the components of the operating environment 104. [0028] The GCD 114 is also operably connected for computer communication (e.g., via the communication interface 122 and/or the bus 124) to the generator 102 and/or one or more auxiliary systems of the generator 102. The auxiliary systems can include, but are not limited to any automatic or manual systems that can be used to enhance the generator 102.

[0029] The data receiving module 132 is configured to identify the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor 106 and encode the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time. The calculated value determination module 134 is configured to calculate a quadratic mean of the value set and encode the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time.

[0030] The control module 140 is configured to regulate operation of the generator 102 based on the calculated operating value. In an embodiment, the processor 130 includes a comparison module 142 configured to compare the calculated operating value with a predetermined operating value, where the control module 140 is configured to regulate operation of the generator 102 based on the comparison of the calculated operating value with the predetermined value. In an embodiment, the comparison module 142 compares the calculated operating value with the predetermined operating value by calculating a difference between the calculated operating value and the predetermined operating value.

[0031] In an embodiment of the system 100, the at least one sensor 106 is configured to repeatedly capture output voltage data at a plurality of discrete times, and the processor 130 is configured to regulate operation of the generator 102 based on output voltage data captured over the plurality of discrete times. To this end, the processor 130 is configured to receive the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor 106, including output voltage data captured over the plurality of discrete times, and encode the captured output voltage data as a plurality of value sets respectively corresponding with the plurality of discrete times. Also, the processor 130 is configured to calculate a quadratic mean of each value set in the plurality of value sets and encode the quadratic mean for each value set as a calculated operating value corresponding with a discrete time of the plurality of discrete times. With this construction, the processor 130 is configured to generate a plurality of calculated operating values corresponding with the plurality of discrete times.

[0032] The processor 130 is configured to regulate operation of the generator 102 based on the plurality of calculated operating values. In an embodiment, the processor 130 is configured to compare the plurality of calculated operating values with a plurality of predetermined values with the comparison module 142, and regulate operation of the generator 102 based on the comparison of the plurality of calculated operating values and the plurality of predetermined values. [0033] The calculated operating values approximate a true Root Mean Square (RMS) value of the output voltage with a quadratic mean of a phase output voltage measurement of each phase of the output voltage at a single discrete time. True RMS calculations for an output voltage with three phases utilizes the following formula, where va represents a first phase output voltage, vb represents a second phase output voltage, and vc represents a third phase output voltage as a function of time t over a period T

[0035] Notably, equation (1) above requires integration of each phase output voltage va, vb, vc over the period T. Because each phase output voltage va, vb, vc is integrated over the period T, calculating true RMS requires knowledge of the operating frequency of the generator 102. A quasi RMS formula (QRMS) written as equation (2) below approximates calculations of equation (1) without integrating each phase output voltage va, vb, vc over the period T, and is therefore usable without knowledge of the operating frequency of the generator 102. As shown, the QRMS formula produces a quadratic mean of phase output voltage measurements va, vb, vc with respect to a discrete time t:

[0037] The mathematical proof is as follows, where v_an represents a first phase voltage at a discrete time t, v_bn represents a second phase voltage at the discrete time t, and v_cn represents a third phase voltage at the discrete time t. Assume:

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041]

[0042]

[0043]

[0044]

[0045] Adding equations (6), (7), and (8) together:

[0046]

[0047] Simplifying equation (9) with a trigonometric identity

[0052] By definition for a sinusoid:

[0056] Because the QRMS formula in equation (2) does not require integration, the QRMS formula is computationally simpler than the true RMS formula in equation (1), which in practice is prone to windup error. Also, because the QRMS formula in equation (2) does not require integration over a period of time and only considers phase voltages at a single discrete time, QRMS calculations may be performed with a single data measurement. As such, the system 100 is configured to approximate true RMS calculations without consideration of the operating frequency of the generator 102, and a transient response of the system 100 with respect to operation of the generator 102 can be performed from a single data measurement. In this manner, a feedback reference provided by the QRMS of the output voltage suppresses output transients in the output voltage to facilitate stability in the system 100.

