Appeal No. 1997-3237
Application 08/266,081
Appellants’ invention relates to a method for controlling
regeneration energy from an electric induction motor. As
disclosed on page 2 of the specification, operating the motor
in regeneration mode creates engine braking and generates
electrical energy for use in charging a battery. The
disclosure on page 2 indicates that the regenerated energy,
however, can damage the battery at or near its fully charge
level. Fig. 1 shows the motor 22 powered by the battery 12
through inverter 14 while the motor controller 24 controls the
regeneration power to prevent the overcharging of the battery.
More specifically, as disclosed on pages 6 and 7 and Fig. 2,
the controller uses the efficiency curve and the independent
variable volts-per-hertz ratio of the motor to start
regeneration at peak efficiency point 70 to store energy in
the battery and at lower efficiency points 72 or 74 when the
battery is fully charged. The state of the charge of the
battery is detected by the battery monitor 15. The steps
followed by the motor controller 24, as disclosed on pages 9
and 10 and Fig. 3, provide peak regenerative efficiency when
the battery is not fully charged while less regenerative power
2
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