Improvements in the Regulation of Electric Distribution Systems.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 8th June, 189!
fs
1000
Date of Application, 8th June, 189!
Complete Specification Left, 7th Mar., 1995 Accepted, 12th Apr., 1815
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Regulation of Electric Distribution Systems.
I, REGINALD WOOD, of 57 Gower Street, in the County of London, Electrical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to means of regulating the distribution of electricity
supplying lamps or other consumers of electricity in cases where the conducting
mains are combined with accumulators or are supplied from several sets of
generators, as I shall describe referring to the accompanying diagrams.
Fig. 1 represents diagrammatically an arrangement according to my invention
for regulating the electricity supply in a system having an accumulator connected
to the main conductors.
A indicates the main generator connected by main conductors M M to the
system of distribution for lamps or other consumers of electricity. B indicates an
accumulator battery. E and H indicate the armatures of two machines which are
on one axis or are mechanically connected so as always to revolve together.
The machines of which E and H are the armatures have their field magnets
wound compound, having shunt windings indicated respectively by D for the
E armature and J for the H armature, and having series windings, indicated
respectively by C and K. The coils C are in series from the battery B through
the armature E and thence by the conductor N¹ to the main M', but there is a
by-pass circuit with a switch and series of resistances indicated at G, by which the
coils C can be short circuited. Besides the coils C and D there are coils con-
nected by conductors N N¹ from main M to main M' and in this circuit there are
means for regulating the current, such as that shewn, which is a switch with a
series of resistances, indicated at F.
When there is an increase in demand, if the power of A is not increased, this
increase in demand is met by the accumulator B, the discharge of which is auto-
matically regulated by the machines E and H so as to maintain the tension
between M M constant. Similarly when there is a decrease in demand, if the
power of A is not decreased, the discharge of the accumulator is automatically
decreased by means of the machines E and H so as to maintain the tension
between M M' constant.
When it is desired to discharge the accumulator, the coils C and D are employed;
when E acts as a motor, the coil D opposes the coil C, but when E acts as a
generator, the current is reversed in the coil D which in that case assists C.
When the tension of the battery B considerably exceeds that in the mains,
E operates as a motor taking current from the battery, driving H and reducing
the tension of the battery circuit until the excess is only great enough to sen
the discharge current; H then acts as a generator supplying current to the
mains. When the tension of the battery is considerably less than that of the
mains, then H operates as a motor driving E, which acts as a generator, increasing
the teusion in the battery circuit until it is greater than that between the mains by
an amount necessary to send the discharge current. When the tension of the
battery is about equal to that of the mains, the armatures E and H, during both
charge and discharge merely revolve.
When it is desired to stop the discharge from the battery the coil C is short
circuited by means of the switch G thus limiting the excitation of the armature E

page_text: to that furnished by the coils D, and so making the tension in the battery circuit
equal to that between the mains. If now it is desired to charge the battery, by
means of the switch F the coil commanded by it is brought into action and it
affects the excitation of E in such a manner that the battery is charged as
follows.
The charging current is set at any desired value and is automatically maintained
at that value by means of the machines E and H when the tension of A is
maintained constant.
When the tension of the accumulators considerably exceeds that of the mains,
H operates as a motor driving E which operates as a generator reducing the tension
in the accumulator circuit till the generator A sends the required current into the
accumulator. In this case the excitation due to F is added to that due to D.
When the tension of the accumulator is considerably less than that of the mains,
E operates as a motor, driving H, which acting as a generator sends current to the
mains M M', and E increases the tension in the accumulator circuit until it is less
than that of the mains only by an amount required by the charging current to
enable it to overcome the resistance. In this case, on the other hand, the
excitation due to F is subtracted from that due to D, because the current in D is
reversed.
In cases where the tension in the mains is subject to variation, means should be
provided for varying to a corresponding extent the effect of the coils D and J
and C and K, by altering the resistance of D and J, and by altering the number of
active convolutions in C and K.
Although I have shewn the arrangement applied directly to a generator A,
obviously it might be applied in cases where feeders and other appliances are
interposed between the generator and the apparatus described.
When the apparatus described is applied to a multiple wire distributing system,
a suitable number of machines such as those marked G H J K in Fig. 3 may be
substituted for the single machine H.