[0057] Because the system 100 does not require a known operating frequency of the generator 102 to generate calculated operating values or regulate operation of the generator 102, the system 100 is configured to sense and regulate the generator 102 through variable frequency operation without dynamically changing equation (1 ). In a variable frequency operation, the at least one sensor 106 captures output voltage data at a plurality of discrete times where the plurality of discrete times chronologically includes a first discrete time and a last discrete time, and a change in operating frequency of the generator 102 occurs after the first discrete time and before the last discrete time. Because equation (2) only requires one measurement of the phase voltages va, vb, vc at a single discrete time t, the system 100 is configured to automatically provide at least one calculated operating value for regulating operation of the generator 102 before and after the change in operating frequency without dynamically changing the method of calculation or underlying equations utilized in the calculated value determination module 134.

[0058] According to one aspect, as shown in FIG. 2, the system 100 is utilized in a method 200 of operating the generator 102 where the generator 102 produces an output voltage with at least one phase. The method includes capturing output voltage data of the generator 102 at block 202; receiving the captured output voltage data at block 204; encoding the captured output voltage data at block 210; calculating and encoding a calculated operating value at block 212; and regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 214.

[0059] The step of capturing output voltage data of the generator 102 at block 202 includes capturing output voltage data of the generator 102 with the at least one sensor 106, where the captured output voltage data includes at least one phase output voltage measurement of the generator 102 respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase of the output voltage at a single discrete time. In an embodiment, the generator 102 produces an output voltage with three phases, and the at least one sensor 106 is three sensors configured for collectively measuring a voltage corresponding with each phase in the output voltage of the generator 102.

[0060] The step of receiving the captured output voltage data at block 204 includes receiving the captured output voltage from the at least one sensor 106 with the processor 130. The processor 130 is configured to communicate with the at least one sensor 106 through the data receiving module 132, and the communication interface 122 and the bus 124.

[0061] The step of encoding the captured output voltage data at block 210 includes encoding the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time with the processor 130. As such, each value set encoded by the processor 130 includes at least one value corresponding with the voltage of the at least one phase of the output voltage of the generator 102, where each of the at least one value is associated with a same, single discrete time at which the at least one sensor 106 captured the output voltage data of the generator 102. The processor 130 encodes captured output voltage data onto the memory 120 through the bus 124. [0062] The step of calculating and encoding a calculated operating value at block 212 includes calculating a quadratic mean of the value set and encoding the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time with the processor 130. At this step, the processor 130 utilizes the QRMS formula provided in equation (2), which does not integrate phase voltage measurement values over time. As such, the calculated operating value is calculated without performing an effective integration of a measured voltage over an amount of time. The processor 130 calculates the calculated operating value with the calculated value determination module 134 of the processor 130, and encodes the calculated operating value onto the memory 120 through the bus 124.

[0063] The step of regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 214 includes regulating operation of the generator 102 based on the calculated operating value with the processor 130. To this end, the generator 102 receives operating instructions from the processor 130 through communication interface 122 and the bus 124. Because the calculated operating value is calculated with voltage measurements taken at a single discrete time, the processor 130 is capable of regulating the generator 102 based on measurements taken at a single discrete time.

[0064] While the processor 130 is enabled to calculate a QRMS of the generator 102 with measurements taken at a single discrete time, the processor 130 may alternatively regulate operation of the generator 102 using a plurality of calculated operating values generated from output voltage data captured at a plurality of discrete times. Because the processor 130 utilizes the QRMS formula provided in equation (2), which does not integrate phase voltage measurement values over a period of the output voltage, the processor 130 is configured to regulate the generator 102 even when the plurality of discrete times occur within a fraction of a period of the output voltage.

[0065] Because the processor 130 is configured to regulate the generator 102 from a single calculated operating value corresponding with a single discrete time, or a plurality of calculated operating values corresponding with a plurality of discrete times which occurred within a fraction of a period of the output voltage, the system 100 is configured to regulate operation of the generator 102 through a variation in operating frequency. Notably, a variation in operating frequency in the generator 102 results in a variation in a frequency of the output voltage. As such, with continued reference to FIG. 2, after the step of regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 214; the method 200 includes varying a frequency of the output voltage of the generator 102 at block 220; capturing additional output voltage data of the generator 102 at block 222; receiving the additional output voltage data at block 224; encoding the additional voltage output data at block 230; calculating and encoding another calculated operating value at block 232; and regulating the operation of the generator 102 at block 234.

