Patent ID: 8901760

Claim:
An electric power supply system configured to deliver operating electrical power in a machine having an electric drive system, the electric power supply system comprising: a first generator and a second generator, each configured to receive an output provided by a prime mover; a first rectifier coupled to the first generator and having a first direct current (DC) output; a second rectifier coupled to the second generator and having a second DC output; a single DC bus to which both the first DC output and the second DC output are coupled, thereby providing an arrangement for the first rectifier and the second rectifier to simultaneously provide power to the single DC bus; a first inverter/controller coupled to the single DC bus and configured to provide a controlled alternating current to a first motor driving a final drive of the machine; and a master electronic control module (ECM) configured to monitor the first DC output and the second DC output and provide control signals for maintaining a balanced power output by the first rectifier and the second rectifier on the single DC bus, the method comprising; wherein the first generator and the second generator are configured to simultaneously provide, via the first rectifier and the second rectifier, power to the single DC bus for use by at least the first inverter/controller.