I have shewn the machine E with its coils C and D and the machine H applied
for the purpose of supplying current at a definite tension to the mains M M from
the accumulator B. It is obvious that the machines E and H may be applied in a
similar way to a source of electricity other than an accumulator. For instance, for
the terminals of the accumulator B may be substituted those of primary battery
or of a generator driven by a prime mover.
I have shewn the machine E with its coils D and F and machine H applied for
the purpose of supplying a definite current to the accumulator B from the
mains M M¹ between which is maintained a definite tension. It is obvious that
the machines E and H may be similarly applied to an absorber of power other
than an accumulator. For instance, for the terminals of the accumulator B may
be substituted those of an electro chemical apparatus or, of an electro motor,
requiring a definite current.
In applying my invention to an electrical distribution system in which generators
and mains may work at equal or different tensions I provide that the lamps or
other consumers of electricity are supplied at definite tension from any or all
of the generators. The accompanying drawing Fig. 2 shews diagrammatically
the arrangement of apparatus according to my invention for supplying, a dis-
tribution system at definite tension from two generators, A. at low tension,. ant
B at high tension. For this purpose, I introduce between the mains Q and I
of the generator A a machine E and between the mains S and T. of the
generator B a similar machine F. Each of these machines is of the compound
kind having its field magnets wound with coils M in shunt, and coils N in series
with their armatures. The two armatures E and F are on the same shaft or
are mechanically connected so as to revolve together.
The apparatus operates as follows. Assuming that there is an increased demand
on the generator. A such as would reduce the tension between the mains Q'and R
and therefore reduce the speed of the machine E, the attendant can, by applying

page_text: increased power to the machine B supply increased power to the machine F
which can thus operate as a motor driving E, which then acts as a generator
increasing the tension between the mains Q and R. Conversely when there is
a demand on B the attendant regulating A can cause that demand to be met
by E acting as a motor and driving F as generator. If the machine Fis
operating as a generator driven by E, then, wheu increased power is applied
to B the load on F is decreased and thus E is so far relieved and the tension
between Q and R is thus raised. In like manner if E is operating as a generator
driven by F, then when increased power is applied to A, the load on E is
decreased, and F is so far relieved, the consequence being an increase of the
tension between S and T.
As shewn in Fig. 3 the low tension generator A is connected to a five wire
distributing system, in which, instead of the machine E of Fig. 2 there are
introduced four machines G H J K having their armatures all on one axis or
mechanically connected together and also to the armature F so that they all
revolve together. Each of the machines G H J K has its field magnets compound
wound, one set of the coils N being in series with the armature, the other set P
being in parallel between Q and R, or it might be between any two mains under
constant tension. The machines G H J K operate together in combination
with F in the same way as E Fig. 2 operates in combination with F, but they
perform the additional function of effecting a balance among the four pairs of
conductors, some of them, it may be, driving others of them as generators so
as upon the whole to equalise the currents passing between each of the pairs of
conductors. In cases where all the machines G H J K are operating as motors
driving the machine F, or where they are operating as generators driven
by F, some of them do more or less work as motors or generate more or less.
current as generators than others of them, the balance being thus effected as in
the former case.
If the tension in the circuit of A or B is subject to variation, means should
be provided for varying to a corresponding extent the effect of the coils M
and N by altering the resistance of M and by altering the number of active
convolutions in N.
Although I have shewn the arrangement applied directly to the generators A
and B, obviously it might be applied in cases where feeders and other appliances
are interposed between the generators and the apparatus described, and either
generator A or B might be omitted, the machine E or F operating in that case
as generator.
Instead of only two generators, there may be any number of generators, a
nachine similar to E being arranged in connection with each set of mains and all
these machines being mechanically connected together.
Dated this 8th day of June 1894.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for Applicant.
Improvements in the Regulation of Electric Distribution Systems.
1, REGINALD WOOD, of 57, Gower Street, in the County of London, Electrical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
My invention relates to means of regulating the distribution of electricity
supplying lamps or other consumers of electricity in cases where the conducting
mains are combined with accumulators or are supplied from several sets of

page_text: generators, as I shall describe referring to the diagrams accompanying my
Provisional Specification.
Fig. 1 represents diagrammatically an arrangement according to my invention
for regulating the electricity supply in a system having an accumulator connected
to the main conductors.
A indicates the main generator connected by main conductors M M to the
system of distribution for lamps or other consumers of electricity. B indicates an
accumulator battery. E and H indicate the armatures of two machines which are
on one axis or are mechanically connected so as always to revolve together.