[0066] The step of capturing additional output voltage data at block 222 includes capturing additional output voltage data of the generator 102 with the at least one sensor 106. The additional output voltage data includes at least one phase output voltage measurement of the generator 102 respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at another discrete time, the another discrete time being different from the discrete time in which the at least one sensor 106 captured output voltage data at block 202.

[0067] The step of receiving the additional output voltage data at block 224 includes receiving the additional output voltage data from the at least one sensor 106 with the processor 130. The processor 130 is configured to communicate with the at least one sensor 106 through the communication interface 122 and the bus 124.

[0068] The step of encoding the additional output voltage data at block 230 includes encoding the additional output voltage data as another value set with respect to the another discrete time with the processor 130. The processor 130 encodes the another value set onto the memory 120 through the bus 124.

[0069] The step of calculating and encoding the another calculated operating value at block 232 incudes calculating a quadratic mean of the another value set with the processor 130, and encoding the quadratic mean of the another value set as another calculated operating value with the processor 130. The processor 130 encodes the another calculated operating value onto the memory 120 through the bus 124.

[0070] The step of regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 234 includes regulating operation of the generator 102 based on the another calculated operating value with the processor 130. To this end, the generator 102 receives instruction from the control module 140 of the processor 130 through the communication interface 122 and the bus 124.

[0071] In an embodiment of the system 100 where the processor 130 regulates operation of the generator 102 based on a plurality of calculated operating values, the step of capturing output voltage data at block 202 includes repeatedly capturing the output voltage data with the at least one sensor 106 over a plurality of discrete times. Specifically, the at least one sensor 106 captures a phase output voltage measurement of each phase of the output voltage at a single discrete time, and captures the output voltage data in this manner repeatedly over a plurality of single discrete times.

[0072] In turn, the step of receiving the captured output voltage data at block 204 includes receiving the output voltage data captured at the plurality of discrete times with the processor 130, and the step of encoding the captured output voltage data at block 210 includes encoding the output voltage data captured at the plurality of discrete times as a plurality of value sets respectively corresponding with the plurality of discrete times with the processor 130. With this construction, the processor 130 encodes a plurality of value sets, where each value set in the plurality of value sets represents a voltage measurement of each phase of the output voltage taken at a single discrete time, and each value set in the plurality of value sets corresponds with a different discrete time than any other value set in the plurality of value sets. The processor 130 encodes the plurality of value sets onto the memory 120.

[0073] Additionally, the step of calculating and encoding the calculated operating value includes calculating a quadratic mean for each value set in the plurality of value sets and encoding the quadratic mean of each value set as a calculated operating value corresponding with a discrete time of the plurality of discrete times, generating a plurality of calculated operating values corresponding with the plurality of discrete times with the processor 130. With this, the step of regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 214 includes regulating operation of the generator 102 based on the plurality of calculated operating values.

[0074] The processor 130 calculates the plurality of calculated operating values with the calculated value determination module 134, encodes the plurality of calculated operating values onto the memory 120, and analyzes the plurality of calculated operating values to regulate the operation of the generator 102 with the control module 140. As such, an embodiment of the system 100 is configured to regulate the generator 102 based on a comparison of at least one calculated operating value with at least one predetermined operating value stored in the memory 120.

[0075] To this end, the method 200 includes a step of comparing a calculated operating value with a predetermined operating value with the processor 130 at block 240, and the step of regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 214 is performed based on the comparison of the calculated operating value with the predetermined operating value. In an embodiment of the system 100 configured to regulate the generator 102 based on a plurality of calculated operating values, the step of comparing the calculated operating value with the predetermined operating value at block 240 includes comparing the plurality of calculated operating values with a plurality of predetermined values, where regulating operation of the generator 102 based on the plurality of calculated operating values is performed based on the comparison of the plurality of calculated operating values and the plurality of predetermined values.

