Abstract text

An electric drive system includes a prime mover connected to a generator (204), which is controlled in part by an excitation current. The generator (204) makes electrical power available on a dc link (312). A method of load demand and power generation balancing within the electric drive system includes determining a voltage of the dc link (312) and determining a torque command by an operator of the system. A speed for each of one or more drive motors (210) receiving power from the dc link (312) is determined and normalized to derive an average motor speed (712). A mechanical power (718) being commanded is derived based on the average motor speed (712) and the torque command. A predicted excitation current (730) that is required to achieve the derived mechanical power (718) is determined and an actual excitation current (734) is determined based on the predicted excitation current (730). The actual excitation current (734) is then applied to the generator (204).