The machines of which E and H are the armatures have their field magnets
wound compound, having shunt windings indicated respectively by D for the
E armature and J for the H armature, and having series windings, indicated
respectively by C and K. The coils C are in series from the battery B through
the armature E and thence by the conductor N to the main M', but there is a
by-pass circuit with a switch and series of resistances indicated at G, by which,
the coils C can be short circuited. Besides the coils C and D there are coils
connected by conductors N N¹ from main M to main M¹ and in this circuit there
are means for regulating the current, such as that shewn, which is a switch with
a series of resistances, indicated at F.
When there is an increase in demand, if the power of A is not increased, this
increase in demand is met by the accumulator B, the discharge of which is auto-
matically regulated by the machines E and H so as to maintain the tension
between M M constant. Similarly when there is a decrease in demand, if the
power of A is not decreased, the discharge of the accumulator is automatically
decreased by means of the machines E and H so as to maintain the tension between
M M' constant.
When it is desired to discharge the accumulator, the coils C and D are
employed when E acts as a motor, the coil D opposes the coil C, but when E
acts as a generator, the current is reversed in the coil D which in that case
assists C.
When the tension of the battery B considerably exceeds that in the mains,
E operates as a motor taking current from the battery, driving H and reducing
the tension of the battery circuit until the excess is only great enough to send the
discharge current; H then acts as a generator supplying current to the mains.
When the tension of the battery is considerably less than that of the mains,
then H operates as a motor driving E, which acts as a generator, increasing the
tension in the battery circuit until it is greater than that between the mains by an
amount necessary to send the discharge current. When the tension of the battery
is about equal to that of the mains, the armatures E and H, during both charge
and discharge merely revolve.
When it is desired to stop the discharge from the battery the coil C is short
circuited by means of the switch G thus limiting the excitation of the armature E
to that furnished by the coils D, and so making the tension in the battery circuit
equal to that between the mains.
If now it is desired to charge the battery, by means of the switch F the coil
commanded by it is brought into action and it affects the excitation of E in such
a manner that the battery is charged as follows.
The charging current is set at any desired value and is automatically maintained
at that value by means of the machines E and H when the tension of A is
maintained constant.
When the tension of the accumulators considerably exceeds that of the mains,
H operates as a motor driving E which operates as a generator reducing the tension
in the accumulator circuit till the generator A sends the required current into the
accumulator. In this case the excitation due to F is added to that due to D.
When the tension of the accumulator is considerably less than that of the
mains, E operates as a motor, driving H, which acting as a generator sends current
to the mains M M', and E increases the tension in the accumulator circuit until it

page_text: is less than that of the mains only by an amount required by the charging current
to enable it to overcome the resistance. In this case, on the other hand, the
excitation due to F is subtracted from that due to D, because the current in D is
reversed.
In cases where the tension in the mains is subject to variation, means should be
provided for varying to a corresponding extent the effect of the coils J and K, by
altering the resistance of J, and by altering the number of active convolutions
in K, or other means should be adopted in order to maintain the speed of the
armatures E and H constant.
Although I have shewn the arrangement applied directly to a generator A,
obviously it might be applied in cases where feeders and other appliances are
interposed between the generator and the apparatus described.
When the apparatus described is applied to a multiple wire distributing system,
a suitable number of machines such as those marked G H J K in Fig. 3 may be
substituted for the single machine H.
I have shewn the machine E with its coils C and D and the machine H applied
for the purpose of supplying current at a definite tension to the mains M M¹ from
the accumulator B. It is obvious that the machines E and H may be applied in
a similar way to a source of electricity other than an accumulator. For instance, for
the terminals of the accumulator B may be substituted those of a primary battery
or of a generator driven by a prime mover.
1
I have shewn the machine E with its coils D and F and machine H applied for
the purpose of supplying a definite current to the accumulator B from the
mains M M between which is maintained a definite tension.
It is obvious that the machines F and H may be similarly applied to an absorber
of power other than an accumulator. For instance, for the terminals of the
accumulator B may be substituted those of an electro chemical apparatus or, of an
electro motor, requiring a definite current.
When for the accumulator B is substituted any translator the opposition or
resistance of which is subject to rapid and continual variation, a series of arc lamps
for instance, a modification is made in the field magnet winding of the machine E.