[0076] Similarly, an embodiment of the system 100 configured for varying a frequency of the output voltage of the generator 102 at block 220; capturing additional output voltage data at block 222; receiving the additional output voltage data at block 224; encoding the additional output voltage data at block 230; calculating and encoding another calculated operating value at block 232; and regulating operation of the generator 102 at block 234 additionally includes comparing the another calculated operating value with another predetermined value at block 242. The step of comparing the another calculated operating value with the another predetermined value is performed by the processor 130 with the comparison module 142, and information encoded onto the memory 120.

[0077] FIGS. 3 -6 depict an exemplary plurality of calculated operating values 304 corresponding with output voltage data captured over a plurality of discrete times. Specifically, FIGS. 3 - 6 plot RMS voltage data 300 of the generator 102 over time in an upper graph, where the RMS voltage data 300 includes a true RMS voltage 302, a QRMS voltage in a plurality of calculated operating values 304, and a scaled peak voltage 310. The true RMS voltage 302, the plurality of calculated operating values 304, and the scaled peak voltage 310 each correspond with three distinct phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 plotted in a lower graph over time.

[0078] FIG. 3 depicts a baseline operating condition of the generator 102 where the phase voltage measurements respectively emulate unmodified single sinusoid waves. Notably, according to the derivation shown using equations (1 ) - (15), the QRMS voltage in the plurality of calculated operating values 304 matches the true RMS voltage 302.

[0079] FIGS. 4 - 6 each plot the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 where each phase output voltage of the generator 102 is modified from those represented by the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 in FIG. 3. Notably, the resultant QRMS voltage plotted in the plurality of calculated operating values 304 closely follows the true RMS voltage 302 respectively in each of FIGS. 4 - 6, even though the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 are consequently modified.

[0080] FIG. 4 depicts an operating condition of the generator 102 where the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 emulate single sinusoid waves modified with additional third harmonic content. As a result of the additional third harmonic content added to the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320, a respective amplitude of the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 is decreased, with respective waveforms thereof being flattened relative to the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 depicted in FIG. 3.

[0081] As shown, the calculated operating values 304 and the true RMS voltage 302 corresponding with the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 of FIG. 4 are similar to each other. Specifically, the calculated operating values 304 plotted in FIG. 4 track the true RMS voltage 302 with a frequency component that is six times the additional harmonic imposed upon the operating condition of the generator 102.

[0082] FIG. 5 depicts an operating condition of the generator 102 where the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 emulate single sinusoid waves modified with additional fifth harmonic content. As a result of the additional fifth harmonic content added to the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320, a respective amplitude of the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 is increased, with respective waveforms thereof including heightened peaks and lowered troughs.

[0083] Notably, as shown in the upper graph of FIG. 5, the calculated operating values 304 and the true RMS voltage 302 corresponding with the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 of FIG. 5 are sufficiently proximate to each other so as to be functionally similar with regard to regulating the operation of the generator 102. Specifically, the plurality of calculated operating values 304 track the true RMS voltage 302 with a frequency component that is ten times the additional fifth harmonic content imposed upon the operating condition of the generator 102.

[0084] FIG. 6 depicts an operating condition of the generator 102 where the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 emulate single sinusoid waves modified with both additional third harmonic content and additional fifth harmonic content. Notably, as shown in the upper graph of FIG. 6, the calculated operating values 304 and the true RMS voltage 302 corresponding with the phase output voltage measurements 312, 314, 320 of FIG. 6 are sufficiently proximate to each other so as to be functionally similar with regard to regulating the operating condition of the generator 102. As such, even with multiple harmonic functions imposed upon the operating condition of the generator 102, the plurality of calculated operating values 304 produce an accurate feedback reference comparable to the true RMS voltage 302.

