Method of controlling speed of a variable speed generator

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to a method of controlling speed of a variable speed generator. The method includes detecting a load of the variable speed generator and determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator. The method further includes using a controller to adjust the speed of the variable speed generator based on the target speed. The method may further include correcting the target speed by calculating a correction factor that corrects the target speed based on a voltage produced by the variable speed generator.

1 . A method of controlling speed of a variable speed generator comprising:
 detecting a load supplied by the variable speed generator, wherein the variable speed generator is configured to supply power over a range of operating speeds depending on the load;   determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator; and   using a controller to adjust the speed of the variable speed generator based on the target speed.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting a load supplied by the variable speed generator includes sensing AC current produced by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting a load supplied by the variable speed generator includes sensing DC current produced by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting a load supplied by the variable speed generator includes sensing power produced by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting a load supplied by the variable speed generator includes using the speed-controller to detect the load on the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator includes determining a target speed from a data table. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein determining a target speed from a data table includes performing linear interpolation from a two-point data table. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator includes multiplying the load by a factor and adding an offset. 
     
     
         9 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator includes increasing the target speed with increasing load until the load exceeds a predetermined level. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein increasing the target speed with increasing load until the load exceeds a predetermined level includes adjusting the predetermined level. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator includes decreasing the target speed when the load exceeds a predetermined level. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein decreasing the target speed when the load exceeds a predetermined level includes adjusting the predetermined level. 
     
     
         17 . A power generation system comprising:
 a variable speed generator that operates at different speeds and is configured to provide power to a load, wherein the variable speed generator is configured to supply power over a range of operating speeds depending on the load;   a controller that detects the load supplied with power by the variable speed generator, wherein the controller determines a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied with power by the variable speed generator, and   wherein the controller adjusts the speed of the variable speed generator based on the determined target speed of the variable speed generator.   
     
     
         18 . The power generation system of  claim 17 , wherein the controller senses power produced by the variable speed generator to detect the load supplied by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         19 . The power generation system of  claim 17 , wherein the controller corrects the determined target speed. 
     
     
         20 . The power generation system of  claim 19 , wherein the controller corrects the target speed by calculating a correction factor that corrects the target speed based on a voltage produced by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         21 . A method of controlling speed of a variable speed generator comprising:
 detecting a load supplied by the variable speed generator;   determining a target speed for the variable speed generator based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator;   using a controller to adjust the speed of the variable speed generator based on the target speed; and   correcting the target speed to an appropriate operating speed within a range of potential operating speed based on an output of the variable speed generator.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein correcting the target speed to an appropriate operating speed includes correcting the target speed based on a voltage produced by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein correcting the target speed to an appropriate operating speed includes correcting the target speed based on the load supplied by the variable speed generator. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein correcting the target speed includes using a proportional-derivative controller to correct the target speed.