Abstract
A direct method is presented in this paper for controlling the mechanical power generated by the prime mover without any type of energy conversion. A new power control system consisting of a clutch and a power spring is investigated The clutch is operated successfully by an ON·OFF signal, whose duty ratio is controlled to obtain the desired average. It is shown from analytical and experimental results that the proposed power control system has not only quick response, but very high efficiency. Further the system construction is simple enough to be implemented practically.
In the experimental study, the considerably high transfer efficiency, 75∼95%, has been achieved over a wide range of speed change. These indicate the practical usefulness of the system. An especially advantageous use of the proposed system will be made for the case where the start and stop signals are repeated with high frequency as in an electric train or motorcar.
It is also possible to realize regenerative braking, if the induction motor is taken as the prime mover.