The coil D is not altered, but a second coil is added, supplied with current from
any source at constant pressure, this coil assisting the coil D when E acts as a
generator. A third coil is added in series with the armature E and the arc lamps,
and it is so connected that it opposes the second coil, exactly neutralising it when
the arc lamps are receiving the correct strength of current. When E acts as a
motor, the second coil opposes and the third coil assists the coil D.
In applying my invention to an electrical distribution system in which generators
and mains may work at equal or different tensions I provide that the lamps or
other consumers of electricity are supplied at definite tension from any or all of
the generators.
Fig. 2 shews diagrammatically the arrangement of apparatus according to my
invention for supplying a distribution system at definite tension from two
generators, A at low tension, and B at high tension.
For this purpose, I
introduce between the mains Q and R of the generator A a_machine E and
between the mains S and T of the generator B a similar machine F.
The two
Each of these machines is of the compound kind having its field magnets
wound with coils M in shunt, and coils N in series with their armatures.
armatures E and F are on the same shaft or are mechanically connected so as to
revolve together.
The apparatus operates as follows-Assuming that there is an increased demand
on the generator A. such as would reduce the tension between the mains Q and R
and therefore reduce the speed of the machine E, the attendant can, by applying
increased power to the machine B supply increased power to the machine which
can thus operate as a motor driving E, which then acts as a generator increasing
the tension between the mains Q and R. Conversely when there is a demand on B

page_text: the attendant regulating A càn cause that demand to be met by E acting as a
motor and driving F as generator. If the machine F is operating as a generator
driven by E, then, when increased power is applied to B the load on F is decreased
and thus E is so far relieved and the tension between Q and R is thus raised. In
like manner if E is operating as a generator driven by F, then when increased
power is applied to A, the load on E is decreased, and F is so far relieved, the
consequence being an increase of the tension between S and T.
As shewn in Fig. 3. the low tension generator A is connected to a five wire
distributing system, in which, instead of the machine E of Fig. 2 there; are intro-
duced four machines G H J K having their armatures all on one axis or mechanically
connected together and also to the armature F so that they all revolve together.
Each of the machines G H J K has its field magnets compound wound, one set of
the coils N being in series with the armature, the other set P being in parallel
between Q and R, or it might be between any two mains under constant tension.
The machines G H J K operate together in combination with F in the same way
as E Fig. 2 operates in combination with F, but they perform the additional
function of effecting a balance among the four pairs of conductors, some of them,
it may be, driving others of them as generators so as upon the whole to equalise
the currents passing between each of the pairs of conductors. In cases where all
the machines G H J K are operating as motors driving the machine F, or where
they are operating as generators driven by F, some of them do more or less work
as motors or generate more or less current as generators than others of them, the
balance being thus effected as in the former case.
If the tension in the circuit of A or B is subject to variation, means should be
provided for varying to a corresponding extent the effect of the coils M P and N
by altering the resistance at M and P and by altering the number of active
convolutions in N.
Or other means should be adopted in order to maintain constant the speed of
the armatures G H J K F.
Although I have shewn the arrangement applied directly to the generators A
and B, obviously it might be applied in cases where feeders and other appliances
are interposed between the generators and the apparatus described, and either
generator A or B might be omitted, the machine E or F operating in that case as
generator.
Instead of only two generators, there may be any number of generators, a
machine similar to E being arranged in connection with each set of maius and all
these machines being mechanically connected together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1. The herein described method of rendering a source of electricity capable of
automatically meeting changes of demand for current at definite pressure, by
introducing into the distribution system a machine such as C D E Fig. 1.
2. The herein described method of rendering a consumer of current capable of
automatically determining the strength of current received, by introducing into the
distribution system a machine such as D E F Fig. 1, or, in case of rapid variations,
with coils modified as described.
with a
3. The combination of a machine such as is referred to in the preceding claims
constant speed machine or machines which may also balance between
several mains by coupling their shafts or otherwise, so that each may drive or be
driven by the other.
4. The method of providing for changes of demand for current on one circuit
being met by regulation of machines on another circuit by mechanically connecting
the shafts of the machines E and F as described with reference to Fig. 2.
5. The method of providing for changes of demand on one circuit being met by

page_text: regulation of machines on another circuit and for several conducting mains being
also balanced, by mechanically connecting the shafts of the machines F G H J K
as described with reference to Fig. 3.
Dated thin 7th 1
L
1005
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.