[0085] It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of operating a generator that produces an output voltage with at least one phase, the method comprising: capturing output voltage data of the generator with at least one sensor, wherein the captured output voltage data includes at least one output voltage measurement of the generator respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at a discrete time; receiving the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor with a processor; encoding the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time with the processor; calculating a quadratic mean of the value set and encoding the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time with the processor; and regulating operation of the generator based on the calculated operating value with the processor.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: comparing the calculated operating value with a predetermined operating value with the processor, wherein the step of regulating operation of the generator is performed based on the comparison of the calculated operating value with the predetermined operating value.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the generator is a synchronous alternating current (AC) generator.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the calculated operating value is calculated without performing an effective integration of a measured voltage over an amount of time.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the discrete time at which output voltage data is captured is a single discrete time, and the processor regulates operation of the generator based on output voltage data captured at the single discrete time.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein after the step of regulating operation of the generator based on the calculated operating value, the method further comprises: varying a frequency of the output voltage; capturing additional output voltage data of the generator with the at least one sensor, wherein the additional output voltage data includes at least one output voltage measurement of the generator respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at another discrete time; receiving the additional output voltage data from the at least one sensor with the processor; encoding the additional output voltage data as another value set with respect to the another discrete time with the processor; calculating a quadratic mean of the another value set with the processor, and encoding the quadratic mean of the another value set as another calculated operating value with the processor; and regulating operation of the generator based on the another calculated operating value with the processor.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generator produces an output voltage with three phases.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the step of capturing output voltage data includes repeatedly capturing output voltage data with the at least one sensor over a plurality of discrete times; and the step of receiving the captured output voltage data includes receiving the output voltage data captured at the plurality of discrete times with the processor; the step of encoding the captured output voltage data includes encoding the output voltage data captured at the plurality of discrete times as a plurality of value sets respectively corresponding with the plurality of discrete times with the processor; the step of calculating a quadratic mean of the value set and encoding the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value includes calculating a quadratic mean for each value set in the plurality of value sets and encoding the quadratic mean of each value set as a calculated operating value corresponding with a discrete time of the plurality of discrete times, generating a plurality of calculated operating values corresponding with a plurality of discrete times with the processor; and the step of regulating operation of the generator includes regulating operation of the generator based on the plurality of calculated operating values with the processor.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of discrete times chronologically includes a first discrete time and a last discrete time, and a change in frequency of the output voltage occurs after the first discrete time and before the last discrete time.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: comparing the plurality of calculated operating values with a plurality of predetermined values, wherein the step of regulating operation of the generator based on the plurality of calculated operating values is performed based on the comparison of the plurality of calculated operating values and the plurality of predetermined values.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of discrete times occur within a fraction of a period of the output voltage.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one sensor of the at least one sensor captures output voltage data on a line to neutral.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the generator forms a circuit that includes at least three amplifier circuits, with a sensor of the at least one sensor respectively configured to capture output voltage data on each amplifier circuit.

14. A system for regulating operation of a generator producing an output with at least one phase, the system comprising: at least one sensor configured for capturing output voltage data of the generator, wherein the captured output voltage data includes at least one output voltage measurement of the generator respectively corresponding with each phase of the at least one phase in the output voltage at a discrete time; and a processor including: a data receiving module configured to identify the captured output voltage data from the at least one sensor and encode the captured output voltage data as a value set with respect to the discrete time; a calculated value determination module configured to calculate a quadratic mean of the value set and encode the quadratic mean of the value set as a calculated operating value with respect to the discrete time; and a control module configured to regulate operation of the generator based on the calculated operating value.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: the processor further comprises a comparison module configured to compare the calculated operating value with a predetermined operating value; and the control module is configured to regulate operation of a generator based on the comparison of the calculated operating value with the predetermined value.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein: the at least one sensor is configured to repeatedly capture output voltage data over a plurality of discrete times; and the processor is configured to: receive the captured output voltage data, including output voltage data captured over the plurality of discrete times; encode the captured output voltage data as a plurality of value sets respectively corresponding with the plurality of discrete times; calculate a quadratic mean for each value set in the plurality of value sets and encode the quadratic mean for each value set as a calculated operating value corresponding with a discrete time of the plurality of discrete times, generating a plurality of calculated operating values corresponding with a plurality of discrete times; and regulate operation of a generator based on the plurality of calculated operating values.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of discrete times chronologically includes a first discrete time and a last discrete time, and a change in operating frequency of the generator occurs after the first discrete time and before the last discrete time.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to: compare the plurality of calculated operating values with a plurality of predetermined values; and regulate operation of a generator based on the comparison of the plurality of calculated operating values and the plurality of predetermined values.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one sensor of the at least one sensor captures output voltage data on a line to neutral.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the generator forms a circuit that includes at least three amplifier circuits, with a sensor of the at least one sensor respectively configured to capture output voltage data on each amplifier circuit.